Commonwealth Podcast For Holistic Herbalism

When choosing herbs for a health issue, herbalists like us use a system of organization called energetics. In this week’s podcast, we have an excerpt from our Energetics & Holistic Practice course about a key component of herbal energetics: tissue states. This term refers to the quality and activity present in a given organ or tissue of the body, and is based on three pairs of opposites: hot & cold, damp & dry, tense & lax.When we have an injury or dysfunction somewhere in the body, herbalists ask: How much heat (or metabolic activity) is present in the area? How much moisture is flowing through (or stuck within) the tissue? How tight or loose is the organ, or muscle? These fundamental qualities are what help us match herbs to health problems more precisely – hot states call for cooling herbs, tense states need relaxing herbs, and so on. Learning to identify these states, and learning which herbs counterbalance which states, is an important part of your herbal education.In these excerpts, we d

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory skin problem. Problems like this are complex, because they don’t hinge on a single genetic anomaly or chemical imbalance in the body. This makes them difficult for conventional medicine to solve, but holistic healing methods are exactly what’s needed here! We can work through multiple interventions, including diet changes and herbs for psoriasis, to reduce inflammation and restore healthy skin.In this podcast we talk first about major contributing factors to psoriasis (and inflammatory skin conditions like it, such as eczema). Then we discuss some simple supplements, diet additions, and eliminations that can make a big difference in your overall inflammatory burden. Reducing this means your skin doesn’t get so irritated! Finally we talk about herbs you can work with, topically on the skin as well as internally, to reduce inflammation, move lymph, and relieve the itching too.Herbs discussed include kelp & other seaweeds, licorice, violet, & chickweed, alo

This is one of our favorite herbal formulas for endurance situations, whether that’s physical, mental, emotional, or all three. These herbs help build up your resilience, in part by improving your ability to clear the system of wastes and irritants. (Call it “detox”, the body’s daily action to process and eliminate such things.) Herbs can help that action in lots of ways, and an alterative herbal formula like Rooted & Ready will do just that. Oh, and did we mention it tastes like root beer?But the key to this formula is the combination of alteratives with adaptogens. Adaptogens make us better able to adapt to stress of all kinds, so they don’t cause us so much trouble. And believe it, stress causes real, physical health troubles! Because adaptogens support this function, and because stress is so pervasive and destructive, these herbs can be helpful for a surprising range of imbalances. When their influence is in the system, returning to baseline balance is a smoother transition. You don’t waste resources

It’s just about time for seasonal allergy … um, season … to begin here in Boston! Sniffy noses and red eyes are peeking around every corner. So let’s talk about some of our favorite herbs for seasonal allergies, and see if we can get you more comfortable outside.We lead with a brief discussion of the allergic response and a holistic view on the process. We teach you about the useful metaphor of the Stressor Bucket, and how this guides our herb & holistic lifestyle choices to dial back hayfever and other pollen-based allergic reactions. As it turns out, it’s about more than just the daily pollen count!Then we get right into the herbs! We highlight plants & home remedies to reduce overall inflammation, stabilize mast cells, support the kidneys, move the lymph, astringe the mucous membranes, and decongest the sinuses.So if thy nose runneth over, listen in and meet some herbal allies who can help you keep contained!Herbs mentioned include nettle, goldenrod, red clover, eyebright, yerba santa, marshmallow,

This is what we say at the beginning of every episode:We are not doctors. We are herbalists and holistic health educators. The ideas discussed in this podcast do not constitute medical advice.No state or federal authority licenses herbalists in the US; these discussions are for educational purposes only. Everyone’s body is different, so the things we’re talking about may or may not apply directly to you – but they will give you some information to think about and research further.We wish to remind you that good health is your own personal responsibility: the final decision in considering any course of therapy – whether discussed on the internet or prescribed by your physician – is always yours.Each of the many issues raised in this statement is very important to us, including but not limited to: the legal definition of the practice of medicine, scope of practice for holistic health professionals, individual biological and situational variation, rights as necessarily intercausal with responsiblities, and other

