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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How many episodes does Herbs N Weeds have?

The podcast currently has 19 episodes available.

Herbs N Weeds episodes:

June 11, 2025Get To Know: Wild Roses
How to Identify Wild Roses
Key Features
Leaves: Compound with 5–7 oval, toothed leaflets.
Stems: Woody and thorny (curved or straight prickles).
Flowers:
Typically 5 petals, ranging from pale pink to deep magenta.
Bloom in spring to early summer.
Flowers are fragrant but simpler than cultivated roses.
Hips (Fruit):
Ripen in late summer to fall.
Bright red or orange.
Round or oval, rich in seeds and surrounded by fleshy pulp.
Common Species
SpeciesCommon NameNotesRosa caninaDog roseCommon in Europe, used medicinallyRosa rugosaRugosa roseVery hardy, salt-tolerant, large rose hipsRosa woodsiiWestern wild roseNative to North AmericaRosa carolinaCarolina roseFound in eastern U.S., low-growing
Historical Uses of Wild Roses
Ancient & Traditional Uses
Ancient Persia & Greece: Rose petals were used for perfume, baths, and emotional uplift.
Egypt: Cleopatra used rose petals in her famous beauty rituals.
Rome: Roses were symbols of secrecy, love, and used in both medicinal concoctions and cosmetics.
China & India: Used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine to balance the heart, digestion, and reproductive system.
Medieval Europe:
Rosewater used for sore throats and eye infections.
Rose hips valued for their vitamin C content and used in plague remedies.
Medicinal Benefits of Wild Roses
1. Rose Petals
Astringent: Tones and soothes mucous membranes (used in mouthwashes, eye rinses, etc.).
Cooling and anti-inflammatory: Helpful for skin irritations, rashes, and sore throats.
Mild laxative and digestive aid.
Nervine: Gentle support for emotional heartache, grief, and nervous tension.
Rose pedals and buds available here from our Amazon Affiliate links.
How to Use Wild Roses
Rose Petals
Tea: Calming and cooling; helps with digestion and stress.
Rosewater: Skin toner or eye wash.
Glycerite or tincture: Used for grief, tension, and digestive support.
Infused oil: Base for salves, massage oils, and facial creams.
Suggested Dosages & Preparations
FormAmountFrequencyRose petal tea1–2 tsp dried petals1–3x per dayRose hip tea1 tbsp crushed hips1–3x per dayRose syrup1–2 tspAs neededGlycerite/tincture2–4 mlUp to 3x per dayRosewaterTopicalAs needed
Safety Notes
Generally very safe when harvested and prepared properly.
Avoid using roses sprayed with pesticides or roadside plants.
Other Uses of Wild Roses
Cosmetic: Used in creams, face mists, and bath soaks.
Spiritual/ritual: Symbol of love, purity, grief, and divine feminine energy; used in heart-opening practices.
Culinary: Petals in syrups, jellies, vinegar, or even in desserts.
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11min
June 09, 2025 Tinctures For Beginners
In this episode I introduce different types of tinctures that are used as extracts. My favorite and the most common is alcohol extraction. I also touch on glycerin, vinegar, and water based extractions as well for tinctures. Usually the most common way of making a tincture is by submersing fresh or dried herbs in the base liquid for a recipe determined time. After the determined time, the herb solids are removed, and the resulting liquid tincture is put in a dark, light restrictive glass bottle.
Some people prefer *dropper bottles, which I used to use most. Personally though, I have moved away from these for personal use because they are hard to clean for reuse. Now a days, I prefer to use just regular amber glass 2 oz *bottles and 8 oz *bottles for larger quantities.
*Amazon affiliate links
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16min
June 02, 2025Get To Know: Elderflower
Identification of Elderflower
Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra (European elder)
Family: Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae)
Tree/Shrub:
Height: 10–30 feet (3–9 meters)
Leaves: Pinnately compound with 5–9 serrated leaflets
Flowers: Creamy-white, flat-topped clusters (umbels) 5–10 inches wide, blooming in late spring to early summer
Scent: Sweet, floral, slightly musky
Berries: Small, dark purple-black, ripen later in the season (used separately from flowers)
Lookalikes:
Beware of poisonous lookalikes such as red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) and water hemlock—make sure you’re harvesting the right plant!
Historical Uses of Elderflower
Ancient Europe
Regarded as a sacred tree in Celtic and Germanic cultures.
Elder was thought to ward off evil and was called the “tree of witches.”
In Norse mythology, associated with Freyja, the goddess of love and beauty.
Medieval Herbalism
Used for fevers, wounds, colds, and skin eruptions.
