Richard Burden

Welcome to the Swansea Clinic of Natural Medicine

Helping you feel better, naturally — for over 30 years.

Are you struggling with persistent health issues, frustrating symptoms, or chronic pain? Do you want to feel more energised, balanced, and in control of your health again?

At the Swansea Clinic, I combine naturopathy, colon hydrotherapy, and musculoskeletal therapy to help you achieve real, lasting improvements in your health. For over three decades, I’ve supported patients with a wide range of concerns—from digestive and hormonal problems to autoimmune conditions, fatigue, pain, and more.

---

Common Conditions I Help With:

• Digestive issues: IBS, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, brain fog
• Energy & Hormonal imbalances: ME/CFS, fatigue, infertility, weight struggles, food cravings
• Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions: coeliac disease, underactive thyroid, skin problems, rheumatic pain
• Musculoskeletal concerns: back pain, neck pain, sciatica, arthritis, migraines, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder

If you're feeling overwhelmed by symptoms or haven't found answers elsewhere, I’m here to help unravel the complexity and guide you toward better health. Please email me through the box on the right if you have any questions, or need to know if I can help. 

Please see the other pages of this website for more information on these therapies and the cost.

---

 A Natural, Evidence-Based Approach

I use integrated, science-based methods that blend traditional naturopathic care with modern functional medicine and advanced lab testing, including:

- FunctionalDX blood tests – full health MOTs to uncover hidden imbalances

- Genova Diagnostics – targeted insights into gut health, hormones and more

- KBMO food intolerance testing – pinpoint foods, additives or chemicals contributing to symptoms

- AI-powered research tools – cutting-edge support for rare or complex conditions

Lab tests aren’t always needed, but when they are, they can offer a powerful insight into what’s really going on.

---

Let’s Talk – Free 15-Minute Consultation

If you’re not sure whether I can help, I offer a free, no-obligation 15-minute mini consultation (for new clients). You can call the clinic or email me to schedule a time that suits you. We’ll briefly discuss your symptoms, and I can guide you toward the right next steps.

---

Meet Your Practitioner

I'm a qualified naturopath with over 36 years of experience in natural medicine. I trained at the British College of Naturopathy & Osteopathy (now the British College of Osteopathic Medicine) and have since worked extensively in Swansea and the surrounding areas. Though I’m no longer a registered osteopath, I continue to offer the same hands-on techniques, manipulation, and soft tissue therapy I’ve used throughout my career and am fully insured.

I'm also a certified colon hydrotherapist (ARCH registered), trained by Dr. Milo Siewart.

---

 Clinic Info

🕒 Clinic Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

📍 Location: 20 Walter Road, Swansea, SA1 5NQ (not far from the city centre)

📞 Appointments: Call 01792 654751 or email me from the Box on the right of this page

Please note: I always reply to emails so please do check your Spam Mail if you don't get a reply to your inbox!

---

If you’re in Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Llanelli, or the Gower and looking for natural, personalised care — I’d love to help you feel your best again.

I hope you will take a few minutes to read my latest Blog below on this page and that you find that what I write is helpful and relevant. I believe that what I write is vitally important, as there are few other places where you will receive such life and health giving information. One of my recent blogs is about the exciting developments in the treatment of Alzheimer's and dementia not using drugs.

Please explore the next pages for fuller information. And if you have any queries please send an email from my home page or call the clinic in Swansea on the number below. I am very happy to answer any queries by phone or email.

The Swansea Clinic of Natural Medicine is situated 11 miles from Port Talbot, 25 miles from Bridgend and 12.5 miles from Llanelli and is not far from The Gower.

In recent times I have become increasingly interested in Energy Medicine and because of this I incorporate the hand-held miHealth into much of my musculoskeletal work. The miHealth is extremely helpful in the treatment of pain, muscle tension, muscle spasm, sports injuries, torn muscles, shin splints and acute & chronic back conditions. The technology it uses comes under the category of "pulsed electromagnetic field healing" (PEMF) I have used the miHealth a lot for over  ten years and it is extremely effective, especially for pain. 

