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This episode is a response to the times; reflections and musings on 2026. I speak to why herbalism feels not only relevant, but essential in the face of global crisis. This is about creating health sovereignty, building community resilience, and remembering the value of local, plant-based knowledge. I share what I’ve been learning from the plants, and why this way of working with medicine cannot be replaced by AI. If anything, it feels more needed than ever. In this episode, I touch on: Herbalism in the context of global uncertaintyCreating health sovereignty in your own lifeBuilding and leaning into community resilienceWhat plants are teaching us in this momentThe limits of AI in relation to embodied, plant-based medicineWhy returning to the land and local knowledge matters

This episode is a little different. Clare Bedford interviews me about my own life story, and how I’ve worked with Hawthorn as a companion through death, heartbreak, loss of love, and major life changes. It’s an episode I waited almost a year to share, allowing the stories and experiences to fully ripen. It feels more vulnerable to offer this one to you as listeners, but now feels like the right time. There are many gifts woven through this conversation, and I sense that many of you may relate to the very human emotions we speak of. If you’d like to connect more with Clare, you can follow her at @clare.weaving.

We've all bought a supplement or herbal tea and then it's sat unused until it expired. In this episode of Lily of the Herbs Talks, I explore how to truly work with herbs, not by taking more, but by taking them with respect and awareness. We live in a world full of powders, capsules, and herbal blends, but often we don’t know where our plants came from, how they were harvested, or whether their potency has been preserved. I share why sourcing herbs from your own garden, from the wild, or from small, organic Australian farms matters, and why working with whole herbs, grinding them yourself, and storing them properly can make a huge difference. We’ll also dive into how the form of herbal medicine affects absorption and potency. Using an elemental lens: fire, water, earth, and air - I explain why fresh plant infusions capture volatile oils, why minerals can benefit from long soaks, and why mushrooms often need double decoctions to unlock their full potential. I also talk about the value of simplicity and relationship with plants. Spending time with one herb at a time- whether in meditation, tea, or tincture form - helps you understand its effects, flavors, and personality, allowing your body to better attune to what it needs. And we discuss when blends can be synergistic, alongside the role of food as medicine. Whether you’re just starting your herbal journey or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers practical guidance to make your herbs more effective, more alive, and more connected to your life.

This episode is a life update from my tiny house, a conversation about roots, seasons, and the rhythm of living simply. I share how I track my menstrual cycle using not just the four phases, but also the elements and the herbs that support each one. If you’re curious about syncing your body with nature or finding structure inside your inner landscape, this is a gentle, grounded entry point. The book that I speak about about is Sastun, by Rosita Arvigo. Which I really recommend you reading.

In this episode of Lily of the Herbs Talks, I sit down with Dr. Marc Cohen, a GP, researcher, and long-time advocate for accessible wellness. We explore where science and herbalism meet. Marc is wonderfully eccentric and full of love for life and learning. He shares his fascinating journey....“I went from being the alternative hippie doctor in a conventional medical school to being the conventional medical doctor at an alternative medical school.” We talk about blood sugar balance, the healing power of honey, and simple, joyful rituals that help us reconnect with nature and vitality. Marc even shares a few of his poems on blood sugar and wellness playful reminders that wellbeing can be simple, sensory, and full of heart. You can connect more with Marc here at: www.drmarc.co

In this episode, I sit down with Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Jarryd Harvey of Yin Yang Medicine to explore his personal and professional journey. We talk about his recovery from Lyme disease using acupuncture and traditional therapies, and how this healing path shaped his approach to medicine. Jarryd shares stories from his early days of mentorship and his deep dive into kundalini yoga — a practice that, while once inspiring, left him disillusioned by the trends of the wellness industry. Together, we reflect on what it means to return to the basics — reconnecting with the circadian rhythm, nature, over quick fixes. We also wander into Jarryd’s love of astrology, unpacking what’s currently happening in the skies and how cosmic rhythms mirror our own. It’s a warm, grounded conversation about healing, integrity, and remembering what really matters. If you want to connect more with Jarryd you can follow him on instagram @yinyang.medicine or his website www.yinyangmedicine.com.au

Exploring Mugwort, Hawthorn, Nettle & Blue Lotus 🌿 In this episode, we dive into the rich folklore, medicinal gifts, and personal wisdom of four of my favorite herbal allies:Mugwort, Hawthorn, Nettle, and Blue Lotus. Each of these plants carries a deep history of healing, protection, and transformation—whether through dreamwork, heart medicine, nourishment, or spiritual connection. We’ll explore their traditional uses, energetic qualities, and how they can support us physically, emotionally, and intuitively. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or simply curious about plant magic, this episode offers insights into how these allies can weave into your life. Tune in for a conversation on the power of plants, the stories they hold, and the ways we can build a relationship with the natural world.

