Herbcast

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

Join Herbal Reality’s Simon Mills Embark on a journey through the delicate intricacies of women's health with expert herbalist Ginny Kemp. With a medical science background, Ginny discovered her calling in the world of herbs back in 2007. Since then, she has cultivated a thriving practice with a particular emphasis on women's health. Ginny delves deep into a case study that epitomises the power of herbal treatments in addressing fertility issues. She shares the tale of ‘Alice’, a 36-year-old woman trying to conceive, battling with fatigue, anxiety, and a host of other interconnected health concerns. Ginny's approach is a testament to the holistic nature of herbalism, where a bespoke treatment plan not only paved the way to a successful pregnancy but also improved Alice's overall well-being. Ginny and Simon discuss the nuances of supporting women through the different phases of their lives, from the onset of menstruation, through the challenges of perimenopause, to the empowerment of post-menopausal vitality. This episode is a treasure trove of herbal knowledge, spotlighting adaptogens, hormone modulators, and the importance of sleep and stress management in women's health. About Ginny Kemp MCPP, MNIMH Ginny has a Bachelor of Medical Science from The University of Birmingham (2003) and qualified as a Medical Herbalist through the College of Phytotherapy/UEL degree course in 2007. She has been in practise ever since. Initially she consulted full time at Hydes Herbal Clinic in Leicester for 7 years before setting up her own busy practices in Stamford (Lincs) and Leicestershire. Whilst studying Herbal Medicine Ginny worked in the areas of sales and production at Rutland Biodynamics and experienced the processes required for Herbal Medicine manufacturers to meet Good Manufacturing Practice. Ginny’s phytochemistry research dissertation looked at the Stability Of The Flavonilignan Complex Silymarin In Commercial Tinctures Of Silybum marianum, the results of which went on to be published. Ginny is currently Co-Vice President of the CPP and also a member of the EHTPA council Ginny regularly gives talks on herbal medicine, works with a corporate health and well-being company to bring well-being into the work place and has run various workshops on making herbal medicines. Connect with Ginny: Ginny.kemp@theherbclinic.co.uk www.theherbclinic.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/theherbclinic

Welcome to series 3 of Herbcast! In this episode, Sebastian Pole is joined by Marion Mackonochie, a seasoned herbalist, senior advisor at Pukka, and editor of the Journal of Herbal Medicine. In this liver-focused episode of Herbcast, Marion and Sebastian navigate the complexities of hepatics – the category of herbs that support the liver, our body's metabolic maestro. They discuss signs of liver imbalance, the power of bitters, and the wide-reaching impact of hepatics on conditions ranging from skin ailments to hormonal imbalances. Marion shares her insights on the relationship between mood and liver health, the nuances of bitter taste receptors throughout the body, and the intriguing connection between bitters and immune function. The conversation also explores the role of culinary herbs and spices in supporting liver function and overall health, offering practical tips for integrating these potent plants into daily diets. About Marion Mackonochie Marion Mackonochie is a medical herbalist and member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy. She initially studied a degree in pharmacology and worked in publishing on drug discovery journals. Feeling disillusioned by what she could see of the pharmaceutical industry and being a lover of plants, Marion retrained with a degree in herbal medicine followed by a masters in phytochemistry and medicinal natural products. Everything Marion does, from seeing patients to planning research projects as Senior Herbal Specialist at Pukka Herbs, is aimed at figuring out what works best for every individual. She is passionate about helping people gain control of their own health through diet, lifestyle and herbal medicine. Every consultation allows her to learn from the narratives of others, but she is also interested in the wider narrative of the history of medicine and how we have got to where we are with herbal medicine and health. Marion lives and practises by the sea in Brighton, growing herbs in her garden, making skincare products and spending as much time in nature as she can. For more herbal insights from Marion, visit her website at fieldremedies.com. 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

“That coming together, gathering foods and gathering medicines is deeply healing and satisfying and an enjoyable way to experience life. And it’s simple and it’s free.” Robin Harford established his wild food foraging school in 2008, and his foraging courses are listed at the top of BBC Countryfile’s ‘Best foraging courses in the UK’. He is the creator of eatweeds.co.uk. Michelin chef Richard Corrigen recommended the site for inclusion in The Times' Top 50 Websites For Food and Drink. Robin refers to himself as an ethnobotanical researcher who is interested in the relationship between plans and people which has resulted in his extensive travel around the world to document and record wild food plants’ traditional and local uses in indigenous cultures. His work has taken him to Africa, India, SE Asia, Europe and the USA. His work has been recommended in BBC Good Food magazine, Sainsbury’s magazine, The Guardian, The Times, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, etc. He is a member of the Society for Ethnobotany and the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Robin talks on: Find out more about what Robin does at eatweeds.co.uk Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

“If something is irreparably defective, either because it's adulterated intentionally or accidentally contaminated, then it should be removed from the supply chain. ” With 50 years of diverse experience as an herbal advocate, consultant, educator, researcher, writer, and advisor, Mark Blumenthal has an extensive comprehensive background in herbs and medicinal plants. Mark is the Founder and Executive Director of the American Botanical Council (ABC). An independent, nonprofit organisation, ABC is dedicated to disseminating accurate, reliable, and responsible information on herbs and medicinal plants. Mark is the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of HerbalGram, an international peer-reviewed quarterly journal, the contents of which reflect the educational goals of ABC. He is also Founder and Director of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program, a consortium of nonprofit organisations that researches and educates industry members and other stakeholders on the adulteration of botanical raw materials, extracts, and essential oils in the global supply network. His commitment to rigorous research and evidence-based information has helped bridge the gap between traditional herbal knowledge and modern science. In addition to his advocacy and educational efforts, Mark Blumenthal has been championing quality control and standardisation in the herbal industry. Mark talks on: HerbalGram Find out more about the American Botanical Council and its journal HerbalGram at https://www.herbalgram.org/ Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

“Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under 50” Phil’s route to herbal practice has encompassed work as a doctor in hospitals, primary care and unscheduled care settings. Although he now identifies as a herbalist, his experiences in conventional healthcare have equipped him to reference a number of perspectives when supporting people with their health and wellbeing as a herbal practitioner. Phil has presented guidance and created resources for herbalists and students on possible approaches to men's health issues - both in terms of physiological wellbeing and through the lens of perceived masculinities and their impacts on men's mental health and help-seeking behaviours. More recently, his career development has focussed on some work around equality, diversity, and inclusion, emphasising LGBTQ+ issues. Currently, Phil works in Sheffield where he lives with his husband and a small white mischievous cat. In this episode, Phil chats with Simon about why he transitioned from a GP to a herbalist and how herbalism is the best environment to tackle men’s health issues. Phil talks on: You can reach Phil via email at herbdoctorphil@gmail.com Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

“Keeping our blood sugar within limits and eating slow-releasing food is absolutely fundamental to inflammatory disease” Alex is a practising medical herbalist and phytotherapist with more than 20 years of experience. She runs the UK's first herbal clinic in hospital dermatology at Whipps Cross University Hospital, where she is tutor-practitioner to BSc herbal students. She also practises at Breast Cancer Haven and privately. She is a council member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP), and formerly of the Aromatherapy Organisations Council. She has published clinical research and is a visiting lecturer to universities including Westminster, East London, Hertfordshire and the Royal Free Medical School. She is a founding director of the charity, Living Medicine, which teaches people how to use food and herbs in self-care, exchanging and updating knowledge from all cultures to feed into public health. Originally a TV producer, she then worked as an aromatherapist for staff at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, with drug users and those with HIV while training as a medical herbalist. Alex’s driving passion is discovering how life is designed at all levels – reconnecting to each other, our rhythms, food and nature to follow our design are key to resilience. Alex has built impressive research around the powerful impact of herbalism in dermatology. Whilst supporting community and cultural sensitivities at Whipps Cross, Alex has shown that a personalised approach can really make a difference even with the most complex of skin conditions. In her chat with Simon, we learn about several lightbulb moments that have taken Alex on a journey