The Herbalist: Past and Present
Location:
Chelsea Physic Garden
Date & time:
Sunday 28 Sep 2025, 11.00am - 12.30pm
Price:
£15.00
Natasha Richardson and Maya Jayaweera Thomas examine the evolution of herbal medicine, from historic remedies to modern practice.
About the event
Join medical herbalist Natasha Richardson and folk herbologist Maya Jayaweera Thomas for a fascinating exploration of how plant medicine has evolved over time. Drawing on their distinct approaches, they will uncover the threads that connect traditional remedies with modern practice.
Using examples from historic herbal texts, Natasha and Maya will compare how certain medicinal plants were used in the past with how they are understood and applied by contemporary herbalists today.
Discover how herbal knowledge continues to grow, adapt and inspire in both clinical settings and community-based traditions in the 21st century.
Additional information
This event is eligible for our 20% ticket bundle discount.
Book tickets to three or more different events across the festival and you can save 20%. Tickets must be purchased in the same transaction and the discount will automatically be applied within the basket.
About the speakers
Maya Jayaweera Thomas is a herbologist, writer and creative consultant exploring the connections between people, plants and place. With a background in documentary film and a distinction in Herbology from the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, she creates workshops and collaborations across the UK.
Natasha Richardson is a medical herbalist with degrees in herbal medicine and the history of women’s medicine. She founded Forage Botanicals to support menstrual health through natural products, education and expert care, and is the author of ‘Your Period Handbook’.
FAQs
Is the Chelsea Physic Garden accessible?Most of the Garden is fully accessible, with the exception of the first floor Gallery at Chelsea Physic Garden which is used only for special events and is only accessible via a narrow 22 step staircase with a handrail.
If you are attending an event and need help please get in touch at enquiries@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk or call 0207 352 5646.
Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.
Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.
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