West Highland Herbal

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West Highland Herbal

Herbal Medicine, Massage and Foraging in Lochaline, Fort William and Lochaber. Online appointments. We must also keep up to date with current research.

Clare Holohan is a qualified medical herbalist, massage therapist and clinical aromatherapist. She practices remotely or face to face in Lochaline, and at Lochaber Complementary Health Clinic in Fort William. Clare is a member of The National Institute of Medical Herbalists and is fully professionally insured. Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world and is still the mos

t widely used form of healthcare globally. It is a natural system of medicine using plant based preparations to help in the treatment of a variety of health complaints. In the UK, Western herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic skills as GPs as well as studying traditional use of medicinal plants and diet and lifestyle management. Importantly, herbal medicine is green medicine and so is environmentally friendly and sustainable. Everyone is different, so herbal medicine takes a patient centred approach, with the treatment and advice tailored to the individual. It can work to complement orthodox medications and can be used as a supportive treatment to many conditions. In clinic, Herbalists commonly see conditions for which patients consult their GPs. This includes management of chronic conditions, pain and minor acute problems. Herbalists can treat all groups of people including children, elders and pregnant women. Some conditions herbalists see include:

Digestive disorders
Joint and muscular problems
Asthma, allergies and hayfever
heart, lung and circulatory problems
skin conditions
stress and anxiety
low energy
sleep problems
women's health
children's health

A first consultation will last around an hour with subsequent visits around half an hour. The herbalist will ask lots of questions about your general health, past health, diet and lifestyle. A short physical examination may also be necessary, with your consent. The information provided during this is confidential. Treatment can be in the form of tincture, a liquid whole plant extract in alcohol; herbal teas; capsules or powders; creams, ointments or other topical applications, depending on the condition. This is combined with appropriate diet and lifestyle advice on an individual basis. West Highland Herbal strives to use local plants and make most medicines by hand. Others are sourced from reputable UK based suppliers. Clare is available for consultations, by appointment remotely by video call or face to face in Fort William or at the Manse in Lochaline with flexible appointment times to suit the patient.

24/07/2026

🔥Course cancellation 😭
It's with a very heavy heart and much careful thought that Lynn, Sandra and I have decided to cancel this weekend's 'Scotland's Wild Medicine' courses on Saturday and Sunday at Lynbreck croft due to the ongoing worsening wildfires in the Cairngorms.

We are devastated at the destruction caused by the fires to this increasingly rare and special habitat. We have made this tough decision in order to keep local residents and course participants safe, and whilst we don't think they are currently at risk at Lynbreck, the backdrop towards the Cairngorms is utterly heartbreaking. At this stage it also feels sensible to take the pressure off of local roads and emergency access by not bringing more people and vehicles into the area.

Lynn and Sandra have been out actively supporting the wildfire effort since last Saturday and want to remain available to return, when permitted, alongside the rest of the incredible RSPB team they are supporting helping with the massive effort to control the fires over the coming days while we all hope that rain comes to the Cairngorms area soon.

I'm really hoping that these fires can be contained soon and that everyone in the area keeps safe.

23/07/2026

A taste of wild Morvern 🌸
A couple of snaps from yesterday‘s forage and feast in collaboration with The Whitehouse Restaurant as part of Morvern Games and Gala Week

We had a lovely walk around Lochaline learning about the local plants which can be used for food and medicine. Then back to the restaurant where a delicious feast was cooked by chef Chris paired with a gorgeous summery meadowsweet shrub made by Agi.

Our next event will be on 26th September discovering the bounties that autumn has to offer!

20/07/2026

Just two days to go until A Taste of Wild Morvern, our forage and feast as part of Morvern Games and Gala Week. The menu has landed...
🍽️ Wild mushroom pâté with nettle seed focaccia
🍽️ Guinea fowl with hawthorn & quince ketchup, creamed polenta
🍽️ Meadowsweet panna cotta with apricots and cherry sorbet
That's what's waiting for you back at the Whitehouse after a morning foraging round Lochaline with myself, Clare from West Highland Herbal.
Join us for a guided forage, a cooking demo back at The Whitehouse using what we've found, then a 3 course lunch with a seasonal cocktail or mocktail to go with it.
🗓️ Wednesday 22nd July, 10am.
A few spaces left, so if you've been meaning to book, now's the time!
£65 per person (£35 for under 12s)
Email [email protected] to grab a spot!

