Thomas J. Elpel is the director of Green University LLC in Montana. He is the author of nine books, including Botany in a Day and Foraging the Mountain West, plus the Shanleya’s Quest I & II books and games that teach plant family patterns to children. He has also written books on wilderness survival, alternative construction, green economics, and consciousness.

Thomas and Jiling discuss the patterns method of plant identification, “deer botany,” some of the plant families found in Botany in a Day, Thomas’ canoeing adventures, writing process, and more!

Visit Thomas Elpel at:

🌿Green University® LLC

📰 HOPS Press LLC

🪻Wildflowers-and-Weeds.com

Join this year’s Botany and Foraging Intensive from June 29 - July 12, 2025! 

🎥 Some videos of Thomas’ past adventures with his classes:

Botany and Foraging Intensive: Hands-on experience with Botany in a Day

Botany & Foraging Intensive Oregon Adventure with Botany in a Day and Green University LLC

Botany & Foraging Intensive - Idaho Adventure: Harvesting Wild Foods and Feral Fruits

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🪷Jiling Lin is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) and herbalist in Ventura, CA. A clinician and teacher, Jiling is also a passionate traveler, artist, and adventurer. Visit Jiling at JilingLin.com— and get her free Nourishing Life (養生) template and Five Phases (五行) outline. Visit Jiling at JilingLin.com and join her newsletter for seasonal beauty.

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Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

This week on Everything You Didn’t Know About Herbalism, we are joined by the renowned Western herbalist, educator, and author, Matthew Wood. Tune in with the founder of Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism (MWIH) and Thomas as they explore how language not only forms the way we speak but also the way we think, why we should acknowledge all plants and animals as fellow citizens of our environment, and they many ways herbs can influence the body, mind, and emotions.

As always, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure and are honored to have you tag along with us on this ride. Remember, we want to hear from you! Your questions, ideas, and who you want to hear from are invaluable to our podcast. Email us at [email protected] to let us know what solutions we should uncover next within the vast world of herbalism.

Learn more about Matthew below! ⬇️

🌲Matthew Wood has been a practicing herbalist for over forty years. He is an internationally known teacher and author with more than ten books to his credit, including The Book of Herbal Wisdom, The Earthwise Herbals, Holistic Medicine and the Extracellular Matrix, and A Shamanic Herbal. Matthew has an MSc in herbal medicine from the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine (accredited, U. of Wales). Located in Minnesota, Matthew is also the founder of the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism, which offers a specially curated collection of Matthew’s own teachings, as well as those of herbal specialist co-teachers, to create a program for students to enjoy, cherish, and carry the herbal legacy into future generations with confidence and honor. Matthew currently resides in the Midwest.

Peruse the full collection of Matthew’s book offerings!

📓 Matthew Wood's Books 📓

Looking for hands-on herbalism education? Check out the MWIH Class Calendar!

🌿 Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism |  In-Person Herbal Classes 🌿

Want a FREE array of articles and resources? Read the MWIH Blog

🌼 Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism | Herbal Medicine Blog 🌼

Join our community!Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbswww.mountainroseherbs.com

This week on Everything You Didn’t Know About Herbalism, we are joined by the profoundly talented and prominent Native American gallerist, documentary filmmaker, writer, and passionate entrepreneur, Ruth-Ann Thorn. As a member of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Mission Indians, Ruth-Ann joins us for a conversation surrounding why cultural representation and awareness for Native American peoples is crucial throughout every industry and community—whether that be art, filmmaking, wellness, herbalism, and everything in-between.

As always, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure and are honored to have you tag along with us on this ride. Remember, we want to hear from you! Your questions, ideas, and who you want to hear from are invaluable to our podcast. Email us at [email protected] to let us know what solutions we should uncover next within the vast world of herbalism. 

“Just because we can’t speak the language of water, does not mean that water does not have a language.” – Ruth-Ann Thorn 

Learn more about Ruth-Ann below! ⬇

🌼 Ruth-Ann Thorn, an enrolled tribal member of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Mission Indians, is a prominent figure in the global art industry with a diverse range of expertise spanning over three decades. In 1995, she established Exclusive Collections Galleries to cater to private collectors, institutions, and corporations. Over the years, EC Galleries blossomed into multiple locations in San Diego, Beverly Hills, Laguna Beach, Ceasars Forum Shops in Las Vegas, NV, and Breckenridge, CO.

Furthering her commitment to supporting artists, in 2000 she founded Crown Thorn Publishing, a full-service company offering artists assistance in PR, sales and marketing, curation, and exhibition planning. Ruth-Ann Thorn also extends her influence as a key adviser and consultant to Indian Country. Her consultancy firm, EC Art Services, specializes in curating art for a range of spaces such as hotel expansions, government centers, health care facilities, and casinos, always with a keen awareness of cultural relevance.

