Herbs N Weeds

By Luke

Herbs N Weeds is a hobbyist herbalist podcast to share knowledge of the history of plants and herbs along with their traditional uses for entertainment purposes.... more

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FAQs about Herbs N Weeds:

How many episodes does Herbs N Weeds have?

The podcast currently has 19 episodes available.

Herbs N Weeds episodes:

November 05, 2025Christmas Ideas
Thank you for joining me for an all new episode of Herbs N Weeds. On this episode, I wanted to share some DIY ideas for holiday gifts to your family. A lot of the ideas I talk about were taken from The Herbal Remedies Bible by Amber Whitmore. The ideas that I suggest are herbal teas, eucalyptus chest rub, lavender burn spray, jewelweed lotion, calendula and lavender bath soak, coconut oil and green tea moisturizer, and homemade vanilla extract.
Some components that you may need to make these as gifts can be found on Amazon.
Cheese cloth
Glass bottles (little more expensive than they used to be)
Glass jars
Muslin bags
Dried lemon slices
Dried jewelweed
Double boiler
Food grade string
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21min
November 03, 2025 Get To Know : Beech
Thank you for coming back and listening to an all new episode of Herbs N Weeds. This episode we get to know the two most beneficial parts of the American Beech tree; the nut and the leaves. In the mid and late fall is the best time to start looking for these two products of the tree.
Ghost Leaves
Beech nut hulls
Green Beech leaves
The nut of the tree is in a hull that looks spiny and a little dangerous, but it is not. The nut it self is brown and not very big at all. The nut is very mineral rich and can be used to add more nutrients into you diet by crushing them and blending it with tea, hot cocoa, or other hot drinks that a nutty flavor would enhance. The leaves need to be dead and dry before use. They are referred to as ghost leaves and are best when they are dried and curled while still hanging from the tree. The leaves can be made into a topical wash by infusing them with water. The wash works as an astringent for weepy wounds. You can add *chamomile to the infusion as well and use as an eye wash to be used on conjunctivitis (pink eye) or to remove debris from eyes.
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9min
July 30, 2025Choosing The Right Oils
Hello and welcome to another episode of Herbs N Weeds. Today is all about choosing good essential oils. In the the show I give a step-by step DIY basic way of distilling oils at home that I will try soon. The two brands of commercially produced oils I prefer currently is Healing Solutions and Plant Therapy, both available on Amazon through these affiliate links. Avoid oil blends unless they are blends of multiple herbs, but I still prefer single 100% essential oils.
Here is the steps that ChatGPT gave for distilling at home.
Tools:
Large pot with a lid (preferably stainless steel or glass)
Steamer basket or mesh colander (to suspend plant material above water)
Heat-safe bowl (to collect oil inside the pot)
Ice (for condensing steam)
Tubing (if using a more advanced condenser setup)
Optional: glass distillation apparatus (for more serious setups)
Materials:
Fresh or dried plant material
Distilled water
Glass containers for collecting and storing the oil
Dark amber bottles (for storing the finished oil to protect from light)
Step-by-Step Steam Distillation (Basic DIY Setup):
1. Prepare the Plant Material
Harvest in the morning (for most plants, this is when oil content is highest).
Chop or crush to expose oil glands but don’t over-pulverize.
Use about 2–4 cups of material depending on the potency of the plant.
2. Set Up the Distillation Pot
Fill the pot with a few inches of water (don’t submerge plant material).
Place the steamer basket over the water and add the plant material.
Place the heat-safe bowl on top of the plant material if it fits (to collect oil-water condensation).
3. Invert the Lid and Add Ice
Turn the pot lid upside-down so it forms a concave shape.
Place ice on top of the inverted lid – this helps condense the steam back into liquid that drips into your collection bowl.
4. Heat and Monitor
Bring the water to a gentle boil. Steam rises through the plant material, carrying oil vapors.
As the steam hits the cold lid, it condenses and drips down into the bowl.
This collected liquid is a mix of hydrosol (floral water) and essential oil.
5. Separate the Oil
Once distillation is done (1–2 hours), remove the bowl.