17/07/2026

Come and say hi! 👋

We're getting all packed up for the Morvern Games tomorrow and happily, the sun is still shining! West Highland herbal will have a stall selling copies of Scotland's Wild Medicine, our delicious herbal tea blends (foraged or home grown where possible) as well as our tried and tested creams and ointments.

Come visit us at Knock park to pick up some herbal goodies, for a chat, or to explore whether herbal medicine could be a great approach for your health and wellness.

15/07/2026

Summer time 🌸
After weeks of cold wet weather (no, there was no heat wave in the west highlands) we finally have some balmy summer weather, and the garden is a very lovely place to be.

It’s all go this week, at every opportunity harvesting medicinal herbs to dry them or to make tinctures to stock my dispensary and best serve my patients with local chemical free medicine 🌿

For me, as a herbalist it’s so important to have this connection and contact with the plants. Plus growing and foraging herbs is like medicine for me. Especially in the sunshine ☀️

What are you harvesting this week?

13/07/2026

Fabulous forage 🍄
What an amazing day out I had with staff from on Saturday. Our foraging walk was part of the company's annual gathering, this year held in the heart of the at

We had a nice circular route up to An Lochan Uaine and managed to find lots of edible and medicinal plants and fungi on the way. The absolute highlight of the day which had me doing a wee happy dance and properly geeking out was the discovery of a fungi species which is rare in the UK, sadly due to habitat decline. Picture no. 2 is of the bleeding tooth mushroom (Hydnellum pekii). Somewhere between hideous and incredibly beautiful...this one is not for picking in the UK due to its rare status.

Such a joy to be wandering through this ancient woodland with a lovely bunch of folks and of course Sorrel and Kelpie the furry wee foraging buddies 🐶 We returned with fingers blue from blaeberry picking and heads and hearts full of the joys of our natural world.

06/07/2026

Herbal Helpers 🌸🌿
Massive thanks this past few days to Kate, Katie, Kaya, Rea and our youngest herbal helper yet, at 14 months old Rania!

These brave folks got well stuck in despite heavy relentless rain (no, there is no heat wave in the West Highlands). We got harvesting, weeding, tincture pressing, bottle washing, path chipping, top soil shovelling, herb drying and planting out.

We even managed to fit in plenty of feasting from the garden produce, Rhubarb and strawberry scone making (thanks Kate!) and a hot sauna as an antidote to the rain. I'm amazed at what we managed to achieve despite the horrendous weather. What a dream team!

Herbal helpers volunteering sessions are full for 2026, keep an eye out for 2027 dates....

01/07/2026

Midsummer mushrooms 🍄🧡
For me, Summer solstice always signifies the start of chanterelle season and sure enough these tasty wee babes are starting to pop up in the woodlands of the highlands. I’m curious (and slightly apprehensive) to see how the destruction left by storm Amy last October affects our mushroom season in Morvern. Will keep you posted!

24/06/2026

A fabulous weekend at Solas festival 🔥
We had a great time in the sunshine .festival last weekend reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones.

We were busy on the stall and a whopping 83 people turned out for the herbal foraging walk! So great to see such enthusiasm for this work.

We also caught some amazing workshops and music over the weekend.

Thanks to everyone who came along and made the event so special, and to Solas for inviting West Highland Herbal to be part of it.

19/06/2026

🌸 Scotland's Wild Medicine Workshop 🌸

Reconnecting with nature for health and wellbeing. Step into the wild landscapes of Scotland and reconnect with the ancient art of natural healing with herbs.

Guided by experienced herbalist, Clare Holohan in collaboration with 'Wild', you’ll learn to identify native medicinal plants, craft your own wild medicine, and explore the deep connection between land, body, and wellbeing.

This immersive hands-on workshop includes:
🌿A guided wild plant walk in beautiful Scottish terrain.
🌿Practical medicine making session using local herbs gathered on the day.
🌿Discussions on traditional and modern herbal practices
🌿Shared pot-luck meal, reflection, and community connection

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned herbal enthusiast, this is an unforgettable journey into Scotland’s living apothecary.

📅 Upcoming Date: Sunday 28th June 10am-1pm

📍 Location: Wild, 6 Cross Street, Callander

💚 Booking: Spaces are limited book through Wild:
https://gathered-wild.square.site/product/scotland-s-wild-medicine-28-june/MCCWAL3SD4AJVUWBGECET7BC

Come gather the knowledge of the wild and discover the healing power of nature as teacher.

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http://www.westhighlandherbal.co.uk/

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