Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in Naturopathy?

I have always been a health conscious individual. I studied a bachelor of nutrition shortly after finishing high school. It was here that my true desire for understanding the human body came from. I grew up immersed in nature, always by the sea or in the forest, swimming, adventuring and all the rest. As I grew I knew I wanted to combine all these loves somehow. I knew I always wanted to work for myself and do something for the people. After seeing a naturopath myself I thought, that’s a pretty cool thing to do, so I set off on another educational journey into the plant world. As soon as I started I loved it, I knew I wanted to work in the clinical space consulting with clients, things led to things and I’ve landed myself here, absolutely beaming with happiness that this is what I get to do everyday!

Health practitioners seem to have a personal health journey. When did you first begin to show interest in health and wellbeing, and how did this turn into a healing practice for others?

I guess for me it all comes down to a time when I transitioned from the oral contraceptive pill in my early twenties, this process was long and hard for me, bringing up health issues I never knew I had. i was ill equipped in dealing with all the changes that were happening to my body and my being. Really feeling the emotional side connected to such physical change is what drives me to care for others in the same circumstance. It’s pretty cool turning such a sad time for me into a career of positive change and empowerment.

What are your bathing rituals at home?

I love bathing in a dark, moody environment, often leaving the lights off and opening all the doors and windows, love a lamp or candle for some extra romance, I am a shower morning and night kind of girl, weaving in a big bath with a book here and there, the ritual itself is quite simplistic, I’m not big on lots of fancy products, just me and my soap bar, oh and I’m a singer so you can best bet there is some shower karaoke involved, sorry roommates!

What is your go to remedy for unwinding after a long day?

Sunshine, tea and a good book (and by good I mean chronically romantic or extremely whimsical, I like my mind being taken as far away as possible). I also find myself often sitting on the back deck and just being, looking out into the paddock, taking a breath and a moment. Nature really is medicine.

What soap bar are you attracted to at the moment?

I love the spent coffee soap, made with coffee from my friend at BEAM, and makes me skin feel so so good!

What are some of the common health conditions or concerns that patients seek your help with?

Fittingly with the season, lots of coughs, colds and flus at the moment, deep immune repair and overall vitality support. I also see lots of women for skin issues and areas around the gut microbiome, women feeling disconnected with themselves and their symptoms. 

Rhi O'Hanlon Flore Naturopathy