Herbcast

Vitamin Ayurveda: The missing link in modern healthcare with Dr. Vijay Murthy

Sebastian welcomes Dr. Vijay Murthy, an Ayurvedic practitioner and naturopath, to explore the concept of ‘vitamin Ayurveda’ and its potential role as a vital missing link in contemporary healthcare. Dr. Murthy shares his insights on why an increasing number of individuals are turning to Ayurveda, despite the availability of conventional healthcare services in the UK.

This episode delves into the limitations of modern medicine in addressing chronic health issues and the importance of holistic wellbeing. Dr. Murthy emphasises that while medical advancements have extended life expectancy, they often fall short in enhancing the quality of life.

In this episode:

• The concept of "vitamin Ayurveda" and its relevance in modern healthcare.
• The interplay between genetics, habits, and environmental factors.
• How Ayurveda views health and disease development and the significance of preventative measures.
• The difference between managing chronic conditions and enhancing quality of life.
• Personalised health strategies and the role of lifestyle changes in preventing chronic conditions.
• Insights into the gut microbiome and its connection to Ayurvedic practices.
• The potential of Ayurvedic herbs as postbiotics and their impact on overall wellbeing.

About Dr. Vijay Murthy:

Dr. Vijay Murthy is a respected Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of experience in both complementary and conventional medicine. His unique approach combines the wisdom of Ayurveda with modern scientific insights, empowering individuals to achieve optimal health and wellbeing through sustainable lifestyle changes.

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Discover more about Ayurveda and its benefits by visiting herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2027 publications.

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Support our cause - Donate to Herbal Reality

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How can herbal medicine thrive in a conventional world with Dr Judith Thompson

Sebastian sits down with Dr. Judith Thompson, a Naturopathic doctor, herbalist, and educator at the American College of Healthcare Sciences. Together, they explore the rich intersection of herbal medicine and conventional healthcare, discussing the vital role herbs play in holistic health and the growing interest in natural remedies.

Judith shares her personal journey with herbal medicine, rooted in her South American heritage, and how it shapes her practice today. The conversation explores the contrast between naturopathy and herbalism, the importance of integrating herbal knowledge into modern medical practices, and the rising demand for evidence-based herbal solutions in a world increasingly focused on wellness.

Listen also for insights into the current state of herbal education in America, the challenges faced by herbalists, and the opportunities for collaboration between herbal practitioners and conventional medical professionals. Judith also highlights the significance of teaching students to think holistically about health and consider beyond just treating symptoms

In this episode:

• The role of naturopathic medicine in relation to herbalism.
• The rising interest in herbal medicine post-COVID.
• How cultural backgrounds influence herbal practices.
• The importance of holistic approaches in treating underlying health issues beyond just the symptoms.
• Opportunities for herbalists within the conventional healthcare framework.

About Dr Judith Thompson:

Dr. Thompson is a seasoned herbalist and naturopathic doctor having used herbs for herself, her family and with her patients and clients for over two decades. As a former midwife, she used them with newborn babies, children, and pregnant mothers. She is a published author having written numerous articles- for medical professionals and the public, natural health books- for new mothers and parents, and textbooks for university students. She has presented internationally on a variety of topics related to natural therapeutics from practical applications to cutting edge research at naturopathic medical conferences, conventional medical, pharmacy and physical therapy schools. She is the immediate past president of the Florida Naturopathic Physicians Association and was the Florida delegate for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Thompson has taught at universities since 2007 and is the current Dean of Herbal Medicine at the American College of Healthcare Sciences. She comes from a family tradition of using herbs.

Follow & Connect

Connect with Dr Judith Thompson on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judiththompsonnd/

And find out more about the American College of Healthcare Sciences: https://achs.edu/

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications.

We are asking for a contribution of £5 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.

Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Mentioned in this episode:

Support our cause - Donate to Herbal Reality

We are fundraising to continue our work!

