Podcasts about american botanical council

What if the best medicine for your body has nothing to do with treating your disease and everything to do with treating you? That's the question at the heart of this conversation, and I am so honored to bring you one of the most respected voices in herbal medicine today, David Winston. In this episode of the Wild Herbs Podcast, I talk with herbalist and ethnobotanist David Winston about how plant energetics and human energetics help match herbs to a person's constitution so we treat people rather than diseases. David reflects on herbal medicine's resurgence since the late 1960s, shares how his early connection with plants began in childhood, and explains why herbalism and orthodox medicine are complementary. We discuss the difference between treating a disease and treating a person, nootropic herbs, compliance and dosing forms, the concept of synergy in herbal formulas, nature's role in mental health, foundations of health, and mimosa (Albizia) bark as a powerful mood elevator. David also describes his two-year clinical training program and formula-building approach. Timestamp: 00:00 Teaser 01:05 Meet our guest, David Winston 02:29 Herbalism then and now 07:01 How plants chose him 09:32 Plants communicate wisdom 18:12 Science and tradition together 20:28 Herbs versus medicine 24:56 Herbs for recovery 28:26 Forms and compliance 32:47 Defining herbal energetics 34:59 Becoming a great herbalist 39:14 Treat people not diseases 41:16 Herbal synergy basics 41:39 Antagonism in formulas 43:55 Synergy for depression 47:07 Youth depression after COVID 54:01 Foundations before herbs 56:31 David's personal herbal routine 57:45 Anti-inflammatory diet herbs 01:03:12 Albizia as mood elevator 01:05:37: Broken hearts syndrome 01:08:03 David's two-year clinical training program Herbs and plants mentioned in this episode: Plantain, bacopa, gotu kola, lion's mane, St. John's wort, lemon balm, white peony, lavender, rosemary, Albizia julibrissin (mimosa bark and flowers), hawthorn, rose, andrographis, turmeric, ginger, blueberries, marshmallow, oak bark Buy David's book: Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief – 2nd ed.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council (ABC).

Herbal Medicine, Quality Control, and Adulteration Prevention: Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council (ABC), recounts his entry into herbalism via vegetarianism in 1968, off-grid living, and starting a wholesale herb business in 1974 before shifting to nonprofit education, research, advocacy, and quality control. The discussion covers the evolution from teas and tinctures to standardized extracts, the complexity and synergy of multiple constituents, and how standardization supports quality control and therapeutic consistency. Blumenthal explains ABC's Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program and its free, peer-reviewed resources addressing global fraud, plus GMP requirements and laboratory methods for identity, contamination, and potency testing. He discusses herbs including ashwagandha, turmeric/curcumin and adulteration risks, maca, nigella, and milk thistle, and outlines ABC resources, HerbClip, and membership options at herbalgram.org.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Chris Killam, the Medicine Hunter, a renowned expert in herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, and sustainable botanical sourcing. 

Exploring the World of Nutraceuticals and Herbal Medicine with Chris Killam, the Medicine Hunter, a renowned expert in herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, and sustainable botanical sourcing. Killam details his fascinating journey into the field, his extensive travel and research spanning over 45 countries, and his dedication to sustainable trade practices. The conversation delves into specific herbs and their health benefits, such as kava, maca, and adaptogens, as well as the impact of global climate change on botanical sourcing. They also explore the therapeutic potential of psychoactive plants, the safety concerns around herbal products, and the ongoing efforts to promote high-quality, standardized phytomedicines. Killam shares insights from his collaborations with various communities and highlights the importance of ethical trade and support for local economies.

​In this interview, we cover:

This week on Everything You Didn't Know About Herbalism, we are joined by a leader in the herbal industry whose dedication to providing accessible and reliable education thrives in just about every corner of the herb world, Mark Blumenthal. Join Tommy and Mark as they dissect the importance of having trust in an herbal product—not only for the herb itself, but more importantly, trust in the company who makes it. Through the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC), Mark and his team of experts spend countless hours researching and unmasking deceptive herbal products prevalent in the vast sea that is the herbalism industry today. Mark's work highlights a science-based approach to herbalism while simultaneously recognizing the rich folklore and cultural traditions behind it.

This episode is a proud partnership with American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) & United Plant Savers (UpS) This week on Everything You Didn't Know About Herbalism, we are joined by two dedicated and passionate advocates, educators, and leaders within the herbal industry, Alexis Durham and Susan Leopold. Tag along with Tommy and these two inspiring women for an episode exploring the six days of back-to-back educational botanical events coming to the Cincinnati area this September! Join us for the 17th Biennial International Herb Symposium, the AHPA Small Business Bootcamp—led in part by Tommy Nevar, our very own host of Herbal Radio—and the first-ever AHPA Botanical Congress: Back to Our Roots, to gain invaluable knowledge alongside the ever-growing plant people community. As always, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure and are so honored to have you tag along with us on this ride. Remember, we want to hear from you! Your questions, ideas, and who you want to hear from are an invaluable piece to our podcast. Email us at podcast@mountainroseherbs.com to let us know what solutions we should uncover next within the vast world of herbalism. The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is pleased to invite customers of Mountain Rose Herbs to register for the 2025 AHPA Botanical Congress and Small Business Bootcamp at the discounted AHPA member rate. To redeem this special offer, please contact Alexis Durham at adurham@ahpa.org.

On this episode, we will hear from Mark Blumenthal, the founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council (ABC). The ABC has been at the forefront of education about medicinal plants, protecting endangered species and promoting the effective use of herbal medicine for over 50 years. Join us to hear from this amazing trailblazer in herbalism.Five To Thrive Live is broadcast live Tuesdays at 7PM ET and Music on W4CS Radio – The Cancer Support Network (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com).Five To Thrive Live Podcast is also available on Talk 4 Media (www.talk4media.com), Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com), iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.

This episode begins an intermittent series we'll be doing this year, covering the top-selling herbs in the United States and giving you our thoughts about them. From the perspective of a practicing herbalist, these herbs are frequently pigeon-holed into very narrow ranges of application – the “what is it good for” answers are quite limited! The Herbal Market Report from the American Botanical Council comes out every year, with data about herbal supplement sales for the prior year. Check it out and take a look at the “mainstream” and “natural channel” best-seller lists – you might be surprised at what's on there!If you're an herbalist, you should be well-educated about the herbs people take most frequently. You should know what's popular, and why. You should know how to talk to people about these herbs, how to correct misconceptions, how to offer more effective alternatives, and which ones are worth the money. We're hoping this series will help you do that!If you're new to herbalism – yay, we get first crack at forming your opinion of these herbs!

In today's episode Tatiana Dawn interviews Sue Evans: a respected herbalist, teacher and herbal historian on Wurrundjeri country in Melbourne. Sue has an incredible birds eye view on Australian herbalism over the past almost 50 years of her education and career, and when she did her PHD, she really dived into the herbal history of Australia since European settlement, and some of the challenges that herbalists have faced over this time. Sue herself has a rich history of herbal education, starting with training at the National Institute of Medical Herbalists in the UK. In Australia, Sue taught teaching at the Southern School of Natural Therapies. Later, she moved to Southern Cross University in Lismore, where she was part of the first university course in naturopathy in Australia. After nearly 20 years there, she returned to Melbourne and continued teaching online with the University of Tasmania. Throughout her career, Sue practiced herbal medicine for about 25 years, was part of the first integrative clinic in Melbourne, and was involved in the establishment of the Victorian Herbalists Association during a politically charged time when the Therapeutic Goods Act was introduced. Sue has been a huge advocate for herbalists rights, and also for the rights of the plants, promoting a more sustainable way of managing the industry that has emerged with the import of herbs for clinical practice. In this interview we explore the repeating patterns through history, of herbalists being oppressed by the government and allopathic medical industry. We discuss what history has been lost or misplaced, and Sue shares her wisdom that we need only to look to the landscape and the plants to find the history written. Sue also shares her story of being at the first ever meeting of the American Herbalist Guild, and how a previous conversation with Micheal Tierra catalyzed the AHG to form. We actually cover so much in this interview, and yet it feels like the tip of the iceberg. I really loved this chat with a herbal elder who I respect so much, and I hope that you enjoy. Find Sue Evans on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063522235865 Download Sue's thesis: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/37358662_Challenge_Tension_and_Possibility_An_Exploration_into_Contemporary_Western_Herbal_Medicine_in_Australia The Jacka Foundation: https://jackafoundation.org.au/ A great intervew by American Botanical Council in 2019: https://sustainableherbsprogram.org/sue_evans/ **THE ELDER TREE TROVE PATREON COMMUNITY** You can join our Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and gain a deeper connection to our podcast. Pay only $2 per week to have access to bonus and often exclusive resources and opportunities- plus support the Elder tree at the same time!  To find out more about The Elder Tree visit the website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theeldertree.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and donate to the crowdfunding campaign ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can also follow The Elder Tree on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Find out more about this podcast and the presenters ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Get in touch with The Elder Tree at:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠asktheeldertree@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The intro and outro song is "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sing for the Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" and was kindly donated by Chad Wilkins.  You can find Chad's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

