Cornwall Herbal Clinic

05/08/2026

Keeping a well stocked dispensary means watching the seasonal progression of plant life, having a map in my head of what's growing where and being ready to harvest at the best time.

Last week I used the last few grams of horsetail in a blend to help with an injury. So this morning I've been out to one of my horsetail gathering spots and collected a good bagful. Enough I hope to last until spring.

There is good research supporting the traditional use of horsetail for repairing and healing connective tissue (bones, ligaments, tendons and fascia) https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/horsetail/?cookie-consent-set=true
It also works as an external application for e.g. episiotomy and other wounds.

16/07/2026

The last herbal discovery walk for this year is on Saturday at 11am at Falmouth University, Penryn Campus (Tremough). We will meet at Car park F. It will last about an hour. There is no need to book, just turn up. It's free.

14/07/2026

Do you remember when certain stressed, tense individuals used to be described as Type A ? Always on the go, unable to relax. If that's you, Linden is your plant. Relaxing and calming. Traditionally taken for hypertension and anxiety.

Walking past the tennis club this morning I was enveloped in the fragrance of a huge Silver Lime. It's in full flower (tiny cream flowers) right now. Well worth a look and a sniff. Take your type A friend with you for some aromatherapy!

11/07/2026

I posted recently about new tests to diagnose endometriosis. This article offers an interesting insight into the tests and some reasons why diagnosis currently takes years. The normalisation and lack of concern about heavy, painful periods and about womens symptoms in general is one aspect of medical misogeny. This needs to change and while we are seeing some improvement, there is much more to do. Meanwhile, be your own best advocate, don't suffer in silence.

Two emerging tests offer hope, but the evidence is still evolving

10/07/2026

Herbal discovery walk on Monday 13th July from 6pm to 7pm. It's free. All welcome. Message me to book.

08/07/2026

At last, the promise of simple non-invasive tests for endometriosis.

05/07/2026

Lots of new followers joined my page recently so I'd like to welcome everyone and introduce myself.

I'm Carol Thorogood, based in Falmouth. People come to see me for help with (mainly) chronic health conditions. The sort that have been going on for months or years and not getting better, despite taking prescription medication.

My approach is to start from basics; asking what you eat (because gut health is ALWAYS a factor), what is your constitution, your symptoms and health history, your work, hobbies and environment, your ability to manage stress and your sleep.

This gives me an understanding of where we need to focus so I can prescribe the right herbal medicine for you. I will often blend five, six or seven different plants, chosen to nourish and support tissues and organs to improve their function. The herbs are chosen to work safely with, and to improve the action of, any prescribed drugs that you need to take. Food is always part of the protocol, working with your dietary preferences, aiming for optimum nutrition.

Most people find that after following the protocol, they feel better. Sometimes remarkably better. Often, the chats we have, set them on a healthier path for life. My aim is to work with you for as short a time as possible and give you the tools to look after yourself long term.

I grow and gather a lot of the medicine and right now I'm busy harvesting and drying plants for the months ahead. I will be taking new patients from mid July, so get in touch asap if you would like to have a free introductory discussion or to book an appointment.

medicalherbalist

03/07/2026

I had 100 new Facebook followers in June so I'd like to welcome everyone and introduce myself.

I'm Carol Thorogood, based in Falmouth. People come to see me for help with (mainly) chronic health conditions. The sort that have been going on for months or years and not getting better, despite taking prescription medication.

My approach is to start from basics; asking what you eat (because gut health is ALWAYS a factor), what is your constitution, your symptoms and health history, your work, hobbies and environment, your ability to manage stress and your sleep.

This gives me an understanding of where we need to focus so I can prescribe the right herbal medicine for you. I will often blend five, six or seven different plants, chosen to nourish and support tissues and organs to improve their function. The herbs are chosen to work safely with, and to improve the action of, any prescribed drugs that you need to take. Food is always part of the protocol, working with your dietary preferences, aiming for optimum nutrition.

Most people find that after following the protocol, they feel better. Sometimes 100% better. Often, the chats we have, set them on a healthier path for life. My aim is to work with you for as short a time as possible and give you the tools to look after yourself long term.

I grow and gather a lot of the medicine and right now I'm busy harvesting and drying plants for the months ahead. I will be taking new patients from mid July, so get in touch asap if you would like to have a free introductory discussion or to book an appointment.

02/07/2026

"Vendra la tonica e compra Beonica" was a saying in Medieval Italy. It translates as ""Sell your coat and buy Betony" such was the esteem in which this plant was held. Wood betony is a herb with gentle, broad and deep healing action, for general vitality and for conditions affecting the head.

It's a native British plant found on ancient grasslands where it grows close and small, also at woodland edges where it can grow to three feet tall. Look for the square stem and distinctive scallop edged dark green leaves.

I was fortunate this week to find Betony growing in abundance, which allowed me to take a small harvest to dry for teas and extracts.

I use a lot of my home grown and gathered herbs in my practice, so in high summer I'm busy medicine making to stock up for the year ahead. If you are seeking support for your health, get in touch soon and book in for a consultation.

21/06/2026

Up at the Krack o' Dawn