Elderflower water was a common beauty tonic for brightening and softening the skin.
Featured in folk charms, particularly in rural Europe, as protection against illness and lightning.
Folk Medicine
“The medicine chest of the common people.” All parts (flowers, berries, bark) were used.
Flowers were used in syrups, cordials, and infusions for colds, flu, and hay fever.
Medicinal Benefits of Elderflower (Modern Uses)
1. Respiratory Relief
Elderflowers act as a diaphoretic—they promote sweating and help break fevers.
Useful in treating cold, flu, sinus infections, and hay fever.
Often used in combination with yarrow and peppermint for cold and flu blends.
2. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant
Contains flavonoids (like quercetin and rutin) that reduce inflammation and support immunity.
Traditionally used to calm swollen sinuses and relieve arthritic pain.
3. Diuretic & Detoxifying
Helps flush toxins through the urinary system and supports lymphatic drainage.
4. Skin Care
Elderflower water or infusions are applied to acne, eczema, burns, and sunburn.
Historically used in lotions and toners for whitening the skin and soothing irritations.
5. Digestive Support
Mildly carminative and can help with gas, bloating, and indigestion, especially when caused by colds or stress.
Get some dried elderflower by Frontier Co-op from my Amazon Affiliate link to make your own herbal medicines.
How to Use Elderflower
Forms of Use
Tea/Infusion: Dried or fresh elderflowers steeped in hot water.
Tincture: Alcohol-based extract.
Syrup: Combined with honey or sugar; excellent for colds and flu.
Cordials: Sweet herbal drinks, often carbonated or diluted.
Elderflower water: For skin care or mild perfumery.
Culinary: Used in jams, champagne, sorbets, pancake batter, and desserts.
Suggested Dosage (General Guidance)
Tea: 1–2 tsp dried flowers per cup of water, steep 10–15 min. Up to 3x daily.
Tincture: 2–4 ml up to 3x daily.
Syrup: 1–2 tsp as needed for cold symptoms.
Elderflower Cold & Flu Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
1 tsp dried elderflower
1 tsp dried peppermint
1 tsp dried yarrow
Instructions:
Steep in 1 cup boiling water for 10–15 minutes. Drink warm 2–3 times daily at onset of cold or flu.
Safety & Precautions
Flowers are generally safe and well-tolerated.
Only use flowers, not raw stems, leaves, or unripe berries—they contain cyanogenic glycosides (mildly toxic).
Use caution if pregnant or nursing—consult an herbalist or physician.
May interact with diuretics or diabetes medications—monitor usage accordingly.
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14min
May 30, 2025 Start A Garden
Hello and thank you for tuning in for a new episode. Today’s show I just threw together out of my brain without any notes, but it is one of my favorite things to do, and that is gardening. I implore you to start your own herb garden for two good reasons. First, you may plan to wild craft forage your herbs, but turns out the plants never came up that year due to weather, soil, or just plain bad luck. Second, when you grow your own herbs, you know what is being leeched from the soil and concentrating in your plants… no hidden chemicals.
A few places that i recommend getting seeds from are Victory Seed Company, Baker Creek Seeds, and the place I could not remember while recording this show was Strictly Medicinal LLC.
Thanks again for tuning in and please continue to listen, it’ll get better.
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14min
May 29, 2025Get To Know Lemon Balm
Identification of Lemon Balm
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Appearance:
Height: 1–3 feet (30–90 cm)
Leaves: Bright green, ovate with slightly serrated edges, deeply veined, and emit a strong lemon scent when crushed.
Stems: Square-shaped (typical of mint family).
Flowers: Small, pale yellow to white (sometimes light pink), appear in late spring to summer, not especially showy.
Scent: Strong lemon aroma, especially when leaves are bruised.
Habitat: Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean but naturalized worldwide; thrives in temperate climates, prefers sun to partial shade.
Historical Uses of Lemon Balm
Ancient Greece & Rome: The Greek physician Dioscorides recommended it for calming nerves and treating wounds.
Middle Ages: Used in “melancholy” (depression), stress, and heart tonics. Monks in European monasteries cultivated it in physic gardens.
Avicenna (Persian physician): Praised it for “making the heart merry” and as a treatment for sadness and fear.
Carmelite Water: A famous 14th-century elixir made with lemon balm and alcohol by Carmelite monks to treat nervous tension and digestive issues.
Victorian Era: Infused into teas and balms for nervous disorders and anxiety.
Medicinal Benefits (Modern Uses)
Anti-Anxiety & Calming Agent
One of lemon balm’s most common modern uses.
Acts as a mild nervine (calms the nervous system).
