Columbia Hillen is a herbalist whose journey bridges the ancient herbal traditions of Romania and the wild rich landscapes of Ireland. She's the founder of Anamcara Healing Herbs Garden in Donegal.
She grew up in Transylvania where herbs and spices are traditionally important in both food and medicine, and is now on a mission in Ireland to help people rediscover and trust all that is around them, and teach them that medicine starts with food.

We hope to inspire you too with this tasty conversation.

About how Columbia's grandmother never used medicine, only herbal teas.

About how moving to Ireland and getting to know Nikki Darrell opened a new world for her. (Nikki was a guest on episode 12)

About getting people to trust herbs again and how medicine starts with food.

About Romanian folk traditions and herbal remedies vs modern medicine, and how that is opposite to Belgium and Ireland.

About plants growing where they are needed.

About challenges and opportunities for herbalism in Europe.

About how also being a photographer influences how she looks at plants.  

And lots more.



You can find out more about Columbia and her work on these websites:
Her herbalist website: https://www.anamcarahealingherbs.com/
Her writing retreat website: https://www.irelandwritingretreat.com/
Her photography website: https://www.columbiahillenphotography.com/  

Or follow her on Instagram @anamcaraherbalgarden or Facebook.

I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know.


If you want to reach out, you can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.
You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com
But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart


music by Eva LaRuna

Disclaimer:
The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.
We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.
Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.
The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Rita Roquette is the founder of Bloom Sativum, a botanical initiative in Portugal that bridges traditional herbal knowledge with contemporary practice. With a deep passion for plant medicine, Rita cultivates, crafts, educates, and helps you to embrace your wild side.

Join us in celebrating the healing power of herbs in this wonderful conversation.

About growing up as a city girl but spending weekends and holidays in rural Portugal.

About agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and working with the different ecosystems in the garden and on the farm.

About the general herbal knowledge in Portugal and the ongoing little rituals in daily life.

About how people in Portugal are connected to plants through family names and place names.

About folk herbalism and herbal education.

About the future of herbalism in Portugal, and how more popularity comes with more restrictions.

About Rita's favourite local plants to work with.

And lots more.



You can find out more about Rita and her work on https://bloomsativum.wixsite.com/bloom-sativum
Or follow her on Instagram @bloomsativum

I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know.


If you want to reach out, you can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.
You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com
But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart


music by Eva LaRuna

Disclaimer:
The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.
We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.
Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.
The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Dave Achula is a Dutch herbalist and educator with Ugandan roots.
He guides people on medicine walks, teaches the art and craft of herbal medicine, and hosts sacred ceremonies. Everything he does is rooted in the wisdom of ancestral traditions and informed by modern science, with emphasis not only on the medical properties of plants but also the relationships we cultivate with them.
We hope you will feel encouraged to (re)connect with the earth and with yourself through this conversation.

About how Dave's journey into herbalism began.

About feeling a strong connection with the earth and the natural process of transformation, and coming back to yourself.

About having a holistic approach to plant medicine.

About combining Eastern, Western and African herbal medicine practices and traditions.

About why you should connect with plants one by one instead of all at once.

About the time he spent with the Khoi tribe in South Africa and how that influenced his work.

About the comeback of natural medicine within different cultures around the world.

About how we can decolonize the botanical world in a constructive way, and how plants are a great way to learn about history.

About the challenges Dave sees for herbalism in the next 10 to 20 years.

And lots more.



You can find out more about Dave and his work on https://www.achula.com/
Or follow him on Instagram @achula__

I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know.


If you want to reach out, you can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.
You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com
But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart


music by Eva LaRuna

Disclaimer:
The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.
We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.
Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.
The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Gabriele Resch is a mother of 5 now adult children, and a health trainer with a big passion for herbs and natural living. She learned from her mother, from courses and from books, and loves to pass on her knowledge to younger generations.
She taught me a thing or two in this conversation.

About how she uses herbs in vegan cooking, juices and smoothies, and the combinations she makes.

About the way she sees the role of plants and herbs in holistic and natural health care.

About the popularity of Reverend Kneipp, and historical women like Hildegarde von Bingen and Maria Treben.

About the use of herbs for poultices and baths, with easy tips to try this at home.

About the state of basic botanical knowledge in Austria and Germany and the growing interest with the younger generation.

