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

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 Gladstar is a star figure in the field of modern herbalism, internationally renowned for technical knowledge and stewardship in the global herbalist community. She has been learning, teaching and writing about herbs for over 40 years and is the author of 12 books.  Her latest book, The Generosity of Plants—a heartfelt collection of plant wisdom, quotes, and reflections gathered over many years. In our conversation, Rosemary shares... How her grandmother’s notebook sparked her latest book How to find your herbal community The importance of preserving herbal heritage How to take your herbal learning to the next level Why true herbalism is rooted in relationship, not just remedies  Learn more about Rosemary Gladstar here.  Grab a copy of The Generosity of Plants here.  Check out her podcast Voices of Our Herbal Elders 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

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 leaves. These hypericin-rich flowers offer many healing gifts. Want to learn more about the gifts of St. John's wort?  Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of St. John's wort. And after learning these 3 benefits of St. John's wort, 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/.

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 seemingly endless number of chronic conditions? Luckily, we have Rosalee de la Forêt to help us sort through the ins and outs of inflammation. Rosalee is a clinical herbalist, author of Alchemy of Herbs and Wild Remedies, and an expert in herbal energetics who helps people transform their health through the joyful use of herbs. For over 20 years Rosalee has been helping people radically change their health using herbs and natural remedies, and in recent years she's focused on how addressing chronic inflammation can support radiant wellness.  In our conversation, Rosalee shares... What inflammation is and how it can help and hinder the body How herbs work differently than anti-inflammatory drugs Her go-to herbs for addressing chronic inflammation and so much more! You can learn more about Rosalee de la Forêt and check out her work 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  

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 soul. Beyond the beauty of their flowers, roses offer many healing gifts. Want to learn more about roses?  Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of rose petals. And after learning these 3 benefits of rose, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

Tesia Love is a clinical Ayurvedic specialist, herbalist, and licensed massage and bodywork therapist who helps people restore balance through traditional healing. In this episode, Tesia shares her wisdom on Ayurveda—a 3,000-year-old system of medicine that offers a practical framework for understanding herbs and how they interact with the human body. When learning about herbs, it’s easy to fall into a “take this for that” mindset. While this might work for basic first-aid, a deeper understanding of herbalism requires a more holistic approach—one that Ayurveda provides. Drawing from her clinical experience, Tesia explores… The Ayurvedic basics every herbalist should know Her go-to herbs for stress relief How to promote balance in the body using Ayurvedic principles and more! Learn more about Tesia Love on her site: https://www.tesialove.com/   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

With their heart-shaped leaves and beautiful flowers, violets (Viola odorata) are a delight for the heart and soul. Beyond their charming looks, violets also offer many healing gifts.  Want to learn more about the gifts of violet?  Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of violet. And after learning these 3 benefits of violet, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

Rita Hogan is a clinical herbalist with over 20 years of experience specializing in holistic canine care. She blends Western herbalism, food energetics, homeopathy, and natural therapies to support dogs’ health naturally. Growing up on a farm, she learned the power of plants from her father, which sparked a lifelong passion for herbal medicine and led to her work as a consultant, educator, and author. Her new book, The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice, provides practical guidance on natural canine care. In this episode, Rita shares: Simple ways to bolster your dog’s nutrition  Her go-to gentle herbs for common canine ailments  How to easily give herbs to even the most stubborn pups The key differences and similarities between herbal care for dogs and humans and so much more! Learn more about Rita Hogan at canineherbalist.com. Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? 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

Chickweed (Stellaria media) is often one of the first signs of spring: this springtime green sprouts up as temperatures increase, beckoning us all to celebrate the arrival of the new season.  Often dismissed as a "common weed," the chickweed plant's growth comes at just the right time—it offers many healing gifts that can support our bodies during the transition from winter to spring. Want to learn more about the gifts of chickweed?  Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of chickweed. And after learning these 3 benefits of chickweed, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.

EagleSong Gardener is an EarthKeeper, a grandmother, and a lifelong adventurer, with over 50 years of experience homesteading, practicing herbal medicine, and teaching. Her unique approach is grounded in observing the rhythms of nature and understanding how life weaves its patterns through the seasons. She inspires others to connect with the earth in practical and meaningful ways. EagleSong wasn’t just my first herbal mentor—she’s been the most influential in shaping my journey with plants. Her guidance laid the foundation for what would eventually become LearningHerbs, which is why we’re celebrating our 20th Anniversary with this episode. Today, we’re exploring hawthorn, a remarkable plant known for its profound support of the heart—physically, emotionally, and energetically. Here’s what we explore: Hawthorn’s gifts to the heart—its medicinal and emotional benefits, plus how to use it in daily life. Seasonal practices and plant rituals—how tuning into nature’s cycles helps us build stronger connections with the plants around us. Humans as keystone species—what this means for the health of our ecosystems and how we can play our part. Stories and insights from decades of herbal practice—EagleSong shares practical wisdom and inspiring reflections that will deepen your connection with the natural world. You can learn more about EagleSong Gardener and check out her incredible offerings right here: https://www.eaglesong-gardener.com   Are you ready to take your herbal learning to the next level? 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  

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 medicinal herb with a wide range of benefits. Want to learn more about the gifts of thyme?  Follow along with herbalist Tara Ruth to learn about 3 benefits of thyme in this edition of Herb Notes. And after learning these 3 benefits of thyme, you might be wondering how you can learn more about other common herbs. Download a FREE deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn all about popular herbs like peppermint, catnip, aloe, elderberry, and more. Get your FREE Herb Notes printable flashcards here: https://herbnotes.cards/.