Ruskin Apothecary

Herbalist, Author and Teacher of Insight Herbalism

I have a background in the sciences – after completing a chemistry degree at Edinburgh University I studied herbal medicine at post graduate level for four years in Scotland. I have been in practice as a herbalist and healer for 24 years.

My work as a herbalist and healer is to companion people on a journey inwards as they explore the root causes of illness and rekindle their body’s innate capacity to heal. This is often a fascinating work of investigation as we peel away layers, identifying subconscious impulses that fundamentally affect how we use our bodies, and therefore, how our bodies ‘use’ dis-ease, telling us when something is out of balance.

Over the past 20 years I’ve been co-developing the practice of Insight Herbalism. A style of practice (and now a 1500 hour professional training) that encourages clients to develop their own deep connection to each plant, and alongside a connection to their body’s response to that plant.

Unlike drugs, herbs tend to act gently and slowly, bringing about shifts at a deep level in our body – but also teaching the body how to be. Herbs, used in their complete form, act on every level of our being – our physical body, our emotions and our spirit. Their strength lies in being powerful allies to healing – ultimately all healing comes from ourselves, but herbs can act as companions, support and guides along the way.

My experience with patients has led me down many different avenues of healing: helping people understand their constitution and where their own power to heal lies, integrating early life trauma, resetting behavioural patterns learned from parents or society that no longer serve us.

I teach widely and really encourage people to self medicate and learn about herbs themselves. However, if you want to do deep and sustained healing it is invaluable having support through the process. By ourselves it’s very easy to lose the way, often my work is keeping you on a path towards strong health.

I’ve published three books exploring our work with experiential and intuitive herbalism. ‘Intuitive Herbalism’ (2014), ‘Weeds in the Heart‘ (2018) and ‘Wild Enchantments‘ (2024). In all of these books I’ve worked alongside artist Fiona Owen to create stunningly beautiful books and completed all production (printing, foiling and binding) locally in the UK in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

My particular interest underlying much of my work is bridging the gap between science and spirit and revitalising our connection to our land.

Experience and qualifications:

• Core 4 year training as a Medical Herbalist (National Institute of Medical Herbalists), which directly followed a degree in Chemistry (with a particular focus on pharmacology).
• Trainings in my twenties as Reiki Master (Lineage via William Lee Rand / Osho), Vortex Healing, Seichem, Theta Healing, Holistic Massage and Therapeutic Aromatherapy
• 23 years running a clinic as a Herbalist and Bodyworker, in which time I developed a practice we call ‘Listening Touch’ and founded a school for training herbalists.
• Over 15 years as director of the School of Intuitive Herbalism and founder of the Insight Herbalism qualification – learning constantly from the plants and students.

I consider myself Animist-Buddhist and am passionate about reawakening people’s connection to the web of consciousness we all live in.