Let it cool — the oil will float on top of the hydrosol.
Use a pipette, dropper, or oil separator funnel to skim off the oil.
6. Store Your Essential Oil
Pour into a dark glass bottle with a tight lid.
Label with the date and plant name.
Store in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Success:
Use fresh plant material when possible — they contain more oil.
Distill slowly and steadily. Don’t overheat or burn the material.
Clean your setup well between batches to avoid cross-contamination.
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20min
July 28, 2025Get To Know: Milkweed
How to Identify Milkweed (Common Milkweed – Asclepias syriaca)
FeatureDescriptionPlant TypePerennial herbHeight2–6 feet tallStemThick, upright, often reddish or green with fine hairsLeavesLarge, oval, opposite, 4–9 inches long, with prominent central veins; emit a white milky sap when brokenFlowersGlobular clusters of pink to purplish-pink blooms, fragrant, blooming in early to mid-summerFruitLong, horned seed pods that split open to release silky tufts attached to seedsHabitatRoadsides, fields, open meadows, disturbed ground—native to most of eastern and central North America
Important Note:
There are over 70 species of milkweed, and some are toxic or bitter. Common milkweed is the most commonly used species and the safest when correctly prepared.
I have planted milkweed seeds for years without any ever germinating, but planting a live plant one time has given me a large patch of milkweed in our yard. Personally I recommend finding a plant locally, but due to laws and ordinances against taking wildflowers in some regions, you may also buy live plants at Amazon through my affiliate link here.
Historical Uses of Milkweed
Indigenous Medicine & Utility
Native American tribes used milkweed for lung issues, warts, digestive distress, and rheumatism.
The sap (latex) was applied topically for ringworm and warts.
Roots used as a diuretic, expectorant, and vermifuge (worm expeller).
Fibers from stems were made into cordage, nets, and textiles.
Wartime Use (WWII)
Milkweed silk fibers were used as a kapok substitute to fill life jackets and flight suits due to their buoyancy.
The U.S. government encouraged children to collect milkweed pods for this effort.
Medicinal Benefits (Modern Herbal Uses)
Milkweed is considered a potent medicinal plant but must be used with caution due to cardiac glycosides in some parts of the plant (especially in large doses).
1. Respiratory Support
Used as an expectorant and lung tonic to treat:
Bronchitis
Asthma
Dry cough
Pneumonia
2. Diaphoretic (sweat-inducing)
Encourages sweating to break fevers—used in febrile conditions.
3. Digestive Stimulation
Historically used to stimulate appetite and digestion.
Small amounts of root tincture were used for constipation or sluggish bowels.
4. Skin Issues
Latex sap applied directly to warts, moles, or ringworm.
The sap can be irritating to sensitive skin, so use cautiously.
How to Use Milkweed (Safely)
Milkweed should be used with care. Some parts contain toxic compounds in high doses, especially in species other than Asclepias syriaca.
Parts Used:
PartUseYoung shoots and flower budsEdible (after boiling in several changes of water)RootsUsed medicinally in tinctures or teasSapTopical use for warts or ringwormSeed fluffNot used medicinally, but useful for insulation or fire-starting
Basic Root Decoction (Traditional)
Ingredients:
1 tsp dried, chopped root
1.5 cups water
Instructions:
Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes.
Strain and sip slowly (no more than 1 cup per day, short-term use only).
Tincture Use
Tincture (1:5, 60% alcohol) taken in very small doses (5–10 drops) under guidance of an experienced herbalist.
Edible Uses (Properly Prepared)
Young shoots, buds, flowers, and immature pods of common milkweed are edible after boiling in 2–3 changes of water to remove bitterness and mild toxins.
Often compared to asparagus or okra in texture and taste.
Never eat raw.
Safety and Precautions
Use only Asclepias syriaca for food or medicine—other species may be dangerously toxic.
Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Avoid in cases of heart conditions, due to cardiac glycosides.
Latex sap may irritate skin and eyes—wear gloves when harvesting.
Large doses are emetic (cause vomiting) and potentially toxic.
