The Herbalist's Path

Tune into this transformative chat with Robin Rose Bennett , a brilliant herbalist and storyteller, steeped in Wise Woman wisdom. We celebrated the spring equinox, a time for renewal, and dove straight into how we connect with plants for deep healing.   Robin's journey into herbalism, guided by nature's wisdom and spiritual mentors, really hit home for me. She stressed the importance of...

It’s spring and I’m beyond thrilled to dive into my medicinal herb garden. In this episode I’m sharing the must have herbs to  grow for my family. You’ll learn about chamomile, elecampane, and Tulsi and  their numerous health benefits, including supporting respiratory health, aiding digestion, and combating stress. I shared some tips for growing these herbs and suggest ways to source quality seeds...

Jacqueline Clemmons graces us with her wisdom on postpartum healing, doula work, and nurturing maternal health have profoundly moved many. Jacqueline shares her journey from supporting births organically at a young age to becoming a professional doula and founding the Okionu Birth Foundation . She discusses the significance of holistic support for both families and birth workers, emphasizing the i...

Meet  Dr. Katie Wood, a holistic pharmacist, who shares her personal journey from traditional pharmacy to holistic health and her dedication to helping women on their fertility journey. She discusses the profound effects of lifestyle habits and diet, including a reduction of sugar and endocrine disruptors, on overall health and fertility. Dr. Wood emphasizes the crucial role of self-education in m...

Ready to dive into a holistic approach to health and wellness? Well, you're in the right place! Join me as we explore the incredible world of herbs and natural strategies for feeling your best. Here’s the shocking truth for some – herbs aren't magic pills. But boy, can they be powerful allies on our wellness journey! I'm all about breaking down the misconception of quick fixes and i...

In this episode you’ll learn about the important role of herbal medicine in the home and gain tips for getting started with using herbs in family healthcare. I shared some of my favorite herbs and how to use them for numerous ailments, specifically focusing on plantain, chamomile, and yarrow. Herbalism requires a respect for nature and sustainability when sourcing herbs. This is also a gentle remi...

In this episode I did a little pod-swap with my good buddy Mason of the Herb Rally Podcast , and he had me on an episode of the Herbalist Hour.  We talked about my time running of Mountain Mel's, my herbal products company & how Mason & I met over 10 years ago through that.  l shared stories of my journey into herbalism and my experiences owning an apothecary tea & smoothie shop,...

Dive into this episode with Scott Kloos, a seasoned herbalist, as we uncover the secrets of sustainable wildcrafting and regenerative practices in herbalism. Learn how to ethically gather plants with a deep understanding of ecosystems, ensuring we nurture nature rather than harm it.  Scott brings to light the often-overlooked traditional ecological knowledge, showing how it's essential in fac...

Have you ever wondered if your natural remedies actually work, or not?  Oftentimes, the importance of quality ingredients can make a world of difference in your herbal medicines. Also, recognizing that herbs aren't instant fix pills and often require lifestyle changes to see their effects maximized. The effectiveness of your DIY remedies is also dependent on the accuracy of choice and dosage...

Finding Hope: A Discussion on Infertility, Loss, and Healing In this conversation Sarah Cox shares her personal journey with infertility, pregnancy loss, and her subsequent healing process. Sarah's inspiring story takes us through her struggles with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), successful pregnancy via fertility treatment, coping with the loss of her daughter Jasmine, and eventual birt...

Stress, depression, and anxiety are major problems for our kids today. From school, and peer pressure, to social media, screen times, crappy foods messing up the gut microbiome, and just living in our wild and crazy society today, it’s no wonder why depression, and other behavioral disorders are on the rise for our children and teens today.  Thankfully there are herbs that can help, along with die...

Meet the brilliant woman Chris Alstat, the powerhouse behind Eclectic Herbs in Sandy, Oregon! As a naturopathic physician, mom, teacher, and all-around compassionate business guru, Chris spills the herbal tea on her adventure from '90s New Zealand to the herbal haven she's cultivated today. Eclectic Herb, founded by the visionary Dr. Ed Alstat, flips the script on herb preservation—cue t...

