Herbcast (Herbal Reality)

Euan MacLennan is a Medical Herbalist who practices in an NHS General Practice in Central London.

He teaches pathology, clinical medicine, and differential diagnosis to undergraduates in various medical disciplines and is conducting a clinical doctorate in gastrointestinal medicine at the University of Bath. Euan is also an editor for an Elsevier medical journal, the Journal of Herbal Medicine.

Practicing in one of the only GP practices in the country that offers herbal medicine as a service, Euan shares his insight into the benefits of an integrated health approach. A firm believer in giving people freedom of choice when it comes to individual healthcare options, Euan shares his thoughts on why a lack of funding in preventative health alongside impersonal treatment and public demand could be the driver towards more integration with state healthcare in the future.

Euan talks on:

• How an integrated herbal medicine service works- the benefits for both patient and practice.
• Therapeutic gaps within medicine and which conditions herbal health addresses well. 
• The power of patient choice and preventative healthcare.
• Herbalism limitations - quality of herbs and industry credibility.
• Title protection- who can call themselves a herbalist. 
• What happens in clinic from diagnosis to treatment.
• Phytochemical power and polypharmacy.
• The barriers preventing more integrated practices.

Find a reliable and reputable herbal practitioner via The College of Practicing Phytotherapists (CPP) at https://thecpp.uk/find-your-local-herbalist/ or National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) at https://nimh.org.uk/find-a-herbalist/

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

“If something is irreparably defective, either because it's adulterated intentionally or accidentally contaminated, then it should be removed from the supply chain. ”

With 50 years of diverse experience as an herbal advocate, consultant, educator, researcher, writer, and advisor, Mark Blumenthal has an extensive comprehensive background in herbs and medicinal plants. Mark is the Founder and Executive Director of the American Botanical Council (ABC). An independent, nonprofit organisation, ABC is dedicated to disseminating accurate, reliable, and responsible information on herbs and medicinal plants. Mark is the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of HerbalGram, an international peer-reviewed quarterly journal, the contents of which reflect the educational goals of ABC. 

He is also Founder and Director of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program, a consortium of nonprofit organisations that researches and educates industry members and other stakeholders on the adulteration of botanical raw materials, extracts, and essential oils in the global supply network. 

His commitment to rigorous research and evidence-based information has helped bridge the gap between traditional herbal knowledge and modern science. In addition to his advocacy and educational efforts, Mark Blumenthal has been championing quality control and standardisation in the herbal industry. 

Mark talks on:

• The beginnings of HerbalGram and the American Botanical Council (ABC)
• The role of the ABC in setting quality standards in the herbal industry.
• 
  
• The impact of the US dietary supplement legislation
• The sector-led initiative to combat adulterants and destroy irretrievably damaged goods from the supply chain. 
• Exploration of changes and opportunities in the herbal community.
• The Sustainable Herbs Program and the importance of sustainable and regenerative practices in herb production.

Find out more about the American Botanical Council and its journal HerbalGram at https://www.herbalgram.org/

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

From Burdock to Blood Cleansers: dive into the power of alterative herbs with Sebastian Pole and today’s guest Graeme Tobyn. With over a quarter-century of expertise, Graeme brings his wealth of knowledge from his roles as a herbalist, educator, and author, currently enriching minds at the University of Lancashire.

About Graeme: Graeme Tobyn graduated from Leeds University in 1978 with a degree in Russian with Italian. He developed the Latin and French he learned at school for use in his later studies of the histories of Renaissance and early modern medicine. He trained in herbal medicine in the 1980s, graduating with the top award and, after a six-month engagement as a phlebotomist at University College Hospital, London, entered practice in 1990 as a herbalist and member (later fellow) of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. He became a herbal trainer in 1993, working at several NIMH training clinics, and switched to external clinical examiner for two BSc Herbal Medicine programmes from 2007. In 2000 he joined UCLan as a senior lecturer and took over the leadership of the BSc Herbal Medicine there the following year. His teaching focus on the programme (2001-2012) was in clinical examination skills and therapeutics. He completed his PGDipHE in 2005. Since 2011 he has been leader of the MSc Herbal Medicine, and in 2016 took over the running of the MSc Integrated Healthcare. In 2015 he was visiting botanical medicine scholar at Bastyr university, Seattle, USA. In 2017 he was awarded a PhD in the history of medicine from Lancaster University.

In this lively discussion, Sebastian and Graeme dissect the controversial and often misunderstood category of alteratives. They explore the historical context and evolution of this herbal action, questioning its relevance and application in modern herbal practice. Graeme challenges the retreat from robust treatments like stimulant laxatives and advocates for a reinvigoration of traditional, potent herbal therapies.

The episode delves into the semantics of herbal medicine, questioning the adoption of terms like 'anti-inflammatory' and 'immunomodulator' and calling for a return to a language that truly reflects the dynamic nature of herbs. 

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Ever wondered how herbs can influence your mood and stress levels? We explore the world of nervines, nootropics, and sedatives with the esteemed Julian Barker. A seasoned herbalist and philosopher, Julian shares his vast knowledge of how these herbs can help manage emotions, memory, and cognitive function.

Julian Barker taught in England and France before becoming a theatrical and literary agent in the 1960s. He botanised and studied herbal medicine in the USA and Central America for four years. Returning to England, he apprenticed at Suffolk Herbs, managed Hulbrook House Herbs, and studied with NIMH. A graduate of the Full-Time School of Herbal Medicine, he wrote The Medicinal Flora of Britain & NW Europe and founded a Student Training Clinic in Brighton. Since 1998, he has collaborated with Dr. Jean-Claude Lapraz and translated La Médicine Personalisée. He taught herbal medicine at the University of East London, contributing to a textbook. Barker continues to work full-time in Sussex, with recent books on his herbal medicine approach. Blending his clinical expertise with a philosophical approach to herbal medicine and numerous books to his name, Julian has become a respected figure in the herbal community, known for his deep understanding of the interconnectedness of plants and human health.

In this episode, Julian challenges the conventional categories of nervines and nootropics, offering a nuanced view of how herbs can support emotional and cognitive health. He explores the concept of somatopsychic effects, where treating physical symptoms can alleviate emotional distress, and vice versa. Julian also discusses the importance of understanding an individual's terrain—the unique neuroendocrine and emotional landscape shaped from prenatal stages through to adulthood.

