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National Institute of Medical Herbalists

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National Institute of Medical Herbalists

Find a herbalist near you at www.nimh.org.uk Members have undergone a lengthy training program before registering as qualified medical herbalists.
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We are the leading professional body for Medical Herbalists, providing support for members and campaigning for the recognition of the role of herbal medicine as an integral part of everyday healthcare. The National Institute of Medical Herbalists is the largest professional body regulating medical herbalists in the United Kingdom. It was first established as the National Association of Medical Herbalists in 1864 by a group of herbalists from the north of England, but currently has members in several countries. Practitioners train for at least three years at Baccheloriate level including over 500 hours of clinical practice, and adhere to a strict code of conduct before they can gain MNIMH after their name. NIMH-registered medical herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic skills as mainstream doctors and take a holistic approach to health.

30/01/2026

✨ MONTHLY HERBAL SERIES ✨
February: A vitamin-rich fruit that helps with aches and pains
Rosehip - Rosa canina and other species

This month in our Power of Plants Magazine (buy it here - https://nimh.org.uk/shop/8187/ ), National Institute of Medical Herbalists member and registered herbalist Forage Botanicals Ltd.discusses sustainable British healing herbs. One of these is the common dog rose (Rosa canina), a beautiful climbing shrub that produces gorgeous ruby red, oval fruit, known as ‘hips’ in Autumn. The hips can still be spotted in the hedgerows in January and February. Although they are no longer ideal for making herbal medicine at this point, they are an important source of winter food for birds.

Some people may remember being given doses of rosehip syrup as an immune-supporting source of vitamin C. Herbalists also harness its powers for aches, pains and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis. Clinical trials confirm that rosehip powder consistently reduces osteoarthritic pain and inflammation, outperforming placebo and without the digestive upset of a typical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Another study found that its galactolipid content offers targeted reductions in pain and rheumatic inflammation.

Many of the different types of British wild and cultivated roses have hips that can be used to make syrups. Have you made syrup before or do you remember being given a dose? What is your favourite rose to use? Tell us more in the comments 🌹🌿👇🏻

26/01/2026

Sustainability is the theme for this season’s Power of Plants magazine. Our editor Jenny Carden-Porrett interviewed Ann Armbrecht of the Sustainable Herbs Initiative (SHI) to find out more.

As an anthropologist by training and then a herbalist student with Rosemary Gladstar, Ann has a deep interest in the relationships that we have with people and plants. According to Ann, the aim of SHI's work is “to be a North Star” and help guide people inside and outside the herbal industry to source and buy herbal products that support health in its widest sense. Ann has some suggestions of where we can all start, whether we are herbalists, herbal product companies or consumers.

- Grow and harvest some of your own herbs. It gives real insight into the work and the costs involved to produce high quality medicinal plants.

- Take a deep dive into one herb - where it grows, how it grows, who produces or harvests it and its conservation status. Follow its journey and share that with others, whether in your herbal practice or herbal community.

- Ask questions of the companies that you buy herbs, herbal supplements or herbal products from. Do they know where their herbs come and if not, why not? Let them know why this matters. SHI is also producing a new consumer guide to help with this.

- If you are a company sourcing medicinal plants, join an SHI Learning Lab. They bring together stakeholders from across the global supply chain to explore how to make meaningful change in the herbal industry.

The next Learning Lab starts on January 27th, DM for more information.

09/01/2026

The Winter edition of our Power of Plants magazine is out soon! ❄️ 📖

This edition includes:
🌿Sustainable Herbalism: A guide for medical herbalists by Jonas Brab
🌿Harnessing wild British herbs: Sustainable solutions for Women's health by Natasha Richardson
🌿 Foraging sustainably-is it possible? By Mark Williams
🌿Sustainability of our herbs by Dylan Warren-Davis
🌿Curious cures for curios minds by Suzann Elsahen
🌿Clinic tour with Sue Bottomley by Jan Alton

PoP Magazine gives you a quarterly dose of articles, opinion, research and updates, showcasing all of the amazing ways that plants, practitioners and people interact. 🪴 😀

Full Members of the Institute receive a free copy of our magazine.
Not a member? You can buy an issue, or subscribe, on our website (link in bio)

Happy herbal reading!

05/01/2026

Culpeper’s Warming and Protective Herbs

📚 Our Library holds two remarkable editions of Culpeper’s Complete Herbal both beautifully illustrated (1849 & 1865). Long before the rise of modern medicine, herbalists turned to 'nature’s pharmacy' for comfort and resilience. Among the most influential voices was Nicholas Culpeper, whose Complete Herbal (1653) endures as a cornerstone of Western herbal knowledge. By translating and publishing medical texts into English rather than Latin, Culpeper opened the door for ordinary people to understand and use herbal remedies, breaking down barriers between medical expertise and everyday practice. Today we are highlighting the herbs he described as warming and protective remedies for the winter months, that continue to inspire herbal practice today.