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12min
July 14, 2025Get To Know: Chaga
How to Identify Chaga
FeatureDescriptionTypeFungus (not a true plant)Host TreeWhite or yellow birch trees (especially Betula papyrifera or B. pendula)AppearanceCharcoal-black, crusty, and cracked on the outside; orange to rusty-gold and cork-like on the insideTextureBrittle and woody when dryShapeIrregular, often protruding 5–15 inches; looks like burned wood or a large cankerGrowthTakes 3–10+ years to mature; only found on living birch trees
NOT to Be Confused With:
Birch knots or burls – which are tree growths, not fungus
Other fungi like black knot or dead wood rotters
Historical Uses of Chaga
Siberian & Russian Folk Medicine
Used for thousands of years as a tea for longevity and vitality.
Mentioned in Russian medical texts as early as the 16th century.
Called the “Gift from God” or “Mushroom of Immortality”.
Traditionally used to treat:
Cancer and tumors
Tuberculosis
Stomach ulcers
Inflammation
Finnish & Scandinavian Use
Used during WWII as a coffee substitute due to caffeine scarcity.
Boiled to make nutrient-rich broths and drinks.
Cultural Note:
Famously referenced in Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s novel Cancer Ward, in which a patient uses chaga tea to treat cancer.
Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract from our Amazon Affiliate link.
Medicinal Benefits (Modern Research)
Chaga has drawn increasing scientific attention for its bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential.
1. Powerful Antioxidant
Contains high levels of polyphenols, triterpenes, melanin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)
Helps fight oxidative stress and cellular damage
2. Immune System Modulation
Enhances immune response while balancing overactivity
Supports white blood cell activity and NK (natural killer) cells
3. Anti-inflammatory
Reduces markers of chronic inflammation, particularly in gut and skin conditions
4. Anti-cancer Potential
Contains betulinic acid and other triterpenes from birch bark, shown to inhibit tumor growth in preliminary studies
Traditionally used to support cancer patients (NOTE: not a substitute for clinical cancer treatment)
5. Liver and Gut Health
Supports liver detoxification
Traditionally used for gastritis, ulcers, and digestive inflammation
How to Use Chaga
Parts Used:
Sterile conk (the black-and-gold fungal mass) — harvested from living birch trees only
Common Preparations:
FormUseDecoction (tea)Most traditional form; long-simmered brewPowder (for capsules or extract)Concentrated or for daily supplementationTincture (dual extract)For deeper medicinal effect (especially anti-tumor compounds)Infused oilUsed externally for inflammation or wounds (less common)
Chaga Tea (Traditional Decoction Recipe)
Ingredients:
1–2 tbsp dried, chopped chaga
3–4 cups water
Instructions:
Simmer (don’t boil) the chaga in water for 45–90 minutes.
Strain and drink warm or cool.
Reuse chunks 2–3 more times until brew loses color.
Optional: Add cinnamon, ginger, or raw honey for flavor.
Dual-Extraction Tincture (Advanced)
Combines water decoction + alcohol infusion to extract both water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble triterpenes.
Safety & Precautions
Generally safe when used properly
Avoid in cases of:
Autoimmune diseases (can overstimulate the immune system)
People on blood thinners (has mild anti-coagulant effect)
Diabetics on medication (may lower blood sugar)
Always harvest responsibly — taking too much can kill the host birch tree
Avoid chaga growing on non-birch trees, as it may lack medicinal compounds
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13min
July 09, 2025Get To Know: Calendula
How to Identify Calendula
Key Features
FeatureDescriptionPlant TypeAnnual herbHeight12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tallLeavesLance-shaped, slightly sticky, pale green, alternately arrangedFlowersBright yellow to orange, daisy-like with multiple petals (ray florets), bloom spring to fallScentMild, resinous, herbalStemSoft and slightly hairySeedsCurved, crescent moon-shaped, spiny
Habitat:
Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean; cultivated globally.
Grows easily in gardens, pots, or wildflower patches.
Historical Uses of Calendula
Ancient and Medieval Medicine
Used by Romans and Greeks for treating wounds, bruises, and digestive issues.
