Richard Adams Herbalist

Richard Adams Herbalist Richard Adams FNIMH MCPP MBHMA is an established Medical Herbalist, or Phytotherapist

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Richard Adams FNIMH MCPP MBHMA is an established Medical Herbalist, or Phytotherapist , with over 20 years of experience. He enjoys a general family Practice, in Greenwich, London, that is informed by medical science but is essentially holistic in the Western tradition.

Hawthorn (Mayflower): A Tree Woven into Culture, Ecology, Tradition and HealthIntroductionThe hawthorn, or Mayflower, is...
02/05/2026

Hawthorn (Mayflower): A Tree Woven into Culture, Ecology, Tradition and Health

Introduction

The hawthorn, or Mayflower, is more than just a tree—it is a living emblem of cultural heritage, ecological resilience, and seasonal tradition. With its delicate white and pink-tinged blossoms and sharp, hard thorns, the hawthorn has been revered for centuries. Some specimens live for up to 400 years, their gnarled trunks and twisted branches standing as silent witnesses to history, often marking the boundaries of ancient hedgerows. Each spring, the tree adorns itself with fragrant, five-petalled flowers, followed in autumn by clusters of small, round, red berries known as haws. Scientifically named Crataegus, this unassuming tree carries a legacy that spans millennia, intertwining human tradition with the rhythms of nature.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The hawthorn’s association with human culture is as deep as its roots. In Ancient Greece, it was a symbol of love, fertility, and protection. Branches of hawthorn were gifted to newlyweds, a tradition that endures in some Mediterranean cultures today.
In Britain, the hawthorn is inseparably linked to May Day celebrations. It occupies a central place in folklore, most notably in the symbolic union of the May Queen and the Green Man—a figure representing the rebirth of nature and the fertility of the Earth. Communities would gather hawthorn blossoms to decorate maypoles and homes, and bonfires would light up the night, celebrating the arrival of summer and the renewal of life.

Ecological Importance

Beyond its cultural resonance, the hawthorn is a cornerstone of biodiversity. Its thorny branches form dense thickets that act as natural deterrents to intruders while providing shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. The tree’s flowers are a magnet for pollinators, supporting insect populations, while its buds, leaves, and berries offer sustenance to a wide array of wildlife throughout the year. In autumn and winter, the haws become a lifeline for many bird species. Birds such as thrushes and waxwings rely on these bright red berries when other food sources are scarce. In return, these birds help propagate the hawthorn by dispersing its seeds through their droppings, ensuring the tree’s survival and expansion. This mutualistic relationship underscores the hawthorn’s role as a keystone species in its ecosystem, sustaining food webs and promoting ecological balance.

Herbal Legacy

In the British herbal tradition, hawthorn has long been celebrated for its benefits to heart health; known as “the herb for the aging heart,” it was traditionally used to protect and support the cardiovascular system.

Conclusion

The hawthorn (Mayflower) is a testament to the profound connections between nature, culture, and human tradition. From its symbolic role in ancient Greek weddings to its place at the heart of British May Day festivities, and from its ecological importance in supporting wildlife to its medicinal legacy, the hawthorn remains a tree of wonder and utility. It reminds us that we are relatives in the natural world and the importance of honouring such fellow species—not only for their beauty and utility but for the role they play in sustaining life itself.

Thank you, Hawthorn.

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum), with its delicate white flowers and sweet scent, is steeped in folklore, mythology, an...
19/03/2026

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum), with its delicate white flowers and sweet scent, is steeped in folklore, mythology, and cultural traditions across Europe—especially in the UK and Germany. Its name itself whispers of ancient tales: Galium comes from the Greek gala, meaning "milk," as it was once used to curdle milk in cheese-making, as well as flavour beers and wines. In German fairy tales, Woodruff is sometimes called "Waldmeister" (forest master), a name that hints at a perception of it as a guardian of the wild.
The herbs vanilla-like scent comes from natural compounds called coumarins and was thought to symbolise the essence of spring itself. It is like a bridge between the Earth’s winter slumber and springtime awakening. Fittingly, German Christian traditions used the herb in Easter decorations as its scent was thought to honour the resurrection.
Woodruff has been used in European folk medicine for centuries and was valued for its relaxing effects on the digestive and nervous systems. But beware of using too much as it can have a laxative and blood thinning effect. So don’t use if you are taking blood thinning drugs or have a bleeding disorder.
What a wonderful, sweet smelling ‘grow your own’ perennial Woodruff makes to a partially shady, moist, and well drained garden. Any takers?

