Learn from a practitioner who is still active in practice
Online courses and professional development from Lara — medical herbalist, clinical educator, and supervisor with over 18 years of practice. Education grounded in clinical reality.
4+
Courses launching this year
18 years of clinical practice
behind every lesson
Free Course
Herbal Medicine for Stress & Anxiety — Introduction
A free beginner's guide to using medicinal plants to support your nervous system. No prior knowledge needed — just curiosity about what plants can do for you.
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What herbal medicine actually is — and isn't
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Key plants for stress and anxiety support
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How to use herbs safely at home
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When to see a practitioner for deeper support
The Story and Vision for Pods Academy
Pods Academy was created from a belief that education in healthcare and wellbeing should be more interactive, reflective, and connected. As modern healthcare and wellness systems continue to evolve, there is a growing need for learning that not only shares knowledge, but also supports communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and genuine human connection.
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Originally founded with the aim of providing accessible herbal medicine education for both the general public and healthcare practitioners, Pods Academy has since expanded into a wider educational platform focused on integrative health, professional development, and reflective practice. Alongside herbal and wellness-based learning, the academy also provides clinical education courses and support for clinical educators working across healthcare and allied professions.
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Pods Academy was developed to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge, modern practice, and the human side of care. Through self-directed courses, professional training, and practical learning resources, the academy aims to support healthier workplaces, stronger professional relationships, and more compassionate systems of care.
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Grounded in the values of collaboration, holistic thinking, and lifelong learning, Pods Academy is designed to be accessible, practical, and deeply connected to both personal wellbeing and professional growth.
Meet The Team
Lara Jonasdottir
Practitioner, Educator and Founder of Pods Wellness and Academy
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Medical Herbalist BSc
Massage Therapist ITEC Dip.
Reflexologist ITEC Dip.
Women's Health Educator Dip.
Clinical Educator MSc
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For more information click here​
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Contact Lara:
Tim Morrissey
Content Editor and Researcher
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​​Tim Morrissey graduated from UCD with PhD in Geology/Earth Science in 2003. He has since been involved in a broad range of research and educational projects, including editing books on project management, leadership, ethics, and strategy. Alongside Dr. Dílis Clare, he is the co-author of Uprooted Medicine - A Revealing History of Medicine That Restores Herbs to Patient-led Care. This is an important book in the context of the history of medicine and how it has influenced the modern healthcare system. This book is available on the authors' website www.joinedupmedicine.com.
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Contact Tim:
Canda Diacono
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Medical Herbalist and
Tutor at Heartwood
I’ve really enjoyed the Giving Effective Feedback course and feel I’ve come out with more self-awareness about how it impacts others and with more tools to improve my feedback to them.
Guy Waddell
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Director of Studies
Heartwood Professional Herbal Medicine Course
"Giving Effective Feeback is just what I needed. It was a couple of hours very well spent, helping to lay solid foundations for improving feedback to students in both academic work and clinical training. I should also say that the assignments at the end of each lesson were great in guiding me to apply ideas in practical ways, and that the feedback on these assignments was excellent, of course! Thank you, Lara! A great testimonial can boost your brand’s image. Click to edit and add your own."
Leigh McMillan
"I have had the pleasure to train with Lara, both in person and online and both experiences have been extremely valuable. Laras kind and caring demeanor encourages the best out of her students. She provides plenty of working examples and always has a smile or anecdote that makes even the more complex ideas and theories easy to understand and in turn remember. "