Profiles

Don't know your wild garlic from your rosemary? Don't worry - here you can find out all about the fascinating world of wild herbs.

Wild Garlic

'The Herbalist' is a regular series on 'The Saturday Show' with Faye Hatcher on BBC Radio Gloucestershire (Saturdays 9am - 12pm).

Each week you can learn about the health benefits of some of the UK's most common herbs with expert Nathan Hughes from Gloucestershire's Ruskin Mill.

Nathan is a medical herbalist and he'll be sharing his in-depth knowledge of herbs, including rosemary, sage, thyme, wild garlic, elderflower, nettle, marigold, and wild garlic.

You can also listen again to The Herbalist by clicking on the links below.

As the series progresses we'll be adding more audio clips to this page so keep checking back to find out more about the wonderful world of herbs in Gloucestershire.

For some advice on using herbs safely click on the following link:

Herbs are the quintessential plant: they look good, smell good and do you good. They have been used ever since humans have been on the earth, as medicines, perfumes, insect repellents and, of course, in food and flavouring.

Use the link at the top right of this page to find out more about herbs and their healing properties from the BBC Gardening website.

Herbalist Poem

Listener Barbara Baggs emailed Faye with the following poem. She says: "You've inspired me yet again.... or having Nathan on your show has!"

"Nathan Hughes – Herbalist from Ruskin Mill"

Have you met the herbalist on Faye Hatcher’s Saturday shows?
Nathan Hughes from Ruskin Mill will tell you all he knows.
His knowledge of herbal medicines is certainly second to none.
His powerful potions and lotions treat symptoms ‘til they’re gone.
He collects many herbs from the hedgerows, woodland and on the heath.
He knows just where to look for them - above, beside, beneath.
Safety is of prime importance and with traditional understanding.
He uses each ingredient to produce a cure – a happy landing.
The characteristic features of each particular herb,
Procure subtle shifts in bodily mood and any imbalances curb.
So visit him and his colleagues when you are next near Stroud.
They’d love to show you around their place - young, old, quiet or loud.
Attend a course or relax and unwind, learn more about powerful healing,
Take your pick and go along to whichever you find most appealing.