About Melinda McDougall
I help women reclaim their health and rediscover the joy of feeling well again
Your women's health and natural medicine specialist
I am a registered medical herbalist specialising in women’s health. My work is grounded in traditional herbal medicine, informed by contemporary research and shaped by over a decade of clinical experience.
Empowering women to regain control of their health and wellbeing and rediscover the joy in life again is incredibly rewarding. It makes my day when my patients tell me how much better they feel.
My master’s degree in Herbal Medicine incorporated years of training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmaceutical medicine, botany, biochemistry, diagnostic skills and the science and tradition of herbal medicine. I have analysed hundreds of research papers to understand what works and what doesn’t, and apply this knowledge in clinical practice.
Supporting women with hormonal and gynaecological conditions
I live and work in London, and provide online consultations to women all over the world. During a decade in practice, I have consulted with thousands of women across the UK and beyond, continually deepening my knowledge and clinical expertise.
I have particular expertise in hormonal and gynaecological conditions such as perimenopause, menopause, PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis and problem periods. I also work with many women recovering from or undergoing treatment for breast or endometrial cancers.
A trusted voice in women's health
I am a regular guest speaker on podcasts, webinars, in-person events and conferences, including the British Menopause Society conference in 2024.
As the former Vice President and Member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (established in 1864), I have contributed to the UK government’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Menopause. I am an advocate for positive and healthy ageing and believe getting older is a privilege we should be able to enjoy and feel good about.
The oldest form of medicine on earth, and still one of the most effective
Herbal medicine is the use of whole plants or plant extracts to achieve balance in health. It is the oldest form of medicine on earth and one we all use every day, from drinking mint tea to using herbs to flavour our food. As a species, we wouldn’t be here today if our ancestors hadn’t made use of the medicinal plants growing all around them. Many of our pharmaceutical drugs are originally derived from plants.
In the UK, we are lucky to be surrounded by medicinal plants, whether we live in the city or the countryside. The hawthorn in the hedgerows and the dandelions in our lawns form part of our vast indigenous medicine chest, used for thousands of years to heal the people of this land.
Herbal medicine works with your body, not against it
In a professional context, herbal medicine is practised today by blending the latest scientific research with ancient, traditional knowledge.
Medical herbalists are trained to work with complex health presentations. This includes an understanding of physiology, pathology, pharmacology and the safe use of herbs alongside conventional medications where appropriate. Consultations are individual, and formulations are tailored, rather than based on generic products or protocols.
In women’s health, herbal medicine is often sought to support hormonal transitions such as menopause, menstrual health and imbalances that affect quality of life. Rather than focusing on isolated symptoms, herbalists take a whole-person approach, considering how different systems in the body interact and how external factors such as stress, sleep and nutrition may play a role.
Medical herbalists treat a wide range of conditions, stay up to date with the latest scientific research and work alongside prescription medication and GP advice.
Everyone is unique and every herbal prescription is different.
What my patients say
Learn more about how herbal medicine can help you via my podcasts and webinars
Let's talk about how I can help you feel better
To explore how herbal medicine can help you, book a free call.
We’ll create a plan to get your health back on track.