Herb Mentor Radio

Holy Basil ( Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum ) has been revered in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, but its health benefits are uniquely relevant to the demands of modern life. Want to learn about the healing gifts of Holy Basil? Follow along with herbalist Sorrel Hartford to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of Holy Basil. And after learning these 3 benefits of Holy...

In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, we continue our journey through National Geographic Herbal with Chapter Four: Topical Herbalism. To guide us into this deeply sensory and ancestral world, we are joined by herbalist Shereel Washington, founder of Ixalted Natural Body Care & Botanicals. Shereel brings a rich perspective rooted in folk herbalism, body care traditions, ancestral knowledge, and...

In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, we continue our journey through National Geographic Herbal with Chapter Three: Apothecary Herbalism. To guide us into this hands-on and deeply personal aspect of herbal practice, we are joined by clinical herbalist and educator Mary Colvin, founder of Ancestral Herbology and author of The Herbalist’s Guide: How to Build and Use Your Own Apothecary . Mary Colvin...

Dill ( Anethum graveolens ) is a quiet yet powerful medicinal ally in gardens and kitchens around the world. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of dill? Follow along with herbalist Sorrel Hartford to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of dill. And after learning these 3 benefits of dill you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’s the easy wa...

In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, we continue our journey through National Geographic Herbal with Chapter Two: Kitchen Herbalism. To guide us into this aromatic world, we are joined by Appalachian herbalist Patricia Kyritsi Howell, director of the BotanoLogos School of Herbal Studies and co-owner of Wild Crete Travel. Patricia brings a beautiful perspective shaped by both the mountains of South...

Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare ) is a beloved culinary staple around the world, and an ancient herbal ally for common modern ailments. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of fennel? Follow along with herbalist Sorrel Hartford to learn about 3 medicinal benefits of fennel. And after learning these 3 benefits of fennel you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’...

In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, we begin our journey through National Geographic Herbal with the chapter that opens the entire path: Sensory Herbalism. To guide us into this deeply relational way of knowing plants, we are joined by Kat Maier, author of Energetic Herbalism and founder of Sacred Plant Traditions . Kat has spent decades helping students and practitioners understand the energetic...

Sage ( Salvia officinalis ) is a familiar garden plant with a long history as both a culinary staple and a revered herbal ally. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of sage? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of sage. And after learning these 3 benefits of sage you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’...

Big news at HerbMentor Radio! We open this episode with an exciting announcement that Mimi Prunella Hernandez is joining HerbMentor Radio as a co-host alongside Kimberly Gallagher. From there, we take time to get to know Mimi a bit better, her journey as a lifelong herbalist, author, and mentor, and what has shaped her herbal path. Mimi shares her excitement and joy about what she calls her new he...

Cardamom ( Elettaria cardamomum ) is a sweet, warming spice used in Ayurvedic medicine and beloved in kitchens around the world. It’s treasured in herbal medicine for its aromatic, stimulating gifts. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of cardamom? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of cardamom. And after learning these 3 benefits of ca...

Gut health isn’t just about digestion: it’s the foundation of whole-body balance. Clinical herbalist and author Maria Noël Groves brings a practical and deeply empowering perspective to the conversation, helping demystify gut health and showing how herbs can gently and effectively support digestion and long-term vitality. Maria is the author of several books, including but not limited to Body into...

Clove ( Syzygium aromaticum ) is a pungent culinary delight that makes for a wonderful spice and herbal ally. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of clove? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of clove. And after learning these 3 benefits of clove you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’s the easy way...

Ginger ( Zingiber officiniale ) is far more than a spicy addition to your meals. This beloved plant has been used for centuries across the world as a powerful herbal remedy. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of ginger? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of ginger. And after learning these 3 benefits of ginger you might be wondering ho...

Menopause isn’t an ending: it’s an initiation. Herbalist Mimi Prunella Hernandez offers a refreshing, grounded, and deeply compassionate look at the post-menopausal years, breaking down stigma and opening the door to a new era of vitality, strength, and self-trust. She shares how simple, time-tested herbal allies can support the body through this powerful life chapter. Mimi is a clinical herbalist...

Dreams aren’t just random stories from the night: they’re powerful messengers. Herbalist and ceremonialist Lauren Morgan shares how you can begin (or deepen) an intentional dream practice, and how simple herbal allies can support the journey. Lauren is a community herbalist, dreamer, Earth-based ceremonialist, author, mother, and host of the Herbs and Dreams podcast. She attended her first herbal...

On October 25th our dear friend Rosalee de la Forêt hosted an online memorial to honor our co-founder John Gallagher's life and legacy. Rosalee brought together people from all different eras of John's life to share their stories about John and what he brought to this world. It was such a beautiful event that we wanted to share the recording here in case you weren't able to join us live. We're so...

Oats ( Avena sativa ) are more than just a tasty breakfast cereal. This nutrient-dense plant is a gentle yet powerful tonic for the nervous system. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of oats? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of oats. And after learning these 3 benefits of oats you might be wondering how you can learn more about other...

Let’s be honest: when many herbalists hear the word marketing , they cringe. It can feel out of sync with the heart-centered work of healing. But what if marketing could actually be a sacred tool: one that helps your message and your medicine reach more people? In this episode, herbalist and marketing expert Jules Benefico shares simple, soulful ways to help you grow your herbal business with inte...

Burdock grows abundantly as a “weed” along pathways and roadsides, but don’t let the everyday nature of this plant fool you: burdock, like so many prolific medicinal plants, offers many healing gifts. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of burdock root? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of burdock. And after learning these 3 benefits o...

Roses ( Rosa spp.) offer a bounty of healing gifts through their fragrant flowers and nutrient-dense fruits. Rosehips are chockfull of vitamin C: making them an incredibly supportive herbal ally. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of rosehips? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of rosehips. And after learning these 3 benefits of rosehi...

 This week’s Herb Mentor Radio is extra special. Tara sits down with Kimberly Gallagher, co-founder and CEO of LearningHerbs, for a heartfelt conversation that blends personal stories, plant wisdom, and an exciting announcement we can’t wait to share. Kimberly has spent decades nurturing LearningHerbs from a small family dream into a vibrant community that now spans the globe. In this episode, she...

Oregano ( Origanum vulgare ) is a bold, aromatic herb that’s probably sitting in your kitchen cupboard—but don’t let its everyday status fool you. This Mediterranean plant is a potent medicinal herb with a long history of use as a digestive aid, respiratory support, and antimicrobial remedy. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of oregano? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about...

This episode has been a long time coming. We've wanted to have Seraphina Capranos on the pod for years, and it was a joy to sit down and chat with her... Seraphina is a homeopath and one of Canada's leading herbalists. She's been in clinical practice for over twenty years and is an international teacher, speaker, and mentor who has taught thousands of students. Rosemary Gladstar has lauded her as...

Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale or "common comfrey") is a prolific plant that has an infamously mixed reputation as an incredible healing herb and potentially risky herbal ally. We'll get into all of this in the comfrey Herb Note. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of comfrey? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of comfrey. And after lea...

We begin this episode with the heartbreaking news that our beloved HerbMentor Radio co-host, John Gallagher, passed away in June. John was a visionary who dedicated his life to helping people connect with nature. He believed in making herbal learning accessible, creative, and empowering—and he touched countless lives through his work. We will honor John and his life's work by keeping LearningHerbs...