About Me
Hello, I’m Ros, a qualified Herbal Medicine Practitioner. I undertook herbal medicine training over almost 5 years, though I consider my learning about plant and human connections, and the natural world, to be a lifelong journey and passion.
I began my education in medical herbalism with Betonica in Somerset, followed by practitioner training with the The Plant Medicine School who are Irish based with an Exmoor branch. Practitioner training enabled me to deepen skills in consultation, herbal therapeutics and understanding diverse theories of medicine. These modalities and viewpoints compliment and enhance a biomedical and research based framework of practice. Now qualified I work for the The Plant Medicine school as a student mentor, providing one to one support to students beginning their practitioner journey.
I completed 500 hours of clinical training and enjoyed being part of several busy student clinics providing health consultations. I contributed to a wide range of personalised herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle plans for people from all walks of life. There was a focus on the whole person, their constitution, their likes and dislikes, and creative problem solving around plant medicine including nutritional and lifestyle options.
I take a person centred and holistic approach, meaning looking at patterns of human health and the natural word in a broad and interconnected sense. Person centred care is a framework of key principles in healthcare provision. It means your health consultation and treatment is based on what matters most to you. You will be involved in your care whilst being supported with the information you need.
I am a member of the Irish Register of Herbalists and abide by their code of conduct (https://irh.ie/). You can see my ethical principles and core values on the consultation page which inform my philosophy of practice. I maintain full practice insurance and hold a Disclosure Scotland/DBS check (level 2).
There is further information about my training, experience and background below, as I understand this information can be useful when choosing a practitioner.
I hope I can support you in your health, and in finding the approaches and practices which will be helpful for you. You’re welcome to make contact and I’ll be happy to answer any questions.
Qualifications & Experience
Whilst completing herbal medicine practitioner training with The Plant Medicine School my final research project focused on addiction and botanical pathways in treatment. I have an interest in emotional wellbeing and our connections with others and the natural world.
Whilst training I worked in administrative and operational support within counselling, health and social care. This included Bath Centre for Psychotherapy & Counselling, Bristol Carers Support Centre and the National Centre for Integrative Medicine where I supported delivery of their Diploma in Integrative Medicine. Experiencing these diverse frameworks of healthcare has helped shape and deepen my practice.
Prior to herbal medicine training I undertook a BSc (Hons) degree at the School of Textiles and Design in the Scottish borders. Following this I spent 15 years working within product development and quality assurance roles. My time within the Rohan team working on outdoor gear was a highlight. I enjoyed the attention to detail and creative problem solving in getting things right for the wearers.
Training and Interests
My herbal practice is informed by ongoing professional development. I have an understanding of trauma-informed care, neurodiversity, social justice, and safeguarding. I’m able to support clients with a wide range of experiences in an inclusive way.
Recent training includes:
Herbalism, PTSD & Traumatic Stress with Solidarity Apothecary
Understanding Family Estrangement with Cornell Cooperative Extension
Autism Awareness with Weston College
Oliver McGowan Autism & Learning Disability Training (Tier Two) with the NHS
Boundaries Training with The Peer Partnership
It’s All About Race with The Diversity Trust
Safeguarding with the Bristol Carers Support Centre
Personal background
I grew up on a farm in rural Orkney and previously spent eight years in Bristol where I was inspired by the vibrant socialist outlook and that of community support and self-organisation. I had an allotment there where I grew simple food and herbs for the kitchen.
I came to herbal medicine after experiencing the benefits of using herbs and nutrition to support myself during a period of health problems, reactions to foods and post-viral fatigue. I experienced surgery, and it going wrong. An artery and vein was cut meaning subsequent major surgery to save my leg, which resulted in physical disability for a time period, alongside ongoing problems in recovery. I found using plants in various ways helped me to adapt to post-operative difficulties, recuperate strength and resilience, and counter side effects. Having plant allies and options reduced my fear and it was empowering to explore my health in new ways. Like many others who have experienced being unwell, the route onwards was a path of learning, support and connections with community and an ongoing healing journey.
