Essential oils are powerful tools, but they’re also some of the most misunderstood substances in modern herbalism. Safety concerns, quality questions, and sustainability issues are real, and sorting through the marketing noise to find reliable information isn’t easy. This episode cuts through the confusion.

Hana Tisserand, internationally respected essential oil educator and author, joins me to talk about how herbalists can use essential oils confidently and responsibly. We cover safety guidelines that actually make sense, how to assess quality when you’re buying oils, what sustainability really means in the essential oil industry, and how to integrate aromatherapy into your herbal practice without overwhelm.

If you’ve been curious about essential oils but unsure where to start, this conversation offers a solid, grounded foundation.

You’ll learn:

• What essential oils are, and what they are not
• Why essential oil safety requires more nuance than most people realize
• How quality, sourcing, and sustainability impact both people and plants
• Common misconceptions herbalists should be cautious of
• When essential oils make sense in herbal practice, and when they don’t

If you’ve ever felt unsure about essential oils, overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or curious about how they fit into responsible

Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text!

If you're feeling all the feels with the state of our world these days, I want to invite you to a free herb class I"m hosting this Saturday January 31st at 11am PST.

It's called Herbal Support for Nervous System Resilience- Staying Regulated When the World Is On Fire

You can sign up for free here. 

Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough?

Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of Need

It's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to ge

We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see!

That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey. 

If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here. 

Support the show

If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers

Join Me In These Places Too:

tiktok.com/@herbalistspath
instagram.com/theherbalistspath
facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath
pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath
youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath

Disclaimer:
*The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

Your liver is working every minute to filter toxins, balance hormones, metabolize fats, and support over 500 functions in your body. But here's what most people get wrong: your liver doesn't need a "cleanse" or punishing detox. What it needs is ongoing support through the right herbs at the right time.

In this episode, you'll discover how to think like an herbalist when choosing liver-supporting herbs. Learn why bitter herbs stimulate digestion, how cholagogues and choleretics improve bile flow, and which hepatic herbs protect and regenerate liver cells.

Whether you're dealing with skin issues, digestive struggles, hormonal imbalances, or simply want to support your hardest-working organ, this episode gives you the practical herbal wisdom to nourish your liver.

What you'll learn

• Why the liver works 24/7 and why "cleansing" language misses the point
• The liver's role in fat metabolism, hormones, bile, and blood sugar
• How bitter taste receptors kickstart digestion and bile flow
• The difference between cholagogues vs choleretics
• Key herbal actions for liver support: hepatoprotective and trophorestorative herbs
• Practical ways to use bitters and Milk Thistle seeds daily

If this episode helped you think about liver support differently, come say hi. Message me on Instagram or Fac

Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text!

If you're feeling all the feels with the state of our world these days, I want to invite you to a free herb class I"m hosting this Saturday January 31st at 11am PST.

It's called Herbal Support for Nervous System Resilience- Staying Regulated When the World Is On Fire

You can sign up for free here. 

Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough?

Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of Need

It's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to ge

We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see!

That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey. 

If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here. 

Support the show

If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers

Join Me In These Places Too:

tiktok.com/@herbalistspath
instagram.com/theherbalistspath
facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath
pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath
youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath

Disclaimer:
*The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

What if healing isn't something you rush toward, but something you remember?

In this episode, herbalist Jo Sesay shares how her grandmother, mother, and Aunt Jo created their own healing network long before the internet existed.

You'll discover why cultural connection matters deeply in both food and plant medicine, how ancestral wisdom shapes modern herbal practice, and why slowing down is the most radical thing you can do as a budding herbalist.

Jo brings together psychology, addiction counseling, perinatal mental health expertise, and a PhD candidacy in integrative health.

She shares honest truths about the pressure to perform on social media, why herbalism thrives on collaboration not competition, and how to build a genuine relationship with plants one cup of tea at a time.

