About Pods Wellness
Rooted in care. Grounded in nature.
Pods Wellness was founded on the belief that healing is a collaborative act — between practitioner and client, between clinical knowledge and lived experience, between the plant world and the human body.
Lara Jonasdottir Qualifications
Formally trained. Continously learning.
A strong clinical foundation underpins everything at Pods Wellness — combined with an ongoing commitment to professional development and education.
Medical Herbalist BSc
Degree-level training in herbal medicine (phytotherapy) and clinical practice from University of Westminster, London.The course included training in pathology, pharmacology, differential diagnosis, clinical examinations, materia medica, and more. The training also involved active clinical placement at the Polyclinic in University of Westminster.
Clinical Educator MSc
Master's degree in clinical education from University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) (now known as University of Galway). The course included modules in Learning Theory, Course Design and Evaluation, Teaching Methodologies, Assessment Methodologies, Leadership and Management and Professional Development. The course also included research methodologies and field studies.
Massage Therapy ITEC Dip
ITEC Diploma in massage therapy including Holistic Massage, Sport Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Reflexology, etc. Focus on therapeutic and restorative techniques. Through the years Lara has also explore variety of massage methods including Tuina, Thai massage, Aromatherapy, etc.
Lara generally offers blended massage approach, including herbal massages, that are informed by her combined education background.
Women's Health Educator
Diploma in women's health education taught by Dr. Aviva Romm who is an MD, midwife and herbalist and a leading voice and advocate for women's health. Course included particular focus on the female lifecycle and hormonal health including adolescence, menstrual health and challenges (e.g. PCOS, Endometriosis, Fibroids), fertility health and challenges, pregnancy wellbeing and the menopausal transition.
Clinical Supervisor
Clinical supervisor and educator at the Heartwood Tuesday Online Herbal Medicine Student Clinic. The role involves supervision of consultations as part of the
online clinical training as well as offering guidance for clinical discussions. This bridges the gap between classroom based learning and practice based learning. The role involves supporting students towards becoming confident, grounded and compassionate practitioners.
CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
Lara is committed to ongoing learning and holds herself to a high professional standards. She regularly undertakes continuing professional development across herbal medicine, massage therapy, and clinical education — ensuring her knowledge stays current, evidence-informed, and deeply rooted in both traditional practice and emerging research.
Meet Lara Jonasdottir
Eighteen years of listening, learning and assisting individuals with healing
I'm Lara Jonasdottir — a Medical Herbalist, Massage Therapist and Clinical Educator based in Headford, Co. Galway. I've been practising collaborative, integrative healthcare since 2008, and after more than eighteen years, my belief in the healing power of plants — and in the centrality of the therapeutic relationship — is stronger than ever.
My path into herbal medicine wasn't a straight line. It was shaped by curiosity, by a deep respect for what nature offers us, and by the people I've had the privilege of working with along the way. My path started through my own health struggles from birth and whilst studying Floristry and Horticulture in the Horticultural College in Iceland I crossed path with herbal medicine and I haven't looked back since. My educational path in Herbal Medicine started with a foundation course in College of Phytotherapy in the UK which was straight after followed with BSc in herbal medicine in University of Westminster from where I graduated 2008. Since then my education pathway has continued to include Massage Therapy training ITEC Dip (including Pregnancy massage, Sport massage, Indian head massage, and more), reflexology ITEC Dip, Women's Health Education Diploma with Dr. Aviva Romm (MD, Midwife and Herbalist), and later I completed a Master's in Clinical Education from National University Ireland, Galway (NUIG) (now known as University of Galway). In addition to this I have done numerous other courses and workshops and regularly engage in CPD events within the healthcare sector. Throughout my education, I am a great believer that how we teach and share knowledge matters just as much as the knowledge itself which is why I hold great passion for education.
In terms of clinical work, I know that every person who comes to see me brings a unique story. My role isn't to apply a formula — it's to listen carefully, ask informed questions, and work alongside you to find an approach that fits your life, your body and your goals. That philosophy sits at the heart of everything at Pods Wellness.
Alongside my clinic work in Headford and at Dr. Dílis Clare's practice in Galway, I supervise the Heartwood Tuesday Online Herbal Medicine Student Clinic, where I support the next generation of herbalists through clinical education.
I also bring Pods Wellness to Iceland seasonally — where the extraordinary landscape offers a unique environment for both healing and learning.
AT A GLANCE:
ROLE:
Medical Herbalist
Massage Therapist
Reflexologist
Women's Health Educator
Clinical Educator
BASED IN:
Upper Floor, 44 Main Street, Headford, Co. Galway, Ireland
ALSO AT:
Dr. Clare's Clinic, Galway & seasonally in Iceland
PRACTICING SINCE:
2008 (18+ years)
EDUCATION:
BSc Herbal Medicine
MSc Clinical Education
Dip. Women's Health Education
ITEC Dip. Massage & Reflexology
Dip. Floristry & Horticulture
ALSO SUPERVISES:
Heartwood Tuesday Morning Online Student Training Clinic
Our values
What P.O.D.S stands for
Every consultation, course and retreat at Pods Wellness is shaped by four core values. They're not just words — they guide how we work with every person who comes through our door.
P
Proficiency
Rigorous clinical training and ongoing professional development — so you can trust that the care you receive is grounded in real expertise.
O
Open-mindedness
We approach every case without assumptions. Herbal medicine works best when it's curious, adaptive and willing to look beyond the obvious.
D
Dedication
A genuine commitment to your health outcomes — not just for the duration of a consultation, but through the whole arc of your wellbeing journey.
S
Sincerity
Honest, transparent, person-centred care. We say what we mean, we listen carefully, and we always prioritise your best interests.
Where Lara works
A practice rooted in Headford but reaching further
From Headford to Galway, online and beyond — here's where you can access Pods Wellness.
Primary Clinic
Headford, Co. Galway
The home of Pods Wellness. One-to-one herbal medicine consultations and massage therapy, in a calm and unhurried setting.
Wednesday and Friday appointments
Occasional Saturday appointments
Upper Floor, 44 Main Street, Headford, Co. Galway, Ireland
(above Carol's Barber's)
Collaborative Clinic
Dr. Clare's Clinic, Galway
Since 2014, Lara has worked alongside Dr. Dílis Clare, offering herbal medicine consultations as part of an integrated healthcare approach in Galway city.
Monday and Thursday appointments
Temporary address:
SCCUL Enterprise Centre, Castlepark Rd, Ballybane, Galway, H91 RW08
091 583260