I am thrilled to have David Winston back on the show! Like his last episode, which featured nettles, this episode is absolutely packed with knowledge and wisdom from David's 55 years of experience. (Speaking of his incredible storehouse of herbal know-how, if you'd like to study with David, he's enrolling students now! You can get the details in the show notes. I'm proud to promote David's course as an affiliate partner.)David's love of rose really shines through in this episode, and he shares so many ways to work with this wonderful plant! As a listener, you also have access to David's recipe for Uplift Tea Blend, as well as his recipe for Rose Petal and Holy Basil Infused Honey. (There's a free, downloadable and printable recipe card available just for you.) When might you turn to rose? Here are just a few instances when the lovely rose can be helpful:► When you're grieving. As David says, “Roses are astonishing not only as a mood elevator, but for broken hearts.” ► As a tonic for your cardiovascular system► To help quell gut inflammation and heal a leaky gutBut in all of these cases, you need to know which roses are medicinally effective…and which aren't. Tune in to the entire episode for all the details!By the end of this episode, you'll know:► What to look for (and what to avoid!) when selecting roses to use for medicine► Nine herbal preparations you can use when working with rose petals, hips, and roots► The people and conditions that can especially benefit from rose's gifts►The importance of gut health to your overall health► The intriguing way rose is used in traditional Persian medicine► The key difference between herbal and pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories (and why that matters for your health)► and so much more…For those of you who don't know David, he's an Herbalist and Ethnobotanist with 55 years of training in Chinese, Western/Eclectic and Southeastern herbal traditions. He has been in clinical practice for 48 years and is an herbal consultant to physicians, herbalists and researchers throughout the USA, Europe and Canada. David is the founder/director of the Herbal Therapeutics Research Library and the dean of David Winston's Center for Herbal Studies, a two-year training program in clinical herbal medicine. He is an internationally known lecturer and frequently teaches at medical schools, professional symposia and herb conferences. He is the president of Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc. a manufacturer that produces herbal products that blend the art and science of the world's great herbal traditions.In addition, David is a founding/professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, and he is on the American Botanical Council and the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia Advisory Boards.He's the author of many books including the co-author of Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief. David has taught thousands of herbalists around the world and is the recipient of many notable and prestigious awards and fellowships. If you'd like to hear more from David, which I highly recommend, then head to the show notes where you can get easy links for his website and social media channels, as well as information about his two-year course of study. You can also find the transcript for this episode in the show notes and you can access your recipe card for Uplift Tea Blend at: https://bit.ly/44sgXJ9.I'm thrilled to share our conversation with you today!----Get full show notes and more information at:

Join Rosemary Gladstar as she invites herbal elders to share the stories of their journey into the lush world of plants in these Inner-Views.In this enlightening episode of "Voices of our Herbal Elders," I was delighted to be joined by my friend Mark Blumenthal, a true pioneer in the world of herbalism and the founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council. Mark shared his invaluable insights and personal experiences that have significantly shaped the herbal movement globally. His commitment to the scientific validation and ethical promotion of herbalism offers our listeners a deeply inspiring glimpse into the passionate advocacy and educational efforts that underpin modern herbal practices.I hope you enjoy this Inner-View. If you do, please share this episode with others!The Voices of our Herbal Elders Inner-Views are available to watch on The Science & Art of Herbalism YouTube channel.

Dr. Jillian Stansbury has operated a general family practice in Battle Ground, WA for 35 years, and served as the Chair of the Botanical Medicine department at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, OR for many decades and remains on the faculty. She is the author of 7 books including the award winning Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals, a 5-volume series which won an Excellence in Botanical Literature award from the American Botanical Council. Dr. Stansbury has supported traditional ethnobotanical wisdom in her work, studied with Indigenous tribes of the Andes and Amazon, and leads Ethnobotanical tours to the Manu region of Peru each January. Jiling and Dr. Jillian discuss: Plants as teachers What childhood experiences drew Dr. Jillian into herbalism Dr. Jillian's clinic garden What Dr. Jillian is excited about, after retirement The art of herbal formulation, and her books Her field courses in the Amazon Visit Dr. Jillian Stansbury at HealingArtsApothecary.org, BattleGroundHealingArts.com, and get her books at ChelseaGreen.com Jiling Lin is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) and herbalist in Ventura, CA. Visit Jiling at JilingLin.com, Instagram @LinJiling, Substack @Jiling and Facebook @JilingLAc. Get her free Nourishing Life (養生) template, Five Phases (五行) outline, or sign up for her newsletter here.   Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

Mimi Prunella Hernandez is an herbalist and author of the National Geographic Herbal. With her wealth of knowledge, unwavering dedication, and genuine love for all things herbal, she has made a significant impact in the field of herbal medicine. For over a decade, Mimi has served as the executive director of the American Herbalists Guild, where she has worked tirelessly to ensure that herbalists have a strong professional community to support their work. In 2023, Mimi received a Botanical Excellence Award from the American Botanical Council, a prestigious honor that recognizes her as a Mark Blumenthal Herbal Community Builder. Mimi Prunella Hernandez, M.S., R.H. (AHG), is a clinical herbalist with a master's degree in herbal medicine. As a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild, she has mentored students in clinical and community herbalism through various educational platforms. Mimi is known for her ability to explain complex information in a relatable way, which has gained her a dedicated following. Her warm and approachable nature has made her a sought-after speaker at conferences and events.  Mimi's volunteer work inspires plant sanctuary dreamers. She not only strives to ensures the continued availability of native and medicinal plants but also educates others about their importance and traditional uses. Mimi's herbal roots are inspired by her Colombian and Mexican Grandmothers via a Latin American Folk Herbalism and Curanderismo lineage. While Mimi finds immense joy in practicing kitchen herbalism, she finds tremendous fulfillment delivering herbal house calls. She brings a basket filled with homemade nourishing remedies, using the herbs she grows in her garden to provide natural remedies to those in 

It was an honor to sit down with Mimi Prunella Hernandez to discuss the many gifts of Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp.). Mimi also shared her passion for science and her herbal journey that led to becoming the executive director of the American Herbalists Guild and the author of her new book, National Geographic Herbal: 100 Herbs From the World's Healing Traditions (which, by the way, I LOVED). In this episode, you'll find lots of wisdom and heart-centered inspiration as she shares her own herbal journey and shares about the beautiful gifts of prickly pear.Also, don't miss downloading your free recipe card for Mimi's Prickly Pear and Lemon Verbena Infused Vinegar!By the end of this episode, you'll know:► How you can bridge your love for science and herbs► How prickly pear shines as food, beverage, and medicine► Multiple ways to prepare and eat prickly pear cactus► and much more…For those of you who don't already know her, Mimi Prunella Hernandez is an herbalist and author of the National Geographic Herbal. With her wealth of knowledge, unwavering dedication, and genuine love for all things herbal, she has devoted her life's work to advocating for traditional and professional herbal pathways. For over a decade, Mimi has served as the executive director of the American Herbalists Guild, where she has worked tirelessly to ensure that herbalists have a strong professional community to support their work. In 2023, Mimi received a Botanical Excellence Award from the American Botanical Council, a prestigious honor that recognizes her as a Mark Blumenthal Herbal Community Builder. I'm thrilled to share our conversation with you today!----Get full show notes and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.comFor more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram!The secret to using herbs successfully begins with knowing who YOU are. Get started by taking my free Herbal Jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter.If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it!On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health.Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com.----Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.

A huge thank you to our presenting sponsor for The Herbalist Hour, Oshala Farm Oshala Farm is a beautiful and vibrant certified organic herb farm based in southern Oregon where they grow and sell over 80 different plant species.  LEARN MORE AND BUY | OshalaFarm.com In this episode of The Herbalist Hour I'm joined by David Winston. In this conversation we chat about what makes a great herbalist, changing your mind, David's 10 flavor system, dandelion, the future of herbalism and a whole lot more.  LINKS & RESOURCES Herbalist & Alchemist | LEARN MORE David Winston's Center for Herbalist Studies | HerbalStudies.net BOOK: Adaptogens | GET THE BOOK David's interview with Rosalee | WATCH NOW BIO David Winston is an Herbalist and Ethnobotanist with 54 years of training in Chinese, Western/Eclectic and Southeastern herbal traditions. He has been in clinical practice for 47 years and is an herbal consultant to physicians, herbalists and researchers throughout the USA, Europe and Canada. David is the founder/director of the Herbal Therapeutics Research Library and the dean of David Winston's Center for Herbal Studies, a two-year training program in clinical herbal medicine.  He is an internationally known lecturer and frequently teaches at medical schools, professional symposia and herb conferences. He is the president of Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc. a manufacturer that produces herbal products that blend the art and science of the world's great herbal traditions.  In addition, David is a founding/professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, and he is on the American Botanical Council and the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia Advisory Boards. In 2023 he was awarded the AHPA Herbal Insight award recognizing his over 50 years of educating people about herbal medicine.  Enjoy the episode and we'll see you next time! ~Mason  

When you look around at the land surrounding you, would you have ever guessed that something growing in the field near you could benefit your health? Mimi Prunella Hernandez, M.S., R. H., joined me to discuss her debut book with NatGeo, Herbal, 100 Herbs from the World's Healing Traditions. Her book showcases plants, herbs, and flowers that can benefit everyone in your family, children included, with some tips and recipes as well! About the Guest:Mimi Prunella Hernandez, M.S., R.H. (AHG), is a clinical herbalist and ethnobotanist with a master of science in herbal medicine. She is a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and has served as its executive director for 10 years. In 2023, she received a Botanical Excellence Award from the American Botanical Council and was honored as a Mark Blumenthal Herbal Community Builder. Hernandez lives in the foothills of North Carolina, where she stewards and advocates for native medicinal plants in the Ponder Land Sanctuary.https://www.mimiprunellahernandez.com/https://www.mimiprunellahernandez.com/national-geographic-herbalhttps://books.disney.com/book/national-geographic-herbal/https://www.instagram.com/mimiprunellahernandez/https://www.facebook.com/people/Mimi-Prunella-Herbal/100094380797906/About the Host: Following the crumbs in the chaos is a full-time job as a Productivity Coach. As a busy mom of three and the founder of Chaos N' Cookies, keeping moms from crumbling is my main objective. After gaining 10+ years of experience as a Director of Marketing helping build multiple 6 & 7-figure businesses for other women I've created the Chaos Control System to equip moms to overcome their own objections so they can live the life they want to live and start that business they have always wanted. The Family Playbook, or standard operating procedure, is the tool every mama needs to save time and stress-less when chaos ensues at home. For new biz owners, I also help simplify systems on social media and other business platforms to automate processes to get their business up and running quickly and efficiently with how-tos and hands-on coaching. I have helped hundreds of women to be more productive and self-sufficient in their homes and businesses allowing them to reclaim control of the chaos. www.chaosncookies.comhttps://www.instagram.com/chaosncookies/https://www.instagram.com/theheathergreco/https://www.facebook.com/Chaos-n-Cookies-111324364538688https://chaosncookies.com/shophttps://linktr.ee/hsteinker Thanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like...

