A MEDICAL herbalist and an artist from Stroud have gained praise for their unique book, on intuitive herbalism.

Nathaniel Hughes and Fiona Owen spent over four years creating their second book that takes readers on a journey through the characters of the herbs.

Nathaniel shares his direct experiences on how the plants impact on people physically and emotionally.

He said: “The first book was all about approaching the plants and how to go into the experience, however this books focuses more on the effects plants have on people.

“Some people struggle to understand that plants affect people but I liken it to someone drinking coffee.

"If you gave someone who never drinks coffee an espresso they might be able to tell you that their heart beat is faster, their thoughts and emotions change, it acts as something of a laxative and might affect their kidneys making them need to go to the toilet more. Every plant can affect our physiology and if we become sensitive enough to pay attention to this we can learn about the effect of the plant on our bodies."

Fiona who works as a full time artist at the Old Chapel in Chalford met Nathaniel around eight years ago when she attended one of his herbal classes at Ruskin Mill College.

Fascinated by each other’s work they set about creating a set of books allowing Nathaniel to continue his studies in herbalism and Fiona adding beautiful illustrations.

“It’s a slightly unusual working relationship,” said Nathaniel

“I wanted it to be a genuine 50-50 project and move away from the idea that the author does all the work.

“Fiona and I work on the same plant at the same time to make it a more true experience.”

The book has had a great deal of positive reaction with sales comfortably over the £18,000 required to break even.

A new book is already being planned but will probably not be published until 2020.

Weeds in the Heart, which was created by the most ecological printers in the UK, is available to buy at Stroud Bookshop in the town centre and on Amazon for £30.

For more information visit http://weedsintheheart.org.uk

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