Product Philosophy

Combining the knowledge and skills of a scientist with the insight and experience of a therapist and qualified equine herbalist, our herbal tinctures are a hand blended mix of the finest herbal extracts. Each tincture is specifically prescribed and precisely formulated to meet the unique needs of your horse. Comprehensive instructions and follow up support are provided.

From my hands to you, via our online shop, I offer a selection of bespoke balms, creams, gels and liniments designed for both horses and humans. Need something different? No problem - get in touch via the contact page, or email me at nicola@botanicusandco.com.au and I can make something specifically tailored for you and/or your horse.

I do not out-source manufacturing. All of the products are freshly made on-site in the apothecary, they do not sit on the shelf for weeks after being made in bulk by some faceless manufacturing company. I like to be in control for every step of the journey. This means the products I make are truly bespoke and formulations can be altered to suit your individual needs.

I take pride in using only the finest quality ingredients. I grow many of the medicinal herbs used in Botanicus & Co products. I also source herbs locally. Some herbs require a different type of native environment to grow successfully. These herbs I purchase from reputable and ethical suppliers. This commitment to quality ensures that every product you receive is individually made with care and integrity.

Consultations

When you request a Consultation with me, you pay for my time, my knowledge and my expertise. By law, a consultation is required before I can prescribe a specific, individually mixed herbal tincture.

As part of the consultation process we talk in depth about your horse and its needs. We take the time it takes. Follow ups are all part of the service. If you are an existing client, please email me directly so we can chat.

In herbal medicine, after careful consideration of the individual's requirements a mix comprising of one or more herbal tinctures. may be formulated. The mix will be specifically chosen and may include synergistic herbs that boost the actions of the other herbs in the mix.

Herbal medicine acts long and slow. Treatment for a full blood cycle may be required, and the tincture mix may be altered over the course of the treatment.

One size definitely does not fit all in herbal medicine.

Integrating the best of the old with the innovations and knowledge of the new, my aim for Botanicus & Co is to embrace modern science and link it with timeless herbal wisdom to provide a personalised service and unique products for you and your horse.

Why choose herbal medicine?

Whilst the word "natural" is readily bandied around to indicate a product is different to the chemical world of mainstream medicine, we need to realise that everything on the earth is made of chemicals - even ourselves and our horses.

If this is the case, why choose herbal medicine?/ What does make it different and distinct from mainstream pharmaceutical medicines?

Perhaps the biggest difference is that herbal medicine is formulated for the individual, rather than the "norm".

Mainstream medicine tends to isolate an individual "active" compound which is then formulated into a drug. Herbal medicines are not like drugs made by big pharma - they are plant based, rather than synthetically produced. Herbal tinctures are liquid extracts of the whole plant, which means all the chemical compounds found in the plant are present in the extract. This results in products of much greater complexity and scope, where the different chemical compounds in the plant work together as a whole, something which is lost in a synthetically manufactured drug.

Philosophy for a Healthy Life

As a herbalist and scientist, the way to basic good health is through an appropriate diet, regular exercise, and mental/emotional stability. This is the same for our horses.

Of course, such statements as this are easy to write, but reality is different and life is not always so simple. To put not too fine a point on it, shit often happens. We know that horses do silly things, and so do we. Genetic and environmental issues can result in disease. Chronic and acute problems happen and old age creeps up on us all.

There are times when both humans and horses need a bit of a helping hand.

With my horses, I like to keep things simple - a basic diet, regular exercise and most importantly mental and emotional stability. It may sound like a cliche, but a happy horse is a healthy horse.

Keep an eye out for my posts on the Horse Tails blog for more on this topic.

From my herb garden - image of Comfrey and Cleavers