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The ability of a single pill of Chamomilla to soothe her crying baby in the middle of the night was a ‘Eureka moment’ for Kate Fitness, convincing her that natural medicine was not only effective but worthy of further exploration.
It was the start of a journey that led Kate to use homeopathic remedies for her children and, after more than five years of study, to qualify as a homeopath at the South Pacific College of Natural Therapies in Auckland.
At the end of last year, she left a 23-year long teaching career to devote herself full time to the Natural Medicine Centre that she opened in Orewa last November.
She set up the Centre as a hub for practitioners of natural medicine, as well as stocking natural, organic products.
She has chosen the products with care and the majority are NZ-made. They include the Absolute Essential aromatherapy range from Muriwai, the Clinicians brand of vitamin and herbal supplements, organic teas from Kerikeri and cold pressed, boutique olive oil made on a property in Silverdale on the banks of the Weiti River.
Because herbal tinctures can taste unpleasant, she provides them in tablet form.
She is committed to only stocking products that have been personally recommended and says that her best seller is the Essential Flower Blends, which are similar to Rescue Remedy but formulated to suit a wide range of applications, including Chill Out, Focus and Change.
Kate says homeopathy can be used alongside other forms of treatment, because it works in a different way from conventional drugs.
“The aim is to bring the body into balance. In the case of severe illness, for example if someone is recovering from chemotherapy, it helps the body to cope. It can achieve big improvements for people who may have ‘tried everything else’.”
Homeopathic consultations can be given for acute or short-term illnesses, as well as chronic conditions.
She says stress, anxiety and sleeplessness are the most common issue that people seek help with.
Keeping in touch with patients is essential to provide reassurance during the healing process and ensure that they are getting better.
Recently Kate has brought other natural health practitioners into the Centre, in Tamariki Plaza including naturopath and medical herbalist Carlene Arnold who uses hair testing as one of her diagnostic tools. Appointments can also be made with hypnotherapist Bayne Clement and counsellor Stephanie Trail.
