HerbRally

Today on The Herbalist Hour, I'm joined by Yasmeen Faraj, LCSW, CIMHP, therapist, herbalist, and founder of Kinda Crunchy Therapy and sMOOches Organics. In this conversation, we explore the intersection of mental health and herbalism, including nature connection, community, burnout, intuition, sleep, nutrition, and the healing power of plants. Yasmeen shares how she incorporates herbs into her therapy practice through plant walks, herbal tea, and sensory experiences, and we discuss what therapists and herbalists can learn from one another. We also talk about Motherwort, Mugwort, ecstatic dance, inner child work, and what it means to follow a "full body yes." I absolutely loved this conversation and know you will as well! A big thanks to Yasmeen for joinin' me and thanks to you for tuning in. ~Mason Learn More About Yasmeen Kinda Crunchy Therapy | KindaCrunchyTherapy.com 🌿 Smoochies Organics | sMOOchesOrganics.com KCT on IG | @kindacrunchytherapy sMOOches on IG | @smoochesorganics Resources Mentioned 📖 The Gift of Healing Herbs by Robin Rose Bennett | BUY THE BOOK 📖 The Ultramind Solution by Mark Hyman | BUY THE BOOK If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person. 🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies. 👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com Want to join us live for future interviews? Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member: HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free! ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Back in August 2024, HerbRally crossed 10,000 subscribers on YouTube. To celebrate, I invited 10 herbalists to answer 10 different questions. The result was more than five hours of herbal wisdom, stories, insights, humor, and practical advice. This is the first time we're releasing the full recording on the podcast. A huge thank you to all of the contributors: 🌿 Mimi Prunella Hernandez Website: http://www.mimiprunellahernandez.com 🌿 Brigitte Mars Website: https://www.brigittemars.com/ 🌿 David Winston Center for Herbal Studies: https://herbalstudies.net/ Herbalist & Alchemist: https://www.herbalist-alchemist.com/ 🌿 Asia Dorsey Website: http://www.bonesbugsandbotany.com 🌿 Chanchal Cabrera Website: https://chanchalcabrera.com/ 🌿 Thomas Easley Website: https://eclecticschoolofherbalmedicine.com/ 🌿 Larken Bunce Website: https://www.larkenbunce.com/ 🌿 Phyllis D. Light Website: https://www.phyllisdlight.com/ 🌿 Howie Brounstein Website: http://www.botanicalstudies.net 🌿 Lupo Passero Website: https://www.twinstartribe.com/ Thanks for being part of the HerbRally community. We couldn't have reached this milestone without you. ~Mason Want more herbal goodness? 🌱 HerbRally Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/herbrally/herbal-freebies 🌿 HerbRally Schoolhouse: https://www.herbrally.com/schoolhouse ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Tonight, herbalist Kyle Denton is hosting a free live webinar called 5 Herbs for Oral Health. In this class, Kyle will teach about five herbs he personally reaches for again and again for gum health, microbial balance, recovery, irritation, and more. 📅 May 21, 2026 🕕 6 PM Central Can't make it live? Register anyway and you'll get access to the replay afterward for a limited time. 🌿 REGISTER FOR FREE

FREE HERBAL DENTAL CARE MINI COURSE 🌿🦷 Available for a limited time LEARN MORE & REGISTER In this clip from Herbalists After Hours, herbalist Kyle Denton shares thoughts on authenticity, vulnerability, and what actually helps grow the herbal community. Kyle talks about embracing your unique path, showing up authentically, and why the herbal community doesn't need more perfection — it needs real people willing to learn, experiment, and participate fully. This conversation was recorded at the International Herb Symposium and originally released through Folk Methodology. Kyle is also the teacher of the Herbal Dental Care free mini course, where he explores oral health through an herbalist's lens using concepts like tissue states, energetics, and foundational herbal principles. To hear the full episode with Kyle Denton, subscribe to Folk Methodology on your favorite podcast app or on YouTube.

