Lily Of The Herbs Talks

This episode is a response to the times; reflections and musings on 2026.I speak to why herbalism feels not only relevant, but essential in the face of global crisis. This is about creating health sovereignty, building community resilience, and remembering the value of local, plant-based knowledge.I share what I’ve been learning from the plants, and why this way of working with medicine cannot be replaced by AI. If anything, it feels more needed than ever.In this episode, I touch on:Herbalism in the context of global uncertaintyCreating health sovereignty in your own lifeBuilding and leaning into community resilienceWhat plants are teaching us in this momentThe limits of AI in relation to embodied, plant-based medicineWhy returning to the land and local knowledge matters

We've all bought a supplement or herbal tea and then it's sat unused until it expired. In this episode of Lily of the Herbs Talks, I explore how to truly work with herbs, not by taking more, but by taking them with respect and awareness. We live in a world full of powders, capsules, and herbal blends, but often we don’t know where our plants came from, how they were harvested, or whether their potency has been preserved. I share why sourcing herbs from your own garden, from the wild, or from small, organic Australian farms matters, and why working with whole herbs, grinding them yourself, and storing them properly can make a huge difference.We’ll also dive into how the form of herbal medicine affects absorption and potency. Using an elemental lens: fire, water, earth, and air - I explain why fresh plant infusions capture volatile oils, why minerals can benefit from long soaks, and why mushrooms often need double decoctions to unlock their full potential.I also talk about the value of simplicity and relationship with plants. Spending time with one herb at a time- whether in meditation, tea, or tincture form - helps you understand its effects, flavors, and personality, allowing your body to better attune to what it needs. And we discuss when blends can be synergistic, alongside the role of food as medicine.Whether you’re just starting your herbal journey or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers practical guidance to make your herbs more effective, more alive, and more connected to your life.

In this episode of Lily of the Herbs Talks, I sit down with Dr. Marc Cohen, a GP, researcher, and long-time advocate for accessible wellness. We explore where science and herbalism meet. Marc is wonderfully eccentric and full of love for life and learning. He shares his fascinating journey....“I went from being the alternative hippie doctor in a conventional medical school to being the conventional medical doctor at an alternative medical school.” We talk about blood sugar balance, the healing power of honey, and simple, joyful rituals that help us reconnect with nature and vitality. Marc even shares a few of his poems on blood sugar and wellness playful reminders that wellbeing can be simple, sensory, and full of heart.You can connect more with Marc here at: www.drmarc.co

Exploring Mugwort, Hawthorn, Nettle & Blue Lotus 🌿In this episode, we dive into the rich folklore, medicinal gifts, and personal wisdom of four of my favorite herbal allies:Mugwort, Hawthorn, Nettle, and Blue Lotus. Each of these plants carries a deep history of healing, protection, and transformation—whether through dreamwork, heart medicine, nourishment, or spiritual connection.We’ll explore their traditional uses, energetic qualities, and how they can support us physically, emotionally, and intuitively. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or simply curious about plant magic, this episode offers insights into how these allies can weave into your life.Tune in for a conversation on the power of plants, the stories they hold, and the ways we can build a relationship with the natural world.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alana (Lani) Roy, a passionate advocate and therapist in the fields of psychology and psychedelic medicine, to explore the intersection of elemental herbalism and psychedelic-assisted therapy. As the founder of The Signs of Life Psychology, Lani brings her 15 years of experience in mental health, trauma, and social work to this important conversation. She shares her passion for integrating people into the natural world through her study of herbalism and discusses how the recent legal changes has inspired her to teach multidisciplinary professionals about plants and their therapeutic potential. Lani's insights bridge the ancient wisdom of plant medicine with the emerging science of psychedelics, offering a powerful vision for holistic mental health care. Tune in to learn how these practices are being used to support the healing of trauma and reconnect individuals with nature. Dr Lani Roy does not endorse or encourage personal illegal use and encourages people to speak to their medical professionals and check their local law. She always acknowledges with psychedelics there may be potential, but with this comes risk and responsibility. To connect with Lani visit www.thesignsoflife.com.au or her instagram @the.signs.of.life

Yoga nidra is a guided meditation technique that is practiced lying down in the floor or in your bed. It can be done at any time throughout the day to restore a deep sense of calm and relaxation to the body and mind. Yoga nidra can be a powerful tool when healing from illness or fatigue. It is a way of effortlessly dropping into the parasympathetic nervous system and self regulating 🙌

This epic and moving episode is based around some questions that have been going round in ny head for some time now. I asked Nawa join me to share their perspectives on why we need herbal activism and where it is especially important. This helped to shine on a light on how we also need to continue to work of decolonising, connecting back to the mother and listening to indigenous people on these matters. Nawa is a herbalist, somatic coach, death doula and community organiser. Their healing practice is centred on anti-oppressive praxis that works to address systemic harm, informed by decolonial activism on the front lines, with respect to all who have fought and lost their lives for collective liberation. I was reminded of so much during this discussion, especially the collective pain we are feeling whether we are aware or not, from our disconnection from nature and traditional wisdom. Here are some links to other powerful speakers and herbalist from Nawa if you loved this talk: Toi Scott of Queering Herbalism http://queerherbalism.blogspot.com/ Mandana Vasseghi-Boushee of Wild Gather Herbal School https://www.mandanaboushee.com/ Amanda David of Rootwork Herbals https://www.rootworkherbals.com/ My instagram @nawanightshade