Support our cause - Donate to Herbal Reality

We are fundraising to continue our work!

The Pros vs the Products: Do supplements work or should you just see a herbalist?

Sebastian speaks with Dr. Rob Verkerk, the founder and scientific director of the Alliance for Natural Health International. They explore the relationship between herbal supplements and traditional herbalism, discussing the efficacy of supplements and the importance of consulting with herbal practitioners.

Dr. Verkerk shares his extensive background in ecology and health, highlighting the need for better integration of herbal knowledge within modern healthcare.

This episode also covers the historical context of supplements, the potential gaps in modern diets, and the challenges surrounding the regulation and quality of herbal products.

In this episode:

- The definition and purpose of dietary supplements in contemporary health.

- Challenges in the regulation and quality control of herbal products.

- The importance of phytonutrients and dietary diversity in preventing chronic diseases.

- How traditional wisdom can inform modern healthcare practices.

- The critical role of herbal practitioners in supporting individual health journeys.

About Dr. Rob Verkerk:

Robert Verkerk is a leading scientist in the healthcare field and is the founder of the Alliance for Natural Health.

Robert is an internationally acclaimed scientist with over 25 years experience in the field of agricultural and healthcare sustainability, having worked in academia, industry and the not-for-profit sector. He has worked extensively in Africa, Asia, Australia, the Americas as well as Europe. After leaving Imperial College London in 2002, he founded the Alliance for Natural Health, which he has headed since.

Follow & Connect

Explore more about the Alliance for Natural Health: https://anhinternational.org/

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications.

We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.

Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

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Foraging for the truth: How is research changing the face of herbal medicine?

Sebastian Pole welcomes Dr. Merlin Wilcox, a primary research fellow at the Primary Care Research Centre at Southampton University, to discuss the intersection of herbal medicine and modern healthcare. With a rich background in medicine and a passion for herbal research, Merlin shares his journey from growing up with herbal remedies in his mother's garden to conducting pivotal research on traditional medicines in various countries.

The conversation delves into Merlin's experiences in Uganda and Madagascar, where he explored the efficacy of herbal treatments for malaria, and highlights the challenges faced in conducting clinical trials of herbal medicines in the UK due to stringent regulations.

Sebastian and Merline discuss the potential of herbs like Andrographis and Pelargonium in treating upper respiratory infections and the pressing issue of antibiotic resistance.

Merlin emphasises the importance of bridging the gap between traditional herbal practices and modern medical research, advocating for a collaborative approach that acknowledges the value of both systems.

As they explore the future of herbal medicine research, they touch on the need for patient advocacy and the role of the community in demanding more research and acceptance of herbal treatments.

In this episode:

• The significance of traditional herbal knowledge and its integration with modern medicine.
• Merlin's experiences in herbal medicine research across Africa.
• The challenges and potential of conducting herbal clinical trials in the UK.
• The role of herbal remedies in addressing antibiotic resistance.
• How patient advocacy can drive future research and acceptance of herbal medicine.

About Dr. Merlin Wilcox:

Dr. Merlin Wilcox is a primary research fellow at the Primary Care Research Centre at Southampton University, where he focuses on the intersection of herbal medicine and conventional healthcare. With a rich background in both clinical practice and research, he has dedicated his career to exploring the efficacy of herbal treatments and advocating for their integration into modern medical practices.

Follow & Connect

Follow / connect with 7Song: https://7song.com/ / @7songsevensong / https://www.facebook.com/sevensong.sevensong

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications.

We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.

Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

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Support our cause - Donate to Herbal Reality

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The cure in your kitchen cupboard: The top 10 healing spices everyone needs to know with Dr Rupy Aujla

Simon Mills welcomes Dr. Rupy Aujla, founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen to discuss the profound connection between food, herbs, and health. With an extensive background in conventional medicine, Dr. Rupy shares how his own experience with paroxysmal ​atrial ​fibrillation led him to explore the transformative power of nutrition and discover a passion for food as medicine.

