Show Notes
“That coming together, gathering foods and gathering medicines is deeply healing and satisfying and an enjoyable way to experience life. And it’s simple and it’s free.” Robin Harford established his wild food foraging school in 2008, and his foraging courses are listed at the top of BBC Countryfile’s ‘Best foraging courses in the UK’. He is the creator of eatweeds.co.uk. Michelin chef Richard Corrigen recommended the site for inclusion in The Times' Top 50 Websites For Food and Drink. Robin refers to himself as an ethnobotanical researcher who is interested in the relationship between plans and people which has resulted in his extensive travel around the world to document and record wild food plants’ traditional and local uses in indigenous cultures. His work has taken him to Africa, India, SE Asia, Europe and the USA. His work has been recommended in BBC Good Food magazine, Sainsbury’s magazine, The Guardian, The Times, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, etc. He is a member of the Society for Ethnobotany and the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Robin talks on: Best practice gathering guidance- abundance and sustainability principles The relationship of plants and people in different cultures His foraging courses which focus on the sensory method of plant identification
The media's coverage of foraging and lack of ecological understanding The Special Client Project - plant ambassadors and community-based teaching. His personal transformation through foraging and gathering plants for mental health and addiction recovery.
Find out more about what Robin does at eatweeds.co.uk Find out more about Herbal Reality on Instagram @herbal.reality or visit www.herbalreality.com Herbcast is produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com
More from Herbcast
Vitamin Ayurveda: The missing link in modern healthcare with Dr. Vijay Murthy Sebastian welcomes Dr. Vijay Murthy, an Ayurvedic practitioner and naturopath, to explore the concept of ‘vitamin Ayurveda’ and its potential role as a vital missing link in contemporary healthcare. Dr. Murthy shares his insights on why an increasing number of individuals are turning to Ayurveda, despite the availability of conventional healthcare services in the UK. This episode delves into the limitations of modern medicine in addressing chronic health issues and the importance of holistic wellbeing. Dr. Murthy emphasises that while medical advancements have extended life expectancy, they often fall short in enhancing the quality of life. In this episode: The concept of "vitamin Ayurveda" and its relevance in modern healthcare. The interplay between genetics, habits, and environmental factors. How Ayurveda views health and disease development and the significance of preventative measures. The difference between managing chronic conditions and enhancing quality of life. Personalised health strategies and the role of lifestyle changes in preventing chronic conditions. Insights into the gut microbiome and its connection to Ayurvedic practices. The potential of Ayurvedic herbs as postbiotics and their impact on overall wellbeing.
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/
Foraging for the truth: How is research changing the face of herbal medicine? Sebastian Pole welcomes Dr. Merlin Wilcox, a primary research fellow at the Primary Care Research Centre at Southampton University, to discuss the intersection of herbal medicine and modern healthcare. With a rich background in medicine and a passion for herbal research, Merlin shares his journey from growing up with herbal remedies in his mother's garden to conducting pivotal research on traditional medicines in various countries. The conversation delves into Merlin's experiences in Uganda and Madagascar, where he explored the efficacy of herbal treatments for malaria, and highlights the challenges faced in conducting clinical trials of herbal medicines in the UK due to stringent regulations. Sebastian and Merline discuss the potential of herbs like Andrographis and Pelargonium in treating upper respiratory infections and the pressing issue of antibiotic resistance. Merlin emphasises the importance of bridging the gap between traditional herbal practices and modern medical research, advocating for a collaborative approach that acknowledges the value of both systems. As they explore the future of herbal medicine research, they touch on the need for patient advocacy and the role of the community in demanding more research and acceptance of herbal treatments. In this episode: The significance of traditional herbal knowledge and its integration with modern medicine. Merlin's experiences in herbal medicine research across Africa. The challenges and potential of conducting herbal clinical trials in the UK. The role of herbal remedies in addressing antibiotic resistance. How patient advocacy can drive future research and acceptance of herbal medicine.
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.