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Ruth-Ann Thorn is a seasoned documentary filmmaker, director, producer, and host. Her notable works include Art of the City, a 12-episode series aired on FNX and PBS from 2018 to 2023, and THIS IS INDIAN COUNTRY, a groundbreaking travel show that sheds light on the narratives of modern-day Native Americans, set to be broadcasted in 2024 on FNX (First Nations Experience), PBS affiliates, and globally distributed by ASD (Animiki See Distribution).

From 2004 to 2012, she held the position of Editor-in-Chief at Off the Easel Magazine and additionally contributed as a writer for Art Business News. Ruth-Ann Thorn is also recognized as the co-founder of Imprint Registry, a technological platform that serves as a highly secure global art registry, providing artists, sellers, and buyers with a permanent title certificate and a detailed record of authenticity, provenance, and ownership.

In 2022, demonstrating her innovative spirit, she founded N8iV Beauty, a pioneering skincare brand formulated by a Native woman and infused with acorn oil sourced from tribal land. Ruth-Ann Thorn’s multifaceted contributions to the art industry and her steadfast dedication to promoting cultural awareness exemplify her as a visionary leader.

Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

Rosemary Gladstar has been practicing, living, learning, teaching and writing about herbs for over 50 years. She is the author of twelve books including Medicinal Herbs; a Beginners Guide, Herbal Healing for Women, Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Well Being and her most recent book, The Generosity of Plants. She is also the author and director of the popular home study course, The Science and Art of Herbalism. Rosemary co-founded and was the former director of both The International Herb Symposium and The New England Women’s Herbal Conference, is the Founding President of United Plant Savers, and was the co-founder and original formulator of Traditional Medicinal Tea Company. She recently moved from her home at Sage Mountain— an Herbal Retreat Center and Botanical Sanctuary where she has lived, taught and worked for the past 30 years— to a smaller haven where she plans to plant a small garden, dream more, do less, and spend more time with the plants.

Listen in as Rosemary and Jiling discuss some of the quotes and themes from The Generosity of Plants, including gathering, preserving, sharing, reverence for the Earth, honoring our elders, gardening, protecting, and on being an herbalist!

🌷Visit Rosemary Gladstar at www.scienceandartofherbalism.com and www.sagemountain.com

🌿 Check out The Generosity of Plants here! https://scienceandartofherbalism.com/product/the-generosity-of-plants/ 

🪷 Jiling Lin is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) and herbalist in Ventura, CA. A clinician and teacher, Jiling is also a passionate traveler, artist, and adventurer. Visit Jiling at JilingLin.com— and get her free Nourishing Life (養生) template and Five Phases (五行) outline. Visit Jiling at JilingLin.com and join her newsletter for seasonal beauty.

Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

This week on Everything You Didn’t Know About Herbalism, we are joined by the profoundly knowledgeable, multi-faceted herbal educator and author, Suzanne M. Tabert (a.k.a. The Queen Bee 🐝). Tune in as Thomas and Suzanne take a deep dive into the mindset behind the practice of self-reliant herbalism, how to translate your passions into a career, and how generosity from plants has a ripple effect on individuals and communities.

As always, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure and are honored to have you tag along with us on this ride. Remember, we want to hear from you! Your questions, ideas, and who you want to hear from are invaluable to our podcast. Email us at [email protected] to let us know what solutions we should uncover next within the vast world of herbalism.

Learn more about Suzanne and Cedar Mountain Herb School below! ⬇

🌻 With over 38 years of teaching experience, Suzanne M. Tabert is a highly respected bioregional herbalist, educator, speaker, and author, deeply committed to teaching sustainable herbal medicine practices. As the Director of Herbal Education at the Cedar Mountain Herb School, she offers both immersive in-person apprenticeship programs and accessible online resources, including a Herbal Materia Medica Monthly Subscription, recorded webinars, and eBooks, all focusing on in-depth herbal instruction, remedy making, and healthy lifestyles. Suzanne also brings 12 years of experience as an adjunct professor at Bastyr University, further enriching her expertise in botanical medicine. In addition to being a sought-after presenter at herbal conferences and a writer for several large publications, Suzanne is the author of Wild & Beautiful - An Encyclopedia For Naturally Healthy Skin and Quest for Calm - Using Herbs and Lifestyle Changes to Create Resilient Emotional Health. Suzanne has trained thousands in wildcrafting, phytochemistry, botanical medicine making, and holistic wellness. Her warmth and deep understanding of herbs, far beyond simple remedies, create an environment of community and connection for her students.

“The plants are always teaching us; all we need to learn is to open our senses to them.” - Suzanne Tabert

📲 Find Suzanne and Cedar Mountain Herb School on social media! 

