Catherine McDowell | Director and Herbalist

HI! I am Catherine, and I have been Director of McDowells for the last 23 years developing equine and human herbal programs. I am proud that as a company with humble beginnings over 30 years ago we have become a pioneer in the online world helping people access genuine classical herbal medicine for the whole family easily.

I am most passionate about providing 100% natural and holistic treatment programs that are reliable and get results! I love sharing the stories of clients' success stories and health transformations.

Sustaining excellent health is no accident and developing effective herbal programs is no accident either! I love researching the latest science that is supporting our philosophy of natural living and herbs as medicine. My favourite topics revolve around Spiritual Ecology and Somatic psychology – Herbs are the bridge between the seen and unseen in life and as I understand more about how to use herbs, the more I rely on this classical/ethical system of living that is genuinely devoid of chemical interventions for all my families health.

It is my wish that natural medicines are seen for what they are - an important and integral part of our healing heritage and future that every person has a right to access freely.

Favourite Product: Alleviate and the Tendon and Bone for horses - but I just realised that we have so many other fantastic formulations that I can’t pick just one!! My favourite Herb though is Buchu!

Read more: Cath McDowell, A Herbalists Vision

David Mansfield | Director and Business Manager

I’m David and my role as the Business Manager involves a lot of the behind the scenes (or screen) daily management tasks so that the business can run smoothly and our practitioners can focus on helping you guys, our clients. With a background and qualifications in agriculture and horticulture I am constantly amazed how we turn raw plant products into valuable medicines that constantly get great results and have our customers coming back for more. My role is primarily to coordinate the growth of the business through new product innovation and development and implementation of new manufacturing processes and procedures. Along with Cath and the team we are striving to establish McDowells as the primary source of genuine herbal medicines and treatments for you and your animals in the country, ok the world.

Favourite Product; Mr Mansfield’s Daily Ritual, need I say more!

Favourite Animals; My Australian Stock Horse ‘Ricky’, because we have an understanding.

Looking forward to; Continue to build our brand as a major player in the natural animal therapies industry in Australia and around the world.

Kate Hartley | Senior Animal Practitioner

Hi I’m Kate and my role at McDowells mainly involves both phone and email consults for your companion animals. I also assist with the herbal orders and sometimes help other staff members when needed.

I have always been passionate about animals – small and large, furred and feathered and was very lucky to have them in my life from a very young age. I consider them to be part of my family and I know and understand that for the vast majority of you the feeling is mutual. Being able to assist with improving their health is very rewarding and I aim to always strive for the best possible outcome.

My background prior to coming to McDowells was Veterinary Nursing , which I loved and always had a keen interest in alternative and complementary medicine- incorporating such healing modalities as TTouch for the patients with some lovely results. When the opportunity arose to learn herbal medicine and work at McDowells I was very excited. I love seeing the results that we are able to achieve – It makes my day to hear your success stories. I have been with McDowells for 18 years.

Favourite Product; I have lots of favourite products so I am going to sneak in three !! Maritime Pine Bark as it has such a broad application for so many diseases being such a potent anti-oxidant. Kidney Weakness as it is so rewarding being able to improve dog and cat health when struck down by renal disease. Nervous Rehabilitation as I hate to see any animal in distress and this is able to provide relief for so many.

Favourite Animals; Dogs, Cats and Horses but I love all animals even the cold blooded reptiles. I couldn’t envisage my life without a dog though so I guess they have to top the list. Don’t tell Lizzie though as she is such special pussycat. She waits for me to arrive at work and spends much of her day on her own chair beside me or occasionally sneaking on my lap for a much deserved cuddle. She has the most delightful melodious purr and “speaks” to all of us constantly throughout the day. Start a conversation with Elizabeth (Lizzie to me) and she will ALWAYS contribute to that conversation. She is a delight and we all enjoy her company. She is also a shining example of the power of herbal medicine – no-one would believe she has renal failure and is nearly 18 years old.

Looking forward to : Assisting with supporting you and your animal companions through their health issues with the aim of providing quality of life with the best possible outcome. Always striving to expand my knowledge.

Nicki Wiedmann | Herbalist

Hello my name is Nicki and I am a Herbalist for dogs and cats at McDowells and a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK.

I am here to work out the best possible treatment plan for the individual needs of our canine and feline patients, taking conventional treatment, herbal medicine, diet and lifestyle into consideration. Since joining McDowells Herbals in 2017 I am amazed every single day what a profound impact the herbal formulas have on the health of our companion animals. Furthermore, I have come across many stories of humans and equine patients with equally remarkable treatment success.

My favourite product is the Animal Botanical kidney formula. There is no other comparable product available that supports and restores kidneys in trouble. Additionally, it helps to eliminate toxins from the body. This formula is a blessing for so many patients! I adore dogs! I love them all, from the dwarf to the giant. I feel so fortunate that I am able to work in a profession that serves these amazing animals.

The dogs and their unique relationship with their owners is something I really treasure. Don’t their energy, vitality and happiness infuse us every day? I am really looking forward to provide even more treatment options for patients in need and to spread the word of the healing power of herbs.

Aurora Davison  Customer Service - fulfilment

Hi, I’m Aurora, and I look after the dispensary, making sure the remedies you order are made to the exact specifications which have had such great success for our clients over the years, and then I help pack them with care to ensure they reach you safely no matter what part of the world you are in.

My days are always busy making personal and ‘on the shelf’ remedies, keeping on top of stock levels, and trying to find new ways to make the whole process more efficient.

I am currently studying Herbalism and have just completed a Certificate in Aromatherapy.

Working at McDowells has been a dream come true in my change of career – I get to do what I love and study!

Favourite product: ….hmmm, that’s a tough one! Right now, I’d have to pick the Flu Mix; but ideally it’s the vast amount of knowledge that is available to our clients – no one else offers this level of expertise.

Favourite animal: Ynara, my gorgeous husky x malamute – she’s such a character and I love taking her out for wanders in the forest (where else does a budding herbalist go? Lol).

Looking forward to: learning more so that one day I too can help others more. Nature is amazing and offers us so much to help keep us healthy.

Fiona Hoptman| Herbalist, Naturopath & Nutritionist

Hi, I'm Fiona and I am proud to be part of the McDowells Team supporting people all over the world with their health needs - naturally!

I have a Bachelor of Health Science qualification in Western Herbal Medicine, A Diploma in Nutrition and various qualifications in a range of Naturopathic studies. My clinic experience treating people with natural medicine spans over 15 years.

My passion is for Herbal Medicine so my favourite product is all of our herbal mixes, of course! I am thrilled to be part of the McDowells Herbals team and provide you with professional and friendly health care using our wonderful treatments.

My favourite animal is a dolphin and in equal place is my black Labrador named Ellie.

I look forward to helping you feel empowered to be the best you can be and guide you towards achieving your health goals using natural medicine.

Phil Brown | Website

Hi I'm Phil and my role at McDowell's involves anything website. My passion is web based technology and I'm the one who develops solutions to give you a great experience. I've been with McDowell's for 10 years and love the daily success stories.

As an avid tea fan and to keep me going through the day my herb of choice is Mr Mansfield's range of tea products. Time for another tea!

I have 2 cats that both drive me crazy and adore. This may make me, crazy cat man!

Every day is a blessing and I look forward to more success stories from you and your companions.