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Andrew Flower has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) since 1992. In 2009 Andrew completed his Ph.D. at The University of Southampton exploring the role of CHM in the treatment of endometriosis. He has published a number of peer-reviewed papers relating to Chinese medicine research, including two Cochrane systematic reviews. In 2011 he was awarded a 5-year NIHR post-doctoral Fellowship to investigate Chinese herbs for the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) resulting in the RUTI trial. In 2017 he helped set up the recently accredited White Crane Academy of CHM. He is a founder member of the Jade Screen Project.

In this episode, Andrew introduces us to the world of Chinese medicine,  his learning and passion for teaching it, and the techniques he uses to do so alongside its strengths and weaknesses. He touches on the joy of its diagnostic and prescribing process as well as how to overcome the barriers of acceptance as a credible treatment in conventional systems. 

Andrew talks on:

• What makes a good herbalist - common student qualities. 
• Teaching methods and connecting UK students with Chinese plants.
• The difference between Western & Chinese herbs.
• The diagnostic framework and artistry of formulating Chinese herbs.
• The Jade Screen Project - treating COVID-19 with frontline key workers.
• The future of herbalism and working together to overcome acceptance barriers.

Discover more about the White Crane Academy on its website at https://www.whitecrane.academy/

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Herbs for Colds and Fevers: The Diaphoretics with Dr. Amparo Aracil

In this episode, we explore how diaphoretic herbs can boost immunity and help manage seasonal infections. Discover how these herbs regulate body temperature, improve circulation, and support the body's immune response.

With extensive training and practice, Dr. Aracil blends herbal and medical expertise. Their holistic approach combines traditional herbal wisdom with modern medical insights, making them a respected voice in integrative medicine.

Dr. Aracil explains how the body responds to infections, detailing the role of fever and the immune system's mechanisms. Learn about the benefits of diaphoretic herbs like yarrow, peppermint, ginger, and elderflower, which help manage fever and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They also discuss the importance of tailoring herbal treatments to individual needs and balancing acute and chronic conditions.

Discover the use of herbs like echinacea, thyme, and lemon balm in both acute and chronic scenarios, and learn how mushrooms like reishi and cordyceps support respiratory health and overall vitality. Dr. Aracil's insights into the synergistic nature of herbs provide a comprehensive guide for enhancing your health naturally.

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Since 1979, Josef has worked at all levels within the medicinal plant sector; organic farming and wild collection, production of extracts, manufacturing of finished herbal medicinal products, TCM clinic, standards-setting (quality and sustainability), and consulting governmental- and intergovernmental organizations in sustainable development and biodiversity conservation projects in Africa, Asia, and South America.

From 2002 to 2016, he served as International Consultant on Market Intelligence for Medicinal Plants at the International Trade Centre, the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations; 2004-2008 as a member of the International Standard for the Sustainable Wild Collection of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (ISSC-MAP) Steering Group; and 2008-2021 as a member of the Board of Trustees of the FairWild Foundation, a standards-setting organization for sustainable wild collection of medicinal plants. He currently serves as Research Fellow for Medicinal Plants and Botanical Supply Chain at Traditional Medicinals (Sebastopol, California).

He is an elected member of the United States Pharmacopoeia Botanical Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicines Expert Committee. At the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, he advises on commercial sources & handling and international regulatory status. He also serves as an Advisory Board member of the American Botanical Council and an Advisory Group member of ABC’s Sustainable Herbs Program. In 2016, he received a Doctor of Humane Letters in Healing and Sustainability honoris causa from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and California Institute of Integral Studies.

In this episode, Josef paints a challenging picture of how the climate crisis is impacting herbal medicine. From insights on quality and sustainability to farming challenges, this discussion highlights why ecological and socially responsible herbs are so important. 

Joseph talks on:

• The current state of herbal medicine as an industry. 
• The impacts of the Climate Crisis on farming.
• Climate adaption and changing plant chemistry.
• The importance of transparency in herb origins.
• The role of pharmacopoeia & quality grading.
• Ideas around global herb conservation. 
• Rhodiola Rosea CITES listing.
• Commercial cultivation of herbs.

You can read more about Josef’s research in the following papers:

Applequist WL, Brinckmann JA, Cunningham AB, Hart RE, Heinrich M, Katerere DR & van Andel T. Scientists ʼ Warning on Climate Change and Medicinal Plants. Planta Medica, 2020; 86(01): 10-18. Available at: https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-1041-3406

Brinckmann JA, Cunningham AB, Harter DEV. Running out of time to smell the roseroots: Reviewing threats and trade in wild Rhodiola rosea L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2021;269: 113710, Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874120335984

Brinckmann JA. 2022. How climate change is affecting medicinal plants: A phenological, physiological and phytochemical analysis. Herbal Reality. 16 May 2022. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herbalism/sustainability-social-welfare/climate-change-medicinal-plants-analysis/          

Brinckmann JA, Kathe W, Berkhoudt K, Harter DEV, Schippmann U. 2022. A New...

Adaptogens: The great rejuvenators with David Winston

In this episode, Sebastian welcomes renowned herbalist and educator David Winston, whose five decades of experience span herbal traditions from North America to Asia. David, a founder of the American Herbalist Guild and author of *Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief*, offers a deep dive into the fascinating world of adaptogens. He traces their origins back to Soviet research in the mid-20th century when scientists were searching for substances to enhance resilience against stress. Unlike many herbal remedies rooted in traditional practices, adaptogens emerged from a modern scientific framework. 

David provides a detailed explanation of what defines an adaptogen, emphasizing their specific effects on the body’s stress response systems, including the HPA axis and SAS. He shares insights into various adaptogens, such as ginseng, ashwagandha, and schisandra, highlighting their unique properties and suitability for different individuals and health conditions. The conversation also touches on the importance of sustainability, with David stressing the need for responsible cultivation and use of adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola and cordyceps, which face ecological pressures.

Drawing from his clinical experience, David offers practical guidance on how to integrate adaptogens into a holistic health regimen. He underscores the importance of rigour and precision in herbal practice, advocating for evidence-based approaches to maximize the benefits of these powerful herbs. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to herbal medicine, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge on how adaptogens can support physical and emotional well-being in today’s high-stress world.