Culpeper highlighted herbs with warming qualities as essential allies during the colder months. Rosemary was praised for 'strengthening the heart and lifting the spirits', while sage was valued for 'sharpening the senses and drying excess moisture in the body'. Thyme and hyssop were trusted companions for winter coughs, helping to clear phlegm and ease respiratory discomfort. Culpeper cited these herbs for not only warming the body but also invigorating digestion and circulation, counteracting the sluggishness of damp, cold weather.

Alongside warming herbs, Culpeper emphasised plants that offered protection against seasonal illnesses. Garlic, with its pungent strength, was described as a safeguard against 'putrid diseases,' fortifying the immune system and defending against infection. Elder, with its blossoms and berries, was a trusted remedy for fevers and colds, soothing the body and supporting recovery. These protective herbs were seen not only as treatments but as preventative measures, shielding the body from winter’s challenges.

Culpeper also recognised the emotional toll of winter, he noted herbs such as rosemary and borage for their ability to 'lift melancholy and restore cheer', reminding us that herbal medicine addresses both mind and body.

The Complete Herbal has been in print for over 370 years and these fabulous editions are housed in our Exeter office. 🌿

31/12/2025

Happy New Year from the National Institute of Medical Herbalists 🎉

We would like to wish you all the very best for the new year.

Herbal medicine has long offered support through the changing seasons, and our members are here to continue that tradition with care and expertise. If you’re curious about exploring herbs for your wellbeing, the new year is a wonderful time to start your herbal journey.

Together, let’s make 2026 a year of growth, resilience, and shared learning.

From all of us at the Institute 🌿

26/12/2025

🎄🍵✨ Spiced Chai Festivi-Tea
Warming spices of chai with festive herbal notes

🫖 How to brew your festivi-Tea:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan
add a cinnamon stick
2–3 cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
2–3 whole cloves
½ tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp dried orange peel
1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Simmer gently for about 5 minutes to release the flavours

Next, add 2 tsp loose black tea (or 2 tea bags)
simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
Pour in 1 cup of milk
sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.
Bring back to a gentle boil, then strain into mugs and serve hot 🍵✨.

❄️☕🌿 Why its perfect right now:
Get in the festive mood with a blend of spice, citrus, and herbs
Chai’s warming spices, boosts immunity & supports circulation with
thyme and orange peel, supporting immunity

24/12/2025

Seasonal Greetings from the National Institute of Medical Herbalists 🌟 🌿

As the year draws to a close, we would like to extend our heartfelt seasonal greetings to all our followers.

Thank you for being part of this vibrant herbal community and for the dedication, passion, and care you bring to the world of herbal medicine.

With our very best wishes and herbal love for a joyful festive season.

From all of us at the Institute 🌿✨

18/12/2025

🌿 Herb of the Month: Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Medicinal Reputation: Thyme has long been valued in natural medicine, thanks to the powerful compounds in its essential oils, especially thymol and carvacrol. These natural ingredients have been shown to fight bacteria, viruses, and even fungi. For the lungs, thyme helps relax spasms in the airways, making breathing easier, and also supports the clearing of mucus when you cough. In the digestive system, it eases bloating and discomfort, while its slightly bitter taste helps stimulate digestion. Thyme also contains tannins, which gently tone tissues and support gut health. For centuries, people have trusted thyme for coughs, colds, and other respiratory troubles with modern research continuing to back up thyme's medicinal properties. Brewed as a tea, mixed into honey, or added to meals, thyme is the perfect herb to support winter wellness.

Thyme through the Ages: Native to the Mediterranean, thyme was used by ancient Egyptians, valued for its preservative and antibacterial qualities, it was used in embalming practices to slow decomposition and masked odours with its pleasant aroma. In ancient Rome, thyme was a symbol of courage and vitality. Soldiers bathed in thyme oil before battle, believing its essence bestowed bravery, strength, and courage. Carrying sprigs with them on campaigns, as the Roman legions marched across Europe, they spread both the plant and its reputation. The Greeks burned it in temples and carried sprigs into war for courage. By the Middle Ages, thyme had become a token of valour and protection, worn by knights and relied upon in households as a remedy for respiratory and digestive ailments. During the 17th Century Nicholas Culpeper, documented thymes warming and strengthening properties, cementing its place in Western herbal knowledge 'It is a noble strengthener of the lungs, as notable a one as grows'.

Herb Care: A hardy perennial shrub, thyme thrives in dry conditions and can withstand light winter frosts. While it may be harvested during the colder months, its growth slows in December so be gentle and pick only the soft green tops to encourage healthy regrowth in spring. Dried thyme retains much of its flavour, making it a reliable kitchen staple year round.

🍵 Simple Remedy: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried thyme in freshly boiled water for 10 minutes to soothe sore throats and ease congestion.

