Herbs with Rosalee

How to Read Any Herb Without Looking It Up

Your tongue can tell you more about an herb than you might think. In this episode, I explore one of the most useful skills in herbalism: learning to listen to the language of taste. The five flavors—bitter, sweet, pungent, salty, and sour—each have so much information to offer about a plant’s qualities and actions in your body, giving you a practical way to understand herbs (instead of trying to memorize endless lists of which herbs are “good for” which conditions). I’ll guide you through these five flavors as we take a walk through my garden, highlighting each of the flavors with a different herb. For each of these herbs, you’ll learn how it tastes (though of course, the best way to learn this is to taste it yourself!), what that taste is telling you about the qualities of the plant, and some ways you can use those qualities to guide how you work with the plant. Plus, I’ll introduce you to the Flavor Wheel, a simple tool I created to help you match the taste of an herb with its energetics and actions. You can get your own copy of the Flavor Wheel when you sign up for my free mini Herbal Energetics Course, which is happening right now and for a short time only! Sign up here. Here's some of what you'll hear: ► Do you tend to feel hot, tense, and wound up by the end of the day? You'll hear why a bitter herb can be such a good match. ► Do you notice dryness in your throat, skin, or digestion? You'll learn how a sweet, slippery plant softens dry tissues throughout your body. ► Are you feeling frazzled, overworked, and spread too thin? You'll find out which pungent, aromatic herb can bring steadiness and clear focus. ► Have you ever wondered how an herb can be salty when it tastes nothing like table salt? You'll get the answer and why it matters. ► Curious why one bright, sour plant has such a long relationship with the heart? You'll hear how it supports both the physical and emotional heart. The more you taste your herbs, the more you realize that plants are constantly giving us clues—you just have to learn their language. And that’s what I love about this approach: it gives us a way to slow down, pay attention, and let the plant tell us something about itself. If you’re ready to learn more, come join me in my free mini Herbal Energetics Course! I’m looking forward to seeing you there. ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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Herbal Safety Without Fear: A Simple Framework for Using Herbs With Confidence

I once heard from a woman who had been studying herbs for two years and had gathered an entire cabinet full of them. But when her mom caught a cold, she stood in her kitchen with the kettle on and couldn’t bring herself to make her a cup of tea. She was afraid she might get it wrong. If you’ve ever felt that way, I want you to know that your caution isn’t a problem. In fact, I think it’s the exact instinct a good herbalist is built on. In this episode, I’m sharing a simple way to approach herbal safety so that fear doesn’t have to keep you from actually working with the plants you’ve been learning about. ► Why being cautious about herbs doesn’t mean you’re behind or aren’t ready ► Why many familiar herbs, including ginger, peppermint, rosemary, and turmeric, may already be part of your everyday life ► When an herb, medication, pregnancy, health condition, or individual circumstance means it’s time to slow down and look more closely ► How to recognize when you can move forward, when you should proceed with caution, and when it’s best to step back and seek other help ► The simple green, yellow, and red “stoplight” framework I created to make herbal safety easier to understand and remember After more than twenty years of teaching about herbs, one thing I’ve learned is that complicated information becomes much more useful when you can turn it into a framework that sticks. That’s why I created this herbal safety stoplight. 🟢🟡🔴 Once you have a reliable way to assess the herb and the person in front of you, you don’t have to let fear make every decision. You can approach herbs with both care and growing confidence. I teach this framework inside my free Mini Herbal Energetics course, where you’ll also receive a printable herbal safety guide you can keep and return to whenever you need it. Join the free Mini Herbal Energetics course here.

3 Myths About Plantain: Seeing This Common “Weed” Differently

Plantain was the first herb I ever learned, almost twenty years ago, and it still amazes me. It grows in sidewalk cracks, driveways, trails, and other disturbed places, which makes it incredibly easy to overlook. But once you understand plantain through the lens of herbal energetics, this humble plant starts to look very different. In this episode, I’m busting three common myths about plantain and showing you how its cooling and moistening qualities connect its many uses. ► Why calling plantain “just a weed” misses the incredible herbal ally that may be growing right at your feet ► What research into plantain extract and oral mucositis can teach us about this often-overlooked plant ► Why plantain is useful for so much more than bug bites, and how its cooling, moistening energetics help explain its affinity for hot, irritated tissues ► How the same qualities herbalists appreciate for bites, burns, and irritated skin can also be useful inside the body ► Why herbalists reach for plantain tea for everything from an irritated digestive tract to hot, dry, lingering coughs Here’s what I love about plantain: these uses don’t have to be a random list you memorize. Cooling and moistening is the thread that connects them. That’s what herbal energetics gives you. Instead of memorizing a hundred herbs for a hundred different conditions, you begin to understand how a plant actually works and recognize when its qualities might be a good match. This is exactly what I teach in my Herbal Energetics Course, and I’d love to give you a sneak peek. I’ve created a free Plantain Monograph that goes deeper into its energetics, research, preparations, and safety. It’s one of more than 60 herbal monographs included in the course. When you get your free Plantain Monograph, I’ll also let you know when enrollment for my Herbal Energetics Course opens. Get your free Plantain Monograph here.

