Professional Qualifications & Memberships | Western Medical Herbalist

The College of Phytotherapy was the first to train Medical Herbalists in the United Kingdom.

University Training & Degrees in Phytotherapy

The College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy

CPP: College of Practitoioners of Phytotherapy

Medical Herbalists who graduated from the College before the year 2000 will hold a Diploma in Phytotherapy ( Dip.Phyt). The College then obtained validation from The University of Wales and its students graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Phytotherapy.

A few other Universities in the United Kingdom also offer BSc courses in Herbal Medicine, including Middlesex and Westminster Universities at the last check.

Accreditation by UK Professional Herbalist Organisations

A qualified Medical Herbalist will have the following

National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH)

MNIMH: The National Institute of Medical Herbalists

The College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP)

MCPP: The College of Practitioners of Phytotherapists

Like so: Andrea Hughes Bsc.(hons) MNIMH, MCPP

Both professional organisations maintain a high level of training, continual professional development and have strict professional codes of conduct. All active practitioners must have current liability insurance. Andrea is a member of both organisations.

Advanced Clinical Training & Functional Medicine Certification

The Institute of Functional Medicine (UK)

Andrea Hughes IFM AFMCP-UK Graduate 2015

IFM: The Institute of Functional Medicine

The IFM Certification Program provides the most comprehensive training available in Functional Medicine. In addition to the above I am currently in the process of attaining the Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner qualification having completed the “Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice” as well as the Advanced Practice Modules.

Andrea Hughes Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP) Europe 2025

Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP) Europe 2025.

Testimonials

Neurological Help
A friend with a diagnosis of MS recommended Andrea to me. I too had been experiencing neurological symptoms (pins and needles in my hands and feet; difficulty walking) and after such a glowing review, decided that I would book an appointment. I am so glad that I did! One of the first things you notice when you meet Andrea is how calm and welcoming she is, so unlike any healthcare experience I’ve had. Because I felt at ease, I was able to talk about my experience in a safe space. Andr… Read more

StaceyLondon

Looking to get my energy back...
I approached Andrea suffering from Adrenal Fatigue, which was persistent and was impacting significantly on my activities so I did what was necessary, but had no energy to enjoy other activities. Armed with my food diary and a recent blood test, my initial consultation was impressive – discussing all concerns with a very approachable Andrea, who explained clearly what she felt were pertinent issues, came up with a treatment protocol of supplements, herbs, diet and self-help, with a couple of … Read more

Christina AspharFerring, West Sussex

Recovery from low immunity
After I retired I was exhausted and after pneumonia and another chest infection I had shingles. I had got over the worst of the virus but the symptoms never seemed to leave me completely and after the fourth recurrence I was desperate for some relief and a return of at least some of my lost energy. I had never experienced Medical Herbalism before but I immediately found Andrea to be understanding and knowledgeable. After several months taking the herbal medicines I am relieved to have at last sh… Read more

Gillian La HayeChichester

Relief From Migraines & Allergies
I went to Andrea to help with relief of migraines and allergies. Migraines have blighted my life since I was a child but the allergies are relatively new occurrence in the past few years. I have never found anything that help the migraines which had become increasingly regular, sometimes as often as once a week, and although I was on daily high dosage anti histamine I was still getting violent reactions to all manner of things. Eleven weeks later no migraines. One allergic reaction which thanks … Read more

L.Cookworthing

Healthier & Happier!
I am so happy to have discovered Andrea! I had been suffering for so long before with various problems including recurrent thrush, very low mood and PMS symptoms and many gut-related issues which have now almost completely disappeared. Where doctors before had just told me that all these symptoms were chronic, or prescribed antibiotics which seemed to make things worse, Andrea took time to identify exactly what was going on in my body and to plan a treatment that took in to account all aspects o… Read more

HollyBrighton

Better Digestion and no Omeprazole!
Hi Andrea Just wanted to let you know how much better I’m feeling! The last few days I’ve felt actual hunger, something I haven’t felt for months. Your wonderful herbs and particularly I feel, the Agrimony, are doing wonders. I’m off the omeprazole now ( for almost a week) and no repercussions. I’m sticking to wheat and dairy free with the exception of a little goat cheese, no bright stools at all. This lovely lady presented with a history of medication of proton pump inhibitors, s… Read more

Better Digestion and no Omeprazole!

Sensitive & kind
I don’t know whether you remember me, but I came to you about 18 months ago because I had had recurrent miscarriages. After a course of treatment you gave me, I conceived at the beginning of the year, and have just had a beautiful little boy. I am so grateful to you for all your help, and especially for linking together a lot of my medical issues. My irritable bowel has also been much better since your treatment. Thanks again for all you did, I will definatly recommend you to friends and fa… Read more

Sensitive & kind

Shingles
After suffering several outbreaks of very painful skin eruptions over a period of about 18 months which doctors could not explain but prescribed antibiotics for, I went to see Andrea. She recognised the skin problem as shingles and prescribed herbs which stopped further outbreaks. It has been almost 2 years now without any further occurrence. Andrea also helped diagnose a severe vitamin deficiency which has now been remedied. I am so lucky to know such a special, caring healer. Thank you Andrea

JBLancing, West Sussex

Talk and Demo Mr Paterson Shoreham by Sea
Dear Andrea, Many thanks for your talk and demo at Culberry’s yesterday 22.6.13. Sadly we had to leave before the end it was a very interesting and informative event, on a subject which is not only enjoyable but so important to our wellbeing on so many levels. I would be grateful if you would send details of your courses and practice. Best regards and thanks

Talk and Demo Mr Paterson Shoreham by Sea