The Irish Herbalist

14/02/2026

Happy Valentines Day!

Emotional wellbeing is closely connected with the health and function of the heart. Both happy and sad life events can create stress in the body. When someone struggles to process or manage stress, it can contribute to heart imbalances that may show up as anxiety, palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia, restlessness, or mood changes during menopause.

Deep-rooted fears of being hurt, experiencing emotional pain, or feeling isolated and lonely can also impact the sense of “spirit” or emotional centre that is traditionally associated with the heart.

As a herbalist I know the importance of treating the emotional imbalance which leads to physical ailments. Herbal medicines work on many levels, both the physical, spiritual and emotional, to bring about harmony and balance in the heart and cardiovascular system.

Hawthorn, Motherwort, Lemon balm, Rose, Passion flower, Lime flowers, Rose, Cayenne and garlic are some of the herbs I use to support our heart and cardiovascular system. Some herbs are tonic herbs, others decongestants and clear cholesterol, others stimulate, while some soothe. In order to formulate a tincture for the person I always take into account their current symptoms, diagnosis, blood work, diet, genetic tendencies and Iris picture Most of the herbs I use calm and support the heart and nerves. Herbal medicines can also be beneficial as healing tonics in recovery from debilitating illnesses. Hypertension, hypotension, high cholesterol, anxiety, grief, palpitations and panic attacks, hormonal imbalances and poor peripheral circulation are some of the most common heart conditions I treat in the clinic.

Essential oils can provide much-needed emotional support for the heart. The oils I typically use are rose, lavender, neroli, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and cypress.

A plant-based diet, optimal hydration, and regular exercise form core parts of the programme, alongside other supportive healing approaches such as reflexology, massage, counselling, and naturopathic therapies. Herbs can work on multiple levels within the body to help restore balance and support overall vitality.

14/02/2026

Happy Valentines Day!

The emotion of joy is connected with the heart. Happy and sad situations can be a source of stress. Often people who have difficulty dealing with stress may develop heart imbalances which manifest as anxiety, palpitations, hypertension, insomnia, restlessness and menopausal mood swings etc. Deep seated fear of being hurt, or having your “heart broken”, feeling isolated and lonely, also effect the source of “spirit” which resides in our hearts.
As a herbalist I know the importance of treating the emotional imbalance which leads to physical ailments. Herbal medicines work on many levels, both the physical, spiritual and emotional, to bring about harmony and balance in the heart and cardiovascular system. Hawthorn, Motherwort, Lemon balm, Rose, Passion flower, Lime flowers, Rose, Cayenne and garlic are some of the herbs I use to support our heart and cardiovascular system. Some herbs are tonic herbs, others decongestants and clear cholesterol, others stimulate, while some soothe. In order to formulate a tincture for the person I always take into account their current symptoms, diagnosis, blood work, diet, genetic tendencies and Iris picture Most of the herbs I use calm and support the heart and nerves. Herbal medicines can also be beneficial as healing tonics in recovery from debilitating illnesses. Hypertension, hypotension, high cholesterol, anxiety, grief, palpitations and panic attacks, hormonal imbalances and poor peripheral circulation are some of the most common heart conditions I treat in the clinic.
Essential oils can provide much-needed emotional support for the heart. The oils I typically use are rose, lavender, neroli, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and cypress.
A plant based diet and optimum hydration and exercise are all part of the program along with other healing modalities such as reflexology, massage, counselling, naturopathic therapies etc. Herbs work on many levels to bring about balance and vitality in the body.

13/02/2026

10/02/2026

Getting ready for your colonic treatment is fairly straightforward.

There is no fasting required — just eat as normal on the day.
I usually suggest not eating a large meal for about 1 hour before your appointment, as this can feel uncomfortable during treatment.

Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day, but try not to drink large amounts right before you arrive, as a full bladder can feel uncomfortable during your session.

Your initial consultation and treatment lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Follow-up treatments are 1 hour.

As Dublin’s longest established colon hydrotherapist, and as a Registered Nurse and Master Medical Herbalist, you can feel confident you are in safe, experienced hands.

If you have any questions before your treatment, DM here.

30/01/2026

Many of my clients both new and regular attend my clinic for colon hydrotherapy. The main digestive symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are feeling bloated, sluggish, uncomfortable, and not quite themselves. Hormonal changes at this stage of life can slow digestion, affect bowel regularity, and leave the body feeling heavy or unsettled, often impacting sleep and energy too.

Clients regularly tell me they find colonic treatments deeply beneficial in gently cleansing the colon, helping it function more efficiently and comfortably.

A healthy, well-functioning bowel is especially important during menopause. The liver plays a key role in hormone regulation, and for the liver to work efficiently, the colon needs to be clean and moving well. When the bowel is sluggish, the liver can become overburdened, which may contribute to hormonal imbalance and ongoing symptoms.

Clients often report benefits such as:
• 💧 Feeling lighter and less bloated
• 💧 Improved bowel regularity and digestive comfort
• 💧 A sense of calm and deep relaxation after treatments
• 💧 Better sleep and a more settled nervous system
• 💧 Feeling clearer, more balanced, and more at ease in their bodies

By supporting the colon and digestive system, many women find they feel more comfortable, calmer, and better able to navigate the changes that come with menopause.

21/01/2026

Part 2 Treatment Approach
For her first consultation, I focused on cleansing her bowels and relieving the itching and inflammation.

I gave her an infusion of plantain, chickweed, nettles, and calendula. These herbs help reduce histamine levels in the body and calm inflammation. She also used this infusion externally as a fomentation on her skin.

