Plant Medicine

Aleksandra Ostrowska-Wiwer is a biologist, certified herbalist, naturopath and menopause coach working with women from all over the world. Under her brand Herbedies, she creates functional herbal blends and educational resources dedicated to practical herbalism, women's health and hormonal wellbeing, with a particular focus on perimenopause and hormonal transition. She offers 1:1 consultations, develops targeted herbal formulations and teaches women how to support their bodies naturally through every stage of hormonal change. She is also the creator of the Herbal Foundations Course, which helps people learn how to use herbs confidently for their own health and their families.Website: www.herbedies.comInstagram: @herbediesSophie Dunster is a London based artist and illustrator specializing in storytelling through design and communication. Sophie works in many mediums from pencil, fineliner or watercolour through to silk screen printing – with a keen eye for detail. Her love of colour goes hand-in-hand with her joy at finding inspiration in the natural world. Sustainability has played a big part in her life, particularly as she was raised on a low-carbon lifestyle. Sophie is passionate that art has the power to inspire change and spark joy. She can often be found wandering galleries, on long countryside walks with her dog Quincy and collecting teaspoons from hidden antique shops. She can be found at: www.sophiedunster.com

• Chapter 1: Calm – Herbs that soothe the nervous system and help bring a sense of grounded peace in everyday life.Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)Lime blossom (Tilia cordata) Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) Chapter 2: Rest – Gentle herbs that support deep sleep, nervous system recovery and true rest.Californian poppy (Eschscholzia californica) Hops (Humulus lupulus) Jujube seed (Ziziphus jujuba) Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) Chapter 3: Focus – Plants that help improve clarity, attention and mental stamina–especially helpful for overwhelmed minds.Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Sage (Salvia officinalis)Chapter 4: Uplift – Mood-brightening herbs that gently lift the spirit during low or heavy days.Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora)Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) Saffron (Crocus sativus) Silk tree / Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) Chapter 5: Resilience – A chapter on long-term support: herbs that build emotional strength, reduce the impact of chronic stress and nourish the adrenals – including a whole section on adaptogens.Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Holy basil / Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) Liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Schisandra berry (Schisandra chinensis) Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Chapter 6: Hormonal Harmony – A look at herbs that help balance emotional fluctuations linked to the menstrual cycle, perimenopause and beyond.Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) Red clover (Trifolium pratenseRed sage / Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) Chapter 7: Grief & Release – Soothing plants that support us through emotional transitions, loss and letting go.Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) Damask rose petals (Rosa damascena) Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) Vervain (Verbena officinalis) Chapter 8: Self-Love & Inner Peace – Herbs and rituals that help reconnect with the body, cultivate compassion and create emotional safety from within.Cacao (Theobroma cacao) Damiana (Turnera diffusa) Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)