Ten Questions to get to know Nicola Sabin
23rd May 2024
Thousands of people worldwide engage with The Herb Society through our social media, especially instagram, our website and this blog.
Nicola Sabin is a Trustee for The Herb Society, a voluntary role.
Get to know Nicola and what inspires her through this quick snapshot in ten questions.
1. What’s your first memory of being inspired by herbs?
My first memory being inspired by herbs was making flower essences in the garden. I must have been about 5 years old at the time and was making “medicine” for my teddy bears using flowers in my garden. Of course I didn’t know at the time I was essentially making flower essences.
2. Who do you look to for herbal mentorship or advice?
I look to Barbara Wilkinson. She is an amazing mentor and has shared her wisdom with me many time over. Robyn Olsen has been a wonderful mentor as well over at herbswithrobyn.com. Robyn made me realise it was possible to follow my dreams to become a herbalist.
3. What is the lesson you’ve learnt from herbs that you’d most like to share with others?
Herbs always show up for you when you need them. Motherwort was the herb showing up for me and she was a herb I needed. I didn’t realise that at the time but she kept showing up for me. First in my garden and I never sowed any, this was before I decided to study medical herbalism. Then again when a friend of mine gave me a tray of Motherwort seedlings. When an advert for a herbarium popped up on my computer showing Motherwort, I knew I had to listen!
4. Tell us about a place you’ve visited that’s been a great herbal experience.
Hooks Green Herbs has been a place I visited which was an amazing experience as we had a herb walk with Barbara Wilkinson. I’m looking forward to attending this year. My local woods is always a wonderful experience as there is something new to discover each time I go.
5. Describe your current practice with herbs and the benefits this brings.
I’m a student at Wild Rose College and with the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism so at the moment there is a lot of studying. I love learning about herbs and how they work at an energetic level. Herbs have helped with my own health and even my cardiologist is amazed at what I have achieved since being diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. I can’t wait to help others.
Aside from my studies I am a student member of the URHP. I’m a student council member and I love my role. I’m learning from wonderful medical herbalists and enjoying the experience.
I am currently putting together a course on natural choices, including herbs for autonomic dysfunction. Since 2020, the number of people being diagnosed with dysautonomia has increased, yet many don’t know how to make the lifestyle changes which can greatly improve symptoms.
6. Where do you see your interest in herbs evolving over the next five years?
I hope to have completed my studies and become a practicing medical herbalist, with an interest in heart health and the autonomic nervous system. I would love to get into teaching as that’s something I would really enjoy.
7. How do you see the role of the Herb Society in the UK and your contribution to this?
The Herb Society is such an important part of history of herbalism and I’m very proud to be one of the Trustees. We all work very hard to promote herbs. I run the herbal book club which is a free optional members benefit and really enjoy connecting with others over our mutual love of reading and herbs.
8. If you could make one change that could increase awareness, appreciation or application of herbs in the UK, what would that be?
I wish medical doctors would be more open to the use of herbs. So many times I have been dismissed because I’ve wanted to take a traditional medicine route instead of allopathic. I think if doctors and herbalists could work together it could be amazing.
9. And, has to be asked, what’s your favourite herb, and why?
Motherwort because she was the first herb to show up for me. I even did my thesis on Motherwort.
10. Finally, if you were herbal advisor to a new colony being established on Mars, what advice would you give?
Grow as many herbs as possible, work with the herbs to get to know them and eat plants.