In this episode of Lily of the Herbs Talks, I sit down with Dr. Marc Cohen, a GP, researcher, and long-time advocate for accessible wellness. We explore where science and herbalism meet. Marc is wonderfully eccentric and full of love for life and learning. He shares his fascinating journey....“I went from being the alternative hippie doctor in a conventional medical school to being the conventional medical doctor at an alternative medical school.”

We talk about blood sugar balance, the healing power of honey, and simple, joyful rituals that help us reconnect with nature and vitality. Marc even shares a few of his poems on blood sugar and wellness playful reminders that wellbeing can be simple, sensory, and full of heart.

You can connect more with Marc here at: www.drmarc.co

In this episode, I sit down with Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Jarryd Harvey of Yin Yang Medicine to explore his personal and professional journey.

We talk about his recovery from Lyme disease using acupuncture and traditional therapies, and how this healing path shaped his approach to medicine.

Jarryd shares stories from his early days of mentorship and his deep dive into kundalini yoga — a practice that, while once inspiring, left him disillusioned by the trends of the wellness industry.

Together, we reflect on what it means to return to the basics — reconnecting with the circadian rhythm, nature, over quick fixes.

We also wander into Jarryd’s love of astrology, unpacking what’s currently happening in the skies and how cosmic rhythms mirror our own.

It’s a warm, grounded conversation about healing, integrity, and remembering what really matters.

If you want to connect more with Jarryd you can follow him on instagram @yinyang.medicine or his website www.yinyangmedicine.com.au

Listen to the recording from my online class Why We Need a Herbal Revolution. In this episode I discuss the importance of health sovereignty, how herbalism is an act of rebellion and not just a career. Herbalism is a way of life, a path of nature connection and self analysis. I discuss the three pillars of herbalism and where to start, my favourite authors that inspired me along the way, and do you need to be a legally certified herbalist or not.

In this episode I interview Sanna Coudoux on her work as a post partum doula. She has studied ayurvedic post partum work and also practices as a Zenthai Shiatsu therapist. We discuss air imbalance post birth and the importance of nourishing, grounding and rehydrating the body. Herbs that are used to promote a satvik and serene post birth portal, ghee and the importance of the village. For those of you considering stepping into motherhood or those of you supporting a new mother there are some great tips and thoughts to bring to the table so we can properly support women in this huge transition. To connect more with Sanna you can visit her Instagram @sannacoudoux_therapies

All plants and humans are not just physical beings, we are composed of blood, bones and cells, but also more than that. Connecting to plants on the ethereal realm is a life long path journey. What if we didn't treat plants as inanimate objects, but friends and teachers? Join Eloise Fielke and I on a journey into why recognizing honouring our intuition and the spirit of plants is an important step in human evolution. We also discuss how to connect to plants more deeply, work through heartbreak and find a plant guide. You can find Eloise at @eloisefielke on Instagram and if you're interested in working with her teacher Sharon her website is www.thetempleofshamanicmagick.com

This episode might be a gentle reminder of some grounding and nourishing rituals you can incorporate into your everyday life. What we do habitually becomes a part of us, and plays a massive role in the way we show up in the world. I have included 7 of my favorites including: meditation 🌿 everyday herbal kit 🌿 bathing in natural water sources 💦 body oiling 🌼 regular meal and bed times 🌻yoga nidra

This episode is a little information packed snippet to guide you towards connecting with the beautiful herb and healer St John's Wort. Flowering in the summer months, this plant has been used for centuries for its ability to heal wounds, calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation and joint pain and bring light in times of sadness and depression. Learn how to identify, harvest use and take this miraculous plant and meet a wonderful new friend. For any questions about St John's Wort or other herbal related queries please email lilyoftheherbs@gmail.com. To find out more about Lily of the Herbs and her work you can visit lilyoftheherbs.com

This episode breaks down the 10 things I wish I got taught in my degree, and why grassroots herbalism is so important for our own health and the health of the planet! To find out more about Lily of the Herbs and her clinic and workshops please visit www.lilyoftheherbs.com 🌿

