What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal Medicine is the use of whole plant preparations and is the oldest known form of medicine. It has been used for over 2,000 years and is still the major form of medicine for over 75% of the world’s population.
Herbal Medicines support the body's natural healing processes, and aim to treat the individual person as well as the disease. This means it can bring about a deep and lasting change.
Our ancestors used a variety of techniques to discover the most effective local plants for the treatment of illnesses. Advances in science have enabled a better understanding of the physiological effects of herbs on the human body and therefore their role in restoring health.
What is Mycotherapy?
Mycotherapy is using Medicinal Mushrooms and Fungi and I use it as part of my herbal practise. Medicinal mushrooms have a long history of usage especially in China and Japan. I usually prescribe them in capsules, powder or as part of the diet. I am a member of the UK and Ireland Mycotherapy Practitioners register: UKI Mycotherapy Practitioners Register - Home (ukimpr.ie) .
What is a Medical Herbalist?
As a Medical Herbalist I work with plants following their traditional uses and modern scientifically backed research. I aim to treat the underlying causes of disease rather than just the symptoms and prescribe herbs in individualised prescriptions and offer diet and lifestyle advice which may be used alongside other medications and treatments.
I can support people with a wide range of conditions from coughs & colds, urinary tract infections; through to chronic conditions such as menstrual issues, anxiety and depression, insomnia, skin problems, arthritic type conditions, digestive issues, respiratory and circulatory issues.
I mainly prescribe herbs as a blend of tinctures (water and alcohol extracts of herbs) these are really easy to take as only a small amount (around a teaspoon) is required two or three times daily and also teas made from infusions of herbs, often blended together. I also use capsules, powders, ointments and creams. 
About Emma
As a child I was passionate about nature, walking in the countryside and helping my parents in the garden. I became curious to learn more about which plants we could eat and discovered that plants could be used as medicine. I was fascinated. I contacted my local Medical Herbalist and she invited me to spend time in her clinic and attend her herb walks and talks. I was sure then that I wanted to train as a Medical Herbalist.
I completed a four year honours degree in herbal medicine at Middlesex University, graduating in 2005. The degree covered orthodox medicine as well as plant medicine and training in the same clinical diagnostic skills as a GP. I then joined the National Institute of Medical Herbalists which is the oldest professional organisation of practising medical herbalists worldwide and provides continued professional development for its members: National Institute of Medical Herbalists - The United Kingdom's leading professional body of herbal practitioners (nimh.org.uk) .
I have been practising in Chichester; close to Bognor Regis, Arundel, Littlehampton and Rustington for over 18 years.
I became a Reiki Practitioner in 2018, a Specialist Medicinal Mushroom Practitioner in 2023 and a HeartMath Certified Practitioner also in 2023.
I feel that these additional disciplines really complement my work as a Herbalist and allow me to provide a good basis to support my patients with an individual and well rounded approach to a wide range of conditions.
"I believe Herbal Medicine is the medicine of the people and this is what inspires me to run regular workshops, talks and Herb Walks."