3 Surprising Ways to Work With Rosemary as Medicine

Rosemary is probably best known as a culinary herb, but there’s so much more to this familiar plant. Once you understand its warming, stimulating energetics, many of rosemary’s seemingly unrelated uses start to make sense. In this short episode, I’m sharing three surprising ways to work with rosemary as medicine and showing you how herbal energetics can help you understand why a plant works the way it does. ► How rosemary’s warming and stimulating qualities can support circulation and help cold hands feel warmer ► Why rosemary is known for its impressive antioxidant qualities, and how research has explored its ability to reduce potentially harmful compounds formed when cooking meat at high temperatures ► Rosemary’s long association with remembrance and what modern research says about its effects on memory and cognitive function ► How rosemary’s aromatic qualities connect its traditional uses with what we now know about its chemistry ► Why understanding an herb’s energetics can help you see the connections between seemingly different uses instead of memorizing endless lists That’s what I love about herbal energetics. When you understand that rosemary is warming, stimulating, and gently moving, its uses for cold hands, sluggish digestion, and a foggy mind no longer feel disconnected. You begin to see the pattern of the plant. This is exactly what I teach in my Herbal Energetics Course, and I’d love to give you a sneak peek. I’ve created a free Rosemary Monograph that goes deeper into rosemary’s energetics, research, preparations, dosage, and safety. It’s one of more than 60 herbal monographs included in the course. When you get your free Rosemary Monograph, I’ll also let you know when enrollment for my Herbal Energetics Course opens. Get your free Rosemary Monograph here.

Poke for Lymph, Skin, and Immunity, Plus How to Eat It—with AC and Isaac Hill

Pokeweed is poisonous—but that’s not the whole story. What if knowing how to work with this potent plant could turn fear into respect, and even put a delicious wild green on your dinner table? As many of us learned growing up, poke (Phytolacca americana) is a plant that deserves a healthy amount of caution. It is poisonous, after all! But AC and Isaac Hill have spent years learning how to work with poke as food, medicine, and more, and they joined me in this episode to dispel some of the fear surrounding this generous and abundant plant. During our conversation, AC and Isaac explore the many faces of poke: a powerful lymphatic herb, an expectorant and immune stimulant, a traditional wild food, a striking dye plant, and a plant with a fascinating history of magical use. And perhaps most importantly, they share the practical knowledge that makes all the difference in preparing and working with pokeweed safely. Curious about bringing poke into your own kitchen? Be sure to download the beautifully illustrated recipe card for AC and Isaac’s Poke Salad here. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► How poke differs from other lymphatic herbs like cleavers and chickweed ► Which part of the poke plant to harvest for food (and the physical clues that tell you when it’s ready) ► Tips for growing, harvesting, and extending the season for poke ► The simple method that AC and Isaac use to turn this poisonous plant into a delicious spring green ► How Isaac views the botany and actions of poke through an astrological lens ► A clever way to make your tinctures more potent (for many plants, not just poke!) ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know them, AC & Isaac Hill are the hosts of the Plant Cunning Podcast, where they have interviewed some of the most influential herbalists, permaculturists, astrologers and spiritual practitioners in the world. AC is a community herbalist, product maker, and co-director of the Actaea Institute for Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy. Isaac is a permaculture gardener, astrologer, and author of The Zodiac Garden Guide. They are married and live on a small herb farm in Central NY. I’m excited to share our conversation with you today! ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find AC and Isaac on Instagram. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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Butterfly Pea for Mood, Hot Flashes, and Skin with Farmer Cee

