About Laura
Herbal Medicine Training
Laura Carpenter gained a BSc (Hons) in Herbal Medicine from the University of East London and is an independent herbalist who adheres to a strict code of ethics and practice.
Laura undertook the degree part time over five years, which focused on anatomy and physiology, plant biochemistry and pharmacology, as well as orthodox medical diagnosis. She completed clinical training at the Stratford Herbal Medicine clinic and the Dermatology department of Whipps Cross Hospital in London, completing over 600 hours of clinical training. In 2013 NIMH awarded her the Dorothy Carroll Award for top final clinical examination
Laura went on to become a member of the Post Graduate Training board for the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), ensuring continuing professional standards were met for all NIMH registered medical herbalists, and she became editor of Herbal Thymes magazine in May 2014. In 2015 Laura created Tilia Magazine an independent magazine for professional herbalists in the UK and Europe. In 2016 Laura created the Betonica medical herbalist training programme, a 4 year professional programme in an apprenticeship style that trains medical herbalists.
Laura’s interest in herbs is from both scientific research and traditional British herbal medicine perspectives. She has a keen interest in using British plants, and the medicines she prescribes are often wild crafted, and organic where possible.
Additional therapies
Reiki Training
Laura began her reiki journey in 2005, training with Lorraine Rees learning Usui reiki in South Wales and learning additional techniques with Sacred Moon reiki and Celtic reiki.
It was through this work that Laura undertook a solo pilgrimage to Mount Kurama in Japan, walking up the mountain to the sacred temple (Kurama-dera).
Laura trained as a reiki teacher in 2006 and now mainly works using distance healing and distance attunements.
Plant spirit medicine
Laura has been working with plant spirit medicine since she first began working with plants in 2004, but it’s the relationship that has developed over many years of working with plants that has created her unique methods of connection to plant spirits and allies. Laura offers consultations via Zoom and also has ready made essences available to buy.
Soul midwifery training
Laura began exploring sound healing through her training as a soul midwife with Felicity Warner and completed the Pushing Up the Daisies Death Care course.
Shamanic Training
Laura began her shamanic training journey with Embracing Shamanism in 2021, completing their Introductory course in Edinburgh, which reignited her love of shamanic drumming. She then progressed on to their practitioner course in 2024 and completed it in 2025. She is planning on continuing her training at the teacher level next.
Laura also completed training on shamanic journeying and hosting drum circles with Heron drums in 2023.
Mount Kurama, Japan, November 2007
Email info@lauracarpenter.co.uk
Copyright 2013-2025 Laura Carpenter, All Rights Reserved