Herb Mentor Radio

“Weeds are in every country of the world, so it’s beyond me why there is world hunger. An entire civilization is walking on their food.” –Linda Runyon Linda Runyon’s knowledge and expertise come from years of wilderness living and learning on her own just what foods were safe to eat. She became familiar with medicinal herbs as well, as an offshoot of her friendship among members of an Iroquois Indian tribe in the Adirondacks wild, where she lived for many years.

Peter Gail, Ph.D. has been studying, writing about edible and medicinal plants for half a century. Author of 13 books, including The Dandelion Celebration, he is an esteemed elder of botany and champion of weeds. He has had a big impact on awareness of pesticide use dangers through environmental awareness. USA Today called him the King of Dandelions. Good Morning America, the Wizard of Weeds. Many call him Dr. Dandelion. He founded the Dandelion Cook off, the Defenders of the Dandelion, and created a coffee-like beverage called DandyBlend. Dr. Gail is the director of the Goosefoot Acres Center for Resourceful Living in Ohio. His literary and research legacy is vast, and we are truly honored to have him on HerbMentor Radio. In this episode, John and Peter focus heavily on the Dandelion, Peter’s story, edible weeds, and the impact he has had since starting this journey 50 years ago. Visit Peter at http://www.dandyblend.com

Karen Sherwood is a Northwest native who grew up studying the flora of the Pacific Northwest. While studying at the University of Washington, she was hired by Tom Brown Jr. to develop and expand the wild foods curriculum for the Tracker School. Karen gained a strong understanding of the traditional uses of wild plants while teaching there. Since returning home to the Northwest, she continues to teach ethnobotany programs through Earthwalk Northwest and other organizations such as the Department of Ecology, Washington Outdoor Women, King County Parks, and Wilderness Awareness School. In addition to her botany background, Karen also spent many years in search and rescue, fine-tuning her wilderness survival skills. To balance her expertise, she also teaches utilitarian uses of plants, including cordage and natural plant dyes. Her professionalism and credibility are enhanced by a special gift for helping students become confident and comfortable with harvesting and using plants. Her current passion is teaching about the vast and wondrous uses of seaweeds, as well as traditional Northwest basketry. Karen Sherwood and her husband Frank run EarthWalk Northwest at http://earthwalknorthwest.com In this interview, Karen discusses all sorts of useful wild foods information, from foraging, harvesting, and recipes. Especially interesting is a segment on fermentation, views on wildcrafting, recipes with burdock, yellow dock, and much more.

Aviva Romm began studying herbal medicine and midwifery in 1981. A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and herbalist, practicing since 1985, Aviva is recognized internationally as an accomplished specialist in the areas of herbal medicine for gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics. Her numerous books are now regarded as standards for mothers, midwives, herbalists, and other health professionals using herbs for women’s and children’s health. Additionally, she has written numerous articles, has been published in medical journals, and has contributed to several major integrative medicine textbooks. Forthcoming is her latest book, Textbook of Herbal Medicine for Women (Churchill/Elsevier, 2008). Aviva is the President of the American Herbalists Guild. She has been active in establishing standards for botanical medicine practice and education in the United States and has taught at national herbal, midwifery, and medical conferences and in private seminars, as well as being a guest on nationally syndicated radio programs. She serves on a number of scientific review boards including the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) and the Botanical Safety Handbook review committee for the American Herbal Products Association and has recently been invited to serve as an adjunct faculty for the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Aviva is currently pursuing a medical degree (MD) at the Yale School of Medicine. Visit Aviva at her website, http://AvivaRomm.com

Christopher Hobbs is a fourth-generation herbalist and botanist with 40 years of experience with herbs. Founder of Native Herb Custom Extracts (now Rainbow Light Custom Extracts) and the Institute for Natural Products Research. Christopher writes and lectures internationally on herbal medicine. He is a consultant to the herb industry and is currently practicing and working on a doctorate in biological sciences at Cal Berkeley. He has become an acknowledged expert in the field, lecturing all over the U.S., and internationally in such countries as Canada, Great Britain, and Spain. Christopher’s specialties include herbs and the immune system; adaptogenic herbs, Native American uses of herbs, the pharmacology, and chemistry of herbal medicines, herbs for the liver, and the botany, and taxonomy of herbs. Christopher has taught or lectured at universities and medical schools such as Stanford Medical School, Yale Medical School, Bastyr University, and the National School of Naturopathic Medicine; including ongoing classes at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Co-founder of the American Herbalists Guild, acupuncturist, rare book collector, and author of over 20 herbal books are also part of his impressive resume. His 20 books include Peterson’s Field Guide to Medicinal Plants of the Western U.S., Women’s Herbs, Women’s Health (his most recent), and Herbal Remedies for Dummies. We discuss learning about herbs, his upbringing, botany, answering a few member questions, and other odds and ends. Visit http://ChristopherHobbs.com

Dina Falconi is a practicing herbalist with a strong focus on food activism and nutritional healing. She is the author of Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair, owner of Falcon Formulations, a natural body care product business, co-creator of Earthly Extracts, a line of medicinal tinctures, and a founding member of the Northeast Herbal Association. She offers workshops and consultations throughout the Northeast. Dina is Chapter Leader of the Hudson Valley Weston A. Price Foundation, on the steering committee of Slow Food- Hudson Valley Convivium, and organizes the Family Farm Festival, a sustainable agriculture festival in High Falls, NY, held the Sunday after Labor Day. In this episode, we mainly discuss questions from many HerbMentor members.