She was advised to follow a mucus-free diet and maintain optimal hydration. There was no aggressive detoxification, as the priority was calming and soothing her system. I also prescribed a tincture to nourish and support her nervous system.

PROGRESS
She returned two weeks later with a 60% improvement in her skin. Her bowels were now moving twice daily, and stools were large and soft. Her sleep had also improved. She had only used Telfast twice since starting the herbal support.

I continued with the tea, tincture, and bowel formula, making slight adjustments.

At her third consultation, her skin was 90% improved, with only the occasional hive appearing.

At this stage, I added herbs to support cleansing of the bloodstream and lymphatic system. She also began drinking fresh celery and cucumber juice daily.

OUTCOME
Within two months, her skin had completely healed. Her sleep became noticeably deeper and more restorative, and her stress levels reduced significantly. Her bowels continued to function well, and she chose to remain on the bowel-cleansing formula. She continued with the mucus-free diet and juicing most days.

21/01/2026

PART 1 Hives (urticaria) are a skin reaction caused by the release of histamine from mast cells, leading to raised, itchy, red or skin-coloured welts. From a natural healing perspective, hives reflect an over-reactive immune and inflammatory response, often triggered by something the body is struggling to tolerate or clear.
They are most commonly caused by stress, allergies, heat, or an underlying disease. Hives tell us that there is disharmony within the body, and they use the bloodstream — which feeds the skin — as a means of communicating this to us. CASE HISTORY
A 58-year-old lady attended the clinic with chronic hives, which she had for five months. They first presented as a few hives on her forearms and gradually spread to her chest, legs, abdomen, and face.

She attended her GP, who prescribed Zyrtec and steroids. After two weeks there was no improvement, and she was then prescribed Telfast. The hives would reduce in size and appearance for a few days, only to return worse and more widespread. She was also using Eurax externally. ASSESSMENT
I carried out a detailed medical consultation and iridology assessment, taking into account her past medical history and diet. Her iris pictures showed congestion in the colon and digestive organs under stress. Her lymphatic system appeared overloaded with mucus, and there was a pattern of holding onto stress.

When dealing with any condition — particularly skin conditions — the bowels must be addressed first, followed by the bloodstream and lymphatic system.

Her bowels were moving daily, but she described them as “golf balls.” The goal was to achieve bigger, softer, and more frequent bowel movements. This was achieved by using a bowel-cleansing formula. I felt that stress was either the cause of her condition or a result of it. I always use herbs for the nervous system when treating skin conditions.

16/01/2026

Benefits of Colonic Hydrotherapy
• Helps relieve constipation by softening and removing built-up waste
• Reduces gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort
• Supports healthy colon tone and function
• Aids digestion and improves nutrient absorption
• May increase energy levels and overall vitality
• Helps reduce harmful bacteria, parasites, and fungal overgrowth
• Supports immune function and general wellbeing
• Can improve mental clarity and focus
* Supports the body’s natural detoxification processes
• May contribute to clearer, healthier-looking skin
• Helps rehydrate the body at a cellular level
• Encourages emotional release and a sense of reset
• May support metabolism and healthy weight management
• Can help reduce food cravings
• Supports overall gut health and toxin elimination

12/01/2026

Throughout my nursing carer I witnessed many people with digestive disorders and others with health issues which I now know had arisen from an impure and congested colon.
I gradually became more interested in natural healing. The more research I did, it became apparent that bowel cleanliness was fundamental to health and vitality. I studied Master Herbalism under renowned herbalist Helen Begadon in the Irish School of Herbal Medicine. The emphasis on a clean and well functioning bowel was the bedrock of my training. I also trained in Colonic irrigation as it was the safest and most effective way to achieve a clean bowel and I am a full-time therapist for over 25 years now!
I am truly passionate about my job and its resultant effects. The more waste I see removed the happier I am! Often people release between 20-30 bowel movements in one session alone! Large pockets of gas, old toxic and fermented waste are released during a session. Most people report marked improvements in energy and vitality, clearer skin, less bloating and gas, weight loss and improved immunity. I have seen chronic skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and urticaria completely clear with bowel cleansing. Several ladies who were experiencing difficulty in conceiving soon became pregnant after colon hydrotherapy.

16/10/2025

🌿 Boost Your Immune System Naturally 🌿

Join me for a hands-on workshop on Saturday, 22nd November (10am–12.30pm in Blackrock, Co. Dublin) with Ciara Murphy, The Irish Herbalist.

Discover practical ways to strengthen your immune system using everyday foods and herbs from your kitchen and garden.
🍲 Learn the difference between colds and flus — and how to treat them naturally
🌿 Get plenty of recipes and remedies to take home
🌸 Packed with information, inspiration, and practical know-how

💶 Cost: €120 per person
📩 Message me here to book your place — only 10 spots available!

08/09/2025

A clean bowel is one of the true foundations of good health. Before any other organ of the body can be cleansed and strengthened, the bowel itself must first be cleared and regenerated. When waste matter, mucus, and gas are allowed to build up, they poison the bloodstream and place a burden on every organ. But when the colon is clean and working as nature intended, the whole body benefits — the blood runs purer, the mind is clearer, and the organs can do their work with greater ease. The fastest and safest way to cleanse the bowel is through a wholesome plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; the daily use of herbs to loosen and carry away old waste; and, when needed, colon hydrotherapy to wash out the putrid matter that has collected over the years. By beginning here, with the bowel, the entire body is set on the path of healing.