Just going to the internet and searching for “herbs for sleep” isn’t very effective – how do you know the right one for you? First, you need to suss out why you can’t sleep – not all insomnia is created equal! In this podcast, we break sleep problems down into a few basic categories and teach you the best herbs to choose for each one.We discuss both herbs to take during the day, as well as for bedtime itself. We also provide specific instructions for taking bedtime herbs to make them the most effective they can be. So whether you’re struck with anxious rumination as you lay in bed, or unable to sleep because of pain and tension in the body, or if your circadian rhythm has drifted away from the sun’s path – or some mix of all three! – this podcast is for you.Herbs discussed include: chamomile, betony, blue vervain, passionflower, skullcap, wild lettuce, California poppy, kava, ginger, crampbark, milk thistle, st john’s wort.Mentioned in this podcast:Herbs for Birthworkers – a great course for pregnant moms &am

I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but it’s stressful to be a teen! Sometimes, that stress shows up as heartburn. As herbalists, we can help out! Here’s a discussion of some of our favorite herbs for stress-induced heartburn in teens. Some are for directly addressing the burning pain and discomfort; others are for reducing the stress itself, because it really does trigger the reflux events. Changing your relationship to stressors makes a big difference, and herbs can help you do that. All this is part of a holistic framework including simple changes to diet, sleep habits, and alignment / movement patterns – that makes the herbs much more effective! (But don’t worry, our number one remedy will work even if you can’t convince your teen to do the whole protocol.)Mentioned in this podcast:Mega-Mag, our favorite magnesium supplementConcentrace,a multimineral supplement from the same producerDaylio, a mood/health-tracking app we’ve been playing with latelyClue, a menstrual cycle tracker appHerbs discussed includ

Yes, it's true: even herbalists get the flu. Two in one house sometimes, even! Each of us gets it a little bit differently, as our constitutions are balanced differently. But at least we can take care of each other. Listen in and learn all our tricks for getting through Actual Flu with a little more ease and comfort, the surprising role of marshmallow, and why a bath might be the most important thing you do all week!Herbs discussed include ginger, calendula, self-heal, heather, elderberry, purple loosestrife, goldenrod, sumac, ground ivy, mullein, catnip, nettle, blue vervain, thyme, garlic, elecampane, angelica, osha, codonopsis, pleurisy root, marshmallow, Irish moss, monarda, tulsi, rose, & orange.How many of those herbs are you familiar with? Well, almost every one has a detailed profile in our Holistic Herbalism Materia Medica course. Get to know the herbs on their own terms, as complex and unique as they are: what their qualities and actions are, how to make them into effective remedies, everyt

It may not have occurred to you that “psychological first aid” is even a thing, let alone that there might be herbs for psychological first aid! But let us assure you, it is very real and very important, and herbs can play a leading role.When working as a street medic or first responder, you’ll soon find that at least as many of the issues people need help with are mental/emotional as are physical. Bleeding wounds & broken bones get all the attention, but panic attacks, trauma-triggers, and uprushing grief, fear, or anger all require attention too. Herbs can help!In this podcast, Katja shares her favorite herbs for psychological first aid, along with some helpful strategies for framing traumatic situations and helping people define and direct their own stories about the experience. Listen in and learn a few allies who might help you – or help you help others – when some psych first aid is needed!The Emergent Responder Program is a deep dive into these concepts at the intersection of personal preparedness

Things are complex, and there are many factors. But guru syndrome is bad for the teacher and for the student, both. And believe it or not, active measures are required if you want to know how to not be a guru. Because humans have these tendencies: as students, to seek a guru; as teachers, to seek that status.When the student believes their teacher is a guru, it may be comforting, but it’s also disempowering. It makes the student feel & believe that they have to depend on the teacher. But it’s important for students to make their own experiments, and express their own experiences!When the teacher comes to believe they’re a guru, they start to think everything they’re doing must be right, down to finer and finer detail. But it’s important to question yourself first of all, otherwise you stop learning – and to step back and see the big picture, on the regular.So here are some ways we’ve come up with when working out how to not be a guru in our own work, that we do our best to live up to.As teachers – and as

There are so many fantastic herbs for first aid purposes, it’s hard to name them all! But if we focus our thoughts specifically on a post-disaster situation, this helps us narrow it down. Even better, think about the most likely emergency situations that might arise where you live, and you can keep your kit nice and targeted, your go-bag fully stocked. In this episode, Katja & Ryn share their must-have herbs for first aid both in the context of self-care and personal preparedness, but also in that of a large-scale emergency.Prepping isn’t just for preppers! Getting familiar with first aid herbs and how to prepare them effectively, bundle them neatly, and work with them quickly under pressure is a skill that could save lives. Start planning today!Our listener question this week: Are there any guidelines for knowing when an herb might have a drug interaction? (Listen in for the answer!)Herbs discussed include pine, blackberry, yellow dock, goldenseal, Oregon grape, barberry, goldthread, rose, witch hazel, c

