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Meet the Herbalist

Andrea Hughes Medical Herbalist at Herba Medica

Andrea graduated from the respected College of Phytotherapy (University of Wales) in 2003 with an Honours Degree in Phytotherapy (Herbal Medicine) and is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists and The College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy, as well as the Institute of Functional Medicine.
(IFM)

Experience:

I have been in practice as a Herbalist since 2003 and in 2015 began to implement the principles of Functional Medicine into my work.

In 1997  I qualified as Holistic & Clinical Aromatherapist with The Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy.
To this day I continue to create wonderful healing blends of Essential oils, which I have found a way of using in a  Functional Medicine Systems based method.

Whilst studying for my degree in Herbal Medicine, I worked as a dispensary technician at Ainsworth’s Homoeopathic Pharmacy and was involved in the manufacture of both Homoeopathic Medicines and Bach Flower Essences. I also studied with Julian Barnard of Healing Herbs in Bach Flower Essences and continue to integrate flower essences into my practice where they are appropriate..

I have completed training with The Institute of Functional Medicine which is the leading provider of Education and Training in Functional Medicine.

I am a graduate of the AFMCP intensive course in London -2015 and have completed the following Advanced Practice Modules which are in depth clinical and evidence based training modules focusing on systems of the body:

Hormones
Gastrointestinal
Immune,
Detoxification
Cardiometabolic
Energy

I have undertaken the Practitioner Training in understanding and treating SIBO with Dr Allison Siebecker.

I have studied with Dr.Kurt Woeller at The Integrative Medicine Academy.

I am also expanding my knowledge of Nutri Genomics which is the study of the effects of food and food constituents on gene expression, and how genetic variations affect the nutritional environment and continue to update my knowledge both through  Functional and Herbal Medicine courses and seminars.

As well as consultations I offer seminars and workshops in Herbal Medicine.

Personal:

On a personal note, I live in Worthing, West Sussex with my husband and our 2 boys and 2 Dogs.
The boy’s are growing up now but I am pleased to say that they are still (mostly) compliant in taking their herbs when needed.

I am also an obsessive swimmer and lover of water in all it’s forms!

Before I became a Herbalist I was a Horse Rider and Trainer until an accident left me in chronic pain. My path to healing came via Osteopathy, Reflexology, Essential Oils and Herbs – hence the realisation of my vocation – to train as a Western Medical Herbalist. I saw my first patient the day after receiving my insurance to practice and have been in practice ever since.

Since 2012 I have run my practice from tranquil premises in Tarring, Worthing West Sussex.
(The Clinic and Dispensary ‘Herba Medica’)
I am there Monday to Friday Consulting and dispensing Herbal Medicines. Please note I work by appointment only so my door is often locked.

Please do contact me if there are any questions you have that you have not been able to find answers to on this website, but please give me time to reply as most days are very busy.

I look forward to working with you.

Warm wishes in health and healing,
Andrea

Testimonials

Macular Degeneration
I had my annual eye test yesterday and it’s good news. The macular degeneration is no worse and even slightly better!! Well done with your special herbs. Thank you.  
Mrs D Lord - Dorset
Splitting skin on my fingers
Location: West Sussex. I suffered eighteen agonising months of the skin on my fingers splitting for no apparent reason….. suddenly a stinging pain and I could watch my skin split open and bleed..not only on my finger tips but anywhere on my fingers. I made several visits to my GP who prescribed a variety of ointments and creams, I changed shampoo, soap, washing machine powder/liquid all to no avail. I had an appointment with a Dermatologist who arranged allergy tests and that also was a waste of… Read more
David KWest Sussex
A less painful Winter
I am looking forward to a less painful winter this year thanks to you and can’t thank-you enough from the bottom of my heart for making me feel so well and feeling life is worth living after all. I want everyone to know there IS an alternative to western medicine I just wish they would be brave enough to go with it and at least try. Even if you are on a low income you can still afford this wonderful medicine. You really are a truly wonderful person and I am lucky to know you.
A less painful WinterWorthing
Acid Reflux
I was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia, and on another endoscopy , they found a pool of bile in the stomach. Both endoscopes were due to symptoms of pain, discomfort and reflux . I was given Omeprazole 20-40 mgs over several years. Reading on the Internet the problems encountered from long term proton pump inhibitors, I was delighted when I started Herbal Treatment with Andrea which included balancing my whole digestion. The reflux has now resolved and I am symptom free and off the Omeprazole. I … Read more
Acid Reflux
Perimenopause
When the first signs of perimenopause arrived I knew that I should do something to help myself. My Mum had a really rough time with her transition to menopause and ended up taking HRT which has never been on my list of acceptable treatments for many reasons. My first port of call was always going to be Andrea, who is the gentlest, kindest and most generous of medical practitioners that I have ever come across. Within two weeks of starting to take my herbal medicine my symptoms were r… Read more
HelenGuernsey
Tea Blending Workshop
I came to you for the tea making course, I’d just like to say Thank you so much – I learnt so much from those couple of hours with you, it was actually a very profound experience.
Tea Blending Workshop
NO MORE NIGHT SWEATS
I am 55 – had severe sleep disturbing night sweats for more than 6months. Stress related alopecia areata, no energy, and a bit down in the dumps. Andrea addressed possible culprits and I had a blood test through medicheck. Easy and convenient, fast results. Since taking the herb mixture prescribed and given by Andrea my night sweats was a past experience. No more changing clothes at night! My hair is growing back, and energy improving. I am nothing less than grateful. Andrea has huge knowledge… Read more
Lottewest sussex
No More Rash!
About time I left a testimonial for one of the very few people I actually admire and respect. I had suffered with an awful skin condition (Erythema Multiforme) for a few years before seeing Andrea and the medics could do nothing for me. It caused me so much stress, which just exacerbated the condition. Anyway, Andrea cleared my problem within a couple of months and that was a few years’ ago. She is truly a special lady with a strong desire to help all those she meets. Could go on – can’t p… Read more
No More Rash!Worthing
Mums Better
Andrea: my mum is so much better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my whole family is deeply thankful to you. She has made it off to Morroco this week, and would not have made it without your wonderful herbs and care.
Mums Better
Autoimmune Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis
I am currently on day 6 of the Diet and it’s working! Unbelievably for me I am sticking to it, especially given my inner rebel and sceptic! I had a rocky start but then really knuckled down and have 100% stuck to it and the pains in my fingers and toes have almost totally gone! My body no longer feels like i have permanently been hit by a bus, full of aches and pains. The mornings are most significant in that normally, before the diet I had to lever myself out of bed as if I was a lump of le… Read more
Lucy, Brighton.West Sussex