Herb Mentor Radio

Patricia Kyritsi Howell: Greek Kitchen Herbalism

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, we continue our journey through National Geographic Herbal with Chapter Two: Kitchen Herbalism.To guide us into t...

Herb Notes: The Benefits of Fennel

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a beloved culinary staple around the world, and an ancient herbal ally for common modern ailments. Want to learn more a...

Kat Maier: Sensory Herbalism

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, we begin our journey through National Geographic Herbal with the chapter that opens the entire path: Sensory Herb...

Herb Notes: The Benefits of Sage

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a familiar garden plant with a long history as both a culinary staple and a revered herbal ally. Want to learn more about...

Community Herbalism: From Kitchen to Wildlands

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Big news at HerbMentor Radio! We open this episode with an exciting announcement that Mimi Prunella Hernandez is joining HerbMentor Radio as a co-host...

Herb Notes: The Benefits of Cardamom

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a sweet, warming spice used in Ayurvedic medicine and beloved in kitchens around the world. It’s treasured in her...

Maria Noël Groves: Herbs for Gut Health

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gut health isn’t just about digestion: it’s the foundation of whole-body balance. Clinical herbalist and author Maria Noël Groves brings a practi...

Herb Notes: The Benefits of Clove

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Herb Notes: The Benefits of Ginger

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 po...

Mimi Prunella Hernandez: Herbs for Post-Menopause

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Menopause isn’t an ending: it’s an initiation. Herbalist Mimi Prunella Hernandez offers a refreshing, grounded, and deeply compassionate look at t...

Lauren Morgan: Dreaming with the Plants

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dreams aren’t just random stories from the night: they’re powerful messengers. Herbalist and ceremonialist Lauren Morgan shares how you can begin ...

A Memorial for John Gallagher

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 broug...

Herb Notes: The Benefits of Oats

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Jules Benefico: On Marketing and Astrology for Herbalists

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 wha...

Herb Notes: The Benefits of Burdock

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ma...

Herb Notes: The Benefits of Rosehips

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Roses (Rosa spp.) offer a bounty of healing gifts through their fragrant flowers and nutrient-dense fruits. Rosehips are chockfull of vitamin C: makin...

Kimberly Gallagher: Big News on Herb Mentor Radio

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 This week’s Herb Mentor Radio is extra special. Tara sits down with Kimberly Gallagher, co-founder and CEO of LearningHerbs, for a heartfelt conv...

Herb Notes: The Benefits of Oregano

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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....

Seraphina Capranos: The Science and Magic of Herbalism

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Herb Notes: Comfrey – Healing Bones, Sprains, & Soil

09 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale or "common comfrey") is a prolific plant that has an infamously mixed reputation as an incredible healing herb and poten...

Honoring John & An Interview with Rebecca Fils-Aime

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Rosemary Gladstar: The Generosity of Plants

17 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's not everyday you get to sit down and chat with an herbal legend—and that's exactly what we did in this episode of HerbMentor Radio!Rosemary Gla...

Herb Notes: St. John’s Wort – Uplift Your Mood, Ease Your Pain, Heal Your Skin

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

St. John's wort's Latin name is Hypericum perforatum—named for the hypericin content in the plant's flowers and the tiny perforations in the le...

Rosalee de la Forêt: Cooling Inflammation

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Inflammation is a big buzz word in the wellness world these days, but what exactly is inflammation? And how can it really be the root cause of a seemi...

Herb Notes: Roses – How They Soothe the Heart, Skin & Body

30 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s stop and smell the roses, shall we? Known for their luxurious scent and heartwarming blooms, rose petals (Rosa spp.) are a balm for the s...

Tesia Love: Understanding Ayurveda

16 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tesia Love is a clinical Ayurvedic specialist, herbalist, and licensed massage and bodywork therapist who helps people restore balance through traditi...

Herb Notes: Violets – Soothing Skin, Easing Coughs, and Lifting Spirits

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With their heart-shaped leaves and beautiful flowers, violets (Viola odorata) are a delight for the heart and soul. Beyond their charming looks, viole...

Rita Hogan: Demystifying Canine Herbalism

16 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rita Hogan is a clinical herbalist with over 20 years of experience specializing in holistic canine care. She blends Western herbalism, food energetic...

Herb Notes: Chickweed – The Mighty Spring Green

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chickweed (Stellaria media) is often one of the first signs of spring: this springtime green sprouts up as temperatures increase, beckoning us all to ...

EagleSong Gardener: Hawthorn & The Thorny Path to Herbal Wisdom

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

EagleSong Gardener is an EarthKeeper, a grandmother, and a lifelong adventurer, with over 50 years of experience homesteading, practicing herbal medic...

