Herb Mentor Radio

We begin this episode with the heartbreaking news that our beloved HerbMentor Radio co-host, John Gallagher, passed away in June. John was a visionary who dedicated his life to helping people connect with nature. He believed in making herbal learning accessible, creative, and empowering—and he touched countless lives through his work. We will honor John and his life's work by keeping LearningHerbs and HerbMentor up and running. As we do, John's spirit and values will remain at the heart of LearningHerbs. Prior to John's passing, we recorded this interview with Rebecca Fils-Aime. Rebecca pairs beautiful herbal stories with her background in public health to bring a holistic perspective to studying plants. We know John would have loved this interview, and we are honored to share this episode with you as we continue John's legacy of accessible herbal learning. Rebecca is a community herbalist, socio-behavioral scientist, and a certified health and wellness coach. Her mission is to educate about plants that originate in or are commonly used across the African diaspora. She has a passion for using herbs in food as medicine, seasonal living, and accessible, bioregional herbalism. In our conversation, Rebecca shares... How to practice bioregional herbalism How to work with hibiscus for skin care The gifts of lemongrass Herbs and rituals for summertime And so much more! You can learn more about Rebecca Fils-Aime here.   Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure. Courses, trusted resources and a supportive community. HerbMentor is a trusted herbal learning space that grows with you. You can try HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path.  Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

In this discussion, Rosemary Gladstar, a pioneer in modern herbalism with over 40 years of experience, shares captivating insights from her latest book, *The Generosity of Plants*. She talks about her grandmother's influence and the treasure trove of herbal wisdom. Rosemary emphasizes the importance of community in herbalism and ecological stewardship, urging listeners to foster connections with nature. She highlights herbal education's joys and the transformative power of plants, encouraging a deeper relationship beyond mere remedies.

St. John's wort's Latin name is Hypericum perforatum—named for the hypericin content in the plant's flowers and the tiny perforations in the leaves. These hypericin-rich flowers offer many healing gifts. Want to learn more about the gifts of St. John's wort?  Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of St. John's wort. And after learning these 3 benefits of St. John's wort, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

Rosalee de la Forêt is a clinical herbalist and author known for her work in herbal energetics. In this engaging discussion, she unpacks the complexities of inflammation, revealing its role as both a healer and a potential harm. Rosalee shares her go-to herbs like turmeric and calendula for managing chronic inflammation, emphasizing a holistic approach that intertwines diet, stress management, and lifestyle changes. Her insights make herbal remedies accessible and relevant, encouraging a joyful, personalized journey into healing.

Let’s stop and smell the roses, shall we? Known for their luxurious scent and heartwarming blooms, rose petals (Rosa spp.) are a balm for the soul. Beyond the beauty of their flowers, roses offer many healing gifts. Want to learn more about roses?  Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of rose petals. And after learning these 3 benefits of rose, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

Tesia Love, a clinical Ayurvedic specialist and herbalist, shares her expertise on the ancient practice of Ayurveda. She discusses the foundational principles of this holistic healing system, emphasizing the importance of understanding doshas and personal health routines. Tesia offers insights into her favorite herbs for stress relief and provides practical tips for achieving balance in the body. She also highlights the significance of community learning in the Ayurvedic journey, making this traditional practice accessible and engaging for all.

With their heart-shaped leaves and beautiful flowers, violets (Viola odorata) are a delight for the heart and soul. Beyond their charming looks, violets also offer many healing gifts.  Want to learn more about the gifts of violet?  Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of violet. And after learning these 3 benefits of violet, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

Rita Hogan is a clinical herbalist with over 20 years of experience specializing in holistic canine care. She blends Western herbalism, food energetics, homeopathy, and natural therapies to support dogs’ health naturally. Growing up on a farm, she learned the power of plants from her father, which sparked a lifelong passion for herbal medicine and led to her work as a consultant, educator, and author. Her new book, The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice, provides practical guidance on natural canine care. In this episode, Rita shares: Simple ways to bolster your dog’s nutrition  Her go-to gentle herbs for common canine ailments  How to easily give herbs to even the most stubborn pups The key differences and similarities between herbal care for dogs and humans and so much more! Learn more about Rita Hogan at canineherbalist.com. Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path.  Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Chickweed (Stellaria media) is often one of the first signs of spring: this springtime green sprouts up as temperatures increase, beckoning us all to celebrate the arrival of the new season.  Often dismissed as a "common weed," the chickweed plant's growth comes at just the right time—it offers many healing gifts that can support our bodies during the transition from winter to spring. Want to learn more about the gifts of chickweed?  Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of chickweed. And after learning these 3 benefits of chickweed, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

EagleSong Gardener is an EarthKeeper, a grandmother, and a lifelong adventurer, with over 50 years of experience homesteading, practicing herbal medicine, and teaching. Her unique approach is grounded in observing the rhythms of nature and understanding how life weaves its patterns through the seasons. She inspires others to connect with the earth in practical and meaningful ways. EagleSong wasn’t just my first herbal mentor—she’s been the most influential in shaping my journey with plants. Her guidance laid the foundation for what would eventually become LearningHerbs, which is why we’re celebrating our 20th Anniversary with this episode. Today, we’re exploring hawthorn, a remarkable plant known for its profound support of the heart—physically, emotionally, and energetically. Here’s what we explore: Hawthorn’s gifts to the heart—its medicinal and emotional benefits, plus how to use it in daily life. Seasonal practices and plant rituals—how tuning into nature’s cycles helps us build stronger connections with the plants around us. Humans as keystone species—what this means for the health of our ecosystems and how we can play our part. Stories and insights from decades of herbal practice—EagleSong shares practical wisdom and inspiring reflections that will deepen your connection with the natural world. You can learn more about EagleSong Gardener and check out her incredible offerings right here: https://www.eaglesong-gardener.com   Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path.  Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards