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What if the medicine you need is already growing in your backyard? What if you could be the healer your community is waiting for?
The Herbalist’s Path is a podcast for herbalists, students of herbal medicine, and plant-loving practitioners who are ready to deepen their skills and confidence. Herbalism isn’t just about memorizing plants. It’s about understanding how and why they work, learning to think critically, and applying plant medicine thoughtfully with real people.
Hosted by clinical herbalist and educator Mel Mutterspaugh (Mountain Mel), this show blends traditional plant wisdom with modern clinical understanding, grounded in real-world experience and ethical community care.
You’ll hear solo episodes that break down herbal concepts in a clear, practical way, along with conversations with herbalists, educators, farmers, product makers, and healers who are actively shaping the future of herbal medicine. Together, we explore clinical reasoning, safety, formulation, sustainability, and what it really means to grow into the role of a community herbalist.
Because herbalism isn’t about perfection. It’s about practice, connection, and reclaiming healing knowledge that belongs to all of us.
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to serve as a healer in your community, subscribe and walk your herbal path with intention and confidence.
Learn more at theherbalistspath.com
159 Episodes
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You can study herbs for years, read all the books, memorize the properties… but none of it replaces working with real people. None of it builds your intuition the way practice does, and it definitely doesn't come from AI. If you've ever wondered whether herbs really work or doubted your abilities as an herbalist, this conversation with clinical herbalist Brittany Williams of Eudemonia Herbs is going to feel like a deep exhale. Brittany shares her 25-plus year journey and gets real about what ...
Have you ever felt like you're not quite herbalist enough? If so, you're not alone, and neither am I. In this episode, we're talking about imposter syndrome in the herbal world and sharing the very human side of growing as an herbalist. And yes, even after 25 years of studying, teaching, formulating, running a product line, and guiding thousands of people with plant medicine, that nasty imposter syndrome still gets me. You'll hear some beautiful moments from my students, the lessons my teache...
When healthcare becomes unaffordable, food insecurity rises, and communities are struggling, herbalists have a unique power to help. But how do you actually show up without burning out or giving everything away? In this episode, you'll discover simple, accessible ways to share plant medicine in your community—from free herb walks and sliding-scale care to medicine gardens and mutual aid kits. Whether you're a clinical herbalist or just getting started, you'll find practical ideas to make herb...
If your nervous system has been feeling fried lately — you’re not alone. In this episode of The Herbalist’s Path, I’m sharing the herbal allies that have truly carried me through this season of uncertainty and overwhelm. We’ll chat about my favorite adaptogens and nervines for calming anxiety, easing tension, rebuilding resilience, and supporting the immune system when stress takes over — including Linden, Tulsi, Milky Oats, and Ashwagandha. You’ll also hear a little peek into my summer in Or...
What happens when you grow up foraging mushrooms and picking wild berries in the forests of western Oregon? In this episode, I chat with clinical herbalist Logan Keister of Noti Botanica about his journey into bioregional herbalism, growing up in timber country, and the powerful role nature plays in healing. We talk about wildcrafting, teaching kids to connect with plants, and how herbalism can transform lives—from outdoor classrooms to clinical care. 🌲 Highlights include: 00:42 – Logan’s Ore...
When my daughter sprained her ankle during a softball game, I was grateful to have Comfrey growing in the garden and some Arnica oil stashed in the van. But as I reached for what I had on hand, I realized most of my oils were past their prime. This episode is a real-life story behind that moment, the herbs I turn to for sprains and strains, and why it’s time to restock my home apothecary. I also talk about what happens when we get excited about making herbal medicine—but don’t plan ahead for ...
Ever wonder what it really takes to grow potent, high-quality herbal medicine—from the ground up? In this inspiring conversation with Elise Higley of Oshala Farm, we explore the art, science, and soul of regenerative organic herb farming. We’ll talk about: How regenerative organic farming nurtures both plants and peopleThe behind-the-scenes process of growing, harvesting, drying, and testing herbsWhy sourcing herbs from small farms matters for your health—and the planetWhat it really takes to...
Is functional medicine really the answer for gut health? Or are we just trading one pill-for-every-ill model for another—this time with supplements? In this candid episode of The Herbalist’s Path, I’m joined by Dr. Nikki DiNezza—chiropractor, nutritionist, and self-proclaimed “gut microbiome queen.” Nikki shares her journey from chronic pain to gut healing, and how functional medicine helped... until it didn’t. We explore what functional medicine often gets wrong, the dark side of supplement-...
What if your herbal dabbling was never just dabbling… but the beginning of something much deeper? In this episode, I’m speaking to you—the mama, the maker, the plant-loving human who’s magically become the go-to herbalist in your world. From sleepy teas to fire cider, your remedies are working—and people are noticing. But what happens when the questions get bigger, and your confidence starts to wobble? Maybe it’s time to step into the role you’re already being called into. 🌸 You’ll hear: 00:4...