Jim McDonald returns to HerbMentor Radio for a special episode on fevers and herbal energetics. What is a fever, why do they happen, and what are the popular myths? The difference between stimulating and relaxing diaphoretics as well as detailed descriptions of many herbs with diaphoretic properties. Diaphoretics are herbs that direct circulation, open pores, ventilate the body, and allow perspiration. This 105-minute lesson is sure to clear up any confusion you may have had about herbs and fevers. You can visit Jim Mcdonald at http://HerbCraft.org. His site has many wonderful and extended articles on a number of plants and how to use them for various ailments.

Jim McDonald is a self-taught herbalist whose approach blends a folk and indigenous perspective of herb craft with the eclectic/physio medical approaches of 19th century American herbalism. If you ever spent time on Henriette’s forum or the Herbwifery forum, then you may know Jim. He also gives herb walks at many conferences, including the International Herb Symposium. He has a unique way of teaching people how to connect with plants, and how to learn herbal properties. These are the areas we focus on in this interview, along with some other fun topics. Jim runs programs in Michigan from day-long classes to a 9 month intensive. He is a knowledgeable and engaging teacher, and I was excited to be able to interview him for HerbMentor Radio. You can visit Jim McDonald at http://HerbCraft.org. His site has many wonderful and extended articles on a number of plants and how to use them for various ailments.

Linda Runyon is an expert in wild foods and has been teaching since the 1970s. Though she has a lifelong love of nature, she really learned her stuff when she spent 13 years with her family homesteading in rural New York State, without indoor plumbing, electricity, or running water. Linda has turned her amazing life story into many publications, namely her wild foods field guide called The Essential Wild Food Survival Guide (formerly From Crabgrass Muffins to Pine Needle Tea) and a brand new DVD called Linda Runyon’s Master Class on Wild Food Survival. She is also the creator of Wild Cards, the deck of edible plant playing cards many LearningHerbs.com folks have come to love. For Linda’s return to HerbMentor Radio, we spend nearly 90 minutes on a virtual herb walk. We cover lamb’s quarter, and how to make flour. Also, dandelions (and dandelion french fries!), red clover, cattail, and milkweed. We even take a trip to the Southwest to visit prickly pear cactus and tumbleweed. Linda also reveals the secret to processing and eating thistle! Of course, there are many more wild food nuggets to chew on as well. Visit Linda at http://OfTheField.com.

Sandor Ellix Katz is the author of Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods and The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved: Inside America’s Underground Food Movement. Starting with sauerkraut, Sandor has been fermenting foods for over 14 years. As an avid cook, gardener, herbalist, and nutritional enthusiast, his interests have led to a life of spreading “culture” wherever he travels. He refers to himself as a “fermentation revivalist.” Hailing from the great city of New York, and a graduate of Brown University, Sandor now lives in a community in the wooded hills of Tennessee. You can visit “Sandorkraut,” check out his resources, read FAQ’s on fermentation, find out his teaching schedule, and order his books at http://www.WildFermentation.com

Tom Elpel is one of our “herbal author heroes” at HerbMentor.com. Besides penning Botany in a Day and Shanleya’s Quest for us herbal folks, here are a few other things Tom has done… * Founder of Hollowtop Outdoor Primitive School and Green University. * Author of Participating in Nature, Roadmap to Reality, Living Homes, and Direct Pointing to Real Wealth. * Producer of four wilderness survival skills videos. * Founder of Granny’s Store in Silver Star, MT with his wife Renee. * Founder of 3 Rivers Park. In this episode, John and Tom mostly discuss Botany in a Day, along with some other fun topics. Learn how easy it is to remember the plants of your bioregion. He’s got loads of websites, and you can access them all at http://Hollowtop.com

Dr. Ryan Drum joins us from his remote location on Waldon Island, WA, where he lives in a cabin he built 30 years ago. We are lucky to have him since he is one of the few of the island's 40 inhabitants who get cell reception (there are no electric or phone lines on the island). It is on that island where he gathers, processes, and sells some of the very best sea veggies money can buy. Ryan is a practicing community-supported medical herbalist, herbal educator, and professional medicinal herb wildcrafter. He taught botany and other subjects for years at the university level, has written many scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and now teaches at major conferences and herb schools. Ryan specializes in seaweed therapies, thyroid issues, and men’s health. You can visit Ryan at http://RyanDrum.com. He has many wonderful articles on sea vegetables, other herbs, and much more. If you get to the Northwest this summer, make sure you catch one of his many seaweed walks. In this interview, we get a rare glimpse into Ryan’s lifestyle, and mostly discuss many aspects of gathering and using kelp and other seaweeds. Enjoy!

