Jo Webster
Nutritionist, medical herbalist, fermentologist and biophilist.
Be the change
I am a nutritionist, medical herbalist, fermentologist and biophilist. Working with nutrition, herbs and microbes lies at the core of my practice. I am currently working on my PhD on fermented vegetables with Surrey University and TEAGASC. I have an MSC (with distinction) in nutritional medicine from Surrey University. I completed a 4 year degree level course to qualify as a herbalist (with distinction) and I won the BHMA Frank Power Award in 2022 for the strongest all round herbal medicine student. I won the Phyto Products award for pharmacology in 2021. I am a director of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, an associate member of the Association for Nutrition, a member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy, the British Herbal Medicine Association and a member of the UK and Ireland mycotherapy practitioner register. If you want to know more about my ongoing professional development, have a look here. Before becoming a health practitioner, I was a lawyer.
I am devoted to helping people address their health issues by focussing on nutrition, herbs and microbes. An important aspect of this process is encouraging people to take responsibility for their own health and providing them with the support, tools and information they need to do so. No two people are the same and I relish understanding each individual, their health challenges and goals and working with them to develop sustainable solutions to the health issues they face. I happily work alongside your doctor, consultant or other health practitioner. Inevitably, a key part of this process involves behaviour change and I aim to support you to make sustainable change where needed.
In my own life, I strive to be the change I want to see in the world, so I know from first-hand experience how challenging changing entrenched behaviours can be. I walk the walk rather than just talking the talk. Nutrition, herbs, microbes and nature connection are the central pillars to my own approach to living my life to the full. I am mother to 4 awesome young people who are always fun to be with. I also love reading, learning, asking questions, being outside, fermenting, herbing and laughing.
“What you seek is also seeking you. ”
— Rumi
Jo Webster is a member of the following:
What people are saying about Jo as a practitioner
“A perfect combination of very serious knowledge with very soft and caring nature”.
— Patient, 2020
“Intelligent, knowledgeable, curious, passionate, trustworthy, thoughtful, thorough, kind, fascinating, meticulous, courageous, deep, insightful, perceptive, non-judgmental”
— Patient, 2021
“Heart and mind of equal rigor”
— Patient, 2021
“Just finishing off my fermented ketchup, yesterday it was kvass, fire tonic always on the go and ACV and I realised I love making these from your recipes and starting to do this was a big step in getting back to doing normal things. I also have huge faith in you as a practitioner and am pretty sure when people say how well I look that is partly down to you. So just want to say a massive thank you for all of your help this year”
— Patient, 2024
“Wide variety of skills, fierce intellect, methodical approach to problem-solving and empathetic in nature”.”
— Patient, 2021
“She knows how to cherish the individual. Her approach is in no way formulaic, but based on endeavouring to deeply understand the person in front of her and what their health needs are. Grounded and not up herself”.
— Patient, 2020
“Jo is a very intuitive, conscientious and thorough practioner. She helped me get my digestion to a much better place.”
— Patient, 2023
What people are saying about Jo as an event facilitator
"Spending the day learning to make sourdough was a delight. Jo inspires confidence while imparting knowledge with an easy manner and endless patience. Jo’s attention to detail is so generous and always extends to a fabulous lunch."
- Jane Bateman
“Just wanted to say a massive thank you for Friday. Your passion and contagious enthusiasm truly inspired both the chefs and me. We had an incredibly enjoyable training session and gained a wealth of valuable insights about fermentation and gut health. I can't wait to see what the chefs do going forward with their newfound knowledge and skills within the BM restaurants.”
- BM Caterers
“Thank you for such a wonderful time over the past few days. Thanks for being so generous and open with your knowledge and for the great atmosphere you created. I left inspired by your beautiful energy and the many conversations we had.”
- Lyson Marchessault
“Thank you Jo and Holly for a fantastic day of sourdough baking. I now feel much more confident to continue my practice at home and can't wait to get Joseph/Walter going. I came out of the day with a strong understanding of what is going on in my dough and how to shape and form the loaf properly to get good volume.”
- Paula Neubauer
“It was the most amazing, immersive fermentation learning experience I've ever attended. I'm a seasoned fermentista with my own company teaching fermentation to both professionals and amateurs, and I have learned so much. The days were packed with knowledge and activities, super delicious meals, and with lots of networking. I went back home with a mind full of new ideas, a deeper understanding and appreciation of fermentation, and with some amazing new contacts. It was truly an experience of a lifetime.
- Fran Wick
“I had the pleasure of inviting Jo to an RCGP Sustainability event to share her extensive knowledge on fermentation and foraging, as well as guiding us through a hands-on experience of making our own sauerkraut. Her passion for the subject was evident throughout the presentation, and her deep understanding of fermentation made the whole process both insightful and enjoyable.
One of the highlights from the day was the foraging walk around the grounds, where Jo introduced us to various herbs and plants. Her expertise shone through as she explained their uses and benefits in both food and wellness.
The practical aspect of making our own fermentation creation was a real treat – it was a fun and engaging way to learn. I left feeling inspired and eager to try fermenting at home. Jo's session was not only informative but also incredibly engaging, and I can't wait to apply what I've learned. Thank you, Jo, for such an enriching experience!”
- Lucinda Ryan, Royal College of General Practitioners