Phil is the founder of Phytomed Medicinal Herbs and is an experienced Medical Herbalist having been in clinical practice for more than 26 years. Before pursuing herbal medicine he worked as a hospital, drug information and community pharmacist for 10 years and undertook research on antidepressant drugs and serotonin for a Masters degree in Pharmacology. Phil has written and presented extensively on a wide range herbal subjects for practitioner, consumer and industry audiences, chaired government committees concerned with regulating natural health products, is a founding director of Natural Health Products NZ, and the former President of NZAMH. 

Sharlene Bennett is a qualified Naturopath and Medical Herbalist at Phytomed Medicinal Herbs, with over 20 years of experience within the natural health industry. With a large amount of time spent within clinical practice, specialising in children’s skin health, allergies and autoimmunity. She has an absolute passion for science, research and product development with a key focus on phytotherapy. Currently, she is undertaking postgraduate study towards a Masters in Bioscience (MSc) for further research thesis work on “The influence of epigenetics and IBD”. Her focus is on scientific and nutritional healthcare models, better healthcare aims and policies, alongside research contribution for more options regarding preventative and evidence-based practice with phytotherapy.