Herb Mentor Radio

Herbalist and artisanal miso maker Gabe Garms joins us to chat about herbal misos, regenerative farming, and fermentation.  Before I met Gabe this past summer, I thought that miso could only be made with soybeans. Little did I know that miso can be made with ingredients like dandelion root, mushrooms, and even bacon. Gabe opened my eyes to the exciting world of herbal misos — including how incredibly nutrient-dense they are — and his creativity and vast knowledge of fermentation totally blew me away.Gabe Garms is the founder of Creative Koji, a Pacific Northwest-based company dedicated to crafting artisanal miso products using locally grown and sourced ingredients. Gabe draws on his background in permaculture and medicinal herbs to grow many of the ingredients for Creative Koji. He is passionate about fermented foods, natural medicine and teaching people how to grow their own medicinals/food within a permaculture system.  Our conversation with Gabe will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and embrace the many gifts of fermentation. In this episode, Gabe shares... How to easily start fermenting at home The medicinal gifts of miso How miso can supercharge your herbal allies How to nourish your gut microbiome and much more! Learn more about Gabe Garms and Creative Koji.   Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path.  Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

In recent years, turmeric (Curcuma longa) has exploded in popularity. Chances are your favorite coffeeshop might now even include a golden milk turmeric latte on the menu. Turmeric, however, is not just a fad: this vibrant herb is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy with centuries’ of use as a traditional remedy. Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of turmeric. And after learning these 3 benefits of turmeric, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like rosemary, catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

Lisa Fazio takes us on a journey through Italian-American folk herbalism, the healing power of food as medicine, and the medicinal properties of herbs like garlic, St. John’s wort, and olive. She shares her personal stories and ancestral wisdom, making this conversation a true gift for anyone passionate about herbal traditions. When we first came across Lisa’s new book, Della Medicina: The Tradition of Italian-American Folk Healing, we knew we had to invite her to the show. Her book is a beautiful collection of stories and deep connections to beloved plants such as garlic, St. John’s wort, olive, and more. We were especially excited to speak with Lisa because of our own Italian heritage and curiosity about ancestral traditions. However, the wisdom Lisa offers is relevant and deeply supportive, no matter where your roots lie. Her approach invites us all to reconnect with our ancestral medicines and understand how herbal practices have been passed down through generations. In this episode, Lisa Fazio talks about: Practical traditions for honoring ancestors The protective qualities of garlic Benedicaria and the spiritual uses of herbs The connections between Catholic saints and herbs The rich herbal traditions of Italy and how they’ve evolved for Italian Americans and so much more To learn more about Lisa Fazio and her work, visit The Root Circle.  Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path.  Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

With its familiar sweet and pungent taste, cinnamon is a common spice that makes an exceptionally tasty addition to every meal it graces. Cinnamon’s gifts go far beyond its flavor, however: in fact, herbalists know that cinnamon offers many healing gifts. Want to learn more about the gifts of cinnamon? Let’s dive into three key health benefits of cinnamon… Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of cinnamon. And after learning these 3 benefits of cinnamon, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like rosemary, catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

Chatting with Lucretia VanDyke for the first time ever immediately felt like catching up with a dear friend — we were totally transported and never wanted the conversation to end. Lucretia is a phenomenal storyteller who weaves her tales with reverence, humor, and thorough research. As one of the foremost experts on Southern folk healing arts, she integrate rituals, plant spirit meditation, holistic food and herbal medicine, and ancestor reverence into people's practices. She is the author of African American Herbalism: A Practical Guide to Healing Plants and Folk Traditions. In this episode, Lucretia shares... How to make your kitchen a sacred space for creativity Practical tips for for connecting with your ancestors Why poke changed her life and led her to New Orleans The important legacy of herbalist Emma Dupree and so much more! You can learn more about Lucretia VanDyke on her site. Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path. :) Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Rosemary is most popularly known as a tasty culinary herb. Indeed, rosemary’s aromatic leaves have a special place in many beloved dishes — adding a distinct, pungent taste. Herbalists know, though, that rosemary’s beneficial properties extend far beyond its flavor: this fragrant herb boasts many healing gifts. Want to learn more about the many gifts of rosemary? Let's dive into three key health benefits of rosemary… Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of rosemary. And after learning these 3 benefits of rosemary, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like rosemary, catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