The Doctrine of Signatures associated its golden color with the sun and healing power.
Christian Symbolism & Folk Lore
Known as “Mary’s Gold” in reference to the Virgin Mary.
Used in Catholic and pagan rituals, especially during feasts and festivals.
Calendula flowers were scattered on doorsteps or added to soups to ward off evil and bring cheer.
Apothecaries & Herbalists
By the Middle Ages, it became a go-to remedy for inflammatory conditions, ulcers, and skin infections.
Calendula petals were used to color cheese and butter, and were sometimes called “poor man’s saffron.”
You can get a one pound bag of Calendula from Starwest Botanicals through our Amazon Affiliate here.
Medicinal Benefits (Modern Herbal Uses)
Calendula is widely used today for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal, and vulnerary (wound-healing) actions.
1. Wound & Skin Healing
Speeds healing of cuts, burns, bruises, rashes, and surgical incisions.
Useful for eczema, acne, diaper rash, cracked skin, and radiation burns.
Stimulates collagen production and reduces scarring.
2. Anti-inflammatory
Effective internally and topically for reducing inflammation in the skin, digestive tract, and oral cavity.
3. Antiseptic & Antifungal
Used for fungal infections (like athlete’s foot or candida) and minor bacterial infections.
4. Digestive & Lymphatic Support
Helps soothe gastritis, ulcers, and leaky gut.
Supports the lymphatic system, helping to reduce swollen glands and promote detoxification.
5. Menstrual Regulation
Mild emmenagogue: can help stimulate delayed menstruation and ease menstrual cramps.
How to Use Calendula
Parts Used:
Petals (ray florets) are most commonly used (fresh or dried).
Resinous green base is strongest in medicinal compounds.
Common Preparations:
FormUseTea/InfusionInternal inflammation, ulcers, lymphatic supportTinctureConcentrated for lymph, digestion, immune healthInfused oilBase for skin salves, balms, baby careSalves & creamsTopical healing of wounds, rashes, eczemaCompress or washApplied to wounds, eyes (as eyewash), or infectionsGargle/mouthwashFor oral ulcers, sore throat, gingivitis
Calendula Skin-Healing Oil (Basic Recipe)
Ingredients:
1 cup dried calendula petals
1 cup carrier oil (olive, jojoba, or sweet almond)
Instructions:
Place petals in a clean jar and cover with oil.
Let infuse for 4–6 weeks in a warm place (or heat gently for 2–3 hours for quicker method).
Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.
Use alone or as the base for salves and lotions.
Safety & Precautions
Very safe for most people.
Avoid internal use during pregnancy without professional guidance (mild emmenagogue).
May cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, chamomile).
Always use organically grown calendula for medicinal use to avoid pesticide contamination.
Thank you for listening and supporting.
Please feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions, comments, or suggestions. I would love to read them on future episodes. Other ways to keep up with Herbs N Weeds are:
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...more
15min
July 09, 2025Get To Know: Burdock
How to Identify Burdock
Key Features:
FeatureDescriptionPlant TypeBiennial (2-year growth cycle)HeightUp to 6 feet tall (2 meters) in 2nd yearLeavesLarge, heart-shaped, woolly underneath, resemble rhubarbStemHollow, branching, purplish hueFlowersPurple, thistle-like, bloom in mid to late summer, surrounded by burrsSeeds/BurrsRound, spiky burs that stick to clothing and furRootsLong, tapering taproots; light brown outside, white inside (used medicinally and culinarily)
Habitat:
Found in disturbed soils, roadsides, vacant lots, woodland edges
Native to Europe/Asia, naturalized across North America
Historical Uses of Burdock
Traditional Uses in Europe and Asia:
Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda for centuries as a blood purifier and skin detoxifier.
In Europe, burdock root was part of spring cleansing tonics and used for skin eruptions, rheumatism, and digestive issues.
Folk & Symbolic History:
Burdock was seen as protective and grounding—sometimes carried as a charm or added to ritual baths.
The burrs inspired the invention of Velcro in the 20th century!
