

Herb Mentor Radio
LearningHerbs.com
Welcome to Herb Mentor Radio, your go-to herbal podcast for exploring the transformative world of herbs and herbal medicine, brought to you by LearningHerbs. Join host Tara Ruth as she interviews herbalists, sharing inspiring stories, practical tips, and time-tested wisdom. Discover how herbs can enhance your health, enrich your meals, and support your everyday life. Whether you’re a beginner to herbal education, curious about natural remedies, or an experienced herbalist seeking fresh insights, each episode is packed with actionable advice to help you unlock the healing power of plants.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2024 • 3min
Herb Notes: Mullein’s Miracles - From Dry Coughs to Ear Aches
I saw mullein (Verbascum spp.) growing all around me for years before I knew its name, let alone its many healing gifts. Now when I see mullein growing upwards of 7 feet tall by sidewalks and trailsides alike, I smile and say hi to this nourishing plant ally.
Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of mullein.
And after learning the benefits of mullein, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs... Well, 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/.

Jul 14, 2024 • 1h 4min
Jiling Lin: Understanding the Five Elements
I have been waiting for years to get to dive deep into the Five Elements on HerbMentor Radio, so it was a special treat when Jiling Lin stopped by to chat with us about the principles of Five Elements.
Jiling Lin is a Licensed Acupuncturist, herbalist, and artist. Her integrative medical practice in Ventura, CA and holistic workshops, retreats, and writings empower thriving health and environmental stewardship in our bodies, communities, and world.
In our conversation with Jiling, she drew on her years of experience as an acupuncturist and herbalist to break down the Five Elements into simple terms. Her poetic approach left us feeling inspired and excited to learn more about the elements.
On the episode, Jiling shares...
The fundamentals of the Five Elements
How to live in harmony with the seasons
How understanding the elements can make us better herbalists
Herbs for summertime and so much more!
You can learn more about Jiling Lin and check out her work at https://www.jilinglin.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 herbal first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Jun 30, 2024 • 3min
Herb Notes: The Benefits of Linden
With its heart shaped leaves and fragrant flowers, linden (Tilia spp. and aka lime tree) is a beautiful tree often found on city blocks. While most people value linden trees for their beauty and shade, herbalists know that linden flowers also offer many healing gifts.
Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of linden.
And after learning these 3 benefits you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs... Well, 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/.

Jun 23, 2024 • 53min
Christopher Hobbs: Demystifying Medicinal Mushrooms
Christopher Hobbs is a world-renowned, fourth-generation herbalist, licensed acupuncturist, and mycologist with a passion for medicinal mushrooms. He’s also a prolific author, and his most recent book is Christopher Hobb’s Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide, which we highly recommend as a trusted resource on mushrooms.
Though Tara and I are both pretty well-versed in the world of plants, neither of us are as familiar with mushrooms. So it was an extra special treat to get to sit down with Christopher and dive into all things fungi.
In our conversation, Christopher draws on his decades of experience to share...
His favorite mushrooms types for immune support
How he works with reishi mushrooms
Mushroom tips for beginners
The benefits of lion's man mushrooms and so much more!
You can learn more about Christopher Hobbs and check out his work here: https://christopherhobbs.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 herbal first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Jun 2, 2024 • 2min
Herb Notes: Lemon Balm—Real Aroma-Therapy and Essential Benefits
When life gives you lemon balm, you're in luck! With its uplifting citrusy scent, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) certainly is a balm for the soul. Beloved by herbalists and pollinators alike, this abundant plants makes a wonderful addition to any herb garden.
Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of lemon balm.
And after learning these 3 benefits 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/.

May 12, 2024 • 46min
Chamomile, Herbs for Hair Growth, and Garden Companion Planting
John and Tara answer some hairy herbal questions today. Since LearningHerbs' began twenty years ago, we've gotten so many incredible questions about herbal medicine from our community, and we're excited to discuss a few of them today.
So sit back, brew up a relaxing cup of chamomile tea, and enjoy our deep dive into questions like...
What herbs are good for hair growth?
What else is chamomile tea good for?
And what herbs should I plant together?
In this episode we dive into the benefits of chamomile extracts (like chamomile tea and tincture), hair-strengthening herbs, and companion planting. Along the way, Tara shares about chamomile flowers' personality, how to make nourishing herbal infusions, and so much more.
Plus, John shares why he loves making a chamomile steam — hint: the chamomile plant can be super helpful for a common cold symptom.
PS...
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 herbal first aid kid with your Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

May 4, 2024 • 2min
Herb Notes: The Heart of Hawthorn
Let's get to the heart of the matter, shall we? When it comes to hawthorn, the first thing herbalists tend to think about is the organ that pumps blood throughout our bodies: the heart. And while hawthorn can be a wonderful herbal ally for the heart, there's so much more to know about hawthorn's benefits beyond its affinity for the cardiovascular system.
Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of hawthorn.
And after learning these 3 benefits you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs...
Well, 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 our FREE Herb Notes Flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/
You’ll learn all about the medicinal properties of common herbs like elderberry, dandelion, and more.

Apr 13, 2024 • 1h 8min
John & Tara: Herbs for Spring
Spring is (finally) here! With this season of new growth and warmer days, comes the opportunity to connect with all the plants freshly sprouting up around us.In your neighborhood you might notice "weeds" like cleavers, chickweed, plantain, and dandelion. Or perhaps you're tending your own herb garden and getting to watch the seeds you planted transform into tiny but mighty seedlings.If you're ready to deepen your connection with the plants this season and learn how you can support your body throughout the season, you've come to the right place: in this episode of HerbMentor Radio, Tara and I are diving into herbs for springtime.
In our conversation, we share...
The best herbs to grow in an spring herb garden
What herbs to forage for in springtime
Our favorite herbs for spring allergies
And so much more!
PS...
Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level?Sounds like it’s time to check out HerbMentor!
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. :)
PPS...
Get a special offer on HerbMentor in addition to your $1 trial right here: https://HerbMentorRadio.com
Build your herbal first aid kid with your Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Apr 2, 2024 • 3min
Herb Notes: Going Beyond Chamomile Tea with 3 Key Benefits
As one of the most popular herbal teas in the world, this calming herb has managed to find a special place in many of our hearts — and our supermarkets! Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a gentle herb that is most well known for soothing our nerves, but its gifts go far beyond nervous system support.
Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of chamomile flowersAfter learning these 3 benefits you might be wondering how you can learn more about chamomile...
Well, here’s the easy way to learn more about chamomile: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about chamomile plus 11 other common herbs like catnip, garlic, elderberry, and more.
Get the FREE Herb Notes cards here: https://herbnotes.cards/

Mar 17, 2024 • 55min
Maria Christodoulou: Celebrating Greek Herbalism
Maria Christodoulou had been living in New York City for years when she decided it was finally time to move to Greece and dive more fully into the wisdom and whimsy of ancient Greek herbal medicine.
This journey took her to Athens where she currently offers educational tours and classes steeped in ancestral herbal medicine and mythology.
In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, Maria weaves personal stories, science, and history together to offer us a beautiful peek into traditional and contemporary Greek herbalism practices.
In our conversation, Maria shares...
The medicinal uses of Greek arugula, calendula, and dwarf nettle
The mythological and medicinal lore of bay laurel
What surprised her the most about plant uses in Ancient Greece and so much more!
You can learn more about Maria Christodoulou and check out her Greek Herbal Medicine Tours right here: https://www.thegreekherbalist.com/
PS...
Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level?
Sounds like it’s time to check out HerbMentor!
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. :)
PPS...
Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com
Build your herbal first aid kid with your Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards