Ep. 126: Meghan Rhodes on Organoleptics and the Seven Tastes
Oct 4, 2023
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Herbalist Meghan Rhodes discusses the importance of taste in herbal medicine and the distinction between bitter and astringent herbs. They also explore the benefits of using herbs aligned with the seasons and the significance of building a relationship with plants and our bodies. Seeking support and second opinions for health issues is also emphasized.
Different herbal tastes trigger specific conversations in the body, leading to distinct physiological processes.
Cravings and aversions to certain tastes can provide insights into the body's needs and emotional states.
Developing a deep understanding of herbal tastes is crucial in herbal medicine for better understanding their effects on the body.
Deep dives
The journey to becoming an herbalist
Meghan Rhodes shares her personal journey of how she became an herbalist and educator. Initially, she didn't have an instinctual connection to plants, but her digestive issues led her to explore natural remedies. Through various practitioners, she discovered her passion for herbalism and eventually began training with renowned herbalist Annie McIntyre. Meghan's own healing journey and desire to teach others motivated her to focus on bringing herbal knowledge into the hands and homes of everyone.
The importance of taste in herbal medicine
Meghan emphasizes the role of taste in herbal medicine formulation. Each taste triggers a specific conversation in the body, leading to different physiological processes. Aromatic pungent tastes signal antimicrobial properties, while sour tastes provide nourishment and support heart and blood health. Bitter tastes are often associated with detoxification and liver support, and salty tastes are mineral-rich and diuretic. Meghan highlights the importance of taste in formulating herbal remedies and understanding the qualities and actions of plants based on their taste.
Listening to the body's cravings and aversions
Our cravings and aversions to certain tastes can provide insights into our body's needs. Sometimes, a strong desire for a specific taste indicates that the body requires the support and nourishment provided by that taste. Other times, cravings can be fueled by artificial and synthetic flavors that provide temporary satisfaction but lack nutritional value. Meghan encourages listening to genuine body messages and being aware of the distinction between instinctual cravings and manufactured preferences. She also discusses how cravings for certain tastes can indicate emotional needs, such as using food to numb emotions or provide comfort.
Understanding the Nuances of Herbal Tastes
Developing a deep understanding of herbal tastes is crucial in herbal medicine. Bitter, astringent, sour, and sweet are some of the main tastes to explore. Bitter herbs, such as burdock leaf, stimulate the liver, rev up digestive processes, and promote nutrient absorption. Astringent herbs tighten and tone tissues, like a leather water pouch, retaining moisture and promoting flexibility. Sour herbs, like berries, have a tart, puckering taste and often provide flavonoids and antiviral properties. Sweet herbs, especially roots, offer nourishment and grounding during colder months. By getting to know the taste of each herb, we can better understand their specific effects on the body.
Developing Palate and Building Relationships with Plants
To hone your ability to identify herbal tastes, you can work with a single taste at a time or focus on one herb. Experiment with bitter herbs, astringent plants, sweet remedies, or mucilaginous herbs, noting the taste and any other sensations they evoke in the mouth. Start slowly and build your palate over time. Recognizing the nuances of taste in herbs allows you to better determine which remedy will have the desired effect on your body. Developing a relationship with plants is also important. Treat it like building a new acquaintance, studying their tastes, and gradually deepening your understanding. This way, you can consult your body and work with plants to find balance and support.
Meghan Rhodes is a qualified herbalist who has helped over 80 people start living herbalism, making healthier, safer solutions for themselves and their families a reality. As the founder of Rhodes Roots & Remedies, she has written 10 course books, authored the books Easy Herbal Remedies for Infants and Slow-Infused Self-Care, as well as developed a unique four season sense-based herbalism course and journey, Awaken Herbal Wisdom. Meghan’s practice of herbalism is rooted in the belief that we must remember, reclaim and relearn our knowledge of our bodies, our autonomy and how to work with plant medicine in order to bring control of our own health back into our families and homes for a sustainable future for ourselves and the planet. Meghan is a member of both the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy and the Ayurvedic Professionals Association.
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