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Let’s talk about menopause and HRT!

Let’s talk about menopause and HRT!

I celebrate the fact that awareness of menopause and perimenopause is on the up. For far too long women have silently struggled with symptoms, and been expected to just carry on. But, I do think the conversation could be heading in a dangerous direction. In this blog...

How does herbal medicine help you navigate the menopause?

How does herbal medicine help you navigate the menopause?

In my 13 years in practice as a medical herbalist I've worked with a lot of women navigating the menopause. Thankfully, menopause and peri-menopause is becoming a hot topic. Once taboo, now menopause is being taken seriously enough for it to be on the agenda in HR...

Stepping into the power of your fury

Stepping into the power of your fury

Image from Pixabay by Artie_Navarre  As a massage therapist and as a medical herbalist my job is usually to restore balance. Massage works with your body’s muscular and circulatory systems to alleviate tension and anxiety (amongst many other things). Herbal treatments...

How herbs can help your health this autumn

How herbs can help your health this autumn

Autumn has really made its presence felt now we have entered October. I don’t know about you, but I’ve hunted out the hats, scarves and gloves already. The winds and rain have hit this past week, the evenings are darker and my thoughts turn to cosiness at home with...

Herbal Medicine for the menopause

Herbal Medicine for the menopause

October is Menopause Awareness Month and the 18th of October is World Menopause Day, so it seems an appropriate time to post about how herbal medicine, prescribed by a qualified Medical Herbalist can help women to manage the uncomfortable symptoms experienced by many...

Aromatic Waters and Hydrosols

Aromatic Waters and Hydrosols

I mentioned in an earlier blog that I have been potion making since an early age.  Rose water is such a beautiful thing to make, but my childhood efforts did tend to consist of rose petals which quickly went mouldy in a jam-jar of water! You can not...

Oxymels and syrups

Oxymels and syrups

In last weeks blog, which included a recipe for a herbal vinegar, I mentioned that they can then be turned into an oxymel.  This week I'm going to explain what an oxymel is and how to make one. An oxymel is a classic, but often overlooked herbal preparation made from...

Cleansing Cleavers

Cleansing Cleavers

William Morris once said “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” I'd like to think I apply this wisdom to my garden, and rather than curse any weeds that spring up of their own accord I make use of them! You will be...

Chickweed Anti-Itch Cream

Chickweed Anti-Itch Cream

I have a confession to make- I sometimes introduce weeds to my garden. I love foraging for things growing wild, but sometimes its just not convenient, or the place where I spot things is too near a busy road or likely to have been 'watered' by local dogs.  I...