Studying at CNM was transformative

Returning to education after many years, I felt welcomed into a special herbal lineage under the guidance of Peter Jackson-Main, CNM’s Herbal Medicine course director. The lecturers were inspiring and passionate, and the combination of practical training and clinical experience gave me the confidence to practice professionally. I especially resonated with Ayurvedic philosophy and elements of Chinese medicine, learning to balance energetics and tailor treatments to each client.

I work as a practising herbalist from my West Sussex home and online through zoom, making bespoke remedies for clients with complaints ranging from arthritis and anxiety to digestive and nervous system issues. Digestion is the seat of many complaints and something I like to use functional medicine testing for. I forage many of the herbs myself – hawthorn, feverfew, lemon balm, St John’s Wort, and even elderberries for my homemade elderberry syrup – believing that the intention and energy put into medicine-making enhance their healing power.

Chronic palpations and anxiety case

One memorable successful case involved a client with chronic palpitations and anxiety. After years of being told it was his ‘new normal’, he worked with me on a personalised protocol including herbs, supplementation, dietary changes and Qi Gong. Within a month, he was already 80% improved and his palpitations were almost gone.