Herb Notes: 3 Reasons Not To Run Out Of Thyme

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thyme offers a familiar, pungent taste to every dish it graces. Beyond its culinary gifts, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) also has a rich history as a medici...

Herbal Remedies for Sleep, Pain, and Winter Wellness–with John & Tara

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The most wonderful time of the year brings your most pressing herbal questions! In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, we explore: What herbs are best ...

Herb Notes: Peppermint– A Digestive Soother, Nervous System Ally, And Natural Pain Reliever

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As one of the most popular herbal teas in the world, peppermint's ubiquitous flavor can bring a sense of familiarity and comfort. Peppermint (Mentha x...

Gabe Garms: Supercharge Your Herbal Allies with the Power of Miso

17 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Herbalist and artisanal miso maker Gabe Garms joins us to chat about herbal misos, regenerative farming, and fermentation.  Before I met Gabe&nbs...

Herb Notes: 3 Modern Benefits for an Ancient Spice

02 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In recent years, turmeric (Curcuma longa) has exploded in popularity. Chances are your favorite coffeeshop might now even include a golden milk turmer...

Lisa Fazio: Italian-American Folk Herbalism

19 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa Fazio takes us on a journey through Italian-American folk herbalism, the healing power of food as medicine, and the medicinal properties of herbs...

Herb Notes: Cinnamon– An Ally For Digestion, The Immune System, And Oral Health

29 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With its familiar sweet and pungent taste, cinnamon is a common spice that makes an exceptionally tasty addition to every meal it graces. Cinnamon’s...

Lucretia VanDyke: Listening When the Plants Talk

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Chatting with Lucretia VanDyke for the first time ever immediately felt like catching up with a dear friend — we were totally transported and never ...

Herb Notes: Rosemary's Benefits—Digestive Health, Hair Growth, and Memory Support

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rosemary is most popularly known as a tasty culinary herb. Indeed, rosemary’s aromatic leaves have a special place in many beloved dishes — adding...

Asia Suler: The Power of Plant Communication

17 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had one of those moments in life when suddenly everything change? There's a before this moment and an after this moment — and nothing ...

Herb Notes: Mullein’s Miracles - From Dry Coughs to Ear Aches

28 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I saw mullein (Verbascum spp.) growing all around me for years before I knew its name, let alone its many healing gifts. Now when I see mullein growin...

Jiling Lin: Understanding the Five Elements

14 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I have been waiting for years to get to dive deep into the Five Elements on HerbMentor Radio, so it was a special treat when Jiling Lin stopped by to ...

Herb Notes: The Benefits of Linden

30 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With its heart shaped leaves and fragrant flowers, linden (Tilia spp. and aka lime tree) is a beautiful tree often found on city blocks. While mo...

Christopher Hobbs: Demystifying Medicinal Mushrooms

23 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Hobbs is a world-renowned, fourth-generation herbalist, licensed acupuncturist, and mycologist with a passion for medicinal mushrooms. He’...

Herb Notes: Lemon Balm—Real Aroma-Therapy and Essential Benefits

02 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When life gives you lemon balm, you're in luck! With its uplifting citrusy scent, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) certainly is a balm for the soul. B...

Chamomile, Herbs for Hair Growth, and Garden Companion Planting

12 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John and Tara answer some hairy herbal questions today. Since LearningHerbs' began twenty years ago, we've gotten so many incredible questio...

Herb Notes: The Heart of Hawthorn

04 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let's get to the heart of the matter, shall we? When it comes to hawthorn, the first thing herbalists tend to think about is the organ that pumps bloo...

John & Tara: Herbs for Spring

13 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Spring is (finally) here! With this season of new growth and warmer days, comes the opportunity to connect with all the plants freshly sprouting up ar...

Herb Notes: Going Beyond Chamomile Tea with 3 Key Benefits

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As one of the most popular herbal teas in the world, this calming herb has managed to find a special place in many of our hearts — and our supermark...

Maria Christodoulou: Celebrating Greek Herbalism

17 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Maria Christodoulou had been living in New York City for years when she decided it was finally time to move to Greece and dive more fully into the wis...

Herb Notes: Echinacea, Three Benefits and One Caution

03 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Oh echinacea, how I love thee! This beautiful plant, also known as purple coneflower, not only supports pollinators with its abundant blooms but also ...

Anna Rósa Grasalæknir: Herbalism for Refugees

11 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anna Rósa Grasalæknir had been following the refugee crisis in Iraq for quite some time when she started to wonder, "Would the refugee women in thes...

