About Celtic Fox Herbal
About Luke Ó hErodáin Dip. Herb
Medical Herbalist | Naturopathic Practitionner |
Foraging Instructor | Independent Researcher
Hello folks! I’m Luke Ó hErodáin, Dip Herb Med, a clinically trained Medical Herbalist and Naturopath and foraging instructor based in Cork, Ireland.
Born to an Irish family in rural France, I spent my childhood freely exploring forests and vineyard hills, learning local stories about plants and their uses. However, my early adult life found me trapped in a demanding office job that left me physically unwell and mentally exhausted. After a decade in this stressful environment, I realised something had to change.
Rediscovering herbal medicine and reconnecting with nature through my Celtic roots allowed me to reclaim my health and passion. Inspired by the herbalists who guided my healing journey, I pursued formal training and now dedicate myself to sharing this wisdom. My practice combines herbal consultations, foraging walks, educational workshops, and ongoing research, including translations of French herbal literature.
Today, my life’s mission, after my most important one in supporting my family, is to empower others by bridging traditional plant wisdom and modern scientific insights, fostering health through informed decisions and a deeper connection with nature.
As an independent researcher, I’ve been focussing on a group of Doctors from the early to mid-twenthieth century in France who treated people using Naturopathic Medicine. I am currently translating and researching them with the hope to publish a books in the next while.
I now operate my clinic where I work with patients to improve their health using herbal remedies, nutrition, lifestyle changes. This is thanks to my many years of training & experience, various diagnostic tools as well as functional testing in Cork, Tralee and various other places through home visits.
Herbal Consultations
Personalised herbal medicine treatments, lifestyle advice, and functional diagnostic testing to support your journey back to wellness with a qualified naturopathic practitioner.
Workshops & Talks
Practical and educational sessions teaching all about herbal medicine preparation (creams, syrups, preserves), and insightful discussions on health and wellbeing. Start your jourey with herbal wellness!
Foraging Walks
Guided experiences connecting people to Ireland’s native plants, exploring their medicinal and nutritional value in beautiful natural settings.
Research
I actively research traditional herbal knowledge, translating historic French herbal texts and experimenting to rediscover lost herbal insights.
My Approach & Philosophy
Knowledge is Power, especially when it comes to Health
In a world built on the idea that scientia potentia est—knowledge is power—it’s only natural that the more informed you are, the easier it becomes to navigate the maze of modern life. To remain in the dark about your health is to hand over your autonomy to those who may not have your best interests at heart. My mission as a Medical Herbalist in Cork is to help empower you with the knowledge of plants, health, and the natural world, so you can make decisions about your wellbeing with clarity and confidence.
Embracing nuance
Nothing in life is purely black or white. We’re surrounded by noise; opinions from companies, governments, religious groups, influencers, and even well-meaning individuals. It’s easy to feel lost in the soup of information and misinformation. That’s why I value nuance, balance, consideration and critical thinking. Understanding the risks and benefits of any approach to health, whether natural or conventional, gives you the power to walk your own path. Keeping that in mind and respecting each others values is an important factor towards healing the individual, the community and the world in a greater sense.
Nature as a Teacher
My own healing journey was guided by the natural world. Returning to a simpler way of living, reconnecting with plants, and learning from nature restored my health in ways no modern system had. This isn’t just theory. It’s lived experience. I believe herbal medicine and holistic health approaches have a vital role to play in today’s world, not only for healing but for resilience and empowerment of every individuals health. And that is only one of the reasons why I became a natural health specialist.
My Approach
I blend traditional plant wisdom with modern clinical practice, using nature as the foundation for healing. My work is rooted in honesty, accessibility, and the belief that health starts with understanding—not overwhelm.
Unique Framework
My framework brings together herbal medicine, diagnostic tools, lived experience, and reconnection with nature. Whether in the clinic or out on the land, it’s a whole-body, whole-life approach to health.
Acknowledgements
I deeply appreciate my mentors and guides:
- Keith Robertson MSc FNIMH – My fantastic herbal mentor and friend from the Isle of Arran, Scotland, who ignited my passion for plants and the deeper spiritual connection with nature through a Celtic lens. (Vegan Herbal)
- Danny O’Rawe ND MSc FIRHM – The outstanding principal of the Excelsior Apprenticeships in Herbal Medicine, my mentor and friend, whose extensive knowledge in herbal medicine profoundly shapes my practice. (Excelsior Apprenticeships)
- Nicola Dee Kelly MSc MNIHM – Who enriched my understanding of herbal medicine, holistic health, and balancing life’s energies through meaningful conversations and connections.
- Vilma Matuleviciute MSc ND BCST FIRH – Whose compassionate guidance continues to shape me as a practitioner and encourages me to always better myself.
- John McCormick and the team at Helen’s Bay Organic Farm – For inspiring me about sustainability, organic cultivation, and the beauty of growing clean food. (Helen’s Bay Organic)
- My Wife for being infinitely supportive in my endeavours and is always encouraging me to always strive to be a better herbalist and person.
- To all the wildlings, herbalists, wildcrafters, and nature protectors who’ve guided and inspired me—thank you!