The 'wounded healer' is a term coined by the analytical psychologist Carl Gustav Jung. He suggested that an analyst is d...
21/02/2026

The 'wounded healer' is a term coined by the analytical psychologist Carl Gustav Jung. He suggested that an analyst is drawn to treat patients because the analyst herself is “wounded". Whether or not we identify as healers, each of us carries pain, grief, and personal wounds that need tending. In this way, we can all relate to the archetype of the wounded healer. In Greek mythology, Asclepius (Asklepios) was the god of healing and the son of Apollo. His mother died in childbirth, and he was cut from her womb—his name is said to mean “to be cut open.” He was raised and taught medicine by the wise centaur Chiron. So skilled did he become that legend claimed he could raise the dead. This power alarmed Zeus, the king of the gods, who believed it disrupted the natural order, and he struck Asclepius down with a lightning bolt. Despite his death, the practice of healing continued. Healing centres dedicated to Asclepius were established throughout ancient Greece, and centuries later medicinal plants still bear his name. One example is Asclepias syriaca, known as common milkweed. It is named after its white, milky sap, which contains a bitter toxin that deters animals from eating it. Some insects—most notably the caterpillars of the American Monarch butterfly—have evolved immunity to this toxin and retain enough of it in their bodies to make themselves distasteful to predators. Many medicinal traditions have learned how to neutralize the plant’s toxicity for therapeutic use. American milkweeds were traditionally used to treat skin, kidney, and lung ailments, among other conditions. Asclepias tuberosa became so renowned as a lung remedy that it earned the name “Pleurisy root". The Asclepias are a valuable genus of medicinal herbs—but not one to use without proper knowledge and care.

The winter can be cold, dry, and challenging. How do you respond to strains and stresses? The Iceland moss has evolved r...
22/12/2025

The winter can be cold, dry, and challenging. How do you respond to strains and stresses? The Iceland moss has evolved resilience by adapting its form and producing a rich biochemical makeup to increase its ability to survive in the most extreme environments like the Icelandic tundra. Learning from and accepting gratefully the gifts of the Iceland moss we too can protect our well-being.

But first, it’s called a moss, but it is really a lichen composed of a robust entanglement of fungal hyphae and algae that enables it to absorb and retain moisture, protect it from UV radiation and microbial assaults (bacterial and fungal) and to store sugars that enable it to grow slowly in nutrient scarce conditions. As it grows it forms dense mats that holds the soil to the earth preventing erosion from the fierce winds and continuous freeze thaw cycles.

The moss was used by Lapland mothers to cradle their babies and so the herb has come to symbolise, for some, maternal love. It was also ground down into some flour for food in hard times. Traditionally north European herbalists used it to soothe the respiratory and digestive systems, so I was trained to use it in dyspepsia, gastritis, bronchitis and sore throats. Learning to respect the herb and its ecosystem for what it had learnt millions of years before me.
Thank you Cetraria islandica.

Could cucumber help with joint pain?An 8 week clinical study, published in Nutritional Outlook (October 16, 2025) of adu...
21/10/2025

Could cucumber help with joint pain?

An 8 week clinical study, published in Nutritional Outlook (October 16, 2025) of adults with moderate joint health issues demonstrated that a dietary supplement extracted from Cucumber improved joint function and mobility significantly better than placebo. These preliminary findings suggest the potential of Cucumis sativus L. as a beneficial supplement for improving joint pain and mobility.

SageSage was held in high esteem in 12th century Europe and was widely used in Lammas festivals. It was thought to gener...
03/08/2025

Sage
Sage was held in high esteem in 12th century Europe and was widely used in Lammas festivals. It was thought to generally strengthen the ageing body. The name is derived from the Latin word salvus meaning ‘safe’ and ‘sound’ as in wellbeing. Salvia officinalis helps restore mucous membranes relieving congestion and discharge in various bodily systems. It follows that it is good for the digestion, helps regulate the menstrual cycle, and reduces hot flushes during menopause.
Gerard, the English 16th century herbalist, wrote of Sage: it "quickens the senses and memory” and recent research papers point to a significant impact on brain function and age-related cognitive decline.
How much to use:
Sage has a strong spicy flavour and is strong acting, so it is advisable not to drink more than 3 cups a day. Note, It is not suitable to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. However, this does not stop you using it as a gargle for mouth ulcers, gum disease and sore throats.
Thank you, wise old Sage.

Dandelion an herb for the Vernal equinoxThe Vernal equinox is a time to invite balance and renewal into your mind, body,...
24/03/2025

Dandelion an herb for the Vernal equinox
The Vernal equinox is a time to invite balance and renewal into your mind, body, and spirit. Day and night are equal length, and each day will grow in length, light and warmth through Spring till the Summer solstice.
In early spring the herb Dandelion arrives. It grows from sea level to 10 thousand feet. It grows in wet friable soils or compacted dry soils. It is found in meadows or city pavements. It serves the soil by attracting earthworms plus it helps to activate compost. It adapts and transforms meeting every challenge it faces.
The medicinal herb Dandelion or Taraxacum officinalis is a traditional spring tonic in the British Isles and fresh leaves have been eaten as a salad herb at least since the Tudor times some five hundred years ago. It is rich in nutrients like vitamin C, A, K, calcium, and potassium. It supports kidney function being Nature’s own water tablet countering any depletion of potassium in the body. Bitter oils and resins in the Dandelion support the function of the liver increasing bile production, aiding digestion and clearing waste products from the blood.
For me Dandelion epitomises Nature’s dynamic cycle of clearing out the old and preparing the way for the new. Enjoy the brighter days!