Shown to reduce stress, restlessness, irritability, and mild depression.
Sleep Aid
Often used in herbal formulas for insomnia or to help improve sleep quality.
Synergistic when combined with valerian root or passionflower.
Cognitive Support
Some studies suggest lemon balm may improve focus, alertness, and memory, especially in low doses.
May benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease or age-related cognitive decline.
Digestive Health
Traditionally used to relieve indigestion, bloating, nausea, and gas.
May soothe upset stomach due to stress.
Antiviral Properties
Shown to have effectiveness against herpes simplex virus (HSV), especially in topical treatments (e.g., for cold sores).
Used in salves and creams for this purpose.
Mild Pain Relief
Has antispasmodic properties—can help with menstrual cramps, muscle tension, and headaches.
How to Use Lemon Balm
Forms
Fresh or dried leaves (tea, culinary, topical preparations).
Tincture (alcohol extract).
Essential oil (use diluted; powerful and concentrated).
Capsules/tablets (standardized extracts).
Creams & ointments (especially for cold sores or skin conditions).
Safety Notes
Generally safe for adults and children.
Avoid high doses if hypothyroid (may mildly suppress thyroid function).
Essential oil should always be diluted; can be irritating in pure form.
May interact with sedatives or thyroid medications—check with a healthcare provider.
Notable Mentions in History
Charlemagne ordered lemon balm to be planted in every monastery garden in his empire.
Paracelsus called it the “elixir of life” and claimed it could rejuvenate the mind and body.
Mentioned in Shakespearean herbal lore as a herb of cheerfulness and strength.
Use my Amazon Affiliate* link to buy high quality dried lemon balm leaves from Frontier Co-op
DIY Lemon Balm Bug Repellent Spray
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves (or ½ cup dried)
1 cup water
½ cup *witch hazel (or rubbing alcohol for longer shelf life)
10 drops* lemongrass essential oil (optional, for extra repellency)
10 drops* lavender or *citronella essential oil (optional)
Small spray bottle (4–8 oz, dark glass preferred)
Instructions:
Make the Herbal Infusion:
Bring the water to a boil.
Pour over lemon balm leaves in a heatproof container.
Cover and let steep for 30–60 minutes (or until cool).
Strain the Liquid:
Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all plant material.
Discard or compost the used herbs.
Mix the Repellent:
Combine the strained lemon balm tea with witch hazel in a spray bottle.
Add essential oils (if using). Shake well.
Label & Store:
Label the bottle with contents and date.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (or longer if using alcohol instead of witch hazel).
How to Use:
Shake before each use.
Spray lightly on skin, clothing, or around windows/doors.
Avoid spraying near eyes or open wounds.
Reapply every 2–3 hours or after heavy sweating.
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15min
May 26, 2025Get To Know: Feverfew
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a plant that has been used medicinally for centuries. Here’s a comprehensive overview covering its historical and modern uses, identification, notable historical contexts, medicinal benefits, and how to use it safely:
Identification of Feverfew
Botanical Name: Tanacetum parthenium
Family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
Appearance:
Height: 1–2 feet (30–60 cm)
Leaves: Bright green, feathery, and strongly aromatic with serrated edges.
Flowers: Small daisy-like flowers with white petals and a yellow center (about ¾ to 1 inch in diameter).
Smell: Strong, somewhat bitter or pungent.
Habitat: Native to southeastern Europe but naturalized throughout Europe, North America, and parts of Australia. Often found in gardens, roadsides, or open, sunny areas.
Historical Uses of Feverfew
Ancient Greece: Used by physicians like Dioscorides to treat inflammation and swelling, especially fevers (hence the name “feverfew” from febrifugia, “fever reducer”).
Middle Ages: Employed to treat headaches, arthritis, and menstrual problems. Planted around homes to purify the air and ward off illness.
Traditional British Herbalism: Used for migraines, colds, and insect bites.
Medicinal Benefits (Modern Uses)
Migraine Prevention
Most studied use.
Active compound parthenolide helps reduce inflammation and prevent blood vessel constriction believed to trigger migraines.
Studies show that regular use can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines (though not effective for acute attacks).
Anti-inflammatory & Pain Relief
Useful for arthritis, muscle pain, and fever.
May inhibit prostaglandin production and decrease inflammatory cytokines.
Menstrual Disorders
Traditionally used for menstrual cramps and regulation, although clinical evidence is limited.
Digestive Health
Used historically for indigestion, flatulence, and upset stomach.
Skin & Wound Healing (Traditional)
Feverfew poultices were applied to bruises and insect bites.
Some modern formulations use it in creams for rosacea and sensitive skin due to its soothing properties.
