Herbalist Services
We are currently living in the age of information overload via books, blogs, advertising and websites. I understand that you may feel overwhelmed by this especially if you have been trying to address your health concerns through your own research.
I invite you to experience the simplicity of working with me, a qualified natural health professional, by allowing me to diagnose and treat you based on clinical signs and symptoms, and through listening to your story.
The information, and therapeutic agents that I use to treat you, will be tradition-, and evidence-based.
We may be sitting on the verandah, walking the hills or consulting online.
I offer a phone call to explore whether my skills align with your needs, at no charge.
I invite you to experience the simplicity of working with me, a qualified natural health professional, by allowing me to diagnose and treat you based on clinical signs and symptoms, and through listening to your story.
The information, and therapeutic agents that I use to treat you, will be tradition-, and evidence-based.
We may be sitting on the verandah, walking the hills or consulting online.
I offer a phone call to explore whether my skills align with your needs, at no charge.
My private practice is open and I am available now for in-person in the Baton Valley, or online, wellness consultations. New patients are welcome. Appointments, or requests for an exploratory phone call, can be made via an email request.
I gained my Diploma in Clinical Herbal Medicine in 2002 from The Canterbury College of Natural Medicine after 3 years of full-time study and have been in practice, mostly part time, since. I trained in Natural Fertility Management and have worked extensively with reproductive health issues, endocrine and digestive disorders, and fatigue. I'm passionate about plant medicine.
I have always had a strong connection to nature. As a young St John Ambulance cadet I spent weekends assisting in rest homes with caring for elders, and I remember visiting the Weleda medicinal gardens in Havelock North and being enthralled by the scent of lemon balm as we walked through a huge patch of that vibrant herb. I did my last year of high school in Indonesia and at 21 worked on an ethnobotanical research expedition in the Sumatran rainforest witnessing indigenous people who totally depended on the plants for their healthcare. I was in awe of their integration with their natural environment.
Motherhood inspired me to learn more about wellbeing within a natural context – homeopathy, yoga, whole foods and herbs became a part of everyday life. I founded Moontime Aotearoa, an enterprise offering washable menstrual cloths in the early nineties, and have a long involvement in environmental activities.
I have worked as a healthcare assistant at Nelson Hospital in the physiotherapy, emergency, rehab and general medical departments, giving me insight into the mainstream health world, both its benefits and shortcomings.
I now dwell in a rural valley at the base of the mountains of Kahurangi National Park. The valley is home to many of the herbs which I utilise in my practice, and whilst its not yet practical for me to be wild-harvesting all the herbs I need, increasingly I am to offer more locally grown medicinal plants to my clients.
From spring 2026 I will be offering retreats based on the property where I live and expanding the scope of my health practice into the wilderness and tranquillity of the beautiful Baton Valley.
What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is the traditional healing form of all cultures and is still recognised in many parts of the world as the first medicine. It makes sense to use the plants around us to our benefit and our bodies can easily process them. Herbs rarely have side effects and nudge the body towards self-correction, safely and effectively.
Modern science increasingly supports the use of herbs for health as we come to understand their gentle yet effective nature. Treating the whole person and addressing many health conditions, herbal medicine has incredible potential to restore wellness and vitality.
Western herbal medicine is not the same as Chinese medicine nor homeopathy. It uses the actual plant material itself, and uses herbs mainly native to Europe and the American continents although more diverse herbs are continually being added. These may be Asian, Australian or New Zealand natives. Many of the plants used are growing around us right here in the Te Tau Ihu/Top of the South region.
Medical herbalists must train in anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, differential diagnosis and pharmacology as well as studying over one hundred herbs and their applications along with the philosophy of herbal medicine. The training involves 3 to 4 years full-time study including extensive clinical experience.
Modern science increasingly supports the use of herbs for health as we come to understand their gentle yet effective nature. Treating the whole person and addressing many health conditions, herbal medicine has incredible potential to restore wellness and vitality.
Western herbal medicine is not the same as Chinese medicine nor homeopathy. It uses the actual plant material itself, and uses herbs mainly native to Europe and the American continents although more diverse herbs are continually being added. These may be Asian, Australian or New Zealand natives. Many of the plants used are growing around us right here in the Te Tau Ihu/Top of the South region.
Medical herbalists must train in anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, differential diagnosis and pharmacology as well as studying over one hundred herbs and their applications along with the philosophy of herbal medicine. The training involves 3 to 4 years full-time study including extensive clinical experience.
Book Now
Baton Valley consults will entail a 25 minute drive from Woodstock Junction on a gravel road and a short walk to the house. Allow 50 minutes from Motueka or 90 minutes from Nelson. There are options to combine your consultation with a relaxation massage, a private yoga or pranayama session, or a wilderness walk. Please contact me to enquire for further details on these possibilities.
Fees
I am wanting to align with a future financial model that is about access, empowerment and evaluation so fees are on a sliding scale. New clients suggested fee is $150-$250 for up to 90 minutes, and follow up fee guideline is $50-$100 for up to 30 minutes. However I'd like you to pay the amount that is the right amount for you. If your financial means are limited, then you can choose a token amount. That makes this accessible to everyone.
Fees
I am wanting to align with a future financial model that is about access, empowerment and evaluation so fees are on a sliding scale. New clients suggested fee is $150-$250 for up to 90 minutes, and follow up fee guideline is $50-$100 for up to 30 minutes. However I'd like you to pay the amount that is the right amount for you. If your financial means are limited, then you can choose a token amount. That makes this accessible to everyone.
Please submit an enquiry for an appointment booking or exploratory phonecall/
What to Expect
I address most health conditions assessing dietary and lifestyle issues, your heath history and family health trends along with all your body systems to gain a whole picture of health in order to restore wellbeing. I take a comprehensive case, may perform a physical examination and may refer for blood tests if necessary.
I typically employ liquid herbal tinctures or herbal tablets in my treatment and sometimes I will recommend nutritional supplements.
I will advise you if I feel you should see your GP or another health professional.
Over years of working in health shops I have seen many people reach for random products on the shelf because their ‘friend said it worked’ or they ‘read about it on the internet’. So often in these cases I would say to the customer that I believed their money would be better spent consulting a qualified practitioner who can advise on the following important aspects of health products :
What I offer is unique, because no one else is quite like me. Or you. And recognising that is important.
Beware of internet health programs promising eternal health and happiness; you may be disappointed.
My job is to keep you healthy. What I guarantee is that I will give you my undivided attention and service, and work hard alongside you to navigate your way to better health. If you feel that I have not done this after your first consultation, I will refund your fee, no questions asked.
I typically employ liquid herbal tinctures or herbal tablets in my treatment and sometimes I will recommend nutritional supplements.
I will advise you if I feel you should see your GP or another health professional.
Over years of working in health shops I have seen many people reach for random products on the shelf because their ‘friend said it worked’ or they ‘read about it on the internet’. So often in these cases I would say to the customer that I believed their money would be better spent consulting a qualified practitioner who can advise on the following important aspects of health products :
- Diagnosis – do you understand what you are trying to treat and know that this is the best option to try?
- Quality – is this product likely to have the efficacy you need? Is it produced by a quality manufacturer?
- Dose – do you know how much you should be taking? It is important to understand the difference between a 'maintenance dose' and a 'therapeutic dose'.
What I offer is unique, because no one else is quite like me. Or you. And recognising that is important.
Beware of internet health programs promising eternal health and happiness; you may be disappointed.
My job is to keep you healthy. What I guarantee is that I will give you my undivided attention and service, and work hard alongside you to navigate your way to better health. If you feel that I have not done this after your first consultation, I will refund your fee, no questions asked.