1. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Foremost my biggest achievement is raising my beautiful son Vivian! Asides from that, it would have to be running my business as a herbalist and writer whilst being a Mum!
2. What motivates you to do what you do?
From a young age I have always been compelled by environmentalism. I wanted to find a career path that was beneficial to the world around me- people and planet. This path led me to start my journey in medical herbalism when I was 18, starting as an apprentice and eventually taking my BSc. (Hons) Herbal Medicine between Glasgow and Lincoln University.
I have been practicing as a medical herbalist now for 13 years, supporting people in my community (and beyond) with an empowering and integrated approach of healthcare. I also write about herbal medicines for an educational online platform called Herbal Reality creating monographs and articles on herbs from all around the world.
My current project is enriching the work to include information on sustainability issues in the industry such as plants that are endangered or at risk due to over-harvesting from the wild.
It amazes me every day that I have found such a dream job where I can share this vital information. The herb supplement industry has grown at an exponential rate over this last few years. It is clear that the sharing of this knowledge needs to happen now to help protect the plants and their habitats before we drive yet more species to extinction. Standing up for the plants is what motivates me!
3. What do you owe your mother?
Everything. My Mum has given me this beautiful life so I owe her for all of her dedication as a Mother. My Mother has also served over 25 years working for the NHS as an important member of a community practice she has touched many lives. She inspires me every day.
4. Which women inspire you and why?
I am inspired by the women rising up out of a 500 year long oppression to share the knowledge and wisdom of our ancestors. The herbal knowledge was once passed down through the generations.
This time 400 years ago women working in my industry were murdered (the witch hunts) for their knowledge and connection to nature.
There is a huge resurgence of women (and men) coming back to this profession. Herbalists and wise women are reclaiming their voice and it is amazing to be here and to be part of it.
One herbalist who particularly inspires me is Nicole Rose of the ‘Solidarity Apothecary’. Nicole along with a team of other wonderful herbalists shares from mobile clinics where herbal medicine and support is offered for people in refugee camps; those fleeing the war in Ukraine; those harmed by state violence and people serving time in prison. Her work is driven as a form of mutual aid that empowers and gives access to holistic healthcare to those in some of the most vulnerable and hostile life situations.
5. What are you reading
I am a shameless nerd of science! My work requires me to draw from both traditional, historical and modern scientific knowledge of plant medicines. I am currently reading a paper on the anti-tumour effects of a Chinese medicinal fungi called Cordyceps, also known as Caterpillar fungus.
This amazing little fungi grows from the corpse of certain insects and caterpillars in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. It has been used for thousands of years in Chinese herbal medicine in treatment of conditions relating to the immune, respiratory and reproductive systems.
It is now listed as an endangered fungi in its natural habitat, so I have also been researching about modern cultivation methods and its effects on quality for this medicine. My findings are that this important medicinal fungi is able to be sourced through cultivated methods and that quality in terms of pharmacological activity is not compromised. This is really positive news for anyone wanting to use this medicine whilst avoiding the negative impacts of the wild harvest trade.
6. What gender barriers have you had to hurdle?
As a single mother, working in the male dominated industry of medicine there is a huge amount I could add to this. Every challenge and victory in both my professional and personal life is a triumph. I speak for my ancestors and all women who have lived through an ever more patriarchal society.
I would further add to the above mentioned subject about the oppression of herbal medicine. This history and its relationship to the female equality I have only recently fully come to grips with. The takedown of herbal medicine was initiated by some of the earliest medical establishments in the West. With chemistry at the point of focus, it was possible to create 'drugs /products' and indeed take the power out of people's hands to heal themselves with what was growing around them.
The age old craft of herbalism was in fact not only discouraged, but herbalists were banned from practicing in the capital in 1512 unless the practitioner had studied at Oxford or Cambridge (elite men). Herbalists were outlawed. Further regulation & comment by the establishment in the rise of pharmaceuticals led to further fear & doubt in herbalism across the nation.