If you’re a practitioner of food-as-medicine and are interested in integrating herbs into your work – or just a health-seeker wondering if herbs can support dietary interventions – this is the episode for you! We present what we think are the seven best herbs for dietitians and nutritionists to learn about and to integrate into their practice.These are plants that either provide direct nutrient content themselves, improve the ability to digest and absorb nutrients from the food you eat, or help shift mental and emotional patterns of relationship to food – each is equally important when it comes to improving one’s diet!Our listener question this week: Why would you advise against working with meadowsweet for the pain of stomach cramps – isn’t it a “painkilling herb”? (Listen in for the answer!)Herbs discussed include meadowsweet, tulsi, schisandra, chamomile, Irish moss, shiitake & maitake, nettle, rose, & calamus.Mentioned in this podcast:Gut-Heal TeaOrganic India Tulsi TeaThe Holistic Herbalism Podca

Hoo-ga? Hue-guh? However you pronounce it, hygge is big right now! And it makes sense: this time of year, we could all use a bit more comfort, coziness, and cuddly contentment as we contemplate the context of our current collective consciousness! . . . Or, uh, just have a nice way to find some warmth in the wintertime. But, how to make your hygge herbal? Listen & learn!Herbs discussed include solomon’s seal, ginger, meadowsweet, self-heal, licorice, kelp, chamomile, elderflower, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom; and our wedding tea: tulsi, betony, rose, violet, & spearmint.Mentioned in this podcast:12 Minute Yoga In Bed to Unwind – need some gentle movement? Start here!Herbal Medicine for Beginners, our book!The Holistic Herbalism Podcast, episode 59: SolsticeSouthern Folk Medicine, by Phyllis LightPhytochemistry and Pharmacy for Practitioners of Botanical Medicine, by Eric YarnellBehave: The Biology Of Humans At Our Best And Worst, by Robert SapolskyOther Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins o

This week Ryn & Katja share some thoughts on how to address chronic headaches – not just “getting rid of it” in the acute moment, but reducing the frequency & severity of your headaches across the board. This will require some changes to your habits around food, sleep, movement, and stress – but herbs are there to help you every step of the way. Listen in to learn more!Our weekly listener question this time is about blood-thinning herbs: how much is too much?Herbs discussed include willow, meadowsweet, Jamaican dogwood, feverfew, ginger, chamomile, wild lettuce, ashwagandha, ground ivy, ghost pipe, betony, black cohosh, calamus, linden.Mentioned in this podcast:Whole30Gut-Heal TeaGaia’s SleepThru4 Keys to Holistic Herbalism~Looking to learn herbalism in the new year? Herbalism 101 is our beginners’ program in practical herbalism: detailed profiles of 87+ medicinal plants, along with up-close instructions for making your own herbal remedies. Try it for 14 days with our zero-risk return policy! Learn yo

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, and we, like many folks, are ready with our list of resolutions. Let’s all make them more about self-care and becoming who we want to be in the world, and less about guilt & shame! In this podcast we’ll give you some tips how to do that, along with our own holistic & herbal resolutions for 2019. There are plenty of ways for herbs to help you stick to your resolutions – listen in to learn how!Our weekly listener question this time is about what to do when herbs are out-of-stock & how to go about making elegant substitutions.Herbs discussed include violet, betony, kava, pedicularis, green tea, calamus, pine, elecampane, sage, tulsi, goldenrod, ginseng.Mentioned in this podcast:Stephany Hoffelt, “How I Make Tinctures” – great post with some thoughts on different methods. Find the Excel sheet and PDF downloads at the end, great details there!AromaCulture – an aromatherapy & herbalism magazine. We were on Episode 22 of their podcast back in May, about our

Solstice is the quiet time, a moment of pause between the dying of the old and the rebirth of the new year. This week we share some meditations, stories, and traditions that shape the way we think about this time of year and its effects on our habits & our health. Listen in with a mug of your favorite sunny tea, and some nice warm blankets!PLUS: Listen in to get a coupon code for 25% off ANY of our online courses, good until MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!~Herbalism 101 is our entry-level program in practical herbalism: detailed profiles of 87+ medicinal plants, along with up-close instructions for making your own herbal remedies. Try it for 14 days with our zero-risk return policy! Learn your herbs & make your medicines with this in-depth set of herb profiles & medicine-making instructions.Support the showYou can find all of our online herbalism courses at online.commonwealthherbs.com!

