Inspired by her upbringing on the Isle of Tiree, medical herbalist Klayr Hunter is passionate about the healing power of the world’s oldest form of medicine

Hebridean beauty 

Growing up on the Isle of Tiree had a profound influence on the path I chose. It’s a wild, beautiful and remote place where life is deeply connected to nature. When I was 14, Tiree hosted a Well Woman Weekend, and a medical herbalist came to the island to give talks. Until then, I had no idea herbal medicine was a career. The moment I realised you could spend your life helping people with plants, I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do.

Klayr Hunter

Women’s health

I’ve seen herbal medicine make a remarkable difference to women’s quality of life. During perimenopause and menopause, many women experience fewer hot flushes, improved sleep, reduced anxiety, better concentration and increased energy. For women with endometriosis or PCOS (now PMOS), treatment can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce pelvic pain, improve heavy bleeding and clotting, and support fertility where appropriate. 

Women’s hormones are influenced by many interconnected systems, and herbal medicine allows us to support the body as a whole. Depending on the individual, we may use herbs that gently regulate hormonal activity, improve liver function to support hormone metabolism, nourish the nervous system and adrenal glands to reduce the impact of chronic stress, and enhance circulation and lymphatic drainage. 

Modern medical herbalism

Challenging perceptions

One of the biggest misconceptions is that herbal medicine either doesn’t work or that it’s so powerful it’s unsafe. The reality is much more balanced. Modern medical herbalism combines centuries of traditional knowledge with an ever-growing body of scientific research. Like any medicine, herbs have pharmacological actions, which is why it’s important they’re prescribed by someone trained to understand their benefits, contraindications and potential interactions with medication. 

Better together

Seeing a qualified medical herbalist is very different from buying an over-the-counter herbal product. Every consultation involves taking a detailed medical history, understanding your current symptoms and considering your overall health. I’ve always believed that the best patient care happens when healthcare professionals work together rather than in isolation. Today I work alongside private GPs and consultants, while my herbal dispensary is based within 24HR Pharmacy. I believe this collaborative model represents an exciting future for women’s healthcare – one where conventional medicine and evidence-informed herbal medicine complement each other, giving women access to the very best of both worlds. 

Learn more about Klayr Hunter’s herbal medicine approach at herbalmedicineglasgow.co.uk