Homeobotanicals &
The Herbal Energy Centre
What are Homeobotanicals?
Homeobotanical Therapy is a New Zealand developed Mix & Match system of formulas developed by Brian Murray in the early 1980’s.
Aware that many clients could not afford the cost of herbal tinctures dispensed by practitioners, Brian Murray decided that a different approach was required. The Homeobotanical range have been designed to assist the practitioner in achieving clinical outcomes. What started as a few basic formulas, the homeobotanical range has developed over the years to the comprehensive collection we see today.
The range is cost effective for the practitioner, and affordable to your clients. One of the core beliefs behind Homeobotanical Therapy is to ensure a cost effective and affordable range of health care is available to the general community through their health practitioner.
Bernadette Bekker became a certified practitioner in Homeobotanical Therapy In 1996. She had discovered Homeobotanical Therapy while dealing with her own health issues. After experiencing health improvements, Bernadette included Homeobotanical Therapy as a integral part of her clinical practice.
What is Homeobotanical Therapy?
- Energy medicine
- Utilizes a Mix and Match system
- Designed to be part of your treatment plan
- Covers many healthcare applications
- Formulas are suitable for all ages
- Therapeutics based on homeopathic and botanical indications
In some countries Homeobotanical therapy has been known as Dynamic Phytotherapy
When making an appointment with your practitioner remember to check:
- Your Practitioner does dispense Homeobotanicals
- What other supportive therapies are offered
Homeobotanical consultations should included a detailed health assessment
The Herbal Energy Centre
Bernadette Bekker is the current Owner and Managing Director of The Herbal Energy Centre and has led the company since 2007.
A qualified and experienced practitioner in Homeobotanical Therapy, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathy and Aromatherapy, Bernadette is actively involved with the day to day management of the Herbal Energy Centre, while she continues to see clients in clinic by appointment.
Since 2010, Bernadette has overseen the re-branding of the Homeobotanical range, co-authored the Materia Medica and Repertory for Homeobotanical Therapy text [released March 2014], as well as developing the Advanced Certificate Course in Homeobotanical Therapy.
Bernadette is an Executive Board member and current chair for the NHPNZ (Natural Health Practitioners NZ). Now limiting her executive positions, Bernadette had executive positions as the last President of Naturopaths New Zealand [merged with NMHNZ], and was a Co-Vice President for Naturopaths & Medical Herbalists NZ
Previous executive and committee positions included Co- chair for the NHC (Natural Health Council NZ), and President of the Homeobotanical Institute Inc. Bernadette continues her ongoing support and commitment to the Homeobotanical Institute along with the other organisations.
Amy Z. Murray
ND, DO, DBM, DHom, SRFHI, HbT
Co-Founder Homeobotanical Therapy
and the Homeobotanical Institute Incorporated
Amy trained and graduated with her husband Brian in Naturopathy and Osteopathy, and has a Diploma of Botanical Medicine and Diploma of Homoeopathy from her studies in Australia. She was Founder of the International Federation of Herb Essence Healers Inc., and lectured widely on the healing applications of Harmony Herb Essences.
Amy Murray is a Senior Research Fellow of the Homeobotanical Institute Inc. and was that society’s inaugural Secretary and Treasurer. She was a Member of the New Zealand Healing Association and a Life Member of the New Zealand Federation of Spiritual Healers. Amy specialized in the treatment of animals, with which she has a special affinity. Her pioneering work with children became a corner-stone of the development of Homeobotanical Therapy in the early days. Amy wrote the course notes for the Certificate in Herb Essence Therapy.
Now retired, Amy continues as a mentor and valued friend to Bernadette and the staff at the Herbal Energy Centre.
Bernadette Bekker, a Homeobotanical Therapist and Registered Naturopath & Medical Herbalist, became the owner and Managing Director of the Herbal Energy Centre in 2007. Brian and Amy passed the mantle to Bernadette, whom they entrusted Homeobotanicals to. They knew that she would continue their life- long passion. They continued to be mentors and valued advisors for the Herbal Energy Centre, up till Brian’s death.
Brian R. Murray {Deceased}
ND, DO, DBM, DHom, DPC, PhD (Hon), HbT
Patron, Homeobotanical Institute Incorporated
Co-Founder, Homeobotanical Therapy
Herbal Enterprises Research Board (H.E.R.B.)
Co-founder N.Z. Charter of Health Practitioners
In the early 1960s, Brian Murray had been an Industrial Chemist and Production Manager in the food, cosmetics and surface coatings fields, where he completed the N.Z. Institute of Chemistry Certificate and then the N.Z. Institute of Management’s Diploma in Industrial Administration. He graduated in 1976 as a Naturopath, continued on to become an Osteopath, and subsequently qualified for the Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling.
Brian Murray was active within the Natural Therapy field since his graduation, as Tutor at several Colleges, on various Committees and has held office in many of the societies representing Natural Therapies. He was President of the International Society of Osteopathic Practitioners, Association of Naturopathic Therapists and inaugural Chairman of the New Zealand Charter of Health Practitioners. Dr. Brian has also been Vice President of the South Pacific Association of Natural Therapists, The N.Z. Homoeopathic Society, Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy Institute of New Zealand and Registrar of the N.Z. Hypnotherapy Association. He remains Patron and Senior Research Fellow of the Homeobotanical Institute and is a Life Member of N.O.N.Z. and H.E.R.B.
In recognition of his work providing free healing for the poor, Brian was conferred with an honorary doctorate in Natural Sciences by the Ortanez University of Manila. Brian and Amy received Lifetime Achievement awards from the N.Z. Charter of Health Practitioners for their discovery and development of Homeobotanicals. In Australia, Brian was a foundation Member of the Australian Register of Natural Therapists, and remained till his death a Member of Australian Traditional Medicine Society.
Dr. Brian established an Australian Chapter of the Homeobotanical Institute to support the needs of Hb Practitioners there.
As Associate Professor of the Youngston Institute, Brian tutored in the new field of Homeobotanical medicine and in Osteopathic practice. While at the Institute, he qualified for the Diploma in Botanical Medicine and also a Diploma in Homoeopathy. Until his death in April 2013, Dr. Brian remained active with the research, development and promotion of Homeobotanical Therapy.
Resources for More Learning
Naturopathic College of New Zealand
The Naturopathic College of New Zealand offers online and distance education courses.
Homeobotanical Institute Inc
The Homeobotanical Institute Incorporated provides professional support for Health Professionals and students who utilise or wish to develop their interest in Homeobotanical Therapy. Established in 1984 by Brian Murray and was incorporated in 1989. Membership to the the Homeobotanical Institute is available to Health Professionals around the world.