Greenleaves Herbal Pharmacy

The art of using plants to make medicine has existed for thousands of years. Herbal remedies are not only used during times of illness, but part of your daily routine to remain healthy and vibrant.

What is Herbal Pharmacy?

This is the method of preparation of herbal remedies in all forms, tea infusion & decoctions, tinctures, infused oils, ointments, syrups, oxymels, emulsions (creams), capsules, suppositories, pessaries and more.

In herbal pharmacy, there are six solvents that are used to extract therapeutic constituents from the herbs to make remedies. Each solvent has the ability to extract different types of chemical constituents with different actions from the plants. Using the right solvent with the right plant (with its own unique chemical profile) is vital to making the most effective remedies.

These solvents are Water, Alcohol, Oil & Fat, Glycerine, Vinegar, Honey & Sugars. As you will see, each solvent produces different types of remedies.

Herbal Pharmacy Workshops

Greenleaves’ workshops are based around the solvents used in herbal pharmacy.

You will learn how to make remedies that are based on the seven solvents mentioned. You will also explore the actions of various plants and learn herbal pharmacy skills through demonstrations and fun, practical, hands-on sessions. I also have lots of interesting herb-related stories and anecdotes I would love to share with you.

As well as practical, hands-on skills, there will be a short true or false quiz (nothing too heavy!) at the end of the session. I find this really helps participants to see whether they have a good understanding of the basics.

Water-based Remedies Workshop

Water, also known as the universal solvent, has the ability to extract the greatest variety of chemical constituents from plants.

Glycerine & Sweet Remedies Workshop

Glycerine is made from the digestion of oils and fats. Syrup is sugar dissolved in water. Herbal syrups contain an infusion or decoction of plain water.

Alcohol-based Remedies

Tinctures are made with either fresh or dried plant material steeped in alcohol. Cordials are sweetened alcoholic drinks, that are very palatable.

Vinegar-based Remedies

Oil & Fat-based Remedies Workshop

Date: Cost: £80.00 There is a natural progression from making herb-infused oils, followed by ointments and ultimately to formulating creams.  Formulating creams is extremely satisfying.  The process of combining oil and water with an emulsifier to create a silky-smooth fluffy emulsion is quite magical.  Once you know how to make a cream you can make

Topical Applications

Date: Cost: £80.00 Join me for a workshop where we will revive and revisit the art of poulticing, making compresses and Plaisters. Poultices, Plasters & Compresses were once commonly used for the treatment of wounds, bites, stings, bruises, rashes and the like. It is a shame that, in our modern world of haste and bustle,

Raw Food & Healthy Eating Specialist

Passionate raw food enthusiast, Patricia Ferguson is the only medical herbalist in the UK who combines living food teaching with herbal medicine. After discovering how enzymes in living food benefit your health, improve your looks and increase vitality, she pursued her interest further. Now, she successfully teaches others how to incorporate raw foods into their lives.

A member of the Permaculture Association, her interest in self-sufficiency and sustainable living extends beyond her practice. Find out more by contacting Patricia on 0203 369 0771, or simply email your enquiry here.