Somerset, England, is home to Lucy Jones, who has taken a lifelong passion for plants and converted it into a ground-breaking practice that unites Western herbalism with the principles of Tibetan medicine. With her Myrobalan Clinic and two popular books, Jones is an example of a holistic healing philosophy that prioritizes self-sufficiency, sustainability, and respect for nature.
From Oxford to Herbalism: A Journey Rooted in Nature
Jones developed an interest in medicinal herbs from childhood. “I was always fascinated with medicinal herbs as a child and used to grow them purely in my small section of garden,” she says. This interest later on prompted her to pursue studies in Agriculture and Forestry at Oxford University, where she gained a grounding in biochemistry, soil science, ecology, botany, and physiology. “That scientific grounding was extremely useful when I began to learn about herbal medicine,” she says.
Her initial profession as a farm business consultant provided experience in ecology and land use, but she increasingly had a call to healing. This call took her to a four-year course in Tibetan Medicine at Samye Ling Tibetan Centre in Scotland with the great master Khenpo Troru Tsenam. “To say that this transformed my life would be an understatement,” she says.
Integrating Western and Tibetan Traditions
Jones’s practice is unique in its blending of Western herbalism and Tibetan Medicine. “Tibetan Medicine is mind-body-spirit medicine, and this is absolutely fundamental to my work,” she says. According to this tradition, it is unethical to offer herbs without having first addressed diet and lifestyle. “We can’t feel physically well if our mind is not settled and balanced.”
This principle of guidance also comes from her teacher, Akong Rinpoché, who strongly believed that all aspects of health are interconnected. “It’s not enough to treat symptoms. We must look at the whole person, their circumstances, their mental state, their way of life.”
Myrobalan Clinic: A Refuge for Comprehensive Healing
Jones established Myrobalan Clinic in Somerset to fulfill a vow she had made to Akong Rinpoché—to integrate Western and Tibetan herbal methods in her practice. “I had made a promise to my spiritual teacher to learn Western herbal medicine and then set up a clinic which brought the two methods together.”
She’s deliberately kept the clinic small. “Everything that happens within that clinic space is energetically in accordance with the teachings of Tibetan Medicine. I’ve resisted all pressure to expand.”
Championing Self-Sufficient Herbalism
Sustainability and ethics are at the core of Jones’s herbal work. She grows or wild-harvests most of the herbs she uses. “An understanding of the principles underlying Self Sufficient Herbalism is, I believe, an essential aspect of ethical herbal practice.” Her ecology and agriculture background serve to remind her of the earth-friendly implications of herbal medicine. “It’s not sufficient to know what herbs do—we need to know where they grow, how they’re cultivated, and what happens when they’re harvested.”
Her first book, Self-Sufficient Herbalism, is a do-it-yourself guide that instructs readers in growing, harvesting, and processing their own herbs, with informative seasonal notes on 108 plants. “It’s for anybody who wishes to work more directly and ethically with herbs,” she says.
Respecting Herbs as Individuals
Jones’s second book, A Working Herbal Dispensary: Respecting Herbs as Individuals, is a dive into her herbal materia medica she practices clinically. “I wanted to introduce readers to the idea of respecting each herb as an individual, not a bundle of constituents.”
The book is full of casual case studies and personal insights that throw light on the subtle magic of herbs and the richness of really holistic prescribing. “Every herb has its own character, its own medicine. We need to learn to listen to them.”
Empowering Patients Through Holistic Care
Jones’s practice is full of miracle tales. One woman presented to her with eczema all over her body following a loss. “The itching ceased very suddenly and the patches cleared up,” she remembers. “In a few months she had more energy, clarity and enthusiasm for life.
Another patient, a diabetic man who was in danger of losing a leg, lost only a few toes after being treated by Jones. “These are the types of cases that remind me why I do what I do.”
Looking Ahead: Education and Expansion
In the future, Jones is creating a medicinal woodland and a large mandala herb garden in Wales, based on Tibetan medicinal texts. She posts updates and teachings on her Patreon page and will provide limited in-person instruction on how to combine Tibetan and Western herbalism. “I want to pass on what I’ve learned in a way that honors the lineage I was taught in.”
She’s also developing an online home herbalism course and a third book, although specifics remain confidential.
A Message of Perseverance and Balance
Jones doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties of her journey. “My path to becoming a herbalist wasn’t easy. I had a lot of obstacles in my way, but I had an unwavering conviction that it was something I was supposed to be doing.”
She reminds fellow practitioners that caring for others starts with caring for oneself. “You cannot pour from an empty cup. If you’re exhausted and disconnected, you’re no use to your patients. Stay grounded. Stay inspired.”
Explore Lucy Jones’s Work
To learn more about Lucy Jones’s philosophy and practical approach to herbalism, her books are available through Aeon Books:
Self-Sufficient Herbalism: health.aeonbooks.co.uk
A Working Herbal Dispensary: health.aeonbooks.co.uk
She also posts updates and videos through her Patreon at Lucy Jones: Herbalist and Author, where she keeps a record of her current projects and educational plans.
Aeon Books has issued a time-limited discount code exclusively for readers of this feature. The code LJ20 offers 20% off Lucy Jones’ book and is valid until June 30, 2025.