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

"There is this incredible philosophy around healing and wholeness and working with plants yet most people only experience it through products on a shelf."

Ann Ambrecht is a writer and anthropologist (PhD, Harvard 1995) whose work explores the relationships between humans and the earth, most recently through her work with plants, herbal medicine, and the botanical industry. She is the director of the Sustainable Herbs Program, a program of the American Botanical Council, which she began in 2016 to help bridge the gaps between the values of herbal medicine and the reality of sourcing and producing herbs on a global scale. She is the co-producer of the documentary Numen: the Nature of Plants, and author of the award-winning ethnographic memoir, Thin Places: A Pilgrimage Home, based on her research in Nepal. She is a student of herbal medicine and was a 2017 Fulbright-Nehru Scholar documenting the supply chain of medicinal plants in India. Her book, The Business of Botanicals: Exploring the Healing Promise of Plant Medicines in a Global Industry was published in February 2021.

In this episode, Ann discusses how the Sustainable Herbs Program wants to inspire a movement that supports high-quality herbal products, sustainable and ethical sourcing, and greater overall transparency in how herbs reach end-users.

Ann talks on:

• An introduction to herbalism - being exposed to the aliveness of the world and experiencing plants as living entities.
• Telling the story of herbalism to reach different audiences.
• What is currently happening in the herb industry – the negatives and positives. 
• What the industry can do to help bring about positive change. 
• What individuals can do to help – being conscious of brands and their values.
• Value of certifications and raising the bar for continued improvement in best practice.
• Building and supporting healthy communities - looking beyond the price of the botanical.
• Value chains and herb quality.
• Sustainable Herbs Program in the future.

Discover more from the Sustainable Herbs Program on the website at http://www.sustainableherbsprogram.com/

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

“Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under 50”

 Phil’s route to herbal practice has encompassed work as a doctor in hospitals, primary care and unscheduled care settings. Although he now identifies as a herbalist, his experiences in conventional healthcare have equipped him to reference a number of perspectives when supporting people with their health and wellbeing as a herbal practitioner. 

Phil has presented guidance and created resources for herbalists and students on possible approaches to men's health issues - both in terms of physiological wellbeing and through the lens of perceived masculinities and their impacts on men's mental health and help-seeking behaviours. 

More recently, his career development has focussed on some work around equality, diversity, and inclusion, emphasising LGBTQ+ issues. Currently, Phil works in Sheffield where he lives with his husband and a small white mischievous cat. 

In this episode, Phil chats with Simon about why he transitioned from a GP to a herbalist and how herbalism is the best environment to tackle men’s health issues.

Phil talks on:

• The pandemic - why were men more affected?
• How masculinity affects men’s health and help-seeking behaviours.
• Vulnerabilities in men’s health.
• Herbalism on mental and spiritual wellbeing.
• The dangers of purchasing herbal products without guidance.
• How to frame and discuss men’s health in herbal consultations.
• Strategies and tools to empower the patient.
• Top-tier men's health issues that can identify red flags.

You can reach Phil via email at herbdoctorphil@gmail.com

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Join us as we cross the Irish Sea to delve into the heart of herbal practice with Vilma Matuleviciute, a seasoned herbalist and naturopath based in Ireland. With over two decades of experience, Vilma shares her insights on the multifaceted approach to heart health, combining the physiological with the emotional.

In this enlightening episode, we explore the unique challenges of practising herbalism in Ireland, including the impact of Brexit on herb supplies. Vilma discusses the importance of listening deeply to patients, understanding their emotional and mental landscapes, and tailoring herbal treatments to suit individual needs.

Discover how herbs like hawthorn, motherwort, and Angelica sinensis play a role in supporting cardiovascular health, and learn about the significance of dietary changes and emotional well-being in managing heart conditions. Vilma also highlights the use of adaptogens and nervines to address stress and anxiety, particularly in post-menopausal women.

Whether you're a budding herbalist or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights into the holistic approach to heart health, emphasising the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Revealing the secrets of botanical medicine in treating urinary and kidney health, Dr. Sally Moorcroft discusses the vital link between the gut microbiome and urinary function. Hear real-life success stories of patients finding relief from chronic conditions through herbal interventions.

About Sally:

Integrative and function doctor. MBChB, BSc(Hons), MCPP, MFHom(Med). Clinical Lead Dr. Moorcroft has 20 years of clinical experience and is one of the most highly trained Integrative and Functional Medicine doctors in the UK. She is also a Core Tutor at the National Centre of Integrated Medicine in Bristol (NCIM).

Combining functional and nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, bio-identical hormone and natural desiccated thyroid therapy in her clinic. She has a special interest in women's health, menopause, gut health and psychology.

Her qualifications include a BSc (Hons) in Herbal Medicine, Medical Homeopathy (MFHom) through the National Centre for Integrative Medicine, Bristol. She is also trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical Acupuncture and Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy and Natural Desiccated Thyroid therapy.

This episode delves into the often overlooked area of urinary and kidney health which affects a significant portion of the population. Dr. Moorcroft sheds light on the intricate ways in which our gut microbiome, hormonal balance, and even our stress levels can impact these vital organs.

Also, Sally explores estrogen dominance and its ramifications on women's well-being, especially throughout the menopausal phase. Dr. Moorcroft elucidates her method of addressing these hormonal fluctuations through a blend of herbal remedies and dietary adjustments.

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Enter the world of bitter herbs, and learn about their historical significance and modern-day applications with expert herbalist Guido Masé. As a renowned herbalist, gardener, and educator,  Guido shares his extensive knowledge of how bitters can enhance digestion, regulate appetite, and support metabolic health.

Guido Masé RH(AHG) is a clinical herbalist, educator, and garden steward specialising in holistic Western herbalism with an eclectic approach. Born in Italy, he has lived in Vermont since 1996. He is a founder and faculty member at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism and serves as the herbalist, principal scientist, and chief formulator at Traditional Medicinals. He is also a founding member of the Burlington Herb Clinic and participates in herbal education at the University of Vermont. Author of The Wild Medicine Solution and DIY Bitters, Guido's teaching integrates clinical experience, storytelling, and scientific research, emphasising the connection between humans and nature for sustainable living.

In this episode, discover the fascinating mechanisms behind how bitters work in the body, from stimulating digestive secretions to modulating hormonal responses. Learn about the evolutionary role of bitter taste receptors and their presence not just in the mouth, but throughout the gastrointestinal tract and even within the heart and lungs. Guido explains how bitters can help with common digestive issues like gas, bloating, and heartburn, as well as more serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Guido and Sebastian also delve into the importance of dosing and the energetic qualities of bitters and explore the concept of hormesis, the paradoxical effect where small doses of potentially harmful substances can strengthen the body. 

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

"I discovered there was another language for describing our health and another way to feel empowered to look after it."

Simon Mills (our Herbcast host) interviews Sebastian Pole (our other Herbcast host!) as a welcome and introduction to the inspiration behind Herbal Reality.

Sebastian is a registered member of the Ayurvedic Professionals Association, Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine, and a Fellow of the Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners. He qualified as a herbalist, using the principles of Ayurveda (the ancient art of living wisely) and, the Herbal tradition to help transform health. He co-founded Pukka Herbs in 2001; he's an author; a qualified Yoga therapist, fluent in Hindi and lives in a forest garden farm growing over 100 species of medicinal plants and trees

In this episode, Simon talks to Sebastian about starting Herbal Reality to support his mission of bringing the incredible power of plants into people's lives. 

Sebastian talks on:

• His inspiration and love of nature and people. 
• Discovering Ayurveda and herbalism - an awakening to the wonder of nature.
• Historical continuum – anthropological and ethnobotanical links between herbal traditions around the world.
• The organic herb movement and organic farming.
• Starting Pukka, its value-chain, and the drive for quality.
• The Fair Wild Movement – sustainable and equitable herbalism.
• The Herbal Alliance, addressing the future of herbalism and the climate crisis.

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Todd Caldecott is a Medical Herbalist and practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine, who has been in private practice since 1995. He is the Executive Director of the Dogwood School of Botanical Medicine and author/editor of three books including Ayurveda: The Divine Science of Life, Food As Medicine: The Theory and Practice of Food, and Ayurveda In Nepal.

Todd is a creator and/or contributor to Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine (Introduction & Materia Medica), Applied Phytotherapeutics (1 & 2), History of Herbal Medicine, Essentials of Pathology, Western Materia Medica (1 & 2) with Wild Rose College.

Todd began training as a clinician in herbal medicine in 1992 during a search to resolve a chronic digestive disorder acquired while travelling in India. After meeting Ayurvedic physician Dr T. Sukumaran who helped him resolve his condition, Todd took a career change to train as a medical herbalist.

He studied Ayurveda in India, and later became the Clinical Director of Wild Rose College of Natural Healing and published a textbook in Ayurveda. He has been in clinical practice since 1995.

Todd has been in mentorship since 2004 with Vaidya Madhu Bajra Bajracharya, Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Vaidya Madhu represents an unbroken lineage of hereditary physicians since the 13th century CE.

With mental health issues on the rise, Todd highlights some of the contributing factors to this such as the disconnection from people and communities, the impact of trauma and the pace of life itself. He shares his thoughts on treating anxiety and depression whilst being guided by Ayurdevic principles and practices to better understand what is happening to us.

Todd talks on:

• Anxiety & depression from an Ayurvedic perspective.
• Diet as a neuro-stable influence on improving mental health.
• The importance of physical exercise for grounding effects and balancing neurotransmitter levels.
• Releasing creative tension to restore energy flow.
• Favourite thymolectic (happy) herbal interventions. 
• Healing childhood trauma and grief to treat anxiety and depression.
• Treating the ego state with psychedelic mushrooms

Todd is the Executive Director for The Dogwood School of Botanical Medicine. To find out more about its learning programs visit the website: https://dogwoodbotanical.com/

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Roy Upton is the founder, president, and editor of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP). He has been working and practising professionally as a herbalist since 1981, and he trained in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Western herbal medicine and has also studied and worked extensively with Native American and Caribbean ethnobotanical traditions. As an integral part of his work as a herbalist, he spends a great deal of time defending the rights of consumers to access herbal medicines and to see herbal medicine integrated into the fabric of both our homes and health care systems.

In this episode Roy shines a light on the serious issue of how we access our plants for herbal medicine. He explains how the work of the AHP focuses on protecting traditional herbal knowledge and ensures the safety of its use by practitioners, raising the bar for herbalists and helping to reduce fear for consumers.

Roy talks on:

• The why and how of beginning his collection of herbal books (pharmacopoeia).
• Becoming a political activist to keep botanicals accessible.
• The importance of monographs and therapeutic compendiums in providing a good foundation of herbal knowledge.
• The dangers of marketing and hurban myths.
• How the AHP monographs are created.
• Protecting plant-based pharmacognancy from technological advancements.
• The evolution of pharmacology and the root & branch treatment concept.
• Why the sustainability of herbs and supply chains and pursuit of quality play an important role in the preservation of herbal medicine.
• The importance of quality and purity assessment using the methodology of senses.

Find out more about the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and its botanical identification services at https://herbal-ahp.org/ 

Read some of Roy’s insightful articles on the Herbal Reality website at https://www.herbalreality.com/insights/

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Christine Herbert FAMH, DipAET, BA(Hons) qualified as a herbalist in 1997 and has been practising and learning herbal medicine ever since. During the years of her practice, she added many skills, including nutrition, aromatic medicine and flower essence therapy, in order to be best able to help the many people who came to see her. She retired from practice in 2019 so that she could teach and write using all the knowledge she had acquired. She served on the Association of Master Herbalists council for several years and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship on retirement. Previous to 1997, she worked as a senior biomedical scientist for nineteen years for the NHS. Inflammation, the source of chronic disease: How to treat it with herbs and natural healing was published by Aeon Books earlier this year.

After 20 years working in pathology and haematology, Christine’s enlightenment into the world of herbal medicine has led her on a journey to discovering the importance of diet in our health. She shares her wisdom on how various can herbs work with the body to reduce the inflammation that triggers chronic illnesses. Her positive outlook inspires hope for everybody that almost every health ailment can be improved.

