WYLDE, the podcast about foraging and herbalism in Europe

Recorded at the 10th-anniversary meetup of the Association Of Foragers, in part 3 of this 3-part series, host Lieve Galle talks with Joanna Ruminska.Originally from Poland, Joanna is now living and working in the UK where she offers foraging workshops, talks, and retreats. Her work is shaped by the attentiveness to place, season, and lived experience.Enjoy our beautiful conversation.About why it's important to have a community for foragers.About the omnipresence of foraging in Poland compared to the UK and Belgium.About knowledge being passed on from generation to generation and foraging tradtitions.About using what's available in nature for food and medicine.About the effect foraging has on both people and nature. About the strength and resilience of wild plants.And lots more.Follow The Association Of Foragers on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/association_of_foragers/ Or find more information here: https://foragers-association.org/Discover more about Joanna and her work with Incredible Edible UK on her website: https://www.incredibleedibleuk.co.uk/Or follow her on Instagram @incredible_edible__ or Facebook @joannaforager We mentioned the book We Are The ARK by landscape designer and nature activist Mary Reynolds. You can find more information about the project and the book here:https://wearetheark.org/  Support us so we can continue the WYLDE Podcast series, a living archive for foragers & herbalist across Europe.https://whydonate.com/fundraising/wylde-podcast-donation I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know. You can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer:The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Recorded at the 10th-anniversary meetup of the Association Of Foragers, host Lieve Galle sits down with a diverse panel of wild food experts: Fern Freud, Richard Mawby, Nic Roams, Łukasz Łuczaj, and Monica Wilde. This special episode explores the profound physical and mental shifts that happen when we return to wild spaces. We dive into the hard science of the Wild Biome Project, revealing how our gut bacteria actually adapts to process wild plants. The conversation also unpacks the cultural phenomenon of "herbophobia" (the fear of eating wild greens), the emotional toll of media backlash against foragers, and the powerful necessity of finding a supportive, non-competitive "tribe". Whether you are a professional herbalist, a passionate weekend forager, or someone who simply feels crushed by the expectations of modern society, this episode offers a deep sigh of relief. You will hear fascinating historical and scientific insights, while also discovering why simply spending time in nature is the ultimate antidote to a disconnected world. Listen in to find out why foraging isn't just about picking food, it's about reclaiming an ancient birthright and falling back in love with the land.Follow The Association Of Foragers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/association_of_foragers/Or find more information here: https://foragers-association.org/ In this episode you heard: Fern Freud https://www.instagram.com/foraged.by.fern/Nic Roams https://www.instagram.com/nicroams/  Łukasz Łuczaj https://www.instagram.com/thewildfood/ Richard Mawby https://www.instagram.com/foragefrolics/Monica Wilde https://www.instagram.com/monicawilde/  Support us so we can continue the WYLDE Podcast series, a living archive for foragers & herbalist across Europe.https://whydonate.com/fundraising/wylde-podcast-donation I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know. You can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer:The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Eleni Bourou is a pharmacist, herbalist, and plant storyteller from Greece. Her work moves between the clinical and the intuïtive, the ancestral and the contemporary. For the past 15 years Eleni has cultivated a unique practice in foraging, transforming plants into remedies, and creating experiences that guide people back to their bodies and to the land. Join us in this lively conversation.About the added value of having a background in both pharmacy and herbalism. About the intimacy of foraging and building a relationship with plants. About how important it is to share knowledge and talk to people, the basic botanical knowledge of the Greeks, and where to go for formal herbal education in Greece.  About the black and white thinking about toxicity of plants.  About how alternative medicine is actually traditional medicine. About the legal framework around practicing herbalism in Greece, and quality control on herbal products. About Eleni's hopes and dreams for foraging in Europe and te consequences of climate change.  And lots more.You can follow Eleni on Instagram @officinalis.drogeriii Support us so we can continue the WYLDE Podcast series, a living archive for foragers & herbalist across Europe.https://whydonate.com/fundraising/wylde-podcast-donation I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know. You can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer:The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Rita Roquette is the founder of Bloom Sativum, a botanical initiative in Portugal that bridges traditional herbal knowledge with contemporary practice. With a deep passion for plant medicine, Rita cultivates, crafts, educates, and helps you to embrace your wild side. Join us in celebrating the healing power of herbs in this wonderful conversation.About growing up as a city girl but spending weekends and holidays in rural Portugal. About agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and working with the different ecosystems in the garden and on the farm.About the general herbal knowledge in Portugal and the ongoing little rituals in daily life. About how people in Portugal are connected to plants through family names and place names. About folk herbalism and herbal education. About the future of herbalism in Portugal, and how more popularity comes with more restrictions. About Rita's favourite local plants to work with. And lots more.You can find out more about Rita and her work on https://bloomsativum.wixsite.com/bloom-sativum Or follow her on Instagram @bloomsativum Support us so we can continue the WYLDE Podcast series, a living archive for foragers & herbalist across Europe.https://whydonate.com/fundraising/wylde-podcast-donation I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know. You can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer:The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Gabriele Resch is