My Story
A slightly unconventional event lead me to a fascinating career that investigates the relationship between plants, science and wellbeing. When I was 16 I had a dream which I couldn’t quite shake, which lead me to the worlds of herbal medicines and science. It was from that moment I knew what I wanted to do- a botanical spark in me had ignited.
Driven by a yearning to understand wellbeing, I went on to study a degree in Biomedical Sciences- Human Biology. I wanted to help bridge the gap between science and natural medicines, and was keen to get a scientific understanding of the body. During this time I studied and qualified in the healing modalities of massage and hypnotherapy (after all I believe there is no health without the mind).
I then went on to complete an MSc at UCL in Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry. Here I learnt about active compounds, how to investigate plants in the lab, pharmacognosy, quality control, regulations, indigenous medicines, cosmeceuticals and much more. It is easy for me to say this was one of the best and most inspiring years of my life and it was a privilege to be led by great teachers including Dr Jose Prieto and Professor Michael Heinrich.
Since then I have been a researcher at Kew Gardens, an editor for the academic Journal of Herbal Medicine, science teacher at herbalism schools, writer, editor and educator. I am also the proud founder of Laz The Plant Scientist, where I offer high quality natural medicines I have formulated and is also educational platform for herbal science, and holistic healthcare. My aims are to do delve deeper into ethnopharmacology research, clinical trials and gathering real world evidence. My career has been multifaceted, delving into diverse areas of the natural medicine’s world. I like to think of my career as an ecosystem with many moving, supportive parts that have synergy and contribute to something bigger.
I want to facilitate a shift in culture on how people perceive health and wellbeing, as well as progress. My life view is that step towards nature is a step towards balance, and I aim to connect people to their healing through nature. I took the notion “follow your dreams” quite literally, and I am glad I did. It has lead me on a fascinating and fulfilling path and I am always excited and curious to see what is next. truly believe a life researching and connecting with the natural world and healing is a life well spent.