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Gut health isn’t just about digestion: it’s the foundation of whole-body balance. Clinical herbalist and author Maria Noël Groves brings a practical and deeply empowering perspective to the conversation, helping demystify gut health and showing how herbs can gently and effectively support digestion and long-term vitality. Maria is the author of several books, including but not limited to Body into Balance and Herbs for Gut Health. She is a clinical herbalist and herbal medicine teacher with more than 2 decades of experience and a registered professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. Her business, Wintergreen Botanicals, is based in Chichester, New Hampshire. In our conversation, Maria shares… Why gut health matters—and why it’s about so much more than digestion Key signs your digestion is out of balance (and signs it’s healing) Common root causes of gut issues and what realistic healing timelines look like How herbs support gut health and the microbiome An herbalist’s perspective on heartburn, GERD, leaky gut, and food sensitivities And so much more! You can learn more about Maria Noël Groves and her work here.  Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? Sounds like it’s time to check out HerbMentor! HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path. Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a pungent culinary delight that makes for a wonderful spice and herbal ally. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of clove? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of clove. And after learning these 3 benefits of clove you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/

Ginger (Zingiber officiniale) is far more than a spicy addition to your meals. This beloved plant has been used for centuries across the world as a powerful herbal remedy. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of ginger? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of ginger. And after learning these 3 benefits of ginger you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/

Menopause isn’t an ending: it’s an initiation. Herbalist Mimi Prunella Hernandez offers a refreshing, grounded, and deeply compassionate look at the post-menopausal years, breaking down stigma and opening the door to a new era of vitality, strength, and self-trust. She shares how simple, time-tested herbal allies can support the body through this powerful life chapter. Mimi is a clinical herbalist, educator, author of The National Geographic Herbal and coauthor of The Backyard Guide to Edible Wild Plants. Rooted in her Colombian heritage and the Mexican tradition of curanderismo, she honors the art of folk healing while weaving in modern science. She is the former Executive Director of the American Herbalists Guild and the 2023 recipient of the Botanical Excellence Award for Herbal Community Building from the American Botanical Council. In our conversation, Mimi shares… How to release outdated stigma around menopause and post-menopause Her favorite herbal allies for bone health, skin nourishment, sleep, joint support, and nervous system resilience Common misconceptions about herbs like kudzu, evening primrose, and ginseng Her go-to herbs for post-menopausal vitality And so much more! You can learn more about Mimi Prunella Hernandez here.  Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? Sounds like it’s time to check out HerbMentor! HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path. Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Dreams aren’t just random stories from the night: they’re powerful messengers. Herbalist and ceremonialist Lauren Morgan shares how you can begin (or deepen) an intentional dream practice, and how simple herbal allies can support the journey. Lauren is a community herbalist, dreamer, Earth-based ceremonialist, author, mother, and host of the Herbs and Dreams podcast. She attended her first herbal medicine apprenticeship almost 20 years ago and holds a degree in Herbal Sciences from Bastyr University. Since 2014 she has taught hundreds of students through her Dreamweaving & Herbalism Immersion program. In our conversation, Lauren shares... Easy ways to dive into your intentional dream practice Her go-to herbal allies for dreaming How herbs and dreams are doorways to the wisdom within and beneath you And so much more! You can learn more about Lauren Morgan here and check out her podcast, The Herbs and Dreams Podcast here. Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? Sounds like it’s time to check out HerbMentor! HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path. Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

On October 25th our dear friend Rosalee de la Forêt hosted an online memorial to honor our co-founder John Gallagher's life and legacy. Rosalee brought together people from all different eras of John's life to share their stories about John and what he brought to this world. It was such a beautiful event that we wanted to share the recording here in case you weren't able to join us live. We're so grateful to everyone who contributed to putting this memorial together and to everyone who is part of our herbal learning community.

Oats (Avena sativa) are more than just a tasty breakfast cereal. This nutrient-dense plant is a gentle yet powerful tonic for the nervous system. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of oats? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of oats. And after learning these 3 benefits of oats you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/  

Let’s be honest: when many herbalists hear the word marketing, they cringe. It can feel out of sync with the heart-centered work of healing. But what if marketing could actually be a sacred tool: one that helps your message and your medicine reach more people? In this episode, herbalist and marketing expert Jules Benefico shares simple, soulful ways to help you grow your herbal business with integrity and heart. Jules is a clinical Western Herbalist and founder of Boss Witch Botanicals, where she offers clinical mentorship and courses for herbalists and healers. She also works in Marketing Communications at Traditional Medicinals, blending her marketing expertise with her passion for plant medicine. In our conversation, Jules shares... Simple tips for marketing your herbal business Common marketing mistakes that small business owners make Why astrology and the plants are intimately linked And so much more! You can learn more about Jules Benefico here and check out her podcast, The Herbal Astrology Podcast here.  Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? Sounds like it’s time to check out HerbMentor! HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path. Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Burdock grows abundantly as a “weed” along pathways and roadsides, but don’t let the everyday nature of this plant fool you: burdock, like so many prolific medicinal plants, offers many healing gifts. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of burdock root? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of burdock. And after learning these 3 benefits of burdock you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/