Here's what you'll learn:

• Jo's family healing network across generations
• Why cultural foods matter in healing
• Mental health, trauma, and cultural processing
• Reconnecting to land
• Black Americans returning to herbalism
• Creating herbal rituals with children
• Oat straw as ally
• Creating your own blueprint
• Reclaiming the sacred in practice

Connect with Jo here as RealRootedJo on

Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text!

If you're feeling all the feels with the state of our world these days, I want to invite you to a free herb class I"m hosting this Saturday January 31st at 11am PST.

It's called Herbal Support for Nervous System Resilience- Staying Regulated When the World Is On Fire

You can sign up for free here. 

Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough?

Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of Need

It's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to ge

We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see!

That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey. 

If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here. 

Support the show

If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers

Join Me In These Places Too:

tiktok.com/@herbalistspath
instagram.com/theherbalistspath
facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath
pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath
youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath

Disclaimer:
*The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

There’s a moment in most herbalist’s journey when working with plants stops feeling like a fun curiosity and starts feeling more like responsibility.

Your remedies work. People notice. And suddenly, friends, family, and community members are asking you for deeper help. Not just a salve or a tea, but real support for chronic issues, complex patterns, and long-standing health concerns.

In this episode of The Herbalist’s Path, Mel talks about that pivotal shift. The moment when integrity matters more than confidence, and when memorizing more herbs no longer feels like enough.

You’ll hear why true herbal confidence doesn’t come from stacking more books or collecting more plant facts, but from learning how the body actually works, how to assess what’s really going on beneath the surface, and how to think critically about which herbs, preparations, and lifestyle shifts are truly supportive for the person in front of you.

This episode is for herbalists who care deeply about doing this work well. For those who feel the weight of responsibility when people trust them with their health, and who want to meet that responsibility with skill, compassion, and integrity.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by internet herbalism, conflicting advice, or the pressure to sound confident before you feel ready, this show will feel grounding and reassuring for you.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• The emotional shift from hobbyist to responsible herbalist
• Why memorizing herbs doesn’t build real confidence
• How understanding the body changes everything about herbal recommendations
• What it actually means to think like an herbalist
• Why mentorship and guidance matter when the stakes are real

If this resonates, you’re feeling the call to go deeper, you can

Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text!

If you're feeling all the feels with the state of our world these days, I want to invite you to a free herb class I"m hosting this Saturday January 31st at 11am PST.

It's called Herbal Support for Nervous System Resilience- Staying Regulated When the World Is On Fire

You can sign up for free here. 

We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see!

That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey. 

If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here. 

Support the show

If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers

Join Me In These Places Too:

tiktok.com/@herbalistspath
instagram.com/theherbalistspath
facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath
pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath
youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath

Disclaimer:
*The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

You can study herbs for years, read all the books, memorize the properties… but none of it replaces working with real people. None of it builds your intuition the way practice does, and it definitely doesn't come from AI.

If you've ever wondered whether herbs really work or doubted your abilities as an herbalist, this conversation with clinical herbalist Brittany Williams of Eudemonia Herbs is going to feel like a deep exhale. Brittany shares her 25-plus year journey and gets real about what it takes to grow as an herbalist, why nuance matters, and how experience shapes confidence in ways no algorithm ever could.

What's in this episode:

• Brittany's magical apothecary discovery at Smile Herb Shop
• The "friends, family, and fools" phase of building confidence
• Why herbs work (and when they don't): quality, dosage, and matching
• Meeting people where they are vs. gatekeeping herbalism
• How herbal education creates a ripple effect in communities
• Starting somewhere is better than starting nowhere

For full show notes and transcript: https://www.theherbalistspath.com/blog/brittany-williams-eudemonia-herbs-work

Ready to deepen

Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text!

If you're feeling all the feels with the state of our world these days, I want to invite you to a free herb class I"m hosting this Saturday January 31st at 11am PST.

