The Herbalist's Journal

In this episode of The Herbalist’s Journal , Celine explores the Eastern White Pine ( Pinus strobus )—a towering species woven into medicine, history, and identity across the Northeast. From its role in Haudenosaunee healing and symbolism to its place in colonial shipbuilding and early American industry, discover how this soft-needled giant became a tree of peace, power, and enduring presence.

In this episode of The Herbalist’s Journal , Celine explores the Shagbark Hickory ( Carya ovata )—a tree of sweet nuts, tough wood, and deep cultural roots. Discover its role in Indigenous foodways, traditional medicine, early American craft, and wildlife ecology. A species that embodies resilience, generosity, and the slow wisdom of mature forests.

Join Celine in this episode of The Herbalist’s Journal as she explores the Cucumber Magnolia ( Magnolia acuminata ), a rare Appalachian native with ancient lineage and surprising cultural history. From its medicinal bark to its role in Cherokee tradition and early American craft, discover how this quiet magnolia shaped healing, landscape, and story in the eastern forests.

In this episode of The Herbalist’s Journal , Celine explores Virgin’s Bower ( Clematis virginiana )—a climbing vine of hedgerows, riverbanks, and woodland edges. Discover its role in Indigenous medicine, its symbolic ties to protection and boundary spaces, and its surprising chemistry. A plant of tangles, thresholds, and quiet power. This show exists ad free, if you would like to show support, I g...

Beneath the shade of eastern woodlands grows Jack-in-the-pulpit ( Arisaema triphyllum ), a spring wildflower of striking beauty and hidden danger. In this episode of The Herbalist’s Journal , host Celine, forester and Board Certified Master Arborist, explores the plant’s unique biology, its role in Indigenous medicine, and the folklore that surrounds its hooded blooms and bright red berries. Disco...

Towering over late-summer meadows, Joe-Pye weed ( Eutrochium spp.) is both a pollinator favorite and a plant steeped in healing traditions. In this episode of The Herbalist’s Journal , host Celine, forester and Board Certified Master Arborist, explores its role in Indigenous medicine, its use by the legendary healer Joe Pye, and its place in American folk remedies. Discover how this striking wildf...

Along shady streams and damp woodland edges grows jewelweed ( Impatiens capensis and I. pallida ), a plant long treasured as nature’s remedy for poison ivy and nettle stings. In this episode of The Herbalist’s Journal , host Celine, forester and Board Certified Master Arborist, explores jewelweed’s shimmering leaves, exploding seed pods, and its deep cultural roots. From Indigenous healing practic...

Goldenrod ( Solidago spp.) lights up late-summer meadows with brilliant yellow blooms — often blamed for allergies but truly a healer, pollinator ally, and cultural treasure. In this episode of The Herbalist’s Journal , host Celine, forester and Board Certified Master Arborist, explores goldenrod’s role in Indigenous medicine, its patriotic use as “Liberty Tea,” its place in folklore, and its endu...

High on rocky ridges and cool northern slopes, the American mountain ash ( Sorbus americana ) glows with clusters of red berries that feed wildlife and spark human imagination. In this episode of The Herbalist’s Journal , host Celine, a forester and Board Certified Master Arborist, explores the botany, ecology, and rich cultural history of this small but striking tree. From Indigenous medicinal us...

Welcome back to The Herbalist’s Journal — where we explore the plants that shaped human history, one story at a time. I’m your host, Celine Colbert, and today we’re venturing into the shady edges of North American forests to meet a plant that’s beautiful, mysterious… and, in the wrong context, deadly.

The Herbalist’s Journal explores the stories behind the plants of the Northeast and beyond. Hosted by Celine Colbert, a forester and Board Certified Master Arborist, each episode dives deep into one species—its botany, ecology, medicinal uses, and cultural history. From towering trees to hidden woodland herbs, discover how plants heal, harm, and inspire. The forest is speaking—let’s listen.