Patient Testimonial: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

“Living with Complex PTSD, I thought was a way of life. I've always known I am more than managing symptoms, avoiding triggers etc but knowing isn't always enough to change behaviour. I've been on a personal quest for inner peace for 15 years. This has lead me into every type of personal therapy (e.g. person centred therapy, CBT, EMDR, hypnosis, psychotherapy). I am a therapist myself and study psychology. My knowledge has enabled an identity which has given me relief from suicidal thoughts, difficult patterns of relating (abusive relationships) and obsessions (eating disorder, drugs, alcohol, body dismorphia). I've felt a lot better to overcome these struggles. However, I still needed to feel safe, avoid certain things and live a structured life. I lacked self expression and creativity most the time.

I heard herbal medicine with Jonny could help with my overarching need for safety. My physical health is good so the idea of seeing Jonny to give me a tincture for Complex PTSD- essentially my thoughts and brain structure felt counterintuitive. Especially, as I have never opted for pharmaceuticals within my recovery. When booking Jonny, I was at a place in life where to try, felt safe enough as I had already tried so many methods with some success. Herbal medicine as a natural product was still within my recovery values too. I was so tired of my way of being but wasn't sure if I would experience a huge shift within my ingrained thought patterns.

Jonny was surprisingly therapeutic in his knowledge for me. I come from a lot of therapeutic training. His way of explaining things that didn't feel related to herbs (e.g. my way of thinking, my past) was exciting. I opened up to the deep, shameful parts of me and he held the space like a good therapist does, with all the boundaries, compassion and empathy I needed. He got me and could see my vision for the life I wanted. He wasn't put off by my therapeutic knowledge and welcomed my questioning of method etc. He understood it was my safety, he is clearly passionate and confident about his work, therefore happy to chat and remain open. I needed to ensure he was ethical! 

The adventure of herbs meant I needed to go inwards - into the self, cut ties with friends and family, change my work/life balance. My attachment to myself and others positively changed as a result. I have now invested more time in understanding my body, releasing trauma that way, getting out of my head; into my feelings, intuition and just being. The changes came naturally. 

The first month I cleaned my cupboards (literally) and started organising my life. The second, I started exploring relationships and grief came up. There has been lots of tears and growing pains over the five months I've worked with Jonny. I now have a cleaner life and do a lot of yoga. This is me, authenticatically me. Herbs haven't helped me to be a version of myself I wish I was or an ego identity. They have helped me accept myself exactly as I am; within this acceptance I have freed up mental space to just be. I sing and write poetry. I've gotten more creative in my work and balance my intuition with theory. Herbs haven't changed my passion to use education as a catalyst for action. My intuition has grown but I need education within client work - herbal medicine is now a solid psychologically informed, tried and tested method to me. 

I have come to the end of my official herbal journey for now - I'll be back when/if needed. As I leave my time with Jonny, I can reflect on why I came to see him. I no longer feel alone, scared of the external world - my safety is within me now. How did I get here? I guess it's ok not to quite know as within talking therapy, if you feel better that's exactly that. I feel very chilled now. I fully recommend anyone who really wants to transform deep trauma wounds start their herbal medicine journey. I can only vouch for Jonny in my recommendation as herbs is a new world to me. Thankfully, I don't need another herbalist as I've got a life to be getting on with. Thank you Jonny!”

Jen was a qualified therapist and had spent many years devoting herself to self-development, healing and integrative talking therapies. We spoke about her insights and knowledge of her situation, health and psychology. Developing a herbal medicine protocol and plan to further progress her mind, body and health.

Jen responded well to the herbs and recognised the contribution that herbal medicine has made to her life and her career in helping others.

Jonny Woodall
Medical Herbalist and Flower Essence Therapist
BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine
National Institute of Medical Herbalists

Contact me for help with your health problems and illness

PHONE: +44(0) 7525827558

EMAIL: jonnyapothecary@gmail.com

SKYPE: jonnysapothecary

Patient Testimonial: Acne, Addiction, Depression and Anxiety

“It is with deeply felt gratitude that I am writing about my herbal journey and the healing that Jonny has brought into my life.