Portfolio/Website: cedarmountainherbs.comQuick Links: cmhs.linkInstagram: @cedarmountainherbschoolTikTok: @cedarmountainherbschoolFacebook: @cedarmountainherbsYouTube: @cedarmountainherbschoolPinterest: @cedarmountainherbs

Looking to learn straight from the source? Check out some of Suzanne’s herbal education offerings!

📚 Materia Medica Monthly Subscription

Upcoming Apprenticeship Programs:

🌱 Botanical Primer Apprentice Program for Budding Herbalists 2025

🪻North Idaho Roots to Tips Herbal Apprenticeship Program 2025

Check out the article and yummy recipes Suzanne guest wrote for our blog!

🌿 What is Inulin and How it Supports Digestion + Herbal Recipes

Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

This week on Everything You Didn’t Know About Herbalism, we are welcoming back guest who joined us last autumn to share with us all about The Art & Impact of Seed Saving, Bevin Cohen!

For his second Herbal Radio adventure, Bevin and Thomas delve over the release of his newest book, Herbs in Every Season—an enthralling must-have read for any gardener, farmer, homesteader, herbalist, and all who fall between. Brimming with detailed plant profiles, simple yet practical recipes and remedies, and invaluable insights on how to practice herbalism in alignment with the seasons; Herbs in Every Season offers wisdom to anyone looking to build their connection with Mother Earth.

As always, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure and are honored to have you tag along with us on this ride. Remember, we want to hear from you! Your questions, ideas, and who you want to hear from are invaluable to our podcast. Email us at [email protected] to let us know what solutions we should uncover next within the vast world of herbalism.

Learn more about Bevin and Small House Farm below! ⬇

🌾 Bevin Cohen is an award winning author, owner of Small House Farm and host of the popular podcast, Seeds & Weeds. Bevin offers workshops and lectures across the country on the benefits of living closer to the land through seeds, herbs, and locally grown food. He is a food and garden writer whose work has appeared in many national publications and he's the author of more than ten books, including The Artisan Herbalist and his latest, Herbs in Every Season.

📚 Check out all of Bevin’s books HERE!

📖 Get your hands on a copy of Bevin’s brand new book, Herbs in Every Season

🎙️ Tune in to Bevin’s very own popular podcast, Seeds & Weeds

🌾 Learn more about the mission of Small House Farm HERE!

📲 Join the Small House Farm family on Patreon HERE!

👨🏽‍🌾 Find Bevin and Small House Farm on social media!

• Instagram - @small_house_farm
• Facebook - @Small House
• YouTube - @Small House Farm

Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

This week on Everything You Didn’t Know About Herbalism, we are joined by our good friend and mastermind mixologist of the musical realm, Kevin Cole. Join Thomas and Kevin for a sometimes (mostly) silly, sometimes serious conversation surrounding their shared profound love for music and the surprising connections between two unassuming entities—music and tea!

As always, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure and are honored to have you tag along with us on this ride. Remember, we want to hear from you! Your questions, ideas, and who you want to hear from are an invaluable piece to our podcast. Send us an email at [email protected] to let us know what solutions we should uncover within the vast world of herbalism next.

Learn more about Kevin below! ⬇

🎙️ Kevin Cole is a renowned DJ and host at KEXP, a Seattle-based community radio station. With a deep passion for diverse musical genres, he has been a prominent figure in the music scene for years, bringing his eclectic taste and insightful commentary to his shows. Cole’s ability to blend alternative, indie, and experimental sounds has earned him a loyal following. Outside of music, Kevin is also a lover of green tea, often incorporating it into his daily routine as a moment of calm and reflection.

🌿 Find Kevin on social media!

Instagram — @djkevincole

Facebook — @Kevin Cole

📻 Tune in to KEXP with us!

🎧 Listen to Kevin's streaming archives on KEXP!

Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

This week on Everything You Didn’t Know About Herbalism, we are featuring the esteemed herbalist, fellow podcaster, and self-proclaimed tree hugger, Mel Mutterspaugh. Join Thomas and Mel for a fun-loving conversation surrounding Mel’s long held dream for every family to have a well-equipped herbal apothecary in their homes and her passion for teaching children how establishing relationships with plants can help us connect with the natural world.

As always, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure and are honored to have you tag along with us on this ride. Remember, we want to hear from you! Your questions, ideas, and who you want to hear from are an invaluable piece to our podcast. Send us an email at [email protected] to let us know what solutions we should uncover within the vast world of herbalism next.

