A Clinical Herbalist: Your Natural Path to Wellness

All my life, I’ve loved sipping herbal teas to warm and nourish me during the day and help me sleep better at night. Herbal teas have always been a source of comfort for me.

As a TV reporter in my early career, I never expected I would walk this path into holistic health care - first as a certified nutrition and health coach, and now as a clinical herbalist.

But it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! And I’m delighted to help my community understand what clinical herbalism involves, how it works, and the ways it can support your health journey.

Firstly, what is a herbalist?

A herbalist is someone who uses medicinal plants to help improve the health of people, animals, or the environment.

For hundreds of years, they have existed in communities to help people with their wellbeing through their knowledge and use of plants - though they are not a medical doctor nor quite the same as a naturopath. Herbalists have a unique approach that blends ancient wisdom with a deep understanding of herbs and their healing properties.

Today, herbalists are employed in many fields, working as consultants in pharmacies, or working as consultants to the beauty and wellness industries in the formulation of all the supplements, teas, and natural health products. They may also work in holistic animal care, or grow and produce herbs for the health industries.

What is a Clinical Herbalist?

Clinical herbalists are practitioners of herbal medicine who help clients address health goals in a clinical setting by prescribing herbs to help people heal and recover from disease.

Clinical herbalists are holistic-minded, in that we treat the whole person, versus just his or her symptoms. We help our clients tackle the root of long-standing health patterns and imbalances by partnering with the right herbs that will help to bring the mind and body back into balance.

When we are working with a patient, it’s not just about herbs - we work to get the whole person back into balance with diet and nutrition, sleep and lifestyle adjustments with ongoing support and counselling.

The herbal blends we prescribe, recommend, and provide are intended to help people heal themselves faster on physical, mental, and emotional levels.

A clinical herbalist will also take into account a person’s body type and constitution, to match the right herbs to an individual and achieve a better result. These herbs which work well with your own body are referred to as “herbal allies”.

For instance:

I will prescribe adaptogenic herbs for someone suffering from long periods of stress and or insomnia. These are herbs that specifically nourish the adrenal glands and nervous system and provide extra energy and support during difficult periods. I will pick the herbs to match the patient’s unique constitution and medical needs.

The patient will also receive personalised diet and nutrition advice and support to work through any lifestyle blocks to reduce stress and increase relaxation.

Secondly, how to become a clinical herbalist?

It’s a demanding field requiring years of study into the fundamentals of herbal medicine including knowing the history, actions, safety, and dosage of more than 100 medicinal herbs. We also study anatomy, cell biology, and a huge range of health conditions of the body from childhood to elderly age.

My own journey involved an apprenticeship under the guidance of renowned herbalist Richard Whelan. This apprenticeship wasn’t just about learning to identify plants; it was an in-depth education in anatomy, human biology, plant biology, and the intricate ways that herbs interact with the body.

In clinical herbal training, we study how herbs affect different systems in the body—such as the nervous, digestive, immune, and endocrine systems—and how to address health imbalances effectively. This extensive training includes not only herbal remedies but also nutrition, pathology, and human physiology, enabling us to understand the human body and recognize how herbs can aid in specific health conditions.

A Holistic, Personalized Approach

One of the fundamental principles of clinical herbalism is that no two people are exactly alike. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, clinical herbalists work holistically. This means we assess the whole person—considering factors like diet, lifestyle, constitution, and current health concerns—to create individualized herbal formulas. Our goal is to identify and support your body’s unique needs, aligning natural remedies with your constitution, body type, and condition.

In my practice, I may work with herbs such as calming chamomile for someone dealing with stress or circulation-boosting hawthorn for heart health, but each formula is crafted specifically for the individual. By customising treatments, I ensure the herbs chosen are both safe and effective for your specific needs.

The Role of Clinical Herbalists in Supporting Health

Clinical herbalists can support various health concerns, including:

• Stress and Anxiety Relief: Using calming, adaptogenic herbs to help balance the body’s response to stress.

• Digestive Support: Formulating gentle herbs to support digestion and ease discomfort.

• Immune Health: Using herbs with immune-supporting properties to build resilience, especially during seasonal changes.

• Hormonal Balance: Working with herbs that support a balanced endocrine system, beneficial for reproductive health, menopause, and more.

• Sleep Issues: Creating personalised formulas that promote restful sleep without dependency.

As a clinical herbalist, my work isn’t just about addressing symptoms; it’s about supporting your overall well-being and helping you achieve a more balanced, resilient state of health.

Finally, Why See a Clinical Herbalist?

If you’re seeking natural health solutions but feel overwhelmed by conflicting information, seeing a trained clinical herbalist provides clarity and guidance. I’ll walk with you on a path toward natural wellness, using herbs thoughtfully and carefully to support your body and lifestyle.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic issues or simply want to improve your health holistically, I can create a plan that works for you.

Ready to Explore Herbal Health?

As a clinical herbalist, I’m passionate about bringing the benefits of herbal medicine to my community. If you’re curious about how herbal medicine might help you, I invite you to book a consultation and learn more about how herbs can support your unique health journey. Together, we’ll explore natural, effective solutions tailored just for you.