Hello and welcome to my blog, passionate about plants, I teach herbalism, aromatherapy, field botany, gardening and organic agriculture in the UK, France and occasionally in the United States. Through this blog I hope to share my passion, observations and musings about the plant world, medicinal plants and gardening. Your comments are welcomed, I believe deeply in the benefits of sharing, linking up with each other and exchanging ideas in order to advance.
My personal path, like that of us all is formed by a never ending series of adventures, meetings with others (people, plants and animals) and with newly discovered aspects of myself, some pleasant, others less pleasant but all necessary, I hope to be able to share some of this adventure with you.
Click on the link below to listen to a radio interview !
Cathy Skipper 
Zammarchi said,
September 25, 2013 at 10:45 am
Bonjour, je vous ecris de la part de Patricia qui est boulangère bio. J’aurais besoin de l’herbe de la rue (ruta graveolens) pour un soin sous forme de bain. Je viens à vous car il est totalement impossible d’en trouver dans le commerce, y compris chez les horticulteurs qui n’en ont qu’au printemps. Idealement, j’en aurais besoin pour demain soir. Je vous remercie de votre aide. Ou merci de me communiquer un lieu où je pourrais en trouver si vous n’en avez pas.
Je vous laisse mon no de portable : 0669946699
Bien à vous, Marion
brokenbangles said,
November 29, 2014 at 7:01 pm
Hey Cathy, I just read your poem Rage is the Awakening. It really is. Can we talk? anitaroy@gmail.com
jayne palmer said,
February 21, 2015 at 1:07 pm
Hi Cathy I also am a herbal person. check out my facebook roots to health and/or my web http://www.rootstohealth.co.uk Would love to talk herbs with you some time.
Kind Regards Jayne Palmer
cathy skipper said,
March 29, 2015 at 1:03 pm
Hi Jayne, great website. I teach a few times per year near Axminster at Trill farm, maybe we could meet up?
Love
Cathy
Stacey Delepau said,
April 10, 2015 at 6:33 am
Hello Cathy, I am œnologue and chef (based on ayurvedic techniques) I am very interested in learning more about your area of expertise. I have been living in France for 12 years now in the Haute Savoie just outside of Megeve (Combloux). I have sold my Wine celler and catering business last year. (l’Alpage Gourmand/ Atelier Gourmand) I am now a teacher at a private school here in Combloux and have a lot more time on my hands. I would love to know more about the courses you offer as well and maybe as well if you are open to give a conference/ Weekend course/atelier here in Combloux. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Stacey Delepau (atgou@orange.fr)
Jo Gaskins said,
May 5, 2015 at 8:13 pm
Hi Cathy, I am interested in classes with you in France this year or next. Might you have a schedule?
Your course Molecules, electrical impulses and energy course.
cathy skipper said,
August 10, 2015 at 10:37 am
Hi Jo, are you in the States or in the UK?
Annette Haggett said,
June 14, 2015 at 7:29 pm
I am interested in the course right away. Is it online courses??
cathy skipper said,
August 10, 2015 at 10:40 am
I am doing an online course http://theida.com/aromatherapy-education/french-aromatherapy-certification-course and other courses live, which country are youin?
Maggie Crowdes said,
June 24, 2015 at 4:54 pm
Hi Cathy. I hope you do not mind me contacting you but found your website and am so happy to “see” you again. If you would like to please email me. If not no worries but know that I send you my love.
Maggie.
Cheryk said,
July 17, 2015 at 4:48 am
Hi Cathy, I am very interested in taking an aromatherapy program to educate myself. I am having a difficult time finding a reputable school that teaches all methods of aromatherapy. what school would you recommend? I am living in Canada.
Gaynor said,
August 31, 2015 at 6:35 pm
Hi Cathy, I have read about your new course – “French Aromatherapy/Aromatic Medicine Certification Course” and am extremely interested in studying with both you and Jade. Please could you tell me if you have any spaces left; whether I can complete it in England and also whether it would be recognised as a legitimate qualification for the IFA who I have recently registered with.
