About ME
I graduated from Heartwood and I am registered with the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH).
I have always enjoyed the outdoors and initially did my undergraduate degree in Geography. After falling into a career, life changed when a family member became ill and we were recommended a local Herbalist to help support his healing. It was such a positive, supportive and empowering experience with a real focus on looking at the body as a whole, I was fascinated and wanted to learn more. A year later, I dipped my toe into a foundation course and loved it so much that I gave up my job to study full-time. After 4 years studying, 500 clinical hours with some of the best Herbalists in the country, running workshops for Home Ed groups, community gardens and charities and seeing patients in clinic, I am now happily settled with the fabulous team at Medicine Tree, West Malling in Kent. I feel privileged to be able to help support people on their journey to good health and I hope that they feel the same as I did when I walked out of my first consultation with a Herbalist all those years ago.
For me, Herbalism is less a career and more a lifestyle in that the joy of herbs and good health cross boundaries into other areas of my life such as growing my own food and herbs, cooking, walking in the countryside, swimming and yoga and sharing all of this with my husband and children. I teach yoga in Benenden where I live with particular focus on breathwork and restorative yoga as I enjoy seeing people change from rushing in to leaving feeling more relaxed and calm.
What is Herbal Medicine?
Simply put, herbal medicine is made from plants, either the whole plant or sometimes parts of it, for example leaves, flowers, roots or bark. Herbal medicine has deep roots in history and has developed over many centuries; in many parts of the world it is still used as the main source of medicine. Whilst there are traditional uses, modern practice also involves more scientific research
What is a Herbalist?
Medical herbalists study both orthodox and plant medicine and are trained in the same diagnostic skills as a GP. We take a holistic approach to illness by treating the underlying causes, rather than just symptoms, perhaps making suggestions to improve diet and lifestyle in addition to prescribing herbal remedies.
What does a consultation involve?
Your first appointment will last approximately 1 hour during which time you will be asked about your health and you may also be examined. Getting a holistic view of your health helps identify underlying causes or barriers to good health, rather than just treating symptoms. As a result, you may be offered a bespoke prescription as well as nutritional and lifestyle advice. You will then be offered a 30-40 minute follow-up appointment to check progress and make any alterations to ensure you are on the best path to good health.