Christine talks on:

• Inflammation as a unifying principle of Chronic disease
• How herbs tackle inflammation and promote healing
• The importance of alterative herbs in chronic ill health
• Salicylate sensitivity 
• Controlling inflammation through diet
• Best herbs for improving gut health
• Therapeutic support via adaptogens and tonics

You can read Christine’s article on Inflammation on the Herbal Reality website here: https://www.herbalreality.com/health-lifestyle/immunity/inflammation-global-epidemic/

Grab a copy of Christine’s book Inflammation, the source of chronic disease: How to treat it with herbs and natural healing from Aeon Books here: https://www.aeonbooks.co.uk/author/christine-herbert/23567/

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Sebastian and Simon reflect on Season 1 of Herbcast and discuss their enjoyment of speaking to thought leaders across the herbal medicine community. They introduce the solutions-focused Series 2 which aims to focus on some of the most important conditions affecting the modern world today that herbalists are treating in clinic. From digestion and inflammation to sleep, anxiety and trauma the series will focus on the fundamentals of health as well as highlight sustainability issues faced by the industry.

Now if your time to catch up on any missed episodes from Season 1 and if you haven’t already, sign-up for the Herbal Reality newsletter at www.herbalreality.com

Keep up to date on the latest news and find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Bevin Clare is a herbalist, nutritionist, mother and Professor and Program Director of the Master’s of Science in Clinical Herbal Medicine at the Maryland University of Integrative Health. She holds a MSc in Infectious Disease from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and has studied herbal medicine around the world to blend her knowledge of traditional uses of plants with modern science and contemporary healthcare strategies as a consultant and educator. She serves as an adjunct Assistant Professor at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Northeast College of Health Sciences.

Bevin is the President of the American Herbalists Guild, the largest body of professional clinical herbalists in the US and is a board member of the United Plant Savers, a group working to protect at-risk medicinal plants in North America. She travels the world with her two kids in tow, tasting spices, exploring markets and wandering the countryside.

Bevin discusses her focus shift from herbalism to the herbalists, ensuring they are supported and their skills valued. She speaks about how her early study of infectious diseases highlighted the need to treat the human experience and why not being permitted to diagnose or treat diseases in America is so liberating. Simon and Bevin reminisce on their shared time at MUIH and celebrate the unique aspects, such as bio-regionalism and cultural nuances, that make herbalism so fascinating.

Bevin talks on:

• US herbalists and herbalism - the legal & licensing frameworks.
• American herbal programs and the introduction of online learning.
• Naturopaths versus herbalists - how do they align?
• The restrictions of licensure - protecting the nature of herbalism
• To to best support herbalists - including non-professional associated practitioners
• The urbanisation of herbalism and building diverse communities.
• Crediting Jim Duke - an introduction.
• American herbal sourcing - dosage versus affordability.

Explore Bevin’s musing on a variety of Clinical Herbalism topics, including infectious disease, at www.bevinclare.com

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Having completed a Permaculture Design course in 1997 and her diploma in 2000, Helen Kearney went on to teach Permaculture courses and helped establish LEEP (Langford Environmental Education Project). She completed her herbal medicine training in 2012 whilst working as a Forest School Practitioner. She lives at Elder Farm, a 5-acre organic off-grid herb farm, and currently helps to run The Betonica School of Herbal medicine, a community interest company founded in 2016.

Reminiscing on the moments in her life that connected and drew her to herbalism, Helen discusses the beginnings of Betonica and how it aimed to make the studying of herbalism more accessible. She lifts the lid to explain what’s involved in the rigorous training of Herbalism, how the learning can awaken the senses, and why servicing the community plays an integral part.

Helen talks on:

• What is involved in studying Herbal Medicine.
• Acute treatments and Herbal First Aid.
• The progressions of Herbal Medicine training.
• The relevance of conversation - seeking opportunities to speak about herbs.
• Servicing the community with herbalism.
• Integration and understanding all medical modalities.
• Cooperation, not competition - the importance of learning together as educators.

Discover more about The Betonica School of Herbal medicine and book in with its community clinic on the website at https://www.betonica.co.uk/

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

An internationally respected practitioner, author, and educator in the field of Chinese medicine, Charles Buck was amongst the first to practice and teach CHM in Europe. Having been awarded a BSc in medical Physiology from Bristol University Medical School, Charles then took a 3-year degree in acupuncture and began practising CHM in 1984, He was invited to be course leader for the UK's 1st College-based CHM course in York in 1994 and honoured with an RCHM Fellowship in 1998 for contributions to CHM education.

Charles is a Fellow of the British Acupuncture Council where he served a 3-year term as Chairman. He regularly presents keynote sessions to conferences across the world and has published extensively.

From strategically defeating the battles of war to fighting on the battlefield of health, Charlie eloquently explains some of the theories within Chinese medicine so that we may begin to understand its rational and unique strategic approach.

Charlie talks on:

• Chinese medicine philosophies such as the binary principles - ying & yang.
• Its strategic approach to the cycles of nature and approaching health
• The nuances in Chinese medicine such as terminology and use of language. 
• His views on integrating all medical modalities and why this could be problematic.
• Using Chinese principals in practice - from diagnosis to treatment.
• The levels of detail and specificity in Chinese formulas.

Read Charlie’s article Sweet ‘n’ Sour: The importance of taste and food energetics in Traditional Chinese medicine on the Herbal Reality website here: https://www.herbalreality.com/herbalism/chinese-herbal-medicine/sweet-sour-importance-taste-food-energetics-traditional-chinese-medicine/

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

"Herbs nudge the body to better physiological activity"

Simon is the Self Care Lead at the College of Medicine and Herbal Strategist at Pukka Herbs. He has been a herbal practitioner in Exeter for 45 years. He has led the leading professional and trade organisations for herbal medicine in the UK and served on Government and House of Lords Committees. He has authored standard textbooks used by herbal practitioners worldwide, including with Professor Kerry Bone from Australia. He co-founded the University of Exeter's pioneering Centre for Complementary Health Studies in 1987 (building complementary research and postgraduate teaching programme from scratch), then at Peninsula the first integrated health course at a UK medical school, and the first Masters degree in herbal medicine in the USA, at the Maryland University of Integrative Health.

