Bespoke Botanicals

23/01/2025

It’s been a while since I shared a testimonial but I was absolutely blown away by this review from a current client. If you are struggling with symptoms of the perimenopause and are considering a herbal approach please do get in touch for a chat about what I can offer
info@bespokebotanicals.co.uk

22/01/2025

https://www.herbalreality.com/herbalism/herbal-research/evidence/chemical-complexity-in-medicines-herbal-constituents-vs-pharmaceutical-compounds/?utm_campaign=feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio

Herbs contain an abundance of constituents that interact to produce an effect. Drugs are singular compounds targeted to specific receptors. How do they differ?

19/12/2024

What do you think of this statement?

I’m going to take issue with it as a blanket statement (though I do appreciate it is about context, and I absolutely support trusting your intuition and saying no if needed)

The thing is, we can also set limits on ourselves that aren’t helpful. We might feel ‘uncomfortable’ doing things differently to our norm, but our norm might not be helpful to our development. I’m looking at fellow imposter syndrome folk, or those who hold back, or always put others first.

Some of my best decisions have been when I stepped out of my comfort zone. How about you?

If you're not sure, it's a no. If you don't want to, it's a no. If you're not ready, it's a no. If your intuition says no, it's a no. If it feels bad, fake, forced, off, uncomfortable, or weird, it's a no. Maturity is saying no without apologizing when enforcing your boundaries.

19/12/2024

How is a herbalist different than a naturopath?

Herbalists work exclusively with plant base medicine, our training is dedicated to the healing properties of plants. Herbalists are THE experts on plant medicine.

Medical Herbalist and Naturopaths both utilise natural therapies, but they differ in their scope, philosophy, and focus.

Medical herbalists undergo extensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, phytochemistry, biochemistry and clinical medicine. Training includes understanding how herbs interact with medications and the body’s physiology.

We utilize our in-depth knowledge of medicinal plants, their pharmacology, and their therapeutic applications to treat both acute and chronic conditions.

We integrate conventional medical understanding with the herbal approach and are skilled in creating personalized herbal prescriptions based on a patient’s medical history, physical examination, and presenting symptoms.

Our focus is on restoring balance and we rely on body's inherent ability to heal itself, using herbs as catalysts for healing.

Naturopaths use a wide range of therapies, including nutrition, lifestyle changes, herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, and physical therapies like hydrotherapy or massage.
A naturopath is a generalist in these areas of holistic healing rather than a specialist. It is a fine line though as many herbalists will also offer nutrition or lifestyle advie and some may be homeopaths or accupuncturists however to be a Herbalist means you have studied extensively plant medicine, human anatomy and are an expert in the field of plant medicine first and foremost.

To summarise Medical Herbalists are the experts on plant-based medicine. Naturopaths are generalists and use a combination of therapies. Both are awesome! We often compliement each other.

18/10/2024

Happy World Menopause Day!

I could write a novel now but I won't.
Instead I focus on something very simple.

Please carry on talking about how you feel; physically, emotionally and mentally.

Please don't think you are the only person who is feeling strange.

Please remember, there is a lot of support available.

Please don't feel awkward to ask for help.

Please remember, menopause is a stage in our lives that can be exciting, liberating and positive.

Please don't believe you are selfish if you say No.

Please make sure to look into your diet, exercise regime and general lifestyle.

All of the above came up in a recent Menopause Workshop held by the fabulous Michaela Scott and myself. We will always be on a mission to make sure you will feel empowered and ready for your own unique menopause journey.

It is clear that a lot still needs to be done; more education, more menopause specialists, more willingness to openly talk about symptoms, making sure menopause is not a taboo topic and also making sure that people around you will listen and will support you.

Menopause is not a disease, it is a natural part of our lives. You may sail through it, you may not. For those of you who don't, please reach out and don't suffer in silence.

