Over the years I have bumped into master herbalist Nathaniel Hughes at various gatherings around the country. We never seemed to be able to spend much time together as our paths where literally criss-crossing.
That aside we both recognised that we were on a similar page when it came to meeting and working with plants. Nathaniel coming from a herbalist’s perspective, and myself coming from a forager’s perspective.
So finally, after what must be four years of missing each other, I finally caught up with Nathaniel at his beautiful apothecary at Ruskin Mill, just outside Stroud.
We chatted about all manner of things. Everything from…
- What is intuitive herbalism?
- Being with plants; objectivity versus subjectivity
- Knowing plants beyond intellect
- Meeting plants as acquaintances, friends and lovers
- Moving beyond seeing plants medicines as drugs
- Autonomous student led learning
- The controversy of regulation, certification and plant medicines
- Dreaming with plants to develop relationship
So quite a mix-match as you can see. I hope you enjoy this episode of the Plants and People Podcast.
Show Notes
About Nathaniel Hughes
Nathaniel started his exploration of plants whilst studying a Chemistry degree with a particular interest in pharmacology. He went on to study a second postgraduate degree in Medical Herbalism which involved four years of full time study.
Since finishing his training he has spent over ten years exploring the spiritual and shamanic aspects of healing. He has a robust way of working with herbs that has its foundations in the spiritual, not in the biomolecular. This is in no way to dismiss the biomolecular effects of herbs, but rather to seat them in a broader, spiritual context.