With many thanks in anticipation, Gaynor
cathy skipper said,
August 31, 2015 at 6:48 pm
Hi Gaynor, Jade is dealing with the registrations etc. I will send your e-mail address to her and she wil get back to you very shortly.
love Cathy
Denise Mosier said,
November 1, 2015 at 11:57 am
Hi Cathy, I lived in Switzerland & France for over 30 years and hold both US and French passports. I am presently pursuing essential oils certification (an 18-module course developed by Dr. Scott Johnson) and am very interested in your French certification course! Is the certification recognized in France, as I hope to return (my children are in France & Switzerland)?
Thanks,
Denise
Lourdes Valenzuela said,
December 1, 2015 at 3:19 am
Hi I interest
Laura Yarham said,
December 4, 2015 at 12:39 pm
hello Cathy!
Long time, no speak. Hope all is bursting forth in your life with plants.
Could not make the weekend in Norfolk in November sadly but I am planning that I may make it to the herbfest in 2016 and have a real time to gather myself,learn and grow without the distractions of home!
Much love and light,
Laura x
Gabrielle Fromentin said,
December 9, 2015 at 1:30 pm
Hello Cathy, I’m a huge fan of your blog – have learnt a lot from you. I am hoping to go to France in the spring of next year to learn more about distillation. I know it’s probably not a great time but it’s all I have! I already have some experience in growing organic plants and the transformation into medicinal/cosmetic products including hydrosols. I am half French and have a good enough grasp of the language for a working relationship. I will probably go through the wwoof website, but I am writing to ask that if you know anyone who makes and works with hydrosols who might like a keen apprentice for a short time in the spring, I would love to hear from you. All the best, Gabrielle Fromentin
Taylor Lavenu said,
December 9, 2015 at 1:32 pm
Hi Cathy,
My name is Taylor Lavenu. I live in Thonon-les-Bains during the winter and have spent the past two summers living and working on Blessed Maine Herb Farm with Gail Faith Edwards in Maine, USA. She past your name onto me.
I send an email to L’ecole des planted medicinales a Lyon but I thought I would try to reach you here as well. I wanted to inquire if you had any teachig oppurtunities this winter where I could come and learn with you, something like a stage. Alternately if there is any work that needs to be done at the school or with winter preparations I would love to be involved in any capacity.
I look forward to hearing from you and until then, many good things.
Taylor Lee
Gabrielle Fromentin said,
December 9, 2015 at 1:38 pm
Hello Cathy, I am a great fan of your blog – have learnt a lot from you. I am hoping to go to France in the spring of next year to learn more about distillation. I know it’s probably not the best time but it’s all I have! I already have some experience in growing organic plants and their transformation into medicinal/cosmetic products including hydrosols. I am half French and have a good enough grasp of the language for a working relationship. I will probably go through the wwoof website, but am writing to ask that if you know of anyone who makes and works with hydrosols who might like a keen apprentice for a short time, I would love to hear from you. All the best, Gabrielle Fromentin
moonlitdreamer29 said,
February 29, 2016 at 7:22 pm
Hello, I would like to take one of your courses either in the USA or online, do you have anything available at this time? Thank you!
cathy skipper said,
March 1, 2016 at 3:38 am
Hi, I have two online courses but they are very specialised, one is called French aromatherapy and the other hydrosols at http://www.theida.com. I am teaching live classes in the States in on alchemy and healing the soul at the New York Institute of Aromatherapy 1st and 2nd of May, at the Naha conference in Utah in October and in Detroit at the of May.
cows864 said,
April 8, 2016 at 4:16 pm
Hello Cathy,
My name is Saoirse Bachman.
I love your blog. I received a link to your post about Swani Simon from a dear friend. I am an admirer of Juliette de Baircali Levy and have been so inspired by her life and work. I am so glad to hear about Swani and your lives!
