Wight Herbal Medicine

16/11/2025

Gymnema silvestre. Gymnema has been used for over 2,000 years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in the management of blood sugar regulation. Its other name is gurmar which means sugar destroyer; this refers to its ability to reduce the tongue’s recognition of sweetness.

Applications and clinical indications:
• Diabetes (both insulin-dependent and non-insulin dependent) and hyperglycaemia
• Insulin resistance
• Metabolic syndrome X, to assist with weight loss
• Sweet cravings
• Dysglycaemia (lower doses)
• May also help to reduce hypercholesterolaemia and elevated triglycerides

Although the best approach to managing diabetes is through diet - primarily a real food, low carbohydrate diet - herbs can be also be used to support the body. This is generally a very safe herb although those already on diabetes medications would need to monitor blood glucose levels regularly.

15/11/2025

09/11/2025

A recent report found that a considerable proportion of herbal remedy texts on Amazon were most likely to be AI generated. Unfortunately this is likely to lead to innaccuracies. https://originality.ai/blog/likely-ai-herbal-remedies-books-study
The same applies to researching herbs independently through the internet as this can lead people to concluding that herbs don't work when it fact it wasn't the right herb! For simple/minor complaints there is no harm in exploring the use of herbs at home - always great to do a bit of "kitchen-witching" - but complex conditions need the detailed analysis that a consultation offers. It is not only about chosing the right herb but to match someone's energetics/constitution and ensuring that dosage is correct, that there is a synergy in a herbal mix and that there are no contraindications with existing medications.

Is the Herbal Remedies book you’re reading on Amazon real or an AI-generated fake? Discover the concerning impact of AI on herbal remedy books published on Amazon in 2025.

09/11/2025

Got one of those post-cold tickly coughs? Try one of these - I call it the "cough catcher". Half a raw onion studded with cloves next to your bed at night. Works wonders! The effects may be due to the sulphur compounds released which are thought to reduce inflammation and fight infection. Likewise clove contains a number of compounds such as eugenol which are thought to have many properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects.

01/11/2025

Herbs support the systems of the body to bring about balance and healing. Any condition that you would consult your GP about can be supported with the use of herbs and they can be safely used by any age group. Used in conjunction with dietary recommendations and lifestyle interventions, herbal medicine offers an holistic approach to a wide range of (chronic) conditions including

• digestive disorders
• skin conditions
• respiratory and cardiovascular issues
• insomnia, stress, anxiety depression
• thyroid and hormone imbalance
• autoimmune conditions
• PMS, menstrual problems and fertility issues
• cystitis and UTIs
• long term syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome
• neurological issues

Herbal medicine can also be employed very effectively to treat acute conditions such as cold/flu, upper respiratory tract infections, chest infections etc. without the negative consequences of antibiotics.

26/10/2025

With pharmaceuticals there is so often sadly a price to pay and yet herbal medicine can be so effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms without the associated health risks. https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/hormone-therapy-linked-to-higher-autoimmune-disease-risk-in-postmenopausal-women?fbclid=IwY2xjawNqpy9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHq8b9NVxbSX-9jECFgCaSGThOcVg20amgByx3SV8WQWe_O2ZrzvVzhGSjdZq_aem_NleTN_mc3DoqrYvkLzIAGQ

A large TriNetX analysis found hormone therapy use in postmenopausal women was linked to a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases.

22/10/2025

Many people aren’t aware of how herbs can be used to support conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
There are considerable studies including randomised control trials (RCT) showing evidence for a number of herbs to support individuals with some of the symptoms often associated with this diagnosis. These include:
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Saffron (Crocus sativus), Ginseng (Panax ginseng), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) for example.

A testimonial from a former patient who approached me for support with ADHD:

“..I am on month 2 of using my herbal remedy created by Lucy and the results are seriously noticeable. As an aid to my chaotic mind I'm finding the herbs help with both relaxing and motivation....The herbs are amazing and I'm still learning about what they are and all the things they help achieve...”

As with all herbs, it is not a ‘one size fits all’ so it’s important to have a consultation with a herbalist to enable a bespoke prescription to be developed so that treatment can be tailored to the individual and their needs.

See www.wightherbalmedicine.co.uk to find out more about booking a consultation.

I am a consulting medical herbalist. having completed a four-year Advanced Diploma in Herbal Medicine. I have been rigorously trained in the medical sciences including diagnostic reasoning, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology of disease, clinical examinations, pharmacognosy and drug/herb interac...

11/10/2025

06/10/2025

October is menopause awareness month. Menopause (and now increasingly peri-menopause) is often shrouded in negativity, but it need not be regarded as the “end” of anything nor does it need to be a negative experience. The media (and influential figures within it) have a part to play in raising the expectation in people that it must be dreaded; in times past, we would have sought the wisdom of womenfolk in our communities, many of whom would have not had a woeful tale to tell. It is worth remembering that it is a natural transitional stage in life that has many benefits, and with access to accurate knowledge as well as support, and the powerful effects of plants, it can also be a time of strength and renewal.

A patient testimonial:
"Lucy was recommended to me for treatment regarding my menopause. I was suffering from hot feet, restless legs, generally hot with mild hot flashes, heart palpations, muscle cramps, mind reflections and low mood to name a few of my symptoms. HRT was not an option for me and I'm glad because thanks to Lucy's knowledge of plant medicine my symptoms are uniquely managed.
She spent a long time with me listening to my condition and between us we are managing me. I personally am extremely grateful to have found the expert I was in need of. "

A consultation with a medical herbalist is the best way to ensure you get the most out of herbs as it means you are given a bespoke prescription tailored to you and your unique needs.

04/10/2025

Not to forget a spit poultice when out and about!

03/10/2025

A consultation with a medical herbalist involves a thorough examination of diet and lifestyle factors in the development or maintenance of conditions. As such, dietary advice is often a key part of the prescription. The ketogenic or low carbohydrate diet is being shown in research to have a significant impact on a range of physical and psychiatric health conditions. If you are interested in exploring this more, its well worth looking at https://phcuk.org/ for further information.

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29/09/2025

https://www.learningherbs.com/blog/herbs-for-animals/ .tab=0
When people talk about herbs being merely placebo, it is interesting to note that animals not only self-medicate but also respond well to plants when administered by humans. A good example is the use of vitex agnus castus for horses: this is used to support healthy metabolic function and hormonal Balance; typically for "Moody Aggressive Mares, Geldings and Stallions." This herb is a key one for humans in balancing the hormonal system both during childbearing years and the menopause alike.

Your furry friends deserve some herbal love, too, don’t they? The good news is, there are many ways you can use herbs for animals.