About herbal education and practicing medical herbalism as a 'heilpraktiker' in Germany.

About where she finds or buys good quality herbs, and the one herb that everyone should have in their garden. (spoiler alert: there's a whole list)

About the different flora and biodiversity in the mountains.

About how she sees herbal medicine evolving in Europe.

And lots more.



You can find all information about the Fruit Festival / Festival Frischer Früchte on the website: https://festivalfrischerfruechte.at/ 

There will be two more events this year:
Bad Gastein, Austria, 08.-14.09.2025 - in both languages English and German
Turkey, Dalaman, Dalyan, 22.-29.10.2025 - in both languages English and German

I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know.


If you want to reach out, you can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.
You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com
But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart


music by Eva LaRuna

Disclaimer:
The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.
We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.
Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.
The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Peter "Chippy" Grant is a wild vegan chef with Slavic roots, based in the UK. He's known for his creative approach to plant based foraging cuisine, turning overlooked ingredients into culinary magic. He has more than a decade of experience as a vegan caterer and loves experimenting with local and seasonal food.
Grab yourself a wild healthy snack, because you will get hungry listening to this delicious conversation.

About going on foraging treasure hunts as a child when visiting his grandparents in Slovakia.

About why foragers should not be blamed for the wrong-doing of the industrial system.

About seasonal and local being about more than meat and dairy.

About the differences and similarities between the Slovak landscape and the British and the impact of communism on biodiversity.

About how people respond to wild vegan cuisine when he caters events or retreats.

About where he gets his inspiration, apart from nature.

About our economic model of scarcity versus abundance in nature and the need for rewilding. 

About nettles and dandelions and why they should be introduced in every kitchen.

And lots more.



You can find more information about Chippy and his amazing cuisine on Instagram or Facebook. 

https://www.instagram.com/thegathererwild/
https://www.facebook.com/theGathererWild/ 


These are the books that are mentioned in this episode. All worth a read! 

• The Wilderniss Cure by Monica (Mo) Wilde
• Hedgerow Medicine series
• Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake
• Myceleum Running by Paul Stamets

Episode cover photo by https://www.instagram.com/aniellaweinberger/ 

I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know.


If you want to reach out, you can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.
You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com
But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart


music by Eva LaRuna

Disclaimer:
The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.
We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.
Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.
The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Miranda Tringis is a pioneering herbalist with a passion for mediterranean herbs,  sustainability and traditional herbal wisdom.
She moved from The Netherlands to Cyprus at the age of 19 and evolved from intuitively playing with dandelions as a child to studying herbalism and creating a unique place in Cyprus where she blends education, wellness and ecotourism and where people can reconnect with nature.

She shares her story in this warm and sunny conversation.

About how the failing of conventional medicine got her interested in herbal medicine and how years of experimenting lead to a degree as a herbalist.

About where the idea for a botanical park came from, how it all started, and typical visitors.

About how a garden is a living organism that has the ability to heal.

About the different seasons in Cyprus and the short timeframe for foraging.

About herbal teas and tinctures.

About herbalism schools and the legal framework for herbalists in Cyprus.

About how the sunshine and the soil make for extremely aromatic plants and Miranda's favorite Cypriot herbs.

About the economy of nature and how the continuing of traditions also depends on market demand. 

And lots more.



You can find more information about Miranda and the Cyherbia Botanical Park & Labyrinth here: https://www.cyherbia.com/

You can also follow her on Instagram: @cyherbia
Or find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CyHerbia 

I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know.


If you want to reach out, you can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.
You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com
But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart


music by Eva LaRuna

Disclaimer:
The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.
We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.
Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.
The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Nikki Darrell is not only an experienced herbalist, she's also a passionate advocate for the deep relationship between plants and people, the author of the book "Conversations with Plants", and the founder of The Plant Medicine School, where she trains the next generation of herbalists.

In this episode we dive into the landscape of herbalism in Ireland and explore the wisdom of plants and how we can reconnect with nature through herbal medicine. Join us in this inspiring conversation.

About finding her own way from her grandmother's herb garden and her father's vegetable garden to studying horticultural science and herbal medicine.

About plant intelligence, plant neurobiology, and plant consciousness.
 
About the healing effects of building relationships with local plants.

About how ordinary plants and herbs are not ordinary at all.

About the value of information flowing between herbalists in Europe and between different generations.

About how the respect for fairy trees and elder trees is deeply rooted in Irish culture.

About the legal framework for herbalism in Ireland.

About The Plant Medicine School and how it evolved.

About the influence of climate change on the seasons and the plants.

And lots more.



You can find more information about Nikki and The Plant Medicine School here: https://theplantmedicineschool.squarespace.com/

You can also follow her on Instagram: @plantmedicineschool
Or find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePlantMedicineSchool 

I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know.


If you want to reach out, you can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.
You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com
But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart


music by Eva LaRuna

Disclaimer:
The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.
We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.
Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.
The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Rebecca Clopath is an acclaimed chef from Switzerland, known for her innovative approach to sustainable gastronomy. She combines foraging, farming, and culinary creativity to create dishes that not only tell a story but also honour the land where they come from.

Let us inspire you to rethink your relationship with food and nature with this delicious conversation.

About her deep connection to local terroir and nature.

About a mindful eating philosophy that goes far beyond the plate.

About slow learning and getting to know all about 2 or 3 plants each year.

About the catch 22 of nature preservation in Belgium.

About discovering exotic flavours in local ingredients and the plants that have surprised Rebecca when creating dishes.

About the challenges and advantages of foraging in the Swiss mountains.

And lots more.



You can find more information about Rebecca and her culinary adventures here: https://rebecca-clopath.ch/
You can also follow her on Instagram: @rebeccaclopath
Or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-clopath/

Photos of Rebecca by Claudia Link

I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know.


If you want to reach out, you can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.
You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com
But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart


music by Eva LaRuna

Disclaimer:
The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.
We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.
Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.
The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Anita Wasik is a Polish medical herbalist and biomedical scientist, based in Finland.
She specialises in chronic illness, with areas of focus including environmental illness, digestive problems, hormonal disbalance, pain and fatigue, and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
Always with a personal and holistic approach.
And it all started with being chronically ill herself, as she will tell you in this inspiring conversation.

About how herbs were always a part of her life and childhood memories of her grandparents using them as first aid.

About her career path from medical science to herbal medicine.

About the traditional Polish herbal practices that influenced her and how Polish folk medicine blends herbalism and spirituality.

About the need for more scientific research into herbs and plants.

About the different political and legal approach to herbal medicine in Western and Eastern EU-countries, and more specifically the differences between Poland and Finland.

About the importance of observing and listening to get to the root cause of chronic illness.

About the process of healing and not providing quick fixes.

And lots more.



You can find more information about Anita and her work here: https://www.anitawasik.com/
Or you can follow her on Instagram: @dranitawasik

I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know.


If you want to reach out, you can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.
You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com
But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart


music by Eva LaRuna

Disclaimer:
The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.
We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.
Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.
The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.

Christophe Bernard is a renowned French herbalist, the founder of Althea Provence online herborist school, and an advocate for the legalisation and recognition of herbalism in France. 
He has decades of experience in herbal medicine, and a deep passion for foraging and natural healing.

Enjoy our very inspiring and a little bit rebellious conversation.

About his move from computer programming to herbalism.

About the historical role of the herbalist in French pharmacies and the war between pharmacists and herbalists. 

About naturopaths paving the way for medical herbalists.

About the need to be a rebel as a herbalist in France and Belgium.

About preserving the rich herbal traditions for future generations and Christophe's advice for young people starting out as a medical herbalist.

About how we see the future or herbalism in Europe.

And lots more.



You can find more information about Christophe and Althea Provence here: https://www.altheaprovence.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ChristopheBERNARD-altheaprovence 
(both in French) 

I'm looking for more interesting guests to talk about European herbalism and foraging in Europe. If you know anyone that would be perfect for this podcast, please let me know.


If you want to reach out, you can find me on Instagram @wildplantforager, and on Facebook.
You can also find more about me or contact me through my website www.wildplantforager.com
But please don't hang around online for too long. Go outside, and follow your wild heart


music by Eva LaRuna

Disclaimer:
The information in the WYLDE podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We try to keep it as current, complete and accurate as possible, yet no rights can be derived from this podcast episode.
We accept no liability for: direct or indirect damages resulting from possible errors and omissions, the content of linked websites, or the opinions of interviewed guests.
Please take into account that transcripts were automatically created by A.I. and may contain mistakes.
The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment by doctors and other medical professionals.