of discovery and why she is so passionate about the role of nutrition when it comes to improving our health. Alex talks on: Find out more about Living Medicine on their website, www.livingmedicine.org or contact Alex on alex.laird@livingmedicine.org Grab a copy of Alex’s book Root to Stem: a seasonal guide to natural remedies and recipes for everyday life (Penguin 2019) at https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/311757/root-to-stem-by-laird-alex/9780241371213 Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Chanchal is a medical herbalist and has been in clinical practice for 35 years with a specialty in holistic oncology. She is the author of Fibromyalgia: A Journey towards Healing and her latest book Holistic Cancer Care: An Herbal Approach to Preventing Cancer, Helping Patients Thrive during Treatment, and Minimizing the Risk of Recurrence, which launches in April 2023. She held the faculty chair in Botanical Medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster 2004-2016. She serves on the board of advisors of Dominion Herbal College in Burnaby, on the editorial board of Medical Herbalism clinical newsletter and she publishes widely in professional journals and lectures internationally on medical herbalism, nutrition and health. Chanchal is also a certified Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) practitioner, a certified Master Gardener and a certified Horticulture Therapist. Chanchal lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia where she and her husband manage Innisfree Farm and Botanic Garden, a 7 acre internationally registered botanic garden specializing in food and medicine plants, and where they host apprenticeships in sustainable food production and herbal medicine. The farm also hosts Gardens without Borders, a federally registered not-for-profit society established to run the botanic garden and provide horticulture therapy. In this discussion, Chanchal offers a glimpse into some of the strategies she adopts when treating patients in clinic, using herb-based and horticulture therapies in conjunction with conventional treatments. Drawing from decades of clinical experience helping patients recover from cancer, Chanchal offers insight into her processes and what she recommends to other practitioners in her mentor role. Chanchal talks on: You can order Chanchal’s book Holistic Cancer Care: A Herbal Approach to Preventing Cancer, Helping Patients Thrive During Treatment, and Minimizing the Risk of Recurrence from her website: https://chanchalcabrera.com/product/holistic-cancer-care/ Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Todd Caldecott is a Medical Herbalist and practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine, who has been in private practice since 1995. He is the Executive Director of the Dogwood School of Botanical Medicine and author/editor of three books including Ayurveda: The Divine Science of Life, Food As Medicine: The Theory and Practice of Food, and Ayurveda In Nepal. Todd is a creator and/or contributor to Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine (Introduction & Materia Medica), Applied Phytotherapeutics (1 & 2), History of Herbal Medicine, Essentials of Pathology, Western Materia Medica (1 & 2) with Wild Rose College. Todd began training as a clinician in herbal medicine in 1992 during a search to resolve a chronic digestive disorder acquired while travelling in India. After meeting Ayurvedic physician Dr T. Sukumaran who helped him resolve his condition, Todd took a career change to train as a medical herbalist. He studied Ayurveda in India, and later became the Clinical Director of Wild Rose College of Natural Healing and published a textbook in Ayurveda. He has been in clinical practice since 1995. Todd has been in mentorship since 2004 with Vaidya Madhu Bajra Bajracharya, Piyushabarshi Aushadhalaya, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Vaidya Madhu represents an unbroken lineage of hereditary physicians since the 13th century CE. With mental health issues on the rise, Todd highlights some of the contributing factors to this such as the disconnection from people and communities, the impact of trauma and the pace of life itself. He shares his thoughts on treating anxiety and depression whilst being guided by Ayurdevic principles and practices to better understand what is happening to us. Todd talks on: Todd is the Executive Director for The Dogwood School of Botanical Medicine. To find out more about its learning programs visit the website: https://dogwoodbotanical.com/ Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Since 1979, Josef has worked at all levels within the medicinal plant sector; organic farming and wild collection, production of extracts, manufacturing of finished herbal medicinal products, TCM clinic, standards-setting (quality and sustainability), and consulting governmental- and intergovernmental organizations in sustainable development and biodiversity conservation projects in Africa, Asia, and South America. From 2002 to 2016, he served as International Consultant on Market Intelligence for Medicinal Plants at the International Trade