It's called Herbal Support for Nervous System Resilience- Staying Regulated When the World Is On Fire

You can sign up for free here. 

Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough?

Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of Need

It's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to ge

We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see!

That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey. 

If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here. 

Support the show

If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers

Join Me In These Places Too:

tiktok.com/@herbalistspath
instagram.com/theherbalistspath
facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath
pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath
youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath

Disclaimer:
*The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

Have you ever felt like you're not quite herbalist enough? If so, you're not alone, and neither am I. In this episode, we're talking about imposter syndrome in the herbal world and sharing the very human side of growing as an herbalist. And yes, even after 25 years of studying, teaching, formulating, running a product line, and guiding thousands of people with plant medicine, that nasty imposter syndrome still gets me.

You'll hear some beautiful moments from my students, the lessons my teachers passed down to me, and what it truly looks like to own your role as a healer in your community.

If you've ever wondered whether you "know enough" to call yourself an herbalist… this episode is for you.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript:
https://theherbalistspath.com/am-i-herbalist-enough-imposter-syndrome

If you're feeling the nudge to step more fully into your role as an herbalist and community healer, I'd love to welcome you into the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship program. You can start your studies now and join our next live cohort when it begins. Learn more: https://www.theherbalistspath.com/community-herbalist-certification 

Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text!

Support the show

If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers

Join Me In These Places Too:

tiktok.com/@herbalistspath
instagram.com/theherbalistspath
facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath
pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath
youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath

Disclaimer:
*The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

When healthcare becomes unaffordable, food insecurity rises, and communities are struggling, herbalists have a unique power to help. But how do you actually show up without burning out or giving everything away?

In this episode, you'll discover simple, accessible ways to share plant medicine in your community—from free herb walks and sliding-scale care to medicine gardens and mutual aid kits. Whether you're a clinical herbalist or just getting started, you'll find practical ideas to make herbalism spread like wildflowers right where you live.

What's in this episode:

• 01:00 — Why community care matters now more than ever
• 03:00 — The lineage of healers we're part of today
• 05:00 — Teaching herbalism through workshops and herb walks
• 10:00 — Offering sliding-scale community care days
• 11:00 — Herbal first aid at protests and community events
• 12:00 — Tea tables, care kits, and mutual aid ideas
• 14:00 — Building community medicine gardens
• 16:00 — Sustainable harvesting and foraging ethics
• 18:00 — Seed libraries and medicine swaps
• 19:00 — Setting boundaries while staying generous

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript: https://www.theherbalistspath.com/blog/community-herbalism-in-action

Ready to deepen your skills and serve with confidence? Explore the Community Herbalist Certification Program at https://www.theherbalistspath.com/community-herbalist-certification

Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text!

Support the show

If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers

Join Me In These Places Too:

tiktok.com/@herbalistspath
instagram.com/theherbalistspath
facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath
pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath
youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath

Disclaimer:
*The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

If your nervous system has been feeling fried lately — you’re not alone.
In this episode of The Herbalist’s Path, I’m sharing the herbal allies that have truly carried me through this season of uncertainty and overwhelm.

We’ll chat about my favorite adaptogens and nervines for calming anxiety, easing tension, rebuilding resilience, and supporting the immune system when stress takes over — including Linden, Tulsi, Milky Oats, and Ashwagandha.

You’ll also hear a little peek into my summer in Oregon — from camping and rafting adventures to teaching in-person herbal classes — and how these plants helped me stay grounded, centered, and strong through it all.

Whether you’re new to herbal medicine or just need a reminder that nature’s got your back, this episode is full of practical herbal wisdom to help you calm your nerves and care for your family — naturally. 

🌿 Listen in to learn about:

00:42 – Life lately & why I pressed pause this summer
04:15 – Herbal highlights from rafting trips and campouts
07:20 – My go-to herbs for wound care and outdoor adventures
10:45 – Linden, Tulsi & Milky Oats: top nervines for a frazzled nervous system
16:30 – Adaptogens: Ashwagandha & Tulsi for long-term stress & immune balance
20:15 – How to know if your nerves need nourishment vs. stimulation
23:

Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text!