This conversation explores the importance of a plant-forward diet, with a particular focus on protein, herbs and spices, discussing their roles in traditional cuisines and their health benefits.

In this episode:

• The impact of dietary choices on chronic health conditions.
• How traditional wisdom informs modern nutritional practices.
• The significance of cooking methods and ingredient combinations for optimal health (and a gift to pass down through generations)
• The role of the microbiome in processing nutrients and supporting overall wellness.
• Practical tips for incorporating more plants into your daily meals.

About Dr Rupy Aujla

Dr Rupy, MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, MSc is a London-based doctor, specialising in General

Practice and Emergency Medicine, a nutritionist and founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen.

He hosts The Doctor’s Kitchen podcast with over 20m downloads, YouTube channel

and Doctor’s Kitchen recipe app that helps over 10,000 people each week use

evidence-based food and lifestyle medicine to live healthier happier lives.

Dr Rupy’s life was changed after suffering a significant heart condition in 2009. After learning about nutritional medicine he was able to reverse his condition using a food and lifestyle approach. Influenced by the teachings of both ancient and modern medicine, underpinned by his own clinical experience, Dr Rupy creates recipes that optimise health. He is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has 5 cookbooks to his name as well as a Masters in Nutritional Medicine.

Dr Rupy founded Europe’s first non-profit Culinary Medicine programme for medical schools in 2017 that teaches undergraduates the foundations of nutritional medicine and how to cook.

Known for his BBC shows “Cooking in the Doctor’s Kitchen” as well as Channel 4’s Secrets of the Glucose Goddess with Jessie Inchauspé and Cook Clever Waste Less with Dame Prue Leith, Dr Rupy inspires audiences with easy, budget-friendly recipes that promote wellbeing. Regularly appearing on programs like This Morning and Saturday Kitchen, Dr. Rupy is on a mission to make healthy cooking accessible and enjoyable for all.

Follow & Connect

Follow / connect with Dr Rupy

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications.

We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.

Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

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Power to the people with community based health

In this episode of Herbcast, Simon Mills welcomes herbalist and educator 7Song for a chat about the intricacies of herbal medicine and the personal journey that shaped his path. From his early experiments with plants to his rich experiences in diverse ecosystems across North America, 7Song shares the lessons he has learned throughout his extensive career in herbalism.

The conversation delves into 7Song’s initial fascination with nature, the various herbal schools that influenced his practice, and the importance of community engagement in herbal medicine. Listen for insights into the practical applications of herbs in clinical settings, the significance of social justice in healthcare, and the evolving role of herbalists in society today.

In this episode:

• The pivotal moments that led 7Song to embrace herbalism as a lifelong vocation.
• Reflections on the differences in plant materia medica across various regions, including the deserts of New Mexico and the Appalachian Mountains.
• The importance of integrating herbal medicine with conventional healthcare and collaborating with other medical practitioners
• Insights into the Ithaca Free Clinic and the role of herbalists in providing accessible healthcare.
• 7Song’s vision for the future of herbal education and the development of an online herbal database.

About 7Song

7Song is a clinical herbalist, teacher, and naturalist. In 1981 he began studying plants and herbal medicine and has been engaged and fascinated by them ever since. He started the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine in 1992 where he has been the director and primary teacher. He is one of the founders and a clinical herbalist at the Ithaca Free Clinic, which is an integrated free clinic offering both conventional and holistic modalities.

7Song is a Russian Jew, originally from Long Island, NY, but has been in Ithaca, NY for over 30 years. Along with teaching and clinical work, he enjoys identifying and photographing plants and other critters.

Follow & Connect

Follow / connect with 7Song: https://7song.com/ / @7songsevensong / https://www.facebook.com/sevensong.sevensong

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications.

We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.

Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Mentioned in this episode:

Support our cause - Donate to Herbal Reality

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From Poison to Panacea: Exploring Herban Myths and Truths

In this episode of Herbcast, Sebastian Pole is joined by Dr. Dilis Clare, a GP and medical herbalist, who runs an apothecary in Galway and hosts her own podcast, The Herb Doctor Podcast.

This conversation takes a look at the myths surrounding herbal medicine, addressing misconceptions about safety, efficacy, placebo, and the role of herbs in modern healthcare.

Dr. Clare shares her insights on the disconnect between modern medicine and patient care, exploring how the medical system often prioritises disease over holistic health. She discusses the challenges herbal medicine faces in the current healthcare landscape, including overregulation and the marginalisation of herbal practitioners.

The episode also highlights the importance of integrating herbal medicine into primary care, the need for better education among medical professionals about herbs, and how herbalists can effectively communicate with GPs.

In this episode:

• Exploring the myths that all herbs are safe or merely placebos.
• The disconnect in modern medicine and how it affects patient care.
• Understanding the historical context of herbal medicine and its current challenges.
• Strategies for herbalists to engage with conventional healthcare systems.
• The potential for herbal medicine to play a central role in managing chronic diseases.

About Dr Dilis Clare

Dr Dílis Clare, BSc, MB, BCh, DRCOG, BSc(Herbal Medicine) trained in medicine at University College Medical School Dublin (ROI), and in Herbal Medicine at Middlesex University UK.

She is a leading authority on Herbal Medicine and has worked in Collaborative Medical Care since 1999, integrating the best of both pharmaceutical

and herbal medicine. She is an Honorary Clinical Fellow at the University College Medical School, Galway, Ireland.

She has published a herbal clinical case history and an article on the biphasic effects of Curcuminoids.

She has served on the accreditation board of the National Institute of Herbal Medicine (NIMH, UK).

Teaching integrated clinical skills for the Heartwood Professional Herbal Medicine course is a strong element of her current commitments.

She teaches herbal medicine students from a wide range of herbal medicine schools at her clinic in Galway.

She has a herbal clinic and apothecary that makes herbal medicines accessible to the public. She has developed a range of herbal food supplements and topical creams to regulatory specifications.

In late 2025 she coauthored a book titled Uprooted Medicine with researcher Dr Tim Morrissey, this is a Revealing History of Medicine that Restores Herbs to Patient-lead Care.

Follow & Connect

Connect with Dr Dilis: https://www.drclare.ie/ @drclareapothecary / www.facebook.com/drclareshop / X: @drdilisclare1

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications.

We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.

Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Mentioned in this episode:

Support our cause - Donate to Herbal Reality

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Sebastian welcomes renowned ethnographer, writer, and filmmaker Wade Davis to discuss the profound relationship between plants and cultures around the globe. With a wealth of experience as an Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society and a Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, Wade shares his unique insights into how traditional knowledge and modern herbal science can harmoniously coexist.

Wade takes us on a journey through his early experiences in anthropology, revealing how his fascination with plants evolved into a deep appreciation for the wisdom embedded within various cultures. He reflects on his adventures in the Amazon, where he learned that plants are not merely resources but vital gateways to understanding human existence and cultural identity.

Throughout the conversation, Wade emphasises the importance of viewing every culture as a unique answer to the question of what it means to be human.

In this episode:

• The significance of cultural relativism and the wisdom to be found in diverse traditions.
• Wade's transformative experiences in the Amazon and how they shaped his understanding of botany and culture.
• The vital role of herbalists in bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary health practices.
• The impact of colonial attitudes on the perception of herbal medicine and the demonisation of plants like coca.
• How embracing a deeper relationship with plants can foster respect for the natural world and promote sustainability.

