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Herbal Heritage Scotland

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About Us

"No one is unaffected by the tides of life. Each of us experience the extremes, the ebb and the flow, sickness and health.

When you find the rhythm, however, you can choose to ride the waves rather than be carried by them.

Medical Herbalism treats the person as a whole, and not merely the symptoms of a disease.

We look at your full health and also the 'tides' in your life creating the currents of sickness and health.

By seeing your full picture, we can help you to focus on what is important to restore the balance point of your natural health and vitality.

Plants simply fascilitate your body in returning to its own underlying state of health"

About Us

Welcome!I'm Claire MacKay (BSc), Medical Herbalist and founder of Herbal Heritage Scotland.Since graduating from Edinburgh Napier University, all educational courses in Scotland offering qualifications in Medical Herbalism have unfortnately undergone closure.It has become a matter close to my heart to maintain research and to collate much of the existing resources and available research including a wealth of Gaelic, orally collected accounts that is the very roots of a tradition, traceable in our Scottish heritage as far back as 5000 years ago.Our native plants have preserved humankind down the centuries, and it is my intention, not only to use the skills I have gained to heal people naturally, within our communities, but also to preserve the carefully cultivated plant knowledge of our Scottish heritage.Slàn Leibh- Good Health to you!

Claire MacKay BSc Medical Herbalist

Natural Tips

Clinics

Johnstone, Houston and RenfrewshireI will be starting clinics in Johnstone and Houston this month, and am also available by private consultation for home visits throughout Renfrewshire. Coming to the area soon will be my mother and toddler talk and demonstration on healing children with natural remedies.If you would like to book an appointment or for more information on talks and workshops please contact me on 07854999778.
PaisleyHerbal Medicine Consultations, Holistic Massage, AromatherapyPaisley Osteopathic Clinic31 Moss StreetPaisleyPA1 1DLTel: 07854999778

Therapies

Medical Herbalism

Holistic Massage

Aromatherapy

This website is currently under construction, please check back in a few days! or contact Claire- 07854999778

Research

Gathering Roots

Herbal Heritage Sotland is currently applying for funding to conduct research in the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland, gathering and translating accounts of the herbal tradition in Gaelic Scotland.

We are commited to preserving the roots of our culture for future generations.

If you are interested in becoming part of our Ethnobotany projects please get in touch.

Blog

Blog

5 HERB TEAS FOR STRESS MANAGEMENTBy Claire MacKaySTRESSED OUT by daily life? Pressures at work or home? Tension? Insomnia? Anxiety? The coffeehouse culture we live in makes it easy to reach towards a latte for consolation.Well documented links between caffeine drinks and anxiety, however make this an additional stress factor rather than solution. Traditional, herbal teas are a pleasant alternative to caffeine drinks and have medicinal properties that alleviate tension and anxiety and promote relaxation and Well Being.How Herb Teas Promote Relaxation • Caffeine ReplacementSimply by substituting some or all caffeinated drinks for herb teas on a daily basis, you will be reducing the physiological burden on your adrenal glands. The ongoing effects of sustained stress on the adrenal glands can lead to adrenal insufficiency, better known as Burnout. This occurs when, in response to prolonged tension, the glands continuously secrete an excess of the energy-providing hormones such as Cortisol, Adrenalin and sex hormones to counterbalance stress factors in the body. After a sustained period of time the adrenal glands are unable to produce the hormones required by the body- this is the onset of clinical fatigue.Caffeine (and also sugar!) depletes the adrenal glands by over-stimulation and is known to be a contributing and exacerbating influence on Burnout symptoms. • Medicinal PropertiesHerbal Teas are more than pleasant tasting beverages. The chemicals found in plants have been used for over 3000 years as a source of medicine, in fact, two thirds of today's Global Population rely on Herbal Medicine as their primary source of healthcare. Many orthodox medicines originated from plant chemicals, such as Aspirin. Bet you didn't know Aspirin was named after the Latin name for Meadowsweet (Spirea), a plant containing the precursor chemical to Aspirin (Methyl salicylate).Each plant contains hundreds of chemicals which work together causing biological reactions in the body. Specifically, herbs used in treating stress or anxiety work by lowering blood pressure; relaxing muscle tone; creating metabolic changes and changes to brain chemistry. Some herbs, known as adaptogens will restore balance to bodily systems and can have an harmonising effect on the hormones. • Way of TeaIn Japanese culture the Tea ceremony, also called the 'Way of tea,' is inspired by zen buddhism. The entire process of partaking in tea is supposed to be a tranquil one. Okay! we may not be able to perform a full ceremonial ritual each time we have an office tea-break, however, it is well within the scope of city-limits to take five minutes reflection time, finding a point of focus, taking a deep breath and clearing the mind while patiently awaiting a cup of infused goodness.Which Herb Tea?Chamomile A matriarchal herb of relaxation, its Latin name reflects this: Matricaria recutita - the Mother herb is gentle enough to use with children.Use Chamomile for a comforting, calming effect without drowsiness. Anxiety, nervousness and also irritable, stress-related bowel or stomach upsets can benefit from its medicinal properties. Chamomile has a warming taste with a slightly sweet apple undertone. Too strong and it can become a little bitter, although pleasant to most.ValerianSedating and heavily relaxing, Valerian stinks (but doesn't taste!) like old socks. It is the herb to take for insomnia as well as restlessness. Its sedating effects are also useful for temporary relief of pain, and so itcan be used in treatment of tension headaches and menstrual cramp. You may want to monitor how much you drink at work though, as Valerian- (Valerian officinalis) can cause slight drowsiness in some. Valerianis a root and has a pleasant, mild and earthy flavour.Lemon BalmThis is a psychoactive member of the Mint family. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) has a calming effect on the central nervous system and is paradoxically stimulating to circulation. Thus, making it a useful,calming herb to take without drowsiness. It is especially beneficial in periods of stress or emotional crisis to help clear the mind and relax. Lemon Balm has a pleasing lemon taste and has an astringent action inthe mouth, like tea.Lime BlossomKnown as the 'Dancing Tree' in Germany because it was used in folklore and medieval celebrations to dance beneath. It bestows its uplifting characteristics into its medicine. Lime Blossom- Tilia europea or Tiliacordata, is used therapeutically to reduce blood pressure and as a muscle relaxant. Specifically used by herbalists in head and neck tension, a perfect tea to help unwind. Its light and refreshing flavour wasappreciated as a substitute for tea by Brits in the second World War due to rationing.VervainThe Romans called it 'the sacred herb' and their soldiers carried it to battle. The word Vervain is the Roman word for altar. A herb also revered by Druids and Christians alike. A legend names it as the herb used tostop the bleeding wounds of Christ, while Druids claimed the word to be of Celtic origin : ferfaen - meaning 'to move stone'. It certainly is used in modern times to treat kidney and gallstones, however, this blessedherb is perhaps best exalted for its strengthening effects on the nervous system. Used to relax tension and stress, it also provides immune support to restore the effects of chronic stress. Also effectively used totreat depression and sleeping disorders - the Druids believed the plant could cause lucid dreams! Vervain has a bitter and cool taste on it's own, though combines nicely with Chamomile, Lime Blossom or LemonBalm.How to Use • Infusion The best way to get the most out of herbal teas is to properly infuse them. Allow 5-8 minutes and cover the cup of herbs as they steep. Use a tea strainer when using loose herbs. The dosage is usually 1-2 teaspoon ofherb per cup of boiling water- Although always check first as some herbs have specific doses! Organic herbs are best as they are free from pesticides and tend to be more potent. No Time? - If time is of the essence in your working day, why not make a batch in the morning and take it to work in a thermos? • Decoction Roots and some berries are tougher due to there woody nature and it is best to decoct these remedies. To make a decoction, cover the herbs with water and allow to simmer for 10-15 mins. Strain and drink. • TeabagOf course, there are a plethora of organic herbal tea bags available from any reputable health store or even some quality supermarkets and these are acceptable, though it is best to keep in mind that the more processed a driedherb is the less efficacy it is likely to have. If using tea bags, allow to steep for 5-10 mins while covered to assure the full potency of the tea.
Products

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Products

Coming soon will be herbal remedies and natural cosmetics and beauty products handmade within the dispensary using organic and natural products without the use of chemical presrvatives or additives.
Contact Us

Contact Us

www.herbalheritage.co.uk

Info_herbalheritage.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)7854999778

Let's get connected!If you are interested in any of the therapies or products on offer, or if you can assist in any way with our continuous research projects, please get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.Equally if you want to share some of your own plant experiences we'd like to hear those too!
All words and images copyright of Claire MacKay 2011