I am live in Maine, United States but will be traveling to Scotland late June and then traveling for a while with hopes of learning as much as I can about tending cows, other large livestock and herbalism. I am would love to stay aware of your travels and workshops, with hopes of attending one of your classes and meeting you. I am also wondering if you know of a way I can reach out to Swani. I am an aspiring large animal vet and would love to learn how to work with plants to tend animals and land. Hearing about Swani and her connection to Juliette is an incredible gift!
With much thanks,
Saoirse
cathy skipper said,
April 9, 2016 at 2:08 pm
Hi Saoirse, thank-you for your feedback. Swanie is going to be teaching at the International herbal conference in Wheatcroft college, nr Boston in June 2017. She does sone online classes but they are at the moment in German (I don’t know if you speak German). She is going to have her book in English finished by the International conference.
I will also pass on your e-mail to her. She is planning to spend more time teaching in the States after the International conference.
Kind regards
Cathy
Ecmel said,
May 15, 2016 at 8:36 pm
Hey Cathy,
Love the plant sketches. Keep up the blog. Will definitely follow.
April Alexander said,
July 5, 2016 at 2:49 am
Hi Cathy,
It was good to see you at the International Herb Symposium last year. I am glad to see you in the states doing things this year too. I am fascinated. One day it will be my turn to learn more. I now travel with Palo Santo wood every where I go. You have my email if you would like to connect.
~ April
cathy skipper said,
July 6, 2016 at 2:26 pm
Hi April, thank you for the message, glad to hear that Palo Santo is accompanying you at the moment, such an amazing tree. Hope our paths connect in the future. love Cathy
Emmanuelle said,
July 19, 2016 at 4:21 am
Hi Cathy,
I’m French, living in the us. do you offer long distance course?
Thank you.
Emmanuelle
cathy skipper said,
July 28, 2016 at 6:10 pm
Hi Emmanuelle, I am have an online aromatherapy class called French aromatherapyhttp://aromaticstudies.com/product/french-aromatherapy-certification-course/ and a hydrosol course http://aromaticstudies.com/product/hydrosols-certification-program-with-cathy-skipper/ and am currently woking on an online alchemy and aromatherapy class. I live in the States now and do teach some live classes here too. love Cathy
Erin said,
September 7, 2016 at 8:14 pm
Hi Cathy,
Is there an email address through which I can reach you? I’d like to see if you’d be interested in writing an article for our herbal / aromatherapy magazine. ❤
Much love,
Erin
cathy skipper said,
April 11, 2017 at 4:18 pm
Hi Erin, only just seen that I have messages on my blog…duh. Here is my e-m ail. I would love to write an article for you herbal magazine…do you have any ideas of what you would like me to write about? cathyskippertaosgmail.com
Carrie Boyles said,
January 3, 2017 at 2:14 am
Hi Cathy,
I am an aromatherapist in Austin, TX. I’m working on an aromatherapy practice focused on the spiritual aspects of the oils. My education (certification) comes from the American College of Health
Sciences. I am looking forward to following your blog. I’m finding it right in the area of the focus I wish to take.
Regards,
Carrie Boyles
Ashley Duncan said,
January 9, 2017 at 2:10 am
Hi Cathy–
I just recently came across your name again on jim mcdonald’s site, after first hearing about your work at this previous year’s Plant Healer’s conference in Cloudcroft, NM. I remember being super excited for your class, something related to potions making/ perhaps by scent.
Anyway, I’m extremely pleased to find out that you’re actually local in NM! I live in SFe and am just starting my journey into herbs. I found that you teach online classes through the site Aromatic Studies, but would you happen to ever teach *physically* in the area?
Warmly,
Ashley
cathy skipper said,
April 11, 2017 at 4:10 pm
Hi Ashley, just seen your message, sorry its been a while since you wrote it but I didn’t realize I had all these messages linked to my blog. We are planning a live class in October in santa Fe. I will keep you posted .
Frances Deery Medical Herbalist said,
January 30, 2017 at 11:51 pm
Hi Cathy are you running any more hydrosols distillation classes in the UK 2017
cathy skipper said,
April 11, 2017 at 4:07 pm
Hi Frances, sorry not in 2017.