Mimi Prunella Hernandez is an herbalist, and author of the National Geographic Herbal. For over a decade, Mimi has served as the executive director of the American Herbalists Guild, where she has worked tirelessly to ensure that herbalists have a strong professional community to support their work. In 2023, Mimireceived a Botanical Excellence Award from the American Botanical Council. Jiling and Mimi discuss: What inspired “The National Geographic Herbal” Mimi's favorite writing spot(s)… including her chicken coop! Mimi's top writing rituals “Getting the call” from National Geographic The surprising plant that became the 100th herb of the book Visit Mimi Prunella Hernandez at: ThePonderland.com Instagram @MimiPrunellaHernandez Facebook @MimiPrunellaHerbal Order “The National Geographic Herbal” at: Penguin Random House Amazon Barnes & Noble Disney … or wherever you purchase your books About Jiling: Jiling Lin is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) and herbalist in Ventura, CA. Visit Jiling at JilingLin.com, Instagram @LinJiling, and Facebook @JilingLAc. Get her free Nourishing Life (養生) template, Five Phases (五行) outline, or sign up for her newsletter here.   Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

“If something is irreparably defective, either because it's adulterated intentionally or accidentally contaminated, then it should be removed from the supply chain. ”With 50 years of diverse experience as an herbal advocate, consultant, educator, researcher, writer, and advisor, Mark Blumenthal has an extensive comprehensive background in herbs and medicinal plants. Mark is the Founder and Executive Director of the American Botanical Council (ABC). An independent, nonprofit organisation, ABC is dedicated to disseminating accurate, reliable, and responsible information on herbs and medicinal plants. Mark is the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of HerbalGram, an international peer-reviewed quarterly journal, the contents of which reflect the educational goals of ABC. He is also Founder and Director of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program, a consortium of nonprofit organisations that researches and educates industry members and other stakeholders on the adulteration of botanical raw materials, extracts, and essential oils in the global supply network. His commitment to rigorous research and evidence-based information has helped bridge the gap between traditional herbal knowledge and modern science. In addition to his advocacy and educational efforts, Mark Blumenthal has been championing quality control and standardisation in the herbal industry. Mark talks on:The beginnings of HerbalGram and the American Botanical Council (ABC)The role of the ABC in setting quality standards in the herbal industry.The impact of the US dietary supplement legislationThe sector-led initiative to combat adulterants and destroy irretrievably damaged goods from the supply chain. Exploration of changes and opportunities in the herbal community.The Sustainable Herbs Program and the importance of sustainable and regenerative practices in herb production.Find out more about the American Botanical Council and its journal HerbalGram at https://www.herbalgram.org/Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years to treat what ails us. Yet why do we still know so little about their potential side effects compared to modern medicines?This episode is part of the Uppsala Reports Long Reads series – the most topical stories from UMC's pharmacovigilance news site, brought to you in audio format. Find the original article here.After the read, we speak to author Daniele Sartori to learn more about the challenges in herbal pharmacovigilance.Tune in to find out:Why the risks of herbals are rarely discussedHow to encourage safety data collection for herbalsHow to improve herbal nomenclature and regulationWant to know more?Here are some of the resources cited in the episode:Underreporting of adverse reactions to herbal remedies is driven by our attitude towards herbals themselves, but also by a lack of training on herbal medicines in healthcare curricula.It is possible to safely use herbal medicines together with other medicines, but we must keep in mind some critical issues related to their interaction.Simple videos can dramatically increase public awareness of ADR reporting schemes.Kew Gardens' Medicinal Plant Names Services offers a systematic overview of medicinal plants and their accepted scientific names.The American Botanical Council suggests methods to uncover attempts to adulterate plant extracts.For a comprehensive overview of herbal pharmacovigilance, check out this recent book by Joanne Barnes and colleagues covering advances, challenges, and international perspectives in the field.For more on Daniele's scoping review of signals or the thorny nomenclature of medicinal plants, listen to these episodes from the Drug Safety Matters archive: The evidence for signalsNavigating the plant names jungleFinally, don't forget to ­subscribe to the monthly Uppsala Reports newsletter for free regular updates from the world of pharmacovigilance.Join the conversation on social mediaFollow us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn and share your thoughts about the show with the hashtag #DrugSafetyMatters.Got a story to share?We're always looking for new content and interesting people to interview. If you have a great idea for a show, get in touch!About UMCRead more about Uppsala Monitoring Centre and how we work to advance medicines safety.

Join Rosemary Gladstar as she invites herbal elders to share the stories of their journey into the lush world of plants in these Inner-Views.Welcome to the first inaugural episode of Voices of our Herbal Elders! In this episode, I am joined by my dear friend David Winston.I learned so much from David, from an inspiring story about the life-saving impact of Nettle seeds to his ability to bridge the worlds of the intellect and the Earth. I came away inspired and hopeful.David Winston is an Herbalist and Ethnobotanist who has been in clinical practice for nearly 50 years and is an herbal consultant to physicians, herbalists and researchers throughout the USA, Europe and Canada. David is the founder/director of the Herbal Therapeutics Research Library, the dean of David Winston's Center for Herbal Studies, and the president of Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc. David is also a founding/professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, and he is on the American Botanical Council and the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia Advisory Boards. 

Herbs and spices have been part of commerce for thousands and thousands of years, and so have bad actors that substitute less expensive plant material for authentic plants. This practice known as botanical adulteration, has impacted the dietary supplement supply chain. But an industry initiative led by three leading nonprofits has developed a large scale program to reduce ingredient and product adulteration. Learn more on this episode of CHPA Chat. More Information: Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program Health in Hand With special guests: Mark Blumenthal, Founder & Executive Director, American Botanical Council and Stefan Gafner, Chief Science Officer, American Botanical Council Hosted by: Anita Brikman, Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, CHPA; and Executive Director, CHPA Educational Foundation and Duffy MacKay, Senior Vice President, Dietary Supplements, CHPA

In today's episode I'm joined by Dr. Susan Leopold. Susan is the Executive Director of the United Plant Savers and one of the main organizers for the upcoming International Herb Symposium. The event will be held in Norton, MA from June 9 - 11, 2023. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER United Plant Savers | LEARN MORE BIO: Susan Leopold, PhD, is an ethnobotanist and passionate defender of biodiversity. Prior to working at United Plant Savers, she worked as a librarian at the Oak Spring Garden Library, specializing in digitizing rare herbals and botanical travel manuscripts. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Botanical Dimensions and the Center for Sustainable Economy. She is an advisory board member of American Botanical Council. She is a proud member of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia and the author of the children's book Isabella's Peppermint Flower, teaching about Virginia's botanical history. I hope you enjoy our conversation! Talk to you soon, ~Mason

Adding deep nuance to conversations around herbalism and the botanicals industry, this week's guest Ann Armbrecht shares her extensive knowledge about herbal supply chains and the effects of herbal commodification. Ann focuses much of her research on the stories behind the herbal products available to consumers, detailing the complicated and often exploitative supply chains involved in the mass production of botanical products.Ann and Ayana discuss how we might come into right relationship with the plant world. As plants invite us to imagine and create medicine, what might true health look like? Ann Armbrecht is an anthropologist (PhD, Harvard 1995) whose work explores the relationships between humans and the earth, most recently through her work with plants, herbal medicine, and the botanical industry. She is the director of the Sustainable Herbs Program, a program of the American Botanical Council, which she established in 2016 to help bridge the gaps between the values of herbal medicine and the reality of sourcing and producing herbs on a global scale.She is the author of The Business of Botanicals: Exploring the Healing Promise of Plant Medicines in a Global Industry, that documents her journey following herbs from seed to shelf. She is also the author of the award winning ethnographic memoir, Thin Places: A Pilgrimage Home, and the co-producer of the documentary on traditional western herbalism, Numen: The Healing Power of Plants. Ann was a 2017 Fulbright-Nehru Scholar documenting the supply chain of medicinal plants in India and she lives with her family in central Vermont.Music byFlo Perlin, Jeffery Silverstein, and Andy Tallent.  Visit our website at forthewild.world for the full episode description, references, and action points.Support the show

Since 1979, Josef has worked at all levels within the medicinal plant sector; organic farming and wild collection, production of extracts, manufacturing of finished herbal medicinal products, TCM clinic, standards-setting (quality and sustainability), and consulting governmental- and intergovernmental organizations in sustainable development and biodiversity conservation projects in Africa, Asia, and South America.From 2002 to 2016, he served as International Consultant on Market Intelligence for Medicinal Plants at the International Trade Centre, the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations; 2004-2008 as a member of the International Standard for the Sustainable Wild Collection of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (ISSC-MAP) Steering Group; and 2008-2021 as a member of the Board of Trustees of the FairWild Foundation, a standards-setting organization for sustainable wild collection of medicinal plants. He currently serves as Research Fellow for Medicinal Plants and Botanical Supply Chain at Traditional Medicinals (Sebastopol, California).He is an elected member of the United States Pharmacopoeia Botanical Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicines Expert Committee. At the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, he advises on commercial sources & handling and international regulatory status. He also serves as an Advisory Board member of the American Botanical Council and an Advisory Group member of ABC's Sustainable Herbs Program. In 2016, he received a Doctor of Humane Letters in Healing and Sustainability honoris causa from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and California Institute of Integral Studies.In this episode, Josef paints a challenging picture of how the climate crisis is impacting herbal medicine. From insights on quality and sustainability to farming challenges, this discussion highlights why ecological and socially responsible herbs are so important. Joseph talks on:The current state of herbal medicine as an industry. The impacts of the Climate Crisis on farming.Climate adaption and changing plant chemistry.The importance of transparency in herb origins.The role of pharmacopoeia & quality grading.Ideas around global herb conservation. Rhodiola Rosea CITES listing.Commercial cultivation of herbs.You can read more about Josef's research in the following papers:Applequist WL, Brinckmann JA, Cunningham AB, Hart RE, Heinrich M, Katerere DR & van Andel T. Scientists ʼ Warning on Climate Change and Medicinal Plants. Planta Medica, 2020; 86(01): 10-18. Available at: https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-1041-3406Brinckmann JA, Cunningham AB, Harter DEV. Running out of time to smell the roseroots: Reviewing threats and trade in wild Rhodiola rosea L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2021;269: 113710, Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874120335984Brinckmann JA. 2022. How climate change is affecting medicinal plants: A phenological, physiological and phytochemical analysis. Herbal Reality. 16 May 2022. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herbalism/sustainability-social-welfare/climate-change-medicinal-plants-analysis/ Brinckmann JA, Kathe W, Berkhoudt K, Harter DEV, Schippmann U. 2022. A New...

