about us

Helen Elscot ND is a qualified medical herbalist, naturopath and clinical nutritionist and a member of the New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists.

As a consulting health professional, Helen uses her experience and expertise to help families and individuals improve their health and wellbeing by using nature-based medicines and foods.

Helen graduated from the Perth Academy of Natural Therapies with an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy in 2002 and was presented with the National Herbalists Association of Australia's award for outstanding herbal medicine student.

As a yoga teacher, Helen's 2001 study on the effects of yoga practice on hope and optimism in women residing in maximum security prisons formed the basis of her dissertation, "The effect of yoga on hope and optimism" and is widely referred to as one of a handful of qualitative studies executed worldwide.

Helen went on to work and study under Ricki Anderhuber, one of the pioneers of herbal medicine in Australia. It was here she cultivated her passion for herbal medicine, the protection of endangered species and the use of alternatives in a sustainable practice.

As part of her ongoing commitment to research and continuing education, Helen participated in the American Botanical Council’s research expedition in 2004, held in conjunction with the Amazon Centre for Environmental Education and Research, to Peru, South America studying botanical medicine and indigenous knowledge from the Amazon and Andes.

Helen's research led to publications in the Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine, "From plant to pill: A review of intellectual property rights, patent law and biodiversity", and "Botanical medicine of Peru: Pharmacy in the rain forest".

Helen is a food and health writer who has had regular columns regular columns in the Sunday Star-Times and NZ Fitness and is currently the health columnist for the Gulf News and the Waiheke Weekender on Waiheke Island. She is an experienced lecturer in health sciences and an engaging public speaker.

Waiheke Chiropractic is available at the clinic on Mondays and Friday and is ACC registered.