Foraging for the truth: How is research changing the face of herbal medicine with Dr Merlin Willcox

How can herbal medicine thrive in a conventional world with Dr Judith Thompson Sebastian sits down with Dr. Judith Thompson, a Naturopathic doctor, herbalist, and educator at the American College of Healthcare Sciences. Together, they explore the rich intersection of herbal medicine and conventional healthcare, discussing the vital role herbs play in holistic health and the growing interest in natural remedies. Judith shares her personal journey with herbal medicine, rooted in her South American heritage, and how it shapes her practice today. The conversation explores the contrast between naturopathy and herbalism, the importance of integrating herbal knowledge into modern medical practices, and the rising demand for evidence-based herbal solutions in a world increasingly focused on wellness. Listen also for insights into the current state of herbal education in America, the challenges faced by herbalists, and the opportunities for collaboration between herbal practitioners and conventional medical professionals. Judith also highlights the significance of teaching students to think holistically about health and consider beyond just treating symptoms In this episode: The role of naturopathic medicine in relation to herbalism. The rising interest in herbal medicine post-COVID. How cultural backgrounds influence herbal practices. The importance of holistic approaches in treating underlying health issues beyond just the symptoms. Opportunities for herbalists within the conventional healthcare framework.

The Pros vs the Products: Do supplements work or should you just see a herbalist? Sebastian speaks with Dr. Rob Verkerk, the founder and scientific director of the Alliance for Natural Health International. They explore the relationship between herbal supplements and traditional herbalism, discussing the efficacy of supplements and the importance of consulting with herbal practitioners. Dr. Verkerk shares his extensive background in ecology and health, highlighting the need for better integration of herbal knowledge within modern healthcare. This episode also covers the historical context of supplements, the potential gaps in modern diets, and the challenges surrounding the regulation and quality of herbal products. In this episode: - The definition and purpose of dietary supplements in contemporary health. - Challenges in the regulation and quality control of herbal products. - The importance of phytonutrients and dietary diversity in preventing chronic diseases. - How traditional wisdom can inform modern healthcare practices. - The critical role of herbal practitioners in supporting individual health journeys. About Dr. Rob Verkerk: Robert Verkerk is a leading scientist in the healthcare field and is the founder of the Alliance for Natural Health. Robert is an internationally acclaimed scientist with over 25 years experience in the field of agricultural and healthcare sustainability, having worked in academia, industry and the not-for-profit sector. He has worked extensively in Africa, Asia, Australia, the Americas as well as Europe. After leaving Imperial College London in 2002, he founded the Alliance for Natural Health, which he has headed since. Follow & Connect Explore more about the Alliance for Natural Health: https://anhinternational.org/ Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality. We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications. We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead. Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/ Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative Mentioned in this episode: Support our cause - Donate to Herbal Reality We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications. We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead. Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

The cure in your kitchen cupboard: The top 10 healing spices everyone needs to know with Dr Rupy Aujla Simon Mills welcomes Dr. Rupy Aujla, founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen to discuss the profound connection between food, herbs, and health. With an extensive background in conventional medicine, Dr. Rupy shares how his own experience with paroxysmal ​atrial ​fibrillation led him to explore the transformative power of nutrition and discover a passion for food as medicine. This conversation explores the importance of a plant-forward diet, with a particular focus on protein, herbs and spices, discussing their roles in traditional cuisines and their health benefits. In this episode: The impact of dietary choices on chronic health conditions. How traditional wisdom informs modern nutritional practices. The significance of cooking methods and ingredient combinations for optimal health (and a gift to pass down through generations) The role of the microbiome in processing nutrients and supporting overall wellness. Practical tips for incorporating more plants into your daily meals.

Power to the people with community based health In this episode of Herbcast, Simon Mills welcomes herbalist and educator 7Song for a chat about the intricacies of herbal medicine and the personal journey that shaped his path. From his early experiments with plants to his rich experiences in diverse ecosystems across North America, 7Song shares the lessons he has learned throughout his extensive career in herbalism. The conversation delves into 7Song’s initial fascination with nature, the various herbal schools that influenced his practice, and the importance of community engagement in herbal medicine. Listen for insights into the practical applications of herbs in clinical settings, the significance of social justice in healthcare, and the evolving role of herbalists in society today. In this episode: The pivotal moments that led 7Song to embrace herbalism as a lifelong vocation. Reflections on the differences in plant materia medica across various regions, including the deserts of New Mexico and the Appalachian Mountains. The importance of integrating herbal medicine with conventional healthcare and collaborating with other medical practitioners Insights into the Ithaca Free Clinic and the role of herbalists in providing accessible healthcare. 7Song’s vision for the future of herbal education and the development of an online herbal database.

From Poison to Panacea: Exploring Herban Myths and Truths In this episode of Herbcast, Sebastian Pole is joined by Dr. Dilis Clare, a GP and medical herbalist, who runs an apothecary in Galway and hosts her own podcast, The Herb Doctor Podcast. This conversation takes a look at the myths surrounding herbal medicine, addressing misconceptions about safety, efficacy, placebo, and the role of herbs in modern healthcare. Dr. Clare shares her insights on the disconnect between modern medicine and patient care, exploring how the medical system often prioritises disease over holistic health. She discusses the challenges herbal medicine faces in the current healthcare landscape, including overregulation and the marginalisation of herbal practitioners. The episode also highlights the importance of integrating herbal medicine into primary care, the need for better education among medical professionals about herbs, and how herbalists can effectively communicate with GPs. In this episode: Exploring the myths that all herbs are safe or merely placebos. The disconnect in modern medicine and how it affects patient care. Understanding the historical context of herbal medicine and its current challenges. Strategies for herbalists to engage with conventional healthcare systems. The potential for herbal medicine to play a central role in managing chronic diseases.