Black Cohosh, also called Black Snakeroot, is a powerful medicine that alters how we process and integrate information. Black Cohosh has specific actions on the body's nervous, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems. In this video, clinical herbalist Ashley Elenbaas will share how she uses this medicine in her practice and how you can work with Black Cohosh in your own body. RESOURCES Article on Mechanisms of Action: Herbalgram. American Botanical Council, Issue #121. Black Cohosh Monograph. Page 6-16. Link: https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/121/table-of-contents/hg121-herbpro-blackcohosh/https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/121/table-of-contents/hg121-herbpro-blackcohosh/https://planthealer.org/registration.html Good Medicine Confluence in Colorado 2023 https://planthealer.org/registration.html Parliament of World Religions Conference Chicago 2023 https://parliamentofreligions.org/parliament/2023-chicago/

In this classic episode from February 2014, the amazing Margaret Wittenberg joined Chef Chad Sarno for an illuminating conversation about five heirloom grain varieties: einkorn, farro, kamut, spelt, along with Cordillera heirloom rice varieties-- all essential ingredients for an inspired cook's pantry. Margaret M. Wittenberg, author of The Essential Good Food Guide (Ten Speed Press, 2013), globally recognized authority and educator on natural and organic foods, has taught students of all ages about the wonders and delicious flavors that can be enjoyed with good food. As an author, her books provide a refreshing approach on exploring, choosing, and preparing natural foods, weaving together mouth-watering descriptions, cooking guidelines, time-saving suggestions, and just enough history, food science, and nutrition to whet the appetite while enjoying the process. Margaret has also devoted much of her life ensuring good food sources remain available. A former member of the USDA National Organic Standards Board, Margaret has also served on many other United States-based and international advisory boards focused on organic agriculture, seafood sustainability, agricultural environmental standards, and farm animal welfare. Currently, she is a board member for the Whole Kids Foundation, The Organic Center, and the American Botanical Council. In 2005, Margaret was honored with the National Audubon Society's prestigious Rachel Carson Award in recognition of her lifelong work helping to ensure future generations can live healthy lives within a sustainable environment. Chad Sarno is co-founder of Wicked Healthy and VP of Culinary at Good Catch Foods. Chad also is the plant-based ambassador for Rouxbe, the world's largest online cooking school, where he has launched multiple courses including the Professional Plant-Based Certification course. He spent several years at Whole Foods Market as Senior Culinary Educator, and media spokesperson for the Global Healthy Eating program. Prior to this, Chad launched a line of boutique restaurants throughout Europe, in Istanbul, Munich and London. Through the intersection of culinary innovation and healthy eating Chad continues to share his passion as a speaker, activist and RnD chef at events and with projects globally. @wickedhealthy on Instagram

Joining me for this episode is Stephanie Rose Bird, author of “The Healing Power of African American Spirituality: A Celebration of Ancestor Worship, Herbs and Hoodoo, Ritual and Conjure.” Stephanie Rose Bird is the author of 5 published books including “Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones: Hoodoo, Mojo and Conjuring with Herbs,” and “A Healing Grove: African Tree Remedies and Rituals for Body and Spirit.” Her writing has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies including "Natural Home and Garden," "Herb Quarterly," "Sage Woman," and "Llewellyn Herbal Almanac.” https://www.stephanierosebird.comStephanie graduated with honors from Temple University, Tyler School of Art and received an MFA from the University of California San Diego, where she studied Visual Arts. Bird won a Senior Fulbright Scholar Award and through that award she did field work in anthropology and art in Australia with various groups of Australian Aboriginal people.She has studied Gullah culture in South Carolina as well. As an artist she has exhibited nationally in museums, universities and galleries. She has been a member of the College Arts Association, Fulbright Foundation, Chicago Artist's Coalition, Woman Made Gallery Advisory Board, American Botanical Council's Herb Research Society, American Folklore Society, Society for Shamanic Practitioners, and the International Center for Traditional Childbearing (Black Midwives and Healers).PLEASE HELP THE CHANNEL GROW • SUBSCRIBE, like, comment, and click the Notification Bell so you don't miss a show. Thank you! https://www.youtube.com/mysticlounge LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/CoffeeandUFOsHALF LIGHT documentary: https://youtu.be/ib7r2M_ntBkPlease consider supporting the channel by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/mysticloungeHumanitarian Aid for Ukraine: https://www.npr.org/2022/02/25/1082992947/ukraine-support-help Check out other fantastic Un-X shows at https://www.unxnetwork.com/shows

You have a real treat in store with today's episode, all about the many gifts of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). My guest, renowned herbalist David Winston, shares multiple stories about the rich herbal medicine of nettle leaf, nettle root, and nettle seed, gleaned from his decades of clinical practice. David shares so many pearls of wisdom about stinging nettle, herbs, and herbalism during our conversation that I think you'll agree I made the right choice in letting the interview meander longer than usual.As a listener, you'll also receive access to David's recipe for Green Powder Spice Blend. This nutrient-dense blend is delicious sprinkled on eggs, cooked grains, soups, stews, salads, cooked greens, and other savory dishes.By the end of this episode, you'll know:► What are the benefits and applications of nettle leaf, nettle root, and nettle seeds?► Is there any real hope for remineralizing bones weakened by osteoporosis?► How herbalism and Western medicine beautifully shore up one another's weak spots► Why it's so important to treat the person rather than the disease► Why do so many herbal traditions emphasize complex formulations?► What is David's advice for aspiring herbalists?Here is one of my favorite takeaways from our conversation: “Opening your mind to listen…I'm a big fan of research and science and looking at the old literature and clinical experience, but never downplay the importance of learning to listen to the plants.”For those of you who don't already know David, he's an Herbalist and Ethnobotanist with 54 years of training in Chinese, Western/Eclectic and Southeastern herbal traditions. He has been in clinical practice for 47 years and is an herbal consultant to physicians, herbalists and researchers throughout the USA, Europe and Canada. David is the founder/director of the Herbal Therapeutics Research Library and the dean of David Winston's Center for Herbal Studies, a two-year training program in clinical herbal medicine. He is an internationally known lecturer and frequently teaches at medical schools, professional symposia and herb conferences. He is the president of Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc. a manufacturer that produces herbal products that blend the art and science of the world's great herbal traditions.In addition, David is a founding/professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, and he is on the American Botanical Council and the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia Advisory Boards.He's the author of many books including the co-author of Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief. David has taught thousands of herbalists around the world and is the recipient of many notable and prestigious awards and fellowships.If you'd like to hear more from David, which I highly recommend, then head to the show notes where you can get easy links for his websites and social media. You can also find David's recipe as well as the transcript for this episode in the show notes.I'm beyond delighted to share our conversation with you today!----Get full show notes and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.comFor more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram!The secret to using herbs successfully begins with knowing who YOU are. Get started by taking my free Herbal Jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter.If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and...

https://astralcodexten.substack.com/p/how-trustworthy-are-supplements [EDIT: LabDoor responds here] [Epistemic status: not totally sure of any of this, I welcome comments by people who know more.] Not as in “do supplements work?”. As in “if you buy a bottle of ginseng from your local store, will it really contain parts of the ginseng plant? Or will it just be sugar and sawdust and maybe meth?” There are lots of stories going around that 30% or 80% or some other very high percent of supplements are totally fake, with zero of the active ingredient. I think these are misinformation. In the first part of this post, I want to review how this story started and why I no longer believe it. In the second and third, I'll go over results from lab tests and testimonials from industry insiders. In the fourth, I'll try to provide rules of thumb for how likely supplements are to be real. I. Two Big Studies That Started The Panic Around Fake Supplements   These are Newmaster (2013) and an unpublished study sponsored by NY attorney general Eric Schneiderman in 2015. Both used a similar technique called DNA barcoding, where scientists check samples (in this case, herbal supplements) for fragments of DNA (in this case, from the herbs the supplements supposedly came from). Both found abysmal results. Newmaster found that a third of herbal supplements tested lacked any trace of the relevant herb, instead seeming to be some other common plant like rice. Schneiderman's study was even more damning, finding that eighty percent of herbal supplements lacked the active ingredient. These results were extensively and mostly uncritically signal-boosted by mainstream media, for example the New York Times (1, 2) and NPR (1, 2), mostly from the perspective that supplements were a giant scam and needed to be regulated by the FDA. The pro-supplement American Botanical Council struck back, publishing a long report arguing that DNA barcoding was inappropriate here. Many herbal supplements are plant extracts, meaning that the plant has one or two medically useful chemicals, and supplement manufacturers purify those chemicals without including a bunch of random leaves and stems and things. Sometimes these purified extracts don't include plant DNA; other times the purification process involves heating and chemical reactions that degrade the DNA beyond the point of detectability. Meanwhile, since supplements may include only a few mg of the active ingredient, it's a common practice to spread it through the capsule with a “filler”, with powdered rice being among the most common. So when DNA barcoders find that eg a ginseng supplement has no ginseng DNA, but lots of rice DNA, this doesn't mean anything sinister is going on.

