# Mark Pillans

> Medical herbalist


## Posts

- [How does yellow dock support gastrointestinal health?](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/how-does-yellow-dock-support-gastrointestinal-health/): A bitter root with a long history Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) is a bitter, astringent root long used in herbal medicine for digestive complaints, from sluggish bowels to liver congestion1. Traditionally regarded as cooling and drying, it is noted for its alterative, digestive, hepatic and mild purgative actions2, making it a choice for a range of gut-related issues. Stimulating bile and supporting digestion As a bitter herb and cholagogue, yellow dock stimulates bile flow and helps calm inflammation within the digestive tract3,4, which is why it has traditionally been indicated for indigestion, flatulence and an atonic stomach5. Its combined bitter and […]
- [Book a wellbeing lunch & learn session for your team](https://markpillans.uk/events/book-a-wellbeing-lunch-learn-session-for-your-team/): I am available to book for workplace wellbeing sessions for companies looking to support staff health in a practical, low-effort way. See the flyer below, but contact me for more details.
- [New resources & supplements discount available](https://markpillans.uk/diet-nutrition/new-resource-section/): New resources page I have just published a new resources page (always available at the bottom of any page), pulling together the links, tools and reference sites I often mention to clients. It is a fairly broad collection. There are calculators for things like the accumulative burden of anticholinergic drugs (!), prostate symptoms and vitamin D levels; reputable diet and nutrition guides (including the Mediterranean and FODMAP diets), and links to the professional bodies that regulate herbal medicine in the UK, such as the National Institute of Medical Herbalists and the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy. You will also find some […]
- [Ashwagandha for endocrine support](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/ashwagandha-for-endocrine-support/): Summary Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has featured in Ayurvedic medicine for around 4,000 years. Its name derives from the Sanskrit ashva (horse) and gandha (smell), referring to the root odour, and ‘somnifera’ relates to its sedative properties1. Ashwagandha has become a very popular herb in the UK and it is used to treat a wide range of conditions, but this is a brief overview of some of its actions on the endocrine system. The endocrine system is the body’s network of glands such as the thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, ovaries/testes and pancreas, that produce and release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones […]
- [Gift vouchers now available](https://markpillans.uk/updates/gift-vouchers-now-available/): Gift vouchers can now be purchased for friends and family from here. Gift vouchers can be a great option for someone who is looking to improve their health and lifestyle, but please consider that herbal medicine requires a degree of commitment for the best results! These vouchers may be used in full or part payment for any consultation or product. For example a first-time appointment costs £90; and follow-ups are either £55 for 30 mins or £70 for an hour. Recipients will receive a digital voucher that can also be downloaded and printed if needed. The recipient simply needs call or […]
- [Angelica sinensis: a female reproductive tonic](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/angelica-sinensis-a-female-reproductive-tonic/): Angelica sinensis (dong quai) is a warming, sweetish root with an earthy, faintly bitter taste. It is a key herb in women’s herbal care and it has been called the ‘female ginseng’1. A. sinensis is often taken as a a blood tonic and its polysaccharides play a role in its blood-enriching effect2,3. It also acts as a hormone regulator4, helping bring rhythm back to erratic menstrual cycles. Its Chinese name, dang gui, translates as ‘state of return’, relating to its ability to return someone to health5. A. sinensis is commonly used to relieve painful periods and support fertility6, and it combines well […]
- [Sedate valerian](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/sedate-valerian/): Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been used to settle nerves since the time of Hippocrates1. In medieval Europe it was referred to as “all-heal”, and in the early twentieth century it was used to help soldiers recovering from shell shock2. Valerian’s root has a strong, musty smell that most people find an acquired taste (it’s been likened to smelly socks), but that hasn’t prevented its long reputation as one of the most trusted calming herbs in the Western herbal tradition. Valerian’s sedative action is widely accepted3 and it is World Health Organization (WHO) approved as mild alternative or substitute for stronger pharmaceuticals4. […]
