Herbal medicine according to Sabrina Biscardi
- Par nbesse
- Le 06/11/2024
- Dans Living in Uzès and around
FR - Sabrina Biscardi's eco-responsible herbalist shop on Avenue du Général Vincent is the perfect addition to the commercial offering on this thoroughfare, which is often mistakenly overlooked by local residents.
Like the The Séquence boutique, LOGGIA and La grange d'Uzès, decorating boutique and art gallery, Sabrina Biscardi's herbalist shop is all about sharing a passion.
A member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) in the UK, Sabrina enthusiastically shares her world of medicinal plants and natural products, an open door to well-being that we invite you to explore.
MEETING
Sabrina Biscardi has had an extraordinary career. Always fond of well-being, her approach to health has been enriched by living many years abroad, from France to Italy, from England to the United States, the Caribbean and South America. Each country has given her a unique perspective and her interest in natural methods of well-being has continued to grow.
‘Practices that promote respect for the body and mind, in connexion with nature, prompted me to return to England to study herbal medicine, where the profession is recognised and well regulated. After 18 years as a lawyer in international finance, this was quite a radical change, but so rewarding! While my first career gave me a better understanding of stressful working environments and how they can be harmful to health and well-being, it also opened my eyes to the importance of finding a more authentic balance in life.’
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The history of the herbalist: In England, the protection of the profession of herbalist dates back to King Henry VIII (1491/1547), He was a skilled herbalist, who himself prepared and processed plants into ointments, creams, balms, etc. A fervent defender of ‘botanical herbalists’, he decided to protect the people from the newcomers doctors and surgeons, whose fees were often onerous, while at the same time protecting botanical knowledge. He founded the Herbalists' Charter in 1543 (see below the link to Sabrina Biscardi's interview with Althea Provence). In England, the National Association of Medical Herbalists (NAMH), founded in 1864, became the National Medical Institute in 1954.
In France, the profession of herbalist was first recognised in January 1312, however, the profession was not recognised until the 15th century. The first herbalist certificates were issued by the Faculty of Medicine in 1778, the Ecole Nationale d'Herboristerie de Paris did not open its doors until 1927 (wikipedia).
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‘Doctor Jean-Claude Lapraz is working... to develop and promote a genuine grassroots approach to medicine taking into account the individual as a whole, using an integrative approach to physiology and biology’ (jean-claude-lapraz.fr).
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An in-depth lesson of herbalism
A full 4-5 year university course with clinical placements was a major asset for her new career. In addition, Sabrina spent 8 years training in endobiogenic medicine with Dr Jean-Claude Lapraz, a French integrative approach to medicine that gave her a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the human body and its needs, as well as the contribution of phytotherapy in supporting individual balance.
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‘Endobiogeny was conceptualised in the 1970s by the French doctor and researcher Christian Durand. by the French doctor and researcher Christian Duraffourd (1943-2017). This medical approach offers comprehensive, personalised care for patients based on the study of each individual's specific ‘terrain and the mechanisms that regulate the neuro-endocrine system’ (institut-endobiogenie.fr/).
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A herbalist's shop dedicated to medicinal plants and well-being
In her herbalist's shop in Uzès, Sabrina offers a range of carefully selected products: dried plants for herbal teas, tinctures, syrups, essential oils, hydrolats, creams, balms, food supplements, beehive products and much more, for a natural and gentle approach to well-being. ‘For me, every person is unique, so every approach needs to be personalised. That's where the richness of over-the-counter herbalism lies. My role is to listen, to understand and to guide each person towards what is best for them, whether it's to support specific needs linked to physical or emotional well-being, or at key moments in life when you feel the need to support your terrain’.
At the same time, Sabrina is developing a range of Ritual and Cocooning products: herbal teas, perfumes, candles, incense and botanically-inspired decorative items, creating a bridge between personal well-being and a more harmonious living environment, integrating nature right into interior spaces.
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‘There's no denying that medicinal plants are currently enjoying a revival. Consumer demand for herbal teas, essential oils and plant-based food supplements is growing by the day.’ (Sénat.fr).
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Sabrina will also be offering herbalist workshops, inviting everyone to discover the benefits of plants and explore a more natural approach to health. The aim of these initiations, which she hopes will be inspiring, is to let people have a glimpse of the benefits of plants, to enter a fascinating field and learn to look at health from a different, more natural angle. ‘If this message gets through, my mission of transmission, one of the roles of the herbalist within her community, will be fully accomplished’.
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‘Plants are also an important source of outlets for our agriculture. France currently imports 80% of its medicinal plants... These environmentally-friendly crops are increasingly attractive to young farmers. Short supply chains are also encouraged’ (Sénat.fr).
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Why come to a herbalist?
For a personalised approach to well-being: Whether it's to relax, boost your natural defences, or something else, herbalism offers solutions to suit everyone.
To discover well-being rituals: Herbalists can help you incorporate simple, natural rituals into your daily routine, such as herbal teas and essential oils, for a truly relaxing experience.
A place to talk and listen: As well as offering products, the herbalist's shop is also a place where visitors can get advice and a sympathetic ear to help them meet their needs.
Learn more in hands-on workshops: Sabrina's workshops are an excellent opportunity to explore the world of herbalism, learn about the virtues of plants and discover new ways of looking after your health naturally.
The right address: Herboristerie Botanica 12 avenue Général Vincent, Uzès. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9.30am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 7pm.
Tel: 04 66 22 13 99. Contact: info@herboristerie-botanica.fr. Find Herboristerie Botanica on Instagram.
Good to know: * Sabrina Biscardi, of Franco-Italian origin, welcomes visitors in French, English, Spanish and Italian.
* Founded in 2014, the FFEH (Fédération Française des Ecoles d'Herboristerie) is an association campaigning for the recognition of the professions and training of herbalism professionals.
Watch Sabrina Biscardi's interview with Christophe Bernard on Althea Provence channel, which is strictly devoted to medicinal plants.