In Food:
Root called “gobo” in Japanese cuisine: a staple in stir-fries, soups, and pickles.
Young stalks and leaf stems were boiled and eaten like celery in historical European cooking.
Get Frontier Co-Op dried burdock root on Amazon through our affiliate link here.
Medicinal Benefits of Burdock (Modern Uses)
1. Blood & Lymphatic Cleanser
Burdock is considered a primary alterative (blood purifier) in herbal medicine.
Supports liver detoxification and healthy elimination of waste through kidneys and skin.
2. Skin Health
Used for eczema, acne, psoriasis, boils, and abscesses.
Helps cleanse toxins that manifest through the skin.
3. Digestive & Liver Support
Acts as a mild bitter, stimulating digestion, bile flow, and liver function.
High in inulin (a prebiotic fiber), which supports gut flora.
4. Diuretic
Promotes urine output and waste elimination through the kidneys.
Often used for water retention, swollen lymph nodes, and urinary tract issues.
5. Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant
Contains lignans, phenolic acids, and quercetin—supports joint and immune health.
Shown to help reduce inflammation systemically.
How to Use Burdock
Parts Used:
PartUseRootMost commonly used—detox, skin, digestionLeavesTopical poultices (less used internally due to bitterness)SeedsUsed in TCM for lung and skin conditions; very drying
Common Preparations:
FormHow It’s UsedTea/Decoction (root)Detox, skin health, digestionTinctureConvenient for long-term liver/skin/digestive supportCapsules or powderDaily tonic or supplementFood (stir-fried, soups)Gently cleansing, nourishingPoultice/compressFor boils, rashes, abscesses (usually leaves)
Basic Burdock Root Decoction (Tea)
Ingredients:
1–2 tbsp dried or fresh chopped burdock root
2 cups water
Instructions:
Simmer roots gently for 20–30 minutes.
Strain and drink 1–2 cups per day.
(Can be combined with dandelion or red clover for a full-body tonic.)
Safety and Precautions
Generally very safe for most people.
Avoid during pregnancy due to possible uterine stimulation.
Diuretic action may interact with water pills or lithium.
Always source from clean soil—roots pull up heavy metals and pollutants.
Some rare cases of allergy (especially in those allergic to ragweed family).
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12min
July 01, 2025 Poison Ivy Relief
Today on Herbs N Weeds I talk about a couple plants that will help you with a poison ivy rash. The two main plants I talk about are St. john’s Wort and Jewelweed. I also give a recipe from *The Herbal Remedies Bible by Amber Whitmore for Jewelweed lotion. As always thank you for listening.
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7min
June 25, 2025Get To Know: Hawkweed
How to Identify Hawkweed
Key Features:
Botanical Name: Hieracium spp. (most commonly Hieracium pilosella, also called Pilosella officinarum)
Common Names: Mouse-ear hawkweed, yellow hawkweed, king devil, devil’s paintbrush (orange-flowered types)
Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Description:
FeatureDetailsHeight4–12 inches (10–30 cm)LeavesOblong or spoon-shaped, covered in fine hairs, form a basal rosetteStemLeafless, hairy, often reddish or purplish, one flower per stalkFlowersBright yellow, dandelion-like, bloom in late spring–summerGrowth HabitSpreads via runners/stolons, forming dense mats
Habitat:
Dry, sandy soils, meadows, roadsides, rocky clearings
Native to Europe and Asia, now naturalized in North America
The app that I use on my phone and recommend is Plantnet.
Historical Uses of Hawkweed
Ancient & Traditional Uses:
The name “hawkweed” comes from the ancient belief (from Pliny the Elder) that hawks ate the plant to sharpen their eyesight.
Used traditionally as a diuretic, lung remedy, and wound herb.
Employed in European folk medicine for:
Coughs and bronchitis
Kidney and bladder issues
Bleeding and wounds (applied topically)
In Welsh and British herbal traditions, it was used as a tonic for the lungs and eyes.
