Alchemy is a philosophy and practice that can enhance herbalism. By re-integrating spirituality with science, you can unlock the full potential of herbal medicine. This involves understanding the practical alchemical framework, which focuses on preparing and administering herbal medicine with a holistic perspective.    By integrating the philosophy into your herbalism practice,you can achieve transformative healing for yourself and your community.   In today’s episode, you’ll learn:   ...

The science and spirit of herbalism are often taught separately. The problem with this approach is that they are two sides of the same leaf, and separating them leads to a fractured and incomplete understanding of herbalism. The alchemical philosophy unites them to generate a holistic perspective that can transform your herbalism practice into one that’s truly holistic.  In today’s episode, you’ll learn: About alchemy’s roots and how it led to the modern scientific system used today  How...

One of the most powerful ways you can potentiate your herbal remedies is through the integration of astrological techniques. Through combining the energetics and spirit of time into your medicine making, you can create the most potent and concentrated remedies possible.  In today’s episode, you’ll learn: The Western model for understanding the energetics and spirit of time Seven patterns for identifying the planetary ruler of an herb How to choose the best time day and time to harvest your...

The current healthcare system focuses on managing disease after it has occurred instead of preventing its onset.   Alternatively, holistic herbalism is a wellness-first approach that emphasizes disease prevention. Through it, you can effectively address disease potentials and correct imbalances to prevent their onset.    One of my favorite tools for this is the natal chart, which is a part of Astro-Herbalism. By shifting the focus from disease management to disease prevention, you can...

Elecampane has become one of my personal favorite respiratory remedies over the years, not just for its medicinal benefits for many of the common respiratory woes people face today, but as a choice restorative agent. Whether you make it into a tincture or enjoy the syrup, Elecampane is a remedy every herbalist should know.    In today’s episode, you’ll learn:   Elecampane’s pungent and aromatic taste and how it corresponds to its core respiratory properties Why this herb is a primo...

Hyssop is an ancient herb with biblical references and spiritual indications. This herb is also an important part of the Western Materia Medica. This combination of information from ancient sources and the modern scientific model lends a unique perspective on this plant and how you can use it in your herbalism practice.   In today’s episode, you’ll learn:   Hyssop’s ancient and biblical roots The medicinal properties of Hyssop’s aromatic bitter taste Hyssop’s unique application as a...

We’re in the slow quiet days of winter when the snow is deep and the plants are resting in the earth, the bees are clustered together staying warm in their hive, fed by the nectar and pollen that was gathered in the bright days of blooming flowers. As we’re celebrating the longest night of the year and the returning light, this Winter Solstice we’re gathering around the hearth sharing stories, myths and lore about the honeybee and the magical work she does to sustain life and make the world...

Evergreen trees are revered around the world for their medicinal properties, rich folklore, and uplifting symbolism. Although you might be familiar with these trees from your walks through the forest or the holiday seasons, this year you can take your knowledge to the next level by learning how to use them medicinally at home and for your loved ones.  In today’s episode, you’ll learn: How the aromatic, pungent, and sour tastes correspond to Evergreens’ herbal actions  The Evergreens'...

Mugwort is a plant famed for its effects on dreaming, but its medicinal properties and actions do so much more than that. With a distinct effect on the nervous, digestive, hepatobiliary, and reproductive systems, Mugwort navigates, regulates, and balances the highways that connect them all.   In today’s episode, you’ll discover:   Mugwort’s unique flavor profile and how this leads to its complex actions How Mugwort impacts the nervous, digestive, and reproductive systems  Why this is a...

All herbalists have one fear in common, and that’s accidentally causing harm to someone using herbs. However, the likelihood of this occurring is lower than you might think. By understanding the pathways in which herbs affect the body, you can practice with greater safety and confidence.  In today’s episode, you’ll learn: How herbs affect the body physiologically and energetically Safety practices for microdosing herbs  About the importance of follow-ups and receiving feedback Strategies...

The vitalist approach to healing is like an ecosystem, and herbalism is only one aspect of it. At its heart, vitalism is about living in accordance with nature. This means living harmoniously with it and learning to support your body’s natural intelligence through nutrition, hydration, rest, and other lifestyle habits. By understanding how vitalism extends into every corner of your life, you can make choices that energize you and fill you with vitality.    In today’s blog post, you’ll...

Blue Vervain is one of the most effective relaxant remedies in the Western Materia Medica. You can use Blue Vervain for a full spectrum approach to alleviating tension, whether that be psychological or a stiff neck. This herb acts as the conduit between your nervous and musculoskeletal systems, so you feel a sense of relief not only in the mind but in the body as well.  In today’s episode, you’ll learn:   The significance of the bitter and acrid tastes and their effects on the body...