Paul Bergner is a medical herbalist and founder/director of the North American Institute of Medical Herbalism in Boulder, Colorado. The North American Institute of Medical Herbalism teaches in the vitalist tradition. He has been practicing and teaching natural medicine since 1973. Paul has edited the Medical Herbalism Journal since its founding in 1989 and has written many books on medical herbalism, nutrition, Chinese medicine, ethnobotany, and naturopathic medicine. He has also edited periodicals on clinical nutrition and naturopathic medicine. Paul has taught at the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies, is on the adjunct faculty for Naropa University and the Tai Sophia Institute, and speaks at all the major herbal conferences. In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, Paul lays a wonderful foundation for learning about herbs as he gets to the heart of herbal medicine…nature. With wonderful stories and insights, Paul will teach you what needs to be at the core of all herbalists and healers. Visit: North American Institute of Medical Herbalism http://www.naimh.com Paul’s MedHerb.com http://www.medherb.com

Raylene Ha`alelea Kawaiae`a is a long-time teacher of the Hawaiian way of life, has been a Kumu (teacher) hula for over 30 years. She teaches hula and Hawaiian culture as a way of life to people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Her lineage has brought her an understanding of the traditions of her heritage. A practitioner and Haku (master) of Ho`oponopono, a spiritual practice to restore and maintain good relationships between the Divine, humankind, and nature, she comes forth to assist and to be of service to those in need of her skills. Raylene combines her gentle nature with a deep connection to the land and the Spirit of Hawaii to offer deep insight into the mysteries of life. I met Raylene after a class she taught at the International Herb Symposium. Her insights and culture have much to offer the herbal community. She was also featured in the film, Numen: The Nature of Plants.

Robert Rogers has been a student of native plants and fungi from the Canadian prairies for over 40 years. He teaches plant medicine at Grant McEwan University and the Northern Start College of Mystical Studies in Edmonton, Canada. Robert is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, and chair of the medicinal mushroom committee of the North American Mycological Association. He is also on the editorial board of the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. Robert is the author of 14 books, including his latest, The Fungal Pharmacy, The Complete Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms & Lichens of North America. You can see Robert teach this July at the Montana Herb Gathering as well as the North American Mycological Association in December. You can visit Robert at http://www.selfhealdistributing.com In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, Robert gives us a wonderful introduction to medicinal mushrooms, their ecological and human health importance, and shares the medicinal qualities of some of his favorites. He also shares an excellent tip on how to tincture reishi for your fungal pharmacy.

Sean Donahue is a traditional herbalist and poet. He has also worked as a freelance journalist, a political organizer, and a nonviolence trainer. He is proud to be a regular contributor to Plant Healer Magazine. While he has been blessed to receive amazing support and guidance from other herbalists, Sean’s primary teachers have been the wild and feral plants growing in the forests, fields, and swamps around him. He has trusted his own health completely to the plants since they first began helping him begin to heal asthma he struggled with since childhood. As a practitioner, he looks to plants as allies in helping people remember their own beauty, strength, and power and in guiding them to health. As a teacher, he encourages students to build their own deep, personal relationships with the plants around them grounded in the experience of their own senses and their own hearts. He identifies deeply with the traditions of the edge dwellers – those who live in the places where the human and wild meet, bridging the worlds. For Sean, magic, medicine, and poetry are all expressions of a deep connection to the living Earth, and personal, cultural, and ecological healing are inextricably linked. He is currently working on his first book, a guide to plants for the underworld journey. In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, Sean discusses herbs, magic and goes deep into two herbs… Hawthorne and ghost pipe. Visit Sean at http://MedicineAndMagic.com

Bevin Clare, M.S., LDN, CNS, RH(AHG), is a clinical herbalist and nutritionist with a deep love of plants. Bevin holds a M.S. in Infectious Disease from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, with her thesis research conducted at the NIA (National Institute on Aging) at the National Institutes of Health, and a B.S. in ethnobotany from Lesley University. Bevin has studied herbal medicine around the world and blends her knowledge of traditional uses of plants with modern science and contemporary healthcare strategies. She is the Clinical Division Chair of the Masters of Science in Herbal Medicine Program at Tai Sophia Institute in Laurel, MD, a 2.5-year clinical training program in Herbal Medicine. She also serves on the faculty of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, is on the board of directors of United Plant Savers, is co-director of the Herbal Clinic for All, and lectures nationally. Bevin is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, where she serves as vice-president. In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, Bevin answers over a dozen HerbMentor member-submitted questions. Topics include her favorite herbs, tinctures, herbs for recovering from surgery, herbs for aging, adrenal herbs, and MUCH more. Visit Bevin at http://www.bevinclare.com

Nome McBride is an herbalist, farmer, wildcrafter and medicine maker from Eugene, Oregon. He grew up farming in Indiana and was making tinctures in his parents garage before he could drive. Nome founded Pharmacopia Herbals in 2004, whose original name was Under the Yew Botanicals. You can find Nome’s book, the Herbal Preparations Books, along with hundreds of products Pharmacopia Herbals creates at PharmacopiaHerbals.com Nome tells his story, from growing up on an Indiana farm to his extreme wildcrafting missions that make Pharmacopia Herbals remedies some of the best available. Nome also covers a couple of his favorite herbs, including pedicularis. Learning how Nome gathers, grows and processes herbs in addition to his vision of “people, plants and place” are truly inspirational.

Dr. James Duke is an ethnobotanist with a Ph.D. in botany from UNC, served with Missouri Botanical Garden in his earlier years, and for over 3 decades in several posts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was chief of the Medicinal Plant Resources Laboratory and chief of the USDA’s Economic Botany Lab. One of the most frequented parts of the USDA website is the ethnobotanical and phytochemical database he created before retiring. Dr. Duke has written more than 30 books including the best selling Green Pharmacy, Dr. Duke’s Essential Herbs, Herbs of the Bible, Handbook of Edible Weeds, Duke’s Handbook of Medicinal Plants of Latin America, and Peterson’s Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs: Of Eastern and Central North America. He’s also spent years exploring the ecology and culture of the Amazon Rain Forest. Dr. Duke is currently updating the third edition of Peterson’s guide. He mainly cares takes the Green Farmacy Garden with his wife Peggy and volunteers. In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, Jim covers herbs of the Bible in the midst of other fun stuff, such as a few bluegrass songs Jim wrote for his cd, Herbalbum. Jim’s books are available at your favorite online and real-life book stores. At this time, Jim’s music cd is not available, but as he said in the interview, he wants to re-release it. You can visit Jim in person and on the web at https://thegreenfarmacygarden.com

