Lily Of The Herbs Talks

This episode is a response to the times; reflections and musings on 2026.I speak to why herbalism feels not only relevant, but essential in the face of global crisis. This is about creating health sovereignty, building community resilience, and remembering the value of local, plant-based knowledge.I share what I’ve been learning from the plants, and why this way of working with medicine cannot be replaced by AI. If anything, it feels more needed than ever.In this episode, I touch on:Herbalism in the context of global uncertaintyCreating health sovereignty in your own lifeBuilding and leaning into community resilienceWhat plants are teaching us in this momentThe limits of AI in relation to embodied, plant-based medicineWhy returning to the land and local knowledge matters

This episode is a little different. Clare Bedford interviews me about my own life story, and how I’ve worked with Hawthorn as a companion through death, heartbreak, loss of love, and major life changes.It’s an episode I waited almost a year to share, allowing the stories and experiences to fully ripen. It feels more vulnerable to offer this one to you as listeners, but now feels like the right time. There are many gifts woven through this conversation, and I sense that many of you may relate to the very human emotions we speak of.If you’d like to connect more with Clare, you can follow her at @clare.weaving.

We've all bought a supplement or herbal tea and then it's sat unused until it expired. In this episode of Lily of the Herbs Talks, I explore how to truly work with herbs, not by taking more, but by taking them with respect and awareness. We live in a world full of powders, capsules, and herbal blends, but often we don’t know where our plants came from, how they were harvested, or whether their potency has been preserved. I share why sourcing herbs from your own garden, from the wild, or from small, organic Australian farms matters, and why working with whole herbs, grinding them yourself, and storing them properly can make a huge difference.We’ll also dive into how the form of herbal medicine affects absorption and potency. Using an elemental lens: fire, water, earth, and air - I explain why fresh plant infusions capture volatile oils, why minerals can benefit from long soaks, and why mushrooms often need double decoctions to unlock their full potential.I also talk about the value of simplicity and relationship with plants. Spending time with one herb at a time- whether in meditation, tea, or tincture form - helps you understand its effects, flavors, and personality, allowing your body to better attune to what it needs. And we discuss when blends can be synergistic, alongside the role of food as medicine.Whether you’re just starting your herbal journey or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers practical guidance to make your herbs more effective, more alive, and more connected to your life.

This episode is a life update from my tiny house, a conversation about roots, seasons, and the rhythm of living simply. I share how I track my menstrual cycle using not just the four phases, but also the elements and the herbs that support each one. If you’re curious about syncing your body with nature or finding structure inside your inner landscape, this is a gentle, grounded entry point.The book that I speak about about is Sastun, by Rosita Arvigo. Which I really recommend you reading.

In this episode of Lily of the Herbs Talks, I sit down with Dr. Marc Cohen, a GP, researcher, and long-time advocate for accessible wellness. We explore where science and herbalism meet. Marc is wonderfully eccentric and full of love for life and learning. He shares his fascinating journey....“I went from being the alternative hippie doctor in a conventional medical school to being the conventional medical doctor at an alternative medical school.” We talk about blood sugar balance, the healing power of honey, and simple, joyful rituals that help us reconnect with nature and vitality. Marc even shares a few of his poems on blood sugar and wellness playful reminders that wellbeing can be simple, sensory, and full of heart.You can connect more with Marc here at: www.drmarc.co