Cornwall Herbal Clinic

11/01/2026

These new US dietary guidelines are a huge step forward. The message Eat Real Food is the right one. Ok, there could be a few tweaks - where are herbs and spices? I'd like to see legumes!

Over the past week I have been scrutinising food labels more carefully than normal and I've been shocked at how frequently ultra processed food (UPF) sneaks into my reasonably healthy diet. Supermarket bread, when I can't get my usual local brand; 70% chocolate; croissants and even my beloved Belazu harissa paste!

I've been doing research on female health and how diet affects the microbiome and the oestrobolome which impact and . It's even more important than we thought. So pin this graphic to your cupboard or fridge and eat real food.

Official Food Pyramid of the new US Dietary Guidelines | 21 comments on LinkedIn

29/12/2025

Shatavari has much to offer throughout life, especially for women and it features regularly in my blends. We now have a little more understanding of its broad spectrum activity from this study showing Shatavari helping with lactation.

Its interesting to apply the 'doctrine of signatures', which says that a plant's appearance gives a clue to its action. Just look at those milky white flowers!

22/12/2025

I love a bit of medical history and while in Lyme Regis today I found a garden dedicated to Joseph Lister, pioneer of antiseptics and antiseptic surgical technique. He used carbolic acid to clean instruments and hands, and antiseptic sprays to reduce the microbial levels in the air of the operating theatre. Surgery, particularly amputation was a risky business back then but with Lister's techniques, survival rates improved from 50% to 85% .

21/12/2025

Juniper - not just for gin, although the flavour is lovely. Traditionally, a good urinary tract antiseptic (for short term use) as part of a herbal blend.

Pouring yourself a G&T sometime soon? Don’t forget to raise a glass to the juniper tree! 🥂

While gin can feature a mix of botanicals, it must include juniper to earn its name.

Sadly, juniper plants in the UK are declining due to habitat loss. That’s why we’ve safely stored a complete collection of native juniper seeds at -20°C in the underground vaults of our Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst — safeguarding their future, and our gin! 💚

21/12/2025

Winter solstice, despite its beauty, is a challenging time of year. Low light levels and too much time spent indoors can disrupt our hormonal status, impacting both melatonin (the sleep hormone) and serotonin (one of the drivers of mood). We can't move the sun but we can make small changes that add up to help us stay positive through the winter.
I recommend going outside in daylight, even on dull days, this will help mainatin circadian rythmn and serotonin. A light box or sunrise alarm clock is also worth trying. Then there are herbs that help. Maintaining elimination, immune ficntion and helping with mood , an individualised prescription can help you to enjoy these quiet months.
May the light shine on us all!

08/12/2025

A great local shop for fresh organic veg, meat, dairy and treats.😀

02/12/2025

This is olive leaf, dried and cut, ready to use as a tea. Olive leaf is renowned for improving blood lipids (LDL and cholesterol), but did you know that it can also improve other blood parameters such as haemoglobin and red blood cell count.

It's gentle enough to take instead of your regular teas. Studies suggest that results are evident after 6 to 8 weeks.

Taste wise it is quite pleasant, and even better with a squeeze of lemon.

01/12/2025

When we chew and consume brassicas, a compound called sulphoraphane is produced. Broccoli sprouts are the richest source of sulphoraphane precursors. These can be sprouted at home and eaten as a salad or side garnish. Sulphoraphane can be helpful for immunity, inflammatory skin conditions and hormone balance.

Including cabbage, broccoli, kale and especially broccoli sprouts in your diet is a great choice for many reasons, particularly gut health. The sulphoraphane released by chewing brassicas, activates a protein called Nrf2, which protects cells by upregulating many protective genes. However the level of Nrf2 provided by brassicas is not as high as found in some supplements. So why not take a supplement? Well, the research on supplements is still ongoing and there are questions about whether high doses of Nrf2 may cause harm in the long term

As always with health matters, it's not simple and there is always more to be understood. Meanwhile my advice is to include brassicas in your diet. Supplement these with fresh broccoli sprouts. If you have a health concern speak to your herbalist or naturopath about whether supplements are appropriate for you.

30/11/2025

When we chew and consume brassicas, a compound called sulphoraphane is produced. Broccoli sprouts are the richest source of sulphoraphane precursors. These can be sprouted at home and eaten as a salad or side garnish. Sulphoraphane can be helpful for immunity, inflammatory skin conditions and hormone balance.

Including cabbage, broccoli, kale and especially broccoli sprouts in your diet is a great choice for many reasons, particularly gut health. The sulphoraphane released by chewing brassicas, activates a protein called Nrf2, which protects cells by upregulating many protective genes. However the level of Nrf2 provided by brassicas is not as high as found in some supplements. So why not take a supplement? Well, the research on supplements is still ongoing and there are questions about whether high doses of Nrf2 may cause harm in the long term

As always with health matters, it's not simple and there is always more to be understood. Meanwhile my advice is to include brassicas in your diet. Supplement these with fresh broccoli sprouts. If you have a health concern speak to your herbalist or naturopath about whether supplements are appropriate for you.

28/11/2025

Ashwagandha is a plant from the ayurvedic tradition. Traditional use and research suggest that it may help manage stress, support energy levels, and promote sleep. Cognitive function, muscle recovery, and hormonal balance may also be improved.

Having grown this root for a few years, and experienced the fabulous, distinctive aroma, it's not just a textbook plant to me. I can appreciate it's complexity and unique properties.

The aroma is mainly due to molecules called alkylamides, similar to those found in Valerian root - another pungent herb. Both roots have traditional use to help promote sleep. There is so much science to learn about plant pharmacy and we still stand in awe of our ancestors' wisdom.

26/11/2025

Such a good harvest. It smells amazing!