Radical beliefs and twisted tales where wise women, healers, herbalists, midwives or indeed anyone who was deemed too wise, too outspoken or who raised concern to the superstition of religion fuelled and spread further scepticism across the parishes of Western Europe. Then indeed those who remained in practice of the wild crafts were burnt/ hung in the 1600s.
When I fully came to terms with this brutal, entangled history, I suddenly realised what it meant to be doing what I do, especially as a woman in this time. What it means to know that now, after centuries of oppression- women are rising in this movement towards radical, autonomous healthcare shared in their communities once again.
7. How can the world be made a better place for women?
Enabling better education for empowering women and girls (+ men/ boys) with more knowledge of female reproductive health to make autonomous decisions about their own bodies. This would include more education on contraceptive options with full transparency about the implications on female health and wellbeing. The world also desperately needs more female leadership!
8. Describe your perfect day?
Sitting in the window of a nice cafe with a coffee, reading and writing about herbal medicine, sustainability and radical health! Japanese food (I love Japanese food) in the evening followed by a walk to watch the sunset by the sea with friends. I live in many perfect days and feel so grateful and blessed every day!
9. We've noticed there really aren't many (if any) statues of women around Cornwall - who would you like to see remembered?
My first thought was a statue of a bal maiden, the women who worked as part of the mining industry here in Cornwall. Usually these were young, unmarried women carrying out intense physical labour on the ground processing metal ores such as tin, copper and lead. These women were a huge part of the mining industry and suffered from poor health due to the hazardous nature of the industry.
10. Give us a tip?
Connect with nature, go outside, find a plant - any old weed and learn about it (check it is not poisonous before handling- but don’t be put off)! Find out about its place in nature- how it interacts with its surroundings, why its important in its habitat.
Pay attention to the small things, the way it grows, what it smells like, what it is growing near, any other species that are interacting with it.
I think it’s important to remember that small worlds exist at our feet and that all forms of life have such vital roles in nature. The majority of herbs that I use in my practice are just ‘weeds’! The secret is, these are some of the most potent medicines!
As humans, we have a habit of condemning things we deem not to be directly ‘useful’ to us. I think it’s important that we remember that natural ecosystems are held in a fine balance and even the most slimy of slugs have their place! One example of this is a plant called Ragwort- it is often spoken of as a weed that should be eradicated due to it being toxic to humans and animals. However, ragwort is essential for the survival of the cinnabar moth whose larvae use it as a primary food source.
The deeper we forge our connection to the natural world the closer we step towards our true human nature. With this restored connection comes a true value for the natural world, a value that would mean we would want to care for it, because we are part of it – both preserving and sustaining it for the future generations and for all life on earth.
Come and learn about herbal medicine, sustainability and holistic health with me on a foraging walk or workshop and discover the power and importance of wild medicines
Bio
The Apothecary Forager, Ruthie Weaver is a Medical Herbalist living, teaching and practising in the beautiful county of Cornwall, her place of birth and upbringing. Ruth studied at the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, Glasgow and The University of Lincoln where she completed her Herbal Medicine BSc. (Hons). Since then (2012) Ruths Practice in West Cornwall continues to grow, working with clients with acute and chronic illness and of mind body and spirit.
The roots of Ruth's practice are in Traditional Western Herbal Medicine, maintaining both a deeply holistic, intuitive and energetic approach to treatment. Ruth has sought diversity in her inspirations having worked with and learnt from many leading herbalists from around the UK. Ruth has also spent a number of years working with a collective of Herbalist first aiders at events around the UK providing orthodox and herbal first aid.
In the work of writing on medicinal plants, through monographs and articles, Ruth works to a balanced view of traditional, scientific, energetic and practical insights
Sharing the herbal wisdom is where Ruth's passion lies, she believes everyone should be empowered with the knowledge and skills to treat simple conditions at home with the powerful medicines growing so abundantly around us. Ruth also offers walks, talks, workshops and courses both in Cornwall and beyond.
www.apothecaryforager.co.uk
@apothecaryforager