The Historical Herbologist

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The Historical Herbologist

Hello, I'm Kayleigh, also known as The Historical Herbologist!

🌱 Discover, create & connect with nature
🌱 The Herb Society Ambassador
🌱 Workshops, Talks & Apothecary Store
🌱 Learn more 👇
🌱www.thehistoricalherbologist.com I am currently studying Herbology at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, with plans to graduate in the summer of 2025. My journey into the world of plants has deepened my interest in the intricate relationships between humans and nature

, particularly through the lens of ethnobotany. I enjoy uncovering how different cultures have utilised plants throughout history and the traditions, skills, and stories that have evolved with them. In addition to my studies, I run seasonal and nature-based events that emphasize slow living, encouraging participants to reconnect with the natural world through hands-on experiences to promote physical and mental well-being. Whether through foraging walks, workshops on herbal remedies and recipes, or crafting with natural materials, my mission is to create spaces where individuals can learn, grow, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the plant kingdom and its applications in everyday life. I've previously collaborated with various brands, organisations, and charitable institutions, including Asics, Walton Charity, and Watt's Gallery, by hosting workshops and events, as well as providing consultation and support for exhibitions and literature. If you're interested in exploring the fascinating world of flora and fauna while learning new skills and traditions, consider joining one of my upcoming workshops and events!

25/08/2026

Join me on Wednesday 2nd September at 11.30am in the talks pavilion at RHS Garden Wisley, to talk about the Secret Language of Flowers! 💐🌸

In the 1810's, French publishers began creating Flower Dictionaries, explaining the hidden meanings of beloved plants based on legend, folklore, and superstition (although symbolism and floral iconography goes back much further). The Victorians went crazy for the trend of floriography, allowing them to send encoded messages to lovers, enemies, friends, and family, bypassing the era's social etiquette...

Some of this symbolism has lasted into modern life; after all, who doesn't associate clovers with luck and good fortune, or roses with love, or, of course, the beautiful but aptly named forget-me-nots! 🍀

Come and learn more about this cultural phenomenon as part of Flower Show!!

10/08/2026

Did you know we have a dedicated page for our little apothecary shop?

Drop us a follow for botanically inspired gifts from independent award winning UK brands! 💚🌱

04/08/2026

Join us for The Herb Society Autumn Gathering on Saturday 26th September at The Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, a relaxed and welcoming day where we come together to celebrate our shared love of herbs, herbal learning, and the wonderful community that surrounds them. This gathering offers an opportunity to learn, share knowledge, and be inspired by others who share your passion.

Whether you’re a practising herbalist, a student, or simply beginning your herbal journey, you’ll find inspiration, encouragement, and friendship throughout the day. Alongside opportunities to expand your knowledge through engaging talks and discussions, there will be plenty of time to connect with like-minded people, exchange ideas and experiences, make new friends, and catch up with familiar faces.

At the heart of the Autumn Gathering is the belief that the herbal community grows stronger when we learn from one another and nurture the relationships within our community. We look forward to welcoming you for a day of learning, laughter, connection, and celebration

Tickets in bio or via www herbsociety.org.uk

See you there! 💚🌱

07/07/2026

What books from your childhood inspired you to work with plants and nature? 📚🌱

Since taking over the Book Reviews for The Herb Society, I've been going down a rabbit hole (pun intended) of some of the books from my childhood that had an impact on my relationship with plants and nature and it got me questioning what inspired everyone else?

From when I was very young, the illustrations and the stories of Brambly Hedge of the mice who lived amongst the hedgerows, with Mrs Apple making her elderflower tea for breakfast! ☕

In "The Tale of Benjamin Bunny", Peter Rabbit's mother sells herbs, rosemary tea and rabbit to***co (lavender) and in "The Tale of Peter Rabbit, she gives poor old Peter Rabbit some chamomile tea to make him feel better after his adventures into Mr McGregors garden!🥕

In my early teenage years, I was obsessed with The Forest Wife Trilogy by Theresa Tomlinson, which was a retelling of Robin Hood from the POV of Maid Marion as a healer, filled with all manner of wonderful herbs like sage, Vervain, wound wort, comfrey and dyes like madder, blackberry, sorry and marigold. I think I even remember designing my own outfit if I were ever to become The Forest Wife! Very much a book I still adore to this day and will happily reread. If you've never come across it before, I definitely recommend, either to read to a younger audience or yourself. ✨ 🌱

Let me know what your favourites from your childhood were!