How to Use Feverfew
Forms
Fresh or dried leaves (can be bitter and irritating to the mouth).
Capsules or tablets (standardized for parthenolide content).
Tincture (alcohol-based extract).
Tea (less commonly used due to bitterness and reduced efficacy).
Dosage (General Guidance)
Dried leaves: 50–150 mg daily.
Parthenolide: Standardized extract with 0.2–0.4% parthenolide.
Tincture: 0.5–1 ml up to 3 times daily.
Safety Notes
Avoid during pregnancy (can stimulate the uterus).
May cause mouth ulcers or digestive upset (especially with raw leaves).
Possible allergic reactions in those sensitive to the daisy family (ragweed, chamomile, etc.).
Interactions: May interact with blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), NSAIDs, or migraine medications.
Notable Mentions in History
Nicholas Culpeper (17th century): Recommended feverfew for “melancholy, vapors of the spleen,” and to “correct evil humors.”
Victorian Herbals: Commonly found in gardens and used for headaches and women’s ailments.
Folk Magic & Protection: Planted around homes as a charm against disease and misfortune.
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12min
May 20, 2025Get To Know: Dandelion
In this episode, I dive into the world of dandelions—one of the most common and most misunderstood plants in the world. From its bright yellow flowers to its health-boosting roots, Taraxacum officinale is far more than just a lawn weed. I explore its many names, where it grows, how to identify it, and its fascinating journey through history as both food and medicine. Plus, learn about how dandelion is used today in herbalism, nutrition, and even winemaking. Stick around until the end for important notes on safety and side effects.
Identification:
Leaves:
Long, deeply toothed (“lion’s tooth”) and basal (form a rosette).
Smooth or slightly hairy, milky sap when torn.
Flowers:
Bright yellow composite flower heads.
Appear in spring and can persist through fall.
Stems:
Hollow, leafless, contain white latex-like sap.
Support a single flower head each.
Seed head:
Round, white puffball of seeds—easily dispersed by wind.
Starwest Botanicals and Frontier Co-Op are two of my preferred companies to purchase dried herbs off Amazon, and here is a link to get Starwest dandelion root in bulk for teas.
Thank you for tuning in to another episode and please feel free to email any questions, or comments to me at [email protected].
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16min
May 19, 2025 Get To Know: Ground Ivy
For the first actual HerbsNWeeds podcast, I am talking about ground ivy. Other names used for it is creeping charlie, field balm, alehoof, catsfoot, and several others. Ground ivy is part of the mint family and is quite common.
Identifying ground Ivy:
Runs across the ground almost like a vine with square stems. Usually does not get tall, maybe 6 inch or 15ish cm in height. The runners can get longer. The leaves are the easiest identifying feature with its round or kidney, fan shape and rounded tooth edges that are attached to the stem. Small funnel shaped flowers grow out of the leaf axils usually in clusters of 2 or 3. The flowers are normally purple or bluish violet and blossoms in the Spring (April/May).
Historical Use:
Ground ivy was use in folk medicine generally in tonic form to treat respiratory problems and for wound care. It was also used in the brewing process for flavor and preserving ales before the discovery of hops in the 15th century.
Modern Use:
Ground ivy is use today for its medicinal properties in herbal medicine, as a salad ingredient, or just for the aroma and the beautiful flowers in herbal gardens when it is not just classified as a weed in a yard.
If you would like to grow ground ivy in your garden, here is an affiliate link for seeds on Amazon.
Thank you for listening and if you have questions or comments, email [email protected]
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16min
May 06, 2025 What Is This
Hello all my fellow herbal hobbyists and everyone who just stumbled upon me. I am Luke and I love learning and playing with herbal remedies. I also love learning about the history of these plants too. My goal here is to bring you a daily herbal reminder in to what our ancestors used before the pharmaceutical industry took over. No, I am not here to get political. My mission is to bring you a history of different plants and herbs that our decedents used for a lot more than seasoning foods or look pretty. I hope in doing this, i will ignite a fire inside you to take control of your own health and nutrition and find that you do not need to go to the local pharmacy every time you get a cold, sneeze, or have a sore muscle.
I would like to once again remind everyone that I am not a doctor or medically trained or certified, and everything on this website (www.herbsnweeds.com) and podcast is meant for entertainment purposes only. NOTHING on this website, posted on any of HerbNWeeds social media account, or said on the podcast is medical advice. Consult your doctor or medical professional before using any of these plants, herbs, or remedies.
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17min

FAQs about Herbs N Weeds:

How many episodes does Herbs N Weeds have?

The podcast currently has 19 episodes available.