- [Calendula for the skin](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/calendula-for-the-skin/): Pot marigold, or calendula (Calendula officinalis) is considered as one of the most important and versatile herbal remedies1. The combination of its actions make it a particularly effective and widely used skin calmer and wound and tissue healer2,3. The bright orange (sometimes yellow) flowers have a light, mildly spicy taste, and traditionally this is seen as a cooling, drying herb that has a gentle astringent, tightening effect on tissue4,5,6. Calendula’s skin benefits come from a rich mix of constituents working together. Triterpene alcohols act directly on inflamed skin, calming redness and irritation7, while flavonoids support tissue repair8,9 and essential oils help […]
- [Willow bark vs aspirin](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/willow-bark-vs-aspirin/): Summary Willow bark (Salix spp.) has been used to ease pain for over 3,500 years1. It is, along with meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), an original source of salicylic acid, the compound synthesised into aspirin. Compared to aspirin, however, willow tends to be far gentler on the stomach2. Its active analgesic compounds also stay in circulation for longer than aspirin, without the same increased risk of bleeding3. Whole herb action Willow bark’s range of salicylate compounds appear to work best together, providing combined anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects4. Research points to the whole herb, rather than isolated salicin, being needed for full therapeutic benefit5,6. […]
- [Blackcurrant-scented buchu; an important urinary herb](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/blackcurrant-scented-buchu-an-important-urinary-herb/): Buchu is a small, aromatic blackcurrant-scented South African shrub. Its full, currently accepted, scientific name is Agathosma betulina (P.J.Bergius) Pillans, although the attributing South African botanist Neville Stuart Pillans, 1884–1964 is not a relation of mine1,2. Buchu was a prized remedy among the Khoisan and other indigenous South African peoples, used both spiritually and medicinally3. It travelled to Europe and then the US in the early nineteenth century, where it was used for urinary and kidney complaints3, although its popularity faded with the development of antibiotics. Traditionally, buchu has been used for cystitis, urethritis, dysuria (difficult or painful urination) and bladder […]
- [Herbal fads. Like all others …?](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/herbal-fads-like-all-others/): You have quite possibly seen Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) popping up all over in all sorts of forms: teas, smoothies, soft drinks, supplement formulae … Indeed, there is a craze every few years such as turmeric (Curcuma longa), elderberry (Sambucus nigra), chaga (Inonotus obliquus). All of these have had a star turn as the plant that will supposedly fix everything from immunity to anxiety. Sajah Popham of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism has produced a very thoughtful piece on this topic, highlighting where fads move from harmless to serious1. Popham’s argument is that fads distort the plants themselves. For example, echinacea (Echinacea […]
- [AI fakery, just the beginning ...](https://markpillans.uk/musings/ai-fakery-just-the-beginning/): This NYT video article highlights an alarming trend of AI-generated hyper-realistic ads for doctors, healers and wellness influencers promising radical health improvements. Legitimate professionals will have trained for years, have a recognised qualification and should be backed up by an overseeing body. Medical herbalists do not promise quick fixes or immediate radical changes, rather a careful consideration of you as a whole person. When we work with you we supply steps you can take to improve your health based on years of personal training and input from countless years of collective herbal medicine learning. For us, patient safety and wellbeing is […]
- [Is the Mediterranean diet all it is said to be?](https://markpillans.uk/diet-nutrition/is-the-mediterranean-diet-all-it-is-said-to-be/): The Mediterranean diet is often touted as a healthy ideal: olive oil, vegetables, fish, and long meals shared with family. Indeed, it is one of the most widely researched dietary patterns, attributed to physiologist Ancel Keys, who studied mid-twentieth-century eating habits in southern Italy, Crete, and Greece1. UNESCO has since recognised it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a status now extended to Croatia, Cyprus, Spain, Morocco, and Portugal2. The benefits Despite being relatively high in fat, mostly from olive oil, the diet is consistently linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular […]
- [Astragalus: steady immune support](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/astragalus-steady-immune-support/): If you find yourself catching every cold that goes round, or you’re looking to build immune resilience for the long haul, Astragalus mongholicus (milk vetch) root is potentially a herbal remedy to consider. Native to Mongolia and China, it has centuries of traditional use as a tonic and adaptogenic for strengthening immunity1. A tonic, not a quick fix Astragalus doesn’t knock out a cold overnight. It works best long-term, gradually building and maintaining a resilient immune system rather than firefighting acute infection2. This makes it well suited to ongoing use over weeks or months, and it’s generally considered gentle, with a […]
- [Bilberry: A purple powerhouse for heart health](https://markpillans.uk/diet-nutrition/bilberry-a-purple-powerhouse-for-heart-health/): Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is the tart, deep-purple cousin of the blueberry that grows wild across European forests and moorland. It’s been used medicinally for over a thousand years1, and, like blueberries, this little fruit is remarkably good for the cardiovascular system. A reason for this is bilberry’s anthocyanin content, the pigment responsible for their inky colour. Anthocyanins have been found to protect and help repair the fine blood vessels and capillaries that keep our circulation running well, guarding them against everyday oxidative damage2,3. Bilberry has been shown to improve venous insufficiency, reduce oedema, calm inflamed tissue, and speed the healing of […]
- [Hot weather sleep: to PJ or not to PJ? What the science says …](https://markpillans.uk/lifestyle/hot-weather-sleep-to-pj-or-not-to-pj-what-the-science-says/): We all know that summer nights can wreak havoc on sleep. There are lots of conflicting media stories on the topic of wearing pyjamas (or not) in hot weather and how this can affect sleep. Does what you wear to bed actually matter? Why temperature drives sleep As bedtime approaches, your core body temperature needs to drop by around 0.3–0.5°C. This happens through blood vessels near the skin widening and releasing heat, working alongside the hormone melatonin release to signal to your brain that it’s time to switch off1,2. Anything that interferes with this natural cooling, such as too many layers, […]
- [A daily cup of green tea for longer life?](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/a-daily-cup-of-green-tea-for-longer-life/): Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and it is rich in plant compounds called polyphenols, which are thought to support health in a number of ways1. A growing body of research now suggests that regularly drinking green tea could also be linked to a longer life. A large recent study followed over 42,000 people in northern Vietnam, aged 10 to 80 and older, for an average of 11 years2. The researchers found that those who drank the most green tea (roughly 74 mL, about a small cup, per day) had a 16% lower […]
- [Does HIIT beat regular exercise for blood sugar control? Here's what the research says](https://markpillans.uk/lifestyle/does-hiit-beat-regular-exercise-for-blood-sugar-control-heres-what-the-research-says/): If you have heard that exercise can help you manage blood-sugar levels, for example in pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, but are concerned that you might need to push yourself through tough interval workouts to see improvements, there’s reassuring news. A recent review of multiple studies confirms that high-intensity interval training (HIIT – short bursts of intense effort with rest in between) does help improve blood sugar control and overall fitness1,2,3. But here’s the important part: when researchers compared HIIT to steady, moderate-intensity exercise (like brisk walking or cycling at a consistent pace) and made sure both burned the same number […]
- [Barberry: A bitter digestive medicine](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/barberry/): Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a thorny deciduous shrub with yellow flowers and edible, sharply acidic red berries. It has been known as a medicine for over 3000 years1,  and it has a strong, very beneficial effect on the whole digestive system2. The herb’s bitter, acrid taste, is a clue to its action: in herbal medicine, bitter properties stimulate digestive secretions. Barberry acts as what herbalists call a cholagogue, promoting bile flow from the gallbladder, and can help correct sluggish liver function and treat liver infections, making it traditionally indicated in conditions such as gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) and jaundice3. Much of this […]
- [White horehound: A time-honoured remedy for the respiratory tract](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/white-horehound-a-time-honoured-remedy-for-the-respiratory-tract/): White horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is a member of the mint family with small white flowers and downy, silver-green, and distinctly bitter leaves. It has been used as a cough and cold remedy since ancient Roman times1 and appears in Anglo-Saxon manuscripts as a treatment for respiratory complaints2. Horehound is both an expectorant and a spasmolytic: it helps shift tough, sticky phlegm from the airways while simultaneously easing bronchial spasm3. Historically, the influential seventeenth century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper noted its use for expectorating stubborn phlegm4, and the late-nineteenth century north American Eclectic physicians observed its pronounced stimulant action on the laryngeal and […]
- [Herbs for sleep - recommended podcast](https://markpillans.uk/herbs/herbs-for-sleep-recommended-podcast/): If you’re looking for some natural ways to improve your sleep quality, you might want to check out this podcast episode from Commonwealth Herbs. It’s called “How to Choose the Right Herbs for Sleep” and it’s full of practical tips and insights on how to use herbal remedies for sleep. The hosts, Katja and Ryn, are both experienced herbalists who share their knowledge and passion for plants in an engaging and accessible way. They explain the different types of sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early, or having restless or interrupted sleep. They also discuss the factors […]
- [Ultra-processed people](https://markpillans.uk/diet-nutrition/ultra-processed-people/): Ultra-Processed People: Why Do We All Eat Stuff That Isn’t Food… and Why Can’t We Stop? by Dr. Chris van Tulleken is a wake-up call and a fascinating read. Chris van Tulleken carefully exposes the hidden dangers of these food-like substances that dominate many modern diets and shows how they are making us addicted, sick, and obese. He also reveals the powerful interests behind the food industry and the lack of regulation and transparency that allow them to profit from this situation. I like the book because it is not a didactic exposé – it does not tell the reader what […]
- [Malnutrition in the UK: sadly, a modern reality](https://markpillans.uk/diet-nutrition/malnutrition-in-the-uk-sadly-a-modern-reality/): Here is a possible excerpt:    Malnutrition is not only about not having enough food, but also about not having the right food. It affects millions of people in the UK, across all ages and backgrounds, and can lead to serious health and social problems.
- [WHO's artificial sweetener guidance](https://markpillans.uk/diet-nutrition/whos-artificial-sweetener-guidance/): The World Health Organization (WHO) has just updated guidance on aspartame. Aspartame is an artificial (chemical) sweetener widely used in food and drink products. WHO classifies aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on limited evidence ans acknowledges more studies are needed. This follows other guidance issued in May on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS), which recommends against the use of NSS to control body weight or reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The simple way to look at sweeteners is that they are not natural, and therefore probably do not belong in the body. While WHO’s recommendations are not strong, WHO’s […]
- [The simple rule of three ...](https://markpillans.uk/musings/remember-the-rule-of-three/)
- [All the world's a stage ...](https://markpillans.uk/musings/all-the-worlds-a-stage/): As You Like It, William Shakespeare
- [When I am among the trees, Mary Oliver](https://markpillans.uk/musings/when-i-am-among-the-trees/): This lady had talent … When I am among the trees, especially the willows and the honey locust, equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness. I would almost say that they save me, and daily. I am so distant from the hope of myself, in which I have goodness, and discernment, and never hurry through the world but walk slowly, and bow often. Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, "Stay awhile. The light flows from their branches. And they call again, "It's simple," they say, "and you too […]
- [What's with the tree?](https://markpillans.uk/musings/whats-with-the-tree/): Yggdrasil, the world tree or tree of life in Norse mythology, is an eternal, evergreen ash tree which stretches out over all of the nine worlds and connects all things. The tree represents the cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth. In the poem Grímnismál, Odin says that the sacred ash, “suffers agony more than men know,” because of the animals that chew the roots and branches of the sacred tree. An (unnamed) eagle lives at the top, and Nidhog, a terrible dragon, lives at the bottom, at the gate of Hel, where he constantly chews on one of the three […]

