Plants of the Gods: S8E7 Rosa Vásquez Espinoza: Between Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science

Plants of the Gods: S8E7 Rosa Vásquez Espinoza: Between Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science

From Plants of the Gods: Hallucinogens, Healing, Culture and Conservation podcast by Mark Plotkin, Ph.D.

May 18, 2026 · 52 min · Season 8 · Episode 7

About this episode

Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza discusses the intersection of Indigenous knowledge and Western science in understanding plant medicine and ecosystems.

How do Indigenous knowledge and Western science come together in the study of nature and plant medicine? Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, a chemical biologist and author of The Spirit of the Rainforest, joins Dr. Mark Plotkin to explore ethnobotany, animal self-medication, and the idea that plants and ecosystems may hold forms of intelligence that science is only beginning to understand. In this episode, Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza shares stories about learning from her grandmother , navigating life bet ween two worlds, and why Indigenous knowledge and scientific research don't have to be in conflict. Show notes: The Spirit of the Rainforest book

People in this episode

Host: Mark Plotkin

Guest: Rosa Vásquez Espinoza

Topics covered

  • Indigenous knowledge
  • Western science
  • ethnobotany
  • plant medicine
  • animal self-medication
  • intelligence of ecosystems

Keywords

  • Indigenous knowledge
  • Western science
  • ethnobotany
  • plant medicine
  • animal self-medication
  • ecosystems
  • intelligence

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Spirit of the Rainforest

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