I am a Herbalist, Garden Designer, and Gardener. Of late, these interests have never been more aligned and complementary.
I hold a BSc (Hons) in Herbal Medicine from the University of Westminster, and I have practised ever since I graduated. This led to me forming my herbal medicine clinic, Herbal Symbiosis, where I work with you on a treatment plan tailored to your needs and circumstances.
My passion for plants and medicine-making has put me on a path to treat patients from all walks of life. Additionally, I advocate for community outreach, teaching young and old about how to identify, cultivate, harvest, and make home remedies for minor illnesses in a safe manner.
I am proud to say I am one of the creators of Ladywell Physic Garden, which has its legacy location at Ladywell Fields in Southeast London. After a wonderful experience spreading the word of herbal medicine at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Sandringham Flower Show 2026, where I exhibited the first herbaceous border of the Ladywell Physic Garden co-designed with David Congram, we were proud to be awarded a silver-gilt medal for a long border exclusively featuring medicinal plants. Irrespective of this being a design competition, the public interaction and feedback have been great, demonstrating the wider public’s keen interest in the beauty and power of medicinal plants.
So if you want to try herbal medicine but you are not fully confident in how it can help you, please get in contact or join us at the Ladywell Physic Garden to meet me and learn about these wonderful medicinal plants.
It’s time to get involved, get out there, and be part of a community that is dedicated to nature, health, and creating connections.
João Afonso (2023)
Discover the Power of Herbal Symbiosis!
Exposing the truth in herbal medicine.
Most people don't realise how powerful plants can be.
Let's explore why herbal remedies are making a huge comeback. At Herbal Symbiosis, we believe healing is a partnership-between you, your body, and the incredible world of plants.
Run by Joao Afonso, a qualified Medical Herbalist, we craft personalised tinctures and ointments for all sorts, from anxiety and sleep troubles to joint pain and inflammation.
We do not treat STI or cancer, although we can offer support for your cancer treatment to help you on your journey.
Forget one-size-fits-all. Here, your treatment is made just for you.
We're here for those moments when conventional medicine leaves you searching for answers.
Plus, we don't just prescribe, we teach you how to harness the power of herbs through workshops and community events.
Ready to step into a more holistic, natural approach to health?
Join us at Herbal Symbiosis and let's discover what plants can do for you!
Consultations
1st consultation
Duration 1.5h
Price £90
During our initial consultation we will assess your overall health focussing on the most pressing issue. We will also investigate your medical history and lifestyle factors. This will enable us to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to improve your health and well-being. This may include a tincture or tea for the month although ointments, creams and oils may be prescribed for external use.
We work in collaboration with other professionals of complementary and alternative medicine to ensure all aspects of your health are addressed by the appropriate specialist including referring you to your GP for certain investigations.
Follow up consultation
Duration 30 minutes
Price £30
During the follow-up appointment we will assess the effectiveness of your treatment plan, your response to it and any necessary adjustments to ensure your progress.
Prescribed month tincture
Approximately 420ml
Price £40
Medicine should be available to all and we are working hard to bring you a medicinal garden open to the public.
Working together with the RHS Sandringham flower show and Lewisham council we want to expand the knowledge of the community on Herbal Medicine for your wellbeing. We are connecting the local history of Ladywell medicinal water well (even if now dry) and Herbal Medicine, focusing on condition brought by climate changes.
We need your help, please support us to expand this project.