Caroline Sheldrick
B.A. (Hons), Cert. Ed, B.Sc (Hons), MNIMH
Medical Herbalist
My Specialities
Medical Herbalism
My Story
One summer morning at my primary school, they laid out about two hundred wild flowers on the dining tables and we had to name them: so I got my eye in early when it comes to plants. I went on to study Botany at A level but it wasn’t until years later, as the editor of Anne McIntyre’s A Complete Woman’s Herbal that all those plant names (Woundwort? Knitbone? Pilewort?) started to make sense. Until then, like most people, I hadn’t known that plants could be medicines and that herbalism as a profession existed. Now everything fell into place; I had found my vocation and soon began my seven-year journey to become a Medical Herbalist.
Home is rural Gloucestershire, and since 2003 I have been in practice in Stroud, Nailsworth and Cirencester, and recently also in Cheltenham. As well as seeing patients in these four clinics, I enjoy leading herb and foraging walks, giving talks on all aspects of herbal medicine, and growing medicinal herbs for my own use. There is usually up-to-date information about talks and walks on my website:
Like mine, everyone’s story is unique: and so are their health problems. 'One-size-fits-all' pharmaceutical drugs do not suit some people and they may find herbal medicines are effective but gentler. If you need advice on whether herbal medicine is suitable for you, do email or phone me without any obligation. I also give free health advice at Shiny Goodness health store in Nailsworth on the second Tuesday of the month. The medicinal creams I make are on sale there and at Nailsworth Natural Health Centre.
As a Medical Herbalist, I am trained in medical science as well as in the use of plants as medicine the Western tradition. I therefore diagnose illness in the same way as a doctor, but take a more holistic approach to treatment.
The underlying cause of the problem is treated where possible, rather than the symptoms alone, and while over-the-counter herbal remedies are often sufficient for minor ailments, it is always best to consult a qualified practitioner for anything more serious.
What is Medical Herbalism?
Medical Herbalism is the use of plant remedies in the treatment of disease.
Medical herbalists use the whole medicinal plant, rather than isolated active ingredients, resulting in fewer unwanted side effects. Plant medicines do not work overnight, and are rarely tasteless, but are effective and safe in qualified hands.
If you would like to learn more, please visit the following website:
People bring to a medical herbalist much the same problems as they would to a doctor.
Herbalists commonly see patients with problems concerning:
Skin, such as: eczema, psoriasis and acne
Digestion: indigestion, colitis and IBS
Reproductive system: painful periods, PMS, polycystic ovaries, infertility, menopausal problems
Urinary system: cystitis, prostatitis, BPH
Joints and muscles: arthritis, strains
Allergies: hay fever, asthma, rhinitis, catarrh
Circulation: angina, raised blood pressure, varicose veins and ulcers
Nerves: headache and migraine, anxiety, depression, panic attacks
Respiration: flu, bronchitis, sore throat
Repeated infections and low energy
The consultation
The first consultation lasts about an hour, during which time I will listen to you and ask questions, while building up a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. There may be a physical examination. You will be able to ask questions at any time about herbal medicine and your treatment. Generally, an individual prescription will be dispensed. Often I will also give you advice about nutrition and lifestyle.
Follow up
Most patients will visit again after two or three weeks, to report on progress so that the prescription can be adjusted if necessary. Follow-ups may be repeated as often as required. Some patients arrange repeat prescriptions by telephone or email.
If you need advice on whether herbal medicine is suitable for you, do email or phone me without any obligation.
My Qualifications
I have undergone a rigorous 4-year medical training, and am a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. This is the oldest professional body of herbalists in the world, founded in 1867.
My Hours & Pricing
I am available for appointments at the Nailsworth Natural Health Centre on Monday afternoons, and by arrangement on other days/times.
My prices are as follows:
First Appointment - 1 hour: £45
Follow ups - ½ hour: £30
Medicine - £7 per 100ml
If you would like to book an appointment, please get in touch.