As I started, I lacked a sense of self and my connection with my masculine energies. Moreover, I lacked clear boundaries in general.

The symptoms were a truly messed up biome in my guts which lead to more mental and physical issues.

On the one hand, I had terrible acne, which reminded me of the wounds and inflammations which not yet have healed.

On the other hand, I was displaying a lot of spiritually incontinent behaviour such as eating lots of sugary food and having lots of casual sex.

Having no orientation but the certainty that my life had to change in some way, I lived in constant fear.

The process: The first appointment that I had with Jonny seemed very similar to the experience which I had with my former therapists. 

As a result, I was a little sceptical since a lot of issues I still had not been able to resolve yet through psychoanalytical and behavioural therapy which I already had made at that point.

So I got my first tincture a few days later, and I was no longer allowed to have caffeine after the morning.

My old way of life came to an end and there now was a big free space which I needed to integrate into my new life.

Through all of this, Jonny provided me with sound advice and new and healthy modes of being and coping mechanisms.

My fear transformed into anger, and I finally got the energy required to end my life in the comfort zone and entering the new and fruitful territory.

I joined a men's group and thus felt a sense of belonging and started to not only help myself but also helping others and became an active member of society.

Also my skin not just looked better, but it became less and less itchy, and I started to like the man I saw in the mirror.

Especially in such times of profound changes, we need a pure and strong basis upon which we can build our lives.

Jonny has helped me to do exactly that.

I assure you that he is worth every penny you will spend on him because:

• He is committed to his work.

• He is honest with his patients.

• He is genuinely open-minded and wants to get a better understanding of his patients.

• He delivers his work on time.

• He keeps all his promises.

• He wants to see his patients flourish.

• He is understanding of his clients' issues and challenges.

• He is joyful when he sees his patients succeed in life.

So if you are still struggling with issues, you have not been able to cope with get your free trial on his website and get a taste of what your life could be!”

Paul (Germany)

Paul was referred to me by a previous patient who recommended he work with me. We connected over Skype and Paul decided he wanted to commit to my program. We went through an analysis of his physical and psychological symptoms, trying to understand how his past history and current situation are all connected.

Alongside the herbal support Paul was open to engaging in numerous activities, challenges or tasks to help nudge him into a more authentic, vulnerable and ultimately integrated place. I witnessed the transformation from start to finish as he became healthier, fitter, stronger and ore aligned with a greater purpose in life.

Paul, you are a courageous man and I wish you well on your path.

Jonny Woodall
Medical Herbalist and Flower Essence Therapist
BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine
National Institute of Medical Herbalists

Contact me for help with your health problems and illness

PHONE: +44(0) 7525827558

EMAIL: jonnyapothecary@gmail.com

SKYPE: jonnysapothecary

Patient Testimonial: Anxiety and depression

“My first meeting with Jonny now seems serendipitous and has been a blessing ever since. I initially met Jonny when he kindly allowed me to me sit in on some of his consultations as part of my acupuncture degree.

I’ve always had a fascination with herbal medicine but seeing Jonny work really opened my eyes to how these plant medicines can make profound changes in a person. What amazed me the most was how the medicine can have such an effect upon mental states and motivation (coupled with Jonny’s care and attention).

Shortly after this first observation visit with Jonny I decided I would try this medicine out for myself to see if it could help with what now seems like surface level issues. I believe my main complaint was acid reflux and general digestive issues, but through further questioning it became clear that it was my mental state that needed addressing. Jonny expertly weaved through the initial physical complaint and began to delve deeper within me to see what was really going on.

Without going in to too much personal detail, I will say that the medicine did and continues to have profound effects upon me. My mental health has been the most stable that I can remember and my motivations are much clearer.

Furthermore, I don’t believe I would have gotten through my first year at university without the help of Jonny and his herbs. I was experiencing anxiety so acute at times that I felt completely frozen and at it’s mercy.

