About Medicine Garden by Sarah Atkinson

I've been a practicing medical herbalist for the last fourteen years. The idea for the medicine garden has gradually germinated over this time. During the process I've found that the emphasis of my consultation has changed, from focusing totally on the herbs to looking very much at what people eat and drink. This, combined with listening to peoples life stories has made my approach to dis-ease much more holistic, which benefits my patients by giving them more control over their health.

Also, with my growing interest in good nutrition I began to give patients a lot of information on cooking and meal plans along side the herbal remedies, but this could only be helpful if there was already an interest and knowledge of food and it's preparation. When this is combination is achieved the results can be astounding.

Therefore, the next step was to set up a centre where small groups of like minded people could meet. Each 'course' lasts 2 hours (fast and easily prepared food is important), during this time we discuss the chosen topic, food and herbs. Followed by watching the ingredients being prepared, the session is rounded off by trying the freshly prepared selection of foods. This is usually at least a 3 course meal. Recipes and information sheets are provided.

We use mostly organic seasonal produce, grown as locally as possible to reduce food miles and the impact on the environment. These foods are far more nutritious and delicious than the intensively grown alternatives.

A large range of courses are on offer, or I can create one especially for you; all you need are 5 - 6 friends (or people you know) and an idea that has something to do with food and/or health. Our basic principle is that the occasion is informative and fun, there are many ways of eating healthily as long as some simple principles are followed. Food needs to be prepared and served with joy, care, some would say love, as even the molecules in a glass of water respond to the way they are spoken to.