Tim Robinson Herbalist

20/10/2025

This is interesting! https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/oct/08/scientists-say-they-have-first-blood-test-to-diagnose-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-me

Given the complexity of causes and of effective treatment for CFS/ME, I'm sceptical as to how a blood test might provide real-world benefits for people living with this condition.

As someone whose job involves helping people to recover from chronic fatigue and associated conditions, I struggle to think of any individuals I've worked with for whom a blood test would've made the slightest difference to their recovery.

Abnormalities in blood tests will generally only tell us that something is wrong, and won't tell us why. (For people with CFS, the 'why' - or root cause - is often trauma, long-term stress, and chronic nervous system activation. A blood test won't help with understanding this.)

However, I'm intrigued by this potential development, and grateful that the scientific community is giving chronic fatigue some well-needed attention!

What do you folks think?

Research could offer hope for ME patients – but some experts urge caution and say more studies needed

21/07/2025

Hi everyone!

I'm excited to share a new initiative for my practice with you: a refer a friend or family member scheme!

I'm sure you're all familiar with this kind of deal.

Lots of companies and businesses offer discounts for people who come via word of mouth.

However, I want to make sure that the person doing the referring - i.e. you - also gets a reward for your efforts. That's why in this referral scheme, you both get a £20 discount from an appointment with me. That only seems fair!

If you're thinking about recommending me to someone - and thanks so much if you do - here's a wee a reminder of my areas of specialism and expertise:

- psychoemotional/mental health symptoms - e.g. anxiety, depression, stress, trauma
- chronic fatigue symptoms - e.g. CFS/ME, long Covid, burnout, fibromyalgia
- digestive symptoms - e.g. IBS, food intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease

Those are my main areas of focus, and if your friend or family member is struggling with those symptoms then it's highly likely I can help them. I can help with many other issues too, though, so just get in touch - or encourage your friend or family member to do so - if you're not sure if it's something I can help with.

I'm happy to offer online consultations, so if your friend or family member doesn't live near Edinburgh where my practice is based, we can still work together.

There's no limit on the amount of referral rewards you can receive. So for example, if you refer 10 people you can get £200 worth of rewards, or more!

If we're not having sessions together currently, the free 20-minute check-in might be a good option for you. Perhaps you've been sitting with some symptoms or questions about your health for a while and you're wondering what to do about them. You'd like to talk to a professional, but don't feel ready to commit to working with someone - the free check-in might be just what you need.

Or maybe you're pondering some things about diet or lifestyle practices and feeling unsure about which direction to take - a check-in could be a great opportunity for you to pick my brain on any topic you like, for free!

I also want to stress that there's no time limit on using your £20 reward or free check-in. If you refer someone you can bank your reward until you're ready to use it - there's no expiry.

Zero pressure.

If we haven't worked together for quite a while, I recommend having a look at my website. It gives a really thorough overview of what my practice is about right now, and might help you to get a clearer sense of someone in your life who could really benefit from working with me. Check it out - https://timrobinsonherbalist.co.uk/

Okay that's all for now. But do get in touch if you have any questions about the referral scheme, or anything else!

Take care of yourselves,

Tim :-)