07/08/2024

The Climate and Nature Bill UK Please consider helping

Zero Hour is the campaign for the Climate and Nature Bill, a plan for a new UK law that addresses climate change, global warming, and the nature crisis in line with the most up-to-date science. The Bill is the only proposed legislation before the UK Parliament that ensures a comprehensive and joined-up approach to the emergency we all face.

Will you help the campaign by asking your MP to enter the private members’ bill ballot on 5 September in order to bring the Climate and Nature Bill back to Parliament?

1,586 organisations, politicians, faith leaders and scientists from all parts of the UK are backing the Climate and Nature Bill.

If your MP is one of the top 20 winners of this ballot, they’ll be able to progress the CAN Bill on its journey into the statute books. Zero Hour has been building the alliance for the CAN Bill since 2020. This is an opportunity to get the UK on the right track. The MPs’ ballot isn’t the only mechanism for getting the Bill introduced, but it is an important one.

Will you email your MP today and ask them to commit to backing the CAN Bill in the private members’ bill ballot?
To do this via the Zero Hour Campaign website, visit https://www.zerohour.uk/write-to-your-mp/
To see which MPs are backing the Bill already, go to https://www.zerohour.uk/supporters/
For details of the Bill’s provisions go to https://www.zerohour.uk/climate-and-nature-bill/
House of commons site: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3707

Thanks to St. James Church Piccadilly website for bringing this to my attention.
Richard.

We are fast approaching August just passed the height of Summer. It is the time to reap what we have sown in the body of...
28/07/2024

We are fast approaching August just passed the height of Summer. It is the time to reap what we have sown in the body of the Earth and give thanks. Going back perhaps three thousand years the Gaelic speaking peoples of this land celebrated the first harvest during the feast of Lushana which is named after the Sun God Lugh from Gaelic mythology.
The first harvest was thought to be sacred its grain and fruit embodying the Sun Gods life force. Some of its seeds were saved for the following years crop and some was used to bake the first bread of the year.
The cutting down of the crop can be seen as a sacrifice and the seed as holding the potential for regeneration or rebirth. Here we find a natural cycle echoed in the stories handed down by our ancestors of Ceres and Persephone, John Barleycorn and Jesus Christ.
In the Celtic tradition the herb most associated with abundance and the protection of the harvest is Mint. No one knows why but it could be to do with Mint traditionally being used to preserve bread and to protect the stored seed from microbial and insect attack.
Medicinally Mint helps you to digest foods and protect your gut from food borne bugs. It is also an environmentally friendly insect repellent due to its oils principally Menthol. These oils are known to help with intestinal colic and is listed as a treatment for Irritable bowel syndrome in the British National Formulary (BNF).
Mint especially peppermint has cooling and relaxing properties which makes it ideal for a refreshing cup of Summer tea.
My simple minty Summer infusion
1. Put one litre drinking water in a suitable clean glass jar.
2. Add ½ cup fresh peppermint leaves or ¼ cup dried peppermint leaves.
3. Leave to stand on a sunny windowsill for two hours.
4. Chill in fridge
5. Strain before drinking adding brown sugar to your taste. (You can also vary proportions of peppermint to amounts of water in line with how minty you like it).

Summer and ecosystemic regenerationAfter damage or destruction there is regeneration. Whether on a cellular or Planetary...
05/05/2024

Summer and ecosystemic regeneration

After damage or destruction there is regeneration. Whether on a cellular or Planetary level a breaking down and building up happens in Nature. At Beltane in early Summer, we celebrate the generation of the new.

In the British Isles we have the story of two trees, the Holly King, and the Oak King, who are locked into a cycle of destruction and regeneration. In the Summer the Oak king is in the ascendant laying out a carpet of green abundance over the land. At the Autumn equinox the Holly king begins to dominate, and the leaves fall from the trees. This evolutionary cycle continues around and around year after year.

Herbal medicine, when aligned with such principles, is powerful. A good example is the use of a medicinal herb called Fibraurea tinctoria.

This tropical tree grows in South East Asia. In Sumatra the leaves are used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial wound healer. It is chewed, fed on, and the pulp is placed on the wound. Over the next five days the wound will close and be infection free. Within a month the tissue will regenerate completely leaving barely a scar behind. Remarkable enough you might think, but what makes this even more ecologically resonant is that this self-medication was performed by a close relative of ours - a wonderful wild Sumatran Orangutan!

Photos of before and after self medication:

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