A Favourite Quote.....

"One of the great myths about natural medicines is that they are not scientific. The fact of the matter is that for most common illnesses there is greater support in the medical literature for a natural approach than there is for drugs or surgery." — Dr. Michael T. Murray , Bastyr University, Seattle, U.S.A.

My latest Blog Entry

Blog January 2026

Wishing all my readers a Very Happy New Year!

I thought I’d start the year off by writing about the immune system and what we can all do to boost it and help prevent the prevalence of colds, coughs and flu at this time of the year. So here goes:

Boosting Your Immune System Naturally: A Gentle Guide to Nutrition & Herbs:

In a world full of uncertainties, like we've seen with recent health challenges, it's natural to want ways to support your body's natural defences. Your immune system is like a vigilant guardian, quietly working behind the scenes to keep you safe from everyday threats like colds or more serious bugs. But just like any good friend, it thrives on the right care—think of it as fuelling a cozy fire with the best kindling. As a naturopathic and functional medicine practitioner, I see so many people feeling empowered when they learn simple, natural steps to nurture their immunity. Today, let's walk through how nutrition and herbs can help, step by step. The good news? These aren't quick fixes; they're gentle, everyday supports that align with how your body was designed to heal and protect itself.

First, why does your immune system need a boost? Imagine it as an orchestra: all the players (your cells, organs, and microbes) need to harmonize to respond effectively to invaders. Stress, poor sleep, or a rushed diet can throw off the rhythm, making you more tired or prone to sniffles. But with the right nutrients, you help tune that orchestra, so it plays stronger and smarter. The "why" here is simple: your body uses food as medicine to build strong barriers (like your skin and gut lining) and train immune cells to fight wisely, without overreacting and causing inflammation.

Let's start with nutrition—the foundation. A colourful, whole-foods diet is your best ally. Think of fruits and veggies as nature's rainbow shield: they're packed with vitamins and minerals that directly feed your immune cells. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries, is like a spark that helps white blood cells multiply and neutralize threats. Why does it matter? It acts as an antioxidant, mopping up harmful particles that could weaken your defences, much like wiping dust off a window for clearer vision. Aim for at least two to three servings a day—easy with a morning smoothie or a side salad. Studies show this can shorten cold duration and ease symptoms, giving your body a head start.

Vitamin D is another star player, often called the "sunshine vitamin" because your skin makes it from sunlight. But if you're indoors a lot or live in a cloudy area, foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), egg yolks, or fortified mushrooms can help. It works by signalling your immune cells to stay alert and balanced, preventing overreactions that lead to fatigue or joint aches. The connection? Low levels are linked to more frequent infections, so a daily dose from food (or safe sun exposure) keeps things steady. Pair it with zinc-rich foods like pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, or oysters—zinc is the "lock and key" for immune cell function, helping them recognize and destroy invaders. Together, they create a tag-team effect: vitamin D guides the team, while zinc sharpens their tools. A handful of seeds sprinkled on yogurt? That's an easy win for feeling more resilient.

Don't forget the gut—home to 70% of your immune system. It's like a bustling garden where friendly bacteria help train your defences. Probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi, introduce these good guys to crowd out the bad ones. Why? They calm inflammation and boost antibody production, your body's custom shields against germs. Fermented foods are gentle and tasty—start small if you're new to them, like a spoonful of yogurt daily. Prebiotic fibres from garlic, onions, bananas, and oats feed these bacteria, encouraging a diverse, happy garden that supports overall vitality.

Now, let's talk herbs—nature's time-tested helpers. Elderberry, from the dark purple berries of the elder tree, has been used for centuries to ease flu-like symptoms. It's like a soothing balm for your respiratory system, helping reduce inflammation and block viruses from latching on. Sip it as a warm tea or syrup during cold season; it can shorten illness by a day or two, making recovery feel less daunting. Echinacea, the purple coneflower, is another gentle boost—its roots and flowers stimulate immune cells without overwhelming them. Think of it as waking up sleepy defenders: it increases white blood cell activity, helping you fend off colds faster. A tincture or tea, taken at the first sign of sniffles, can be reassuringly effective. Both herbs work best as part of a routine, not solo heroes, and they're safe for most folks when sourced well.