Butterfly pea is beautiful enough to steal the show—but what if its real magic has nothing to do with its color? In this episode, I’m joined by Clarenda Stanley (aka Farmer Cee), who completely changed the way I think about butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea). I’ll admit that before this conversation, I mostly thought of butterfly pea as the plant that turns your tea an incredible cobalt blue. But Cee makes a compelling case for looking beyond the color. She shares why she loves butterfly pea for mood support, nourishment, and as a surprisingly versatile ally during the transitions of perimenopause and menopause. We also talk about its role as a nitrogen-fixing plant, its beautiful relationship with bees, and so many delicious ways to enjoy those vibrant flowers. During our conversation, Cee also takes us inside Green Heffa Farms and her philosophy of boutique farming, where quality, sustainability, and the well-being of the farmer come first. Along the way, she offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be an herbalist—and to build a life that sustains rather than drains. Cee shares her recipe for Herbal Cool Aid, a refreshing, vibrant blend of butterfly pea flower along with other cooling herbs. You can download your beautifully illustrated recipe card here. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► Three reasons butterfly pea can be so helpful during perimenopause ► How to include butterfly pea in your diet—from teas to syrups to the most gorgeous ice cubes, and more! ► What makes butterfly pea such a wonderful plant for the garden ► Why Clarenda believes that herbal remedies should be beautiful and delicious (not just functional!) ► Tips for running a thriving herbal business ► And so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Clarenda “Farmer Cee” Stanley is the founder and CEO of Green Heffa Farms, a regenerative farm and natural wellness brand based in Liberty, North Carolina. Since launching the company in 2018, Farmer Cee has become a nationally recognized voice at the intersection of regenerative agriculture, climate resilience, and values-driven entrepreneurship. Green Heffa Farms is one of few farms in the United States to earn Certified B Corporation status, with several products also carrying Soil & Climate Health verification. Farmer Cee is also an award-winning fundraising and marketing executive. She has earned degrees in Marketing and Education, is a graduate of NC State Extension’s Farm School, serves on the Southern SARE Advisory Council, and is the author of the book Black Girl’s Guide to Building a Boutique Farm, which blends practical strategy with cultural insight for the next generation of farm entrepreneurs. I’m so grateful Cee shared her passion, wisdom, and very honest perspective with us. And I’m glad to say that for me, butterfly pea has officially graduated from “pretty blue tea” to a plant I want to get to know much better! ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find Clarenda at GreenHeffaFarms.com. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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Bee Balm for Fevers, Burns, and Nerve Pain with Ashley Elenbaas

There’s something almost impossible to ignore about bee balm (Monarda spp.). Its flowers burst open like fireworks, its aroma is unmistakably spicy, and when you taste it, you can feel its warmth almost immediately. But this is where bee balm gets especially interesting: despite its intense hotness, it can be an excellent herb for actually dispersing heat. In this episode, Ashley Elenbaas and I explore this beautiful contradiction and the many ways it shows up in bee balm’s medicine. We talk about why she keeps dried bee balm right alongside her cooking spices, how a late-night burn led her to reach for this plant, and why she considers small, regular amounts of bee balm to be a great way to support a nervous system that’s prone to overwhelm. Ashley also shares her recipe for Bee Balm Honey, a super simple (and delicious!) way to bring bee balm’s spiciness into your own kitchen. Download your beautifully illustrated recipe card here! By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► The clues to bee balm’s medicine that are hidden in its dragon-shaped flowers ► Why bee balm is particularly suited for situations where you need to release excess heat (whether that means fevers, burns, tension, or even those “big feelings” that can build up!) ► What “diffusive” means in herbal energetics—and what makes bee balm an amazing herb for understanding it ► Six herbal preparations for working with bee balm, from tea to culinary use and more! ► How Ashley works with bee balm as an aromatic ally for sleep ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Ashley Elenbaas, M.Sc., RH (AHG), is a clinical herbalist, educator, and founder of Sky House Herb School. With over 20 years of experience teaching herbal medicine, yoga, and the healing arts, she weaves together traditional Western herbalism, plant energetics, nature-based spirituality, and community care. Ashley is passionate about helping people deepen their relationship with medicinal plants while cultivating thoughtful, heart centered practice. She teaches online and in person, hosts the Sky House Herbs YouTube channel, and lives in Minnesota with her family. Some plants ask us to slow down and listen. Bee balm practically grabs us by the shoulders and says, “Pay attention!” I hope this conversation inspires you to spend some time with this fiery, exuberant plant and discover its many gifts for yourself. ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find Ashley at SkyHouseHerbs.com. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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Hibiscus: A Surprising Respiratory Herb with Rebecca Fils-Aimé