VIDEO: The U.S. secret in Syria EXPOSED in new hidden camera footage | Redacted with Clayton Morris (12:03) The Conservatives Made Everything in Britain Worse – Johnatan Pie  (6:40) Neil Oliver: Persuading generations of children they are a plague upon the earth is unforgivable – 12:27   Purple potato may pack cancer prevention punch – even after cooking Pennsylvania State University, September 1, 2022 Anthocyanin compounds found in purple potatoes may help in the prevention of certain types of cancer, even after cooking, say researchers. The new data, published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, tested the potential for anthocyanin-containing purple potatoes to block the growth of cancer tumours, even when they have been cooked – after previous research suggested that the polyphenols found in purple potatoes (PP) may help to battle cancer. Led by Venkata Charepalli from Pennsylvania State University, the team used laboratory tests including in vitro cell line investigations and animal modelling to test how PP impacted colon cancer growth, and in particular, colon cancer stem cells (CSCs), which have previously been suggested to be target by dietary bioactives such as curcumin. The team reported that their data from in vitro and mouse models suggests that baked purple-fleshed potatoes suppressed the growth of colon cancer tumours by targeting the cancer's stem cells. They added that there may be several substances in purple potatoes that work simultaneously, and on multiple pathways, to help kill the colon cancer stem cells, including anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid, and resistant starch. “Our earlier work and other research studies suggest that potatoes, including purple potatoes, contain resistant starch, which serves as a food for the gut bacteria, that the bacteria can covert to beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyric acid,” said study senior author Professor Jairam Vanamal – also of Penn State. “The butyric acid regulates immune function in the gut, suppresses chronic inflammation and may also help to cause cancer cells to self-destruct.” Boosting physical activity and curbing sitting time are highly likely to lower breast cancer risk Breast Cancer Association Consortium (UK), September 6, 2022 Boosting physical activity levels and curbing sitting time are highly likely to lower breast cancer risk, finds research designed to strengthen proof of causation and published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The findings were generally consistent across all types and stages of the disease, reveals the Mendelian randomization study, prompting the researchers to recommend a stronger focus on exercise as a way of warding off breast cancer. Mendelian randomization is a technique that uses genetic variants as proxies for a particular risk factor—in this case lifelong physical activity levels/sedentary behavior—to obtain genetic evidence in support of a causal relationship. Observational studies show that physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are linked to higher breast cancer risk, but proving they cause breast cancer is another matter. The researchers included data from 130,957 women of European ancestry: 69, 838 of them had tumors that had spread locally (invasive); 6667 had tumors that hadn't yet done so (in situ); and a comparison group of 54,452 women didn't have breast cancer. Researchers estimated overall breast cancer risk, according to whether the women had or hadn't gone through the menopause; and by cancer type (positive for estrogen or progesterone, or HER-2, or positive/negative for all 3 hormones), stage (size and extent of tumor spread), and grade (degree of tumor cell abnormality). These case-control groups comprised: 23,999 pre/peri-menopausal women with invasive breast cancer and 17,686 women without; 45,839 postmenopausal women with breast cancer and 36,766 without. Analysis of the data showed that a higher overall level of genetically predicted physical activity was associated with a 41% lower risk of invasive breast cancer, and this was largely irrespective of menopausal status, tumor type, stage, or grade. Similarly, genetically predicted vigorous physical activity on 3 or more days of the week was associated with a 38% lower risk of breast cancer, compared with no self-reported vigorous activity. These findings were consistent across most of the case groups. Finally, a greater level of genetically predicted sitting time was associated with a 104% higher risk of triple negative breast cancer. These findings were consistent across hormone-negative tumor types. How the mind sharpens the senses Ruhr University Bochum (Germany), August 27, 2022 A study conducted with experienced scholars of Zen-Meditation shows that mental focussing can induce learning mechanisms, similar to physical training. Researchers at the Ruhr-University Bochum and the Ludwig-Maximilians-University München discovered this phenomenon during a scientifically monitored meditation retreat. The journal Scientific Reports, from the makers of Nature, has now published their new findings on the plasticity of the brain. The participants were all Zen-scholars with many years of meditation practice. The retreat was held in complete silence, with at least eight hours of meditation per day. All participants practiced their familiar meditation, which is characterized by a non-specific monitoring of thoughts and surroundings. Additionally, some participants applied a special finger-meditation for two hours per day, during which they were asked to specifically focus on their right index finger and become aware of spontaneously arising sensory percepts in this finger. Subsequent assessment of the group that practiced finger-meditation showed a significant improvement in the tactile acuity of the right index and middle finger. A control group that had maintained their familiar meditation practice for the whole time, showed no changes in tactile acuity. In order to assess the sense of touch quantitatively, researchers measured the so-called “two-point discrimination threshold”. This marker indicates how far apart two stimuli need to be, in order to be discriminated as two separate sensations. After the finger meditation, the performance improved on average by 17 percent. By comparison, tactile acuity of the visually impaired is 15 to 25 percent above that of typical sighted individuals, because their sense of touch is used so intensively to make up for the reduced visual information. Hence, the changes induced by meditation are comparable to those achieved by intense long-term training. It is known for long that extensive training induces neuroplasticity, which denotes the ability of the brain to adapt and restructure itself, thereby improving perception and behavior. Recently, the group of neuroscientists of the Neural Plasticity Lab headed by Hubert Dinse has shown that these processes can be initiated even without training by mere exposure to passive stimulation, which was translated only recently into a stimulating glove, which is used as therapeutical intervention in stroke patients. The fact that merely mental states without any physical stimulation can improve perception has now been shown for the first time. “The results of our study challenge what we know about learning mechanisms in the brain. Our concept of neuroplasticity must be extended, because mental activity seems to induce learning effects similar to active stimulation and physical training,” Dinse suggests. Elderberry extract may improve obesity inflammation University of Connecticut , September 1, 2022 Black elderberry extract may improve obesity-related metabolic disturbances like triglyceride (TAG) levels, inflammation and insulin resistance, research in mice finds. The researchers from the University of Connecticut in the US said dietary anthocyanins had been shown to reduce inflammation in animal models and to improve obesity-related complications – and black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) was one of the richest sources of these types of flavonoids. “Overall, black elderberry extract appeared to attenuate systemic inflammation and insulin resistance that occurs with diet-induced obesity in this mouse model, but further research is warranted on black elderberry consumption and effects in humans,” they wrote in the British Journal of Nutrition. Mice were fed either a low-fat diet, high-fat lard-based diet, a high-fat diet with 0.25% of the extract or a high-fat with 1.25% of the extract for a period of 16 weeks. The black elderberry extracts amounted to an anthocyanin dose of 20–40 mg per kg of body weight for the 0.25% group and 100–200 mg for the 1.25% group. After 16 weeks both extract groups had significantly lower liver weights, serum TAG and serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 – a serum marker linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes – compared to the group given the high fat diet alone. Liver weights were about 13% lower in both extract groups compared to the group given the high fat diet alone. “Obese individuals have shortened life expectancies; however, they do not typically die of obesity itself but rather obesity-related comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancers,” they said. They said inflammation as a result of adipose fat and excessive accumulation of ectopic lipid in tissues was thought to be a key underlying cause of these obesity-related comorbidities, meaning methods that target and lower inflammation could be effective at preventing obesity-related conditions. First Ground Breaking Study Shows How Rhodiola Rosea Protects People From Viral Infections Appalachian State University August 26, 2022 Also known as arctic root or golden root, Rhodiola Rosea has already been clinically shown to stimulate serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine activity, and support healthy neurotransmitter balance, but human trials have now shown the the herb protects against viral infection. A 2002 review in HerbalGram, the journal of the American Botanical Council, reported that numerous studies of rhodiola in both humans and animals have indicated that it helps prevent fatigue, stress, and the damaging effects of oxygen deprivation. Evidence also suggests that it acts as an antioxidant, enhances immune system function, and can increase sexual energy. Rhodiola's efficacy was confirmed in a 2011 review of 11 placebo-controlled human studies. The reviewers considered studies that all had study designs rated as moderate to good quality, and the analysis of their combined data concluded that rhodiola might have beneficial effects on physical performance, mental performance, and certain mental health conditions. Nieman's study “Rhodiola rosea exerts antiviral activity in athletes following a competitive marathon race,” which was published July 31 in Frontiers in Nutrition, is the first to show anti-viral activity. In his study, 48 marathon runners participating in the 2012 Thunder Road Marathon in Charlotte were randomly divided into two groups that ingested either 600 milligrams of Rhodiola rosea or a placebo for a month before the race. Blood samples were collected the day before the marathon and 15 minutes and 1.5 hours post-race. Initial studies found no impact on inflammation and oxidative stress. Additional studies used an in vitro assay to measure the ability of the polyphenolic compounds to protect the cells against Vesicular stomatitis virus. The results demonstrated that Rhodiola rosea delayed viral infection for up to 12 hours after the marathon. Nieman was the first scientist to find that marathon runners are prone to viral illnesses such as upper respiratory tract infections after competing. This discovery motivated him to research plant-based compounds that could prevent infection and enhance recovery and overall athletic performance. Since Rhodiola rosea administration appears to impact central monoamine levels, it might also provide benefits and be the adaptogen of choice in clinical conditions characterised by an imbalance of central nervous system monoamines. It also suggests that research in areas such as seasonal affective disorder, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome, among others, is warranted. “Basically after heavy exertion, bacteria and viruses can multiply at a higher rate than normal due to factors in the serum like stress hormones and inflammatory cytokines,” Nieman said. “This is why runners are six times more likely to get sick after a marathon. We showed that in those who used Rhodiola rosea the viruses could not multiply, meaning it was acting as a countermeasure.” Rhodiola both stimulates and protects the immune system by reinstating homeostasis (metabolic balance) in the body. It also increases the natural killer cells (NK) in the stomach and spleen. This action may be due to its ability to normalise hormones by modulating the release of glucocorticoid into the body. How does nature nurture the brain? Max Planck Society, September 6, 2022 After a 60-minute walk in nature, activity in brain regions involved in stress processing decreases. This is the finding of a recent study by the Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, published in Molecular Psychiatry. Living in a city is a well-known risk factor for developing a mental disorder, while living close to nature is largely beneficial for mental health and the brain. A central brain region involved in stress processing, the amygdala, has been shown to be less activated during stress in people who live in rural areas, compared to those who live in cities, hinting at the potential benefits of nature. “But so far the hen-and-egg problem could not be disentangled, namely whether nature actually caused the effects in the brain or whether the particular individuals chose to live in rural or urban regions,” says Sonja Sudimac, predoctoral fellow in the Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience and lead author of the study. To achieve causal evidence, the researchers from the Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience examined brain activity in regions involved in stress processing in 63 healthy volunteers before and after a one-hour walk in Grunewald forest or a shopping street with traffic in Berlin using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The results of the study revealed that activity in the amygdala decreased after the walk in nature, suggesting that nature elicits beneficial effects on brain regions related to stress. “The results support the previously assumed positive relationship between nature and brain health, but this is the first study to prove the causal link. Interestingly, the brain activity after the urban walk in these regions remained stable and did not show increases, which argues against a commonly held view that urban exposure causes additional stress,” explains Simone Kühn, head of the Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience. The authors show that nature has a positive impact on brain regions involved in stress processing and that it can already be observed after a one-hour walk. This contributes to the understanding of how our physical living environment affects brain and mental health. Even a short exposure to nature decreases amygdala activity, suggesting that a walk in nature could serve as a preventive measure against developing mental health problems and buffering the potentially disadvantageous impact of the city on the brain.