Join us in this inspiring episode with Jacqui Bushell, a celebrated Australian herbalist who has spent over 30 years helping people connect with nature’s wisdom and their own mythic stories. Through her work in women’s circles, retreats, and workshops, Jacqui guides others to explore the deep connections between psyche, body, and land. In this episode, Jacqui shares insights on navigating heartbreak and the role of plants in healing. Discover how plant spirit alchemy, storytelling, and earth connection can help you find resilience and wholeness in moments of grief. Jacqui’s work invites a powerful reconnection with nature and a renewed sense of belonging in the world. To connect with Jaqcui you can email her at: [email protected] Or follow her instagram: @jacqui_bushell_sacredpresence

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alana (Lani) Roy, a passionate advocate and therapist in the fields of psychology and psychedelic medicine, to explore the intersection of elemental herbalism and psychedelic-assisted therapy. As the founder of The Signs of Life Psychology, Lani brings her 15 years of experience in mental health, trauma, and social work to this important conversation. She shares her passion for integrating people into the natural world through her study of herbalism and discusses how the recent legal changes has inspired her to teach multidisciplinary professionals about  plants and their therapeutic potential. Lani's insights bridge the ancient wisdom of plant medicine with the emerging science of psychedelics, offering a powerful vision for holistic mental health care. Tune in to learn how these practices are being used to support the healing of trauma and reconnect individuals with nature. Dr Lani Roy does not endorse or encourage personal illegal  use and encourages people to speak to their medical professionals and check their local law. She always acknowledges with psychedelics there may be potential, but with this comes risk and responsibility. To connect with Lani visit www.thesignsoflife.com.au or her instagram @the.signs.of.life

In this episode I interview Naomi Ingleton from FarmacyCo, a former apothecary and soon to be herbal farm and education center in Eldorado, Victoria. Naomi is a Chef, Horticulturist, Ayurvedic practitioner and studying a Bachelor of Health Science in Western Herbal Medicine, she uses biodynamic and regenerative principals, harvesting with the moon and sun. Topics discussed in this podcast: -Naomi's journey as a chef, dairy farmer and ayurvedic practitioner. -How to create a herbal business. -Why Australian grown herbs are a a rare commodity. -The importance of using locally grown herbs over imported herbs. -The legality of making and selling medicine in Australia. Naomi is also a member of the herb society Australia and runs regular workshops, her next one will be on the Winter solstice at the Herb Society in Burnley. To find out more about Naomi and to follow her story as she starts her farm, visit: www.farmacyco.com.au or follow her on Instagram at: @farmacy_co

In this intimate share of her life story, Lily of the Herbs shares her story and the pivotal moments which shaped her journey today. From homeschooled to adventurer to herbal entrepreneur, Lily has often taken the path less traveled and hopes to inspire others to be their own guide and listen to what is lighting them up. This is also the one to listen to if you are interested in training to become a herbalist.

Meet Lucy the Naturopath. An old friend and herbal lover who specializes in female intimate health, optimizing vaginal microbiomes and tackling imbalances of fungi (thrush) and bacteria (bacterial vaginosus). Learn about some key herbs for these conditions, pH testing, sitz baths and how to maintain a healthy internal environment. It's good to have conversations and normalize talking about intimate health as there can be taboo around it, which can mean people are suffering in silence or relying on ineffective over the counter drugs, that are not specific for the specific strains of bacteria. To work more with Lucy you can find her at www.lucythenaturopath.com.au

In this episode we learn from Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Dr. Jessie Fayers about the female reproductive cycle from a TCM lens. Jessie has been working with women supporting them with their fertility and reproductive health for over 20 years and has some insights into the different colours and what they are telling us about the health of our cycle, we also discuss the distinct phases and ways of supporting with herbal practices, the moon and lifestyle. To work more with Jessie you can visit her website: www.jessiefayers.com or attend our moxa workshop on the 2nd of March 2024: https://events.bookitbee.com/skinc-nursery/the-art-of-moxibustion-2/

Yoga nidra is a guided meditation technique that is practiced lying down in the floor or in your bed. It can be done at any time throughout the day to restore a deep sense of calm and relaxation to the body and mind. Yoga nidra can be a powerful tool when healing from illness or fatigue. It is a way of effortlessly dropping into the parasympathetic nervous system and self regulating 🙌

Listen to the recording from my online class Why We Need a Herbal Revolution. In this episode I discuss the importance of health sovereignty, how herbalism is an act of rebellion and not just a career. Herbalism is a way of life, a path of nature connection and self analysis. I discuss the three pillars of herbalism and where to start, my favourite authors that inspired me along the way, and do you need to be a legally certified herbalist or not.