DeborahLayne said,
February 12, 2017 at 3:10 pm
Good morning, I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. I have a question – and forgive me if you’ve answered already and I missed it.
I plan to experiment with extracting essential oil from the blossoms of a native Texan evergreen, which only flowers briefly in the spring.
Would it be possible to freeze these flowers, before use? If so, is there a recommended method?
Thank you so much-
Deborah
cathy skipper said,
April 11, 2017 at 4:06 pm
I think the best thing is to distill the when they are fresh
Jody Horch said,
July 27, 2017 at 8:48 pm
By the way
My maiden name is french, Meffért. It means a ford or a bridge how appropriate
villanueva said,
May 8, 2017 at 8:08 am
Magnifique
Comme un phare sur mon chemin
merci du fond de mon coeur
nath
cathy skipper said,
May 24, 2017 at 4:36 am
Merci Nath
Jody Horch said,
July 27, 2017 at 8:46 pm
I’m a single mom
I have not been able to work my second job for about 6 months now and I don’t know if I ever will be able to
I had shoulder surgery and I got hooked on the oils for my pain
I cannot take and do not like to take synthetic drugs
The oils helped me so much
I’m branching out with my knowledge but it got me today, why not educate myself to help my family and others
I have an extra room at my home with a bathroom and a separate entrance
My dream now is to have an office for people to come and learn how to better care for themselves and their families
How do I get started?
cathy skipper said,
October 23, 2017 at 4:41 pm
You could do a certified online aromatherapy class, there are a lot to choose from, if you start looking and want some help in making a final choice, I could advice you.
Sirena Vandenbos said,
October 24, 2017 at 5:27 am
Very Useful
Cherine Oroma said,
October 31, 2017 at 7:45 am
Dear Cathy,
It is a pleasure of mine to have encountered your work, it is a true blessing for myself to see someone who talks with such passion and with such admiration to the plants on a deeper more profound sense.
I’m aspiring to become a botanist specifically working in the field of native herbal healing and aromatherapy. Yet I do not have a solid background in botany, plant taxonomy or medicine.
Almost three years since I’ve awakened to this need of studying and working with plants. These years were spent with self education, volunteering, connecting with likeminded people, and on the other hand some lack of clarity and guidance which have left me feeling lost in this massive plant kingdom.
Thus I ask you humbly for your guidance; should I first take an official degree/certificate in botany?
I’m planning to take your 3 courses on the aromatic studies website. Yet I would like to take a live intensive course on general herbology, would you recommend a certain course?
also are there any books that you would recommend?
Thank you so much.
Love from Jordan
Luke Curran said,
January 7, 2018 at 6:52 pm
Hello Cathy,
I have recently been reading about your work, and have found it greatly interesting. However, having wanted to be involved in herbalism in France, I discovered that there were laws making clinical herbalism illegal. What can you tell me about this/ the way you work in relation to these laws?
Many thanks
Luke
cathy skipper said,
January 29, 2018 at 2:53 pm
Hi Luke, I have left France and now live and work in New Mexico. It is difficult in France but there are ways around.
Tarah said,
July 22, 2018 at 6:55 pm
I have been searching for this type of information! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge! Can you add me to your subscription for email.
Ashlie love said,
August 21, 2018 at 1:16 pm
Hi Cathy, I haven’t seen you at herb fest for a few years, I hope you make it to the next! I was just reading your aromatic medicines book, i have a virus kick up a couple of times a year,.. it seems This happens when I am particularly run down! I used to have xfs
I have looked at your flu mix is there anything else I could add ?
Take car ashlie
cathy skipper said,
October 7, 2018 at 9:05 pm
HI Ashley, honestly, what would be the best is to work closely with someone looking at the underlying causes of the recurrent flu. The more I advance, the more I think the deep healing has to come from looking at the layers beneath that are creating the situation. Good to hear from you. I am just in the final stretches of getting my new online school up and live. Sending love Cathy