Our Food Is Our Medicine

4 snips

Apr 22, 2025

Explore the healing powers of wild spring greens like nettles and dandelion as they awaken and fortify our bodies. Discover sustainable harvesting techniques and culinary tips that harmonize with nature. Delve into the rich connection between food and culture, emphasizing the idea that our food acts as medicine. Through storytelling and community voices, this conversation highlights traditional practices that nourish both individuals and communities, encouraging a deeper connection to the seasonal bounty.

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INSIGHT

Nettles as Potent Spring Medicine

Nettles are early spring medicine that help detoxify the body and restore stamina.
Their high mineral content supports blood production and aids seasonal allergy relief with quercetin.

ADVICE

Mindful Harvesting Practices

Harvest nettles mindfully by taking only about 20% and leaving the plant healthy.
Make offerings and leave the place better to honor the plant's life and intent.

INSIGHT

Dandelions as Healing Wild Greens

Dandelion greens are powerful wild spring medicine despite being a transplanted weed.
They improve soil health and provide bitter flavors that activate digestive processes.

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In our debut episode, Our Food Is Our Medicine, Valerie Segrest, a Native nutritionist, food advocate, and member of the Muckleshoot Tribe, invites you to the Old Growth Table — a place to remember, reconnect, and root ourselves in ancestral Indigenous foodways.

We begin with learning about our wild spring greens relatives — young stinging nettles and tender dandelion greens — as we explore how these early plants help us awaken from winter and fortify our bodies, minds, and spirits for the seasons ahead. Through stories, teachings, and community voices, Valerie guides us in understanding how food is not just sustenance — it’s medicine, ceremony, and a bridge to our culture and traditions.

In the spirit of community, Valerie also welcomes two powerful voices in Indigenous food sovereignty—Mariah Gladstone of Indigikitchen and Sean Sherman, author of The Sioux Chef—who call in to reflect on the concept: Our food is our medicine.

🌿 Welcome to The Old Growth Table. We’re so glad you’re here. Let’s listen, gather, and nourish

Please support the work of our amazing guests:

Mariah Gladstone – Founder of Indigikitchen on at www.indigikitchen.com/ and on Instagram at @indigikitchen
Sean Sherman – Chef, author of The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen, at https://seansherman.com/ and on Instagram at @siouxchef

Help us grow The Old Growth Table by subscribing, rating, and sharing:
🔗 oldgrowthtable.com
🎧 Listen and follow wherever you get your podcasts
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @oldgrowthtable
💌 Share with your community — and let us know how you’re (re)connecting to ancestral foods

We are so thankful to be in collaboration with the team at All My Relations, and to be produced in their new home, Tidelands Studio in downtown Seattle. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who made this show possible!

We are so grateful to be in collaboration with the team at All My Relations, and to be produced in their new home, Tidelands in downtown Seattle. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who made this show possible! T’igwicid!