Our foundation is rooted upon a distinguished lineage of natural healing. Director Bonny Casel carries forward a legacy handed down by her primary mentors: Dr. John Christopher, the pioneer of modern herbology, and Dr. Bernard Jensen, the father of clinical iridology.
This tradition began with Bonny’s mother, Farida Sharan, ND, who founded the original British School of Iridology and Natural Medicine in Cambridge in 1977. Today, these teachings remain the cornerstone of our "Pure Naturopathy" philosophy.
A legacy in the making: Bonny Casel (left) studying with the legendary Dr. Bernard Jensen (right) at her mother's school in Cambridge, 1981.
In 2007, Bonny Casel founded the School of Natural Medicine in Devon, UK, to provide authentic, high-standard training in:
Her vision was to create a space where students could access deep, skills-based learning that integrates self-healing with professional practitioner training.
While our roots are in the English countryside, our mission has grown to meet the needs of a global community. The School of Natural Medicine is now headquartered in Florida, USA, serving as a hub for our worldwide online training platform.
We continue to offer our signature hands-on Immersion Trainings in two primary locations:
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With over four decades of clinical experience, Bonny Casel is a leading voice in the evolution of Naturopathy and Lifestyle Medicine.
"The answers we are seeking have been in plain sight all along—in nature, in the seasons, and in the rhythms of life."
Bonny is a dedicated advocate for integrating natural wisdom into modern healthcare systems. She notably developed the first NHS-integrated course focused on the full spectrum of dietary and lifestyle interventions for self-care, delivered to the South London and Maudsley (SLAM) NHS Trust. Today, she continues to offer Lifestyle Medicine for Self-Care consultations and professional training globally.
Bonny’s work is recognized by the industry’s leading regulatory bodies, ensuring that the School of Natural Medicine maintains the highest professional standards:
A Lineage of Mastery
Since beginning her practice in 1986, Bonny has studied under the world’s most influential trailblazers in Natural Medicine. Her clinical foundation was built through direct mentorship with icons such as Dr. John Christopher, Dr. Bernard Jensen, and her mother, Farida Sharan, ND. Her interdisciplinary expertise also draws from the works of Bruce Lipton, Nassim Haramein, Denny Johnson, and Dorothy Hall.
Alexandra Axe: Alexandra: Herbalist & Healing Diets Mentor
A graduate of the School of Natural Medicine, Alexandra translates her profound journey of self-healing into expert guidance for the next generation of practitioners.
Alexandra’s expertise is rooted in a lifelong dedication to the transformative power of plants. Her journey began with a transition to a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle, but it was her deep-dive studies into Healing Diets and Raw Veganism that provided the "master key" to the self-healing she had long been seeking. This lived experience allows her to support students not just from a place of theory, but from a foundation of true, realized vitality.
As a dedicated Herbalist and Healing Diets Tutor, Alexandra’s passion lies in helping students unlock their own healing potential. Her role at the school combines her extensive knowledge of natural medicine with a compassionate, student-centered approach.
Rachel KAYE: Alexandra: Herbalist & Healing Diets Mentor
A specialist in the synergy between emotional wellness and botanical wisdom, Rachel Kaye bridges the gap between clinical social work and the restorative power of flower essences.
With nearly a decade of experience in the social work field, Rachel identified a critical need for a more integrative, mind-body connection in therapeutic sessions. This realization led her to master physical modalities including Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. Her search for a truly holistic practice—one that addresses the physical and emotional bodies as one—led her to her studies in Quantum Botanicals.
As a mentor in Quantum Botanicals and Flower Essences, Rachel guides students in reconnecting with their "botanical allies." Her approach is rooted in the belief that human beings are designed to live in communion with the natural world.
Bex Shindler: Plant-Based Chef & Naturopathic Nutrition Mentor
A specialist in the alchemy of living foods and Ayurvedic wisdom, Bex empowers students to master the art of food as medicine.
Bex is a qualified Ayurveda Diet & Lifestyle Consultant and a graduate of our Healing Diets and Naturopathic Nutrition program. Her journey into natural medicine was sparked by her own firsthand experience with the transformative power of plant-based nutrition and living foods. This deep, personal connection to the curriculum allows her to guide students with both clinical expertise and authentic compassion.
In 2016, Bex founded The Mindful Kitchen, a health-conscious catering company specializing in plant-based nutrition for retreats and global wellbeing events. Her professional evolution has seen her become a leading educator for aspiring Retreat Chefs, helping passionate cooks build successful careers within the wellness industry.
At the School of Natural Medicine, we believe that true healing is a journey, not a destination. Our "Pure Naturopathy" approach is built on the belief that the body possesses an inherent wisdom to heal itself when provided with the right environment, nutrition, and botanical support.
We don't just teach practitioners; we nurture a global community of healers who embody the principles they share with the world.
Your education is backed by the highest standards in the holistic health industry. Our curriculum is recognized by leading professional bodies in both the United Kingdom and the United States, ensuring your diploma carries the weight and respect needed to launch a successful international practice.
Whether you are seeking personal transformation or a professional career in natural medicine, your path starts here. Join a lineage of healers and master the art of "Pure Naturopathy.