Hibiscus is tart, cooling, beautiful—and so much more than just a refreshing summer drink. Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) may be best known as the star ingredient in the tart, ruby-red beverage called jamaica or sorrel, but there is so much more to this beautiful plant! In this episode, Rebecca Fils-Aimé takes us beyond the familiar drink to explore hibiscus as food, medicine, and cultural tradition. Drawing on her Haitian heritage as well as her own herbal studies, Rebecca shares why she loves hibiscus for its cooling, soothing, mucilaginous qualities, how she works with it for cardiovascular and respiratory support, and so many ways to work with the flowers (well, the calyxes to be exact!) and leaves in both the kitchen and the apothecary. Rebecca also shares her recipe for Sorrel Cough Syrup, a simple combination of hibiscus and warming Caribbean spices designed to soothe that irritating, dry cough. (Or if you don’t have a cough, just add it to sparkling water for a tasty, refreshing treat!) You can download your beautifully illustrated copy here. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► Why hibiscus is particularly beneficial for dry, irritated respiratory tissues ► Several ways to weave hibiscus into your diet—both sweet and savory! ► What makes hibiscus so supportive for the heart and cardiovascular system ► How this gorgeous flower became such an integral part of Caribbean culture ► Surprising ways to include hibiscus in your beauty routine ► …and so many more ways to work with hibiscus beyond just a pretty pink drink! For those of you who don’t know her, Rebecca Fils-Aimè is a community herbalist, public health practitioner, and health and wellness coach whose practice lies at the intersection of food, kitchen remedies for health, and Black culinary herbalism history. Through her herbalism practice and research, she shares traditions from Black and Indigenous Caribbean people to highlight their contributions to herbalism and food history. Her practice is also guided by the seasons, her Haitian culture, and her Southeastern upbringing. She has a passion for educating communities about herbs as preventative medicine, herbs as self-care, and herbs in food as an accessible way to engage in herbalism. Hibiscus is one of those plants that reminds us that food and medicine don’t have to be separate. Sometimes the most nourishing herbal allies are the ones we already know and love—and sometimes, they’re hiding in a tall glass of ruby-red refreshment, so perfect on a hot summer day. ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find Rebecca at TheHerbalDiaries.com. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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Take Heart Tea: Herbal Support for the Heart and Nervous System

Some herbal blends become such a regular part of my life that I honestly don’t know what I’d do without them. Take Heart Tea is one of those blends. Here, I share a beautiful tea that nourishes both the heart and the nervous system, especially during rough or stressful times. ► Why tulsi is the backbone of this blend and how I think about its ability to bring both clarity and steadiness ► How hawthorn leaf and flower support not only the physical heart, but the emotional heart too ► Why I reach for linden when stress shows up as tightness, restlessness, or shallow breathing ► How lemon verbena and cornflower bring flavor, beauty, and their own supportive qualities to the blend I’ll also share how I prepare Take Heart Tea so you can easily make it part of your own daily herbal practice. This isn’t a tea meant to fix anything. It’s about support, helping the body and the heart find a little more balance and ease. Get the Take Heart Tea recipe here.

Ivy for Lungs, Coughs, Burns, and Scars with Luke Ó hErodáin

What if a plant we spend so much time pulling off our trees and walls is actually a forgotten medicinal ally? Common ivy (Hedera helix) has a complicated reputation. It’s abundant, beautiful, and deeply woven into the European landscape, yet many people think of it as an invasive to eradicate rather than something to learn from. In this episode, herbalist Luke Ó hErodáin reveals the forgotten medicinal traditions surrounding common ivy and why he believes this plant deserves a second look. He shares how ivy became one of his most trusted lung herbs, the traditional preparations that caught his attention, and the fascinating history behind its use in European medicine. Luke also shares the story behind the research project that has become one of his major passions: uncovering and translating the work of the French eclectic herbalists. These forgotten practitioners were exploring whole-plant medicine, sophisticated preparations, and local substitutes for exotic herbs at a time when the medical world was rapidly changing. Their work raises some fascinating questions about what we’ve lost—and what we might rediscover by looking backward. Ready to explore ivy beyond the garden wall? Luke has shared not one, but four recipes for working with this remarkable plant! You can download your beautifully illustrated recipe card here. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► What makes ivy such a powerful herbal ally for people with deep congestion in the lungs ► How Luke works with ivy for burns, scars, cellulite, and other skin concerns ► Important cautions to consider before using ivy internally ► Surprising ways French herbalists used phytochemistry to inform their herbal practice in the early 1900’s ► How the rise of modern industrial medicine changed the herbalism landscape practically overnight ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know him, Luke Ó hErodáin (Luke Heron), Dip Herb Med, is a medical herbalist based in Ireland and operating his clinic in Cork. He is the current lead of the Herbal Alliance and is actively engaging with professional herbalists in the UK and Ireland to navigate through this digital age through the Herbal Alliance. Before becoming a herbalist, Luke spent a decade in the media and technology industry working in film production, digital marketing and tech deployment, a background that informs his critical perspective on AI and digital ethics. He is an independent researcher focusing on the French Eclectic Doctors, led by Dr. Henri Leclerc (who likely coined the term ‘phytotherapy’) and is actively preserving and translating their works. Luke is a foraging instructor dedicated to bridging traditional local and indigenous Irish plant wisdom with modern insights. I hope this conversation leaves you looking a little differently at the plants you pass every day—and perhaps a little more curious about the herbal wisdom hiding in old books, forgotten traditions, and even the plants we’ve learned to overlook. ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find Luke at CelticFoxHerbal.com. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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Herbs for Wildfire Smoke: Supporting the Lungs, Heart, and Nervous System

