IRENE McCabe and Nikki Biddiss are passionate about taking the natural approach to health and wellbeing.

The independent nutritional and naturopathic researcher and medical herbalist from A&M Eagleshams Herbs & Natural Remedies in Cresswell Street have a wealth of experience between them in the power of natural healing.

Now they are offering help and advice to readers of the Evening Times every Wednesday in their new column The Natural Response, an alternative remedy to seasonal conditions and common complaints.

"I deal with nutrition and it has been my life for the past 30 years," said Irene, who also offers allergy testing, hypnotherapy and reiki at the Glasgow clinic.

"Our dispensary is unique. People come in here with any ailment you can imagine and we have something for everybody.

"Over the counter we give individual herbs but if it is something you would go to your GP with you can book in to see Nikki and she will give a prescription made specifically for you."

Meanwhile herbalist Nikki , who was one of the youngest female directors in commercial banking before retraining in herbal medicine, says more and more people have come to appreciate the power of natural remedies.

"The menopause, skin conditions and stress and anxiety are the top three things people come to see me about," said Nikki, who is also a massage therapist.

She can formulate a mix of suitable herbs individually tailored to the needs of each patient. The medicine may be in the form of a tincture (ethanol and water based herb extract), a tea (dried herbs) or a cream.

"The same disease does not necessarily affect two individuals in the same way and patients really appreciate that medicines are being formulated and tailored to meet their specific needs," she added.