Oshala Farm Herb Camp returns to Southern Oregon June 26–28, 2026 for a full weekend of herbal education, plant walks, medicine making, music, community, camping, and connection. Hosted at Oshala Farm, Herb Camp features hands-on workshops with experienced herbalists alongside the beauty of a working medicinal herb farm with more than 80 varieties of herbs growing on the land. LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Nettle has a reputation… 🌿 and like many beloved herbs, it's picked up a few myths along the way. In this short episode, we gently untangle some of the most common misunderstandings about this deeply nourishing plant. Whether you're brand new to nettle or already working with it, this is a great place to refine your understanding and deepen your relationship with this powerful ally. Go Deeper with Nettle 🌱 If you're feeling called to take your nettle practice further, Rosalee and Mason created a full experience centered around this incredible plant. Inside The Nettle Immersion, you'll find: A 100+ minute video class A 30-day nettle challenge A 30+ page nettle recipe ebook Downloadable audio + transcripts A community space and more 👉 Learn more & enroll | NettleImmersion.com Enrollment closes on April 12, 2026.

🌿 The Nettle Immersion is now open (limited-time enrollment): Join us for a 30-day nettle challenge, a 100-minute video class, a recipe ebook, and more—all designed to help you build a real, lasting relationship with this deeply nourishing plant. 👉 LEARN MORE & REGISTER In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I talk with Pam Gould about working with chronic illness through a terrain-based lens, especially in cases like Lyme and mold illness. We also explore menopause, midlife health, and why so many women are overlooked in modern healthcare. Pam shares her approach to functional herbalism, blending traditional systems with modern tools, along with practical insights on empowerment, body literacy, and long-term healing. LINKS & RESOURCES Pam Gould | PamGould.net The Nettle Immersion | NettleImmersion.com If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person. 🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies. 👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com Want to join us live for future interviews? Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member: HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free! ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I sit down with herbalists Sam Roberts and Renée Camila from Now and Then Herb School. We explore what it really means to trust yourself as an herbalist, especially in a world where imposter syndrome runs deep. Sam and Renée share how building intimate relationships with plants can shift your confidence, your practice, and your understanding of what it means to "know" something. We also talk about their origin story as collaborators and educators, the philosophy behind Now and Then Herb School, and how they approach teaching herbalism through connection, experience, and community. From low-dose "spirit medicine" to working with mystery herbs, this conversation covers a wide range of topics while staying grounded in one core idea: relationship. If you've ever doubted yourself on your plant path, this one's for you. WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE LINKS & RESOURCES Now & Then Herb School | NowAndThenHerbSchool.com Instagram | @nowandthenherbschool KPFA | KPFA.org Herbal Highway Archives | GO TO THE ARCHIVES Sarah Holmes on The Herbalist Hour | WATCH ON YOUTUBE If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person. 🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies. 👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com Want to join us live for future interviews? Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member: HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free! ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

🌿 Get 15% off your first order with Kokora Use code HERBRALLY15 at KokoraLife.com In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I sit down with herbalist and founder of Kokora, Ric Scalzo. Many of you may know Ric as the co-founder of Gaia Herbs, but today we focus on his newest venture and the deeper philosophy behind it. Ric shares how Kokora's products go from farm to bottle, rooted in regenerative organic agriculture and a commitment to true herbal integrity. We explore the difference between regenerative and organic practices, the role of bioferments and bamboo biochar in soil health, and how these approaches influence the quality of herbal medicine. We also dive into some of Kokora's formulations, including their turmeric capsules, 5 mushroom blend, and regenerative stress support formula, along with what Ric personally reaches for most often. Along the way, Ric reflects on his early days in herbalism, what inspired him to start again after decades of success with Gaia, and how the herbal industry has evolved over time. He also shares insights for aspiring herbal entrepreneurs, lessons learned from launching Kokora, and the influence of Blue Zones and nature-based living on his work and daily life. If you're interested in regenerative agriculture, herbal quality, or the long view of building a life in herbalism, this is a great one. WATCH ON YOUTUBE LINKS & RESOURCES Kokora | KokoraLife.com Kokora on Instagram | @kokoralife Ric on Instagram | @ricscalzo If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person. 🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies. 👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com Want to join us live for future interviews? Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member: HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free! ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

