Join hosts AC and Isaac Hill on the Plant Cunning Podcast as they dive deep into the world of Ayurveda with Gananathamritananda Swamiji, an Ayurvedic practitioner, astrologer, and pujari based in Virginia who you can find at SOMA MATHA SPIRITUAL CENTER - Home. Discover the complexities of sourcing Ayurvedic herbs, building a Hindu temple in rural Virginia, and the impact of the Flexner Report on modern medicine. Swamiji shares his personal journey to becoming a Swami, the daily life of an Ayurvedic healer, and practical insights into using local herbs sustainably. This episode also features an enlightening discussion on the spiritual path and a beautiful prayer from the Vedas. Don't miss this fascinating conversation that bridges ancient wisdom and modern challenges.

00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast

00:35 Meet Swamiji: Ayurvedic Practitioner and Astrologer

04:47 Challenges in Herbalism and Ayurveda

08:49 Swamiji's Journey into Ayurveda

11:31 Ayurvedic Practices and Spiritual Healing

19:56 The Importance of Traditional Knowledge in Herbalism

27:37 Western vs. Ayurvedic Herbalism

32:51 The Ego's Role in Illness

34:47 Ayurvedic Herbs and Sustainability

42:07 Challenges in Building a Temple

47:57 The Spiritual Path and Self-Realization

52:19 The Shift from Herbal to Pharmaceutical Medicine

01:00:11 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer