Their conversation includes how

• Viv’s journey in herbal science began with a focus on gut physiology and natural remedies.
• Herbal remedies can provide significant health benefits, particularly for metabolic conditions.
• Knowledge about herbs empowers individuals to take charge of their health.
• Cultural connections to herbal medicine enhance community health practices.
• Herbal teas can be effective for immune support and overall wellness.
• Integrative healthcare should include herbal remedies alongside conventional treatments.
• Women can benefit from specific herbs during menopause, such as red clover and sage.
• Herbs can help nudge the body towards balance and healing.
• Education about herbal medicine is crucial for both practitioners and patients.
• The environmental benefits of using herbal remedies should not be overlooked.

More about our guest:

Dr Vivien Rolfe is part of our education team, working as Academic Co-Director on NCIM’s accredited master’s Level 7 Diploma in Integrative Healthcare, as well as being Co-Project Lead for the NCIM Academy.

She is an experienced educator having taught science and healthcare in several UK universities; she is a National Teaching Fellow and Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, awards that recognise her teaching skill and leadership.

Viv’s research interests include how herbal medicines can benefit health and wellbeing. She has a background from working in industry in between her time at university. Her last role was Head of Research at Pukka Herbs Ltd, manufacturers of herbal teas and supplements, and before that, she worked in animal nutrition at Pedigree Petfoods. At Pukka she created university partnerships to explore how herbs such as Turmeric, Shatavari, Mushrooms and herbal teas can benefit human health. She has over 50 scientific publications and delivers talks and podcasts on the subject.

In 2023 she graduated with an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Edinburgh Napier University. She supports the NCIM Diploma business modules to help our learners grow their practices and understand the commercial landscape.

Viv also runs her company Curiosity Research where she provides herbal, health and wellbeing research services, helps individuals and small companies grow their entrepreneurial skills and more recently offers health coaching. Her deep knowledge of herbs and herbal teas have led her to start her own herbal tea company, Wayside Herbal Tea where she offers a range of interesting herbal teas for health and wellbeing.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.