FAQs

How can we help you?

About Alternaleaf

Consultation Bookings

Eligibility

Legalities & Confidentiality

Insurance & Benefits

My Medication & Prescriptions

Shipping & Dispensing

New Pricing

Transfer clinic

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About Alternaleaf

Why choose Alternaleaf?

‍Global Expertise, Local Care: We bring our world-renowned expertise in plant based medicine to the UK market. With a proven track record of serving over 150,000 satisfied patients globally, we can ensure that you receive the same exceptional standard of care when you transfer to us.

Our doctors and clinical team are highly experienced in their field to ensure you get the right treatment for your individual needs.

With us you can book consultations, meet with your specialist doctor, receive tailored prescriptions and medicines, all delivered to the comfort of your own home via our pharmacy partners.

Our pricing is transparent and competitive, and your doctor can discuss a wide variety of brands and formulations so your treatment plan is tailored to you. Our team is committed to providing judgement-free, empathetic and individualised care through each step of your treatment journey.

We care about helping you feel better so you can get back to doing the things you love. Start seeing the results you are looking for today.

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Can I access Alternaleaf from anywhere?

Yes, provided you are a resident in the UK and are registered with a GP, with the exception of the Isle of Man and Channel Islands. Alternaleaf is an entirely online medical clinic and all our appointments are done via private video or phone consultations with our clinicians from the comfort of your own home. And if you're eligible for prescribed plant based medicine, your medication will be delivered to your door.

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How can Alternaleaf help someone like me?

We are a UK leading plant based medicine online clinic, connecting you with highly qualified clinicians with specialist training in alternative medicine treatments for chronic conditions including but not limited to chronic back pain, anxiety, insomnia, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, epilepsy, mental disorders, spasticity from multiple sclerosis and much more.

Our experienced clinicians will assess your suitability for alternative medicines and our Patient Support Team is there to make sure you experience a safe, compassionate and high-quality service.

You must be 18 years or older to book a consultation. UK regulations require patients under 18 years old to have children's specialist involvement, which we currently do not offer. If you are seeking treatment for your child, we recommend you speak to your regular GP / Doctor.

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Consultation bookings

How much does a consult cost?

£39 for an initial consultation, this includes a pre-assessment to understand your medical history and a personalised treatment plan.

Please note that it does not include the cost of the medication.

Try our complimentary and free of charge screening to identify if you are eligible for treatment with plant based medicine.

Follow up consultation

£39- a follow up consultation occurs 3-4 weeks after your appointment with the consultant. This includes a discussion regarding your progress, potential adjustments to your medicine and repeat subscriptions. The frequency of check-up consultations is determined by you and your clinician.

Please note that it does not include the cost of the medication.

Quarterly Review

£39- quarterly reviews occur every 3 months, and include a discussion regarding your progress, potential adjustments to your medicine and repeat subscriptions. The frequency of check-up consultations is determined by you and your clinician.

Please note that it does not include the cost of the medication.

What is Alternaleaf's cancellation policy?

We understand situations may change, however the consultation fee will be charged if you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment.

Can I reschedule my consult?

Yes – you can reschedule up to 24 hours before your appointment. If you would like to reschedule your appointment, please do so by filling out our contact form or calling +441283 244 025.

What should I expect from an Alternaleaf consult?

Once you've completed your 30-second pre-screening form, you'll be invited to book an appointment with an Alternaleaf clinician.

During this 20 minute appointment, you'll be asked questions about your medical history, current symptoms and history with plant based medicine.

You'll also have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the treatment. You'll then set up an appointment with an Alternaleaf doctor. Our doctors are all consultants with 10+ years of experience. Your doctor will review the notes from your appointment with the Pharmacist and if they think you could benefit from plant based medicine, they'll recommend a treatment plan and issue a prescription.

How quickly can I book a consult?

It takes less than 5 minutes to complete our online process, and get an instant booking with one of our clinicians. Please note that in order to confirm the appointment you have scheduled, you need to complete our online medical history questionnaire, which will be sent to you immediately. You will need to complete this questionnaire in order to hold your spot.

Are the consultations online or face to face?

We exclusively see patients via private video or phone consultations, carried out by our specialist clinicians. This means you don't have to travel or take time off work, and appointments will be done from the comfort of your own choice of place at a time that suits you.

Do I need a referral?

No, you don't need a referral from your regular GP / Doctor. Simply complete the 30-second pre-screening form to check if you are eligible for prescribed plant based medicine and then book an appointment.

