Herbs For All Reasons

20/09/2024

14/06/2024

As an herbalist , I never thought I would be so involved with dental care, specifically gum health. It started several years ago as a student when my husband had a dental infection ,for which he had had 2 courses of antibiotics , which did not work. Instead, the dentist wanted to drill and break his secured ( costly) bridgework to access the infected area. He started on the herbal tincture I gave him, and the infection was gone within 6 weeks.
More immediate results have come from infected wisdom teeth and the persons inability to access urgent dental care. As a former emergency care nurse, providing the person is not systemically unwell ( then they are sent to the emergency dept), I would dispense herbal tincture which would resolve the infection within 3 to 4 days.
A recent patient with severe periodontal disease , having lost several teeth 6 months ago, was terrified of losing them all. Within 3 months of treatment, they have a hygienist able to clean areas, they were unable to touch before because of the inflammation and their dentist saying their gums are pink as opposed to red and swollen, plus no more talk of losing yet more teeth.
Despite the obvious pleasure in seeing the effectiveness of herbs and people happy with less pain and inflammation. I gain great satisfaction from all these patients telling me how their dentists all document an improvement in their gum health.

10/05/2024

Things that make us happy definitely include these lovely sunny days. However, going to the allotment and harvesting calendula flowers to dry to add to a patents personalised tea also makes me happy. As a medical herbalist, I am lucky enough to access the best herbal medicine suppliers, but adding my own grown herbs adds more. Baking comparisons come to mind, " the icing on the cake", it is like having a homemade made cake in comparison to a shop bought one. I'm off to the allotment now , wishing you all happiness on this lovely sunny day.
# loveherbalmedicine

10/04/2024

Preparing to infuse Galium aparine, otherwise known as cleavers, sticky w***y, or goose grass in almond oil for April's workshop. I do like to infuse oils in full sun over a few weeks. However, a shortage of sun brings out the slow cooker. This infused oil will be the base for a multi-purpose balm you will make. Plus, you get to try this herb in its various preparations and its health benefits.

06/04/2024

Ilfracombe farmers market about to open. Come along for locally sourced veg. Vegan cakes, crafts, jewellery, plus of course my herbal teas ! # sustainable lifestyle # Ilfracombe farmers market

20/03/2024

Herbal medicine workshop 17th April 2024 , 18.00 hrs £35

I always feel as if the new year starts in spring, and it really is in the air, wandering around my North -East facing garden, I see so much growing from primroses to globe artichokes. Appreciation aside, you can have the opportunity to find out how some of these plants provide nutrition and support our bodies' detoxification pathways. improving our health & well-being. You will have the opportunity to try seasonal tea/infusions and nutritious edibles and make a multi-purpose balm. Groups are small, allowing for undivided attention, recipes, and monographs provided, giving you the opportunity to share your newfound knowledge.

19/01/2024

This is going to be a long roundabout post, but these cold, yet very sunny days got me thinking about mushrooms.
The reason being (I think), life has been hectic, and I kept forgetting to take my vitamin D, so I am now woe is poor me , as I have a cold.
So, why mushrooms, they are an amazing immune support against both bacterial and fungal infections. Some mushrooms support longevity and others' cognitive health.
* Fun fact: Did you know if you put mushrooms out into the sunshine, a sterol in the mushroom converts to Vitamin D.
In fact, the vegan Vitamin D supplement is derived from various fungi. Non vegan Vitamin D supplements are from the lanolin in sheep wool.
My pictures show some fancy mushrooms, and there are many more medicinal mushrooms. However, button mushrooms and field mushrooms from your local supermarket will support your health . So apart from an apple day, I would strongly recommend several mushrooms a day. Belated happy and healthy new year !

02/12/2023

Despite the freezing temperatures , there is no snow yet. However, it is the last farmers market of 2023. I will be selling my teas and enjoying sering both my regular customers and meeting new ones. Happy Christmas to all, and many thanks to so many of you for supporting me over 2023.

28/09/2023

Spent a few hours at the Strawpatch project for two talks and had such a good time. It is a beautiful place, and though I might talk about healing herbs and ways to take them. There is a lot to be said about a beautiful environment being healing and providing food for the soul . # Strawpatchproject

19/09/2023

Looking forward to my talks at strawpatch on the 26th September , accessing their harvest and discussing how we can bring every day garden produce into our lives to promote health. My picture shows Malva , Calendula , Borage and Autumn fruiting raspberries. Interestingly as a herbalist we use the leaves of raspberries medicinally - these raspberries are destined for my freezer and my overnight oats.

04/09/2023

Sitting out in my front garden I thought I would share my beautiful Amaranth with you. I use the oil as a base in creams as it aids moisture retention . I know the plant also contains both insoluble and soluble fibre , which will help with both diarrhoea and constipation ( and as a nurse & herbalist, we know a healthy bowel leads to a healthier you) - there is also some research on how it stabilises blood sugar. So not only is it beautiful it is a powerhouse for health, on my herbal journey, it just reinforces we need plants more then they need us .