What if the plants around you are trying to talk to you—and all you need to do is trust yourself enough to listen? In this heart-centered episode of The Herbalist’s Path, I chat with Lauren Almquist of HeartSpace Herbals & Garden Design about the deeply personal and transformative journey of connecting with plants. From childhood rose water magic to calming the mind with Blue Vervain, Lauren shares her path and reminds us that you don’t have to “know it all” to be an herbalist—you just ha...
Herbalists don’t just treat symptoms—they listen, personalize, and heal at the root. In this episode, we explore what makes herbal medicine uniquely powerful compared to conventional healthcare. Mel shares why herbalists take the time to hear your whole story—offering individualized, compassionate care instead of one-size-fits-all fixes. You’ll hear how: Western medicine often masks symptoms with prescriptionsFunctional medicine can fall into “shotgun herbalism”Herbalists create truly persona...
🌿 What if the plants around you could completely transform your health and life? In this episode of The Herbalist’s Path, clinical herbalist Kay’aleya Hunnybee shares her 20-year journey with herbs, from her first transformative experiences with Tulsi tea in India to using plants to quit smoking and empowering women’s health with herbal wisdom. You’ll leave feeling inspired to deepen your connection with nature and confident in exploring how plants can enrich your well-being. 🎧 What’s in this...
Feeling overwhelmed by stress? Learn how to embrace the power of herbal remedies to support your body and mind during life’s toughest challenges. In this episode, we explore the stress-cortisol connection, the gut-brain axis, and lifestyle strategies that amplify the healing potential of herbs like lemon balm, chamomile, Tulsi, and ashwagandha. 📌 What You’ll Learn: 08:00 - The gut-brain connection 10:30 - How herbal remedies work alongside lifestyle changes14:00 - Top herbs for calming n...
Ready to embrace the power of plants with your family? In this episode of The Herbalist’s Path, I had the joy of chatting with Brittany Williams of Eudaimonia Herbs—a passionate clinical herbalist, educator, and all-around plant-loving mom. Together, we explore the transformative role of herbalism in empowering families, teaching kids how to care for their own health, and advocating for yourself in the healthcare system. Brittany shares her favorite family-friendly herbs, like chamomile, catn...
Holiday feasts are loaded with healing herbs that go far beyond just flavorful foods. In this episode of The Herbalist’s Path, I explore the incredible medicinal properties of the herbs we use during holiday celebrations. From sage’s soothing digestive powers to rosemary’s brain-boosting benefits and thyme’s respiratory support, these everyday culinary herbs hold amazing potential for your health. Whether you’re a curious home herbalist or dreaming of becoming a community healer, this episode...
Ever struggled to get your kids on board with herbal remedies? In this episode, I’m sharing three easy and delicious ways to make herbal medicine that your kids will actually enjoy! We’ll dive into making kid-approved herbal teas, yummy herbal honeys, and sweet glycerites—all designed to taste great while delivering powerful benefits. Learn why these forms of herbal medicine are kid favorites, the benefits of each, and how to get started making your own at home. Whether you’re new to he...
Ever wondered how a lifelong herbalist raises her family with nature’s medicine cabinet? Tune in for an inspiring chat with Elaine Sheff of Green Path Herb School! With over 30 years of herbal wisdom, Elaine dives into her journey, from raising kids with herbs to running a thriving herbal business. This episode is packed with down-to-earth advice on natural remedies, sustainable living, and the beauty of balancing parenthood and a career in herbalism. 03:11 How Elaine’s early life sparked he...
In this episode of The Herbalist’s Path, Dr. Linh Love shares her expertise in Chinese medicine and herbal healing. We dive into how emotional balance plays a crucial role in healing hormonal acne and improving overall well-being. Learn practical tips for using Chinese herbs, acupressure, and energy medicine to support skin health and mental wellness. Key topics: Healing hormonal acne with Chinese medicine, the link between emotions and physical health, and using acupressure and herbs for ski...
🌿Big changes are happening at The Herbalist’s Path, and I’m so excited to share them with you! This episode is all about the growth and transformation we’re experiencing—starting with our brand-new website, the creation of Naturally Healed: Kid Safe Herbal Remedies, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to announce the upcoming Community Herbalist Certification Program starting in January! (want in? Send a dm!) Join me as I take you behind the scenes and explain why these changes are happening and ...
Is your kiddo having a tough time focusing at school? You’re not alone! In this final episode of our 3-part series on herbs for back-to-school support, we’re focusing on brain-boosting herbs that can naturally enhance your child’s focus, memory, and overall clarity. 🌿 Whether your little one is navigating homeschool, public school, or somewhere in between, these herbal remedies can offer the support they need to thrive academically and stay focused. In case you missed it, we’ve already covere...
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