About nature's intelligence
Dr Lesley Hunter
Microbiologist, Herbalist and Beekeeper
I started nature's intelligence to combine my passion for natural healing and learning. The philosophy is simple - as a society we are becoming over reliant on over the counter pharmaceuticals, prescription medication and antibiotics - all of which can have longterm effects on our physical and mental wellbeing - and many of which carry uncomfortable side effects. While some medical conditions may require prescribed medications, many can be prevented and managed much more naturally.
By integrating traditional healing techniques and herbal remedies into your daily routines, you can support and strengthen your immune system to protect, heal and promote your general wellbeing and vitality. If you do then need to seek conventional medical help, your organs and systems will be stronger and more able to withstand the chemical rigours of pharmaceutical products.
I want to help you take ownership of your own health - not by selling you herbal products - but by teaching you how to make and use personalised natural remedies to support your own daily self-care routines and overall wellbeing. On this website, you will find blog posts, videos and general information about herbal and natural health approaches. Online short courses and face to face workshops are also offered throughout the year.
Thank you for letting me guide and help you learn how to reconnect with the intelligence of nature.
Natural Outdoor Space
In 2023, my husband and I became accidental landowners! When our neighbours decided to sell, we bought a 25 acre plot adjacent to our idyllic home and overnight became custodians of an amazing slice of County Durham countryside. The land includes 18.5 acres of existing woodland with stretches of grassland, wildflower meadows and native hedgerows.
This land is now home to some recently installed beehives and is being developed into a private nature reserve. Our aim is to protect native hedgerows and wildflowers and to provide habitats for the local wildlife as well as developing a source for foraging unspoilt herbs and botanicals.
This connection with nature is vital to my work. Access to a wild outdoor environment supports my own health and wellbeing through regular practices, including Qi Gong, Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) and mindful foraging.
Medicinal Herb Garden
Many common herbs are easy to grow and make a wonderful colourful addition to the garden. I now grow all my own medicinal herbs, including some of the more exotic varieties, such as Holy Basil (Tulsi), Valerian, Echinacea and Ashwagandha.
Here are some examples of what you will find in my herb garden ...
Lavender, Lemon Balm, Mint, Sage, Thyme, Chives, Motherwort, Mugwort, Milk Thistle, Calendula, Yarrow, Wormwood, Marshmallow, Feverfew, Chamomile, Elder, Hawthorn, Rose, Fennel, Mullein, Bay, Willow, Lemon Grass, Rosemary, Nettle, Dandelion, Cleavers, Plantain, red Clover, White Clover, Blueberry, Oregano, Coriander, Parsley, Goji Berry, Self-Heal and Ginko Biloba.