Getting Personal with Plant Medicine

Welcome to the fascinating world of plant medicine with your hosts, Diana and JR. In this seedling episode of 'Getting Personal with Plant Medicine', we dive into the wonders of the Turkey Tail mushroom. You'll discover how these intriguing fungi, often found on trees during your nature walks, can enhance your gut health, boost your immune system, and improve respiratory wellness. Join us as we share personal anecdotes about managing asthma and Crohn's disease with the anti-inflammatory prowess of Turkey Tail. Learn about the holistic approach to stress relief and how this remarkable mushroom can contribute to sustainable wellness. We'll guide you through practical tips for adding Turkey Tail to your health regimen, without replacing essential medications, highlighting its potential in improving the quality of life, particularly for those undergoing chemotherapy. Embrace a world where plant-based supplements coexist with modern medicine and discover how Turkey Tail can be a valuable asset in your wellness toolkit. Subscribe to our Substack for updates

Join Diana and Frankie Greenthumbs as they delve into the world of indoor plant cultivation. In this episode, they discuss the joys and challenges of nurturing your leafy companions, sharing tips and secrets for successful plant care. Whether it's understanding the balance of light and water or choosing the right soil, Diana and Frankie guide you through the essentials of growing vibrant and healthy plants at home. Through an engaging conversation, they explore the nuances of feeding your plants, the importance of soil health, and the role of light in plant growth. Perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike, this episode offers expert insights and practical advice to elevate your plant parenting skills. Subscribe to our Substack for updates

In this special seedling episode (shorter explorations of certain plants) of Getting Personal with Plant Medicine, join hosts Diana and JR as they dive into the world of kombucha. Explore the fascinating journey of brewing kombucha at home, with insights into the importance of black tea selection and the quirky nature of SCOBY hotels. Discover the health benefits of kombucha, from gut health to mental clarity, as Diana shares her personal experiences with this fermented beverage.  Subscribe to our Substack for updates

Welcome to another episode of "Getting Personal with Plant Medicine." In this episode, host Diana sits down with Emilia Rizzuto, founder of All Things Elderberry, to delve into the healing wonders of the elderberry plant. Emilia shares her personal journey of battling with Crohn's disease and how elderberry became a pivotal part of her treatment, leading her to create a line of natural products. Discover the various applications of elderberry beyond just syrup, as Emelia explains how the entire plant can be harnessed for its medicinal benefits.   Subscribe to our Substack for updates

Welcome to another seedling episode hosted by Diana and co-host JR. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of Reishi, also known as Ganoderma, a powerhouse in plant medicine often deemed the "mushroom of immortality." Discover how these incredible fungi can boost immunity, improve energy, and provide a calming effect without dissociation, offering a balanced and holistic alternative to Western medicine. Join us as we share personal experiences with Reishi tea, highlighting its immediate impact on health and well-being, from reducing the duration of colds to enhancing relaxation and appreciation. Learn about the historical significance of Reishi, its potential benefits for heart health, immune function, and its adaptogenic properties, making it a versatile component in holistic health practices. With practical insights and a community-driven approach, this episode brings you closer to understanding the personal and transformative effects of Reishi. Subscribe to our Substack for updates

Dive into the mesmerizing world of plant medicine as Diana hosts Christian Rasmussen from Minnesota Nice Ethnobotanicals. This episode explores the captivating properties and personal stories surrounding Blue Lotus—an ancient and revered plant. Discover its spiritual applications, the journey of personal healing it offers, and its potential as an aphrodisiac. Blue Lotus can also enhance meditation, spiritual practices, and daily connections, offering a heart-opening, profound experience.   Subscribe to our Substack for updates

In this episode with Frankie Greenthumbs, listeners are taken on a journey through the intricate world of cannabis cloning. The discussion highlights the challenges and breakthroughs in the cultivation process, offering insights into the innovative techniques used to enhance plant growth. With a focus on both the scientific and personal experiences of those involved, the episode sheds light on the evolving landscape of cannabis cultivation, making it accessible and engaging for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.   Subscribe to our Substack for updates