Learn more about Mel below! ⬇

⛰️Mel Mutterspaugh is a clinical herbalist, environmental educator, mother, wilderness therapist, and host of The Herbalist’s Path podcast. Mel has studied plant medicine for well over 20 years and lives in the foothills of Mount Hood, Oregon with her family and fur babies. Mel is super passionate about teaching mommas to use plants as medicine in safe and effective ways so that there can be an herbalist in every home—AGAIN! Mel is all about inspiring you to take better care of our planet, through taking better care of yourself & your family.

🏡 Looking to kickstart your very own home apothecary? Check out Mel's program offerings!

🎙️ Want to hear more from Mel? Check out Mel's blogcast, The Herbalist's Path!

Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

This week on Everything You Didn’t Know About Herbalism, we are resharing an excerpt from our 2021 Virtual Spring Free Herbalism Project. The Mountain Rose Free Herbalism Project is an interactive community event with lectures from expert herbalists, music, and community--all free of charge! This is one of the ways in which Mountain Rose Herbs hopes to give back to herbalists and our local community. We hope you enjoy tuning in to Lucretia VanDyke’s presentation on Women of Color Herbalists of the South.

As always, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure and are honored to have you tag along with us on this ride. Remember, we want to hear from you! Your questions, ideas, and who you want to hear from are an invaluable piece to our podcast. Send us an email at [email protected] to let us know what solutions we should uncover within the vast world of herbalism next.

Women of Color Herbalists of the South, with Lucretia VanDyke

Throughout history people of color have played important roles in the world of healthcare. From the granny midwife, herbalist, abolitionist, from our food for the soul to the medicine women who united communities. Join Lucretia in speaking their names to understand their journey and the importance of their contribution to the world of the healing arts.

🌻 Lucretia VanDyke began her journey through herbalism as a little girl mixing herbs, clays, and muds on her grandparent’s farm. Now, with over 20 years of herbalism under her belt, Lucretia proudly stands as an author, holistic educator, speaker, herbalist, ceremonialist, spiritual light coach, intuitive energetic reiki practitioner, diviner, storyteller, artist, and world traveler. Lucretia has accumulated over 3,000 hours of training where she studied with Indigenous healers and some of the greatest minds of our time. Lucretia has been a holistic esthetician & healing arts practitioner for over a decade, focusing on integrating Indigenous healing rituals, plant spirit medicine, and meditation into modern-day practice. Lucretia brings her vivacious spirit and message of self-love in her work to inspire others to embrace their unique beauty and purpose. Her work with herbs and sacred practices honor women's wholeness through grief work, sexual trauma, ancestor connection, womb healing, self-empowerment, food alchemy, and holistic skincare. Lucretia is also the author of African American Herbalism, which takes readers through a unique lens of the origins of herbal practices rooted in African American tradition—from its beginnings in ancient Egypt to modern day America.

***You may notice in this episode that Lucretia mentions she is currently working on publishing her book. If we fast forward a bit since when this recording took place—Lucretia’s book, African American Herbalism, has been a successful publication since 2022!

🌿 You can read Lucretia's blog post "Living in the Legacy of African American Healers" here!

🌿 Check out the full recording of our 2021 Spring Free Herbalism Project on YouTube!

🌸 Missed the 2025 Virtual Free Herbalism Project hosted last Friday? Never fear!

You can sign-up here to receive the recording via email!

Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com

This week on Tea Talks with Jiling, we are joined by the author, naturalist, and former pro-boxer, Vanessa Chakour. Vanessa fosters intimacy with inner and outer wilds through writing, herbalism, martial arts, and land stewardship. She is the author of Awakening Artemis, a memoir told through the lens of 24 medicinal plants, and Earthly Bodies: Embracing Animal Nature, which delves into the parallels between human struggles and the experiences of our wild neighbors, offering insights on self-discovery and coexistence. She lives in Western Massachusetts where she collaborates with her local ecosystem and is a devoted student of nature.

Tune in a Jiling and Vanessa discuss:

• Vanessa’s writing process
• Initiatory plants
• Parallels between humans and animals
• Species interdependence

🪻 Visit Vanessa Chakour on her website! - www.vanessachakour.com

🌿 Check out Vanessa on Substack! - https://vanessachakour.substack.com/

📚 Get your hands on a copy of Vanessa's books! ⬇️

 📗 Earthly Bodies: Embracing Animal Nature

📘 Awakening Artemis: Deepening Intimacy with the Living Earth & Reclaiming Our Wild Nature 

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Jiling Lin is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) and herbalist in Ventura, CA. A clinician and teacher, Jiling is also a passionate traveler, artist, and adventurer. Visit Jiling at JilingLin.com— and get her free Nourishing Life (養生) template and Five Phases (五行) outline. Visit Jiling at JilingLin.com and join her newsletter for seasonal beauty.

~~~

Join our community! Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube Follow on Instagram Like on Facebook Follow on Pinterest Read the Mountain Rose Herbs blog Follow on TikTok Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world. Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com