Jody Valentina

In 2020, my life changed direction.

Like many people, I found myself spending more time in nature and becoming increasingly curious about the plants growing all around me. One of the first discoveries that truly captured my interest was the humble pine tree. Learning about the long history of pine needles in traditional herbal practices opened the door to an entirely new world, and what began as curiosity soon became a passion.

That first discovery led me on a journey of learning that has now spanned more than six years. During that time, I have studied herbalism through numerous courses, researched traditional plant uses from around the world, and spent countless hours identifying and learning about the wild plants growing in the beautiful countryside of Powys, Wales.

Today, I care for my own organic herbal garden, nestled halfway up the Black Mountain range, where many of the herbs I use are grown with care and respect for nature. Alongside this, I have built an extensive database documenting organically grown and wild plants found throughout the surrounding mountains and countryside, combining traditional knowledge with careful observation and experience.

My passion is helping people reconnect with nature and rediscover the remarkable plants that have surrounded us for generations. I believe that learning about herbs is about far more than making remedies. It is about understanding the seasons, recognising the value of local plants, and rebuilding our relationship with the natural world.

To share what I have learned, I wrote Healing with Nature: Plant Medicine, a practical guide designed to help readers begin building their own home apothecary while exploring the rich traditions of herbal knowledge in a safe and responsible way.

This journey is one of continual learning. Nature is an incredible teacher, and I feel privileged to keep learning from it every single day while sharing that knowledge with others.