With love, Renni x

28/09/2024

I’ve been a bit quiet on here of late (all will be explained soon when I finally finish a blog that has taken me a long time to create) but I’ve been busy today doing some extra reading for our next Meno Pause Workshop and I wanted to share a bit about it with you.
and I have run Menopause Workshops together before; it’s a collaboration that works well because we have a shared vision of providing a safe space for women to share their menopause experience whilst learning about ALL of the options which may help on their journey.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ wonder pill.

For some women that might be HRT (& I do think it’s important to point out that just because I’m a herbalist it doesn’t mean I’m anti-HRT, for some women it is a lifesaver) but also some women can’t or don’t want to take HRT or find it doesn’t solve their issues. So we also talk about the other options available such as Herbal Medicine, nutritional and lifestyle changes, self-care and other support available.
It’s really important to both of us that the information we pass on to you is accurate and up to date, so alongside our original training we both undertake regular CPD courses and have amassed a library of books on the subject.
Knowledge is power. If you fully understand all the options available then you can make the decisions that are right for you, on your menopause journey.

The next workshop is Thursday 17th October 6.30-8.30pm at my clinic in Acomb.
For more details email me at info@bespokebotanicals.co.uk or Renni at renniprelle@aol.co.uk

28/08/2024

https://www.herbalreality.com/herbalism/home-herbalism/home-herbalism-when-to-see-herbalist/?utm_campaign=feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio

We share the potential and limitations of home herbalism to support your health. Also find out when to consult a herbalist.

30/06/2024

Ooh, if you like the sound of an iced chicory, dandelion root and cardamom latte you are going to want to click this link!

Dandelion's historical use in cultures around the world highlights its value in herbalism and holistic wellness practices. Learn more about wild and abundant dandelion and how to use it for wellness.

30/05/2024

https://www.herbalreality.com/herbalism/safety/supporting-doctors-how-herbs-can-help-reduce-antibiotic-overprescribing/

The overuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance and higher risk of major health issues. We share how herbalism can help.

11/05/2024

How do you relax? I'd really love to hear what works for you.

For reasons I'll explain another time l've had to take it a bit easy recently and I realised I'm not very good at keeping still! Don't get me wrong, I do have a number of things I do to 'relax' but my go-to's when I need a bit of me-time tend to be going to the gym, or swimming or gardening. I'm definitely an 'active relaxer'!

My other half in contrast is an expert at chilling out and can easily spend hours just sitting reading or doing a crossword.

How about you?

08/05/2024

A post by another herbalist about the simple Daisy, prompted me to reshare this blog I wrote a few years ago.

If you are taking part in (or even if you aren't) you may be noticing clusters of daisies brightening up your lawn.
But did you know, like the much maligned dandelion, the humble daisy also has medicinal properties?

Some of my earliest childhood memories are potion making. Rose petal perfume; fairy mirrors made from a combination of twisted stems & cobwebs dipped in milk; nettle and liquorice root tea. When I was in the 4th Year of Juniors (now called Year 6) I wrote a detailed story about being shipwrecked on a desert island. I'm not quite sure what I did for food but I spent a lot of time gathering local plants and seaweeds to make my own shampoos and skincare!
I've never lost this fascination.

As a herbalist, I get quite frustrated when the more common herbs or weeds get overlooked for the next new Superfood or Wonder Tonic. But there is so much we can use that is all around us. I thought l'd share a few simple recipes that can be made with things we can easily find growing around us.

Daisies have a long history of use for bumps and bruises, as well as gout and rheumatic pain. They can be used in a similar way to Arnica. In this blog I explain how to make a simple Daisy bruise balm.

To make a daisy bruise balm you'll need:DaisiesOil (I use sweet almond oil, but you can use sunflower oil) A clear glass jam jar with a lidBeeswax (or soya

07/04/2024

I’m really loving how versatile my new treatment room is! It is big enough to be able to create ‘zones’ for consultations, group work, or massage; whilst still being warm and cosy and full of light. I just need a few more plants….