The journey to becoming a herbalist with Chinese herbal practitioner Dr. Andrew Flower

Andrew Flower has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) since 1992. In 2009 Andrew completed his Ph.D. at The University of Southampton exploring the role of CHM in the treatment of endometriosis. He has published a number of peer-reviewed papers relating to Chinese medicine research, including two Cochrane systematic reviews. In 2011 he was awarded a 5-year NIHR post-doctoral Fellowship to investigate Chinese herbs for the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) resulting in the RUTI trial. In 2017 he helped set up the recently accredited White Crane Academy of CHM. He is a founder member of the Jade Screen Project.

In this episode, Andrew introduces us to the world of Chinese medicine,  his learning and passion for teaching it, and the techniques he uses to do so alongside its strengths and weaknesses. He touches on the joy of its diagnostic and prescribing process as well as how to overcome the barriers of acceptance as a credible treatment in conventional systems. 

Andrew talks on:

• What makes a good herbalist - common student qualities. 
• Teaching methods and connecting UK students with Chinese plants.
• The difference between Western & Chinese herbs.
• The diagnostic framework and artistry of formulating Chinese herbs.
• The Jade Screen Project - treating COVID-19 with frontline key workers.
• The future of herbalism and working together to overcome acceptance barriers.

Discover more about the White Crane Academy on its website at https://www.whitecrane.academy/

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com