Discovering the Power of Plants with Kate, Medical Herbalist at Meadows Wellbeing
This month, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kate, our wonderful Medical Herbalist here at Meadows Wellbeing.
Kate holds an Honours Degree in Herbal Medicine, with training spanning phytotherapy, nutrition, aromatherapy, clinical examination and diagnosis, pharmacology and more. With over 20 years of experience working with herbs, her depth of knowledge is remarkable. But what truly stands out is how warm and genuinely passionate she is about what she does.
Her clinical training has included time at Whipps Cross Dermatology Department and at The Haven Breast Cancer Centre in London, giving her experience that beautifully bridges traditional plant medicine with modern medical understanding.
A Legacy Rooted in the Land
Kate’s journey into herbalism began long before her degree. Inspired by her nanny, great granny and generations before them, she follows in the footsteps of a long line of herbalists dating back to the 16th century.
With a deep love for native British plants (many of which she grows and harvests herself!) Kate believes the rich flora of the British Isles provides us with everything we need to support our health. It’s fascinating to learn that nearly 75% of modern medicines have their origins in plant compounds. As Kate explained, plant phytochemicals work along similar pathways in the body to conventional medicines - something modern research continues to validate.
There’s something incredibly reassuring about that blend of tradition and science.
What to Expect from a Consultation
Kate’s process is thorough, thoughtful and completely individual.
Your first appointment is a one-hour consultation, where she explores your lifestyle, medical history and current concerns in detail. She may check your blood pressure, pulse, blood oxygen levels and breath strength etc - taking the time to truly understand your body as a whole.
From there, she creates a bespoke herbal prescription tailored specifically to you.
Most commonly, this comes in the form of a tincture. Typically a blend of 4–6 herbs extracted in alcohol. (Kate did warn me they can taste a little bitter… but interestingly, she mentioned bitterness on the tongue actually stimulates digestion!) Alcohol-free options are available, along with topical creams, capsules or loose herbal teas.Every formula is handcrafted around your needs, your preferences and your lifestyle.
A follow-up appointment usually takes place four weeks later to assess progress and make any adjustments. It’s a collaborative, evolving process - and Kate encourages her clients to understand what they’re taking and why, empowering them throughout.
From Eczema to Empowerment
When I asked Kate if a particular success story stood out, she shared a moment from her time living in Wales.
A local butcher approached her, desperate for help with his twin nieces who were suffering from severe eczema. Bath time had become traumatic. Their skin was so sore that they would scream in pain. Kate created a soothing gel and waited.
The next time she saw him, he was overwhelmed with gratitude. Their skin had transformed. The eczema had cleared. Bath time was peaceful again.
It confirmed her calling and led her to formally study and gain her degree in Medical Herbalism and continues to make a huge difference in many of her clients' lives.
Supporting Both Body and Mind
Kate also spoke about her time working at The Haven Breast Cancer Centre in London, where she supported women navigating complex hormonal changes, including treatment-induced menopause. Herbal medicine can be incredibly supportive during these times (not just physically) but emotionally too.
That’s what makes herbalism so special. It treats the whole person, not just the condition.
From hormonal imbalance and skin conditions to immunity, stress, anxiety, post-viral recovery and digestive issues - the scope is so broad. And at this time of year especially, herbal support for immunity can make a real difference.
The Drovers Daughter
Outside of clinic life, Kate also runs her own business, The Drovers Daughter — a lovely nod to her father, who played in a country and western band called The Drovers. Living on a farm, the name feels beautifully fitting. Through her shop, she offers organic and natural products inspired by her love of the land and traditional remedies.
Spending time with Kate left me feeling intrigued, reassured and genuinely excited about the potential of plant medicine. Her knowledge is extensive, but it’s her calm confidence and deeply personal approach that make you feel truly supported.
If you’ve been struggling with a long-standing issue, feeling run down, navigating hormonal changes or simply curious about a more natural approach to your health, booking in with Kate could be the first step towards something transformative.
Your body is unique… and your treatment should be too!
On the 11th April 2026 Kate is doing a workshop at Meadows Wellbeing, it explores the origins and science of herbal medicine, with a seasonal focus on spring herbs. The session includes an informative talk, a guided herb walk, and a hands-on making workshop where you’ll create your own herbal tincture and salve to take home. Book your tickets by clicking HERE.
