7: Mullein - Verbascum Thapsus

Ashwagandha has become one of the most talked-about herbs in the wellness world, but its roots in traditional medicine run far deeper than its current popularity. In this episode, we explore what's behind the hype, its longstanding role in Ayurvedic medicine, and its traditional uses as a rejuvenative tonic. We also step beyond the physical and into the magical, discussing how ashwagandha's properties and associations can find a place in ritual practice. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books, and more.  Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah:  Instagram @LadyBeastDeb  

From the witch trials to modern media, witches have long been both vilified and romanticized, shaped by religious fear, cultural misconceptions, and the enduring association between witchcraft and the devil. Join two modern-day witches as we share what our practices actually look like, why we love being witches, and what lies beyond the glamour and stereotypes of popular culture. We'll explore the deeper connections between witchcraft, nature, and the world around us...and what it means to walk this path in the modern day. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books, and more.  Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah:  Instagram @LadyBeastDeb  

Best known for her connection to dreams and divination, mugwort is a beloved herb in witchcraft... but her medicine goes far beyond the magical. From women's reproductive health to gall bladder support, she offer's a wide range of uses. From cleansing and banishing with smoke to dreamwork and clairvoyance, mugwort has a rich history rooted in both medicine and magic. Join us as we explore mugwort's history, etymology, medicinal properties, and magical traditions. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books, and more.  Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah:  Instagram @Ladybeastdeb  

Humans have used smoke for centuries to cleanse and purify spaces, ward off illness, banish unwanted influences, and sanctify the places we inhabit. It has been used to venerate and honor the dead, mark sacred spaces and rituals, and cleanse a space, person, or object. Join us as we step into the cloud of smoke and explore its history, ritual uses, practical applications, and the important conversation surrounding cultural appropriation. So dim the lights and ignite your incense as we talk about sacred herbal smoke! We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books, and more.  Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah:  Instagram @LadyBeastDeb  

In this episode, we explore the medicine and magic of Echinacea! More than a cold-season remedy, Echinacea is a numbing medicine, a defender against infection, a lymphatic master, and a plant with a fascinating history of use for snakebite. We trace its earliest medicinal applications, explore its role in traditional wound and infection care, and delve into its magical associations with bravery, protection, and spell enhancement. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books, and more.  Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah:  Instagram @LadyBeastDeb

In this episode, we'll take a closer look at some of the biggest claims being made about today's most popular medicinal mushrooms. We'll talk about where the traditional uses and scientific research actually stand, where the marketing begins to stretch beyond the evidence, and why phrases like "miracle mushroom" should make everyone suspicious. We'll explore some of the claims worth approaching with a healthy dose of skepticism, including: Weight loss, "parasite cleanses", mood boosting, hormone balancing, cancer treatment and prevention, and the increasingly popular idea that everyone should be taking medicinal mushrooms every single day. The book Nicole forgot the name of: The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books, and more.  Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah:  Instagram @LadyBeastDeb

Along roadsides, across farmlands, and at the edges of forests, Great Mullein stands tall and proud—with an air of authority, strong boundaries, and an abundance of medicine. Join us as we celebrate this velveteen warrior, a plant revered not only for her healing gifts, but for her powerful energetic protection as well. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books, and more.  Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah:  Instagram @LadyBeastDeb

Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the impact of AI in herbalism. With fake social media profiles, misleading content, and even fraudulent books on the market, misinformation is becoming harder to spot. We'll take you on a journey through what AI is, how it shapes the information we see, and how to recognize trustworthy sources when researching herbs and health remedies. We'll also touch on a few other challenges that modern herbalism faces, such as supply chain downfalls, sustainability, quality, and more.  We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books and more.  Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah:  Instagram @LadyBeastDeb

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the many uses of yarrow, exploring why it has remained one of Western herbalism's most valued plants for centuries. We'll discuss its medicinal applications, energetic qualities, and rich magical folklore, uncovering what makes this humble herb such a powerful ally for both healing and spiritual practice. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books and more.  Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah:  Instagram @LadyBeastDeb

In this episode, we're diving into Herbal First Aid—exploring how herbs can support the body's natural healing process when everyday injuries and ailments arise. From cuts, scrapes, burns, bruises, insect bites, and sprains to soothing irritated skin and building a well-stocked herbal first aid kit, we discuss practical, time-tested remedies that belong in every herbalist's toolbox. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of herbal first aid and learn how plants have supported healing for generations. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books and more.  Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah:  Instagram @LadyBeastDeb