About me

I graduated from Napier University, Edinburgh, in 2007 with a BSc Hons (1st class) in Herbal Medicine (Phytotherapy). Before studying herbal medicine I worked for many years as a freelance translator and university researcher.

I am also a qualified instructor in the Lissim self-help pain relief technique, and live and practise in south-central Edinburgh. See below for details of my charges.

Proud to be one of a growing number of people carrying on the long tradition of herbal medicine in Scotland and the UK, I also follow new developments in herbal medicine research with keen interest. Good quality, appropriate research can add a new dimension to the empirical knowledge that has been gathered throughout the centuries, not only expanding the evidence base for herbal medicine but also providing new insights to enhance its therapeutic applications. This will not only increase the benefit to our patients, but also ensure that respect for herbal medicine and confidence in its effectiveness and safety continue to grow among the public and the medical profession alike.

A developing area of my work is promoting herbal medicine in the community. Up to the second world war, knowledge about plants and how to use them to help ourselves was widespread in the UK not only among doctors and pharmacisits, but among ordinary people (just ask your (great-)granny!). Few people in the UK today know much about plant remedies, although in other European countries this knowledge has continued to thrive alongside (and sometimes within) the modern health service. Modern medicine is undoubtedly amazing - new drugs and procedures have saved countless lives and brought improved quality of life for many people with potentially life-threatening conditions. Much of doctors' time, however, is spent dealing with illnesses that would not arise if we knew how to eat well and live well, and look after ourselves when ill. Many other ailments we take to our GP's surgery can be easily treated or managed using a combination of diet and lifestyle changes, and plants that are widely available - including many that we think of as weeds! I believe every person has a right to this knowledge, and the ability to take care of his/her own health. Herbal medicine in this sense is community medicine: helping people to reclaim this knowledge, empowering them to look after themselves and use plants safely and sustainably to provide cheap, nutritious foods and the basis for everyday remedies and cosmetics.

Charges:

• First consultation (1 hour): £35 
• Follow-up consultations (30 mins): £25 
• Herbal medicines cost approx £7 per week
• Home visits (within 3km radius of central Edinburgh): £45 (follow-up £35)

Concessions may be available - please ask!

For discounts and special offers click here!

I am also available to give talks and practical demonstrations on aspects of herbal medicine and on Lissim therapy. For courses, forthcoming events and downloads click here.

 

Contact me:

 07790 885969  mail@floramedica.org