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. I enjoy helping people with complicated and confusing symptoms.

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Common Conditions I Help With:

• Digestive issues: IBS, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, brain fog
• Energy & Hormonal imbalances: ME/CFS, fatigue, burnout, 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.

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 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.

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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.

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Meet Your Practitioner

I'm a registered naturopath with over 36 years of experience in natural medicine. This means I am qulified to help with all sorts of health problems. 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 that I’ve used throughout my career. I am fully insured for all I do and enjoy my work very much.

I'm also a registered colon hydrotherapist with ARCH (Association & Register of Colon Hydrotherapists)  and was trained by Dr. Milo Siewart.

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 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!

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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 Spring 2026

We get periodic phases in life when panic sets in. At the moment it is about meningitis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective layers around your brain and spinal cord, often caused by infections.  Most cases are bacterial or viral, and yes, they're contagious, but not in the way you might fear, like a cold sweeping through a room. Bacterial meningitis, the more serious type, spreads through close contact—like sharing drinks, kissing, or coughing in someone's face. The bacteria (common ones include those causing strep throat or ear infections) live harmlessly in the nose and throat of many people, but they can turn problematic in crowded places, like dorms or during travel. It's not as easy to catch as the flu; you usually need prolonged exposure, and not everyone who carries the bacteria gets sick. Viral meningitis, often from everyday viruses like those causing colds or stomach bugs, spreads similarly through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces, but it's generally milder and less deadly.

ELDERBERRY: The important thing to prevent meningitis is to help the immune system: lead a healthy lifestyle, cut out the junk food, take Vitamin D 2,000iu daily and may be use something like Elderberry extract.

Elderberry extract, which comes from the dark berries of the elder tree has been used for centuries as a soothing remedy for colds and flus, and modern insights show it might offer some supportive benefits for your immune system.

Elderberry shows promise as a preventive tool, especially for viral infections that can sometimes lead to complications like viral meningitis. and tackle viruses early. For everyday respiratory bugs—think common colds or flu-like symptoms that might mimic early meningitis signs—taking elderberry regularly (like in a syrup or lozenge) could shorten the time you're under the weather or even help fend them off.

Nutritional Oils.

I have talked frequently how it is important to include ‘healthy oils’ in the diet—fish oil, coconut oil, olive oil, linseed oil, avocado oil. And most importantly to avoid seed oils. I came across a wonderful description about how the ‘bad’ oils are made. It will make you think twice about ever using them again! Here it is:

How to make "vegetable" oil:

1. Collect seeds (soy, corn, rapeseed, cottonseed)

2. Heat to 200°C to extract oil

3. Add hexane (petroleum solvent also used in glue and varnish)

4. Boil off most of the hexane (most, not all)

5. Add sodium hydroxide (drain cleaner) to remove impurities

6. Bleach it because it's brown and smells like fish

7. Deodorize it at 250°C because it smells rancid

8. Add synthetic antioxidants to slow down (not prevent) oxidation.

Congratulations. You've made a substance that: - Didn't exist before 1900 - Requires industrial chemicals to produce - Oxidizes in your body - Integrates into cell membranes for 600+ days - Creates inflammation for years. But at least it's from plants. So it must be healthy.

And then while we are talking about nutritional oils lets open another can of worms and mention the benefits of cholesterol:

Top 15 benefits of Cholesterol...

1) Absorption of Vitamins A, D, E & K.

2) Critical for digestion & bile acids.

3) Immune system protection against infections.

4) Lowers risk of cancer & death.

5) Lowers risk of depression & suicide.

6) Lowers stress, cortisol & anxiety.

7) Protects against chemicals, toxins & heavy metals.

8) Optimal Brain is 60% fat & 25% cholesterol.

9) Prevents dementia & cognitive decline.

10) Protects against all cause mortality.

11) Production of all steroid hormones.

12) Necessary for muscles & bone density.

13) Protective against stroke & heart disease.

14) Important for lungs & airways.

15) Building block of all cells & mitochondria.

I’ll give the final quote from medical research that says that "those who have the highest cholesterol live the longest"!

I wish you all a happy Spring and a sunny Summer!

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/

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.


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