Paul Bergner and Tania Neubauer, N.D. join me at the Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference for a special live edition of HerbMentor Radio. Paul has been practicing natural medicine since 1973, is the author of 7 books, and is the founder of the North American Institute of Medical Herbalism. Dr. Neubauer is a naturopathic physician, was a medical coordinator at the Berkeley Free Clinic, has worked extensively with Natural Doctors International, and has studied with Karen Sanders, Michael Moore, and Adam Seller. A “calling,” according to Paul, is something that “when you’re doing it, the universe conspires to make you succeed.” Paul and Tania, along with herbalist 7Song (Northeast School of Botanical Medicine), are leading a delegation to the island of Ometepe in Nicaragua. This trip is open to anyone, no matter what your herbal or language background. It is an amazing opportunity for those who want herbal clinical experience. Paul and Tania discuss this opportunity in great detail, however, this interview will be of interest to everyone, as Paul discusses what a calling is, and some tips for those who might be interested in being a clinical herbalist. It’s a fascinating look at the state of herbalism from someone who has been doing this for nearly 40 years. I wanted to get this interview out for 2 reasons… 1) To share what I learned from Paul about finding one’s calling and 2) to spread the word about this trip, which will help a lot of people get quality, natural medical help. To find out more about Paul, Tania, and 7Song’s clinical training in Nicaragua, visit http://medherb.com/nicaragua.html

In the early 1970s, disgruntled with straight medicine and an educational system where soldiers with big guns were posted on campus, Cascade Anderson Geller channeled her political activism into healing and started three food cooperatives across the U.S. Taking advantage of her love of the outdoors and her Appalachian family heritage of wildcrafting herbs and foods, she decided to pursue becoming an herbalist as a way to gather up her passions into one basket. In 1979, she was a founding member of the Everett House Healing Center in Portland, Oregon, where she saw clients and taught classes. She served on the faculty of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr College, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and the California School of Herbal Studies and taught at many other institutions and conferences. She was trained by a host of people who walk their talk, including the late Ella Birzneck, Norma Myers, and Juliette di Bairacli Levy, as well as many others living in remote regions across the Earth. This interview covers Cascade’s origins as an herbalist and answers HerbMentor member questions.

Charles Garcia is a third-generation curandero and practicing herbalist. He is the founder and director of the California School of Traditional Hispanic Herbalism. Charles has worked in law enforcement, special education, lectured at many schools and was a contributing author to the book, Wilderness Emergency Care. He taught herbal first aid to the Red Cross and also volunteers many hours helping the homeless population of his hometown of Richmond, CA. Chuck considers his style of teaching and philosophy of herbal healing as minimalist. If you can make a fire, get a pot of water simmering, find herbs in your back yard, your neighbor's lawn, a city park, an empty lot, in a mountain meadow, or in the middle of the desert, you can aid the sick. The unofficial motto of the school is, “Is est non silicis scientia.” (It is not rocket science.) This interview focuses on Charles’ unique brand of grassroots herbalism. His story is like no other. You can visit Charles at http://hispanicherbs.com

Demetria Clark has written one of the best books on using herbs with kids we’ve seen: Herbal Healing for Children: A Parent’s Guide to Treatments for Common Childhood Illnesses. Demetria is a North American herbalist specializing in herbals for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, nursing, and children. She is a traditional family herbalist. She has worked with families for over 20 years as an herbalist, aromatherapist, midwife, doula, and traditional medicine maker. She works extensively in the US and Europe, blending the two traditions. Demetria lectures extensively on herbal care for sexuality, pregnancy, and woman’s health. Demetria believes in families having options to self-empower and have health and wellness options. She is the Founder and Director of Heart of Herbs Herbal school and the doula training program, Birth Arts International. In this interview, Demetria discusses her top 10 choices her an herbal apothecary for kids, tells her story and answers HerbMentor member questions. Here is a link to “What are those herbs in the pregnancy tea blend?” she mentions in the interview: http://www.birtharts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/pregnanctea.pdf Visit Demetria at: http://www.heartofherbs.com http://www.birtharts.com/

Isla Burgess, DipPE DipTchg DipHerbMed MNZAMH MNHAA, has been an educator for the past 40 years, currently, the Director of the International College of Herbal Medicine, was the founding Director of the Waikato Center for Herbal Medicine in New Zealand, and is a convenor for the International Research Group for the Conservation of Medicinal Plants. Isla is a graduate in Education of the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. She established the first four-year Diploma in Herbal Medicine in Australasia at the Waikato Centre for Herbal Studies and has been largely responsible for training medical herbalists at the Center over the last 10 years. She developed a practical, innovative course drawing on 25 years of practice and investigation in the field of medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses. She has presented papers at conferences and seminars both nationally and internationally and is the author of Weeds Heal: A Working Herbal. A gardener at heart, Isla continually delights in the potential of unopened packets of seeds. You can visit Isla at http://HerbCollege.com

