Christopher Hedley (1946-2017) was a Fellow of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, and taught herbal medicine at all levels, from beginners to MSc in Herb Schools across the UK and the USA, specialising in material medica and pharmacy. Non Shaw was a herbalist, counsellor, and bodyworker who inspired many to take up their own healing paths in plant medicine, Non was an artist, sculptor, jeweller, clothes-maker, and inveterate maker of things, who built their patio out of recycled tiles found in skips. She was also a teacher and writer.
The herbal legacy of Chris Hedley and Non Shaw (who both died in 2017) has been secured in two Aeon books beautifully edited by Guy Waddell. It is the lasting recognition Chris and Non deserve. Together these books are perfect sources for anyone wanting a home study course in modern western herbalism. The same applies if you are a formal herbal student at any level or indeed a practitioner. Plant Medicine (2023) is the theory and detailed materia medica you need, and The Herbal Book of Making and Taking (2020) the practical guidance to make any herbal remedy. Listen to these voices of experience and trust their wisdom! All those in the herbal community should be grateful to Aeon for backing and producing these two defining books. Matthew Seal & Julie Bruton-Seal, co-authors of Hedgerow Medicine, Eat your Weeds! and other herbal titles