Welcome to Herbal Hegemone

Welcome to Herbal Hegemone -  a space for Holistic Plant Knowledge. My name is Dr Clare Lesley Hughes, and I am a Wortcunner based in Yorkshire. ​I am also a Scholar of Environmental Philosophy and Sociology of Religion, with particular interests in philosophical animism, ecofeminism, new materialism and environmental ethics. My research also explores people who feel a deep connection to plants, and how society treats them - whether they are believed, doubted or dismissed.  

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On this website, you can find a range of products and services, including herbal teas and balms, essential oil blends, incense, and hand-carved amulets, wands, and pendants made from locally sourced native wood. I also run environmental philosophy workshops and events that utilise an ecofeminist and rhizomatic pedagogy to re-establish connection and enchantment with plants and the more-than-human world. Personal ecospiritual coaching sessions are also available. I am passionate about sharing and making knowledge accessible, and I regularly share my research, activities, and reflections through my blog and social media.

 

My first PhD was in Biology at the University of York, and I am currently pursuing a second PhD in Humanities, Religion and Philosophy at York St John University. In addition to my academic qualifications, I also hold diplomas in Advanced Aromatherapy, Master Herbalist, Spiritual and Art Life Coaching, Holistic Health and Magical Herbalism. I’m an accredited member of the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine and an active member of the British Sociological Association. At York St John University, I am the editor-in-chief of Curiositas, a postgraduate journal and a Course Tutor at Converge. For those interested in my wider portfolio, please follow this link to my ORCID page.

 

I welcome enquiries from those seeking therapies or collaboration, whether you’re an academic, a practitioner, or simply curious.