Integrating this isn't about perfection—it's about kindness to yourself. Start with one change: add a vitamin C-packed orange to breakfast or brew elderberry tea in the evening. Combine with basics like 7-9 hours of sleep (your immune system's recharge time) and gentle movement, like a daily walk, to amplify the benefits. If you have health conditions or take meds, chat with a practitioner first—they can tailor this to you.

You're already taking a powerful step by seeking ways to thrive. Nourishing your immune system with these natural tools builds resilience from the inside out, helping you feel more in control and vibrant. Small, consistent choices add up to big protection. You've got this—your body is wise and ready to respond. If you'd like personalized tips, I'm here to support your journey.

Blog—Autumn 2025

Winter Coughs, Colds & Flu:

Instead of rushing to your local surgery or getting a jab, make sure you are taking Vitamin D which is one of the best preventatives (2,000iu daily) for getting ill. And if you come down with “a bug”, use things like echinacea, elderberry extract, extra Vitamin C and garlic to name but some of the many natural ingredients that help our immune systems fight off these sicknesses.

Carbon is very Important for Plants!

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) plays a vital role in plant life. It’s a key ingredient in photosynthesis—the process where plants use sunlight, water, and CO₂ to create energy in the form of sugars, while releasing oxygen back into the air. This simple cycle is the foundation of nearly all life on Earth, since plants form the base of the food chain.

When CO₂ levels in the atmosphere rise, plants are able to photosynthesize more efficiently. Research has shown that elevated CO₂ can boost leaf photosynthesis by around 40%, which in turn leads to increased plant growth. In field studies, above-ground plant growth increased by about 17%, while root growth increased by more than 30%.

Higher CO₂ levels also help plants use water more efficiently. Plants can partially close their stomata (the tiny pores on leaves) when CO₂ is more abundant, which reduces water loss by 5–20%. This ability to grow more while using less water is known as the carbon fertilization effect.

In fact, this effect has contributed to an estimated 12% increase in global plant photosynthesis between 1982 and 2020, closely following the rise in atmospheric CO₂ levels.

The more CO2 there is the better plants grow! That’s why in many commercial businesses CO2 is pumped into green houses to help plants grow better and larger!

As the founder of Greenpeace, Dr Patrick Moore has said, “CO2 is the most important nutrient for all life on earth and without it this would be a dead planet”.

So all this talk of reducing it is just not scientific! It is dangerous!

Weight Loss GLP-1 Drugs

If you are considering using one of these fashionable drugs, please be aware that there are some serious, but rare side effects: Some studies have linked GLP-1 drugs to an increased risk of pancreatitis, gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), gallbladder problems, kidney injury (including interstitial nephritis), and, in rare cases, thyroid C-cell tumours, particularly in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer.

These drugs are better known as Wegovy, Saxenda, Ozempic and Mounjaro. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, and headache. These symptoms are typically mild and temporary, improving as the body adapts to the medication. Some users may also experience fatigue, dizziness, injection site reactions, and, less commonly, hair loss or acid reflux.

Natural Weight Loss

As a naturopath I would like to emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of weight gain and promoting sustainable lifestyle changes. In addition to dietary modifications and increased physical activity, certain herbs and nutrients can support natural weight loss in individuals who are very overweight.

Several herbs have been traditionally used to support weight loss, including:

• Glucomannan: A soluble fiber derived from the konjac plant, which can help reduce hunger and improve satiety.

• Garcinia cambogia: A fruit extract that may inhibit fat production and suppress appetite.

• Green tea: A rich source of catechins, which can enhance metabolism and fat burning.