Professor Kerry Bone is the co-founder and innovation driver at MediHerb, a herbal supply company, where he serves as Director of Research and Development. In 2016 MediHerb was awarded the American Botanical Council's (ABC's) Varro E. Tyler Award for excellence in Phytomedicinal Research. Kerry is Principal of the Australian College of Phytotherapy and also Adjunct Professor at New York Chiropractic College, providing input into their postgraduate applied nutrition program. He also founded the successful Masters of Health Science (Herbal Medicine) course at the University of New England in 2004, and served there as Associate Professor from 2004 to 2012. He has also written or co-written several popular textbooks on botanical medicine, including his latest with Herbal Reality host Simon Mills, Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy, which was awarded the 2013 James A. Duke Excellence in Botanical Literature Award by the ABC. This rich and in-depth conversation showcases the importance of phytotherapy within herbalism, a science-based medical practice which relies on an empirical appreciation of medicinal herbs, linking back to traditional knowledge and practice. A pioneer, who has dedicated his career to the research and development of herbs, it's widely believed by those in the industry that no one can eclipse Kerry in his herbal expertise. Kerry talks on:His journey into herbal medicine and why the advice not to study medicine was the right one.The beginnings of MediHerb via a desire to increase herbal dosage strength.Why the process of extraction is critical to quality and efficacy of herbs.Adulterations and substitution in herbal processing - the echinacea trap!Tackling problems with herbal education and producing the first standard herbal medicine textbook.Being a grumpy old herbalist and calling out misinformation and exaggerated claims that damage the industry.The importance of referencing herbs and peer reviewing of clinical papers.Adequate dosages - counterproductivity & efficacy of drop-dosing.Why the bio-medical scientist is the herbalist's new best friendDiscover more about Kerry Bone and his books at www.millsandboneacademy.comFind out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Join us for the inaugural episode of Mountain Rose Herbs' newest Herbal Radio podcast series – Interviews on Herbal Radio. Hosted by our very own Chief Marketing & Brand Officer, Thomas Dick. A behind-the-scenes tour-de-force, Thomas is stepping into the podcast studio, interviewing herbalists, scientists, and a plethora of passionate plant people to discover what lights their plant powered fire and how they arrived to where they are today. In this first episode, we had the honor of interviewing the Executive Director of United Plant Savers (UpS), Susan Leopold, PhD. Susan is a longtime friend of Mountain Rose Herbs, and it was an absolute honor to sit down with her (virtually) and conversate over the important plot points in her life that sparked her botanical passions. Learn about UpS' history as well as past and upcoming projects and why Susan says, “herbs are the gateway drugs to activism”. Educational, inspiring, and thought-provoking, you are sure to learn something new and beautiful in this conversational podcast. We hope you enjoy! Purchase tickets and view films from the International Herb Symposium Film & Photography Festival here. Learn more about United Plant Savers. Learn more about the International Herb Symposium. Apply for Grants 4 Plants. Susan Leopold, PhD, is an ethnobotanist and passionate defender of biodiversity. Over the past 20 years, Susan has worked extensively with indigenous peoples in Peru and Costa Rica. She is the Executive Director of United Plant Savers and Director of the Sacred Seeds Project. Prior to working at United Plant Savers, she was a librarian at the Oak Spring Garden Library, specializing in digitizing rare herbals and botanical travel manuscripts. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Botanical Dimensions and the Center for Sustainable Economy. She is an advisory board member of American Botanical Council. She is a proud member of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia and the author of the children's book Isabella's Peppermint Flower, teaching about Virginia's botanical history. She lives on and manages a productive farm, the Indian Pipe Botanical Sanctuary, with her three children in Virginia. There she raises goats, peacocks, and herbs. She is an avid recreational tree climber, in love with the canopy just as much as the herbs of the forest floor. Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Follow on Twitter Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

Dr. Low Dog is an internationally recognized expert in dietary supplements, herbal medicine, women's health, and integrative medicine. In addition to her continued work as a clinician and educator, Dr. Low Dog has engaged in national health policy and regulatory issues for more than two decades. In 2000, she was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve on the White House Commission of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, followed by a 3-year appointment to the Advisory Council for the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Dr. Low Dog has been the elected Chair of four United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Dietary Supplements and botanical expert panels from 2000 until the present. A prolific scholar, Dr. Low Dog has published 50 research articles in medical/science journals, written 25 chapters for medical textbooks, authored four books with National Geographic, and is the co-editor for Integrative Women's Health by Oxford University Press. She was a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine and Fellowship Director for the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine from 2008-2014, served as the Founding Fellowship Director for the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine from 2015-2017, and was a Founding Board Member for the American Board of Physician Specialties Board of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Low Dog's many honors of distinction include Time magazine's “Innovator in Complementary and Alternative Medicine” (2001), Bioneer's Outstanding Contribution to Medicine Award (2001), NPR's People's Pharmacy award (2010), New York Zen Center's "Contemplative Care Award" (2013), "Herbal Insight Award" from American Herbal Products Association (2015), Scripps Lifetime Achievement Award (2017), Nutrition Business Journal's Lifetime Achievement Award (2017), and the American Botanical Council's Fredi Kronenberg Award for Excellence in Research in Botanicals for Women's Health (2018). Founding Director of Medicine Lodge Ranch: A Natural Medicine Academy in Pecos, New Mexico, Dr. Low Dog also currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for Healthy Lifestyle Brands, LLC, and is a consultant with MegaFood supplement company.

Conversation starts @ 7:26 This conversation begins with a discussion of the banisteriopsis vine (ayahuasca) featured in the background. We explore Dr. McKenna's first adventure down to South America to study and explore psychedelics used in the Amazonian medico-religious process. This endeavor would eventually connect him with several elder medicine men who created mixtures for Dennis to study – “We want to learn everything that you know about ayahuasca.” We discuss how the indigenous folks of the Amazon responded to the scientists who sought to investigate their sacramental plant, the rubber boom of the early 20th century, lost aspects of the Amazonian ethnomedical tradition, the hard problem of consciousness, the limitations of reductionism, the value of science, limitations of science, an overview of the journey to La Chorrera, building the temple for “spiritual” experience, or ecstatic/mystical experience, the body as apothecary, theories of consciousness, the molecule and the “trip,” scientific bias of the west, the Default Mode Network, the value of psychedelics to the scientific community, and the McKenna Academy. Bio: Dennis McKenna is an American ethnopharmacologist, research pharmacognosist, lecturer and author. He is a founding board member and the director of ethnopharmacology at the Heffter Research Institute, a non-profit organization concerned with the investigation of the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic medicines. Dennis also serves on the Advisory Board of the American Botanical Council; as Founder and Executive Director for the Institute for Natural Products Research; as an Independent Research Consultant to the Phytomedicine and Nutraceutical Industry; was formerly on the Editorial Board of Phytomedicine, International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology; and is an adjunct professor in the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota. In that role, he has taught graduate courses in Botanical Medicines and Ethnopharmacology and an inter-session ‘intensive' in Hawaii each January called Plants in Human Affairs. He has also taught summer field courses in Ecuador for the University of Arizona, and courses in the Amazon and Andes for Pharmacy doctoral students at the University of Kansas and the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dr. McKenna received his Master's Degree in Botany from the University of Hawaii in 1979, his Ph.D. in Botanical Sciences from the University of British Columbia in 1984, and continued into post-doctoral research fellowships in the Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and in the Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine. His research has included the pharmacology, botany, and chemistry of ayahuasca and oo-koo-hé. He has also conducted extensive ethnobotanical fieldwork in the Peruvian, Colombian, and Brazilian Amazon. Since 2019, he has been working with colleagues to manifest a long-term dream: the McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy, a non-profit organization founded in the spirit of the ancient Mystery Schools and dedicated to the study of plant medicines, consciousness, intelligence in nature, preservation of indigenous knowledge and a re-visioning of humanity's relationship with Nature. Dr. McKenna is author or co-author of 6 books and over 50 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals. https://mckenna.academy Website for The Sacred Speaks: http://www.thesacredspeaks.com WATCH: YouTube for The Sacred Speaks https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ @thesacredspeaks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: https://www.thecenterforhas.com Theme music provided by: http://www.modernnationsmusic.com

"There is this incredible philosophy around healing and wholeness and working with plants yet most people only experience it through products on a shelf."Ann Ambrecht is a writer and anthropologist (PhD, Harvard 1995) whose work explores the relationships between humans and the earth, most recently through her work with plants, herbal medicine, and the botanical industry. She is the director of the Sustainable Herbs Program, a program of the American Botanical Council, which she began in 2016 to help bridge the gaps between the values of herbal medicine and the reality of sourcing and producing herbs on a global scale. She is the co-producer of the documentary Numen: the Nature of Plants, and author of the award-winning ethnographic memoir, Thin Places: A Pilgrimage Home, based on her research in Nepal. She is a student of herbal medicine and was a 2017 Fulbright-Nehru Scholar documenting the supply chain of medicinal plants in India. Her book, The Business of Botanicals: Exploring the Healing Promise of Plant Medicines in a Global Industry was published in February 2021.In this episode, Ann discusses how the Sustainable Herbs Program wants to inspire a movement that supports high-quality herbal products, sustainable and ethical sourcing, and greater overall transparency in how herbs reach end-users.Ann talks on:An introduction to herbalism - being exposed to the aliveness of the world and experiencing plants as living entities.Telling the story of herbalism to reach different audiences.What is currently happening in the herb industry – the negatives and positives. What the industry can do to help bring about positive change. What individuals can do to help – being conscious of brands and their values.Value of certifications and raising the bar for continued improvement in best practice.Building and supporting healthy communities - looking beyond the price of the botanical.Value chains and herb quality.Sustainable Herbs Program in the future.Discover more from the Sustainable Herbs Program on the website at http://www.sustainableherbsprogram.com/Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Here at Mountain Rose Herbs, sustainability is the only business we know. In addition to sustainability, organic agriculture and ethical harvesting practices have always been at the forefront of our decision-making. As many plants are increasingly under pressure from climate change, habitat loss, over harvesting, and more, we look to shed more light on the topic of Endangered Plants. Susan Leopold's lecture on The Work of the United Plant Savers: Why Sustainable Herb Sourcing Matters comes from our Free Herbalism Project archive. It was recorded live in Eugene, Oregon on October 9, 2016. Although years have passed since this lecture, the topic remains vitally relevant. Susan Leopold, PhD, is an ethnobotanist and passionate defender of biodiversity. Over the past 20 years, Susan has worked extensively with indigenous peoples in Peru and Costa Rica. She is the Executive Director of United Plant Savers and Director of the Sacred Seeds Project. Prior to working at United Plant Savers, she was a librarian at the Oak Spring Garden Library, specializing in digitizing rare herbals and botanical travel manuscripts. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Botanical Dimensions and the Center for Sustainable Economy. She is an advisory board member of American Botanical Council. She is a proud member of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia and the author of the children's book Isabella's Peppermint Flower, teaching about Virginia's botanical history. She lives on and manages a productive farm, the Indian Pipe Botanical Sanctuary, with her three children in Virginia. There she raises goats, peacocks, and herbs. She is an avid recreational tree climber, in love with the canopy just as much as the herbs of the forest floor. Click here to learn more about United Plant Savers! Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Follow on Twitter Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