Marshmallow’s Latin name is Althea, and its family name is Malvaceae. While Althea derives from the Greek altho and means to cure, Malvaceae is from the Greek word malake, which means soft. With these two simple words, you know almost everything about Marshmallow’s key signature and how its softening and moistening effects impact the body and mind.  In today’s episode, you’ll learn:   What Marshmallow tastes like and how this corresponds to its actions in the body Its unique...

Some client cases are straightforward, while others leave you scratching your head and unsure where to begin. If you have ever had a client with a myriad of symptoms, you might worry that you are giving them too many herbs, formulas, or are altogether overwhelming them.   Just because your client’s case is complicated does not mean your protocol needs to be. Through learning techniques for working through complex cases, you can make your herbal protocols as simple and effective as...

Chamomile is a familiar plant with an unmistakable scent and flavor. It is one of the most popularly used and loved herbs, and most folks have a box of it sitting in their cupboard.    Although sipping on some Chamomile tea at the end of the day is nice, its medicinal properties are complex, and there are different preparations you can make with it. By taking a deeper look into this plant, you can learn about the specific indications and unique properties that make this herb indispensable...

The urinary system is one of the main eliminatory pathways of the body. When it becomes blocked, detoxification is inhibited, and infections and kidney stones can occur.   The first step you need to take before taking herbal medicine is identifying the underlying tissue state of your unique condition. By doing so, you can select herbs with precision to alleviate painful symptoms while resolving the issue at its core.    In today’s episode, you’ll learn: The urinary system’s primary...

Motherwort, the “lion-hearted herb,” fills your heart with courage and soothes its inner wounds. This herb tends to the physical and emotional heart and is an indispensable part of the Materia medica. With its many uses and simple administration techniques, this herb is sure to become a favorite herb to support a healthy heart.    In this week’s episode, you’ll learn:   What Motherwort tastes like this and how this translates to its effects on the body This herb’s organ affinities,...

Your liver is responsible for metabolizing every waste product that your body produces, as well as everything you put into your body, good and bad. In this way, the liver is central to the health of the entire body, for it is a nutrient storehouse and makes sure everything stays pure and clean. When its functioning becomes affiliated, it can lead to a number of health concerns, both on the physical level and the psychological emotional levels. One of the most prevalent and disabling ones is...

Asia Suler is an herbalist, earth intuitive, and founder of One Willow Apothecary, where she shares educational content about healing and developing a connection with the living earth. She recently published a book called Mirrors of the Earth which posits that self-compassion is a form of ecological and global healing.    In this week’s episode you’ll learn about: Asia’s new book, Mirrors of the Earth, and how to apply its lessons to your life Different roots of trauma and methods for...

An effective herbal formula does not happen on its own. While you can combine a bunch of herbs and hope they work together, the results will often lack consistency and precision.  By integrating a methodology into your medicine-making practice, you gain the knowledge and skills you need to make dependably effective formulas every time.  In this week’s episode, you’ll learn: The main differences between Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine formulating approaches versus the Western method The...

Although the conventional approach to lowering cholesterol often includes medication, adopting a holistic perspective and taking a multifaceted approach can help you absolve the root of the problem and allay symptoms.   In today’s episode, you’ll learn: What cholesterol is and the roles it plays in the body How high cholesterol impacts health The conventional versus herbal approach to addressing high cholesterol Critical herbal categories and herbs for lowering cholesterol How to eat for...

Everyone experiences scrapes, cuts, and bruises at times. Therefore, everyone could benefit from an herbal first-aid kit at home. Simple and straightforward, herbal wound care is the best step to take if you’re new to herbalism, and always nice to refresh on if you’re advanced.  In today’s episode you’ll learn: The herbal approach to wound care The main herbal actions used in herbal wound care Specific herbs and their indications  When to use moistening or drying herbs  Why...

Low dosing and high dosing with herbal medicine are two practices as old as herbalism itself. So which one is better, and which should you use in your practice? As you will see, there are unique benefits attributed to both, as well as circumstances where one may be favored over the other. In this week's episode you'll learn: -Low dosing and high dosing are two valid and well practiced methods in herbalism. -Low dosing focuses on subtly shifting the vital body by using 1-3 drops of herbal...

As an herbalist, facing a condition you’ve never heard of is a rite of passage. However, how you respond is up to you. There’s a universal method you can employ when treating all conditions- familiar or ones you’ve never heard of. By using postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) to illustrate this method, you’ll learn:  How to approach a condition you've never heard of What the six tissue states are and how they express themselves in disease Which herbs alleviate the various...

Licorice is likely one of the most commonly used herbs across the world because it has such a wide range of effects and ways it can be used. Despite its popularity, there are contraindications that are often overlooked. This herb can increase blood pressure in both healthy and vulnerable populations. However, by understanding its effects on the cardiovascular system and how to use it safely, you can use this herb confidently in your herbal practice.  In today’s episode, you’ll learn about: ...