Hawthorn: The Herbalist's Go-To Heart Herb, Its History and Traditional Uses

Hawthorn: The Herbalist's Go-To Heart Herb, Its History and Traditional Uses

If there is one herb that holds the heart in every sense of the word, it is Hawthorn. In this episode we take a deep and loving look at one of herbalism's most celebrated cardiotonic plants. From rich mythology to traditional Chinese medicine, from the stressed nervous system to the grieving heart, hawthorn shows up for all of it. Whether you are drawn to it for circulation, blood pressure, cold hands on winter mornings, or simply because your heart needs a little more love, this episode is for you.  What's in this episode:  * Why hawthorn is considered one of herbalism's greatest cardiotonic herbs, and why it took so long for the herbal tradition to catch on  * The mythology of hawthorn: maypoles, the fae, infant cradles, and the Crown of Thorns  * The secret Irish remedy that changed cardiac herbalism forever, and the doctor who kept it hidden until his death  * What the Eclectic physicians finally had to say about hawthorn in the early 1900s, in their own words  * How traditional Chinese medicine has used Crataegus for centuries, and what the Shen has to do with it  * The herbs we love to combine with hawthorn, and why you want the flowers, leaves, and berries together  * How freeze-drying preserves hawthorn's delicate flowers and flavonoid-rich berries  * The HBP powder blend and how to use it as a warming herbal broth  * Harvesting tips, home preparation ideas, and why hawthorn jam might be your new favorite thing  For full show notes and transcript: https://eclecticherb.com/blogs/news/hawthorn-heart-herb [https://eclecticherb.com/blogs/news/hawthorn-heart-herb]  Try Eclectic Herb's freeze-dried hawthorn [https://eclecticherb.com/products/hawthorn-berry] and HBP powder [https://eclecticherb.com/products/hbp-complete] at eclecticherb.com. Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.  Text Us & Let Us Know How You Liked The Show! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560355/fan_mail/new] Thanks so much for tuning into Eclectic Herbal Wisdom!  We'd love to show our gratitude by giving you a 20% discount on your whole order at eclecticherb.com [https://eclecticherb.com].  Just use the code PODCAST20 at checkout for 20% Off all your herbal goods! 🌿 And, if you have time, be sure to reach out and let us know what you think of the show!  At Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com/] we're passionate about bringing you herbs as fresh as plants in the wild! That's why we take the time to gently freeze dry our herbs, right after they've been harvested at the peak of their medicinal potency.  We know you'll feel the freeze dried difference in every capsule, every powder, and every bit of herbal love you get at Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com/]!  At Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com] we're proud to stay rooted in tradition, balanced with science, and committed to sustainable herbal products that are better for you and better for the planet since 1982. Over 95% of our freeze dried herbs are grown right here in the US, by small family farmers, and wild crafters that we've cultivated relationships with for over 30 years. They're tending to the plants and the land, ensuring they come back for future generations, and we're getting you the best herbal products out there. You deserve herbs as fresh as nature intended! Get them at eclecticherb.com [https://eclecticherb.com] Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eclecticherb/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@eclecticherb], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EclecticHerb], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@eclecticherb]

Herbal Wisdom for Women: From Birth to Menopause w/ Dr. Judith Thompson, ND

When it comes to women's health and herbal medicine, there may be no better pairing. In this episode we had the pleasure of chatting with naturopathic doctor and herbalist Dr. Judith Thompson, who shares decades of clinical wisdom from her work with women, from postpartum care to perimenopause, the everyday herbs she trusts most for nourishment and balance, and why the intention behind how we make and use herbal medicine matters more than we might think.    What's in this episode:    * How Judith's Paraguayan roots and her mother's kitchen medicine shaped her path into herbalism  * The near-fatal car accident that opened her eyes to the healing power of plants  * Herbalism and naturopathy: two lenses, one deep relationship with plants  * Clinical stories from birth to menopause: arnica for newborns, sitz baths, mugwort vaginal steams, maca, and evening primrose  * Supporting women through HPV naturally with green tea, vitamin E, and dietary shifts  * Safe everyday herbs for nourishment and balance: nettles [https://eclecticherb.com/products/nettle-leaf ], oats [https://eclecticherb.com/products/oats ], parsley [https://eclecticherb.com/products/veggie-10 ], celery [https://eclecticherb.com/products/celery-juice-capsules ], red raspberry leaf  * Why the intention behind making herbal medicine matters, and what one doctor's observation revealed  * Caring for plants as living beings and the Sustainable Herbs Initiative  For full show notes and transcript: eclecticherb.com/podcast/womens-health-dr.-judith  Get herbs as fresh as nature intended at eclecticherb.com [https://eclecticherb.com] Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook  Text Us & Let Us Know How You Liked The Show! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560355/fan_mail/new] Thanks so much for tuning into Eclectic Herbal Wisdom!  We'd love to show our gratitude by giving you a 20% discount on your whole order at eclecticherb.com [https://eclecticherb.com].  Just use the code PODCAST20 at checkout for 20% Off all your herbal goods! 🌿 And, if you have time, be sure to reach out and let us know what you think of the show!  At Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com/] we're passionate about bringing you herbs as fresh as plants in the wild! That's why we take the time to gently freeze dry our herbs, right after they've been harvested at the peak of their medicinal potency.  We know you'll feel the freeze dried difference in every capsule, every powder, and every bit of herbal love you get at Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com/]!  At Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com] we're proud to stay rooted in tradition, balanced with science, and committed to sustainable herbal products that are better for you and better for the planet since 1982. Over 95% of our freeze dried herbs are grown right here in the US, by small family farmers, and wild crafters that we've cultivated relationships with for over 30 years. They're tending to the plants and the land, ensuring they come back for future generations, and we're getting you the best herbal products out there. You deserve herbs as fresh as nature intended! Get them at eclecticherb.com [https://eclecticherb.com] Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eclecticherb/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@eclecticherb], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EclecticHerb], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@eclecticherb]