Centre, the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations; 2004-2008 as a member of the International Standard for the Sustainable Wild Collection of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (ISSC-MAP) Steering Group; and 2008-2021 as a member of the Board of Trustees of the FairWild Foundation, a standards-setting organization for sustainable wild collection of medicinal plants. He currently serves as Research Fellow for Medicinal Plants and Botanical Supply Chain at Traditional Medicinals (Sebastopol, California). He is an elected member of the United States Pharmacopoeia Botanical Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicines Expert Committee. At the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, he advises on commercial sources & handling and international regulatory status. He also serves as an Advisory Board member of the American Botanical Council and an Advisory Group member of ABC’s Sustainable Herbs Program. In 2016, he received a Doctor of Humane Letters in Healing and Sustainability honoris causa from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and California Institute of Integral Studies. In this episode, Josef paints a challenging picture of how the climate crisis is impacting herbal medicine. From insights on quality and sustainability to farming challenges, this discussion highlights why ecological and socially responsible herbs are so important. Joseph talks on: You can read more about Josef’s research in the following papers: Applequist WL, Brinckmann JA, Cunningham AB, Hart RE, Heinrich M, Katerere DR & van Andel T. Scientists ʼ Warning on Climate Change and Medicinal Plants. Planta Medica, 2020; 86(01): 10-18. Available at: https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-1041-3406 Brinckmann JA, Cunningham AB, Harter DEV. Running out of time to smell the roseroots: Reviewing threats and trade in wild Rhodiola rosea L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2021;269: 113710, Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874120335984 Brinckmann JA. 2022. How climate change is affecting medicinal plants: A phenological, physiological and phytochemical analysis. Herbal Reality. 16 May 2022. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herbalism/sustainability-social-welfare/climate-change-medicinal-plants-analysis/ Brinckmann JA, Kathe W, Berkhoudt K, Harter DEV, Schippmann U. 2022. A New...

Christine Herbert FAMH, DipAET, BA(Hons) qualified as a herbalist in 1997 and has been practising and learning herbal medicine ever since. During the years of her practice, she added many skills, including nutrition, aromatic medicine and flower essence therapy, in order to be best able to help the many people who came to see her. She retired from practice in 2019 so that she could teach and write using all the knowledge she had acquired. She served on the Association of Master Herbalists council for several years and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship on retirement. Previous to 1997, she worked as a senior biomedical scientist for nineteen years for the NHS. Inflammation, the source of chronic disease: How to treat it with herbs and natural healing was published by Aeon Books earlier this year. After 20 years working in pathology and haematology, Christine’s enlightenment into the world of herbal medicine has led her on a journey to discovering the importance of diet in our health. She shares her wisdom on how various can herbs work with the body to reduce the inflammation that triggers chronic illnesses. Her positive outlook inspires hope for everybody that almost every health ailment can be improved. Christine talks on: You can read Christine’s article on Inflammation on the Herbal Reality website here: https://www.herbalreality.com/health-lifestyle/immunity/inflammation-global-epidemic/ Grab a copy of Christine’s book Inflammation, the source of chronic disease: How to treat it with herbs and natural healing from Aeon Books here: https://www.aeonbooks.co.uk/author/christine-herbert/23567/ Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Since his initial training in chemistry and medical pharmacology, Nathaniel Hughes has pursued the question; how much can we learn from plants directly? He has spent over 20 years exploring the spiritual, somatic, relational, trauma-informed and process-oriented aspects of healing. His robust way of working with herbs now has its foundations in the spiritual, where he strives to create bridges between experience, the spiritual and the physical. This perspective helped birth Insight Herbalism, a professional training course delivered at his school, The School of Intuitive Herbalism, which has been offering courses in Herbalism for over 10 years. Nathaniel has also written two well-received books Intuitive Herbalism and Weeds In The Heart. He is currently committed to developing professional training for natural empaths; developing his ability to learn from plants alongside their skills in supporting fellow humans. This episode delivers an introduction to the concept of intuitive herbalism where Nathaniel encourages us to think outside of conceptual medical frameworks to focus on relational and