Pleurisy Root: Healing Land, Monarchs & Lungs with Linda Shanahan

Pleurisy Root: Healing Land, Monarchs & Lungs with Linda Shanahan

What if one medicinal herb could change the way you think about healing—not just in the body, but across entire ecosystems? Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa), also called butterfly weed, is often thought of as a lung herb. But as this conversation with herbalist, farmer, and nurse Linda Shanahan reveals, this brilliant orange wildflower has a much bigger story to tell—one that stretches from monarch butterflies to microbiomes. In this episode, Linda shares the remarkable story of transforming a chemically treated sod farm into a thriving wildlife sanctuary where native plants, pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects returned together. Along the way, we explore pleurisy root's medicinal uses, why it's such an important plant for monarch butterflies, and how thinking like an herbalist invites us to see connections everywhere, from restoring habitats to supporting the microbiome within our own bodies. This episode’s “recipe” card is something a little different: a guide to creating your own Monarch Medicinal Mini Garden. You can learn how to create a beautiful habitat that nourishes monarch butterflies while incorporating native medicinal plants into your landscape—find your copy here [https://herbswithrosalee.aweb.page/monarch-medicinal-mini-garden-recipe]. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► The surprising scent of pleurisy root that strongly hints at who it’s meant to help ► How pleurisy root can support specific respiratory conditions in ways that conventional Western medicine simply can’t ► Special considerations for using pleurisy root medicinally ► Practical tips for successfully growing milkweed from seed ► Why planting milkweed alone isn’t enough—and what monarch butterflies really need to thrive ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Linda Shanahan is an herbalist, registered nurse, and community health educator who co-owns an organic herb farm and farm-to-bottle apothecary in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with her husband, Eric. Together, they cultivate and craft herbal extracts rooted in ecological integrity and bioregional connection. Linda’s journey began over 25 years ago apprenticing with herbalists Howie Brounstein and Steven Yeager in Eugene, Oregon, where she first discovered the profound spiritual nourishment found in wildcrafting and the intimate dialogue between people, plants and place. This conversation with Linda is a beautiful reminder that every medicinal herb exists not in isolation, but within a web of relationships. I hope it inspires you to deepen your own connections—with the plants growing around you and the ecosystems that sustain us all. ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com [https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/podcast233.html] Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here [https://youtu.be/ZS39Y0nudu4] for the video. You can find Linda at BluestemBotanicals.com [https://bluestembotanicals.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].

The Medicinal Spice You Probably Underuse: Cardamom for Digestion, Mood, and More with Missy Rohs

Most of us think of cardamom as a baking spice—but what if it's actually one of the most delightful herbal medicines in your apothecary? Many of us know cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) as the spice that makes chai, pastries, and coffee taste extraordinary. But as Missy Rohs shares in this episode, cardamom is so much more than a delicious ingredient. Together, we explore its gifts as a digestive remedy, aromatic medicine, antimicrobial herb, and even what Unani Tibb medicine calls an exhilarant—an herb that gently lifts the spirit and helps us become more open to joy. As Missy beautifully puts it, cardamom "lets the sunshine in." Along the way, we swap favorite ways to work with cardamom—from coffee and bitters to savory dishes, tinctures, and even medicinal-strength infusions. We also take a delightful detour into saffron (because it’s hard to stay focused on just one of the many amazing herbs out there!), another treasured spice that pairs beautifully with cardamom and offers its own dose of wonder. Be sure to download your beautifully illustrated recipe card for Missy’s Delightful Persian Love Cake—a stunning celebration of cardamom, saffron, rose, and pistachios that’s sure to become a favorite. You’ll find your copy here [https://herbswithrosalee.aweb.page/delightful-persian-love-cake-recipe]. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► Five herbal preparations for working with cardamom—and why using it in culinary preparations can be just as medicinal! ► A simple trick for getting even more aroma and flavor from your cardamom ► An unexpected savory pairing with cardamom that might just inspire your next meal ► Tips for growing and harvesting your own saffron (hint: there’s a reason it’s so expensive to buy at the store!) ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Missy Rohs has run the Arctos School of Herbal Studies in Portland, Oregon for two decades. Her classes focus on sustainability, accessibility, and land connection, with special attention to community care. In Missy's plant medicine practice, pragmatism is queen. Common weeds, native plants, kitchen remedies, and ephemeral fungi are all part of her repertoire. Cardamom may already live in your spice cabinet—but after this conversation with Missy, you may find yourself reaching for it much more often! ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com [https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/podcast232.html] Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here [https://youtu.be/GjHeErL_qKE] for the video. You can find Missy at ArctosSchool.org [https://arctosschool.org/]. 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].

Linden Myths You Should Stop Believing

Linden is one of my favorite tree medicines, but it's also surrounded by a few common misconceptions. Here, I unpack three myths that may be keeping you from getting the most out of this remarkable herb. ► Why linden is much more than a calming bedtime tea ► Which parts of the tree are traditionally used beyond the flowers ► What research suggests about harvesting linden from urban areas If you'd like to keep learning about linden, I'd love to share my free Linden Monograph, which also includes one of my favorite summer iced tea recipes featuring linden, lemon balm, and oat straw. And if you enjoy this way of studying herbs, you'll love my Herbal Energetics Course. It includes more than 60 detailed herb monographs, along with practical tools to help you understand herbs through the lens of energetics. Get the monograph and the recipe, and join the waitlist through here [https://herbswithrosalee.aweb.page/linden-monograph-iced-linden-tea-recipe].