When wildfire smoke fills the air, supporting the lungs is only part of the picture. Here, I share the three-part strategy I use when formulating an herbal tea for smoky days. ► Support the lungs. Learn why I turn to plantain, a soothing demulcent herb, to help calm irritated respiratory tissues and why recent clinical research supports its traditional use. ► Support the heart. Wildfire smoke has been linked to increased risks of cardiovascular problems through inflammation and oxidative stress. I explain why herbs like hawthorn and linden are part of my approach. ► Support the nervous system. The smoke isn't the only challenge. The worry and fear that accompany wildfire season deserve care too, which is why calming herbs are an important part of the blend. I also share the herbal tea I formulated with hawthorn, hibiscus, plantain, linden, and holy basil to support all three systems together. You can get the recipe here. Important note: No herbal tea is protective against hazardous air quality. During severe smoke events, reducing your exposure and using clean indoor air remain the most effective ways to protect your health.

Kava for Anxiety, Tension, and Winding Down Without the Fog - with Rachelle Robinett

Kava has been praised, feared, celebrated, and misunderstood. So what's the real story behind this remarkable plant? Kava (Piper methysticum) has a reputation that's hard to ignore. Some people swear by it for easing tension and helping them unwind, while others know it only through headlines about safety concerns and controversy. In this episode, herbalist and author Rachelle Robinett joins me to separate fact from fiction and explore why this traditional Pacific Island herb has remained such a beloved ally for thousands of years. Together, we dive into kava's remarkable ability to relax the body while keeping the mind surprisingly clear, unpack where the concerns about liver toxicity actually came from, and explore thoughtful questions about responsible herbalism, sustainability, and what it really means to work with sacred plants. Along the way, Rachelle reveals how herbalism can become so much more than "an herb for a symptom"—it can fundamentally change how we relate to the natural world. Rachelle also shares her recipe for Kava “Old-Fashioned” Mocktail, a sophisticated herbal drink that’s perfect for winding down at the end of the day. You can download your beautifully illustrated recipe card here. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► Why kava has earned a permanent place in Rachelle's travel bag, evening routine, and herbal toolkit ► The controversy behind kava use—and the real story behind claims of toxicity and rarity ► Why traditional preparation methods for kava matter more than most people realize ► What makes kava such a great herbal ally for people reducing or avoiding alcohol ► One remarkable botanical fact that has shaped kava’s relationship with humans for thousands of years ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Rachelle Robinett, RH (AHG), is a writer, herbalist, and lifelong naturalist devoted to the art and science of real health. Founder of multidisciplinary wellness companies, she combines traditional medicine, modern insight, and behavior change to help people live more naturally. Her work encourages a return—to self, to nature, and to independent thinking—often challenging the life we’ve been taught to want. Called “a philosophical voice at the vanguard of natural living,” she is based in New York and Costa Rica and is the author of Naturally: the Herbalist’s Guide to Health and Transformation. This conversation with Rachelle is an invitation to look beyond headlines and assumptions, and instead meet kava—and herbalism itself—with greater curiosity, discernment, and wonder. ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find Rachelle at RachelleRobinett.com. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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Orange Peel for Digestion, Lung Health, and a Rosehip Citrus Jam with Heather Luna

Could the secret to better digestion be hiding in your compost bin? In this episode, clinical herbalist Heather Luna makes the case for an herb that most of us literally throw away. She reveals why orange peel (Citrus x sinensis) has become one of her favorite everyday herbs—and why it deserves a place in your kitchen instead of your compost. During our conversation, Heather explores many of the overlooked medicinal gifts of orange peel, from supporting digestion and nutrient absorption to nourishing the lungs, cardiovascular system, and microbiome. Along the way, she shares why she believes herbs belong alongside our food, not separated from it, and how simple daily practices can create the biggest changes in our health. Want an easy (and delicious!) way to start using orange peel every day? Download the beautifully illustrated recipe card for Heather's Rosehip Citrus Jam here, and discover why this simple preparation has become a favorite in her clinic. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► The surprising reason Heather puts orange peel into almost every digestive tea she makes ► How orange peel behaves differently from many other bitter herbs—and why that matters ► What's hiding inside the bitter white pith that most food recipes tell you to avoid ► Seven delicious ways to use orange peel as food and medicine (and one clever way to use up any leftovers!) ► Why slowing down to brew a daily cup of tea may be one of the most powerful herbal practices of all ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Heather Luna is a clinical herbalist and nutritionist, practicing in vitalist therapeutics. She is director of the Acorn School of Herbal Medicine where she hosts an online community learning platform for foundational, advanced, and clinical herbalism programs. She has been an instructor of Western herbalism since 2006 and has facilitated a free clinic since 2017. Heather's work emphasizes a vitalist approach to the application of herbs, nutrition, and holistic lifestyle. She is a mother, gardener, and a forever student of nature. Heather carries a lineage in the vitalist tradition with a mission to pass it on. This episode is a beautiful reminder that herbalism doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes the most profound medicine begins with slowing down, paying attention, and making good use of what we've already been given. ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find Heather at AcornHerbSchool.com. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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Pleurisy Root: Healing Land, Monarchs & Lungs with Linda Shanahan

