FAQs

A medical herbalist uses plants and plant-based medicines to support health. Rather than looking only at an individual symptom, herbalists are trained to take a detailed health history and consider areas such as diet, digestion, sleep, stress, lifestyle, medical history and any medicines you are taking.

I am currently studying Medical Herbalism and will qualify in early 2028. Until then, I do not practise or prescribe as a Medical Herbalist.

They are quite different, although the two are often confused.

Herbal medicine uses plants in forms such as tinctures, teas, powders and topical preparations. These contain measurable quantities of naturally occurring plant constituents.

Homeopathy is based on a different system, using substances that have usually been diluted many times according to homeopathic principles. Herbalists are not homeopaths, and herbal medicine is not homeopathy.

Sometimes, but not always. Herbs can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and some may be unsuitable with particular medical conditions.

This is why it is important that a qualified practitioner knows about everything you are taking, including medicines, supplements and herbal products. You should not stop or change prescribed medication without discussing it with the healthcare professional responsible for your care.

Iridology is the study of the colours, structures and patterns visible in the iris – the coloured part of your eye. In my consultations, iris observation forms one part of a wider conversation about you, your health history, diet and lifestyle.

No. Iridology does not diagnose diseases and should not replace blood tests, scans, medical examinations or advice from your GP.

If something you tell me during a consultation suggests that further medical investigation would be sensible, I will always encourage you to speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.

Not at all. You might have a particular concern, feel that something isn’t quite right despite having explored the usual routes, or simply be interested in understanding yourself and your health a little better.

I prefer to think of what I do as complementary rather than an either/or choice.

Conventional medicine is an important part of healthcare. My interest is in what else we can do to support ourselves – through diet, lifestyle, plants and other approaches, and how these can sit alongside appropriate medical care.

There is plenty of time to talk. Depending on the type of appointment, we’ll discuss what has brought you to me, your health and medical history, family history, diet, lifestyle, sleep, stress and anything else that may be relevant.

You don’t need to prepare the “right” answers. The point is to understand you and the life you lead.

Yes, please. Bring the names and doses of any prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products you currently take. A photograph of the labels on your phone is absolutely fine.

Definitely not – curiosity is enough.

My workshops are practical and hands-on and are designed to help you become more familiar with the plants growing around us and some of the traditional ways they have been prepared and used. You don’t need any previous knowledge.

No, and “natural” doesn’t automatically mean harmless.

Plants contain active constituents, which is precisely why we need to treat them with respect. The right plant, preparation and amount matter, as do your health, age, pregnancy or breastfeeding, allergies and any medicines you take.

If you have new, severe, persistent or unexplained symptoms, or something simply doesn’t feel right, medical assessment should come first. Complementary approaches shouldn’t delay necessary investigation or treatment. If I’m ever concerned that something is outside my scope or needs further investigation, I’ll tell you.