Violet: A Backyard Herb for Swollen Lymph Nodes and a Frazzled Nervous System with Lindsey Feldpausch

Can one tiny flower soften dry skin, soothe swollen tissues, calm the heart, and even inspire a little everyday magic? Violets may be small, but they have an astonishing amount to offer. In this episode, I sit down with herbalist Lindsey Feldpausch to celebrate one of our shared favorite plants: violet (Viola spp.). Together, we explore why this humble spring flower deserves far more attention—not only for its beauty, but for its remarkable ability to soothe dry tissues, support the lymphatic system, nourish the body, and gently soften both physical and emotional tension. Along the way, Lindsey shares stories from her own herbal journey, explains the fascinating diversity within the Viola genus, and reveals why she considers violet a true kindred spirit. We also dive into the chemistry behind violet's elusive fragrance, explore surprising new research, and, of course, spend plenty of time delighting in the simple joy of getting down on the ground with a patch of blooming violets. During our conversation, Lindsey also shares all about her gorgeous Violet Elixir—a beautiful (and magically color-changing!) spring preparation that's every bit as enchanting as the flowers themselves. Be sure to download your beautifully illustrated recipe card here [https://herbswithrosalee.aweb.page/violet-elixir-recipe]. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► The fascinating reason violet's fragrance seems to disappear almost as quickly as you notice it ► Why violet can be especially helpful for new mothers ►The simple trick that can make all the difference in your violet salve ► Exciting new scientific research that has herbalists paying even closer attention to this familiar plant ► The hidden botanical secret that helps violets spread so beautifully in the garden ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Lindsey Feldpausch, RH(AHG) is a clinical herbalist, educator, and Assistant Director at the Herbal Academy. With over 15 years of experience in the field of herbalism, Lindsey's work has been focused on herbal education and clinical herbal practice, teaching for online and in-person herb programs, as well as at a variety of conferences, while maintaining a private practice of her own. As an herbalist, Lindsey's goal is to connect plants with the humans who need them. She believes in our innate ability to engage with the power of plants, and one of her life’s intentions is to kindle this belief in others. Lindsey's herbal works have coalesced into her business, Plant Matters, where she offers herbal education, consulting, and handcrafted herbal products. After this episode, you may find yourself slowing down the next time you pass a patch of violets—and discovering just how extraordinary these tiny flowers really are. ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com [https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/podcast231.html] Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here [https://youtu.be/IFBpmWjNp5s] for the video. You can find Lindsey at PlantMatters.org [http://plantmatters.org]. You can find Lindsey’s course, Holistic Approaches for Tick-Borne Diseases, here [https://theherbalacademy.com/product/holistic-approach-for-tick-borne-diseases-course/]. 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].

Rabbit Tobacco for Lung Health, Respiratory Healing, and Everyday Medicine with Karen Lynn Burr

What if one of the most helpful herbs for the lungs is one you’ve never heard of? Rabbit tobacco (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium) may not be the most well-known herb, but according to herbalist Karen Lynn Burr, it deserves a place in every herbal toolkit. In this episode, Karen shares how this native North American plant became one of her most trusted allies after a serious respiratory health crisis—so much that she credits it for saving her life! Along the way, we explore rabbit tobacco's long history of traditional use for supporting the lungs, soothing irritated tissues, and helping the body recover after illness. Karen also shares her broader philosophy of restorative herbalism, making connections between healthy ecosystems, healthy bodies, wild foods, and community care. From foraging and folk medicine to rewilding ourselves through plants, this conversation is packed with practical insights, inspiring stories, and contagious enthusiasm for the healing power of the natural world. Karen has also brought us her Respiratory Support Nebulizing Formula, an incredibly versatile herbal preparation that can be used to calm and soothe inflammation during or after a respiratory illness. You can download your beautifully illustrated recipe card here [https://herbswithrosalee.aweb.page/respiratory-support-nebulizing-formula-recipe]! By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► Why Karen is so passionate about wild foods (and how to harness their gifts to benefit your health!) ► How rabbit tobacco can help to rebuild thinning tissues—from the lungs, to the skin, to vaginal tissues, and more ► Plants that partner well with rabbit tobacco to support different health conditions ► Five herbal preparations for rabbit tobacco ► Tips for sourcing, harvesting, and drying rabbit tobacco to ensure you’re making the most potent medicine ► What disturbed ecosystems can teach us about resilience and recovery ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Karen Lynn Burr, owner and clinical herbalist at Materia Medica Restorative Herbalism Center, brings over 20 years of holistic health experience. Her training includes integrative nutrition, vitalist herbalism specializing in acute skin conditions, medical botany focused on hormonal aging, and clinical herbal formulations for internal and topical use. She also has deep knowledge of folk medicine, wild food education, and herbal remedies for autoimmune support and environmental toxins. In 2024, Karen founded the Restorative Herbalism Center to champion wild food and regenerative healing for mind, body, and spirit. Their mission is to restore health naturally, avoiding costly supplements and overused pharmaceuticals. From respiratory health to ecological restoration, rabbit tobacco reminds us that some of the most powerful allies are hiding in plain sight. I can't wait for you to meet this fascinating plant! ---- Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com [https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/podcast230.html] Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here [https://youtu.be/JBZzHWE74ZQ] for the video. You can find Karen at MM-RestorativeHerbalismCenter.com [https://www.mm-restorativeherbalismcenter.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].