Herbal medicine
Using herbs as medicine to maintain health and to prevent, alleviate or cure disease continues to be a universal human practice and formed the basis of sophisticated medical systems. There is no doubt that it is a healing resource.
Orthodox medical practices are inextricably linked with herbal medicine, with some of our most frequently used medication originating from plants. Using medicinal herbs differs to using allopathic medicine because generally, we use the whole of the relevant plant part (berries, flowers, leaf, root and bark) to make herbal medicine. This respects the complexity that results from millennia of evolutionary process and embraces the synergies that occur when we do not try to extract what we believe to be the single active ingredient. Health is a state of wellbeing that is not merely the absence of disease and my work with medicinal herbs has illustrated their ability to restore health as opposed to simply treating symptoms.
You, me and the herbs
Medicinal herbs have an incredibly long history of effective usage. When used appropriately, they are extremely safe and carry very low risk of side effects. And for many herbs now, we not only have evidence of long usage to rely upon, but also a growing body of science illustrating key active constituents and the physiological pathways through which they exert their effects.
As a medical herbalist, I am trained to diagnose, to carry out physical examinations (should they be necessary), to prescribe the best combination of herbs specifically for you and to adjust this as your situation evolves. I understand the plants biochemically and energetically and I will check for interactions to ensure that they do not affect other medication you may be taking. I can happily work alongside your doctor, consultant or other practitioner.
Importantly, I also grow and forage some of my own medicinal herbs and make medicine from them. I am connected to the herbs I prescribe and this helps me to choose the right herbs to support you. And in terms of empowering you to support your own health, some medicinal herbs are familiar food grade herbs that, with a little support and information from me, you can start to use safely and effectively yourself.
Articles
Herbal offerings
There is really no limit to the fascinating things to be learnt about medicinal herbs. Here is just a taster for you.
Events
Events: nutrition, herbs and microbes
The events I run are educational and entertaining. They mix theory and hands-on practice with delicious food, herbal teas and fermented drinks that illustrate what is possible. You will not only learn from me, but from one another too. And I will learn from you. The particular focus of each event differs, but I bring my irrepressible enthusiasm for food, herbs and microbes to them all.
Resources
Forage around here…
Here, I have gathered the resources I have found useful in the hope that you might also find them useful. We need to make use of this collective wisdom now more than ever.
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