Jim McDonald joins us once again on HerbMentor Radio for a double-length episode focused on herbs for back pain. Jim covers nutrition and bodywork as well as the major categories of how to look at and treat back injuries, such as muscle pain, spasm, inflammatory pain, and nerve pain. Also, lubrication of joints and tissue, fluid stagnation, structural integrity, how to customize a treatment, and more. Jim adds a new section on topical applications as well. This nearly 2-hour presentation will bring to life his popular web article on herbs for back pain. Jim is an herbalist based in Michigan. He teaches many classes locally and also teaches at major conferences such as the Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference and Rootstalk. Visit Jim at http://herbcraft.org Here is a direct link to his herbs for back pain article that this HerbMentor Radio is based on: http://www.herbcraft.org/backpain.html

Author and naturalist Jon Young takes you behind the scenes of Wildcraft! and LearningHerbs.com in a special episode called “Mentoring Kids & Nature Connection.” Why are relationships with nature more important than information? What is Nature Deficit Disorder? Does your child have it? What is the number one secret to nature's connection? How do you share curiosity with kids? What are “kid trails,” and how can we bring them back? This interview covers how to discover your child’s passions and connect with them in nature. Jon’s world-acclaimed Art of Mentoring curriculum is the engine of LearningHerb’s teaching methodology. You get a first-hand glimpse under the hood to not only see how and why we do what we do but also how you can empower yourself to mentor others. Jon Young is the author of Coyotes Guide to Connecting with Nature, Animal Tracking Basics, Advanced Bird Language, Seeing Through Native Eyes, Reclaiming our Natural Connections, and the Kamana Naturalist Training Program. He is also the founder of Wilderness Awareness School and creator of the Art of Mentoring workshop series, which is offered by wilderness schools around the world. Visit Jon at http://JonYoung.org

J.T. is a Seattle-based herbalist and mom. She’s an old friend of mine who started the same herbal apprenticeship that I did in 1998 before my son Rowan was born. Since she started learning about local plants and how to use them, J.T. has come up with creative ways of gathering herbs and using them to nourish her family. Like myself, J.T. is a family and community-centered herbalist. Not only does she keep her family healthy and help them when they are sick, she also shares her knowledge of herbalism with others in her community. This has led to her teaching classes at local herb shops. I join J.T. in this interview live at the Northwest Herbal Fair. J.T. had just finished teaching a class on tincture making. This fair was very special since LearningHerbs sponsored it, J.T. was teaching, and our mentor Eaglesong was even teaching there and was honored at the event as a local herbal elder. We all had come a long way since our journeys began together nearly 13 years ago. There is often talk on the HerbMentor forum on “what herbal school have you gone too?” or lots of detailed discussions on some pretty complicated stuff. Though we need to have these discussions, I wonder sometimes if it’s intimidating to folks who just want to being natural medicines to their lives in a simple and fun way. It’s always challenging on HerbMentor to strike a balance between simplicity and those who want advanced knowledge. J.T. is the archetype of the family herbalist who kept it simple. I wanted you to see the natural progression of starting out to helping others, which can often lead to opportunities to teach others. There is power in simplicity, and I hope you all get something out of this “home herbalist profile” if you will. She also shares some of her secrets in urban wildcrafting and other cool tips. She’s figured out quite a bit like someone who has ever stopped harvesting herbs and making remedies. It’s a change from our usual interviews, but y’all know I like to change it up every so often. Seriously, if you have ever felt overwhelmed at the prospect of learning about herbs, please listen to this interview. If you live in Seattle, you might catch a class with J.T. at Dandelion Botanical. She also has trained and works with EarthWalk Northwest with Karen Sherwood.

Karta Purkh (K.P.) Singh Khalsa, L.M.T., N.C.T.M.B., D.N.-C., R.H., C.C., is one of the foremost herbal experts in the field today. He is one of the very few practitioners with over thirty-five years of experience in the natural healing field. He is a senior editor for The Harvard University Natural Standard and a professor at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Bastyr University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine. K.P. Khalsa is on the Board of Directors of the American Herbalists Guild. He has spoken in hundreds of venues, including many professional herb conferences. With a long career as a consultant in the natural foods sector, he is employed as Senior Research Scientist for the Yogi Tea company and is the principal formulator for Yogi Tea products. Khalsa is the author of over 1,500 published health articles. He has authored or contributed to more than 30 books. His most recent book is The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs, which completes the “Way of” trilogy, started by Michael Tierra with the best-selling American herb book of all time, The Way of Herbs. In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, K.P. answers many member-submitted questions on herbs and health. This is a fantastic interview that everyone interested in natural health should hear. Visit K.P. at http://kpkhalsa.com

Todd Caldecott is a Medical Herbalist and practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine, author of the textbook Ayurveda: The Divine Science of Life, Food as Medicine: The Theory and Practice of Food and an editor of a text on Nepalese ethnobotany called Ayurveda in Nepal. Todd teaches and practices in the Vancouver, BC area in Canada. He also works as a consultant in the natural products industry. Todd was also the Director of Clinical Herbal Studies at Wild Rose College and is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. Todd’s practice integrates Western Clinical Herbalism with Ayurveda and the synthesis results in an insightful look at Western herbalism from a unique perspective. In this interview Todd and I discuss Ayurveda, the state of traditional medicine in modern times, food as medicine, and he answers member questions. You can visit Todd at http://toddcaldecott.com Food As Medicine is available on Amazon or http://foodasmedicine.ca