For our first "seedling" episode, we do a quick exploration of the Stamets Stack, and why it works well for some.  Chapters: (00:00) Getting Personal With Plant Medicine This chapter introduces our new "seedling episodes" format, where we explore plant medicine concepts in short, focused segments. Today, we examine the concept of "stacking" in plant medicine, specifically with psilocybin microdosing. We clarify the differences between two popular microdosing protocols: the Stamets Stack and the PhenomenSys Protocol. The PhenomenSys involves dosing every three days to manage tolerance levels, while the Stamets method consists of four days of dosing followed by a three-day break, allowing for a more consistent weekly schedule. We highlight how stacking isn't exclusive to psilocybin or psychedelics but can be applied to various plant medicines. Throughout, we share insights on the therapeutic benefits of microdosing without the psychedelic effects, emphasizing the importance of choosing a protocol that suits individual needs. (05:03) Optimizing Plant Medicine Stacking This chapter explores the practice of combining lion's mane, niacin, and psilocybin to enhance cognitive function and mental well-being. We examine the role of niacin, emphasizing the flushing effect that aids in the distribution of psilocybin and lion's mane throughout the body. Although some individuals are sensitive to niacin, experiencing tingling sensations, this reaction often subsides over time. The chapter also highlights the concept of the "stacking method," likening it to the synergistic power of the Megazord, which enhances the benefits of psilocybin and lion's mane together. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of understanding the effects of psilocybin alone before introducing lion's mane, to establish a baseline and determine its unique impact. Finally, we note the cognitive benefits attributed to lion's mane, also known as the "intelligence mushroom," and the importance of tolerance breaks to prevent excessive intake.   Subscribe to our Substack for updates

In this enlightening episode, host Diana engages in a heartfelt conversation with Christopher Deaney of Christopher's Organic Botanicals. The discussion explores the transformative power of kratom as a natural remedy for chronic pain and an alternative to opioids. Christopher shares his personal journey, which began in 2015, when he discovered kratom's calming properties and natural benefits over pharmaceuticals. Together, Diana and Christopher delve into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the kratom market, emphasizing the pressing need for regulation and transparency to ensure consumer safety. They also discuss the potential of kratom to aid individuals overcoming significant life challenges, highlighting its ability to dispel myths and misinformation. With captivating personal stories and a focus on education, this episode is a compelling exploration of kratom's impact and the broader acceptance of plant medicine. Whether you're curious about kratom or seeking natural alternatives for pain management, this episode offers valuable insights and heartfelt discussions.     (00:00) Christopher's Journey With Kratom (13:16) Navigating Kratom Usage and Regulations (23:30) Kratom Subscribe to our Substack for updates

In this episode, host Diana explores alcohol-free social spaces with Nick Patrick, founder of Root City Kava Lounge, Maryland's first kava bar. Nick became an advocate for plant-based nightlife after discovering kava. The episode highlights the sober curiosity movement among millennials seeking connections without alcohol's effects. Nick recounts how his experience with kava and kratom inspired the Velvet Curtain, a speakeasy that grew into Root City Kava Lounge. The discussion addresses the benefits and misconceptions of kava and kratom, stressing responsible use and consumer education. Nick emphasizes community building through non-alcoholic drinks and the authentic interactions kava bars offer. He plans to expand Root City Kava into Baltimore, aiming to create spaces for nightlife that can be enjoyable without alcohol.  Subscribe to our Substack for updates

In this episode, host Diana is joined by Frankie GreenThumbs. Frankie, a seasoned grower and owner of a unique cannabis grow shop, shares his passion for creating an inclusive and supportive community for home growers, especially those in Maryland. The episode reveals how to transform a growing space into a thriving haven for cannabis, avoiding the common pitfalls of misleading grow shop advice. Frankie offers valuable insights on overcoming challenges like landlord restrictions and soil complexities and emphasizes the benefits of starting with clones. The audience also explores the exciting process of phenohunting for optimal genetics, ensuring a bountiful harvest. Whether someone is new to growing or an experienced cultivator, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and success stories from the burgeoning cannabis scene. It encourages embracing the autonomy and satisfaction of cultivating one's own plant medicine and highlights how it can lead to significant cost savings and superior quality compared to dispensary options. The episode offers an engaging and empowering conversation that will inspire individual growing journeys. Subscribe to our Substack for updates