It's time we shift our perspective and see our kitchens in a new light. 🍂 In today's episode, we're exploring how the herbs and spices in our holiday dishes are not just for flavor, but are powerful medicines hiding in plain sight. 🥧 Rosemary, sage, thyme, and more - these aren't just ingredients, they're potent medicine, right inside your kitchen, right now. Discover th...

Can you imagine working in the ICU for 20 years, and then discovering the world of plant medicine, spending your days digging in the dirt, and connecting with mother nature? That's exactly what happened to Cherylin! In this episode she shares stories of her journey as a nurse, turned herbal enthusiast, and patient healthcare advocate. We chat about the broken western medical system, and seein...

Let's talk about immune health and the sneaky way sugar can mess with it—especially after that Halloween candy binge! In this episode we explore the science behind lifestyle choices that can truly fortify your immune system and keep those winter sniffles at bay. We also dive into the difference of our immunomodulating herbs, and our immune stimulants. When you might want to take one over the...

It's time to get real about the Western medicine vs herbal medicine debate. Why is there a divide, and can these two coexist? Spoiler: They absolutely can. We also explore immune health—how to give it a natural boost and why herbs like elderberries are the real deal when it comes to fighting off those nasty flu viruses.  And since cold and flu season is upon us, I chatted a bit  about fevers...

Imagine if in this world, we had an herbalist in every home...  You know, your ancestors were herbalist's right? And since I've created this podcast, my whole mission has been to help inspire a movement where there's an herbalist in every home...AGAIN! In this episode I talked about some of the biggest benefits to being the herbalist in your home. Such as the cost savings you'l...

If you're tired of hit-or-miss herbal remedies and want to get serious about making effective, safe medicine for you and your family.  We're diving into sourcing quality ingredients, the importance of precise measurements.  Mel tackles the often-overlooked topic of contraindications. Herbs may be natural, but that doesn't mean they're always safe. From potential interactions wi...

In this episode, I had the honor of chatting with a brilliant teacher of mine, Medical  Herbalist & Horticulture Therapist, Chanchal Cabrera MSc, FNIMH, RH(AHG) , who’s spent years exploring how herbalism can coexist with modern cancer care.  Chanchal began her journey in herbalism and took that deep plant wisdom right into cancer research and care. We talking about how herbs can play a crucia...

As the leaves change and we brace for cold and flu season, let's make sure your natural medicine kits are ready to roll. In this episode, we dive into the must-haves: elderberries, echinacea, and the ever-spicy fire cider. 🌿💪 Get the scoop on how these natural remedies can not only keep your family healthy but also shorten illness durations. Don't be the mom caught unprepared—listen in...

Diving into the world of herbalism and alternative healing, this episode with Dr. Maya Shetreat proved to be a game-changer. A pediatric neurologist, author, and holistic wellness advocate, her insights about plant medicines, neuroplasticity, and the profound connection between mind, body, and nature left me awe-inspired. Exploring ancient wisdom, Dr. Maya highlighted the potential of plant medici...

Join me on a personal journey, from the tranquil Oregon coast to the jarring reality of wildfires and their environmental toll. I'll delve into the healing embrace of herbal allies like Mullein , Marshmallow , Elecampane , and Licorice Root for easing smoke-irritated lungs. We'll also explore familiar remedies like Thyme , Fennel Seed , Anise Seed , and Plantain . In these times of chall...

I'm thrilled to share an inspiring episode with you. Today, I had an incredible conversation with Megan, the creative force behind Mother Hen's Homestead . Megan's personal journey from health challenges to herbalist and sustainability advocate is truly remarkable. Her homestead in Royalton, Massachusetts, is a haven for regenerative practices, where herbs and the environment coexis...

The transition of heading back to school can be tricky for kids and parents alike. As summer winds down, I discuss the importance of sleep for kids and their overall physical and emotional health, focusing on lifestyle tips and tricks and herbs to help along the way. I share my personal journey as a homeschooling parent and provide actionable advice on adjusting bedtime schedules and creating a ca...

Join us on the Herbalist's Path as we delve deep with the dynamic duo, Heather and Maureen, from the Milk Minute Podcast . Explore Heather's transformative birthing journeys, from C-sections to home births, and how Maureen's expertise as a community-based herbalist brings nourishing insights into prenatal care.  As the lines between traditional and modern medicine blur, we champion...