Herby At Heart

Today, we sink deeper into the forest’s mysteries—guided by the ancient wisdom of the woods and the healing secrets of mushrooms.In this episode, we journey into the world of the shiitake—a mushroom treasured not only for its deep, earthy flavor, but for its remarkable healing powers. Revered in the tales of old as an elixir of vitality and longevity, shiitake weaves together nourishment and resilience, lending strength to body and spirit. It stands as a guardian in the woodland shade, transforming decay into renewal and offering its gifts of immunity, balance, and vibrant life.Joining us among moss and morning dew is Moritz Schmid, better known as “Into the Woods.” As a mushroom expert, certified forest bathing guide, and woodland artist, Moritz has spent his life listening to the forest’s stories and sharing its quiet magic with others. Together, we’ll trace the path of shiitake through myth and medicine, discovering how this mushroom, shaped by earth and time, can be an ally for healing and wonder.So, bring a cup of tea and let your senses open—we invite you to walk with us, as Herby at Heart steps into the shade-dappled world of mushrooms and the hands that know them best.Moritz Schmid:https://www.intothewoods-mushrooms.com/https://www.instagram.com/intothewoods_mushrooms/Music By:GuruGuru, Mickey Hart, Belle & SebastianTash⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.avantgardenlife.com/https://www.instagram.com/avant.garden.life/Philhttps://www.hp-phildius.dehttps://www.instagram.com/power.plants.berlin/PraxisMommsenstraße 55, 10629 Berlin

Today Herb has qualities of an activist and warrior fighting for justice; she marches with a firm, steady stride—neither soaring nor earthbound, but centred deep in her power. She helps you put on your battle armour, a cool intellect guiding your heart. With wry humour and no-nonsense energy, she stands using both head and heart. We would like to welcome Yarrow, Achillea millefolium.We also have the pleasure of interviewing Florencea, aka Flo, a woman who also stands tall using her head and her heartFlorencia (she/her) is a plant-based culinary designer from Chile, living in Berlin since 2016. She has led food-centred workshops since 2019 and, since 2024, has been part of the Nourished collective with her project OHNE (2016).Through this platform, she creates multi-sensory workshops, events, and rituals — spaces for exploration and shared encounters where living foods, nature’s rhythms, astrology, ancestral medicine, tarot, and herbalism converge in connection with community.She approaches food as art, medicine, and ritual — a medium for translating symbolic languages into edible forms that invite us to embody ancient-looking perspectives and experience eating as a way to reconnect with nature from within.Her work is an ever-evolving process, guided by curiosity and intuition, shaped by a dialogue among the visible and the invisible, where food becomes a bridge between the personal, the collective, and the cosmic.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ohneberlin/Website:⁠⁠https://www.ohneberlin.com/⁠⁠Songs:1. Beyoncé - Girls2. Laboratorium Pie´sni - Sztojpa moru3.Violeta Parra - Volver a los 17Tash⁠ https://www.avantgardenlife.com/https://www.instagram.com/avant.garden.life/Philhttps://www.instagram.com/power.plants.berlin/?hl=dehttps://www.instagram.com/power.plants.berlin/PraxisMommsenstraße 55, 10629 BerlinBook RecommendationsTraditional Western Herbal Medicine, 2019 - Aeon Books - by Elisabeth Brooke - "quoted piece"The Sensory Herbal Handbook - Seed Sisters - quoted

Today, plants will soothe your senses and mellow us out. Known to some as blue mallow, to others as common mallow and to a few as cheese-cake. Malva spp. as well as the more famous cousin, Marshmallow. This month, we have the absolute pleasure of chatting with the wondrous Mo Wilde. Who decided to eat wild food for a year and see what it did to her biome? So sit back, relax and let this episode soothe your soul.On Herby at Heart, we're all about exploring the power of plants, and today's topic, mallow with a sprinkle of marshmallow, has a deep connection to Monica Wilde's work. Her Wildbiome Project, where she delved into the world of wild food, likely brought her up close and personal with these mucilage-rich plants. We're curious to hear her perspective on how these herbs can benefit our digestive systems and contribute to a balanced gut microbiome. Given her focus on integrative medicine, we'll also explore how the sometimes forgotten common mallow can fit into a broader approach to health and well-being. Plus, knowing Mo's passion for accessible herbalism, we're betting she has some top tips for incorporating these readily available plants into our everyday lives. So, stick with us as we delve into the world of mallows with the brilliant Mo Wilde!Instagram:@avant.garden.life@power.plants.berlin@monicawildehttps://linktr.ee/mowildehttps://monicawilde.com/find her latest book here:https://eatwild.app/products/free-food

This episode we're basking in the golden glow of St. John's Wort, a vibrant herb with a rich history of medicinal use. Known scientifically as *Hypericum perforatum*, this flowering plant has been treasured for centuries for its potential mood-boosting properties.St. John's Wort is most commonly associated with easing symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Research suggests it may be as effective as some standard antidepressants, possibly by influencing neurotransmitter activity in the brain, similar to how selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work. Beyond its potential antidepressant effects, St. John's Wort has traditionally been used for a variety of other ailments. We‘re diving in the signature of St. John’s Blood - the use in traditional and modern Herbal Medicine.Some studies suggest it may help alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, while others explore its potential for wound healing, anxiety relief, and improved sleep quality. Join us as we continue to explore the world of St. John's Wort, delving deeper into its fascinating properties and potential benefits. Our Guest today:Dr. Ilene Naomi Ruskhttps://www.instagram.com/dr_ruskhttps://www.ilenenaomirusk.comTash:https://www.avantgardenlife.comhttps://www.instagram.com/avant.garden.lifePhil:https://www.hp-phildius.dehttps://www.instagram.com/power.plants.berlinFind us in our Praxis @ Mommsenstraße 55 - Charlottenburg

Mmm, the air still vibrates with the gentle magic of Hawthorn, doesn't it?  A plant that whispers of resilience, protection, and nourishment for the heart.  Here on Herby at Heart, we're drawn to these whispers, to the ways nature supports us through life's tenderest moments, especially those surrounding grief, loss, and transition.  Who better to guide us through these landscapes than two extraordinary women who've dedicated their lives to holding space for others during these profound experiences?We'll be speaking with @Charlottenwiedemann and @diewildermathilderoesch. Both women who guide us in the experience of death with unique perspectives on supporting the heart through grief.  We'll touch on their journeys, their work, and how they weave the wisdom of nature into their practices. So, stay with us as we explore the intertwining paths of Hawthorn, the heart, and the compassionate work of these extraordinary women.@Charlottewiedemann is a writer and death doula focusing on funeral rites and death care. She considers herself a death awareness journalist and activist, fostering a more open societal discourse on death and dying through media formats, workshops, and art collaborations.Her mission is to provide people with the information they need in order to act in a self-determined and empowered manner around the end of life.She is the lady behind @dertot_undwir and co-founder of @ahorn Mathilde is a wild and medicinal herbal pedagogue, trained in end-of-life and grief support, as well as a professional actress.Recently, she has been integrating her three passions into a project called Death, Nature, and Creation, which explores themes of grief and mortality through the connection with plants, mythology and the smudging rituals of ancient animistic cultures.Through theatre, she aims to create spaces and retreat in nature for free expression, where people can openly share and process their emotions.ABOUT US:Philipp PhildiusHeilpraktiker für Homöopathie, Pflanzenheilkunde, FamiliensaufstellungenInstagram: @power.plants.berlinwww.hp-phildius.dePraxis @ Mommsenstraße 55 Berlin-Charlottenburg_______Tash English:Heilpraktikerin für Pflanzenheilunde, TCM & FamilienaufstellungInstagram:@avant.garden.lifewww.avantgardenlife.comPraxis @ Mommsenstraße 55, Berlin Charlottenburg

This episode, we dive into the lush, aromatic world of wild garlic, known as bear’s leek or Allium ursinum. We will also look at its notruously famous cousin, that people tend to mistake as wild garlic here in Berlin, the wildly famous Few-flowered leek aka “wunderlauch” (allium paradoxum)We have the pleasure of interviewing Olga Graf for this episode. She has the spirit of a siberian bear and the energy of wild garlic. When spring whispers through the forest floor, and a strong garlicky scent fills the air, it’s a sign: the bear’s plant has returned.Growing in rich green carpets beneath trees, wild garlic is among the first plants to awaken in early spring – and the forest answers with a vibrant, living aroma. Its star-shaped, white flowers light up the woods like little constellations, attracting bees, flies, and humble pollinators alike.But wild garlic is more than a seasonal green – it carries stories, healing power, and even the echo of old gods and forest spirits. From the way ants help spread its seeds, to the belief that bears eat it to regain their strength after hibernation – this is a plant rooted in both nature and myth.Let’s explore its name, its uses, and the deep, ancient wisdom it brings with every leaf.Find Olga:https://www.instagram.com/olga___graf/https://markthalleneun.de/https://www.kornlabor.de/Find Philipp:https://www.instagram.com/power.plants.berlin/https://www.hp-phildius.dePraxis @ Mommsenstraße 55 , 10629 BerlinFind Tash:https://www.instagram.com/avant.garden.life/https://www.avantgardenlife.com/Praxis @ Mommsenstraße 55 , 10629 Berlin

In this enchanting episode, we invite you to embark on a journey through the lush world of the birch tree, celebrated for its ethereal beauty and profound healing properties. Join your favorite herbalists, Tash (@avantgardenlife) and Philipp (@powerplantsberlin), as we delve into the symbolism and significance of this remarkable tree—a true light-bringer and harbinger of new beginnings.This month, we are thrilled to introduce the lovely birch (Betula alba and Betula pendula), a tree that has woven itself into the fabric of herbal medicine and culinary delights. We’ll explore its characteristics, uses, and the rich historical tapestry that surrounds it.Our special guest this episode is the delightful Rupert Waites, a passionate chef and forager from the wilds of Scotland. Rupert, whom Tash met at an annual foragers meet-up, brings a wealth of knowledge about birch sap and its transformative role in the culinary world. Together, we’ll uncover the magic of birch and how it has inspired Rupert's innovative creations with his award-winning brand, Buck and Birch.As we navigate the delicate threads connecting us to this magnificent tree, we’ll share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and fascinating insights into the birch’s role in traditional and modern herbalism.So, grab a cup of birch tea and settle in as we celebrate the spirit of the birch tree—a symbol of renewal, resilience, and the vibrant connection between nature and our daily lives. Let’s explore, learn, and grow together on this herbal journey!https://www.instagram.com/buckandbirch/https://buckandbirch.com/

This month's plant is special, a plant everybody knows walks by and often notices especially while blooming.  A scent and taste we all have tried and easily recognise. It is a medicine that is usually forgotten, yet so common that it’s a part of everyday life. In Turkish delight or as a tea - as jam inside our “Berliners” or as a childish trick to make you feel itchy. Full of vitamins and rich in flavonoids - today's plant is nobody else than the wild rose or dog rose. And we’re gonna talk about its fruits - rose hips.We had the pleasure of interviewing a talented medical herbalist Clare Holohan practicing in the highlands of Scotland. When we decided to work with Rosehip Clare came straight to mind. With her rosy cheeks, strong vibrant nature and nourishing vibes.https://www.westhighlandherbal.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/power.plants.berlinhttps://www.instagram.com/avant.garden.life/

Grandfather Pine is the theme of this show a tree in the Pinacea family also known as evergreens. They stand tall and straight, resilient and grounding giving us a green landscape throughout the year.  They protect, they warm, they heal. In this episode, we will explore the world of the pine and what they have to give and teach us.  Pine trees are known for their ability to thrive in harsh conditions, endure the passage of time, and grow strong through their deep, stabilising roots. Similarly, body therapy emphasises the importance of grounding, resilience, and the healing of both emotional and physical trauma, drawing parallels to the strength and adaptability of the pine tree. We will have the pleasure of interviewing Daniel Holbach who works in body psychotherapy and Somatic Experience.