How do I cancel my consultation?

If you need to cancel your consultation, you can easily do so by clicking the 'Cancel' option in your confirmation email. You can also get in touch with our Patient Support Team by filling out our contact form or calling 01283 244 025.

We understand situations may change, however the consultation fee will be charged if you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment.

How do I book a follow-up or quarterly consultation?

Follow-up consultations can be booked via our online portal. We'll send you an email reminder with a link when it's time for your follow-up consultation, although you are welcome to book at any time. You can also book by filling out our contact form or calling +44 1283 244025.

Is there a minimum age for a consult?

Eligibility

I’m worried I may be rejected

You’re not alone. Many patients are worried that they may be rejected, not taken seriously or even judged. But we’ve got a really friendly team of experts who can guide you through the whole process.

Plant Based medicine has been used to treat 50+ conditions, and we’ve treated over 150,000 patients globally. There’s also no need for a GP referral, and your initial assessment with us is risk-free, so if you’re not eligible, we won’t charge you.

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Am I eligible for plant medicine?

To be eligible for plant medicine, you must:

Have trialled conventional treatments which didn't fully improve your condition or produced unwanted side effects. For example medication, therapy, physio.
Not be pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia.

Plant medicine has been prescribed for more than 130 chronic conditions. Complete our complimentary pre-screening questionnaire to see if you might be suitable.

Can I use NHS App screenshots as evidence?

We welcome screenshots from the NHS app, however to verify your eligibility, we will need a copy of your Summary Care Record (SCR). Without this, we won’t be able to process your first prescription.

Can I still access plant medicine if I’ve used it recreationally?

Yes you can, many patients use recreational plant medicine for pain relief or other symptoms and wish to access a medical-grade product safely and reliably, without the risk of legal repercussions. Our clinicians will provide you with a tailored treatment recommendation.

Do I have to pay for my consult if I’m not eligible?

No – you won't be charged if your doctor decides that plant medicine isn't right for you.

How can I access plant medicine?

Alternaleaf works with qualified clinicians who are experienced and approved plant medicine prescribers in order to streamline your access to plant medicine if you’re eligible. Book a consultation here!

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Legalities & Confidentiality

Why is plant medicine prescribed 'off-licence'?

Off-licence use of plant medicine means prescribing a plant-based medicine for a condition or in a way that is not officially listed in its licence or approved guidelines. This is legal and common in medicine, but it means the doctor is using their clinical judgement to prescribe the medicine based on evidence and patient need, rather than official NHS guidance. For plant medicine, this often happens because most plant-based medicines don’t yet have full licences for many conditions, so they are prescribed off-licence by specialists in private clinics.

Can I drive while being treated with plant medicine?

No matter your medication, you should never drive whilst impaired. Your dose and prescription can affect you differently from someone else, so you should always speak to your specialist doctor about possible impairment while taking your medication. We would recommend that you do not operate heavy machinery or undertake fine motor tasks whilst using plant medicine.

‍Side effects

Like all prescribed medication, there can be side effects. The most common side effects will be explained to you during your consultation(s). It is important for you to report any side effects that haven’t been explained to you, or that you are concerned about. You can do this by contacting us by filling out our contact form or calling +44 1283 244025. If you require urgent assistance, please dial 111 or follow this link for further guidance.

Is plant medicine legal in the UK?

Yes. Plant Medicine was legalised on 1st November 2018 to permit its prescribing as a controlled drug in the UK. It must be prescribed and controlled by a specialist on the General Medical Council register and is only strictly available to treat patients with certain medical conditions. Alternaleaf adhere to this criteria.

Recreational use is still illegal in the UK.

Follow this link to read helpful and up to date information

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Am I allowed to use plant medicine at work?

It depends on your workplace. While in theory you should be able to use your plant medicine like any other prescribed medicine, certain workplaces have rules regarding its use. Before beginning treatment, it's important to ensure your workplace doesn't expressly prohibit using plant medicine, as you won't have any recourse if you're sanctioned for violating the rules. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery or equipment if you feel impaired.

How do you keep my information secure?

We care about keeping your personal and medical information safe. That’s why we follow strict rules, and are compliant with GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the NHS DSP Toolkit. This means your details are protected, only used when needed, and secure.You also have important rights. These include being able to:

See your information (called a Subject Access Request).
Ask us to fix mistakes if something isn’t right.
Ask us to delete your information (the “right to be forgotten”) if you no longer want us to keep it.
Ask us to limit or stop using your information in certain cases.

