“Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under 50”

 Phil’s route to herbal practice has encompassed work as a doctor in hospitals, primary care and unscheduled care settings. Although he now identifies as a herbalist, his experiences in conventional healthcare have equipped him to reference a number of perspectives when supporting people with their health and wellbeing as a herbal practitioner. 

Phil has presented guidance and created resources for herbalists and students on possible approaches to men's health issues - both in terms of physiological wellbeing and through the lens of perceived masculinities and their impacts on men's mental health and help-seeking behaviours. 

More recently, his career development has focussed on some work around equality, diversity, and inclusion, emphasising LGBTQ+ issues. Currently, Phil works in Sheffield where he lives with his husband and a small white mischievous cat. 

In this episode, Phil chats with Simon about why he transitioned from a GP to a herbalist and how herbalism is the best environment to tackle men’s health issues.

Phil talks on:

• The pandemic - why were men more affected?
• How masculinity affects men’s health and help-seeking behaviours.
• Vulnerabilities in men’s health.
• Herbalism on mental and spiritual wellbeing.
• The dangers of purchasing herbal products without guidance.
• How to frame and discuss men’s health in herbal consultations.
• Strategies and tools to empower the patient.
• Top-tier men's health issues that can identify red flags.

You can reach Phil via email at herbdoctorphil@gmail.com

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com