He is fascinated by the insights distilled from the millions of intelligent people who over many centuries needed plants to survive. Mostly he wants to learn and share the old skills, to experience healing plants as characters that can help us fend off ill health. His passion for offering people tools to look after themselves and their families has led to working with the founders of the College of Medicine on pioneering national self-care and social prescribing projects.

Simon talks on:

• Shaping a neglected profession into a real health care option.
• His fundamental love of physiology and pharmacology – how herbs can contribute to the needs of today.
• The loss of human autonomy – returning health ownership and empowerment with self-care.
• A crucial turning point in the awareness and need for herbalism in our society today.
• Fundamental day-to-day health skills – food, sleep, and a connection to nature.
• The language of health - recognising symptoms as signposts, not threats.
• The role of the herbal practitioner today and connecting with communities.
• An intuitive goat called Emily
• Complex systems, the microbiome, and the wisdom of herbalism.
• Making herbalism accessible to all.

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Chanchal is a medical herbalist and has been in clinical practice for 35 years  with a specialty in holistic oncology. She is the author of Fibromyalgia: A Journey towards Healing and her latest book Holistic Cancer Care: An Herbal Approach to Preventing Cancer, Helping Patients Thrive during Treatment, and Minimizing the Risk of Recurrence, which launches in April 2023. 

She held the faculty chair in Botanical Medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster 2004-2016. She serves on the board of advisors of Dominion Herbal College in Burnaby, on the editorial board of Medical Herbalism clinical newsletter and she publishes widely in professional journals and lectures internationally on medical herbalism, nutrition and health.

Chanchal is also a certified Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) practitioner, a certified Master Gardener and a certified Horticulture Therapist. Chanchal lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia where she and her husband manage Innisfree Farm and Botanic Garden, a 7 acre internationally registered botanic garden specializing in food and medicine plants, and where they host apprenticeships in sustainable food production and herbal medicine. The farm also hosts Gardens without Borders, a federally registered not-for-profit society established to run the botanic garden and provide horticulture therapy.

In this discussion, Chanchal offers a glimpse into some of the strategies she adopts when treating patients in clinic, using herb-based and horticulture therapies in conjunction with conventional treatments. Drawing from decades of clinical experience helping patients recover from cancer, Chanchal offers insight into her processes and what she recommends to other practitioners in her mentor role.

Chanchal talks on:

• Empowering people with herbalism to make it accessible.
• Her processes model for managing care - the pyramid prescribing principle and triune model.
• Plausability testing to validate reasoning and guide treatment.
• Person-centred treatment and customising plans for paitients.
• Engaging patients with herbal rituals to give a semblance of control.
• The importance of educating patients to be proactive and take responsibility.
• Her favourite foundation, antigen and dietary herbs,
• Balancing biochemistry with energetic systems.

You can order Chanchal’s book Holistic Cancer Care: A Herbal Approach to Preventing Cancer, Helping Patients Thrive During Treatment, and Minimizing the Risk of Recurrence from her website: https://chanchalcabrera.com/product/holistic-cancer-care/

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Welcome to series 3 of Herbcast!

In this episode, Sebastian Pole is joined by Marion Mackonochie, a seasoned herbalist, senior advisor at Pukka, and editor of the Journal of Herbal Medicine. In this liver-focused episode of Herbcast, Marion and Sebastian navigate the complexities of hepatics – the category of herbs that support the liver, our body's metabolic maestro. They discuss signs of liver imbalance, the power of bitters, and the wide-reaching impact of hepatics on conditions ranging from skin ailments to hormonal imbalances.

Marion shares her insights on the relationship between mood and liver health, the nuances of bitter taste receptors throughout the body, and the intriguing connection between bitters and immune function. The conversation also explores the role of culinary herbs and spices in supporting liver function and overall health, offering practical tips for integrating these potent plants into daily diets.

About Marion Mackonochie

Marion Mackonochie is a medical herbalist and member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy. She initially studied a degree in pharmacology and worked in publishing on drug discovery journals. Feeling disillusioned by what she could see of the pharmaceutical industry and being a lover of plants, Marion retrained with a degree in herbal medicine followed by a masters in phytochemistry and medicinal natural products.

Everything Marion does, from seeing patients to planning research projects as Senior Herbal Specialist at Pukka Herbs, is aimed at figuring out what works best for every individual. She is passionate about helping people gain control of their own health through diet, lifestyle and herbal medicine. Every consultation allows her to learn from the narratives of others, but she is also interested in the wider narrative of the history of medicine and how we have got to where we are with herbal medicine and health.

Marion lives and practises by the sea in Brighton, growing herbs in her garden, making skincare products and spending as much time in nature as she can.

For more herbal insights from Marion, visit her website at fieldremedies.com.

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Professor Kerry Bone is the co-founder and innovation driver at MediHerb, a herbal supply company, where he serves as Director of Research and Development. In 2016 MediHerb was awarded the American Botanical Council’s (ABC’s) Varro E. Tyler Award for excellence in Phytomedicinal Research. Kerry is Principal of the Australian College of Phytotherapy and also Adjunct Professor at New York Chiropractic College, providing input into their postgraduate applied nutrition program. He also founded the successful Masters of Health Science (Herbal Medicine) course at the University of New England in 2004, and served there as Associate Professor from 2004 to 2012. 

He has also written or co-written several popular textbooks on botanical medicine, including his latest with Herbal Reality host Simon Mills, Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy, which was awarded the 2013 James A. Duke Excellence in Botanical Literature Award by the ABC. 

This rich and in-depth conversation showcases the importance of phytotherapy within herbalism, a science-based medical practice which relies on an empirical appreciation of medicinal herbs, linking back to traditional knowledge and practice. A pioneer, who has dedicated his career to the research and development of herbs, it’s widely believed by those in the industry that no one can eclipse Kerry in his herbal expertise.

