Advertise on podcast: The Plant Path: Herbalism, Medical Astrology & Spagyric Alchemy

"Tonic" is a mysterious, nebulous word that pervades the halls of herbal medicine. But what does it actually mean? Its meanings seem to vary widely, often leaving its clinical value unclear. In this post, we'll examine the term's origins and uses and offer a practical framework for making "tonic" clinically useful.   Here's what you'll learn: Why "tonic" is one of the most misunderstood words in herbalism The four key classes of tonics and what each means, with examples of herbs within each tonic category and how they can be used clinically How to recognize the qualities that define each type of tonic herb Cross-cultural perspectives on tonics, from Western herbalism to Eastern medicine   ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   Shop our herbal products:  https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.

Sinus infections are painful and often scary because they can make it difficult to breathe. Many people quickly get antibiotics for this condition, and while that is in no way wrong and may be necessary at times, sinusitis can often be treated with herbal remedies.    Sajah Popham from The School of Evolutionary Herbalism tells the story of how he used herbal neti pots to treat his own sinus infection that wasn't responding to systemic herbal treatment. Instead of using a simple saline solution, he added specific herbs, experienced a swift turnaround in his symptoms, cleared the infection, and avoided antibiotics.   Sajah explains that the key to treating sinusitis lies in the herbs you choose and in delivering them topically to the tissues that need them.  Here's what you'll learn: The five herbs that worked for me and why I chose them Why whole herbs are better than isolated compounds The conundrum of the antimicrobial action: making sense of the terms antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal, and how to use antimicrobial herbs How to prepare and use medicated neti pots and nasal sprays Substitutions for harder-to-procure and at-risk herbs   ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   Shop our herbal products:  https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.

When you consider topical applications, poultices and salves might come to mind, but did you know that herbs can be applied topically to the respiratory tract? For sinusitis and sinus infections, using a simple neti pot can make all the difference. This approach enables herbs to act precisely where they're needed, providing relief and support for healing. In this post, we'll explore the practice of neti, a traditional Ayurvedic technique for nasal cleansing, combined with herbal medicine to treat sinus infections effectively.  Here's what you'll learn: How I treated a sinus infection using herbal neti pots Typical systemic herbal treatments for infection and why they don't always get to the root of the problem Herbal actions and preparation methods best suited for topical sinusitis treatment Safety considerations for herbal neti pot therapy   ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   Shop our herbal products:  https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.

Does the term "topical herbs" make you think of applying herbs to your skin? Perhaps creams, salves, or poultices come to mind. The thing is, application to the skin, while very important, is only one of many types of topical applications.   Any time an herb comes into direct contact with tissues, whether the skin or the mucous membranes of the respiratory or digestive tract, it is acting topically. This post is the first in a series where we'll break down the meaning and methods of topical medicine in order to redefine how topical herbal medicine can be used.    Here's what you'll learn: A broader definition of topical application and how herbs act topically in the respiratory tract, digestive system, female reproductive system, and on the skin Key topical herbal actions such as vulnerary, antimicrobial, and demulcent Preparation types for topical use, such as poultices, infused oils, liniments, and medicated neti pots Recommended herbs for each organ system and their unique roles in healing, plus important considerations for using topical herbal remedies safely   ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   Shop our herbal products:  https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.

The elements offer a profound framework for understanding health, herbal medicine, and our connection to nature. Sajah Popham from The School of Evolutionary Herbalism discusses how, across traditional systems such as astrology, alchemy, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Air element governs vital processes of movement, respiration, and communication in the body and mind. By observing how the Air element manifests in our constitution and in plants, we can better utilize specific herbal remedies to soothe nervous tension, clear respiratory pathways, and restore internal balance.   Here's what you'll learn: How the Air element operates across astrology, alchemy, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine The physiological functions of Air through the zodiac trine of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius Physical and energetic keys to Air element plants, including tastes and morphology Essential herbal actions for Air imbalances, such as nervines, expectorants, and carminatives Practical applications of herbs like Blue Vervain, Mullein, Milky Oats, and Lemon Balm for Air element imbalances   ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   Shop our herbal products:  https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.

Sajah Popham of The School of Evolutionary Herbalism examines two often-overlooked branches of the Western healing tradition: alchemy and medical astrology. He traces their history, explains their philosophy, and explores how they are essential to a contemporary approach to working with herbs and people. Here's what you'll learn: Why medical astrology is a key framework for understanding constitution and health, and not simply for psychology and personal events How figures such as Paracelsus and Isaac Newton helped shape the historical legacy of alchemy What the Hermetic ideas of the logos and macrocosm and microcosm contribute to Western herbal thought How celestial and elemental correspondences can help interpret an herb's qualities and actions What spagyrics are and how spagyric preparations aim to preserve and reunite a plant's physical, energetic, and spiritual dimensions   ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   Shop our herbal products:  https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.

Sajah Popham of The School of Evolutionary Herbalism explores spiritual healing with herbs, moving beyond mystical clichés to examine how physical vitality, emotional well-being, and the soul are connected. Drawing on Western alchemy, he maps the relationship between body, spirit, and soul and explains how plant medicine can support healing across all three.   Here's what you'll learn: How Western alchemy understands the relationship between Sulfur, Mercury, and Salt Why true healing involves addressing contributing causes, not only relieving symptoms How beliefs, identity, pain, and physical health can shape the human spirit The top-down and bottom-up ways in which physical health and spiritual well-being can influence one another How plants, archetypes, and intentional practice may support transformation from imbalance toward wholeness   ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   Shop our herbal products:  https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form. If Whitney is facilitating an interview:   ———————————— ABOUT WHITNEY ———————————— Whitney Popham is an herbal practitioner and the co-founder of The School of Evolutionary Herbalism and Organic Unity. Her calling to plant medicine began from a deep passion for activism and a vision for creating healing and positive change in the world. She has devoted her life to that vision by being a humble vessel for the plants to touch people's lives and bring more healing and beauty into the world.   Through her own health challenges and struggles, she experienced the profound healing gifts of plant medicines and then committed her life to helping others reach vibrant levels of health. She specializes in digestive health in her clinical practice through working with herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle coaching. Her true gift is in listening to the plants through intuition and vision, which she uses to help her clients with healing on the emotional, psychological, spiritual, as well as physical levels of health.

Has your life ever been changed by a plant? When I ask this question of a group of herbalists, most say yes. But if you're just taking your first steps on the plant path, your answer might be no, or not yet.    To the skeptic, the entire premise sounds completely ridiculous. How exactly could a lowly, unintelligent plant change your life? What is this life transformation that can occur by working with a medicinal plant? How does it work, and is it even real?    In this post, I'm getting personal, which I don't usually do, but I want to illustrate the principle of a plant changing a person's life by sharing my own story with Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis) and the profound impact this plant has had on my life.    In this post, you'll learn: How my experience with Wood Betony shaped my understanding of transformational healing Why herbal medicine can be approached as support for the body, psyche, and spirit How synchronicity and intentional relationship can guide work with medicinal plants The role of Wood Betony in grounding, digestive support, and self-confidence  How plants may help turn past struggles into insight, growth, and wholeness   ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   Shop our herbal products:  https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form. If Whitney is facilitating an interview:   ———————————— ABOUT WHITNEY ———————————— Whitney Popham is an herbal practitioner and the co-founder of The School of Evolutionary Herbalism and Organic Unity. Her calling to plant medicine began from a deep passion for activism and a vision for creating healing and positive change in the world. She has devoted her life to that vision by being a humble vessel for the plants to touch people's lives and bring more healing and beauty into the world.   Through her own health challenges and struggles, she experienced the profound healing gifts of plant medicines and then committed her life to helping others reach vibrant levels of health. She specializes in digestive health in her clinical practice through working with herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle coaching. Her true gift is in listening to the plants through intuition and vision, which she uses to help her clients with healing on the emotional, psychological, spiritual, as well as physical levels of health.

Sajah Popham from the School of Evolutionary Herbalism explores an integrative vision of herbalism that makes room for both clinical knowledge and spiritual relationship. Drawing on alchemical tradition, he considers how holistic healing, ethical plant practice, and medicine-making can be understood through this shared lens. Here's what you'll learn: Why science and spirituality need not be opposing approaches to medicinal plants How alchemical ideas describe the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of health as interconnected What it means to approach plants with reverence, gratitude, and attention to their living environment How stress, environment, and plant chemistry shape the qualities of herbal medicine Why spagyric pharmacy is used to unite a plant's material, energetic, and spiritual aspects in one preparation   ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.

Herbal medicine is most powerful when it is specific, and it's important to look at the underlying patterns that shape how a condition appears in an individual. One diagnosis may have many causes and manifest as a variety of tissue states, depending on the person. However, some conditions carry a regular, recognizable energetic and humoral pattern. Hyperthyroidism is a classic condition that fits this description. One of the best herbal remedies for hyperthyroidism is Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis). In this post, we'll explore hyperthyroidism, heat patterns, and how Lemon Balm can be an important part of the treatment protocol. Here's what you'll learn: An overview of the thyroid, including simple anatomy and physiology of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid axis How hyperthyroidism affects metabolism, energy usage, and the cardiovascular and nervous systems Why Lemon Balm is traditionally considered for hyperthyroid symptoms such as heat, agitation, sweating, and palpitations Why an individualized, clinically informed approach matters when supporting thyroid conditions ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   Shop our herbal products:  https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.