Dandelion: Digestive Health, Liver Support, and Eclectic History

Dandelion might be the most beneficial plant in your yard, yet so many are trying to kill this abundant, generous plant. Discover why herbalists have turned to dandelion for centuries, from its bitter properties that get digestion moving, to its support for liver function, kidney health, and natural detoxification. You'll hear how the leaf and root each have different beneficial properties, and why fresh dandelion is the best when it comes to getting the most from this "weed”.  Dig into the history through a century-old Eli Lilly dandelion extract, Culpeper's writings, the Eclectic Physicians, and traditional cultures around the world who have relied on this bright spring plant for generations. Plus, how freeze-drying preserves dandelion's full potency year-round.  What's in this episode:  * Why dandelion is a spring tonic for digestion, liver, and kidney support  * The difference between dandelion leaf and root, and when to use each  * Culpeper, Eli Lilly, and the Eclectic Physicians on dandelion's traditional uses  * Dandelion as food: salads, pesto, flower fritters, roasted root coffee, and more  * Why fresh matters and how freeze-drying preserves what air drying destroys  * The energetics of dandelion: uplifting leaf energy and grounding root energy  Full show notes, resources, and transcript: eclecticherb.com/podcast/dandelion-herb-of-the-month  Get Eclectic Herb's freeze-dried dandelion here at eclecticherb.com [https://eclecticherb.com/search?options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=dandelion]     Text Us & Let Us Know How You Liked The Show! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560355/fan_mail/new] Thanks so much for tuning into Eclectic Herbal Wisdom!  We'd love to show our gratitude by giving you a 20% discount on your whole order at eclecticherb.com [https://eclecticherb.com].  Just use the code PODCAST20 at checkout for 20% Off all your herbal goods! 🌿 And, if you have time, be sure to reach out and let us know what you think of the show!  At Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com/] we're passionate about bringing you herbs as fresh as plants in the wild! That's why we take the time to gently freeze dry our herbs, right after they've been harvested at the peak of their medicinal potency.  We know you'll feel the freeze dried difference in every capsule, every powder, and every bit of herbal love you get at Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com/]!  At Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com] we're proud to stay rooted in tradition, balanced with science, and committed to sustainable herbal products that are better for you and better for the planet since 1982. Over 95% of our freeze dried herbs are grown right here in the US, by small family farmers, and wild crafters that we've cultivated relationships with for over 30 years. They're tending to the plants and the land, ensuring they come back for future generations, and we're getting you the best herbal products out there. You deserve herbs as fresh as nature intended! Get them at eclecticherb.com [https://eclecticherb.com] Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eclecticherb/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@eclecticherb], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EclecticHerb], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@eclecticherb]

Medicinal Lichens, Moss, & Ferns w/ Robert Dale Rogers, RH (AHG)

Meet Robert Dale Rogers, one of the most prolific herbalists alive today, with over 65 books and decades of clinical practice rooted in botany, indigenous plant wisdom, and a deep love of the overlooked medicines of the Earth. In this episode, Robert joins Chris and Mel to share the stories, the science, and the magic behind some of herbalism's most under-appreciated medicines: lichens, ferns, mosses, and fungi.  This one is rich with wisdom, wild stories, and a few things that might just change how you look at the forest floor.  What's in this episode:  * Robert's path into lichens, ferns, and overlooked plant medicine  * Usnea as a clinical tool for drug-resistant tuberculosis and antibiotic resistance  * Lungwort and the Doctrine of Signatures: why this lichen keeps showing up when you need it  * Learning from Cree healers and documenting a 10th-generation medicine bundle  * Flower essences in clinical practice, including Gorse for hope  * 26 years of developing mushroom essences and shadow work  * You can learn more about Robert and his coming events here [https://selfhealdistributing.com/], and get his latest books here [https://bookshop.org/a/16080/9798888501801].   Herbal Terms in This Episode:  * Doctrine of Signatures: A traditional concept suggesting a plant's appearance may offer clues about its potential uses  * Usnic Acid: A compound found in roughly 32 lichen species, studied for its unique ability to affect bacterial cell function  We'd love to hear from you!  Have you ever had a plant show up at exactly the right moment? Share your stories with us on Instagram or TikTok @eclecticherb  Full show notes and transcript: eclecticherb.com/ blogs/news/medicinal-lichen-robert-dale-rogers  Explore Eclectic Herb's freeze-dried supplements at eclecticherb.com Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook  Text Us & Let Us Know How You Liked The Show! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560355/fan_mail/new] Thanks so much for tuning into Eclectic Herbal Wisdom!  We'd love to show our gratitude by giving you a 20% discount on your whole order at eclecticherb.com [https://eclecticherb.com].  Just use the code PODCAST20 at checkout for 20% Off all your herbal goods! 🌿 And, if you have time, be sure to reach out and let us know what you think of the show!  At Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com/] we're passionate about bringing you herbs as fresh as plants in the wild! That's why we take the time to gently freeze dry our herbs, right after they've been harvested at the peak of their medicinal potency.  We know you'll feel the freeze dried difference in every capsule, every powder, and every bit of herbal love you get at Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com/]!  At Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com] we're proud to stay rooted in tradition, balanced with science, and committed to sustainable herbal products that are better for you and better for the planet since 1982. Over 95% of our freeze dried herbs are grown right here in the US, by small family farmers, and wild crafters that we've cultivated relationships with for over 30 years. They're tending to the plants and the land, ensuring they come back for future generations, and we're getting you the best herbal products out there. You deserve herbs as fresh as nature intended! Get them at eclecticherb.com [https://eclecticherb.com] Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eclecticherb/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@eclecticherb], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EclecticHerb], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@eclecticherb]