In this episode, we will be chatting about all things Angelica. A warrior of a plant that likes to shine light on the places we hide from ourselves. We have both been working with this plant for the last month. During this episode, we will not only share our experiences with angelica but also dive into the monograph of this plant and how it affects our body, mind and spirit. Ways one can work with and explore its beautiful bountiful characteristics.  For our interview this month we will be chatting with an extremely inspiring woman Anuscheh Amir-Khalili is an activist and anthropologist dedicated to supporting refugee women and children. Founder of Flamingo e.V. Hekayat and “Hevrîn Xelef” - medicinal herb garden in Berlin-Neukölln, providing a space for refugee women to gather, garden, and find healing. Just as Angelica archangelica was seen as a lightbringer during dark times, Anuscheh’s work brings a similar sense of healing and hope to the modern world. Both are symbols of resilience and renewal—offering strength and support where it’s needed most. Flamingo e.V. https://www.instagram.com/flamingo_netztwerk Tash English: https://www.avantgardenlife.com https://www.instagram.com/avant.garden.life Philipp Phildius https://www.hp-phildius.de https://www.instagram.com/power.plants.berlin

We are beginning this new phase with a beautiful plant, which not only supports mothers but also supports one when we are in need of “Mothering”. Introducing Leonurus Cardiaca, the Lion-hearted Motherwort. During this episode, we will not only share our experiences with Motherwort but also dive into the monograph of this plant. How it affects our body, mind and spirit. Ways one can work with and explore its beautiful bountiful characteristics. As this plant has a strong mothering relationship, supporting the nervous system and the heart, we have chosen to interview Shanay the doula. Whose work is all about supporting mothers creating a gentle space filled with love. Sit down, tune in, close your eyes, and feel the plant as we whisper sweet motherwort nothings into your ears. https://www.shanaythedoula.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shanaythedoula/ https://www.instagram.com/mamamuun.de/ https://mamamuun.de/ Philipp Phildius Website https://www.hp-phildius.de https://www.instagram.com/power.plants.berlin Tash English https://www.avantgardenlife.com https://www.instagram.com/avant.garden.life

Deconstructing old structures and breaking out of old systems is the theme of this show. We will discuss breaking rules, why we feel the need to follow them and the importance of allowing ourselves to question them. We will chat about how to question systems we created on our own and have a look at what was created by others for us. Look at conditioning we are not even aware of, why it is important to break rules, techniques on how to do it in a healthy sustainable way and how thinking outside the box is key to changing old systems.  We also had the pleasure to chat with Cornelia Titzmann a talented Herbalist (Naturopath - Heilprakterin homeopath, TENS) born and bred in Berlin who has been working as a Herbalist for over 40 years. She is a lover of all things planty and has a deep connection with the natural world around her. She will talk about how the industry has changed, what rule breaking means to her and how she navigated the natural health world through her carrier. https://www.corneliatitzmann.de

(English) Ritual and routine. What is it and how do we navigate this world?  We will discuss the meaning of both, where they differ in nature, why we benefit from them and what we have forgotten. We’ll dive into the world of smudging, spiritual use of ritual and use in your everyday life. We will chat about smudging, what plants you can use, and why it is important to understand and educate yourself where these plant or resin allies come from. Our guest this month is Nina a wonderful woman who brings ritual into her everyday life and creates beautiful ritual tools. Together we will discover how we can reconnect with our roots through rituals and some ways to carry out ceremonies. Below are some links we mention in the show and a little quote to get you in the mood. (Deutsch) Ritual und Routine. Was ist was? Und wie navigieren wir durch diese Welt?  Wir werden die Bedeutung von beidem diskutieren, wie sie sich in ihrer Natur unterscheiden, warum wir von ihnen profitieren und was wir über sie vergessen haben. Wir werden in die Welt des Räucherns eintauchen, in die spirituelle Anwendung von Ritualen und in die Anwendung im Alltag. Wir werden uns über das Räuchern unterhalten, welche Pflanzen man verwenden kann und warum es wichtig ist, zu verstehen und sich zu informieren, woher diese Pflanzen oder Harze kommen. Unser Gast in diesem Monat ist Nina, eine wunderbare Frau, die Rituale in ihren Alltag integriert und zauberhafte Ritualwerkzeuge herstellt. Gemeinsam entdecken wir, wie wir uns durch Rituale wieder mit unseren Wurzeln verbinden können und welche Möglichkeiten es gibt, Zeremonien durchzuführen. Unten findet ihr einige Links, die wir in der Sendung erwähnen, und ein kleines Zitat, um euch in Stimmung zu bringen. Dokumentation: Saging the world   Rote Liste der Pflanzen: https://www.iucnredlist.org/en »The smell of incense takes me high way up high where eagles fly« JOHAN EDLUND/TIAMAT, Clouds (1992)

English: The theme of our second show is “allow yourself to dream” where we explore different forms of dreaming, including dreaming as a tool and navigating when dreams don’t become reality.  We will be delving into the world of the Artemisia plamt family. Exploring the mythology around it, how it’s used in herbalism, the mystical and the magical. As well as some political herbalism around this plant. We will be chatting to a special guest Sam C. Arens who specialises in the Artemisia family.  Deutsch: Das Thema unserer zweiten Sendung lautet  „Erlaube dir zu träumen“, Wir erforschen verschiedene Formen des Träumens. Wie werden unsere Träume zur Realität und was passiert, wenn es nicht klappt. Wir tauchen ein in die Welt der Artemisia-Pflanzengewächse, erforschen ihre mythologischen Aspekte, wie sie in der Phytotherapie verwendet werden, und gehen tief in die Mystik und Magie der Pflanzen.  Darüber hinaus geht es um die politischen Aspekte, die sie mit sich bringen und wir werden mit einem besonderen Gast, Sam C. Arens, sprechen, der sich auf die Arbeit mit der Artemisia-Familie spezialisiert hat.

(English) In this first episode of Modern Mystic Radio Tash (@avant.garden.life) & Phil (@power.plants.berlin), two Naturopaths (HeilpraktikerInnen) who are based in Berlin will be introducing themselves, their work and their journey of modern mysticism, herbalism and all things health.  This month’s topic: Spring Shooting and Groundlessness - delving into the topic through personal anecdotes, tips & tricks to ground yourselves in our fast living times and re-connecting with the nature around you. Plants of the month: Cleavers/Klettlabkraut, Galium aparine and Rhodiola/Rosenwurz, Rhodiola rosea as well as an introduction to adaptogens and lymphatics.. Join us on the path of the Modern Mystic where we aim to give power back to the people by taking charge of their health. (Deutsch) In der ersten Folge von Modern Mystic Radio stellen Tash (@avant.garden.life) & Phil (@power.plants.berlin),zwei HeilpraktikerInnen aus Berlin, ihre Arbeit, den Weg der modernen Mystik, traditionelle Kräuterkunde und alles rund um Gesundheit vor.  Das Thema des Monats: Frühlingsshooting und Bodenlosigkeit - mit persönlichen Anekdoten, Tipps & Tricks, um sich in unserer schnelllebigen Zeit zu erden und wieder mit der Natur in Verbindung zu kommen. Pflanzen des Monats: Klettlabkraut, Galium aparine und Rosenwurz, Rhodiola rosea sowie eine Einführung in Adaptogene und Lymphatik... Begleitet uns auf dem Weg des Modernen Mystikers, ein Weg der inneren Kraft und Selbstverantwortung.