Dr Sonia Couto
- Phytotherapist -
(n.) A Practitioner who uses plants and their
constituents to treat and prevent disease
Meet Dr Sonia Couto
Phytotherapist
Dr Sonia Couto is a Dr in Phytotherapy, otherwise known as a Medical Herbalist. She completed both Bsc Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Bcm Phytotherapy with summa cum laude at the University of the Western Cape in 2013 and 2015, respectively.
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Dr Couto currently practices in Kenilworth, Cape Town. She is entering her 4th year of registered practice (A11709). She holds many workshops on health related issues & herbal medicine. For more information on these workshops follow her Facebook page. She also consults for the likes of Babylonstoren, The Botanical Bar, GreenpopSA, Cabine du Cap and ThankGoodnessFoods. Her pro bono work includes education at the Learn2Live centre in Wallacedene. Here she has created a herbal medicinal garden to teach the community about basic herbal remedies and healthy practices.
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Dr Couto also travels to Europe once a year and holds workshops and seminars in various countries alongside Hk MK Karim from the Wellbeing Natural Medicine Clinic in Inverness, Scotland.
Why Phytotherapy?
It can help with
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and Diabetes Type 2 form some of the most prevalent lifestyle diseases. Through diet, lifestyle adjustments and herbal support, these metabolic profiles are at a reduced risk pf becoming chronic lifestyle diseases.
Digestion
Gut complaints can range from indigestion, to inflammation, dysbiosis, liver 'sluggishness' and more. The phytotherapeutic approach addresses the root of digestive complaints through a combination of bitter, mucilaginous and aromatic herbs as well as diet and lifestyle adjustments.
Stress
Most of us cannot escape the stress of life. A unique class of herbs called "Adaptogens" offer pertinent support for the day-to-day stressors. This, alongside lifestyle and diet changes, can greatly improve your performance and balance your cortisol levels.
Women's Health
A woman's body is beautiful, intricate and cyclical. There are so many factors that hold it in homeostasis and small stressors can easily bring women out of balance. Herbs and dietary changes are an impactful way to keep hormones in balance.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is not simply about reducing calories and increasing exercise. There are many hormonal factors involved. Phytotherapy offers diet advice that is specific to your body type as well as hormone balancing to help you achieve your goals.
Skin Problems
The Phytotherapeutic approach to skin concerns (Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne etc) is to treat both internally and externally. Through assisting the body's natural detoxification processes and modulating the immune system, Phytotherapists see wonderful results.
What is Phytotherapy?
The profession...
Phytotherapy differs from traditional herbalism in that it falls into the category of "Evidence Based Medicine". The Phytotherapeutic approach applies well-researched herbal medications to specific diseases while incorporating a holistic approach. In the context of South Africa, a Phytotherapist must be registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa and this gives them the "Dr" title. It also entitles them to a practice number and access to Medical Aid Codes (medical aid reimbursement will depend on your scheme)
Services
Initial Consultations
Initial consultations are 1 hour long and include an extensive history taking and a physical examination | R450
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Follow-up Consultations
Follow ups are half an hour | R300
If a monthly program has been established the follow ups will be R200
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Medicines are charged separately. Medical Aid coverage from April 2019. A 24 hour 50% cancellation fee applies.
Services
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Full history taking
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VITALs evaluation
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Blood pressure
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Glucose levels
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Urinalysis
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ENT evaluation
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Retinopathy evaluation
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Tailored diet and lifestyle advice
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Uniquely compounded and dispensed medication for your needs at the time.
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DNA analysis from April 2019
Common Ailments
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Headache
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Anxiety and depression
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Sinusitis
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Acne
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Lung infection (Colds and Flu)
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Asthma, Eczema, Hay fever
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High and low blood pressure
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High cholesterol
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High blood glucose and insulin
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Diabetes type 2
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Hormonal imbalance
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Fertility (and other sexually related imbalances)
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Gut (IBS, GORD, dysbiosis etc)
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Urinary tract infections
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Arthritis and other inflammatory diseases
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Stress and Fatigue symptoms
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Weight gain
Contact Info
Phone
+27794916100
Address
The Pain Clinic, Unit 6, 2 Somerset Road, Durbanville