Holiday foods are delightful & delicious, but what if you’re allergic to some of the ingredients? Never fear! In this episode we’ll share some of our best tips & tricks for when gluten, dairy, or other allergens are a no-no. Whether making a simple substitution, or trying out something entirely new, we’ve got you covered. We even have some strategies for if you accidentally get exposed – or even if it was accidentally-on-purpose!PLUS: Listen in to get a coupon code for 25% off ANY of our online courses, good from now until December 21st!Herbs discussed include calamus, ginger, chamomile, yellow dock, & blackberry.Mentioned in this podcast:Our Recipes – Here you’ll find Katja’s taste-tested recipes for everything from ginger-chamomile cookies to paleo pumpkin muffins to herb-powered cranberry sauce (it's in the Hawthorn post).Gut-Heal TeaEnzymedica Digest Spectrum – These are the enzyme capsules Ryn has found helpful when indulging in his allergens (just every once in a while).What To Do When

Handmade herbal remedies and self-care items are a great solution to the conundrum of gift-giving. In this episode we’ll share three DIY herbal gift ideas that you can make at home and share with all your loved ones: herb-infused wines, coffee-pecan cocktail bitters, and an evergreen-scented sugar scrub. The gift of herbs shows you care – give something unique this year!PLUS: Listen in to get a coupon code for 25% off ANY of our online courses, good from now until December 21stHerbs discussed include cacao, cayenne, ginger, cinnamon, angelica, calamus, hawthorn berries, goji berries, rose hips, hibiscus, elderberry, lemon balm, coffee, pecan, wild cherry, orange, black pepper, maple, pine, spruce, & fir. (Whew!)Mentioned in this podcast:Herbal Medicine-Making – Our video course teaches you to make more than two dozen types of herbal remedies.~Herbalism 101 is our entry-level program in practical herbalism: detailed profiles of 87+ medicinal plants, along with up-close instructions for making your own herb

This week we continue our exploration of herbal holiday traditions with a quick chat about some of the ways herbs turn up in holiday foods. Whether it’s a nice herbed roast, a ginger-enhanced cranberry sauce, or a paleo mulling-spice cookie (yep, we’ve got a recipe for those!), herbs add more than flavor to your season – as if that weren’t enough!PLUS: Listen in to get a coupon code for 25% off ANY of our online courses, good from now until December 21st!Herbs discussed include sage, pine, juniper, mint, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, orange peel, allspice, nutmeg, clove, & anise.Mentioned in this podcast:This post about hawthorn includes Katja’s cranberry sauce recipe. It’s super simple!These Ginger Chamomile Cookies can be modified to be Mulling Spice cookies with a simple substitution for a mulling spice blend in place of the ginger & chamomile powders. Try it!The Holistic Herbalism Podcast, episode 24 – Taco Seasoning HerbsThe Holistic Herbalism Podcast, episode 35 – Cinnamon, Vanilla, & CacaoThe

Today we’re kicking off a series of podcasts on herbs and the holidays! We begin with emotional support, because no matter how you feel about the holidays, those feelings are probably pretty big. In this episode we take an energetics-based approach to sorting out emotional categories and matching supportive herbs to them. Whether you’d like to be more grounded, centered, resolved, or emotionally flexible, herbs can help you get there!Herbs discussed include lady’s mantle, yarrow, marshmallow, violet, lemon balm, elderflower, cardamom, vanilla, motherwort, hawthorn, linden.Mentioned in this podcast:Check out our YouTube Herbs for Holidays series from 2017 – wow, we’ve learned a lot about video production since then! We’ll be adding a lot more video content to YouTube soon – subscribe to our channel now so you don’t miss it!The Holistic Herbalism Podcast, episode 2 – Avoiding Adaptogen Debt & EmotionalymphaticsThe Holistic Herbalism Podcast, episode 14 – Alternatives to Adaptogens for BurnoutThe Holistic He