• Yacon syrup: A sweetener made from the yacon plant, which can help feed beneficial gut bacteria and support weight loss.

In addition to herbal interventions, certain nutrients can also support natural weight loss:

• Protein: Essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, which can help increase metabolism and support weight loss.

• Healthy fats: Such as omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support weight loss—olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, fatty fish.

• Fibre: Especially from fruit & veg is crucial for promoting satiety, improving digestion, and supporting weight loss.

• Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria that can help regulate gut health, improve digestion, and support weight loss.

• Cut out as much of the starchy foods as possible—bread, biscuits, cakes, pasta, potatoes and starchy veg and of course sweets and ice cream etc. You can treat yourself to some dark chocolate—that has been shown to have many health benefits!

Very best wishes to all my readers!

Summer Blog 2025

In an ideal world there are many areas of life which could be improved enormously just by using good nutrition. For example Dr. Mark Hyman MD has reported in the U.S. that in prisons, replacing junk food with whole foods reduced violence by 80%. In juvenile detention centres, replacing junk food with whole foods reduced violence by 91%.

Dr. Hyman went on to say that “if you give prisoners healthy food, swapping out all the crap they eat in prisons, there’s a 56% reduction in violent crime. If you add a multivitamin, it’s an 80% reduction, because they are all nutritionally depleted. The same has been done with adolescents in juvenile detention centres with clinical trials. The kids are disruptive, violent, aggressive, oppositional & suicidal. Stopping the SAD (Standard American Diet) diet filled with Ultra Processed Foods & seed oils, instead giving them whole foods, there was a 91% reduction in all violent behaviour, oppositional behaviour, the need for restraints went down & suicide went down 100%. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in that age group, it went down 100% — no suicides.”

I have often given my patients a copy of the Pegan Diet which was the brain child of Dr. Hyman. If we all adopted this diet, in homes, prisons, schools, hospitals, health would improve enormously and sickness would decrease.

Dr. Hyman was touted for the position of Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services had Robert Kennedy Jr. not been approved.

Even the BBC has published evidence that prisoner’s behaviour can improve with a better diet: https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/prison-food-nutrition-violence-mental-health

I say let’s do the same for hospital food and for school meals. That surely is the real answer to help our struggling NHS and the huge rise in chronic illness in this country: cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis etc etc All these diseases are out of control and there is an answer to helping them!

And talking of Alzheimer’s I strongly recommend the new book by Patrick Holford, “Alzheimer’s: Prevention is the Cure”. Patrick Holford is pioneering a lab test and treatment for this horrible disease. If you are interested please look at the website www.foodforthebrain.org The lab tests are available to anyone. Even if you don’t have Alzheimer’s you will want to benefit from the information the book contains to prevent it happening as you get older. Junk food has a lot to answer for!!

New drugs for Alzheimer’s are being produced on a regular basis. None of them work as they do not address the causes. The causes are multifactorial. This was pointed out by Dr. Dale Bredensen who was the first to pioneer a treatment for Alzheimer’s in the U.S. ten years ago. I have mentioned him several times in my blogs over the last few years. It was Dr. Bredensen who first treated a small group of patients and got most of them better. Some even went back to work.

Anyone who wants to improve their health can just do a few simple things like cutting out all junk food, and adding a supplement of Vitamin D 2,000iu daily and 1g of pure fish oil daily and maybe a good quality multi vitamin.

And I will end by being very controversial and comment that 60% of the brain is made up of fat and cholesterol. Statin drugs deplete the brain of these fats and hence will cause memory loss and dementia! Cholesterol is an essential ingredient needed by the body to manufacture hormones. Studies have shown that those with the highest cholesterol levels live the longest! https://medium.com/the-mission/higher-cholesterol-is-associated-with-longer-life-b4090f28d96e

Use good fats in your diet to help feed the brain—olive oil, coconut oil, butter, ghee, avocado oil. Cut out margarine and all seed oils (sunflower, soy, rape, cottonseed). Our bodies need a regular supply of good fat. A low fat diet is not helpful. A low grain diet in many people is a lot more helpful.