Dr. Cassandra L. Quave is Curator of the Herbarium and Associate Professor of Dermatology and Human Health at Emory University, where she leads anti-infective drug discovery research initiatives and teaches courses on medicinal plants, food, and health. She earned degrees in biology and anthropology (B.S.) from Emory University in 2000, and a Ph.D. in biology in 2008 from Florida International University under the direction of Dr. Brad Bennett. She completed postdoctoral fellowships in microbial pathogenesis at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences under the direction of Dr. Mark Smeltzer (2009-2011) and in human health at Emory University under the direction of Dr. Michelle Lampl (2011-2012). As a medical ethnobotanist, her work focuses on the documentation and pharmacological evaluation of plants used in traditional medicine. She has led field expeditions in the Amazon, Mediterranean and the Balkans. Dr. Quave's research is supported by the National Institutes of Health, industry contracts, and philanthropy. She is a Fellow of the Explorers Club, a past President of the Society for Economic Botany, a recipient of the Emory Williams Teaching Award, and Charles Heiser, Jr. Mentor Award. This year, Dr. Quave was honored with the American Botanical Council's James A. Duke Excellence in Botanical Literature Award and the American Herbal Products Association Herbal Insight Award. She serves on the editorial boards for Natural Product Reports, Scientific Reports, and Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, and is an associate editor for Frontiers in Pharmacology.Beyond her academic research and teaching activities, Dr. Quave dedicates significant effort to scientific outreach and engagement with the public. She is the co-creator and host of “Foodie Pharmacology,” a podcast dedicated to exploring the links between food and medicine, now in its fourth season. She is the creator of the “Teach Ethnobotany” channel on YouTube, which is dedicated to sharing educational videos about botanicals, pharmacology, and natural products. Dr. Quave has authored more than 100 scientific publications, one popular science book, two edited books, twenty book chapters, and seven patents; her work has been cited in the scientific literature more than 5,000 times. Her research has been the subject of feature profiles in the New York Times Magazine, BBC Science Focus, National Geographic Magazine, NPR, PBS, and the National Geographic Channel. She has written opinion essays for The Wall Street Journal and The Conversation. Quave is author of an acclaimed science memoir, The Plant Hunter: A Scientist's Quest for Nature's Next Medicines (Viking, 2021), which was listed as one of the Best Nonfiction Books of the Year by Kirkus Reviews. To explore Dr. Quave's work please visit the following links:The Plant Hunter BookFoodie Pharmacology PodcastResearchDonate to Dr. Quave's Lab ResearchDr. Quave's Website This podcast is brought to you by Emory Lifestyle Medicine & Wellness. To learn more about our work, please visithttps://bit.ly/EmoryLM

Ethan Russo, MD, is a board-certified neurologist, psychopharmacology researcher, and author. He is the Founder and CEO of CReDo Science www.credo-science.com In this episode, Dr. Ethan Russo talks to us about his new study on CBG, ‘the mother of all cannabinoids', cannabinoid acids, and affordable diagnostics for the endocannabinoid system that provide needed information for patients and doctors. This technology could improve outcomes and product choices for all phyto-therapies, such as aromatherapy, herbalism, and cannabinoid therapy, which Dr. Russo believes can be much more nimble than one-size-fits-all pharmaceuticals in addressing the individualized needs of the patient. Previously, he was Director of Research and Development of the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute (ICCI) based in Prague, Czech Republic: https://www.icci.science. Medical Director of PHYTECS (2015-2017), a biotechnology company researching and developing innovative approaches targeting the human endocannabinoid system (http://www.phytecs.com), and from 2003-2014, he served as Senior Medical Advisor, medical monitor and study physician to GW Pharmaceuticals, United Kingdom for numerous Phase I-III clinical trials of Sativex® for alleviation of cancer pain unresponsive to optimized opioid treatment and initial studies of Epidiolex® for intractable epilepsy (https://www.gwpharm.com). He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (Psychology), and the University of Massachusetts Medical School, before residencies in Pediatrics in Phoenix, Arizona and in Child and Adult Neurology at the University of Washington in Seattle. He was a clinical neurologist in Missoula, Montana for 20 years in a practice with a strong chronic pain component. In 1995, he pursued a 3-month sabbatical doing ethnobotanical research with the Machiguenga people in Parque Nacional del Manu, Peru. He has held faculty appointments in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Montana, in Medicine at the University of Washington, and as visiting professor, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harvard University, and Johns Hopkins University. He is a Past-President of the International Cannabinoid Research Society and is former Chairman of the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines. He serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for the American Botanical Council. He is author of Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs, co-editor of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Potential, and author of The Last Sorcerer: Echoes of the Rainforest. He was founding editor of Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics, selections of which were published as books: Cannabis Therapeutics in HIV/AIDS, Women and Cannabis: Medicine, Science and Sociology, Cannabis: From Pariah to Prescription, and Handbook of Cannabis Therapeutics: From Bench to Bedside. He has also published numerous book chapters, and over sixty articles in neurology, pain management, cannabis, and ethnobotany. His research interests have included correlations of historical uses of cannabis to modern pharmacological mechanisms, phytopharmaceutical treatment of migraine and chronic pain, herbal synergy and phytocannabinoid/terpenoid, serotonergic and vanilloid interactions. He has consulted or lectured on these topics in 44 US states and Canadian provinces and 44 countries on six continents.Useful Links:https://credo-science.com/projects/CBG StudyCReDoEndo DNA testsEurofins worldwide testinghttps://ethanrusso.org/category/library/ To learn more about plants & your health from Colleen at LabAroma check out this informative PDF: https://mailchi.mp/2fe0e426b244/osw1lg2dkhDisclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor if you are in need of medical care, and before making any changes to your health routine.

 Dr. Dennis McKenna is an American ethnopharmacologist, research pharmacognosist, lecturer, author, and Founder of the McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy (www.mckenna.academy). Dr. McKenna is a founding board member and the director of ethnopharmacology at the Heffter Research Institute, a non-profit organization concerned with the investigation of the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic medicines. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the American Botanical Council; as Founder and Executive Director for the Institute for Natural Products Research; as an Independent Research Consultant to the Phytomedicine and Nutraceutical Industry; was formerly on the Editorial Board of Phytomedicine, International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology; and is an adjunct professor in the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota. Dr. McKenna received his Master's Degree in Botany from the University of Hawaii in 1979, his Ph.D. in Botanical Sciences from the University of British Columbia in 1984, and continued into post-doctoral research fellowships in the Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and in the Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. McKenna's research led to the development of natural products for the Aveda Corporation, as well as greater awareness of natural products and medicines. He has authored or co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers and written multiple books, including “The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss: My Life with Terence McKenna”, co-author of “The Invisible Landscape” with his brother Terence, and co-author of a widely recognized reference work on herbal medicines, titled “Botanical Medicines: the Desk Reference for Major Herbal Supplements”. Dr. McKenna's publications have appeared in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, European Journal of Pharmacology, Brain Research, Journal of Neuroscience, Journal of Neurochemistry, Economic Botany, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, and elsewhere. 

Discover why Mark Blumenthal (founder of ABC, board advisor, and serial entrepreneur) is hiring an executive director, and why he retained all his team members during the pandemic (14 minutes). CEO BLINDSPOTS PODCAST GUEST: Mark Blumenthal, the founder of the American Botanical Council. ABC is partnered with the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and the University of Mississippi's National Center for Natural Product Research, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center of Excellence in botanical laboratory analysis. Mark is a former advisor to the Center for Alternative Medicine at the University of Texas at Houston, School of Public Health, and a member of the original steering committee of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. He has also served on the Board of Advisors for the Center for Integrative Therapies in Pharmaceutical Care for the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Programs at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He has consulted on the final draft of the World Health Organization's “Guidelines for the Assessment of Herbal Medicines”, and has testified before the Presidential Commission, the White House Commission, and the House Subcommittee on Government Reform in the U.S. Congress speaking on regulation of herbal medicines. In addition, Mark is the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of HerbalGram, an international peer-reviewed quarterly journal, and he co-authored the English translation of Rational Phytotherapy: A Reference Guide for Physicians and Pharmacists, 5th ed. (a leading text book in German medical and pharmacy schools). Mark is the recipient of numerous awards in the fields of medicinal plants, natural foods, and natural health. He received recognitions that included the "Hall of Fame", "Industry Innovator" and "Lifetime Leadership" awards. Mark continues to be a sought-after guest on radio and television talk shows and has appeared on an estimated 400 programs. For six years, Mark was an Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the College of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin, teaching a course entitled “Herbs and Phytomedicines in Today's Pharmacy”. For more information about Mark Blumenthal and the American Botanical Counsil, visit; https://www.herbalgram.org/about-us/#VisionMission To apply for the Executive Director opening, visit; https://www.herbalgram.org/news/press-releases/2021/open-letter-from-mark-blumenthal-re-abcs-bright-future/ CEO BLINDSPOTS HOST: Birgit Kamps. She was speaking five languages by the age of 10, and lived in five countries with her Dutch parents prior to becoming an American citizen. Birgit's professional experience includes starting and selling an “Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Company” and a “Best Company to Work for in Texas”, and serving as a Board Member with various companies. In addition, Birgit is the President of Hire Universe LLC, and the host of the CEO Blindspots podcast which was recognized in 2020 by Spotify for having the “biggest listener growth” in the USA (by 733%), and having listeners in 11 countries; https://ceoblindspots.com/

