Penelope Ody

Penelope Ody read chemistry at Bristol before studying herbal medicine at the School of Phytotherapy in Tunbridge Wells and later spent some time at the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Guangzhou. As a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, she practised as a consultant herbalist in Buckinghamshire from 1986 before moving to Hampshire.

Since then, she has largely focused on encouraging wider awareness and use of herbs, running day courses for lay people since 2002 on making simple, safe and effective home remedies, exploring how herbs have been used throughout history, as well as encouraging greater understanding of Chinese herbal traditions. 

An enthusiastic plantswoman, the many herbs in her large garden have provided a useful resource helping others to become familiar with the wonderful healing properties of so many common – and not so common – plants.

She is the author of more than 20 books covering many aspects of herbal medicine and traditions.