Phyllis Light is a fourth-generation herbalist and healer and has worked with herbs and in natural health for over 30 years. Her studies began in the deep woods of Northern Alabama, and now Phyllis lectures in herb schools, universities, medical schools, hospitals, and health conferences. In addition to Traditional Folk studies, Phyllis has studied Traditional Western Herbalism, Nutrition, Exercise Science, Body Work, and Energy Medicine. She continues to maintain an active herbal practice. Phyllis is also a consultant to business and physicians, a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, director of herbal studies at Clayton College, and is working on a new book The Geography of Health: Southern Appalachian Folk Medicine, which explores the medicine that is at the heart of her personal herbal traditions. You can visit Phyllis and learn about her herbal studies programs at http://phyllisdlight.com

Roy Upton, RH, DAy has been working and practicing professionally as an herbalist since 1981. Trained in ayurvedic, Chinese, and western herbal medicine traditions Roy is the founder, executive director, and editor of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, is a co-founder, past president, and vice-president of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG), and serves on the Committee of Revision for the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and botanical expert advisory committees of AOAC International, the American Botanical Council, and NSF International. Roy is also visiting faculty for the Master of Science in Herbal Medicine program at Tai Sophia, Laurel, MD, and the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program at the University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, CA. In addition, Roy is the staff herbalist for the California-based herbal supplements company, Planetary Herbals, is a member of the Standards Committee of the American Herbal Products Association, and is an internationally recognized lecturer and author of numerous popular and peer-reviewed scientific publications. Over the years, many HerbMentor members have asked questions about regulations regarding herbs, information, and products. We collected member questions, and this interview is based on those questions. You can visit Roy at the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia: http://www.herbal-ahp.org

Michael Pilarski is a farmer, educator, and author who has devoted his life to studying and teaching how people can live sustainably on this Earth. He has extensive experience in organic farming, seed collecting, wildcrafting medicinal herbs, plant propagation, horticulture, teaching, and international networking. He founded Friends of the Trees Society in 1978 and has authored many books on forestry, agriculture, agroforestry, and ethnobotany. Michael has been involved in the permaculture movement since 1981 as a writer, teacher, and networker. In this interview, Skeeter and I mostly focus on his work as a professional wildcrafter. We cover wildcrafting in general and then get specific with some of his favorite herbs, which include arnica, Oregon grape, lomatium, and devil’s club. He reveals his secret devil’s club processing trick that he hasn’t shared in public before! Visit Michael at http://friendsofthetrees.net/

Timothy Lee Scott is an acupuncturist and herbalist with a master’s in Traditional Chinese Medicine. His book, Invasive Plant Medicine, demonstrates the ecological benefits and healing abilities of invasive plants. Timothy studied extensively with Stephen Buhner, who wrote the forward to his book. Working with Buhner led him to work in the area of Lyme’s disease treatments, and Tim later formed Green Dragon Botanicals to provide remedies to the greater Lyme’s community. In this interview, we discuss invasive plants, Lyme’s disease, Japanese knotweed, and a few other herbs. You can visit Tim at http://invasiveplantmedicine.com and http://greendragonbotanicals.com

Brigitte Mars is an herbalist, author, raw foods chef, and nutritional consultant from Boulder, Colorado. Brigitte has been teaching for over 40 years, most recently Naropa University, Boulder College of Massage, and Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition. Brigitte is a professional member of The American Herbalists Guild. Her many book titles include The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, Addiction-Free Naturally, Beauty by Nature, Natural First Aid, Dandelion Medicine, Healing Herbal Teas, Rawsome! and Sex, Health and Love. In this interview, we focus on the doctrine of signatures. Visit Brigitte at http://BrigitteMars.com

Caroline Gagnon started teaching and practicing herbalism in 1995, and is co-founder and director of the FloraMedicina School of Herbal Studies in Montreal, Quebec. She also helped create the professional wing of the Guilde des Herboristes (Herbalist Guild) in Montreal. In this episode, Caroline and I explore plant energetics in a way we’ve never discussed on HerbMentor Radio. We can all learn to communicate with herbs in ways that can not be taught in books. It sounds esoteric, but it’s actually quite simple and practical. Caroline explains energetics in a much broader sense, which is really helpful should one want to go on and learn an energetics system, such as Chinese or Ayurvedic medicine. Get ready for a paradigm shift. Caroline also answers HerbMentor member questions. Visit Caroline Gagnon at http://FloraMedicina.com

David Bruce Leonard is a practitioner and teacher of all five branches of Chinese medicine: acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, food medicine, and martial arts. Besides studying traditional medicines with healers in Asia, North and South America, David also studied Hawaiian native plants for over 20 years and is the author of Medicine at Your Feet: Healing Plants of the Hawaiian Kingdom and Wild Wisdom: Listening to the Heart of Nature. David is Dean of Oriental Medicine at the Hawaii College of Oriental Medicine and founder of Earth Medicine Institute. In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, David explores Hawaiian herbalism, including a few things the elders taught him about herbal learning, gathering protocols, and teachings that cross-cultural boundaries. Also, learn what Hawaiian herbalism can teach you about learning the plants of your own bioregion. Visit David at http://EarthMedicineInstitute.com