What if one medicinal herb could change the way you think about healing—not just in the body, but across entire ecosystems? Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa), also called butterfly weed, is often thought of as a lung herb. But as this conversation with herbalist, farmer, and nurse Linda Shanahan reveals, this brilliant orange wildflower has a much bigger story to tell—one that stretches from monarch butterflies to microbiomes. In this episode, Linda shares the remarkable story of transforming a chemically treated sod farm into a thriving wildlife sanctuary where native plants, pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects returned together. Along the way, we explore pleurisy root's medicinal uses, why it's such an important plant for monarch butterflies, and how thinking like an herbalist invites us to see connections everywhere, from restoring habitats to supporting the microbiome within our own bodies. This episode’s “recipe” card is something a little different: a guide to creating your own Monarch Medicinal Mini Garden. You can learn how to create a beautiful habitat that nourishes monarch butterflies while incorporating native medicinal plants into your landscape—find your copy here. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► The surprising scent of pleurisy root that strongly hints at who it’s meant to help ► How pleurisy root can support specific respiratory conditions in ways that conventional Western medicine simply can’t ► Special considerations for using pleurisy root medicinally ► Practical tips for successfully growing milkweed from seed ► Why planting milkweed alone isn’t enough—and what monarch butterflies really need to thrive ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Linda Shanahan is an herbalist, registered nurse, and community health educator who co-owns an organic herb farm and farm-to-bottle apothecary in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with her husband, Eric. Together, they cultivate and craft herbal extracts rooted in ecological integrity and bioregional connection. Linda’s journey began over 25 years ago apprenticing with herbalists Howie Brounstein and Steven Yeager in Eugene, Oregon, where she first discovered the profound spiritual nourishment found in wildcrafting and the intimate dialogue between people, plants and place. This conversation with Linda is a beautiful reminder that every medicinal herb exists not in isolation, but within a web of relationships. I hope it inspires you to deepen your own connections—with the plants growing around you and the ecosystems that sustain us all. ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find Linda at BluestemBotanicals.com. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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The Medicinal Spice You Probably Underuse: Cardamom for Digestion, Mood, and More with Missy Rohs

Most of us think of cardamom as a baking spice—but what if it's actually one of the most delightful herbal medicines in your apothecary? Many of us know cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) as the spice that makes chai, pastries, and coffee taste extraordinary. But as Missy Rohs shares in this episode, cardamom is so much more than a delicious ingredient. Together, we explore its gifts as a digestive remedy, aromatic medicine, antimicrobial herb, and even what Unani Tibb medicine calls an exhilarant—an herb that gently lifts the spirit and helps us become more open to joy. As Missy beautifully puts it, cardamom "lets the sunshine in." Along the way, we swap favorite ways to work with cardamom—from coffee and bitters to savory dishes, tinctures, and even medicinal-strength infusions. We also take a delightful detour into saffron (because it’s hard to stay focused on just one of the many amazing herbs out there!), another treasured spice that pairs beautifully with cardamom and offers its own dose of wonder. Be sure to download your beautifully illustrated recipe card for Missy’s Delightful Persian Love Cake—a stunning celebration of cardamom, saffron, rose, and pistachios that’s sure to become a favorite. You’ll find your copy here. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► Five herbal preparations for working with cardamom—and why using it in culinary preparations can be just as medicinal! ► A simple trick for getting even more aroma and flavor from your cardamom ► An unexpected savory pairing with cardamom that might just inspire your next meal ► Tips for growing and harvesting your own saffron (hint: there’s a reason it’s so expensive to buy at the store!) ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Missy Rohs has run the Arctos School of Herbal Studies in Portland, Oregon for two decades. Her classes focus on sustainability, accessibility, and land connection, with special attention to community care. In Missy's plant medicine practice, pragmatism is queen. Common weeds, native plants, kitchen remedies, and ephemeral fungi are all part of her repertoire. Cardamom may already live in your spice cabinet—but after this conversation with Missy, you may find yourself reaching for it much more often! ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find Missy at ArctosSchool.org. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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Linden Myths You Should Stop Believing

Linden is one of my favorite tree medicines, but it's also surrounded by a few common misconceptions. Here, I unpack three myths that may be keeping you from getting the most out of this remarkable herb. ► Why linden is much more than a calming bedtime tea ► Which parts of the tree are traditionally used beyond the flowers ► What research suggests about harvesting linden from urban areas If you'd like to keep learning about linden, I'd love to share my free Linden Monograph, which also includes one of my favorite summer iced tea recipes featuring linden, lemon balm, and oat straw. And if you enjoy this way of studying herbs, you'll love my Herbal Energetics Course. It includes more than 60 detailed herb monographs, along with practical tools to help you understand herbs through the lens of energetics. Get the monograph and the recipe, and join the waitlist through here.

Violet: A Backyard Herb for Swollen Lymph Nodes and a Frazzled Nervous System with Lindsey Feldpausch

Can one tiny flower soften dry skin, soothe swollen tissues, calm the heart, and even inspire a little everyday magic? Violets may be small, but they have an astonishing amount to offer. In this episode, I sit down with herbalist Lindsey Feldpausch to celebrate one of our shared favorite plants: violet (Viola spp.). Together, we explore why this humble spring flower deserves far more attention—not only for its beauty, but for its remarkable ability to soothe dry tissues, support the lymphatic system, nourish the body, and gently soften both physical and emotional tension. Along the way, Lindsey shares stories from her own herbal journey, explains the fascinating diversity within the Viola genus, and reveals why she considers violet a true kindred spirit. We also dive into the chemistry behind violet's elusive fragrance, explore surprising new research, and, of course, spend plenty of time delighting in the simple joy of getting down on the ground with a patch of blooming violets. During our conversation, Lindsey also shares all about her gorgeous Violet Elixir—a beautiful (and magically color-changing!) spring preparation that's every bit as enchanting as the flowers themselves. Be sure to download your beautifully illustrated recipe card here. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► The fascinating reason violet's fragrance seems to disappear almost as quickly as you notice it ► Why violet can be especially helpful for new mothers ►The simple trick that can make all the difference in your violet salve ► Exciting new scientific research that has herbalists paying even closer attention to this familiar plant ► The hidden botanical secret that helps violets spread so beautifully in the garden ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Lindsey Feldpausch, RH(AHG) is a clinical herbalist, educator, and Assistant Director at the Herbal Academy. With over 15 years of experience in the field of herbalism, Lindsey's work has been focused on herbal education and clinical herbal practice, teaching for online and in-person herb programs, as well as at a variety of conferences, while maintaining a private practice of her own. As an herbalist, Lindsey's goal is to connect plants with the humans who need them. She believes in our innate ability to engage with the power of plants, and one of her life’s intentions is to kindle this belief in others. Lindsey's herbal works have coalesced into her business, Plant Matters, where she offers herbal education, consulting, and handcrafted herbal products. After this episode, you may find yourself slowing down the next time you pass a patch of violets—and discovering just how extraordinary these tiny flowers really are. ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find Lindsey at PlantMatters.org. You can find Lindsey’s course, Holistic Approaches for Tick-Borne Diseases, here. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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Rabbit Tobacco for Lung Health, Respiratory Healing, and Everyday Medicine with Karen Lynn Burr

What if one of the most helpful herbs for the lungs is one you’ve never heard of? Rabbit tobacco (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium) may not be the most well-known herb, but according to herbalist Karen Lynn Burr, it deserves a place in every herbal toolkit. In this episode, Karen shares how this native North American plant became one of her most trusted allies after a serious respiratory health crisis—so much that she credits it for saving her life! Along the way, we explore rabbit tobacco's long history of traditional use for supporting the lungs, soothing irritated tissues, and helping the body recover after illness. Karen also shares her broader philosophy of restorative herbalism, making connections between healthy ecosystems, healthy bodies, wild foods, and community care. From foraging and folk medicine to rewilding ourselves through plants, this conversation is packed with practical insights, inspiring stories, and contagious enthusiasm for the healing power of the natural world. Karen has also brought us her Respiratory Support Nebulizing Formula, an incredibly versatile herbal preparation that can be used to calm and soothe inflammation during or after a respiratory illness. You can download your beautifully illustrated recipe card here! By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► Why Karen is so passionate about wild foods (and how to harness their gifts to benefit your health!) ► How rabbit tobacco can help to rebuild thinning tissues—from the lungs, to the skin, to vaginal tissues, and more ► Plants that partner well with rabbit tobacco to support different health conditions ► Five herbal preparations for rabbit tobacco ► Tips for sourcing, harvesting, and drying rabbit tobacco to ensure you’re making the most potent medicine ► What disturbed ecosystems can teach us about resilience and recovery ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Karen Lynn Burr, owner and clinical herbalist at Materia Medica Restorative Herbalism Center, brings over 20 years of holistic health experience. Her training includes integrative nutrition, vitalist herbalism specializing in acute skin conditions, medical botany focused on hormonal aging, and clinical herbal formulations for internal and topical use. She also has deep knowledge of folk medicine, wild food education, and herbal remedies for autoimmune support and environmental toxins. In 2024, Karen founded the Restorative Herbalism Center to champion wild food and regenerative healing for mind, body, and spirit. Their mission is to restore health naturally, avoiding costly supplements and overused pharmaceuticals. From respiratory health to ecological restoration, rabbit tobacco reminds us that some of the most powerful allies are hiding in plain sight. I can't wait for you to meet this fascinating plant! ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find Karen at MM-RestorativeHerbalismCenter.com. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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Japanese Knotweed for Lyme, Inflammation, and Infections with Emily French

