People want to visit their high street herbalist

Dee Atkinson says her business is booming as people take more responsibility for their own health.

The director of Napiers Herbal Healthcare Limited, Ms Atkinson has seen demand soar in the past five years and has opened another seven shops.

She says the success of alternative therapists is also due to pressure on the NHS and because people have more disposable income.

Ms Atkinson said: "Napiers dates back to 1860, when it was a huge business and people would go to their herbalist before they went to their doctor. We are now seeing a return to how it used to be. Business is fantastic."

Her new shops in Fulham Road and Goodge Street - both opened last year - have seen turnover rise by 50 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.

The Fulham Road shop replaced an off-licence. The pub next door has since been turned into an Italian delicatessen and an organic juice bar has opened nearby.

In Goodge Street, a new Tesco Metro is about to open and there are more takeaways which, Ms Atkinson says, shows the area is becoming more community-orientated, with people wanting amenities on their doorstep.

She added: "Since I took over Napiers 12 years ago things have changed incredibly.

"My feeling was that complementary therapies had a role to play in healthcare but needed to get on to the high street, and that is what has happened.

"Demand has changed, people want to pop out in their lunchbreak, pick up their shopping and visit their local herbalist.

"There is more focus on what you can do to help yourself and your own health."