## Pages

- [Services & fees](https://markpillans.uk/services/): >> Herbal medicine appointments>> Herbal medicine consultation fees>> Gift vouchers>> Cancellations, refunds, and rescheduling>> Wellbeing talks, workshops and events>> Talks & events fees Herbal medicine appointments Free 10-minute introductory phone call Free 10-minute introductory phone call >> book online In-person herbal medicine consultations These can take place in-person via prior arrangement in: LONDON Canary Wharf, City of London, Old Street TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS AM, SUNDAYS AM NEWBURY73 Northbrook Street, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1AE MONDAYS HUNGERFORD2 High Street, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0DN THURSDAYS Initial consultations last about 1 hour. This allows time to establish a detailed picture of overall health. Powerful plant […]
- [Legitimate interests assessment](https://markpillans.uk/policies-tcs/legitimate-interests-assessment/): Legitimate Interests Assessment – corporate contacts To comply with GDPR, I have carried out a Legitimate Interests Assessment which is documented below Purpose of ProcessingI have a legitimate interest to process personal data relating to decision makers and budget holders in medium-to-large organisations in the UK. The data is gathered from publicly available sources and directly from the companies concerned. Lawful Business ObjectiveThe processing is necessary in order to inform relevant recipients of my corporate wellbeing services supply; a lawful business objective specifically identified by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR). Recital 47 of the GDPR identifies direct marketing […]
- [Herb & health resources](https://markpillans.uk/resources/): Some useful herb and health resources: Sections >> Top online herbal resources>> Book sources>> Education resources>> Food & nutrition>> Herbal making/ recipes>> Professional organisations>> Reference resources & calculators>> Suppliers>> Testing services My top online herbal resources Book sources Education resources UK accredited herbal medicine courses Other online education resources Food & nutrition Herbal making/ recipes Professional organisations Reference resources & calculators Suppliers Herbs & supplements Flower essences Homeopathy Testing services Image: A physician preparing an elixir, from an Arabic version of Dioscorides’s pharmacopoeia, 1224 | Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- [Refunds and returns policy](https://markpillans.uk/policies-tcs/refund_returns/): Overview Cancellation and rescheduling information is provided here. Herbal medicines are prescribed and dispensed directly by me. As they are tailored to you and freshly prepared for you, they are non-returnable.  Gift cards are non-returnable items. Need help? Send an email to admin@markpillans.uk for questions related to refunds and returns.
- [My account](https://markpillans.uk/my-account/): If you do not already have an account, you will have the option to create one upon checkout.
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- [Updates](https://markpillans.uk/updates/): Updates, musings and latest info on herbalism, health and wellbeing:
- [Policies & T&Cs](https://markpillans.uk/policies-tcs/): You can find all of the relevant regulatory policy pages below. Please get in touch if you have any questions. >> Website privacy policy>> Clinic privacy policy>> Terms & conditions>> Refunds & returns policy>> Cookie policy>> Legitimate interests assessment
- [Online appointments](https://markpillans.uk/online-appointments/): Online video herbal medicine consultations My experience with online video sessions has been positive, however it may be necessary to book a follow-up in-person meeting to facilitate diagnostic clinical skills. For online video consultations:
- [Cookie policy (UK)](https://markpillans.uk/policies-tcs/cookie-policy-uk/): This Cookie Policy was last updated on 27 June 2026 and applies to citizens and legal permanent residents of the United Kingdom. 1. Introduction My website, markpillans.uk (hereinafter: “the website”) uses cookies and other related technologies (for convenience all technologies are referred to as “cookies”). Cookies are also placed by third parties I have engaged. In the document below I inform you about the use of cookies on my website. 2. What are cookies? A cookie is a small simple file that is sent along with pages of this website and stored by your browser on the hard drive of your computer or […]