In this episode, hosts Diana and JR take listeners on a candid and humorous journey through their experiences with plant medicine. As they wrap up Season 3, the duo reflects on their often chaotic but enlightening adventures with kombucha, kava, cannabis, and psilocybin mushrooms. They share laugh-out-loud tales of kitchen explosions, moldy surprises, and unforgettable kava bar incidents, emphasizing the importance of learning from necessary failures. Listeners are treated to personal anecdotes about managing chronic illnesses like Crohn's disease with kombucha, navigating the challenges of cannabis tolerance, and understanding the significance of terpenes. The episode also dives into the emotional rollercoaster of psilocybin experiences, highlighting a near-breakup that ultimately deepened their relationship. As they look ahead to Season 4, Diana and JR are excited to explore situational applications of plant medicine, encouraging community involvement and inviting listeners to share their stories. The new season promises more frequent episodes, engaging content on their Substack, and a continuation of the popular "plant of the month" feature. Join Diana and JR for a heartfelt and humorous exploration of plant medicine that underscores the importance of patience, personal growth, and community in this ever-evolving journey. Important links: Listeners can get 20% off their first order at Psily Rabbit Medicinals using code YOURHIGHNESS. Use YOURHIGHNESS at checkout for 15% off your order Sprig. Subscribe to our Substack for updates

Before the holiday rush, take a minute to check in with yourself and accentuate your day with some plants and meditation! Diana and JR talk about the importance of taking a holistic approach to your plant medicine practice. They talk about binaural beats, frequencies, and meditation, and how these intersect with plant medicine. There is also a bonus sound bath sample at the end from Bridgette Jester of Crown Creator Studios, which listeners can use to start or continue their meditative practice.  Important links:  Use Code YOUR HIGHNESS FOR 20% off your first order at Psily Rabbit Medicinals  Subscribe to our Substack for updates

In this episode, host Diana Krach teams up with JR, her co-host from Your Highness Podcast, to delve into the delightful debate of whether to pronounce it "herb" or "erb." The duo kicks off with some housekeeping updates, highlighting the buzz around a glowing review by Frank Racioppi on his Substack, Earworthy. They also share why their own Substack is a treasure trove for plant medicine enthusiasts, offering not just podcast episodes but also insightful articles, guest posts, and detailed herb profiles. As they navigate through listener feedback, Diana and JR express gratitude for the community's input, which continuously shapes their content. Amidst amusing debates and personal anecdotes, they discuss various herbs they are growing, such as mugwort, sage, catnip, and echinacea, along with their benefits and uses. Important links: Your Highness Media Substack Spendr Subscribe to our Substack for updates

In this episode, Diana Krach and her husband JR embark on a deep dive into the world of kava, a traditional plant medicine from the South Pacific Islands. The couple shares their personal journey with kava, which began at a kava bar in Florida, and discuss its unique properties, such as its ability to induce relaxation without impairing cognitive function and its non-addictive nature due to reverse tolerance. They also highlight the growing popularity of kava in the United States, marked by the exciting opening of a new kava bar in Baltimore. Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of mixing kava with other substances like kratom and alcohol. The hosts emphasize the distinct purposes of kava and kratom and caution against combining them due to differing effects and potential health risks. They also warn against the serious dangers of pairing kava with alcohol, which can strain the liver.  The episode offers practical advice on safe kava consumption, including choosing easily processed forms, staying hydrated, and maintaining good skincare routines to mitigate any adverse effects like dry skin. The hosts also explore unconventional uses of kava, such as for acne treatment, while stressing the importance of responsible use. Check out and subscribe to our Your Highness Media Substack.  Subscribe to our Substack for updates