Hawthorn trees produce an array of food for human consumption; berries or haws, flowers both blossoms and buds, leaves and shoots all of which are among some of the most beneficial plant parts you can consume. Beloved of country folk (we know not to clear our fields of hawthorn trees) and a symbol of hope [...]

Wrinkles, age spots, blemishes and those puffy eyes give the game away. Miss-spent youth! Hours of languishing in the sun without skin protection, smoking, excess alcohol, along with a disregard for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Strolling through aisle of the local supermarket, one can’t help but be amazed at the varied amount of products that profess to have captured the essence of some fragrant herb in order to promote a sense of well being.

Stand outside any school and look at the faces coming and going and ask yourself why are so many of our young people suffering with serious skin conditions. What would your answer be…hormones? Junk food? Stress?

Location: Dublin – Chairperson of IMHO:
Anne Varley trained as a medical herbalist in the UK with the College of Phytotherapy and the University of Wales graduating in 2004.