Living Medicine
Living Medicine (Charity No. 1135177) is a UK-based educational charity founded to promote the use of food, herbs, and self-care practices as part of everyday healthcare. Established in the early 2000s, the organization focuses on empowering individuals to manage common health conditions through workshops, courses, and community-led initiatives[3].

Activities and Programs
The charity designs practical workshops and courses, often led by BSc-qualified medical herbalists, to teach safe preparation of plant-based remedies and nutrition-focused health strategies. These programs emphasize aligning daily habits—such as sleep, diet, and activity—with natural rhythms to enhance resilience[2][3]. Key offerings include the Foundation in Self Care course, which combines herb gardening with herbal medicine instruction, and subsidized sessions for low-income participants through community partnerships[3].

Community Engagement and Vision
Living Medicine collaborates with NHS affiliates, universities, and local groups to establish medicinal gardens, including the Medicinal Herb Garden at the University of East London. Their long-term vision includes creating a national Living Medicine Centre, featuring educational gardens, a food market, and a café to revive public engagement with plant-based healthcare traditions across diverse cultural communities[2][3].

Awards and Recognition
In 2013, the charity received the Gardening Against The Odds Award for its self-care courses, which utilized the UEL herb garden as a community resource. It operates as a network member of The College of Medicine and partners with SustainCare to provide accessible health guidance[3].

Funding and Structure
Initially supported by an UnLtd Millennium Award and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Living Medicine operates with freelance staff and volunteers. Its educational model encourages a "teach-one, teach-all" approach to disseminate herbal knowledge widely[2][3].

[1] http://www.livingmedicine.org/courses.html [2] https://www.livingmedicine.org [3] https://collegeofmedicine.org.uk/innovations-projects/living-medicine/ [4] https://bslm.org.uk [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5003120/financial-history