Have you ever had one of those moments in life when suddenly everything change? There's a before this moment and an after this moment — and nothing will ever be the same. That's how Tara and I felt after meeting Asia Suler. Asia Suler is an herbalist and earth intuitive. She began her journey after began her journey after early years of chronic pain and illness. The experience— which pushed her into a deep search for healing, both within and without— led her to the altar of the green world. Chatting with Asia on HerbMentor Radio was deeply moving and opened our hearts to the power sensitivity and plant communication. I have a feeling you might have one of those life changing moments too when you listen to our conversation with Asia. In this episode, Asia shares... How to communicate with the plants that grow around you How to embrace the power of your sensitivity Grounding practices for sensitive souls in a chaotic world How motherhood has transformed her relationship to work and healing and so much more! You can learn more about Asia Suler and check out her work at https://asiasuler.com/. Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path. :) Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your herbal first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

I saw mullein (Verbascum spp.) growing all around me for years before I knew its name, let alone its many healing gifts. Now when I see mullein growing upwards of 7 feet tall by sidewalks and trailsides alike, I smile and say hi to this nourishing plant ally. Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of mullein. And after learning the benefits of mullein, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs... Well, here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

I have been waiting for years to get to dive deep into the Five Elements on HerbMentor Radio, so it was a special treat when Jiling Lin stopped by to chat with us about the principles of Five Elements. Jiling Lin is a Licensed Acupuncturist, herbalist, and artist. Her integrative medical practice in Ventura, CA and holistic workshops, retreats, and writings empower thriving health and environmental stewardship in our bodies, communities, and world. In our conversation with Jiling, she drew on her years of experience as an acupuncturist and herbalist to break down the Five Elements into simple terms. Her poetic approach left us feeling inspired and excited to learn more about the elements.   On the episode, Jiling shares... The fundamentals of the Five Elements How to live in harmony with the seasons How understanding the elements can make us better herbalists Herbs for summertime and so much more! You can learn more about Jiling Lin and check out her work at https://www.jilinglin.com/ Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path. :) Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your herbal first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

With its heart shaped leaves and fragrant flowers, linden (Tilia spp. and aka lime tree) is a beautiful tree often found on city blocks. While most people value linden trees for their beauty and shade, herbalists know that linden flowers also offer many healing gifts. Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of linden. And after learning these 3 benefits you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs... Well, here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

Christopher Hobbs is a world-renowned, fourth-generation herbalist, licensed acupuncturist, and mycologist with a passion for medicinal mushrooms. He’s also a prolific author, and his most recent book is Christopher Hobb’s Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide, which we highly recommend as a trusted resource on mushrooms. Though Tara and I are both pretty well-versed in the world of plants, neither of us are as familiar with mushrooms. So it was an extra special treat to get to sit down with Christopher and dive into all things fungi. In our conversation, Christopher draws on his decades of experience to share... His favorite mushrooms types for immune support How he works with reishi mushrooms Mushroom tips for beginners The benefits of lion's man mushrooms and so much more! You can learn more about Christopher Hobbs and check out his work here: https://christopherhobbs.com/  Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path. :) Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your herbal first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

When life gives you lemon balm, you're in luck! With its uplifting citrusy scent, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) certainly is a balm for the soul. Beloved by herbalists and pollinators alike, this abundant plants makes a wonderful addition to any herb garden. Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of lemon balm. And after learning these 3 benefits you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs... Here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more.  Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

John and Tara answer some hairy herbal questions today. Since LearningHerbs' began twenty years ago, we've gotten so many incredible questions about herbal medicine from our community, and we're excited to discuss a few of them today.  So sit back, brew up a relaxing cup of chamomile tea, and enjoy our deep dive into questions like... What herbs are good for hair growth? What else is chamomile tea good for? And what herbs should I plant together? In this episode we dive into the benefits of chamomile extracts (like chamomile tea and tincture), hair-strengthening herbs, and companion planting. Along the way, Tara shares about chamomile flowers' personality, how to make nourishing herbal infusions, and so much more. Plus, John shares why he loves making a chamomile steam — hint: the chamomile plant can be super helpful for a common cold symptom. PS... Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path. :) Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your herbal first aid kid with your Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Let's get to the heart of the matter, shall we? When it comes to hawthorn, the first thing herbalists tend to think about is the organ that pumps blood throughout our bodies: the heart. And while hawthorn can be a wonderful herbal ally for the heart, there's so much more to know about hawthorn's benefits beyond its affinity for the cardiovascular system.  Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of hawthorn. And after learning these 3 benefits you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs... Well, here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more.  Get our FREE Herb Notes Flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/  You’ll learn all about the medicinal properties of common herbs like elderberry, dandelion, and more.  

