Ailing herbalist hopes open day cures cash crisis

A HERBAL medicine provider facing a cash crisis is to hold an open day to raise funds in the hope of prolonging its 162 years in business.

Napiers, Scotland’s largest herbal medicine provider, went into provisional administration last month, citing strict EU guidelines on what it could sell and a downturn in trading behind the move.

The open day will be held at Napiers’ branch at Bristo Place, between 11am and 4pm on Sunday, June 10.

Visitors will have the chance to speak with practitioners who specialise in disciplines including medical herbalism, food sensitivity testing, osteopathy and natural fertility.

There will also be the opportunity to take part in mini treatments such as massages, beauty therapy and even counselling.

Dee Atkinson, from the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, hopes the open day will raise funds to help get Napiers back on its feet.

She said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support our customers have shown to Napiers in the past couple of months and we’re so grateful to each and every one of them.

“We still have to keep building the business and we need everyone’s continued support in order to make sure that Napiers flourishes.”

The firm, which has another store in Glasgow, sees tens of thousands of patients every year for a wide range of complaints.