Blue Vervain is one of the most effective relaxant remedies in the Western Materia Medica. You can use Blue Vervain for a full spectrum approach to alleviating tension, whether that be psychological or a stiff neck. This herb acts as the conduit between your nervous and musculoskeletal systems, so you feel a sense of relief not only in the mind but in the body as well.  In today's episode, you'll learn:   The significance of the bitter and acrid tastes and their effects on the body and nervous system Blue Vervain's unique effects on the nervous, musculoskeletal, and female anatomical reproductive systems as well as the febrile mechanism, liver, and neck   The emotional and psychological indications for Blue Vervain Blue Vervain's correspondence to Venus, "the great relaxant"  How to prepare a palatable medicine with this bitter herb  A formula using Blue Vervain for stress, burnout, and overwhelm   ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— ABOUT WHITNEY ———————————— Whitney Popham is an herbal practitioner and the co-founder of The School of Evolutionary Herbalism and Organic Unity. Her calling to plant medicine began from a deep passion for activism and a vision for creating healing and positive change in the world. She has devoted her life to that vision by being a humble vessel for the plants to touch people's lives and bring more healing and beauty into the world.   Through her own health challenges and struggles, she experienced the profound healing gifts of plant medicines and then committed her life to helping others reach vibrant levels of health. She specializes in digestive health in her clinical practice through working with herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle coaching. Her true gift is in listening to the plants through intuition and vision, which she uses to help her clients with healing on the emotional, psychological, spiritual, as well as physical levels of health.   ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.

Headaches can be absolutely devastating — in terms of the physical pain and psychological and emotional wear and tear. If you've ever tried to use herbs to treat a headache, you may have had mixed results because headaches are tricky to treat with herbs. But why are headaches so difficult to treat with herbs? You must make critical distinctions both in the assessment of the headache and in the remedies you use to treat it. ​ In this post, I'm sharing some ways to address a heat-pattern headache — how to differentiate it in your assessment, and five of my favorite remedies to treat it. ​ Here's what you'll learn: How to distinguish heat-pattern headaches from cold or deficient patterns Key signs, pain qualities, locations, and triggers to assess Why heat, dehydration, stress, and tension can contribute to headaches Five herbal remedies traditionally used for hot, tense headache patterns Simple supportive strategies and the importance of addressing root causes ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   Shop our herbal products:  https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.

Ginkgo is famous for its ability to boost your memory, focus, and concentration . . . but if that's true, why didn't I feel any of these results when taking some Ginkgo tincture?    The truth is, there's a big misunderstanding about Ginkgo and the way it works. Understanding the Ginkgo myth makes the difference between getting those brain-boosting properties versus drinking a horrible tasting tea or taking a standard tincture that doesn't do much at all.   By understanding the science behind Ginkgo, the myth, and the truth around this plant, you can harness its medicinal properties to get the benefits you're looking for.   In today's episode you'll learn: Why Ginkgo leaf isn't the traditional medicine you think it is A scientific Ginkgo product called EGB 761 and how it made this herb famous today  Ginkgo's medicinal properties and why they make it the ultimate brain herb How to take Ginkgo so it actually works The top herb-drug interactions with Ginkgo you should know about   ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.

If you walk into a hip smoothie shop or health food store, you'll undoubtedly be flooded with the newest "superfoods" and cure-all herbs. Like so many things in our modern culture, herbal medicine also has its own "fads," as it seems as if there's almost a new one in style each season. Although it may seem harmless at first and they may be a good gateway into the realm of herbal medicine, herbal fads may not necessarily be a good thing. Most of the time, they're promoted by big supplement companies looking to inflate their bottom line, even if the truth is a bit fudged to get there (or even flat-out lies!). By learning about the danger of herbal fads, you can become a more conscious consumer and herbalist and know how to navigate this sometimes confusing territory. In today's blog post you'll learn: Who's behind herbal fads and how they're born in the market How herbal fads hurt the credibility of herbalism and pigeonhole herbs The ecological and cultural damage herbal fads can cause  Ways companies lie about herbs and how they can hurt you Why herbal fads can change the way you think about herbs without even realizing it     ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.

Tongue diagnosis is one of the most practical assessment tools available to herbalists — and one of the most overlooked. In this video, Sajah Popham from the School of Evolutionary Herbalism explores a simple framework for tongue diagnosis that can help herbalists gain deeper insight into constitution, tissue states, and remedy selection. Here's what you'll learn: Why the tongue is considered a microcosm of the body and an important tool for herbal assessment How tongue shape can reveal constitutional tendencies and underlying energetic patterns What tongue color indicates about heat, cold, deficiency, stagnation, and circulation How to interpret tongue coating to assess dampness, dryness, congestion, and elimination What tongue moisture reveals about fluid balance and blood stagnation A simple, practical framework for incorporating tongue evaluation into client assessments ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:  http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com   Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/   Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ   Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/   Shop our herbal products:  https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/   ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.   ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.    ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you'd like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.