About this episode

Kat Maier discusses sensory herbalism and its relational aspects with plants.

In this episode of HerbMentor Radio, we begin our journey through National Geographic Herbal with the chapter that opens the entire path: Sensory Herbalism. To guide us into this deeply relational way of knowing plants, we are joined by Kat Maier, author of Energetic Herbalism and founder of Sacred Plant Traditions . Kat has spent decades helping students and practitioners understand the energetic language of plants, not just through theory, but through direct sensory experience. Together, we explore what it truly means to be in relationship with plants through the senses. Kat helps us understand that energetic herbalism is, at its heart, the study of patterns. This awareness allows us to more skillfully match people and plants in clinical and everyday practice. We also spend time with marshmallow root ( Althaea officinalis ) as a sensory teacher. Through taste and direct experience, marshmallow reveals its signature moistening softness and quiet strength, offering a clear example of how energetic qualities can be felt in the body, not just studied in books. Throughout the episode, we return to a central theme: sensory herbalism is relational herbalism. Every culture has…

People in this episode

Guest: Kat Maier

Topics covered

• Sensory Herbalism
• Energetic Herbalism
• Plant Relationships
• Direct Sensory Experience
• Herbal Patterns

Keywords

• herbalism
• plants
• senses
• energetic qualities
• marshmallow root

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sacred Plant Traditions

Products: marshmallow root

Books & works: Energetic Herbalism

Places: National Geographic, Althaea officinalis

More episodes of Herb Mentor Radio

• Patricia Kyritsi Howell: Greek Kitchen Herbalism · April 27, 2026 · 57 min
• Herb Notes: The Benefits of Fennel · March 31, 2026 · 3 min
• Herb Notes: The Benefits of Sage · March 2, 2026 · 2 min
• Community Herbalism: From Kitchen to Wildlands · February 24, 2026 · 1h 8m
• Herb Notes: The Benefits of Cardamom · February 4, 2026 · 2 min
• Maria Noël Groves: Herbs for Gut Health · January 26, 2026 · 1h 2m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Herb Mentor Radio podcast page.