a mother of 5 now adult children, and a health trainer with a big passion for herbs and natural living. She learned from her mother, from courses and from books, and loves to pass on her knowledge to younger generations. She taught me a thing or two in this conversation. About how she uses herbs in vegan cooking, juices and smoothies, and the combinations she makes. About the way she sees the role of plants and herbs in holistic and natural health care.About the popularity of Reverend Kneipp, and historical women like Hildegarde von Bingen and Maria Treben.About the use of herbs for poultices and baths, with easy tips to try this at home. About the state of basic botanical knowledge in Austria and Germany and the growing interest with the younger generation. About herbal education and practicing medical herbalism as a 'heilpraktiker' in Germany.About where she finds or buys good quality herbs, and the one herb that everyone should have in their garden. (spoiler alert: there's a whole list) About the different flora and biodiversity in the mountains. About how she sees herbal medicine evolving in Europe. And lots more.You can find all information about the Fruit Festival / Festival Frischer Früchte on the website: https://festivalfrischerfruechte.at/ There will be two more events this year:Bad Gastein, Austria, 08.-14.09.2025 - in both languages English and GermanTurkey, Dalaman, Dalyan, 22.-29.10.2025 - in both languages English and German Support us so we can continue the WYLDE Podcast series, a living archive for foragers & herbalist across Europe.https://whydonate.com/fundraising/wylde-podcast-donation I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know. You can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer:The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Miranda Tringis is a pioneering herbalist with a passion for mediterranean herbs,  sustainability and traditional herbal wisdom. She moved from The Netherlands to Cyprus at the age of 19 and evolved from intuitively playing with dandelions as a child to studying herbalism and creating a unique place in Cyprus where she blends education, wellness and ecotourism and where people can reconnect with nature. She shares her story in this warm and sunny conversation.About how the failing of conventional medicine got her interested in herbal medicine and how years of experimenting lead to a degree as a herbalist.About where the idea for a botanical park came from, how it all started, and typical visitors.About how a garden is a living organism that has the ability to heal. About the different seasons in Cyprus and the short timeframe for foraging.About herbal teas and tinctures. About herbalism schools and the legal framework for herbalists in Cyprus.About how the sunshine and the soil make for extremely aromatic plants and Miranda's favorite Cypriot herbs. About the economy of nature and how the continuing of traditions also depends on market demand. And lots more.You can find more information about Miranda and the Cyherbia Botanical Park & Labyrinth here: https://www.cyherbia.com/ You can also follow her on Instagram: @cyherbia Or find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CyHerbia  Support us so we can continue the WYLDE Podcast series, a living archive for foragers & herbalist across Europe.https://whydonate.com/fundraising/wylde-podcast-donation I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know. You can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer:The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Rebecca Clopath is an acclaimed chef from Switzerland, known for her innovative approach to sustainable gastronomy. She combines foraging, farming, and culinary creativity to create dishes that not only tell a story but also honour the land where they come from. Let us inspire you to rethink your relationship with food and nature with this delicious conversation. About her deep connection to local terroir and nature.About a mindful eating philosophy that goes far beyond the plate. About slow learning and getting to know all about 2 or 3 plants each year. About the catch 22 of nature preservation in Belgium. About discovering exotic flavours in local ingredients and the plants that have surprised Rebecca when creating dishes.About the challenges and advantages of foraging in the Swiss mountains.And lots more.You can find more information about Rebecca and her culinary adventures here: https://rebecca-clopath.ch/ You can also follow her on Instagram: @rebeccaclopath Or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-clopath/ Photos of Rebecca by Claudia Link Support us so we can continue the WYLDE Podcast series, a living archive for foragers & herbalist across Europe.https://whydonate.com/fundraising/wylde-podcast-donation I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know. You can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer:The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Christophe Bernard is a renowned French herbalist, the founder of Althea Provence online herborist school, and an advocate for the legalisation and recognition of herbalism in France.  He has decades of experience in herbal medicine, and a deep passion for foraging and natural healing. Enjoy our very inspiring and a little bit rebellious conversation. About his move from computer programming to herbalism.About the historical role of the herbalist in French pharmacies and the war between pharmacists and herbalists.  About naturopaths paving the way for medical herbalists. About the need to be a rebel as a herbalist in France and Belgium. About preserving the rich herbal traditions for future generations and Christophe's advice for young people starting out as a medical herbalist.About how we see the future or herbalism in Europe. And lots more.You can find more information about Christophe and Althea Provence here: https://www.altheaprovence.