Graduate Spotlight Features
Jane Wrigglesworth: Personal Healing to Published Author
Jane Wrigglesworth, a graduate of the South Pacific College of Natural Medicine (SPCNM), shares her inspiring journey into the world of natural health, reflecting on her transformative experiences and offering guidance to aspiring naturopaths.
Introduction to Natural Health
Jane’s introduction to natural health began in the early 2000s when she faced a severe health crisis. “My interest in herbs and natural medicine peaked when I developed a bleeding stomach and ended up in the hospital,” she recalls. After receiving two blood transfusions, Jane was prescribed ferritin tablets to restore her haemoglobin levels. Unfortunately, these tablets caused severe nausea and were ineffective. This led her to explore natural remedies.
She discovered that parsley, rich in iron and Vitamin C, could enhance iron absorption. Combining parsley with chamomile tea, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, she saw a remarkable improvement in her iron levels. “It was this experience that sparked my interest in herbal medicine,” Jane explains. Her newfound passion led her to write a herb column for NZ Gardener for over a decade and edit the quarterly journal of the Herb Federation of New Zealand for seven years before pursuing formal education to become a naturopath and medical herbalist.
Memorable Moments at SPCNM
Reflecting on her time at SPCNM, Jane fondly remembers her studies. “I loved every minute of it,” she enthuses. The in-depth learning at SPCNM deepened her understanding of natural medicine’s role in promoting health and provided her with a solid scientific foundation. She particularly enjoyed the student clinic, where she could apply her knowledge in a practical setting alongside qualified naturopaths.
Jane also appreciated the beautiful campus, which features a large herb garden that served as both a learning resource and a place for rejuvenation. She highlights the exceptional on-campus library and cherishes the lifelong friendships she formed with like-minded peers and tutors. “The whole journey was profoundly transformative, fostering a genuine appreciation for sustainable health practices and empowering me to make a positive impact on others’ wellness through natural medicine,” she says.
Post-Graduation Journey
Since graduating, Jane’s career has flourished. “I was immediately contracted by a large corporate company to design and create an organic community garden for their employees – that’s corporate wellness at its best!” she shares. This garden will eventually open to the public and host workshops on basic gardening techniques, fruit and vegetable preservation, and cooking demonstrations. Jane is developing a herb garden for culinary and medicinal purposes, with plans for further workshops on natural medicine. “It’s exciting!” she exclaims. Additionally, Jane runs her private clinic specialising in nervous system dysregulation to help individuals and corporate employees manage stress and sleep better.
Advice for Aspiring Students
For those considering the Bachelor of Natural Medicine program at SPCNM or nearing graduation, Jane offers sage advice. “SPCNM’s Bachelor of Natural Medicine is the best programme in NZ. I highly recommend it,” she asserts. Jane also highlights the flexibility of the program, noting that the first two years can be studied online and part-time, which was particularly beneficial for her as she balanced full-time work with her studies.
Jane Wrigglesworth’s journey from personal healing to a career in natural health exemplifies the transformative power of herbal medicine and the comprehensive education provided by SPCNM. Her story is an inspiration to anyone considering a path in naturopathy and medical herbalism.