Kerry talks on:

• His journey into herbal medicine and why the advice not to study medicine was the right one.
• The beginnings of MediHerb via a desire to increase herbal dosage strength.
• Why the process of extraction is critical to quality and efficacy of herbs.
• Adulterations and substitution in herbal processing - the echinacea trap!
• Tackling problems with herbal education and producing the first standard herbal medicine textbook.
• Being a grumpy old herbalist and calling out misinformation and exaggerated claims that damage the industry.
• The importance of referencing herbs and peer reviewing of clinical papers.
• Adequate dosages - counterproductivity & efficacy of drop-dosing.
• Why the bio-medical scientist is the herbalist’s new best friend

Discover more about Kerry Bone and his books at www.millsandboneacademy.com

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

“Keeping our blood sugar within limits and eating slow-releasing food is absolutely fundamental to inflammatory disease”

Alex is a practising medical herbalist and phytotherapist with more than 20 years of experience. She runs the UK's first herbal clinic in hospital dermatology at Whipps Cross University Hospital, where she is tutor-practitioner to BSc herbal students. She also practises at Breast Cancer Haven and privately. She is a council member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP), and formerly of the Aromatherapy Organisations Council. She has published clinical research and is a visiting lecturer to universities including Westminster, East London, Hertfordshire and the Royal Free Medical School. She is a founding director of the charity, Living Medicine, which teaches people how to use food and herbs in self-care, exchanging and updating knowledge from all cultures to feed into public health. Originally a TV producer, she then worked as an aromatherapist for staff at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, with drug users and those with HIV while training as a medical herbalist.

Alex’s driving passion is discovering how life is designed at all levels – reconnecting to each other, our rhythms, food and nature to follow our design are key to resilience.

Alex has built impressive research around the powerful impact of herbalism in dermatology. Whilst supporting community and cultural sensitivities at Whipps Cross, Alex has shown that a personalised approach can really make a difference even with the most complex of skin conditions. 

In her chat with Simon, we learn about several lightbulb moments that have taken Alex on a journey of discovery and why she is so passionate about the role of nutrition when it comes to improving our health.

Alex talks on:

• Herbal approaches to complement cultural beliefs within communities.
• Making herbal medicine accessible.
• Documenting treatment results & wellbeing using Westminster University’s Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP.) 
• Looking beyond the diagnosed condition to treat all issues and internal factors. 
• Educating patients and reconnecting them with food. 
• Her commonly used herbs for treating skin conditions.
• The story of Living Medicine - education support for communities, delivered by herbalists
• Her mission as an educator in reminding people of their own resilience.
• Blowing the research trumpet.

Find out more about Living Medicine on their website, www.livingmedicine.org or contact Alex on alex.laird@livingmedicine.org

Grab a copy of Alex’s book Root to Stem: a seasonal guide to natural remedies and recipes for everyday life (Penguin 2019) at https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/311757/root-to-stem-by-laird-alex/9780241371213

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Have you ever stopped to appreciate the simple act of breathing? Each inhale brings life-giving oxygen into our bodies, but what happens when this effortless process becomes a struggle? In this episode Ramana Zahn reminds us that healing is a holistic journey that requires us to look at the body as an interconnected system.

About Rumana: A Clinic Director and Consultant Naturopath, ND, BSc (Hons), DipCK, DipA, DipM, CEd, FAMH, MGNC. Rumana began her career as a microbiologist specialising in food and water analysis before transitioning to the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. She eventually redirected her focus towards holistic health, blending scientific principles with traditional medicines. Trained in naturopathy, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, acupuncture, kinesiology, iridology, and yoga, she offers comprehensive health programs that incorporate these disciplines alongside body assessments. Passionate about helping others, Rumana teaches at universities, runs clinics, and conducts research, including collaborations with the University of Newcastle. She also engages in Argentine tango, philosophy, yoga, and meditation. As a respected member of various professional associations and a prolific writer and lecturer, she actively contributes to advancing holistic healthcare practices.

Ramana takes us through the intricacies of respiratory health, a topic that has gained immense importance in the wake of global health challenges. She shares her insights on how the lungs are not just organs of breath but are deeply connected to our joy and life force. When they function well, we feel alive and vibrant; when they don't, our entire being suffers. 

Rumana emphasises the importance of an integrated approach to health, combining herbal remedies with breathwork and lifestyle changes. She discusses how the health of your gut can have a profound impact on your respiratory system and delves into the herbal toolbox, sharing specific formulas that have worked wonders for her patients. From the anti-inflammatory properties of sweet wormwood to the soothing effects of liquorice root.

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Since his initial training in chemistry and medical pharmacology, Nathaniel Hughes has pursued the question; how much can we learn from plants directly? He has spent over 20 years exploring the spiritual, somatic, relational, trauma-informed and process-oriented aspects of healing. His robust way of working with herbs now has its foundations in the spiritual, where he strives to create bridges between experience, the spiritual and the physical. This perspective helped birth Insight Herbalism, a professional training course delivered at his school,  The School of Intuitive Herbalism, which has been offering courses in Herbalism for over 10 years. Nathaniel has also written two well-received books Intuitive Herbalism and Weeds In The Heart.

He is currently committed to developing professional training for natural empaths; developing his ability to learn from plants alongside their skills in supporting fellow humans. 

This episode delivers an introduction to the concept of intuitive herbalism where Nathaniel encourages us to think outside of conceptual medical frameworks to focus on relational and experiential perspectives. 

Nathaniel talks on:

• Person-centred healing 
• Somatic reassociation with the body through story and memory
• Reawakening the senses and rewilding our consciousness
• Emotional awareness and deconstructing habits.
• Plants as allies and guides.
• Experiencing plants by self-projection or intuition.

Discover more about The School of Intuitive Health and pick up a copy of Nathaniel’s book Weeds In The Heart from his website. https://www.schoolofintuitiveherbalism.weedsintheheart.org.uk/

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

“That coming together, gathering foods and gathering medicines is deeply healing and satisfying and an enjoyable way to experience life. And it’s simple and it’s free.”

Robin Harford established his wild food foraging school in 2008, and his foraging courses are listed at the top of BBC Countryfile’s ‘Best foraging courses in the UK’. He is the creator of eatweeds.co.uk. Michelin chef Richard Corrigen recommended the site for inclusion in The Times' Top 50 Websites For Food and Drink. 

Robin refers to himself as an ethnobotanical researcher who is interested in the relationship between plans and people which has resulted in his extensive travel around the world to document and record wild food plants’ traditional and local uses in indigenous cultures. His work has taken him to Africa, India, SE Asia, Europe and the USA. His work has been recommended in BBC Good Food magazine, Sainsbury’s magazine, The Guardian, The Times, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, etc. He is a member of the Society for Ethnobotany and the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland.