Jonny will help you in every which way he can, but you have to work with Jonny and the herbs. There is an aspect of personal responsibility/action in the therapeutic relationship to get the most from this medicine. He’ll explain the actions of the herbs, histories associated with them, peer reviewed studies and any other questions you may have associated with your medicine. There is no ambiguity with your prescription and Jonny is well versed in his craft which ultimately leaves you feeling empowered.

If you’re considering seeing Jonny then I can’t recommend him highly enough but you really need to witness the magic for yourself. Herbal medicine has been incredibly beneficial to me and I’ve seen first hand how it has helped the lives of others.

He has helped me to crystallise what it is I want from my life, continually inspires and provides vision for what I am striving for for when I graduate.”

Jamie (UK)

Jamie originally came to see me as a student. To sit in and observe how I work. His inquisitive nature led him to feel pulled into sitting in the patient chair himself and sharing his vulnerabilities. We quickly identified areas of his life that needed attention that he had not quite seen for himself.

His herbal prescription gave him the energy and support needed to make the changes necessary to bring about a calmer more resilient mindset. One that now experiences far less anxiety than it used to. I am sure Jamie will continue to grow and evolve into the man he has now seen ahead of him, the one I could see myself when we first consulted.

Patient Testimonial: Depression, low body temperature and irregular periods

I had pushed myself to the limits - I had become volatile, sad, depressed and hopeless. Miserable. Really, it wasn’t fun to be alive, every day I was afraid of myself. What doom would I bring upon myself or those around me? Physically, I always felt cold (even during the summer time), my periods had become irregular as well as the fact that I had become too skinny. 

A friend told me about herbal medicine. I was curious. I am a firm believer that conventional and complementary treatments can work well together, that way a person has more choice and freedom over their health. This time, the conventional way wasn’t helping me, I wasn’t taken seriously. That’s when I got in touch with Jonny, I needed my health and sanity back.

Jonny is extremely knowledgeable, non-judgmental, but still firm in his approach. He is what one imagines, when one thinks of a wise health practitioner. Jonny usually explains how a herb works, which might appeal and reassure those who are more sceptical of herbalism. It can feel liberating to be aware what truly is in the medicine (tincture, tea, powder) you consume. 

It’s been 2 years now. The journey has lead me to feel more self acceptance, a increased warmer body, slow but steady weight gain and a lot more happier outlook on life. When my mood dips, I don’t destroy my relationships, I don’t quit my job, I don’t self harm. I am able to put on a nice upbeat song and dance my way out of the blues. I dance and stretch again! I love my job, I am able to express myself to the people around me, if something is wrong. My journey is not over, I am getting better and better every day, and there’s still space for more improvement.

I am amazed by the power of the herbs.

I can only be thankful and grateful to Jonny and the Herbs.

Eve (UK)

Eve was in a deep state of prolonged depression and sensitive mood swings when we first consulted. Her body was beginning to slow down with fatigue, whilst negative thinking patterns were keeping her locked into a cycle of suffering. Not only this, but her periods had been irregular for some time. With herbs and constant exploration of feelings, emotions, past events and childhood experiences we managed to unravel things slowly. Her drive and focus began to shine through the more her life began to improve. Culminating in many powerful lifestyle changes that now feed more joy and passion into her life. Well done Eve. It has been an incredible transformation over the last 2 years.

Jonny Woodall
Medical Herbalist and Flower Essence Therapist
BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine
National Institute of Medical Herbalists

Contact me for help with your health problems and illness

PHONE: +44(0) 7525827558

EMAIL: jonnyapothecary@gmail.com

SKYPE: jonnysapothecary

Patient Testimonial: Anxiety, depression, weight-loss and confidence

“Before I started working with Jonny, I had dropped out of university and generally felt miserable about my life in general, that I wasn’t going anywhere and was wasting my talents, but I was stuck in a rut I couldn’t get out of. No self confidence, unhappy with my physical or mental states, I never really felt comfortable talking about myself and my problems to anyone, so I kept it inside most of the time.

