963: Childhood Curiosity to Herbal Mastery: With Kimberly Kling

A Journey in Holistic Wellness

In This Podcast: Clinical herbalist Kimberly Kling returns to discuss regenerative health in a highly toxic modern world. Drawing from personal experience, clinical practice, and ecological awareness, she explains how petrochemicals, industrial agriculture, and environmental toxins disrupt human health—especially the gut microbiome, mitochondria, and detox pathways. The conversation moves from root causes to practical, accessible steps people can take, including food choices, herbs, lifestyle shifts, and community action. Throughout, the focus remains on empowerment, resilience, and reconnecting with plant wisdom rather than fear.

Our Guest: Kimberly is a clinical herbalist and the guiding force behind joyful roots in Southern Arizona where she helps her community locally and beyond cultivate inner wellness through earth centered herbal care, rooted in a deep reverence for the healing power of plants. Kimberly's journey began in childhood, crafting magical plant stews and foraging connections with Michigan's native flora. Her background in landscape architecture and engineering provided a foundation for understanding the intricate relationships between plants, people, and the land. However, it was motherhood and a personal health crisis that led to her clinical herbalism deepening her passion for holistic wellness. Now, Kimberly integrates traditional wisdom with modern herbal practices, empowering others to reconnect with plant wisdom for vibrant health and wellbeing.

Medical Disclaimer: In today's episode we are talking about our health. The information provided in this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We are not medical doctors and no medical doctor/patient relationship is formed. Always seek advice from your qualified medical doctor regarding questions you may have about your medical condition.

Key Topics & Entities

1. Kimberly Kling
2. Joyful Roots
3. Clinical herbalism
4. Environmental toxins
5. Petrochemicals
6. Haber-Bosch Process
7. Glyphosate, Diquat, Paraquat
8. Gut microbiome
9. Mitochondrial health
10. Autoimmune illness (lupus)
11. Antioxidants
12. Liver detoxification
13. Regenerative agriculture
14. Food forests

Key Questions Answered

Why are modern humans experiencing chronic illness earlier than previous generations?

Because exposure to synthetic chemicals, petrochemicals, pesticides, plastics, and food additives has rapidly increased over the last ~150 years, overwhelming biological systems that evolved alongside natural substances.

How do pesticides and herbicides affect the body if they’re “safe for humans”?

They often harm microbial cells rather than human cells directly, disrupting the gut microbiome, increasing oxidative stress, damaging mitochondria, and contributing to inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, and chronic disease.

What role does the microbiome play in detoxification and health?

Humans host more microbial cells than human cells, with vastly more genetic material; toxins that disrupt these microbes can cascade into immune dysfunction, autoimmunity, and neurological issues.

What personal steps can people take without becoming overwhelmed?

Start small: filter water, improve indoor air quality, reduce chemical cleaners, prioritize rest and sleep, and make gradual food upgrades rather than trying to change everything at once.

How can food and herbs support detox and mitochondrial health?

Antioxidant-rich foods and herbs reduce oxidative stress, while fiber, minerals, and liver-supportive plants help the body process and eliminate toxins more effectively.

Which foods are most important to buy organic?

Grains like wheat and oats, which are commonly sprayed with glyphosate as a desiccant, along with legumes such as garbanzo beans.

Why are bitter and “weedy” plants like dandelion so valuable?

They support liver function, digestion, detoxification, pollinators, and biodiversity—demonstrating how cultural perceptions often obscure ecological and medicinal value.

What does working with a clinical herbalist look like?

A deep intake, personalized care plan, herbal and lifestyle guidance, and follow-up sessions that address the whole person across multiple roots of wellness.

Episode Highlights

1. Environmental toxicity has accelerated dramatically since the mid-1800s with synthetic chemicals and industrial agriculture.
2. Most toxin exposure is cumulative and synergistic, not acute, quietly stressing the body over decades.
3. Mitochondrial damage links toxins to fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, and chronic illness.
4. Antioxidants from colorful plants and herbs are a frontline defense against oxidative stress.
5. Soluble fiber and mucilaginous plants may help bind and eliminate toxins and microplastics.
6. Liver-supportive foods like beets, dandelion, milk thistle, and burdock are foundational to detox.
7. Small, consistent lifestyle changes matter more than perfection or fear-based responses.

Calls to Action & Resources

1. Joyful Roots — https://www.joyfulroots.com
2. Work with Kimberly — https://www.joyfulroots.com
3. Remedy & Rhyme Podcast — Available on all podcast platforms
4. YUKA App — Food and product ingredient scanner

Visit UrbanFarm.org/JoyfulRoots for the show notes and links on this episode!

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