Robin talks on:

• Best practice gathering guidance- abundance and sustainability principles
• The relationship of plants and people in different cultures
• His foraging courses which focus on the sensory method of plant identification
• 
  
• The media's coverage of foraging and lack of ecological understanding
• The Special Client Project - plant ambassadors and community-based teaching.
• His personal transformation through foraging and gathering plants for mental health and addiction recovery.

Find out more about what Robin does at eatweeds.co.uk

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Join Herbal Reality’s Simon Mills Embark on a journey through the delicate intricacies of women's health with expert herbalist Ginny Kemp. With a medical science background, Ginny discovered her calling in the world of herbs back in 2007. Since then, she has cultivated a thriving practice with a particular emphasis on women's health.

Ginny delves deep into a case study that epitomises the power of herbal treatments in addressing fertility issues. She shares the tale of ‘Alice’, a 36-year-old woman trying to conceive, battling with fatigue, anxiety, and a host of other interconnected health concerns. Ginny's approach is a testament to the holistic nature of herbalism, where a bespoke treatment plan not only paved the way to a successful pregnancy but also improved Alice's overall well-being.

Ginny and Simon discuss the nuances of supporting women through the different phases of their lives, from the onset of menstruation, through the challenges of perimenopause, to the empowerment of post-menopausal vitality. This episode is a treasure trove of herbal knowledge, spotlighting adaptogens, hormone modulators, and the importance of sleep and stress management in women's health.

About Ginny Kemp MCPP, MNIMH 

Ginny has a Bachelor of Medical Science from The University of Birmingham (2003) and qualified as a Medical Herbalist through the College of Phytotherapy/UEL degree course in 2007. She has been in practise ever since.

Initially she consulted full time at Hydes Herbal Clinic in Leicester for 7 years before setting up her own busy practices in Stamford (Lincs) and Leicestershire.

Whilst studying Herbal Medicine Ginny worked in the areas of sales and production at Rutland Biodynamics and experienced the processes required for Herbal Medicine manufacturers to meet Good Manufacturing Practice. Ginny’s phytochemistry research dissertation looked at the Stability Of The Flavonilignan Complex Silymarin In Commercial Tinctures Of Silybum marianum, the results of which went on to be published.

Ginny is currently Co-Vice President of the CPP and  also a member of the EHTPA council 

Ginny regularly gives talks on herbal medicine, works with a corporate health and well-being company to bring well-being into the work place and has run various workshops on making herbal medicines.

Connect with Ginny:

Ginny.kemp@theherbclinic.co.uk

www.theherbclinic.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/theherbclinic

"Integrated medicine encourages patient empowerment and responsibility, engendering the motivation and will within patients and the knowledge to help them get better themselves."

Dr. Edward Thomson is a General Practitioner with expertise in Integrated Medicine. He believes in approaching all types of medicine, healing, and treatment with compassion and an open mindset, placing the patient and their symptoms firmly in the center. He graduated from Leicester Medical School (MB ChB) in 2007 and completed his GP training in 2012. He is a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP). He originally graduated from St Andrews University with an Arts Degree (MA) in 1990 and then studied Homeopathy at the College of Homeopathy (LCH) from 1990 -1993. He studied Herbal Medicine completing the East West Course in Herbal Medicine (EWCH) in 1994. He also completed the Ayurvedic Medicine Studies Program at the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque USA in 1994. He’s studied Chinese Herbal Medicine with the Renshu College of Chinese Medicine (Dip CHM) qualifying in 2000, as well as Acupuncture at The Southwest College of Oriental Medicine (Dip. Ac.) qualifying in 1998.

Edward talks on:

• The snowball effect of curiosity led him on a path to studying different forms of medicine.
• The NHS terrain and limitations in offering an integrated approach.
• Opportunities where herbalism could help serve society 
• Safety and side-effects of herbal and conventional medicines.
• Avoiding over medicalisation with a balanced approach.
• The fundamental difference between Western and herbal medicine - strengths and limitations.
• The principles and complexities of vitalism.
• How therapeutic healing works in clinic. 
• His hopes for the future of integrated medicine.

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

"I see herbs as the bridge between foods and medicine."

Joanna Webber is a fully qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner with a BSc in Ayurveda as well as a Hatha Yoga teacher. She loves to weave the two sister sciences together to support a more integrated approach to health. She lives in Somerset and spends all her spare time growing, foraging, and cooking local, sustainable food and herbs. She is the founder of the Ayurvedic Yogi clinic and co-founder of The Ayurveda Academy, offering practical and engaging courses combining Ayurveda’s ancient wisdom with modern insights on how to live well. 

Jo’s passion for Ayurveda practices and teaching shines through as she discusses her Ayurvedic journey. As a yoga teacher battling personal health issues, she became enlightened following a profound pulse-reading experience that lead her down the herbalism path. With a post-graduate Certificate in Education, she feels strongly about making diet, lifestyle, and herbal advice more readily available, so people of all ages can make informed and empowered choices for themselves. Now Jo shares her passion via teachings to make learning Ayurvedic practice simple, accessible, and powerful.

Jo talks on:

• Discovering and studying Ayurveda and the doshas. 
• Teaching techniques and learning methods - the importance of application and practice.
• The beauty of Sanskrit -  why language is crucial.
• Studying Western Herbalism as a modern interpretation of the traditional text.
• Ayurveda and health promotion - its powerful theory for preventative medicine.
• Ayurveda’s nutritional view on health- how our diet can lead to powerful change.
• Striving for balance - the attraction of Ayurveda.
• Don’t eat dirty socks - top tips to help your digestive system flourish.

Follow Jo’s daily exploits on how to live an Ayurvedic lifestyle on Instagram @joannawebber.ayurveda

Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com 

Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Welcome along to Herbcast!

Do you know your Echinacea from your Eleutherococcus? Or your lavender from your lemonbalm?

Whether you’re a budding herbalist or a botanical beginner, Herbcast is here to inform and inspire you to explore the integration of herbs in our every day lives.

Meet Sebastian, your host and founder of Herbal Reality, for a taste of what to expect from Herbcast; the podcast from Herbal reality, delving into the plant-powered world of herbalism.