Emily Ruff is a community herbalist and health educator who has practiced the art and science of plant healing for over a decade. Her studies have taken her to three continents, where she has studied under indigenous healers of many traditions. She also apprenticed for many years with Rosemary Gladstar. Emily founded Orenda Herbals and is director of the Florida School of Holistic Living. Through the school, she founded the Community Herbal Clinic and the Florida Herbal Conference. The Florida Herbal Conference is February 15-17, 2013 in Orlando. Headline herbal teachers are Matthew Wood and Phyllis Light. Workshops focus on bioregional, earth-centered herbalism, with topics including clinical herbalism, herbal crafts, herbal tradition and history, medicine making, plant identification walks, and many hands-on demonstrations. The weekend also includes a marketplace of herbal vendors and musical activities each evening. LearningHerbs.com is a proud sponsor. Besides hearing Emily’s fascinating story, our interview focuses on many of the medicinal herbs found in Florida. Most people never consider that we have amazing botanicals growing right here on the mainland U.S. We take a virtual plant walk to discover saw palmetto, hibiscus, passionflower, tropical chickweed, St. John’s Mint, and even lemongrass and cayenne. Visit http://floridaherbalconference.org Visit http://emilyruff.com

The microphone is turned as John Gallagher, host of HerbMentor Radio, is interviewed by Rosalee de la Forêt in 2012. HerbMentor members asked for it, and John was happy to sit down and reveal the string of random events that lead to the creation of HerbMentor. How did spraying weeds with herbicide begin John on his herbal journey? Why is a dandelion in the LearningHerbs logo? How is Bruce Springsteen responsible for how John creates and markets products? How and why did he start LearningHerbs? What is in LearningHerbs’ future? It’s all here in this fun-filled, action-packed, chocolate-covered, death-defying act of thrilling audio goodness…

Margi Flint practices herbalism in the seacoast town of Marblehead, Massachusetts, and over the last 30 years has become their village herbalist. She is an adjunct professor at North Shore Community College, The Tufts University School of Medicine, Bastyr University, Pacific Rim College, and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Margi is the author of the textbook, The Practicing Herbalist: Meeting with Clients, Reading the Body. She also lectures internationally and is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. In this interview, Margi discusses her work as a practicing herbalist, how she mentors, facial diagnostics as well as other methods she uses and answers many questions submitted by HerbMentor members on health issues and being a practicing herbalist. You can visit Margi Flint at http://EarthSongHerbals.com

Rebecca Altman is an herbalist, writer, and proprietor of Kings Road Apothecary. As a Scottish herbalist wildcrafting in Los Angeles, she has acclimated well to the Southwest by coming up with herbal remedies that are as unique as she is. Ocotillo blossom elixir, peach leaf and wild rose calming potion, busted joint ointment, white fir and juniper incense, and white sage chaparral salve are just a few of her creations. In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, we meet a young herbalist who is breaking a new group by thinking outside the herbal box. In fact, she even has an herbal CSA called “The Monthly Surprise Box.” You really never know what Rebecca will do next, and this interview will surely inspire you to think differently based on what is growing around you. Rebecca shares some practical advice, including how to make some really amazing and simple remedies using local plants, such as conifer-infused olive oil. This interview was recorded live at the Medicine of the People conference in Arizona. Visit Rebecca at http://kingsroadapothecary.com

Sunny Savage is a wild foodie, filmmaker, and homeschooling parent traveling with the wind … aboard a sailboat with her husband and son. She has a Master’s degree in Nutrition Education and taught native nutrition at the White Earth Tribal & Community College. Her ancestry includes pirates, diplomats, farmers, to writers of the French constitution. Her ancestor, Thomas Savage, arrived in Jamestown on the second boat at 13. Sunny was raised by “back to the land” parents and spent a year eating foods only grown within 250 miles of her home. She’s traveled every continent on Earth and has a television show called Hot on the Trail with Sunny Savage that followed her adventures. It airs on Dish 218, FIOS 163, and Frontier 162. Sunny released her clothing line that is made from wild plants, and we talk about medicinal clothing in the interview. Sunny joins John from a cafe in Panama. She’s about to begin another leg of her adventures at sea with her family. She is filming the story. You can visit Sunny at http://SunnySavage.com AND follow her adventures at http://TheSailingMovie.com

Rosemary Gladstar is the author of several books, including the bestseller Herbal Healing for Women and A Family Herbal. She has taught herbs extensively throughout the U.S. and has led travel adventures worldwide. Rosemary has founded the California School of Herbal Studies, United Plant Savers, co-founded Sage Mountain Herbs and is a founding member of the Northeast Herb Association. Her experience includes over 30 years in the herbal community as a healer, teacher, visionary, and organizer of herbal events. Visit Rosemary at http://www.sagemountain.com

A well-known and respected member of the Meso-American Zapotecan people located in Oaxaca, Dona Enriqueta Contreras is a descendant of a long line of Zapoteca shamans that date back to 500 B.C. Dona Enriqueta owns and operates a health clinic for her community, as well as for international visitors, in the small town of San Francisco Tutla. Her history as a practicing midwife of more than fifty years has yielded her a flawless career with no mother or child ever lost during the birth process… an extraordinary feat, even by western standards. She travels the world disseminating her wisdom and knowledge. While her address does not talk about herbs directly, Dona Enriqueta shares very important wisdom from an ancient people. Such wisdom is essential for having a strong foundation for herbal studies. Dona Enriqueta first performs a simple ritual from the Zapotecan people and then reminds us of how important it is to live with the rhythms of nature, work with each other, and give us tips for a healthier world. Wintertime is traditionally the time when we as humans would gather around the fires and hear the stories of our elders. This is the perfect time to dim the lights, light a candle, make a cup of tea, and hear timeless words from this wise woman. Wonderful words for the new year.