Ann Armbrecht is the director of the Sustainable Herbs Program under the auspices of the American Botanical Council. She is a writer and anthropologist (PhD, Harvard 1995) whose work explores the relationships between humans and the earth, most recently through her work with plants and plant medicine. In this episode, Ann talks about her early work in Nepal, studying with Rosemary Gladstar, and her new book, the Business of Botanicals, which explores her lifelong question- can intention survive a global supply chain as the awareness of the benefits of herbal medicine grows exponentially? Her early experiences gave her a foundation in understanding the personalities of herbs and the intentions of the herbalists as key to botanical therapy.She is the co-producer of the documentary Numen: The Nature of Plants and the author of the award-winning ethnographic memoir Thin Places: A Pilgrimage Home, based on her research in Nepal. Her latest book is The Business of Botanicals: Exploring the Healing Promise of Plant Medicines in a Global Industry (Chelsea Green Publishing, February 2021). She lives with her family in central Vermont. Useful linkshttp://annarmbrecht.com/ https://sustainableherbsprogram.org/ Numen: The Healing Power of PlantsTwitter: @armbrecht_annFacebook: @ann.armbrechtInstagram: @ann_armbrechtFacebook: @chelseagreenpubTwitter: @chelseagreenInstagram: @chelseagreenbooksTo learn more about plants & your health from Colleen at LabAroma check out this informative PDF: https://mailchi.mp/2fe0e426b244/osw1lg2dkh Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor if you are in need of medical care, and before making any changes to your health routine.

Martin A. Lee is the co-founder and director of Project CBD and the author of several books, including Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana—Medical, Recreational and Scientific, which received the American Botanical Council's James A. Duke Award for Excellence in Botanical Literature. Named by High Times as one of the 100 most influential people in cannabis, he is the 2016 winner of the Emerald Cup's Lifetime Achievement Award. Lee is also co-founder of the media watch group FAIR (Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting) and the author of Acid Dreams: The Complete Social History of LSD—The CIA, the Sixties and Beyond. Charlie Ziese got interested in Russian pyramids almost six years ago while watching David Wilcock's “Wisdom Teachings” series. Intrigued by the extensive pyramid research compiled by Russian scientists, he set out to make pyramids for his own and others' use. After verifying a number of the Russian pyramid research results, and noticing tremendous personal health improvements, Russian Geometry Pyramids became his full-time passion and pursuit. Use promo code "MANNI10" for 10% off your own pyramid at www.stargatepyramids.com Join Robert Manni, author of The Guys' Guy's Guide To Love as we discuss life, love and the pursuit of happiness. Subscribe to Guy's Guy Radio on iTunes! Buy The Guys' Guy's Guide to Love now!

Passionate about herbs, Gert Coleman loves, grows, eats, and reads avidly about them. Retired Associate Professor of English at Middlesex County College in New Jersey, she lives on 106 acres in Middlefield, New York where she and her husband are fixing up another old house, training a new puppy, and planting herbs, flowers, trees, and at-risk native plants. She edits the IHA Herb of the Year™ books (Cilantro & Coriander; Hops: Brewing and Beyond; Agastache: Anise Hyssop, Hummingbird Mints and More; Rubus; currently working on Parsley), and frequently writes about the legends, lore, and poetry of herbs. Three times president of the Staten Island Herb Society, she helped to maintain the Colonial Herb Garden at Conference House Park for over 30 years and has started herb gardens at various locations. As a naturalist, she developed and taught parent-tot nature programs at the Staten Island Zoo and local parks, introducing children and adults to local plants, animals, and geology. In addition, she completed a medicinal herbal apprenticeship with internationally acclaimed herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. Gert is a board member of the International Herb Association and co-chair of the IHA Horticultural Committee; member of the Herb Society of America, North East Herb Association, American Botanical Council, and United Plant Savers. She frequently lectures on various aspects of herbs and teaches workshops on nature writing. Gert is also a GCNJ speaker (Garden Clubs of New Jersey).

*We need your support to continue the show! If you've listened to more than a few episodes and have learned from our work, please join our Patreon today: www.greendreamer.com/support   About Ann Armbrecht: Ann Armbrecht is the director of the Sustainable Herbs Program under the auspices of the American Botanical Council. She is also a writer and anthropologist (PhD, Harvard 1995) whose work explores the relationships between humans and the earth, most recently through her work with plants and plant medicine. She is the co-producer of the documentary Numen: The Nature of Plants and the author of the award-winning ethnographic memoir Thin Places: A Pilgrimage Home , based on her research in Nepal. She was a 2017 Fulbright-Nehru Scholar documenting the supply chain of medicinal plants in India. She lives with her family in central Vermont. Her most recent book, The Business of Botanicals, explores the healing promise of plant medicines in a global industry.   Song featured in this episode: A Garden Taught Me by Leah Keane Green Dreamer with Kamea Chayne is a podcast exploring our paths to holistic healing, ecological regeneration, and true abundance and wellness for all. Find our show notes, additional resources, and newsletter on our website: www.greendreamer.com

Martin Lee, is the founder of Project CBD. He is an award winning Investigative Botanical Science reporter that began following the early CBD phenomena at conferences where international scientists were beginning to get excited about its potential. He talks about the paradoxical and complex plant that therapeutically behaves more like an herb and less like a pharmaceutical and recounts the groundbreaking research studies that revealed the Endocannabinoid System. Lee describes cannabis as a gateway for the world to appreciate other herbs and healing modalities that also work to enhance the ECS's function. He is the author of several books, including most recently Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana – Medical, Recreational and Scientific. The American Botanical Council gave Smoke Signals its James A. Duke Excellence in Botanical Literature Award. Named by High Times as one of the 100 most influential people in cannabis, Lee is the recipient of the Emerald Cup's Lifetime Achievement award.Useful linkshttps://www.projectcbd.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-a-lee/To learn more about plants & your health from Colleen at LabAroma check out this informative PDF: https://mailchi.mp/2fe0e426b244/osw1lg2dkhDisclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor if you are in need of medical care, and before making any changes to your health routine.

Professor Kerry Bone. Berberine vs. Metformin for Longevity, Ashwagandha for Muscle Strength, & Botanical Medicines mechansism of action on mitochondria (mTOR & AMPK biochemical mechanisms of botanical medicines). Professor Kerry Bone discusses the quality control & quality assurance (QAQC) issues with botanical medicines in the global and USA markets. We also discuss the biochemical mechanisms of herbs which benefit longevity, muscle strength, and why berberine is more effective & safe for longevity than metformin.Professor Kerry Bone is the co-founder and innovation driver at MediHerb, where he serves as Director of Research and Development. As a recognition of this role (and in conjunction with his research colleagues), in 2016 MediHerb was awarded the American Botanical Council's (ABC's) Varro E. Tyler Award for excellence in Phytomedicinal (Herbal) Research.As part of his educational role, Kerry is Adjunct Professor at New York Chiropractic College, providing input into their postgraduate applied nutrition program. He also founded the successful Masters of Health Science (Herbal Medicine) course at the University of New England in 2004, and served there as Associate Professor from 2004 to 2012.Kerry is co-author of around 40 scientific papers on herbal research, including original research and systematic reviews. He currently serves as the only Australian member of the editorial board of the journal Phytomedicine, the top herbal research journal in the world, and is on the advisory board of the ABC.He has also written or co-written six popular textbooks on herbal medicine. His most recent with Simon Mills, the second edition of Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy, was awarded the 2013 James A. Duke Excellence in Botanical Literature Award by the ABC, which is the second time these authors have received this distinguished award.He still maintains a busy herbal and naturopathic practice in Toowoomba, Queensland, where he has been in continuous service for 34 years.

www.3030health.com David Winston RH (AHG) is an herbalist and ethnobotanist with over 40 years of training in Cherokee, Chinese and Western herbal traditions.  He has been in clinical practice for over 35 years and is an herbal consultant to physicians, herbalists and researchers throughout the USA and Canada.  In 2013 David was presented with the Natural Products Association (NPA) Clinician's Award. David is the founder/director of the Herbal Therapeutics Research Library and the dean of David Winston's Center for Herbal Studies, a two-year training program in clinical herbal medicine.  He is an internationally known lecturer and frequently teaches at medical schools, symposia and herb conferences. He is the president of Herbalist & Alchemist, a manufacturer that produces herbal products that blend the art and science of the world's herbal traditions. In addition, David is a founding/ professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, he has served four terms on the Board of Directors and he is on the American Botanical Council's Advisory Board. #PFX2017 #paleo #podcast #health #naturopathic #keto #ebm #glutenfree #diet #exercise #ahs #ebm #healthyeating #healthyfood #habitsofhealth #diet #farmtoconsumer #biohacking #upgrade #chronicpain #sustainability #fitness #weightlifting #weights #medicine #naturopathicmedicine #avocado

Martin A Lee is the director of Project CBD (projectcbd.org), an information service focusing on cannabis science and therapeutics. He is the author of four books, including Acid Dreams and most recently Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana – Medical, Recreational and Scientific. The American Botanical Council gave Smoke Signals its James A. Duke Excellence in Botanical Literature Award. Historian Douglas Brinkley said of Smoke Signals: “Every American should read this landmark book.” Lee is also a cofounder of the media watch group FAIR (Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting). His articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Harper's, Rolling Stone, Salon, Daily Beast, San Francisco Chronicle, Le Monde Diplomatique, and many other publications. Martin Lee's Project CBD