Initially I was sceptical about seeing Jonny but I’m glad my worries were baseless. The herbal medicines he gave me were tailored to my symptoms and changed month to month as my treatment progressed.

Since I started working with Jonny, taking the time to do the simple and sensible things he recommended, taking the herbal medicines that he made specifically for me and exploring honestly the reasons why I think and act the way I do, I feel like I’ll actually be able to take the next steps in life and not just wishing that I could: university, a proper career, overcoming deeply ingrained bad habit loops that stop me meeting new people and doing new things.

Jonny managed to get me to open up about things I’ve hidden for years, things that formed the bedrock of my anxieties and fears. Now, I finally am able to recognise and deal with them as they come up: the habits are hard to break, but I am finally equipped mentally to overcome them.

Jonny is so easy to talk to, I couldn’t believe some of the stuff I was saying in our consultations. It’s not easy to admit your failings, but he has a great empathy for people and helps you use those negative experiences as learning opportunities, not the failures you think they are.

I’m going back to university in September, have lost lots of weight and generally am feeling more confident in myself and my abilities than I can ever remember. I have clear goals and career ambitions for the first time, not just a vague outline of a plan that I could use to put off actually thinking about it. I’m glad that Jonny was recommended to me and I would recommend him to you.”

Chris Meredith (UK)

Chris was feeling trapped with his old patterns of behaviour that were stopping him from progressing in life. He was open about his scepticism of herbs and my coaching process but quickly started to see positive changes once we found what herbs and lifestyle changes he responded to. Chris has achieved all of the goals and targets we set out from day 1, plus many more he did not know were part of our 6 month journey.

Chris’s confidence, mental health and courage have improved significantly. I wish you all the best with going back to university to continue on your new path of success and independence.

Patient Testimonial: Lyme Disease

"I'm really happy I met Jonny when I was really in dire straights with my health situation. I was suffering from Lyme disease mixed in with lots of other nebulous health problems. He prescribed me a set of herbs, but to me the most crucial first step towards recovery was the face-to-face consultation we had. He knew all the right questions to ask, including my signs and symptoms as well as investigating my personal history and emotional landscape. The advice he gave me during the consultation was somewhat challenging to put into practice, but it was the pivotal first step. I kept taking the herbs, both the tincture and the powder for about 3 months in total.

It's has been tricky for me to untangle the symptoms of Lyme disease from other issues, and likewise it's difficult to tell which treatments have been ultimately effective - I have also had two courses of heavy antibiotics. Just the effects of those seemed to have taken 3 months to resolve.

But the mindset that Jonny helped me to get into has definitely helped me to endure the worst of it, and to keep on moving towards recovery. Now I can hardly recognise myself from 6 months ago - I feel like a human being again, which sometimes feels like a miracle! I still have some way to go to feeling 100% all the time, but it's slowly getting there. The main lesson for me has been to stay patient - some things just take their time"

Dmitry Ignatyev

I met this patient during a herb-walk in Manchester and learned about how debilitating his condition had become. Dmitry had a positive NHS diagnosis for Lyme disease and was becoming frustrated with conventional treatment as well as a myriad of symptoms. We consulted face-to-face in Manchester and followed up via skype and phone consultations. Lyme disease can be a very confusing and progressive disease so the herbal treatment had to involve tinctures, powders, capsules and supplements as well as guidance around relaxation techniques and use of a sauna to bring heat back into the body. Dmitry decided to use pharmaceutical antibiotics (again) alongside herbal treatment and has since made a speedy recovery towards feeling well again.

Jonny Woodall
Medical Herbalist and Flower Essence Therapist
BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine
National Institute of Medical Herbalists

Contact me for help with your health problems and illness

PHONE: +44(0) 7525827558

EMAIL: jonnyapothecary@gmail.com

SKYPE: jonnysapothecary