Stinging Nettles: The Most Nutritious Weed You're Walking Past

Nettles might be the most nutrient-dense plant growing right outside your door right now, and most people walk past it every day without a second glance. In this episode, we're digging deep into one of herbalism's most beloved plants, sharing everything from its nutritional profile to why Dr. Ed Alstat's discovery of freeze-dried nettles for allergy relief changed the game for Eclectic Herb.  You'll hear readings from a 17th century Nicholas Culpeper text right from Chris' personal herbal library, travel through the global history of nettles from Japan to New Zealand to Russia, and learn why herbalists and the Eclectic Physicians have been turning to this plant for centuries. Whether you're managing seasonal allergies, looking to nourish your body after a long winter, or just curious about the weedy green that keeps popping up around you, this episode will make you want to go find some nettles.  What's in this episode:  * Why nettles is one of the most nutrient-dense plants on the planet  * Nettles for women's health: iron, heavy menses, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and perimenopause * Dr. Ed Alstat's discovery of freeze-dried nettles for allergies and what makes Eclectic Herb's nettles different  * Nicholas Culpeper's 17th century uses, read straight from Chris's library  * The Eclectic Physicians and how they approached nettles as a pattern-based remedy  * Ed's origin story: the pharmacist who put on a wig and started asking the wrong questions * Nettles World Tour with Chris: New Zealand's Onga Onga, Japan, Russia, and European urtication * How to use nettles: tea, apple cider vinegar infusion, pesto, smoothies, and freshly freeze-dried capsules    Herbal Terms in This Episode:  Hemostatic: An herb that helps slow or stop bleeding, useful for heavy menses or wounds.  Astringent: An action that tones and tightens tissues and reduces excessive secretions, like a runny nose or weeping wounds.  Diuretic: Supports the kidneys in flushing excess fluid and waste from the body.  Galactagogue: An herb traditionally used to support and promote breast milk production.  Urtication: The practice of deliberately stinging the skin with fresh nettles, historically used in Europe for pain relief and circulation.    We'd love to hear from you!  Have you ever used nettles for allergies, as a food, or in some creative way we didn't mention?  Share your nettles stories with us on Instagram or TikTok @eclecticherb  Full show notes and transcript: eclecticherb.com/blogs/news/stinging-nettles [https://eclecticherb.com/blogs/news/stinging-nettles]  Shop freeze-dried Nettles and Nettles with Quercetin at eclecticherb.com  Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook  Text Us & Let Us Know How You Liked The Show! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2560355/fan_mail/new] Thanks so much for tuning into Eclectic Herbal Wisdom!  We'd love to show our gratitude by giving you a 20% discount on your whole order at eclecticherb.com [https://eclecticherb.com].  Just use the code PODCAST20 at checkout for 20% Off all your herbal goods! 🌿 And, if you have time, be sure to reach out and let us know what you think of the show!  At Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com/] we're passionate about bringing you herbs as fresh as plants in the wild! That's why we take the time to gently freeze dry our herbs, right after they've been harvested at the peak of their medicinal potency.  We know you'll feel the freeze dried difference in every capsule, every powder, and every bit of herbal love you get at Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com/]!  At Eclectic Herb [https://eclecticherb.com] we're proud to stay rooted in tradition, balanced with science, and committed to sustainable herbal products that are better for you and better for the planet since 1982. Over 95% of our freeze dried herbs are grown right here in the US, by small family farmers, and wild crafters that we've cultivated relationships with for over 30 years. They're tending to the plants and the land, ensuring they come back for future generations, and we're getting you the best herbal products out there. You deserve herbs as fresh as nature intended! Get them at eclecticherb.com [https://eclecticherb.com] Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eclecticherb/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@eclecticherb], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EclecticHerb], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@eclecticherb]