experiential perspectives. Nathaniel talks on: Discover more about The School of Intuitive Health and pick up a copy of Nathaniel’s book Weeds In The Heart from his website. https://www.schoolofintuitiveherbalism.weedsintheheart.org.uk/ Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Sebastian and Simon reflect on Season 1 of Herbcast and discuss their enjoyment of speaking to thought leaders across the herbal medicine community. They introduce the solutions-focused Series 2 which aims to focus on some of the most important conditions affecting the modern world today that herbalists are treating in clinic. From digestion and inflammation to sleep, anxiety and trauma the series will focus on the fundamentals of health as well as highlight sustainability issues faced by the industry. Now if your time to catch up on any missed episodes from Season 1 and if you haven’t already, sign-up for the Herbal Reality newsletter at www.herbalreality.com Keep up to date on the latest news and find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

An internationally respected practitioner, author, and educator in the field of Chinese medicine, Charles Buck was amongst the first to practice and teach CHM in Europe. Having been awarded a BSc in medical Physiology from Bristol University Medical School, Charles then took a 3-year degree in acupuncture and began practising CHM in 1984, He was invited to be course leader for the UK's 1st College-based CHM course in York in 1994 and honoured with an RCHM Fellowship in 1998 for contributions to CHM education. Charles is a Fellow of the British Acupuncture Council where he served a 3-year term as Chairman. He regularly presents keynote sessions to conferences across the world and has published extensively. From strategically defeating the battles of war to fighting on the battlefield of health, Charlie eloquently explains some of the theories within Chinese medicine so that we may begin to understand its rational and unique strategic approach. Charlie talks on: Read Charlie’s article Sweet ‘n’ Sour: The importance of taste and food energetics in Traditional Chinese medicine on the Herbal Reality website here: https://www.herbalreality.com/herbalism/chinese-herbal-medicine/sweet-sour-importance-taste-food-energetics-traditional-chinese-medicine/ Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Bevin Clare is a herbalist, nutritionist, mother and Professor and Program Director of the Master’s of Science in Clinical Herbal Medicine at the Maryland University of Integrative Health. She holds a MSc in Infectious Disease from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and has studied herbal medicine around the world to blend her knowledge of traditional uses of plants with modern science and contemporary healthcare strategies as a consultant and educator. She serves as an adjunct Assistant Professor at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Northeast College of Health Sciences. Bevin is the President of the American Herbalists Guild, the largest body of professional clinical herbalists in the US and is a board member of the United Plant Savers, a group working to protect at-risk medicinal plants in North America. She travels the world with her two kids in tow, tasting spices, exploring markets and wandering the countryside. Bevin discusses her focus shift from herbalism to the herbalists, ensuring they are supported and their skills valued. She speaks about how her early study of infectious diseases highlighted the need to treat the human experience and why not being permitted to diagnose or treat diseases in America is so liberating. Simon and Bevin reminisce on their shared time at MUIH and celebrate the unique aspects, such as bio-regionalism and cultural nuances, that make herbalism so fascinating. Bevin talks on: Explore Bevin’s musing on a variety of Clinical Herbalism topics, including infectious disease, at www.bevinclare.com Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Euan MacLennan is a Medical Herbalist who practices in an NHS General Practice in Central London. He teaches pathology, clinical medicine, and differential diagnosis to undergraduates in various medical disciplines and is conducting a clinical doctorate in gastrointestinal medicine at the University of Bath. Euan is also an editor for an Elsevier medical journal, the Journal of Herbal Medicine. Practicing in one of the only GP practices in the country that offers herbal medicine as a service, Euan shares his insight into the benefits of an integrated health approach. A firm believer in giving people freedom of choice when it comes to individual healthcare options, Euan shares his thoughts on why a lack of funding in preventative health alongside impersonal treatment and public demand could be the driver towards more integration with state healthcare in the future. Euan talks on: Find a reliable and reputable herbal practitioner via The College of Practicing Phytotherapists (CPP) at https://thecpp.uk/find-your-local-herbalist/ or National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) at https://nimh.org.uk/find-a-herbalist/ Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Roy