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/ChristopheBERNARD-altheaprovence (both in French)  Support us so we can continue the WYLDE Podcast series, a living archive for foragers & herbalist across Europe.https://whydonate.com/fundraising/wylde-podcast-donation I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know. You can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer:The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Henriette Kress is a very experienced herbalist from Finland. Her website is a landmark in the field of herbalism, and she's also the author of several books on herbalism. It was an absolute pleasure to talk to her, so I hope you also enjoy listening to our conversation. About how she was introduces to herbs by her grandmother.About going to the US to study herbalism at the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine in Arizona and how that made everything fall into place.About herbalism in Finland and the most significant plants and herbs in Finnish herbalism.About local traditions involving plants.About which herbal preparations are most common in Finland.About the ginger shots hype, the tea tree oil craze and other herbal trends.About the legal framework around herbalism in Finland.About debunking herbal myths and the danger of herbal books written by AI.And lots more.You can find more information about Henriette and her work on the website:https://www.henriettes-herb.com/ Make sure to check it out, because It's one of the oldest and largest herbal medicine sites on the internet. It's been online since 1995. Henriette also wrote two books: Practical Herbs 1 and Practical Herbs 2 Support us so we can continue the WYLDE Podcast series, a living archive for foragers & herbalist across Europe.https://whydonate.com/fundraising/wylde-podcast-donation I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know. You can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer:The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Mari Jerstad has a degree in organic agriculture and herbal medicine. She is a forager, a storyteller, and a herbal medicine practitioner. Her journey with plants started as a child, spending time outside with the plants, just enjoying their beauty and their relation to the sun, which now has brought us here, having a beautiful and warm conversation. About being inspired by her great aunt, who looked at herbs from a practical point of view as a nurse, but also as something spiritual.About what triggered Mari to become a herbalist and her studies in Norway and England.About how chemistry can be beautiful and fun.About how people in Norway look at herbalism and herbal medicine, and the legal framework around it. About the Herb Garden Community in Oslo and how this project helps to reconnect people and plants.About dealing with Norweagian winters as a forager and a herabist and the blessings of different seasons.About working with refugees and how she got involved in the mobile herbal clinic in Calais.And lots more.You can find more information about Mari and her work on the website:https://marikaape.no/ Or follow her on Instagram @markaape. The organisation Mari travels to Calais with, is Mobile Herbal Clinic. You can find more information about their work here:https://mobileherbalclinic.org/ Support us so we can continue the WYLDE Podcast series, a living archive for foragers & herbalist across Europe.https://whydonate.com/fundraising/wylde-podcast-donation I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know. You can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer:The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Anki Paulssen is the founder of Plant Spirit Guru. She has over 25 years of experience working with Western Master Plants, which offers profound insights and initiate a  personal transformation that leads to emotional healing, spiritual growth, and self-discovery.Her journey with the plants started when she was a child, growing up in the apartment above her grandparents' bakery, with a small garden in the back which had only one tree. She could see that tree from her bedroom window and started having conversations with it. And that eventually brought us here, having an amazing conversation.About moving from the Netherlands to Australia and feeling an immediate connection to the land and the plants. About her travels to Peru and discovering ayahuasca, plant dietas and plantsongs.About what a plant dieta is and Anki's first experience with it.About talking from spirit to spirit with a plant and how it helps you get back into your body.About the timeless wisdom of plants, singing over them, and asking permission to use them.About regional and cultural differences when it comes to basic plant knowledge and the use of medicinal plants and herbs.About the future relationship between plants and people.And lots more.You can find more information about Anki and her work on the website: https://plantspirit.guru/ (in English) or https://plantspiritguru.nl/ (in Dutch) Or follow her on Instagram @plantspiritguru.Anki talks about the book "Plant Spirit Medicine", that was written by Eliot Cowen, not Pam Montgomery as mentioned. The book that Pam wrote is "Plant Spirit Healing". Both are must reads!  Support us so we can continue the WYLDE Podcast series, a living archive for foragers & herbalist across Europe.https://whydonate.com/fundraising/wylde-podcast-donation I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know. You can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer:The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Lisen Sundgren is a herbalist, forager, nature and forest therapy guide, and author from Sweden. As a child she already went foraging and was taught the botanical names of plants by her grandfather. Later on in life, after suffering a burnout and moving back from New York to Sweden, the herbs took her into their world. She started studying the healing effects of nature, edible and medicinal plants and became a professional herbalist. We had a wildly interesting conversation.About why children should learn about wild plants in school, like it used to be in the time of our grandparents.About how we are part of nature and how we need plants for our survival.About what it's like to work as a herbalist in Sweden.About how foraging became more popular again since the introduction of the New Nordic Cuisine, and even more so during the pandemic in 2020.About being in the here and now while foraging and the link with mindfulness.About the Swedish "Right of Public Access", or 'Allemansrätten', which gives everyone the freedom to forage everywhere with respect for nature and animals.About the use of medicinal plants in Sweden.About foraging in different seasons and how the long cold and dark winters affect foraging.And lots more.You can find more information about Lisen, her work and her books on her website:https://www.lifebylisen.com/Or follow her on Instagram @lifebylisen Support us so we can continue the WYLDE Podcast series, a living archive for foragers & herbalist across Europe.https://whydonate.com/fundraising/wylde-podcast-donation I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know. You can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart music by Eva LaRuna Disclaimer:The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.