Spring is (finally) here! With this season of new growth and warmer days, comes the opportunity to connect with all the plants freshly sprouting up around us.In your neighborhood you might notice "weeds" like cleavers, chickweed, plantain, and dandelion. Or perhaps you're tending your own herb garden and getting to watch the seeds you planted transform into tiny but mighty seedlings.If you're ready to deepen your connection with the plants this season and learn how you can support your body throughout the season, you've come to the right place: in this episode of HerbMentor Radio, Tara and I are diving into herbs for springtime. In our conversation, we share... The best herbs to grow in an spring herb garden What herbs to forage for in springtime Our favorite herbs for spring allergies And so much more! PS... Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level?Sounds like it’s time to check out HerbMentor! HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path. :)   PPS... Get a special offer on HerbMentor in addition to your $1 trial right here:  https://HerbMentorRadio.com Build your herbal first aid kid with your Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

As one of the most popular herbal teas in the world, this calming herb has managed to find a special place in many of our hearts — and our supermarkets! Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a gentle herb that is most well known for soothing our nerves, but its gifts go far beyond nervous system support. Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of chamomile flowersAfter learning these 3 benefits you might be wondering how you can learn more about chamomile... Well, here’s the easy way to learn more about chamomile: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about chamomile plus 11 other common herbs like catnip, garlic, elderberry, and more. Get the FREE Herb Notes cards here: https://herbnotes.cards/

Maria Christodoulou had been living in New York City for years when she decided it was finally time to move to Greece and dive more fully into the wisdom and whimsy of ancient Greek herbal medicine. This journey took her to Athens where she currently offers educational tours and classes steeped in ancestral herbal medicine and mythology. In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, Maria weaves personal stories, science, and history together to offer us a beautiful peek into traditional and contemporary Greek herbalism practices. In our conversation, Maria shares... The medicinal uses of Greek arugula, calendula, and dwarf nettle The mythological and medicinal lore of bay laurel What surprised her the most about plant uses in Ancient Greece and so much more! You can learn more about Maria Christodoulou and check out her Greek Herbal Medicine Tours right here: https://www.thegreekherbalist.com/ PS... Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? Sounds like it’s time to check out HerbMentor! HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path. :) PPS... Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Build your herbal first aid kid with your Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Oh echinacea, how I love thee! This beautiful plant, also known as purple coneflower, not only supports pollinators with its abundant blooms but also offers many benefits for us humans too. Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea) is most well-known for helping to address colds and flu, but its gifts go far beyond internal immune support. Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of echinacea. And after learning these 3 benefits you might be wondering how you can learn more about echinacea.. Well, here’s the easy way to learn more about echinacea: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about echinacea, plus 11 other common herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get the FREE Herb Notes cards here: https://herbnotes.cards/

Anna Rósa Grasalæknir had been following the refugee crisis in Iraq for quite some time when she started to wonder, "Would the refugee women in these camps like to take herbal classes?" This question kickstarted a journey that took her from her native Iceland to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq where she taught classes on making ointments with local herbs. The classes were a hit, and she was able to partner with a local woman, Eman, to teach hundreds of women in the camps. These classes have now become the organization Helping Herbs, in which Anna Rósa draws on her thirty years of experience to teach women how to make herbal products. In our conversation with Anna Rósa, she shares... How she founded Helping Herbs Important lessons she's learned along the way How anyone can make a difference in their own community Her favorite herbs to work with and so much more! You can learn more about Anna Rósa Grasalæknir and check out Helping Herbs here: https://helpingherbs.org Plus, if you're interested in supporting Helping Herbs and also want to learn more about herbs yourself, you can take Anna Rósa's class "The Healing Power of Icelandic Herbs." All of the proceeds of this course support Helping Herbs, and by taking the course you'll learn all about powerful Icelandic herbs that may also grow near you — like yarrow and willow! Use the code learningherbs for 30% off the course, and click to check out "The Healing Power of Icelandic Herbs." PS... Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? Sounds like it’s time to check out HerbMentor! HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. Get a special offer on HerbMentor at: https://HerbMentorRadio.com Build your herbal first aid kid with your Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Elderberry (Sambucus cerulea, S. nigra, S. canadensis) boasts many benefits and is most well-known as a gentle immune-supporting, antiviral herb. The benefits of elderberries go way beyond its immune-bolstering properties, though. What's more, the flowers of elder also boast many healing gifts. Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of elder. And after learning these 3 benefits you might be wondering how you can learn more about elderberry... Well, here’s the easy way to learn more about elderberry: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about elderberry, plus 11 other common herbs like catnip, aloe, echinacea, and more.