In this special keynote episode, we're sharing The Life-Saving Magic of Herbing It Up with herbalist, educator, and community leader Lottie Spady, recorded live at the 2025 Great Lakes Herb Faire. In this powerful and heartfelt talk, Lottie shares how her journey into herbalism transformed not only her physical health, but also her sense of purpose, community, and connection to the natural world. Through her story, we're reminded of the deep, life-changing potential of building relationships with plants as true allies. Huge thanks to Lottie for granting permission to share this keynote, and to Anna and the entire Great Lakes Herb Faire team for so generously providing the recording. If this talk resonates with you, be sure to check out everything the Great Lakes Herb Faire has to offer… Learn more about the Faire | GreatLakesHerbFaire.com The Faire offers recordings from past events (including this keynote), with dozens of classes available from over the years. Most are available individually, or as part of larger bundles. You can BROWSE THE RECORDINGS HERE. And be sure to check out Lottie's work with Earthseed Detroit, where she focuses on community herbalism, education, and accessible wellness: Earthseed Detroit | EarthseedDetroit.com Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy this inspiring keynote from Lottie Spady. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I sit down with herbalist, teacher, and long-time community mentor Betzy Bancroft to explore the heart, craft, and deep science behind her new book Herbal Pharmacy: The Science and Magic of Preparing and Administering Plant Medicine. Betzy has been teaching herbal medicine making for more than three decades. She co-founded the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, mentors clinical interns, presents at the Vermont NOFA Winter Conference, and serves on the advisory board of United Plant Savers. She also teaches and leads plant walks at the legendary Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary, where she lives just down the road. This conversation dives into the practical, the philosophical, and the magical sides of making plant medicine — from water and oils, to home apothecaries, to the evolving spiral of students becoming teachers. What We Talk About 🌿 Tips for leading an inspiring, grounded plant walk 🌿 Advice for herbalists writing their own informational books 🌿 A rich discussion of the water chapter and her reverence for water 🌿 Why oils and fats are both essential and misunderstood in herbalism 🌿 How she chooses fresh vs. dried plant material for tinctures 🌿 How to make homemade vinegar 🌿 Practical tips for building or expanding your home apothecary 🌿 And whole lot more! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE LINKS & RESOURCES BOOK: Herbal Pharmacy | BUY THE BOOK Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism | VTHerbCenter.org Sage Mountain | SageMountain.com United Plant Savers | UnitedPlantSavers.org If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow plant person. 🌿Grab FREE Herbal Resources Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a 91-page Botanical Anthology sampler—plus a bundle of herbal freebies. 👉 Get the freebies | HerbalFreebies.com Want to join us live for future interviews? Become a HerbRally Schoolhouse member: HerbRally Schoolhouse | HerbRally.com/Schoolhouse Use coupon code SCHOOLHOUSE30 for your first 30 days free! ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

This episode is brought to you by FOOD GENIUS A year-long mentorship from Asia Dorsey + Justin Robinson for folks craving a deeper relationship with food, ancestry, and embodied wellbeing. LEARN MORE & REGISTER In this episode of the HerbRally Podcast we're joined by herbalist Asia Dorsey. She answers 10 questions, as the title suggests. You'll learn: How she balances traditional herbal knowledge with modern science Her thoughts on the regulation of herbalists When she felt qualified to call herself an herbalist How to know how potent your herbal concoctions are How to keep joints healthy as we age And a whole lot more! There are so many takeaways in this one. Big thanks to Asia for taking the time to answer all of these questions! If you'd like to learn more from Asia, be sure to check out her Food Genius mentorship program. Enrolling now! LEARN MORE & REGISTER DISCLAIMER The information in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by your physician or other medical professionals. Always consult a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if you are nursing, pregnant, or have any medical condition.

If you love hot sauce as much as I do, and you love learning about herbalism through food... this class is a good'n 🔥 HOT SAUCE | Ancestral Communication Through Food as Medicine Food geniuses Asia Dorsey and Justin Robinson break down the ethnobotany of hot sauce, why so many cultures use heat as medicine, how fermentation boosts flavor, and the many health benefits woven into this fiery tradition. It's fun, practical, and super informative — all about one of my most beloved condiments. This 90-minute pre-recorded class also includes: a "Living Habanero Hot Sauce" fermented recipe card a lengthy Q&A where Asia and Justin answer some of your burning questions (pun intended) And here's the best part… HerbRally folks get it FREE (normally $25) Use coupon code HERBRALLY at checkout Valid through February 28, 2026 LEARN MORE & REGISTER You're gonna love it — enjoy! ~Mason