We always listen and will explain things clearly if you have questions. To find out more about how we use your data, read our Privacy Policy.

Insurance & Benefits

Does health insurance cover prescribed plant medicine?

We encourage patients to discuss prescription fees and consultation with their private health insurer. We can provide documentation that your insurer may require.

If you require documentation or if you require forms to be completed for your insurer, please contact us by filling out our contact form.

My Medication & Prescriptions

How much will my medication cost?

We offer a range of over 100 different medications to suit all budgets. The price varies depending on the patient and choice of medication, but can be from as little as £20 per week. If you’re worried about the cost, our clinicians will work with you to build a treatment plan that suits your budget and individual needs.

Who will prescribe my medication?

Our Specialist Clinicians

We have a team of expert clinicians, who have one priority: you. They all have experience prescribing plant medicine for conditions such as pain management, mental health, sleep disorders, neurological disorders, pharmacy, and holistic health. Read more about our medical team here.

How long does my prescription last?

You will be prescribed 1 month's supply, and you can order 2 repeat prescriptions, 1 per month. Every third month you will have a quarterly review to enable you to continue to receive your medication.

How do I get a repeat prescription?

Follow up repeat prescriptions if this has been agreed after your first 2 consultations can be requested via Order your repeat medication - click here

There is no cost for a repeat prescription. Please note that it does not include the cost of the medication.

Can I make changes to my prescription?

Our clinicians are happy to discuss adjustments to your medication based on what is clinically appropriate for your specific condition. If you’re an existing patient and would like to speak to your doctor about adjustment, please book a follow up consultation by filling out our contact form or calling +44 1283 244025.

What brand and formulation will I be prescribed?

Our team of Alternaleaf clinicians are experts in treating patients with plant medicine and will prescribe the brand and formulation of your treatment after a comprehensive medical assessment. We have access to a wide range of formulations, and your clinician will derive a tailored treatment plan to your personal situation and also monitor or adjust the medication on a regular basis.

Which pharmacies does Alternaleaf work with?

Alternaleaf partners with specialist independent UK pharmacies to fill and supply your prescriptions.

Shipping & Dispensing

Do you ship UK-wide, including remote locations?*

Yes, our partner pharmacies will ship to anywhere in the UK!

*except Isle of Man and the Channel Islands

Can I track my order?

Once your medication is dispensed, you will receive tracking details. If you have not received this, please contact the pharmacy for more information.

How long will it take for my medication to arrive?

We work in partnership with pharmacies to ensure that you receive your medication as quickly as possible.

If a delay is anticipated, our Patient Support Team will contact you to provide updates and solutions. Delays can be experienced depending on approvals and payments. Together with our partner pharmacies, we commit to doing everything we can to get your delivery to you quickly and safely.

New Pricing

What is the new membership scheme?

For only £10/month, you can now spread the cost of your required appointments, while still accessing the same high level quality service our patients expect.

Prefer to pay per appointment? No problem, we will still be offering pay-as-you-go style appointments at £39 per consultation. All aspects of your patient journey will remain the same beyond pricing, whichever scheme you opt for.

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Can I switch to membership if I’m an existing patient?

Absolutely! If you're already a patient with us, switching to our membership is simple. Just head over to app.alternaleaf.co.uk/membership to sign up directly via Direct Debit.

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What appointments are included in the membership?

The initial appointment and all other required appointments throughout the year are included in the membership. Any extra appointment that is not required will be paid separately for £39.

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Why did you launch the new membership scheme?

At Alternaleaf, we understand that everybody has different preferences in how they manage their healthcare needs.

That’s why we’ve launched Alternaleaf Membership.

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Transfer clinic

How do I transfer from another clinic?

The fact that you’ve already qualified at another clinic is a great sign that you may be eligible with us! To transfer, all you need to do is complete our eligibility questionnaire. Once you’ve answered a few quick questions, you’ll be able to book your first appointment with Alternaleaf.

Do I need to provide medical evidence again?

Yes, we need copies of your medical evidence in the format of a recently dated Summary Care Record (SCR), requested within the last six months. You may be able to request specific evidence that you previously submitted from your existing clinic, or your GP receptionist.

When should I discharge from my current clinic?

We recommend requesting a discharge letter from your current clinic after you’ve been approved for treatment in your Alternaleaf appointment. We won’t be able to release your first prescription until we receive your discharge letter.

Can I stay with my existing clinic AND join Alternaleaf?

No, by law patients can only access plant based treatment via one clinic.