Meet Your Medical Herbalist
Susan O'Neill-Siegenthaler – Medical Herbalist in the Hawkesbury
Choosing a herbalist is about much more than choosing a herbal medicine.
It is about choosing a practitioner with the knowledge, experience and clinical judgement to prescribe medicinal plants safely and appropriately for the individual.
At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre, Susan O’Neill-Siegenthaler has been practising Western Herbal Medicine for more than 40 years. Her consultations combine decades of clinical experience with traditional herbal knowledge and a genuine whole-person approach to healthcare.
If you are looking for an highly qualified, experienced medical herbalist in the Hawkesbury, Susan offers personalised consultations tailored to your individual health needs.
Susan's Journey into Herbal Medicine
Susan’s passion for herbal medicine began more than five decades ago through her study of traditional Western herbal medicine.
She trained with two of Australia’s most respected herbalists:
- Dorothy Hall
- Denis Stewart
Both practitioners helped shape the development of modern Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine in Australia and inspired generations of herbalists.
Susan’s education has been complemented by an Honours degree in Biology (BSc Hons), giving her a strong understanding of the scientific method, plant biology, and environmental science.
Over the past 40 years she has continued to integrate traditional herbal wisdom with contemporary knowledge of medicinal plants.
What Does a Medical Herbalist Do?
A medical herbalist is trained to prescribe medicinal plants according to the individual’s health history and current presentation.
Rather than recommending herbs simply because they are associated with a particular symptom, Susan considers the whole person, including:
- Current and past health concerns
- relevant family medical history
- medications and supplements
- diet and lifestyle
- sleep and stress
- environmental influences
- long-term health goals.
Every herbal prescription is personalised.
Herbal formulas can be modified over time as your health changes or your treatment progresses.
Susan's Philosophy of Herbal Medicine
Susan believes that good healthcare begins with listening.
Her consultations are designed to understand not only what symptoms someone is experiencing, but also the circumstances surrounding their health and emotional wellbeing.
Western Herbal Medicine is used as part of an individualised approach that respects each person’s unique physiology, lifestyle and health history.
Susan’s goal is to help people support their health using carefully selected medicinal plants, practical advice and realistic treatment plans.
More Than Herbal Medicine
Susan’s practice extends beyond prescribing medicinal herbs.
She is also a traditionally trained Naturopath, medical aromatherapist and senior yoga teacher.
This allows her to draw on a broader range of natural healthcare approaches when appropriate, including:
- Western Herbal Medicine.
- Traditional Naturopathy.
- Nutritional support based on naturopathic and ayurvedic principles.
- Lifestyle counselling.
- Medical aromatherapy.
- Yoga therapy where appropriate.
Not every consultation includes every therapy. Recommendations are based on the individual’s needs and preferences.
Areas Susan Commonly Helps Support
People seek Susan’s care for many different reasons.
Her consultations commonly include support for:
- gastrointestinal health
- musculoskeletal issues
- cardiovascular health
- stress and emotional wellbeing
- sleep concerns
- women’s health
- skin health
- fatigue and recovery
- autoimmune disorders
- general health and wellbeing, and much more.
Your consultation is always tailored to your own health concerns rather than following a standard herbal protocol.
What Happens During Your Consultation?
During your first consultation Susan will take the time to understand your health story and your current medical issues.
This includes discussing:
- your health history
- current symptoms
- medications and supplements
- previous treatments
- lifestyle
- diet
- sleep
- stress
- other relevant health factors.
Following the consultation, Susan prepares an individual herbal prescription where appropriate and explains how it should be taken. She may also provide you with suggestion of dietary changes and possibly other recommendations.
Follow-up appointments allow your treatment to be reviewed and adjusted as needed.
Western Herbal Medicine and Traditional Naturopathy
Western Herbal Medicine is one of the principal therapies within Susan’s Traditional Naturopathy practice.
Some people book specifically for Western Herbal Medicine consultations, while others are seeking a broader naturopathic consultation that may include herbal medicine alongside nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.
Learn more about:
- Western Herbal Medicine — how medicinal plants are prescribed and used.
- Traditional Naturopathy — Susan’s whole-person naturopathic approach.
Why Choose Susan as Your Herbalist?
Susan brings together:
- more than 40 years of clinical experience
- traditional training in Western Herbal Medicine and traditional Naturopathy
- a 1st class Honours degree in Biology
- Membership of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
- decades of experience supporting individuals and families in the Hawkesbury and beyond.
Her approach is practical, compassionate and deeply individualised.
Medical Herbalist in the Hawkesbury
Susan O’Neill-Siegenthaler provides consultations for people throughout Kurrajong, North Richmond, Richmond, Windsor, Kurmond, Wilberforce, Glossodia, Bowen Mountain and the wider Hawkesbury.
Book an Appointment
If you are looking for an experienced medical herbalist or Western herbalist in the Hawkesbury, contact Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre to arrange a consultation with Susan O’Neill-Siegenthaler on: 0492 814 971.