What happens when we stop looking at Japanese knotweed as a problem to solve and start looking at it as a teacher? Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is often used as a go-to herb for Lyme disease, but in this fascinating conversation, herbalist Emily French invites us to see this remarkable plant through a much wider lens. From chronic inflammation and joint pain to menstrual stagnation, skin care, and beyond, Emily shares why knotweed has become one of her most trusted herbal allies—and why reducing it to a single use misses the bigger picture entirely. Along the way, we explore knotweed's role as a blood-moving herb, its powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and the surprising ways it supports both ecological and personal healing. Emily also offers thoughtful reflections on knotweed's controversial reputation, revealing how this much-maligned plant may have more to teach us about cooperation, resilience, and reciprocity than many of us realize. Japanese knotweed also makes a delicious wild food! Emily has shared her recipe for Strawberry Rhubarb Knotweed Galette, a rustic dessert that transforms young knotweed shoots into a memorable seasonal treat. You can download your copy here. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► Over fifteen medicinal benefits of knotweed (far beyond just being a “Lyme herb”!) ► Three tips for harvesting knotweed roots ► The fascinating ways that knotweed helps prevent Lyme-causing bacteria from taking hold ► When to use the roots of knotweed—and when the leaves and stems are best ► What makes this plant such an amazing ally for burns, bruises, and sprains ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Emily French is a clinical and traditional herbalist who works 1:1 with clients and also teaches about herbalism online and in her 3 year herbal apprenticeship. Her work revolves around her love for reconnecting people with the sophisticated art and science of plant-based healing that we've all known, somewhere in our bones, for thousands of years. She is a passionate and intuitive herbalist, educator, wildcrafter, farmer, medicine maker, and mama. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Emily has a broad understanding of both acute and chronic health issues, and of working with the healing plants to help people move toward balance and vitality. Emily's passion for Japanese knotweed is contagious! By the end of this episode, you may find yourself seeing this controversial plant in an entirely new light. ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find Emily at Emily-French.com. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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Balsam Fir: Lung Support, Wound Healing, and the Medicine Right Outside Your Door with Erica Macrum

Could the tree outside your window become one of your greatest herbal teachers? Living at the edge of the boreal forest, Erica Macrum is surrounded by balsam fir (Abies balsamea), and over the years this fragrant conifer has become one of her closest plant allies. But rather than relying on books, Erica has learned much of what she knows about balsam fir through observation, experimentation, and simply spending time with the tree itself. In this episode, Erica shares her favorite ways to work with balsam fir's resin, needles, and bark, as well as the unexpected lessons she's gathered from years of companionship with this remarkable tree. Together, we explore its gifts for healing, the role of curiosity in herbal practice, and the wisdom that can emerge when we spend time getting to know the plants growing around us. Erica also shared her recipe for Spring Forest Herbal Salt, a delicious way to add a taste of the forest to your own kitchen. Be sure to download your copy here! By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► How balsam fir resin naturally protects the tree—and how you can harness that healing power ► The surprising differences between working with the resin, bark, and needles ► How Erica uses balsam fir to support respiratory health ► Why "playing" with a plant can be an important part of herbal learning ► What plants can teach us about compassion, patience, and meeting people where they are ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Erica Macrum is the owner of Sweet Fern Apothecary and has a deep passion for the healing arts. The ancient wisdom of Earth-based energetic modalities keeps Erica engaged and continuously learning. As a clinical herbalist, she loves sharing about the healing properties and energetics of plant medicine and strongly encourages the people around her to hold healing in their hands. Erica has been studying and practicing Chinese medicine for over 20 years. She is a graduate of the East West School of Planetary Herbology, where she helped facilitate and teach the case studies class with her mentor Susan Kremer. When she is not working with herbs, you will find Erica in the garden, walking in the woods, or spending time with her family. Whether balsam fir grows outside your door or hundreds of miles away, I hope this conversation inspires you to spend a little more time with the plants around you—and who knows, you just might find yourself looking at those familiar plants in a whole new way! ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video. You can find Erica at SweetFernApothecary.com. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

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