⚠️ Note: Always seek guidance from a qualified medical herbalist before using herbs medicinally. 👉 https://nimh.org.uk/find-a-herbalist/

12/12/2025

Bringing Herbal Medicine into Public Healthcare 🌿✨
Extended Access: Purchase Conference Access Until 25 December

In our 161st year, we celebrated Integrative Healthcare, bringing together herbalists, pharmacists, doctors, and other professionals to share insights from practice and their visions for the future of collaborative medicine. With hundreds of medical herbalists, students, and healthcare practitioners joining us, the Herbal Medicine Conference 2025 proved to be an unmissable event.

Among the highlights was speaker Alex Laird, who also contributed to our Power of Plants magazine with an article on integrating herbal medicine into public healthcare. At Whipps Cross Hospital, Alex Laird and dermatologist Professor Anthony Bewley co‑founded a pioneering herbal teaching clinic where medical and herbal students work side by side, demonstrating how integrative medicine can truly benefit patients. Beyond the hospital setting, inspiring community projects such as Living Medicine and The Herbal Barge are empowering people to use everyday plants for wellbeing.

📖 Read more by Alex Laird, “Herbal Medicine Integration into Public Healthcare,” to discover how this movement is transforming health from the ground up:
👉https://buff.ly/wVp3vLa
Or find the full article in the Autumn 2025 edition of our Power of Plants Magazine:
👉 https://buff.ly/KnAElJB

🎟️ You can purchase access to the Herbal Medicine Conference 2025 until 25 December:
👉 https://buff.ly/o09PddT

08/12/2025

Winter Wellness: Herbs & Herbalists 🌿❄️

During the cold months, many people experience fatigue, lowered immunity, and seasonal illnesses, making winter wellness herbs an important natural support.

✨ Elderberry - prized for its antiviral properties and commonly used to reduce the severity of colds and flu.
🌿 Echinacea - helps stimulate the immune system, making it more resilient against infections.
✨ Ginger - warms the body, aids digestion, and reduces inflammation.
🌿 Turmeric - valued for its anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it supports joint health and strengthens immunity.

Herbs provide an integrative approach to staying strong and healthy through winter, offering both preventive and restorative benefits. While these herbs can offer powerful support, working with a qualified herbalist ensures they’re used safely and effectively, tailored to your unique needs.

Why see a Herbalist?
Professional training → Medical herbalists complete thousands of hours of study and clinical practice, ensuring safe and effective care.
Personalise support → Tailor herbs to your constitution, lifestyle, and health needs.
Navigate safety → Ensure herbs don’t interact with medications or conditions.
Deeper understanding → Herbalists are trained in pathophysiology, meaning they treat the root causes of illness, not just symptoms.
Expert Guidance → Learn to integrate herbs safely and effectively into daily life.
Holistic care → Herbalists look at the whole picture, diet, stress, sleep, and environment not just symptoms. 🌿

👉 Find a qualified herbalist near you using our tool: https://buff.ly/qJppP0R

04/12/2025

📚✨ We’re delighted to share a very generous donation to our Exeter library!

The collection now includes two rare treasures: The Philosophy of Physio-Medicalism by Thurston (1900) and Specific Medication by Scudder (1898). 🌿

This remarkable collection includes nearly 150 historical books, among them an early copy of Gerard’s Herbal, a true treasure of botanical history.

Due to their age and rarity, these volumes are available for reference use only. But we warmly invite anyone with an interest in herbal medicine, history, or rare books to come and explore the library.

01/12/2025

🎄 Christmas is just around the corner only a few weeks to go!

🌟 Get ahead of the festive rush and delight your loved ones with thoughtful herbal-inspired gifts.

🎁 Choose from a Herbal Magazine subscription a gift that lasts all year or a handy herbal tote bag, perfect for everyday use and eco-friendly living and much more, check out our shop https://buff.ly/s0VDoJF

💌 Complete the magic with our botanical Christmas cards, and wrap your presents in our gorgeous herbal festive paper and gift tags for the ultimate seasonal touch.

✨ What better way to share herbal festive wishes than with gifts that bring nature, wellness, and joy to the season!

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Clover House, James Court, South Street
Exeter
EX11EE

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 12pm

Telephone

+441392426022

Website

http://www.nimh.org.uk/

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The National Institute of Medical Herbalists is the largest professional body regulating medical herbalists in the United Kingdom. It was first established as the National Association of Medical Herbalists in 1864 by a group of herbalists from the north of England, but currently has members in many countries. Members have undergone a lengthy training program before registering as qualified medical herbalists. Practitioners train for at least three years to BSc level including over 500 hours of clinical practice, and adhere to a strict code of conduct before they can gain MNIMH after their name. NIMH-registered medical herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic skills as mainstream doctors and take a holistic approach to health.