About Wade Davis:

Wade Davis is a writer, photographer, and filmmaker whose work has taken him from the Amazon to Tibet, Africa to Australia, Polynesia to the Arctic. Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society from 2000 to 2013, he was Professor of Anthropology and the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk at the University of British Columbia until retiring in 2024. Davis holds degrees in anthropology and biology and received his Ph.D. in ethnobotany, all from Harvard University. His 23 books, published in 26 languages, include The Serpent and the Rainbow, One River, The Wayfinders and Into the Silence, winner of the 2012 Samuel Johnson prize, the top award for nonfiction in the English language. His many film credits include Light at the Edge of the World, an eight-hour documentary series written and produced for the NGS. One of 20 Honorary Members of the Explorers Club, Davis is the recipient of 12 honorary degrees, as well as the 2009 Gold Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the 2011 Explorers Medal, the 2012 David Fairchild Medal for botanical exploration, the 2015 Centennial Medal of Harvard University, the 2017 Roy Chapman Andrews Society’s Distinguished Explorer Award, the 2017 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration, and the 2018 Mungo Park Medal from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. In 2016, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada. In 2018 he became an Honorary Citizen of Colombia. His recent books include Magdalena: River of Dreams (2020) and Beneath the Surface of Things (2024).

Follow & Connect

Follow / connect with Wade: https://daviswade.com/ / @wadedavisoffical

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications.

We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.

Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Mentioned in this episode:

Support our cause - Donate to Herbal Reality

We are fundraising to continue our work!

Introducing Herbcast Series 5!

Welcome back to Herbcast from Herbal Reality. We’re delighted to bring you our fifth series, this time with a focus on exploring the intersection of Herbalism and Modern Healthcare.

Join Simon Mills & Sebastian Pole as they return to hosting duties to delve into the rich tapestry of herbal medicine and its relationship with contemporary healthcare. This series is all about exploring the meeting point between clinical herbalism and modern medical practices, featuring as always a diverse array of guests: medical doctors who incorporate herbal remedies, ethnobotanists who explore the cultural significance of plants, and clinical researchers dedicated to validating herbal efficacy.

In this short trailer Sebastian gives us a preview of episodes to come, considering the pressing health challenges faced by society today, from diminishing healthy life expectancy to the impact of environmental degradation on our well-being. This series aims to unpack how the principles of herbalism, such as individualised care, ecological respect, and the fostering of community, can provide valuable insights and support for navigating these challenges.

Whether you are a practitioner, student, or simply curious about medicinal plants, this series is bound to inspire you on your own health journey and beyond.

Follow & Connect

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications.

We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.

Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Women's Health Revelations from Season 4 with Sebastian & Marion

Welcome back to a brand new series of Herbcast.

We’re beginning series 5 with a look back at series 4, as Sebastian welcomes back herbalist and researcher Marion Mackonochie back to discuss the insights gained from her series on women's health.

Sebastian and Marion delve into the rich conversations Marion had with various expert herbalists, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in treating women's health issues through herbal medicine. With a focus on personal experiences and the importance of holistic care, they explore recurring themes of diet, stress management, and the significance of individualised treatment.

Marion shares key insights from her discussions, highlighting the wealth of knowledge among herbalists, the urgent need for more research and funding in women's health, and how herbalists can offer support through tailored approaches.

The conversation also emphasises the value of community and shared experiences in empowering women to take control of their health.

In this episode:

• The importance of personalised care and the time herbalists can dedicate to understanding their clients.
• Recurring themes in women's health: lifestyle, stress, and dietary influences.
• Challenges in treating conditions like endometriosis and perimenopause.
• The need for more robust research to demonstrate the effectiveness of herbal practices.
• Empowering young women through education about healthy cycles and nutrition.

About Marion

Marion Mackonochie is a herbalist and researcher, recently appointed president of the College of Phytotherapeutic Practitioners in the UK. With a passion for women's health, she has conducted insightful interviews with expert herbalists, sharing their experiences and knowledge to enhance understanding and practice in the field.

Follow & Connect

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

We are fundraising to continue our work!

These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications.

We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.

Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Mentioned in this episode:

Support our cause - Donate to Herbal Reality

We are fundraising to continue our work!