Roses (Rosa spp.) offer a bounty of healing gifts through their fragrant flowers and nutrient-dense fruits. Rosehips are chockfull of vitamin C: making them an incredibly supportive herbal ally. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of rosehips? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of rosehips. And after learning these 3 benefits of rosehips you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/

 This week’s Herb Mentor Radio is extra special. Tara sits down with Kimberly Gallagher, co-founder and CEO of LearningHerbs, for a heartfelt conversation that blends personal stories, plant wisdom, and an exciting announcement we can’t wait to share. Kimberly has spent decades nurturing LearningHerbs from a small family dream into a vibrant community that now spans the globe. In this episode, she opens up about her go-to herbal allies and the lessons she has gleaned along her own plant path. Together, Tara and Kimberly dive into… A special announcement about Herb Mentor Radio The herbs Kimberly turns to during seasonal changes What has surprised her most in decades of learning with plants Kimberly’s dreams for the future of LearningHerbs And so much more… You can learn more about Kimberly here. Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? Sounds like it’s time to check out HerbMentor! HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content — including an in-depth course on food as medicine — that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure, take your time, and connect with other herbal learners and experts whenever you login. You can join HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path. Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a bold, aromatic herb that’s probably sitting in your kitchen cupboard—but don’t let its everyday status fool you. This Mediterranean plant is a potent medicinal herb with a long history of use as a digestive aid, respiratory support, and antimicrobial remedy. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of oregano? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of oregano. And after learning these 3 benefits of oregano, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/

This episode has been a long time coming. We've wanted to have Seraphina Capranos on the pod for years, and it was a joy to sit down and chat with her... Seraphina is a homeopath and one of Canada's leading herbalists. She's been in clinical practice for over twenty years and is an international teacher, speaker, and mentor who has taught thousands of students. Rosemary Gladstar has lauded her as a “young elder,” which is pretty much one of the best titles one can ever receive. In our conversation, Seraphina shares... The science and magic of how herbs heal How each plant has a unique personality How to get started on your herbal path The wisdom of working with the Wheel of the Year And so much more! You can learn more about Seraphina Capranos here.   Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure. Courses, trusted resources and a supportive community. HerbMentor is a trusted herbal learning space that grows with you. You can try HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path.  Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale or "common comfrey") is a prolific plant that has an infamously mixed reputation as an incredible healing herb and potentially risky herbal ally. We'll get into all of this in the comfrey Herb Note. Want to learn more about the healing gifts of comfrey? Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits and key contraindications of comfrey. And after learning these 3 benefits of comfrey, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Here’s the easy way to learn more about our favorite common herbs: download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.  

We begin this episode with the heartbreaking news that our beloved HerbMentor Radio co-host, John Gallagher, passed away in June. John was a visionary who dedicated his life to helping people connect with nature. He believed in making herbal learning accessible, creative, and empowering—and he touched countless lives through his work. We will honor John and his life's work by keeping LearningHerbs and HerbMentor up and running. As we do, John's spirit and values will remain at the heart of LearningHerbs. Prior to John's passing, we recorded this interview with Rebecca Fils-Aime. Rebecca pairs beautiful herbal stories with her background in public health to bring a holistic perspective to studying plants. We know John would have loved this interview, and we are honored to share this episode with you as we continue John's legacy of accessible herbal learning. Rebecca is a community herbalist, socio-behavioral scientist, and a certified health and wellness coach. Her mission is to educate about plants that originate in or are commonly used across the African diaspora. She has a passion for using herbs in food as medicine, seasonal living, and accessible, bioregional herbalism. In our conversation, Rebecca shares... How to practice bioregional herbalism How to work with hibiscus for skin care The gifts of lemongrass Herbs and rituals for summertime And so much more! You can learn more about Rebecca Fils-Aime here.   Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? HerbMentor offers a wide variety of rich herbal content that gives you the opportunity to choose your own herbal adventure. Courses, trusted resources and a supportive community. HerbMentor is a trusted herbal learning space that grows with you. You can try HerbMentor for just $1 to see if it’s part of your own herbal path.  Get a special offer on HerbMentor at https://HerbMentorRadio.com Are you just starting to make herbal remedies? Build your natural first aid kid with our free Herbal Preparation Cards: https://Herbal.Cards