Herbcast

In this episode of Herbcast, host Marion Mackonochie welcomes esteemed herbalist Marie Reilly, who brings over 20 years of experience in medical herbalism to the table. With a rich background that includes a master's degree focused on female functional infertility, Marie shares her insights on how herbal medicine can effectively support reproductive health.The conversation delves into the myriad of reproductive health conditions that can benefit from herbal intervention, from PMS and endometriosis to fertility challenges. Marie discusses the limitations of orthodox medicine in addressing these issues and highlights the surprising effectiveness of herbal treatments, often with fewer side effects.You will hear about:- The importance of a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating reproductive health issues.- How lifestyle factors and nutrition can influence fertility and menstrual cycles.- The role of herbal remedies in addressing hormonal imbalances and conditions like endometriosis.- Insights into the connection between autoimmune conditions and fertility challenges.Marie also emphasizes the significance of thorough consultations in herbal practice, which allow for a deeper understanding of individual health needs. By combining traditional wisdom with modern science, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how herbal medicine can empower individuals on their journey to reproductive health.Join us for this engaging discussion and discover how you can harness the power of herbs to support a healthy cycle.Marie Reilly has over 20 years experience as a Medical Herbalist. She qualified from the College of Phytotherapy having conducted her undergraduate research dissertation on the use of Herbs in the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME). She subsequently completed the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine Masters Degree Programme, after completing research on the treatment of female functional infertility with herbal medicine. She has also studied Endobiogenic Medicine with Dr. Jean Claude Lapraz, and Ayurveda with Dr. Vasant Lad, and is the author of Herbal Medicine and Reproductive Health.Marie previously taught on the BSc Herbal Sciences course at Cork Institute of Technology. She currently teaches on the practitioner training courses at The Plant Medicine School in Cork, Excelsior in Belfast, and Betonica in the UK, and regularly supervises training clinics for students from various courses in the UK and Ireland. She has lectured at the Cork Institute of Technology Herbal Science Symposium; at Botanica 2014 (Trinity College Dublin); the National Institute of Medical Herbalists Annual Conference; Power of Plants festival; and Herbfeast Ireland. She also regularly provides numerous CPD seminars on various subjects for practitioners of herbal medicine.In the past, she has appeared on RTE’s “Health Squad” and “The Afternoon Show”, on various programmes for WLRfm, and has been interviewed for various National Newspapers in Ireland and the UK. She continues to write a weekly health column in the Dungarvan Leader, and to provide talks and demonstrations for local groups.Marie is also a qualified Emergency First Responder, and works in conjunction with a Medical Doctor and Paramedic, to provide emergency first aid in the local community as part of the Lismore Community First Response Team, a voluntary service.Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creativeWe are fundraising to continue our work!These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications. We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

In this episode of Herbcast, host Marion Mackonochie engages in a compelling discussion with medical herbalist Sara Rooney, who specialises in women's health. Together, they explore the intricate world of hormone balance, shedding light on how understanding our hormonal cycles can empower women to optimise their health.Sara delves into the vital roles hormones play in our daily lives, emphasising the importance of recognising their fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle. From the energising effects of oestrogen during the follicular phase to the calming influence of progesterone in the luteal phase, the conversation highlights how these hormonal shifts can impact mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.The duo discusses practical strategies for managing hormone health, including dietary recommendations tailored to different phases of the cycle and the role of herbs like maca and Vitex Agnus castus in supporting hormonal balance. Sara shares her insights on common conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, advocating for a holistic approach that combines nutrition, stress management, and herbal support.As they navigate the challenges women face in accessing effective healthcare, Sara calls for a greater understanding of women's health issues within conventional medicine, stressing the need for holistic solutions that empower women to take charge of their hormonal health.Join us for an enlightening conversation that promises to deepen your understanding of herbal medicine and its potential to support women's health. For more articles on this topic, visit our section on women's health.Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creativeWe are fundraising to continue our work!These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications. We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

**Correction to the discussion on degree courses: there is one still running at Lincoln College**.Join us for an enlightening discussion with seasoned herbalists Simon Mills and Sebastian Pole as they delve into the evolving landscape of herbal medicine and its integration into modern healthcare. This episode tackles the critical question: why isn't herbalism more mainstream, despite its proven benefits and growing demand?Simon and Sebastian reflect on their extensive experiences in the field, exploring the historical and cultural barriers that have kept herbal medicine on the fringes of mainstream healthcare. They discuss the rigorous training and deep scientific knowledge required to become a herbalist, and why this expertise is often overlooked by conventional medical systems.The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities facing herbal practitioners today, from regulatory hurdles to the booming herbal supplement industry. The duo also highlights the unique therapeutic gaps that herbal medicine can fill, particularly in chronic health conditions where modern medicine falls short.Looking to the future, Simon and Sebastian share their vision for a more integrated healthcare system that embraces the power of plants. They discuss the importance of quality control in herbal products, the potential of herbalism to address the ageing population's needs, and the critical role of community and collaboration in advancing the field.Discover how herbalism can contribute to a sustainable healthcare model that not only promotes individual well-being but also respects and preserves our natural environment. With a call to action for the next generation of herbalists, this episode is a rallying cry for unity and progress in the herbal community.Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creativeWe are fundraising to continue our work!These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications. We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

Join us as we cross the Irish Sea to delve into the heart of herbal practice with Vilma Matuleviciute, a seasoned herbalist and naturopath based in Ireland. With over two decades of experience, Vilma shares her insights on the multifaceted approach to heart health, combining the physiological with the emotional.In this enlightening episode, we explore the unique challenges of practising herbalism in Ireland, including the impact of Brexit on herb supplies. Vilma discusses the importance of listening deeply to patients, understanding their emotional and mental landscapes, and tailoring herbal treatments to suit individual needs.Discover how herbs like hawthorn, motherwort, and Angelica sinensis play a role in supporting cardiovascular health, and learn about the significance of dietary changes and emotional well-being in managing heart conditions. Vilma also highlights the use of adaptogens and nervines to address stress and anxiety, particularly in post-menopausal women.Whether you're a budding herbalist or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights into the holistic approach to heart health, emphasising the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Enter the world of bitter herbs, and learn about their historical significance and modern-day applications with expert herbalist Guido Masé. As a renowned herbalist, gardener, and educator,  Guido shares his extensive knowledge of how bitters can enhance digestion, regulate appetite, and support metabolic health.Guido Masé RH(AHG) is a clinical herbalist, educator, and garden steward specialising in holistic Western herbalism with an eclectic approach. Born in Italy, he has lived in Vermont since 1996. He is a founder and faculty member at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism and serves as the herbalist, principal scientist, and chief formulator at Traditional Medicinals. He is also a founding member of the Burlington Herb Clinic and participates in herbal education at the University of Vermont. Author of The Wild Medicine Solution and DIY Bitters, Guido's teaching integrates clinical experience, storytelling, and scientific research, emphasising the connection between humans and nature for sustainable living.In this episode, discover the fascinating mechanisms behind how bitters work in the body, from stimulating digestive secretions to modulating hormonal responses. Learn about the evolutionary role of bitter taste receptors and their presence not just in the mouth, but throughout the gastrointestinal tract and even within the heart and lungs. Guido explains how bitters can help with common digestive issues like gas, bloating, and heartburn, as well as more serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.Guido and Sebastian also delve into the importance of dosing and the energetic qualities of bitters and explore the concept of hormesis, the paradoxical effect where small doses of potentially harmful substances can strengthen the body. Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.realityHerbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Have you ever stopped to appreciate the simple act of breathing? Each inhale brings life-giving oxygen into our bodies, but what happens when this effortless process becomes a struggle? In this episode Ramana Zahn reminds us that healing is a holistic journey that requires us to look at the body as an interconnected system.About Rumana: A Clinic Director and Consultant Naturopath, ND, BSc (Hons), DipCK, DipA, DipM, CEd, FAMH, MGNC. Rumana began her career as a microbiologist specialising in food and water analysis before transitioning to the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. She eventually redirected her focus towards holistic health, blending scientific principles with traditional medicines. Trained in naturopathy, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, acupuncture, kinesiology, iridology, and yoga, she offers comprehensive health programs that incorporate these disciplines alongside body assessments. Passionate about helping others, Rumana teaches at universities, runs clinics, and conducts research, including collaborations with the University of Newcastle. She also engages in Argentine tango, philosophy, yoga, and meditation. As a respected member of various professional associations and a prolific writer and lecturer, she actively contributes to advancing holistic healthcare practices.Ramana takes us through the intricacies of respiratory health, a topic that has gained immense importance in the wake of global health challenges. She shares her insights on how the lungs are not just organs of breath but are deeply connected to our joy and life force. When they function well, we feel alive and vibrant; when they don't, our entire being suffers. Rumana emphasises the importance of an integrated approach to health, combining herbal remedies with breathwork and lifestyle changes. She discusses how the health of your gut can have a profound impact on your respiratory system and delves into the herbal toolbox, sharing specific formulas that have worked wonders for her patients. From the anti-inflammatory properties of sweet wormwood to the soothing effects of liquorice root.Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

From Burdock to Blood Cleansers: dive into the power of alterative herbs with Sebastian Pole and today’s guest Graeme Tobyn. With over a quarter-century of expertise, Graeme brings his wealth of knowledge from his roles as a herbalist, educator, and author, currently enriching minds at the University of Lancashire.About Graeme: Graeme Tobyn graduated from Leeds University in 1978 with a degree in Russian with Italian. He developed the Latin and French he learned at school for use in his later studies of the histories of Renaissance and early modern medicine. He trained in herbal medicine in the 1980s, graduating with the top award and, after a six-month engagement as a phlebotomist at University College Hospital, London, entered practice in 1990 as a herbalist and member (later fellow) of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. He became a herbal trainer in 1993, working at several NIMH training clinics, and switched to external clinical examiner for two BSc Herbal Medicine programmes from 2007. In 2000 he joined UCLan as a senior lecturer and took over the leadership of the BSc Herbal Medicine there the following year. His teaching focus on the programme (2001-2012) was in clinical examination skills and therapeutics. He completed his PGDipHE in 2005. Since 2011 he has been leader of the MSc Herbal Medicine, and in 2016 took over the running of the MSc Integrated Healthcare. In 2015 he was visiting botanical medicine scholar at Bastyr university, Seattle, USA. In 2017 he was awarded a PhD in the history of medicine from Lancaster University.In this lively discussion, Sebastian and Graeme dissect the controversial and often misunderstood category of alteratives. They explore the historical context and evolution of this herbal action, questioning its relevance and application in modern herbal practice. Graeme challenges the retreat from robust treatments like stimulant laxatives and advocates for a reinvigoration of traditional, potent herbal therapies.The episode delves into the semantics of herbal medicine, questioning the adoption of terms like 'anti-inflammatory' and 'immunomodulator' and calling for a return to a language that truly reflects the dynamic nature of herbs. Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative