Katie Reid

I am a Medical Herbalist specialising in women's health and holistic support during cancer treatment. My aim is to provide a caring and supportive environment to address health concerns and empower people to take control of their own health. Medical herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic skills as GPs and much of their training is similar to a conventional medical degree. However, their approach is very different. Herbalists ask a lot of questions about your past medical history, current condition and lifestyle to build a really clear picture of your whole health. In this way, herbalists can treat the root cause of a problem as well as helping to alleviate the symptoms.

All medical herbalists are trained to advise on the safety of any herb/drug interaction and referrals will be made to GPs or other healthcare practitioner if necessary.

Herbal medicine can be used on its own or alongside orthodox treatment to treat an array of common health problems. These include skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and acne; digestive problems; anxiety, stress, low mood and difficulty sleeping; circulation problems, high blood pressure and high cholesterol; menopause and all the symptoms that can accompany this transition; hormonal problems including painful periods; joint/muscular aches and pains; fatigue syndromes including long COVID; and integrative cancer support, including nutritional advice, before, during and after oncology treatment.

The herbal prescription is most commonly in the form of a tincture (a concentrated herbal extract in an alcohol and water base). Herbal blend teas, capsules and powders may also be given. For external use, creams, lotions, ointments or oils may be prescribed. Any advice or herbal prescription is carefully tailored to suit each individual.

My qualifications include a BSc (Hons) in Herbal Medicine where I received the Dorothy Caroll Award for Top Final Clinical Examination. I am also a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), the largest regulating body for herbalists in the UK, established in 1864. Members adhere to a comprehensive code of ethics and practice and are actively engaged in programmes of continuing professional development. I have also completed further training in Cancer and Integrative Oncology with The Peat Institute. Before embracing the world of herbal medicine, I completed a MSc in Primate Conservation and a BSc in Anthropology and worked for many years in conservation.

I have lived in Oxford for nearly 30 years and have two young red-headed daughters.