Medicinal Benefits (Modern Herbalism)
1. Respiratory Support
Acts as a mild expectorant and astringent, useful in:
Chronic coughs
Bronchitis
Asthma
Whooping cough
Helps to tighten and tone mucous membranes in the respiratory tract
2. Diuretic & Kidney Support
Promotes urination and detoxification
Used in traditional remedies for urinary tract infections, fluid retention, and edema
3. Antiseptic & Wound Healing
Traditionally applied to cuts, scrapes, and skin irritations
The leaves were often chewed or crushed into a poultice
4. Eye Health (Historical/Folk Use)
Based on the hawk legend, some traditions used it in eye washes (diluted infusions), though this is more symbolic and anecdotal
How to Use Hawkweed
Parts Used:
Aerial parts: leaves, flowers, and stems (fresh or dried)
Common Preparations:
FormUseInfusion (tea)Internal use for coughs, kidney health, respiratory cleansingTinctureConcentrated form for lung conditions or urinary tract supportPoultice or washFor wounds, bruises, or minor bleedingSyrupMade from a strong infusion with honey for persistent coughs
Basic Hawkweed Tea (Infusion) Recipe
Ingredients:
1–2 tsp dried hawkweed (or 2 tbsp fresh)
1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
Steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink 1–3 times per day.
Safety and Precautions
Generally considered safe when used in moderate amounts.
Not extensively studied in modern science, so use with care if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medications.
May enhance the effects of diuretics—monitor for dehydration.
Avoid harvesting from roadside or polluted areas due to potential contamination.
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9min
June 23, 2025Get To Know: Ox-Eye Daisy
How to Identify Ox-Eye Daisy
Key Characteristics
Family: Asteraceae (same as chamomile, dandelion, yarrow)
Height: 1–3 feet tall
Leaves:
Basal leaves: Spoon-shaped, toothed
Upper leaves: Narrow, alternate, and clasp the stem
Flowers:
1.5–2.5 inches wide
Bright white petals (ray florets) surrounding a yellow central disc (disc florets)
Bloom from late spring to early fall
Habitat: Meadows, roadsides, pastures, open woods; very common across North America and Europe
Lookalikes:
Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum): Larger, cultivated version
Chamomile: Smaller flowers, finely divided leaves, apple-like scent
Scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum): Similar look, but finely dissected leaves
Historical Uses of Ox-Eye Daisy
Traditional European Herbalism
Used for centuries as a mild sedative, digestive aid, and cough remedy.
Called “Moon Daisy” in old English herbal texts.
Employed similarly to chamomile—particularly in treating whooping cough, asthma, and nervous complaints.
You can get ox eye daisy seeds HERE on Amazon through our affiliate link.
Medicinal Benefits of Ox-Eye Daisy
1. Respiratory Support
Traditionally used to treat coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.
Its astringent and expectorant qualities help clear mucus and soothe airways.
2. Nervine/Sedative
Mild calming effect, similar to chamomile.
Used for anxiety, headaches, and insomnia.
3. Digestive Aid
Stimulates appetite and soothes indigestion, cramps, and gas.
Often used as a mild bitter tonic before meals.
4. Topical Use
Infusions or poultices applied to wounds, bruises, and skin irritations.
Historically used to reduce inflammation and swelling.
How to Use Ox-Eye Daisy
Parts Used
Flower heads (fresh or dried)
Leaves (less commonly used, but edible)
Roots (occasionally in decoctions)
Common Preparations
FormUseInfusion/TeaFor coughs, nervous tension, stomach upsetTincturePreserved form for anxiety, asthma, digestionPoultice or CompressFor wounds, bruises, skin inflammationSyrup (with honey)Calms persistent coughs
Simple Ox-Eye Daisy Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
1–2 tsp dried or fresh ox-eye daisy flowers
1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
Steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3x a day.
Safety and Precautions
Mildly toxic in large doses; avoid high quantities.
Not recommended during pregnancy or for people with ragweed allergies (same plant family).
Avoid internal use for long periods—best used in short, occasional treatments.
Always confirm ID before wild-harvesting.
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7min

FAQs about Herbs N Weeds:

How many episodes does Herbs N Weeds have?

The podcast currently has 19 episodes available.