Upton is the founder, president, and editor of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP). He has been working and practising professionally as a herbalist since 1981, and he trained in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Western herbal medicine and has also studied and worked extensively with Native American and Caribbean ethnobotanical traditions. As an integral part of his work as a herbalist, he spends a great deal of time defending the rights of consumers to access herbal medicines and to see herbal medicine integrated into the fabric of both our homes and health care systems. In this episode Roy shines a light on the serious issue of how we access our plants for herbal medicine. He explains how the work of the AHP focuses on protecting traditional herbal knowledge and ensures the safety of its use by practitioners, raising the bar for herbalists and helping to reduce fear for consumers. Roy talks on: Find out more about the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and its botanical identification services at https://herbal-ahp.org/ Read some of Roy’s insightful articles on the Herbal Reality website at https://www.herbalreality.com/insights/ Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Professor Kerry Bone is the co-founder and innovation driver at MediHerb, a herbal supply company, where he serves as Director of Research and Development. In 2016 MediHerb was awarded the American Botanical Council’s (ABC’s) Varro E. Tyler Award for excellence in Phytomedicinal Research. Kerry is Principal of the Australian College of Phytotherapy and also Adjunct Professor at New York Chiropractic College, providing input into their postgraduate applied nutrition program. He also founded the successful Masters of Health Science (Herbal Medicine) course at the University of New England in 2004, and served there as Associate Professor from 2004 to 2012. He has also written or co-written several popular textbooks on botanical medicine, including his latest with Herbal Reality host Simon Mills, Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy, which was awarded the 2013 James A. Duke Excellence in Botanical Literature Award by the ABC. This rich and in-depth conversation showcases the importance of phytotherapy within herbalism, a science-based medical practice which relies on an empirical appreciation of medicinal herbs, linking back to traditional knowledge and practice. A pioneer, who has dedicated his career to the research and development of herbs, it’s widely believed by those in the industry that no one can eclipse Kerry in his herbal expertise. Kerry talks on: Discover more about Kerry Bone and his books at www.millsandboneacademy.com Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

"I see herbs as the bridge between foods and medicine." Joanna Webber is a fully qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner with a BSc in Ayurveda as well as a Hatha Yoga teacher. She loves to weave the two sister sciences together to support a more integrated approach to health. She lives in Somerset and spends all her spare time growing, foraging, and cooking local, sustainable food and herbs. She is the founder of the Ayurvedic Yogi clinic and co-founder of The Ayurveda Academy, offering practical and engaging courses combining Ayurveda’s ancient wisdom with modern insights on how to live well. Jo’s passion for Ayurveda practices and teaching shines through as she discusses her Ayurvedic journey. As a yoga teacher battling personal health issues, she became enlightened following a profound pulse-reading experience that lead her down the herbalism path. With a post-graduate Certificate in Education, she feels strongly about making diet, lifestyle, and herbal advice more readily available, so people of all ages can make informed and empowered choices for themselves. Now Jo shares her passion via teachings to make learning Ayurvedic practice simple, accessible, and powerful. Jo talks on: Follow Jo’s daily exploits on how to live an Ayurvedic lifestyle on Instagram @joannawebber.ayurveda Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Having completed a Permaculture Design course in 1997 and her diploma in 2000, Helen Kearney went on to teach Permaculture courses and helped establish LEEP (Langford Environmental Education Project). She completed her herbal medicine training in 2012 whilst working as a Forest School Practitioner. She lives at Elder Farm, a 5-acre organic off-grid herb farm, and currently helps to run The Betonica School of Herbal medicine, a community interest company founded in 2016. Reminiscing on the moments in her life that connected and drew her to herbalism, Helen discusses the beginnings of Betonica and how it aimed to make the studying of herbalism more accessible. She lifts the lid to explain what’s involved in the rigorous training of Herbalism, how the learning can awaken the senses, and why servicing the community plays an integral part. Helen talks on: Discover more about The Betonica School of Herbal medicine and book in with its community clinic on the website at https://www.betonica.co.uk/ Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com