Brambly Hedge
Peter Rabbit
Theresa Tomlinson

03/07/2026

Slowly building up my collection of Historical Apothecary nik naks! I picked up this absolutely stunning late nineteenth/ early twentieth century antique Lin. Aconit:Meth pharmacy bottle from Mr Flea ⚕️ Despite its toxicity, aconitum linement used to be used for the topical relief of rheumatism, gout and neuralgia.

I also picked up the adore antique Holloway Ointment pot from c.1880 for the treatment of cuts, wounds, burns & and bruises, manufactured only by the proprietor!

They're both sitting with my copy of A field Guide in Colour to WILD FLOWERS which was awarded as a prize to a student of Biology in 1976-1977 at Macclesfield High School! 🏆 📖

23/06/2026

I took a slight detour a couple of weeks ago pleased to see the incredible ancient Saint Gabriel yew in the churchyard of St Mary and St Gabriel and it was quite something.

The church was listed in the Domesday survey in 1086, and at the time, the yew in the churchyard was thought be a few hundred years old.

It's estimated that it's approximately between 1200 - 1400 years old at present, and it is absolutely breathtaking to behold.

If you visit, make sure to walk around it backwards seven times without stumbling to make sure your wish comes true... 🌳

21/06/2026

Today marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day in the northern hemisphere and the shortest in the southern hemisphere. This event signifies the start of summer in the north and winter in the south. At the north pole, the sun will not set, while at the south pole, it will not rise!

🔥The ancient customs of celebrating the solstice involved lighting grand bonfires on Midsummer's Eve, with people leaping over them. These rituals were believed to cleanse individuals and protect them from evil spirits, while also bringing good fortune to lovers.

🫄For thousands of years, Midsummer has been a time of celebration rooted in both pagan and religious beliefs, focusing on fertility and the life-giving aspects of the sun. In various parts of the world, people would gather around bonfires, dance, and partake in rituals led by druids to predict the year's crop yield.

🧚Midsummer is a time steeped in mysticism and magic, where it's believed that ghosts can cross over and fairies bring mischief to the mortal realm. Flower crowns are worn to protect against malevolent spirits, while trees like oaks and beeches hold symbolic importance during this mystical time.

🌳Trees like hazel and aspen are believed to have magical properties, offering protection against evil spirits and connecting the living world with the afterlife. Each tree holds its own significance and plays a role in the folklore surrounding the enchanting time of midsummer.

However you're celebrating it, have a lovely day!

15/06/2026

Always take time to pause! 🤗 🌳

04/06/2026

The Herb Society's new website is now live at herbsociety.org.uk! 💚🌱

The project has been a year in the making, with the Society's trustees, support staff, web developer and volunteers working hard to make the new site a reality. This is just the beginning - as they will work to add new content and new features as they move into their centenary year in 2027.

Visit the new site to learn more about herbs and join if you’re not already a member! 🙌

Individual membership is £40 annually, and includes some great benefits:

🌿Herbs, the Society’s acclaimed magazine
🌿Archive of past publications
🌿Regular e-newsletters
🌿Exclusive Member benefits including special offers and discount codes
🌿Reduced fees at Herb Society events
🌿Write articles for our website or Herbs magazine
🌿Free listing on our online Find A Speaker resource
🌿Free online listing for your events
🌿Volunteering opportunities
🌿Herb Society Book Club
🌿Student Group
🌿Write book reviews for our website

26/05/2026

This really has been the merry month of May for me. To top it off, I'm incredibly proud to announce that I have joined the Council of Trustees and Board of Directors for The Herb Society. 💚🌱

I first joined The Herb Society in May 2024 as an Ambassador to help bring people together with a passion for herbs, whether through my workshops, shows, or talks! It's been a joy to meet so many like minded people! 🙌 🥳

As you may know already, I'm an avid book lover and collector (with some dating back to the 1600s), so I could not be more delighted to be managing the Herb Society book club and book reviews going forward! 📙📖

The Herb Society will be celebrating its 100th year next year and continues to inspire people to explore the wonderful world of herbs. Whether through art and culture, medicine, food, history, or horticulture, it has something for everyone. If you aren't a member already, it's only £40 a year with some incredible benefits! Link in bio 🔗👆

Address

Bisley

Telephone

+441483363128

Website

http://thehistoricalherbologist.com/

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