David Hoffmann, B.Sc., F.N.I.M.H. has traveled the world, run for Parliament on a Green Party ticket, and has been an activist in the Green and Peace movements for longer than he cares to remember. He is the author of 17 books, his latest is a textbook on science and clinical skills for phytotherapists entitled Medical Herbalism, published by Inner Traditions. These accomplishments aside, David, a Fellow of Britain’s National Institute of Medical Herbalists, has been a phytotherapist (that’s a practitioner of herbal medicine) for over 30 years. David promotes herbal medicine around the world, teaches at the California School of Herbal Studies, Bastyr University, and the California Institute of Integral Studies, and, as previously mentioned, has authored many books about plants and plant medicine. Books include The Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies and The Herbal Handbook: A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism. David is on the advisory board of the American Botanical Council, and a founding member and past president of the American Herbalist Guild. He is also a medical herbalist for Traditional Medicinals. You can read some of David’s articles at http://Heathy.net (Just search for Hoffmann to find his articles.)

Lesley Tierra, L.AC., AHG is a California State and nationally certified acupuncturist and herbalist. In her practice, she combines acupuncture, herb, and food therapies along with lifestyle and inner growth counseling. She is a founding professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. Lesley is the author of Healing with the Herbs of Life and Healing with Chinese Herbs. She collaborated with Michael Tierra to produce the East West Herb Course and is its dean. She also co-authored Chinese-Planetary Herbal Diagnosis with Michael and Chinese Herbal Medicine. She has also co-authored with Michael a two-volume text on Chinese Herbal Medicine, published by Lotus Press. In addition, she has written a special herbal for young children called A Kid’s Herb Book (for children of all ages). Lesley and Michael Tierra run the East-West School of Herbology. You can visit them at http://PlanetHerbs.com

Will Endres is an herbalist, wildcrafter, and outdoor guide with more than 40 years of experience. Originally from West Virginia, Will studied 28 years with herb doctor and healer CF “Catfish” Gray. He has had many herbal elders and has been deeply influenced by the traditional Cherokee approach to plants and medicine. Will runs “Will’s Wild Herbs” in North Carolina, and has been in business for 37 years. Living and working in the woods has given him a uniquely intimate knowledge of the natural world. He offers year-round walks, talks, classes, and apprenticeships. In this episode, we hear about the unique way Will was mentored, and how this affected his relationship with plants. There is a lot of wisdom to be gained by listening to our herbal elders, including Will’s mentor Catfish Gray. Will is one of these elders, and his story is incredible. This HerbMentor Radio is sure to give you a new perspective on the way you learn about herbs. You’ll learn about some plants close to Will along the way. You can learn about Will’s classes and private consultations at http://WillsWildHerbs.org

Sandor Katz returns to HerbMentor Radio in celebration of his new book, The Art of Fermentation: An In-Depth Exploration of Essential Concepts and Processes from Around the World. This nearly 500-page volume gives practical information on fermenting vegetables, fruits, grains, milk, beans, meats, and more. It has a forward by Michael Pollan and is published by Chelsea Green. Sandor is also the author of Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods and The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved: Inside America’s Underground Food Movement. Starting with sauerkraut, Sandor has been fermenting foods for years. As an avid cook, gardener, herbalist, and nutritional enthusiast, his interests have led to a life of spreading “culture” wherever he travels. He refers to himself as a "fermentation revivalist."

Rosemary Gladstar covers the importance of wild greens, both nutritionally and energetically. Dandelions, plantain, nettle, chickweed, and many more favorites will be covered. In addition to her favorite ways to prepare wild greens, Rosemary will also cover ethical wild harvesting. It’s time to clean out the closets and leave the winter blues behind! Rosemary Gladstar is the author of many books, including Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide, Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, and Herbal Healing for Women. Rosemary has been inspiring herbalists for nearly 40 years with the herbal schools, conferences, organizations, and companies she has founded, which include the California School of Herbal Studies, Traditional Medicinals, the International Herb Symposium, and United Plant Savers.

Dr. Patrick Jones is a veterinarian with a passion for herbs. He grew up close to the land, and his interest in herbs eventually led to him treating animals with herbal remedies. He has a private practice and is also does formulation, support, and training for Silver Lining Herbs. Patrick's wife LoriAnn is also an herbalist, and together they have raised 15 children. Patrick practices veterinary medicine in Twin Falls, ID. Patrick is also a long-time HerbMentor member and a regular presence in the forum. In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, Dr. Jones answers many questions that HerbMentor members posted about herbs for dogs and cats. We cover basic herbal nutrition, delivery methods, common pet issues, what not to give your pets, and the truth about catnip.

Chanchal Cabrera, MSc, FNIMH, (RH)AHG is a medical herbalist whose clinical specialty is helping people manage cancer and chronic disease. Chanchal has held the faculty chair in Botanical Medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster since 2004. She serves on the board of advisors of Dominion Herbal College in Burnaby, on the editorial board of Medical Herbalism clinical newsletter and she publishes widely in professional journals and lectures internationally on medical herbalism, nutrition, and health. Chanchal is the author of the book Fibromyalgia – A Journey Toward Healing. published by Contemporary Books. Chanchal is a certified Master Gardener and a certified Horticulture Therapist. Chanchal has been a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists in the UK since 1987, wherein in 2009 she was honored with a Fellowship for service to the profession for over 25 years. She lives on Vancouver Island in BC where she and her husband farm 7 acres. This interview mostly focuses on HerbMentor member-submitted questions, which focus on using herbs for chronic illness. Chanchal reviewed the questions before the interview and answered them in a way that could help as many people as possible as to how to approach their health conditions with natural medicine.