A behind the scenes look at the Roots to Health apothecary on Honiton High Street

Jayne Palmer BSc MNIMH, has been practising modern herbal medicine for over 20 years. She opened Roots to Health, in its current premises on Honiton High Street, a year ago and says, 'things have gone from strength to strength'.

Natural remedies are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative, or accompaniment, to pharmaceuticals for medicinal purposes.

As someone who has worked for the NHS as a health advisor, having also studied eight years for a degree in Phytotherapy; Jayne is well placed to give advice on what plants might assist you in a quest for better health.

Nub News met up with Jayne, to discover more about the fascinating world of how plants can be used to heal and support wellbeing.

I asked her if she comes up against much resistance with what she does.

"I find with a lot of people who have longstanding conditions, they come and try it for a couple of weeks and when they don't see immediate results - that's it - they've tried herbal medicine and it doesn't work."

"It needs continuity because it has a build-up effect - it's not like taking a pill that is immediately effective. You need to give it more like six weeks to see any real, long-lasting benefits. I try and encourage people to be patient."

We are sat in her therapy room, adjoining the shop floor. It has a cosy, traditional feel; in keeping with apothecaries of old. A large, heavily-laden book shelf is attached to the wall, along with an old-fashioned desk, opposite which sits a bed covered in blankets for clients. I ask her about the history of herbal medicine and its links to witchcraft.

"I've got this really good book, 'The History of Witchcraft'", she explains.

"Folklore used to only be practiced by women, who were herbalists; they were also peasants, so couldn't read or write. Their knowledge of plants and their uses was passed down through showing and telling.

"And there are some really strong plants out there which can kill you, for example Mandrake and Belladonna.

"If the dosage is wrong, you're going to make people hallucinate, or the worst-case scenario is that they'll die. So, obviously the finger is going to be pointing at you and that's where the negative connotations of a 'witch' stemmed from. In reality, most were just little old ladies trying to help.

"I wish I was an old witch with my cauldron - I'd love to do that!" She laughs.

If you wish to see Jayne for a consultation, or are interested in what the shop offers, then contact her on 07399355996.

Or, click the red button below for the Roots to Health webpage.