Herb Notes: Elderberry (Top 3 Benefits + Which Color Berry NOT to Eat)

04 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Elderberry (Sambucus cerulea, S. nigra, S. canadensis) boasts many benefits and is most well-known as a gentle immune-supporting, antiviral ...

John & Tara’s Herbal Guide for The Whole Year

21 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year! To welcome you into 2024, we decided to do things a little differently this month: we’re chatting just the two of us. You can consid...

Herb Notes: Coffee! It's complicated.

07 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As one of the most popular beverages in the world, coffee is regularly enjoyed as a daily ritual that offers people a boost of energy. Coffee, though,...

Elizabeth Guthrie: The Trauma Informed Herbalist

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over the past few years, the term "trauma informed" has become a bit of a buzzword. But what does it actually mean to be trauma informed? And how can ...

Herb Notes: The 3 Soothing Benefits of Calendula

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Just one look at a radiant calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower is enough to make anyone fall in love. With its uplifting blossoms and dainty leav...

Nathan Wright: An Epic Chaga Foraging Adventure

08 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Nathan Wright hopped on our HerbMentor Radio call, he readily admitted that he wasn't really in the podcast recording mood. And it totally made s...

Herb Notes: Which Part of Aloe Do You Use?

01 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Most people are familiar with Aloe vera as an undemanding houseplant that can be called upon in times of sunburn. And while it is true that the inner ...

Sajah Popham: How Astrology Can Help You Become a Better Herbalist

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chances are you've probably read your horoscope — and I bet sometimes that horoscope was uncannily spot on and sometimes it totally missed the mark....

Herb Notes: Garlic Is the Medicine of the People

02 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Garlic is the medicine of the people. From its pungent aroma that fills our kitchens to its centuries-old reputation as a medicinal wonder, garlic ho...

Elise & Jeff Higley: From Home Garden to Major Herb Farm

19 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Elise and Jeff Higley's herb farm was born out of a simple need: they wanted high quality herbs for the teas they loved to drink everyday. So, combini...

Herb Notes: Going Beyond the Sting of Nettles

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With a name like "stinging nettle," you might think you want to avoid a nettles patch at all costs. Sure, the fresh leaves and stems of stinging nettl...

Jason Knight: Survival Skills for Herbalists

15 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you're an adventurous wildcrafter or an herbalist who always sticks to the trail, knowing key survival skills is an essential part of your her...

Herb Notes: The Resilient and Restorative Dandelion

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Growing out of sidewalk cracks and wild meadows alike, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a persistent plant that can teach us about resilience and a...

Chanchal Cabrera: On Holistic Cancer Care

18 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not everyday you meet a seasoned herbalist with over 35 years of clinical experience. And it’s even rarer to meet one who is an expert in hol...

Herb Notes: The Backyard Healing Secrets of Plantain

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chances are you've probably stepped on your fair share of the herb plantain (Plantago major, P. rugelii, and P. lanceolata). This abundant medicinal p...

Nadine Joseph: From Burnout to Herbal Adaptogen Entrepreneur

20 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nadine Joseph used to work as a chronically stressed neuroscience researcher. Faced with intense burnout, she turned to herbs and fell in love with ad...

Herb Notes: 3 Healing Ways to Use Catnip

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When most people think of catnip (Nepeta cataria), they think of it as that plant that makes our feline friends get very hyper. But here’s the thing...

Shereel Washington: On Black North American Herbalism Recipes & Story Medicine

23 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shereel Washington graduated from the California School of Herbal Studies Community Herbalist Program in Clinical Herbalism, and she has completed ove...

Herb Notes: Medicinal Uses of Yarrow

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Yarrow’s leaf and flower are most typically used by Western herbalists, but there is also traditional usage of the roots. In this article, I’ll fo...

Nada Beydoun & Fatima Matar: the Life-Changing Magic of Milkweed for Monarch Butterflies

18 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nada Beydoun is a registered herbalist with a BSc. in Microbiology and Immunology and Masters in Applied Human Nutrition. Her interests include SWANA ...

Christa Sinadinos: Bridging the Gap Between Culinary & Medicinal Herbs

12 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Christa Sinadinos is the author of The Essential Guide to Western Botanical Medicine, and is the founder and director of the Northwest Schoo...

Rosemary Gladstar & Susan Leopold: Come for the Plants, Stay for the Party

15 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rosemary Gladstar is literally a star figure in the field of modern herbalism, internationally renowned for technical knowledge and stewardship i...

John & Tara's Magical Winter Special: Stress-Relieving Herbs for the New Year

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

So, usually we interview a special guest on the pod, but today to bring in the new year we're chatting just the two of us all about herbs for winterti...

Dr. Keren Dolan: Functional Nutrition Meets Herbalism

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Keren Dolan is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild, and Holistic Aromatherapist. Emphasizing i...

Corinna Wood: Transforming Fall Roots into Healing Remedies

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Corinna Wood teaches earth-based herbalism in the Wise Woman Herbal Tradition and focuses on inner-growth and transformation. She was co-founder of Re...

Mimi Prunella Hernandez: Kitchen Herbalism

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mimi Prunella Hernandez has dedicated her life’s work to serving as an advocate for both traditional and herbal pathways while building cultural bri...

Tasha & Devon Greenwood: How an Herbal Love Story is Creating a Hub for Queer Community

14 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you enter MXED GREENS apothecary, one of the first things you'll notice is the deep care that herbalists Tasha and Devon Greenwood have put it in...

jim mcdonald: Why There’s No “Best Way” to Learn About Herbs

17 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you first start studying herbs it can feel like you need to find the best herb school, the best herb books, and the best way to study herbs in or...

Juliet Blankespoor: The Healing Garden & the Key to Having an Herbal Green Thumb

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Juliet Blankespoor shares 5 easy-to-grow herbs for container gardening with medicinal benefits that range from immune support to gentle skin care to f...

Abi Huff: Ancestral Herbalism

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some of Abi Huff’s earliest plant memories begin in her mother’s garden: delighting in the abundant beds of sugar cane and taro root, and climbing...

CoreyPine Shane: Southeast Medicinal Plants & Herbal Matchmaking

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Explore the healing plants of the Southeast with CoreyPine Shane, including mimosa and sweet gum trees. Also, how to discover a plant’s personality ...

Jocelyn Boreta: The Story of the Botanical Bus

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jocelyn Boreta is the cofounder of the Botanical Bus, the granddaughter of a farmworker, and a community organizer committed to cultivating health equ...

Amanda McQuade Crawford

22 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Herb Mentor Radio, John Gallagher interviews Amanda McQuade Crawford, an experienced herbalist and author. Amanda is a prominent fi...

7Song

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

7Song is an herbalist, naturalist, and director of the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine in Ithaca, NY. He is known throughout the herbal communi...

EagleSong

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

I am truly honored to share with you a mentor that…well, let’s put it this way. There would be no HerbMentor.com without her. Also, I doubt I woul...

James Jungwirth

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

James Jungwirth and his family run Naturespirit Herbs, located in the Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon. They are harvesters of edible and med...

Kiva Rose

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Kiva Rose is an herbalist in the Anima Medicine Woman Tradition. She teaches and practices down to earth herbalism, nutrition and healing based on the...

Maria Atwood

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Maria Atwood, CNHP is a Certified Natural Health Professional and has produced a DVD called Cook Your Way to Wellness. Her focus is on fermented foods...

Richo Cech

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

RIcho Cech is a village herbalist, conservationist, and expert on making herbal extracts. For many years he was a developer at HerbPharm. He and his w...

Stephen Harrod Buhner

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen Harrod Buhner is an Earth poet and the award-winning author of books on nature, indigenous cultures, the environment, and herbal medicine. He ...

Wildman Steve Brill

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

"Wildman" Steve Brill is known as America’s Best Known Forager. His 1986 arrest in Central Park made international headlines and set his career as a...

Tammi Hartung

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Tammi Hartung, M.H., is a medical herbalist, certified organic grower, and consultant to the Natural Products Industry. She has taught at the Rocky Mo...

Betzy Bancroft

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

When my good friend Mark worked at Tom Brown’s Tracker School, he often talked about a great herbalist who worked there named Betzy. Now, I finally ...

Doug Elliott

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Doug Elliott is a naturalist, herbalist, musician, and storyteller. Doug has performed at festivals, museums, botanical gardens, nature centers, natio...

Heidi Bohan

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Heidi Bohan has over 18 years of experience working as an educator of native plants, horticulture, woodworking, ethnobotany, and traditional ecologica...

Jessica Moore

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Jessica Moore is a mom who has a passion for herbs. When her baby had a diaper rash, she whipped up an amazing balm that healed it. To make a long sto...

Jon Young

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

I have known Jon for over half my life. He has been a mentor and is a good friend. Jon is an amazing speaker. We’ll focus on how one learns about pl...

Linda Runyon

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

“Weeds are in every country of the world, so it’s beyond me why there is world hunger. An entire civilization is walking on their food.” –Lind...