Hello! My Name is Kristine

I am the founder of the Crafty Herbalist Academy. I am also an experienced medical herbalist and herbal teacher, deeply rooted in the green landscape of the Chilterns, UK. My journey into the world of herbal medicine began in the picturesque region of Flanders, Belgium, where I was born and raised.

My love for herbal medicine was kindled by my maternal grandmother, a wise woman who whispered the secrets of nature into my young ears. I still vividly remember the day she introduced me to the Elder tree in her medicinal garden, unveiling its impressive healing powers. It was a simple moment, but one that charted the course of my life.

After years of rigorous study at university level in the UK, I’ve spent over two decades nurturing my herbal practice, always with the same enthusiasm and wonder I felt as a child. My days are joyously busy, balancing my role as a mother to two wonderful young children with my deep commitment to my patients in my herbal dispensary.

But my passion doesn’t end at the dispensary door. I’m also a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, an ambassador of the Herb Society and Junior Herbalist Club Leader. Each role allows me to share the ancient wisdom of herbal medicine with others, from enthusiastic youngsters to curious adults.

I have had the joy of leading many students, transforming them from beginners into confident herbal medicine users. This journey of transformation is a testament to the empowering nature of herbal knowledge.

At the heart of my work is a desire to empower others. I believe that knowledge of herbal medicine isn’t just for the select few; it’s a gift to be shared, a tool for everyone to feel more connected and empowered in their lives. My aim is to pass on this knowledge so that you, too, can harness the natural world’s offerings.

Whether I’m teaching a child to identify a healing plant or helping someone find balance through herbs, these are the moments that matter. It’s about the shared experience, the collective learning, and growing together.

So, welcome to my world of herbal medicine, where every leaf, root, and flower tells a story, and every story is an opportunity to learn, heal, and thrive.

Kristine x

Embracing the Harmony of Science and Tradition

At the heart of the Crafty Herbalist Academy lies a deep respect for the delicate balance between the scientific understanding and traditional uses of herbal medicine. We recognise the unique constitution of every individual and every plant, honouring their distinctiveness and the intricate ways they interact. Our approach is not just about treating symptoms; it’s about understanding the holistic nature of health and wellbeing.

A Convergence of Knowledge and Wisdom

Our educational model is based on the precision of Western Herbal Medicine, the insights of modern science, the depth of traditional herbal practices, and the wisdom of the humoral theory and energetics. This fusion is underpinned by the fundamental belief that nature possesses an intrinsic healing power, a belief echoed in herbal traditions across the globe.

Personal Journeys, Universal Connections

The Crafty Herbalist Academy is more than an educational institution; it’s a gateway to personal transformation. Whether you seek to support others in their physical healing, forge a deeper bond with the psychological aspects of plants, or embark on a journey of self-improvement and emotional growth, our Academy is uniquely equipped to guide you. We offer a path that is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about forging a personal connection with the healing power of nature.

Nurturing Growth, Spreading Roots

As you walk your individual plant path with us, the Academy nurtures your growth, helping you to spread your roots deep into the rich soil of herbal wisdom. We believe in the power of these ancient practices to bring balance and harmony, not just to our lives, but to the world. Together, we are keeping alive a tradition that has the power to heal, to connect, and to renew.