- [Clinic privacy policy](https://markpillans.uk/policies-tcs/clinic-privacy-policy/): The below privacy statement relates to patients who attend my clinic. A separate policy relating to use of this website is available here: Website privacy policy. Clinic privacy policy Last revised: 24 June, 2026 How I use your personal information This Privacy Notice explains why my clinic collects information about you and how that information may be used. I, as a medical herbalist, record your health information as part of the consultation that takes place. This includes if you just call me or drop in and see me for a chat. My records may be electronic, on paper or a mixture […]
- [Website privacy policy](https://markpillans.uk/policies-tcs/website-privacy-policy/): The below constitutes the privacy policy for users of this website. A separate privacy statement relating to clinic patients is available here: Clinic privacy policy. Website privacy policy Last revised: 24 June, 2026 1. INTRODUCTION I, Mark Pillans, am committed to preserving your privacy. Please read the following privacy policy to understand how we use and protect the information you provide to me. 2. TYPES OF INFORMATION COLLECTED BY MARK PILLANS I collect and process the following information a) Personal Data This is data that identifies you or can be used to identify or contact you, such as your name, address, […]
- [About](https://markpillans.uk/about-me/): Medical herbalism, me & you I am qualified to prescribe herbal remedies which can be taken on their own, or safely alongside other medication and treatments and I am a member of the UK’s National Institute of Herbal Medicine. I have a diploma (BSc equivalent) in medical herbalism from Betonica School of Herbal Medicine. This involved training over four years in plant medicine, plant chemistry, herb-drug interactions, clinical diagnostic skills, anatomy & physiology and pathology and included over 500 hours of clinic training experience. Western herbal medicine (WHM), also referred to as traditional Western herbalism, botanical medicine and phytotherapy, originates from […]
- [Patient forms](https://markpillans.uk/consent-form/): If you intend to email me sensitive data, I recommend you consider setting up a Protonmail email account (free via https://protonmail.com), which will keep your information securely encrypted and only accessible between ourselves. My email – but not the contact form via this site – runs through Protonmail. You can email me from any email system, but non-Protonmail accounts will not be encrypted. Treatment consent forms: PDF files Privacy/ GDPR consent forms: PDF files Health questionnaire: PDF version Word document version Online form The following form is powered by Cognito Forms. Forms created in Cognito Forms are designed to comply with […]
- [Terms & Conditions](https://markpillans.uk/policies-tcs/terms-and-conditions/): Privacy & confidentiality of health details I am registered under the relevant UK data protection legislation. I will only disclose information about your treatment with your explicit approval except as required by law.  No other person has access to my records and they are kept only on fully encrypted devices.  If you intend to email me sensitive data, I recommend you set up a Protonmail email account (free via https://protonmail.com), which will keep your information securely encrypted and only accessible between ourselves (my email runs through this system, however you can still email me from any email system but non-Protonmail accounts […]
- [Contact & booking](https://markpillans.uk/contact/): >> Herbal medicine consultation appointments>> Corporate or community talks & event booking Herbal medicine consultations Free 10-minute introductory phone call Free 10-minute introductory phone call >> book online In-person herbal medicine consultations These can take place in-person via prior arrangement in: LONDONCanary Wharf, City of London, Old Street TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS AM, SUNDAYS AM NEWBURY73 Northbrook Street, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1AE MONDAYS HUNGERFORD2 High Street, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0DN THURSDAYS Initial consultations last about an hour. This allows time to establish a detailed picture of overall health. Powerful plant medicines are then chosen for you according to your specific requirements. Personalised […]
- [Musings & updates](https://markpillans.uk/musings-updates/)
- [About](https://markpillans.uk/):  

## Products

- [Herbal medicine e-gift voucher](https://markpillans.uk/product/gift-voucher/): Herbal medicine e-gift vouchers in various denominations for part or full payment for a consultation.

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