I hope you are enjoying the Summer!

My best wishes to all my readers.

P.S. One very important piece of self-help for our health that we can all do, especially during the warmer weather and when we go to the beach is "grounding" or "earthing". This has been shown to be very beneficiasl for our health. Walk bare foot on a beach or on grass as often as you can. You will feel better for it! There is now a lot of scientific evidence that shows that it gets rid of inflammation in the body, as well as other health benefits. We give off positive ions and take on negative ions that are health giving when we ground ourselves. It's free! Do it as often as you can!

https://draxe.com/health/earthing/

Spring Blog 2025

It’s about time I wrote a new blog! And once again there’s so much to write about, but to begin, let me eulogise on a couple of foods you may not eat very much, but are so extremely nutritious and valuable to eat regularly:

WATERCRESS: This is so full of vitamins & minerals I don’t know where to begin! As it has so much going for it I’ll put in a link where you can see it has multiple benefits. Put some in your salads, or in a sandwich.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/watercress-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8

Watercress is also one of the best vegetables with which to help fight cancer, particularly breast cancer and eat it along with other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. Eat some as often as you can!

I remember one of my esteemed colleagues some years ago ate a whole bunch for his lunch at a conference-- and nothing else!

PARSLEY is another vegetable/herb that has multiple health benefits and is packed with an amazing array of nutrients. We have a large plant growing in our garden. It survived the winter amazingly well and now that we have had plenty of sun in recent weeks it continues to thrive and flourish. You can use some in salads and cooked dishes. It is very good for you. Do use it a lot!

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/parsley-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8

CANCER: “A simple routine of getting sunshine, eating fish, and moderate exercise can slash your cancer risk by 60%” went the headline. If this were a pharmaceutical drug, it would dominate headlines and make hundreds of billions of dollars. But because it doesn’t pad Big Pharma’s pockets, mainstream outlets won’t say a word. This discovery came from a randomized controlled trial published in the prestigious, peer-reviewed journal “Frontiers in Aging”.

VITAMIN D: With regard to vitamin D and cancer prevention, in studies, vitamin D inhibits the growth of cancer cells by regulating several genes responsible for cell proliferation and differentiation. As I have written before everyone should be taking 2,000iu of Vitamin D daily unless they are getting lots of sun on their skin.

Robert Kennedy Jr.: Even if you are put off by Trump, please don’t ignore the tremendously important work Robert Kennedy is trying to do in the U.S. The pharmaceutical industry will use every trick in the book to try and stop him improving health care. Why? Because this industry admits it is there to make a profit and is not there to improve people’s health!!

In my philosophy food and herbs are medicine.

Please keep following R.K Jr’s work in the CDC as he sets up a department to monitor vaccine injuries. You’ll have to believe me when I say that I get quite a few patients who have been injured by such over my years in practice. These events are not rare. And I would urge all my readers to think carefully before having any jab. They are not all they say they do on the tin, most do quite the opposite. Most of the new ones have MRNA technology in them which means that they change your genes! Do you really want your genes changed? Most are NOT evaluated for their safety.

Even the inventor of MRNA technology, Dr. Robert Malone, does not approve the way this technology has been highjacked and misused by the pharmaceutical industry.

HAY FEVER:if you suffer from hay fever at this time of the year please use freshly brewed nettle tea. Yes, stinging nettles have wonderful medicinal value against hay fever. Pick a few fresh nettles and soak them in some boiled water for a few minutes. It tastes very pleasant. In addition you can buy a supplement of quercetin from a health food store and use it three times a day throughout the hay fever season.

Until next time, I give you all my very best wishes!

The Power of 8. If anyone of you is interested in joining  "The Power of Eight" healing group every Wednesday evening in Killay, please let me know. I suggest you email me. If you have read the book of the same name you will know what amazing healing is being done around the world.


For more of my Blog posts, click here