The Hillfoots Herbalist

31/10/2025

Last night we made Fire Cider, learning about the medicinal properties of the various ingredients and how they can help shorten the effects of winter chills and ills. Thank you to the lovelies who came along willing to roll their sleeves up and grate with gusto! Hope you enjoy your efforts 😊

19/10/2025

Just a wee reminder about this fun workshop: 30th October, 7pm in Alva. All materials included in price 🫚

Come along to learn about Fire Cider and make some for your own winter medicine chest

27/09/2025

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fire-cider-non-alcoholic-workshop-tickets-1735592065589?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Thursday 30th October 7pm FK12 5EH

Come along to learn about Fire Cider and make some for your own winter medicine chest

24/09/2025

Calendula officinalis

This cheerful, bright, sun loving flower is a member of the daisy family. Blooming extensively throughout year from early summer to autumn frosts, it was cultivated in the kitchen garden and used to colour cheese and to replace saffron. Its use in soups and stews led to its common name – pot marigold. Marigolds symbolise constancy in love and were used in dream rituals to identify a maidens one true love before being added to bridal bouquets. It was once believed that gazing at the flowers would strengthen eyesight and draw evil humours out of the head.

Containing a myriad of phytochemicals, Calendula’s bright orange colour is derived from carotenoids; this antioxidant protects cell membranes, contributes to cell growth and regulation, and supports the immune system. Additionally, carotenoids are involved in the development and protection of visual pigments in the eye, so perhaps those old herbals were onto something!

Calendula has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Used both internally and externally as a wound healer, she has particular affinity for women's health and is a regular ally used by medical herbalists for a variety of conditions.

01/09/2025

One of my favourite parts of my job is tincture blending - bringing together herbs that will support the body to heal naturally.

Each person I see is unique with different health challenges and herbal medicine allows me to tailor treatment to their individual needs.

That's why a consultation with a Medical Herbalist can take around an hour. We look at the whole person, focussing on how they feel and exploring possible root causes of symptoms. We consider past medical history, lifestyle etc, and take particular note of any current medications to check for possible drug/herb interactions.

Blending a bespoke tincture means I can give clients a herbal medicine made just for them. As treatment progresses we can add and subtract herbs to achieve the best possible result - health and self management.

If you are interested in exploring an individualised approach to healthcare let me know, I'd be happy to help

01/08/2025

https://youtube.com/watch?v=S8SHvgM1bMc&si=pVjed3EhaxkMHeOb

A short, fun, educational, animation about the use of medicine plants through the ages. Produced and written by medical herbalist Julia Behrens, direction...

16/07/2025

Lavendula angustifolia

I think lavender is one of our most recognisable and loved herbs. Used for centuries, lavender possesses valuable and useful medicinal properties.

Prized for it's antibacterial qualities and ability to repel insects, lavender has been used in bathhouses or placed between sheets to deter lice and fleas since Roman times, its' name is derived from the Latin 'to wash'.

In the first century AD, Dioscorides prescribed it for plague protection and to heal wounds. Elizabeth the first was said to carry a posy of lavender wherever she went to repel plagues, migraines and bad smells!

Sachets of lavender, known as smellies, were used to soothe wounded and dying soldiers during the First World War, particularly those affected by gas gangrene. The calming scent of lavender reminded the men of home and masked the odour of illness (1).

Containing volatile oils, flavonoids and sterols, lavender is antibacterial, analgesic, anxiolytic and sedative. Lavender soothes the nervous system and is used for anxiety, depression, insomnia and exhaustion. Under the direction of a Medical Herbalist it can be used internally for indigestion and bronchial complaints or externally for rheumatism, scar healing, neuralgia, postoperative and menstrual pain, bites and head lice.

What are your favourite uses for lavender?

1. Clark, J.L., 2024, “Lavender for Lads”: Smell and Nationalism in the Great War, available from: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-british-studies/article/lavender-for-lads-smell-and-nationalism-in-the-great-war/DB37B88A0A4033656919B6E2827F3E74

Photo by Mario Mendez on Unsplash