If you're feeling all the feels with the state of our world these days, I want to invite you to a free herb class I"m hosting this Saturday January 31st at 11am PST.

It's called Herbal Support for Nervous System Resilience- Staying Regulated When the World Is On Fire

You can sign up for free here. 

Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough?

Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of Need

It's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to ge

We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see!

That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey. 

If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here. 

Support the show

If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers

Join Me In These Places Too:

tiktok.com/@herbalistspath
instagram.com/theherbalistspath
facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath
pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath
youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath

Disclaimer:
*The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

What happens when you grow up foraging mushrooms and picking wild berries in the forests of western Oregon?

In this episode, I chat with clinical herbalist Logan Keister of Noti Botanica about his journey into bioregional herbalism, growing up in timber country, and the powerful role nature plays in healing. We talk about wildcrafting, teaching kids to connect with plants, and how herbalism can transform lives—from outdoor classrooms to clinical care.

🌲 Highlights include:
00:42 – Logan’s Oregon roots & deep land connection
07:55 – Childhood foraging & mushroom memories
10:20 – Outdoor education for underserved kids
18:44 – Becoming an herbalist: from GED to clinic
30:12 – Energetics, intuition & pulse diagnosis
41:00 – What Logan offers through No Tai Botanica

Explore Logan’s offerings at notibotanica.com

🌿 Want to become the healer in your home? Learn more at theherbalistspath.com

Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text!

If you're feeling all the feels with the state of our world these days, I want to invite you to a free herb class I"m hosting this Saturday January 31st at 11am PST.

It's called Herbal Support for Nervous System Resilience- Staying Regulated When the World Is On Fire

You can sign up for free here. 

Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough?

Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of Need

It's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to ge

We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see!

That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey. 

If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here. 

Support the show

If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers

Join Me In These Places Too:

tiktok.com/@herbalistspath
instagram.com/theherbalistspath
facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath
pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath
youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath

Disclaimer:
*The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

When my daughter sprained her ankle during a softball game, I was grateful to have Comfrey growing in the garden and some Arnica oil stashed in the van. But as I reached for what I had on hand, I realized most of my oils were past their prime.

This episode is a real-life story behind that moment, the herbs I turn to for sprains and strains, and why it’s time to restock my home apothecary. I also talk about what happens when we get excited about making herbal medicine—but don’t plan ahead for what we’ll actually use.

And if you’ve been wondering what remedies to have on hand for your own family, I’ll share how you can join me in the upcoming Herbal Medicine Planning Party—a free, fun, and practical way to get clear on what to make for the next 1–2 years.

01:10 – My daughter’s sprain and how I responded
03:45 – Using older oils in a pinch (and what I’d do differently)
06:15 – What’s in my Bobcat Balm: the herbs I always use for injuries
08:20 – Why Cayenne is a key player in these formulas
10:10 – The power of Comfrey
12:40 – How easy it is to make remedies without a plan—and why that leads to waste
13:45 – Why I’m getting intentional with my medicine making this year
14:20 – What we’ll be doing inside the Herbal Medicine Planning Party

Wanna join the party? Click here and get on the list! theherbalistspath.com/herbal-medicine-planning-party-reg

Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text!

If you're feeling all the feels with the state of our world these days, I want to invite you to a free herb class I"m hosting this Saturday January 31st at 11am PST.

It's called Herbal Support for Nervous System Resilience- Staying Regulated When the World Is On Fire

You can sign up for free here. 

We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see!

That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey. 

If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here. 

Support the show

If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers

Join Me In These Places Too:

tiktok.com/@herbalistspath
instagram.com/theherbalistspath
facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath
pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath
youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath

Disclaimer:
*The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.