Balsam Fir: Lung Support, Wound Healing, and the Medicine Right Outside Your Door with Erica Macrum

Balsam Fir: Lung Support, Wound Healing, and the Medicine Right Outside Your Door with Erica Macrum

Could the tree outside your window become one of your greatest herbal teachers? Living at the edge of the boreal forest, Erica Macrum is surrounded by balsam fir (Abies balsamea), and over the years this fragrant conifer has become one of her closest plant allies. But rather than relying on books, Erica has learned much of what she knows about balsam fir through observation, experimentation, and simply spending time with the tree itself. In this episode, Erica shares her favorite ways to work with balsam fir's resin, needles, and bark, as well as the unexpected lessons she's gathered from years of companionship with this remarkable tree. Together, we explore its gifts for healing, the role of curiosity in herbal practice, and the wisdom that can emerge when we spend time getting to know the plants growing around us. Erica also shared her recipe for Spring Forest Herbal Salt, a delicious way to add a taste of the forest to your own kitchen. Be sure to download your copy here [https://herbswithrosalee.aweb.page/spring-forest-herbal-salt-recipe]! By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► How balsam fir resin naturally protects the tree—and how you can harness that healing power ► The surprising differences between working with the resin, bark, and needles ► How Erica uses balsam fir to support respiratory health ► Why "playing" with a plant can be an important part of herbal learning ► What plants can teach us about compassion, patience, and meeting people where they are ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Erica Macrum is the owner of Sweet Fern Apothecary and has a deep passion for the healing arts. The ancient wisdom of Earth-based energetic modalities keeps Erica engaged and continuously learning. As a clinical herbalist, she loves sharing about the healing properties and energetics of plant medicine and strongly encourages the people around her to hold healing in their hands. Erica has been studying and practicing Chinese medicine for over 20 years. She is a graduate of the East West School of Planetary Herbology, where she helped facilitate and teach the case studies class with her mentor Susan Kremer. When she is not working with herbs, you will find Erica in the garden, walking in the woods, or spending time with her family. Whether balsam fir grows outside your door or hundreds of miles away, I hope this conversation inspires you to spend a little more time with the plants around you—and who knows, you just might find yourself looking at those familiar plants in a whole new way! ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com [https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/podcast228.html] Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here [https://youtu.be/qcAg_nvp6wc] for the video. You can find Erica at SweetFernApothecary.com [https://www.sweetfernapothecary.com/]. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet [https://www.instagram.com/rosaleedelaforet/] on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter [https://rmcsample.aweb.page/p/9a1dfc11-c62f-4f32-93db-e0209220a6ad]. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com [http://herbswithrosalee.com/]. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/140195006X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=metvalher-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=140195006X&linkId=015132911186b966727b15dabec8da5d] and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine [https://amzn.to/3a2G3R4]. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here [https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/rosalee-de-la-foret.html].

3 Surprising Herbs for Stress

When people think about herbs for stress, they often reach for the usual recommendations. But some of the most supportive herbs aren't always the most obvious. Here, I share three surprising herbs that I frequently think about for different types of stress and nervous system support. ► Milky oats for deep depletion and nervous system nourishment ► Lavender for anxiety and acute stress support ► Reishi for chronic, long-term stress and resilience I also share an important lesson I've learned after many years of working with herbs: while herbs can be incredible allies, lasting resilience comes from understanding your unique constitution and changing your relationship to stress itself. That's exactly why Rebecca Altman and I created the Building Resilience Course, which combines herbs, self-awareness, and practical tools for building resilience from the inside out. Learn more and join here [https://herbswithrosalee.mykajabi.com/building-resilience-2026].

Nettle as a Restorative Herb for Minerals, Vitality, and Long-Term Healing with Juliet Howard

What can an old fairy tale teach us about one of herbalism’s most trusted plants? In this episode, herbalist and storyteller Juliet Howard shares one of my favorite stories, "The Wild Swans," an old tale in which stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) plays a central role in healing, devotion, and liberation. From there, our conversation unfolds into a rich exploration of nettle’s gifts—from its nourishing minerals and restorative qualities to its role as a fiber plant, natural dye, and lifelong herbal companion. Through story, personal experience, and practical herbal wisdom, Juliet reveals why stinging nettle remains such a treasured herbal ally. Along the way, she offers a thoughtful reminder that some of the most meaningful healing happens slowly, through relationship, consistency, and practice. Juliet also shares her Heavy Nettle Daily Tonic, combining nettle with a few beloved herbal allies to make a deeply nourishing infusion. You can download your beautifully illustrated recipe card here [https://herbswithrosalee.aweb.page/heavy-nettle-daily-tonic-recipe]. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► Why stinging nettle is a gateway herb for so many herbalists ► How nettle is able to break real-life “enchantments” and help bring you back into yourself ► Why nettle works best as a long-term herbal ally ► A simple daily practice that can transform your relationship with this common weed ► What it means to think of plants as friends (rather than simply as resources) ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Juliet’s relationship to the wisdom and magic of the plant world began at a very early age while living on the wild cliffs of the Oregon coast. The purpose of her work is to help people come home to themselves through fostering deeper relationships to plants and the natural world. It is her strong conviction that plants are a powerful portal into the magic and wonder of being alive and embodied. With her book, The Girl Whose Garden Comes Alive, Juliet’s intention is to help children cultivate lifelong reciprocal relationships with the green world, making them feel both empowered and connected to the land around them. This episode is part herbal conversation, part story hour, and entirely delightful. Whether you already love stinging nettle or are just getting to know it, you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the many ways this humble plant nourishes, restores, and surprises us. ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com [https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/podcast227.html] Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here [https://youtu.be/EKAD1GUiJRI] for the video. You can find Juliet at TheGirlWhoseGardenComesAlive.com [https://www.thegirlwhosegardencomesalive.com/]. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet [https://www.instagram.com/rosaleedelaforet/] on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter [https://rmcsample.aweb.page/p/9a1dfc11-c62f-4f32-93db-e0209220a6ad]. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com [http://herbswithrosalee.com/]. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/140195006X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=metvalher-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=140195006X&linkId=015132911186b966727b15dabec8da5d] and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine [https://amzn.to/3a2G3R4]. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here [https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/rosalee-de-la-foret.html].

Passionflower for Sleep and Overthinking: What the Research Shows

Have you ever found yourself lying in bed unable to sleep, thoughts spinning in your head like a hamster wheel? Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) may just be the herb for you! In this short episode, I discuss what I love about passionflower, when it truly shines for dealing with insomnia, and my favorite ways to work with it. As you’ll hear, passionflower can be a wonderful herbal ally for certain types of insomnia—but unfortunately, sometimes all the herbs in the world can’t help if chronic stress is what’s keeping you from being able to sleep. When this happens, it’s time to work on things at a deeper level. That’s why my friend Rebecca Altman and I created our free Building Resilience mini course, which will help you to start shifting your relationship to stress at its core—and yes, there will be herbs involved, too! You can sign up for the free mini course here [https://herbswithrosalee.mykajabi.com/building-resilience-mc-2026]. We’d love to have you join us! ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com [https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/podcast226.html] Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here [https://youtu.be/XE1Qd40pAQE] for the video. For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet [https://www.instagram.com/rosaleedelaforet/] on Instagram! Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter [https://rmcsample.aweb.page/p/9a1dfc11-c62f-4f32-93db-e0209220a6ad]. If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it! On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health. Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com [http://herbswithrosalee.com/]. ---- Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/140195006X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=metvalher-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=140195006X&linkId=015132911186b966727b15dabec8da5d] and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine [https://amzn.to/3a2G3R4]. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here [https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/rosalee-de-la-foret.html].

3 Underrated Herbs for Oral Health

When most people think about oral care, they think about toothpaste or mouthwash. But herbs have a long history of supporting the mouth, gums, and oral tissues in ways that are both practical and deeply nourishing. In this short podcast, I share three of my favorite underrated herbs for oral health and why each one works so differently. ► Plantain for supporting tissue healing ► Marshmallow root for soothing dry, irritated tissues ► Echinacea for oral discomfort and deeper tissue support I also talk about one of the most important shifts in herbalism: learning how to match herbs to the tissues and patterns involved instead of using the same approach for everyone. This way of thinking is exactly what Kyle Denton teaches inside the Herbal Dental Care course. Kyle combines 15 years of experience in the dental field with clinical herbalism to teach oral care through an herbalist lens. Enrollment closes soon, so if you’ve been curious about herbal oral care, now is the time to join us. Enroll here: https://courses.herbrally.com/a/2148266690/XqYp4jfE [https://courses.herbrally.com/a/2148266690/XqYp4jfE]