In this episode I interview Sari from the Medicine Grove. Living on Gumbaynggirr country, she is an ancestral living practitioner who practices herbalism, permaculture and birthwork, weaves with textiles and seeks connection with the land. In this episode we chat about how in the face of climate instability and change, we need to find ways of working with the land to come back to harmony and potentially lessen the devestation and severity of floods, fires and droughts that are becoming commonplace today. If you want to connect more with Sari, you can follow her at @themedicinegrove on Instagram, the work she is doing in this world is an inspiration and reason for hope! Intro music by @ellarubyraindrops. For more information on Lily of the Herbs, herbal products, consultations and workshops please visit: https://www.lilyoftheherbs.com/

In this episode I talk with my partner Luke about the common patterns of disease in the body, through the lens of the five elements, which is the underlying philosophy of Zenthai Shiatsu and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For each element we look at common patterns of imbalance and how to restore harmony to body and mind using herbs, diet, lifestyle advice and bodywork. This podcast provides a sneak peak into the toolkit we use as Zenthai Shiatsu therapists. For more information on Luke at The Earth Clinic, including massage and natural therapies please visit: https://www.earthclinictherapies.com/

In this podcast I interview Oni, a poet, activist, and bodyworker. Oni practices the healing arts within the modalities of visionary craniosacral work, Arvigo Techniques of Maya abdominal Therapy, myofascial release and urogenital osteopathy. One of the many things I love about Oni is how active and connected with the world and community she is. In this podcast we discuss the importance of keeping it real and balancing skin to skin contact with a technological world and the intuitive art of deep listening to the body. To find out more about Oni you can visit her website oniblecher.com or her instagram @oni_keeperofthehearth. For more information on Lily of the Herbs, herbal products, consultations and workshops please visit: https://www.lilyoftheherbs.com/

This episode is an epic sharing of knowledge by Kimmana Nichols, an international health coach, naturopath, ayurvedic practitioner, and organic herb grower. Kimmana shares about his own health journey and how it led him on a lifelong path teaching and treating people all over the world with an holistic approach to health informed by vedic astrology, science and many many different traditions. He tells us about the amazing medicinal food forest he is growing in the Sunshine Coast, current health conditions he is treating, and his own daily rituals. To find connect with Kimmana, you can visit kimmana.com. The school he is a founder of is thaivedic.com, and the products he sells, and detox courses he offers at his family's property in the Sunshine Coast, can be found at vitalitynow.co or on instagram at @vitalitynowfamily.

Exploring Mugwort, Hawthorn, Nettle & Blue Lotus 🌿

In this episode, we dive into the rich folklore, medicinal gifts, and personal wisdom of four of my favorite herbal allies:Mugwort, Hawthorn, Nettle, and Blue Lotus. Each of these plants carries a deep history of healing, protection, and transformation—whether through dreamwork, heart medicine, nourishment, or spiritual connection.

We’ll explore their traditional uses, energetic qualities, and how they can support us physically, emotionally, and intuitively. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or simply curious about plant magic, this episode offers insights into how these allies can weave into your life.

Tune in for a conversation on the power of plants, the stories they hold, and the ways we can build a relationship with the natural world.

In this latest episode I have the pleasure of interviewing Honey, founder of Tej School. Honey is an embodied Yoga teacher, Non-dual Tantrika, Āyurvedic Lifestyle Consultant and Spiritual Counsellor. She shares with us the importance of daily ritual and routine as a foundation for health, and that following natural cycles and rhythms is the way back to balance. Her wisdom is deep and practical and rooted in many many years of self practice and study. To find out more about Honey you can visit her website which is: www.tejschool.com or her instagram: https://instagram.com/tejschool

I was lucky enough to delve into the world of the amazing Dominique Livkamal and get some insights into her life. Dom is a qualified Public health advocate, naturopath, nutritionist, herbalist and journalist. Founder of her own herbal dispensary, Medicine Room since 1999, Dom makes her own plant extracts from organic and wildcrafted herbs and has over 80 different species in her apothecary. It was very inspiring for me to be in her space, I am definitely in awe of what she has created, and I hope it helps to show what is possible for other aspiring herbalists and naturopaths. You can find more about Dom's work at medicineroom.com.au

Those of you who follow me on social media might have seen some stuff popping up on my newest love which is Nymphea Botanica. This is a collaboration with Laura from Embodied Alchemy. Laura is a somatic counselor and movement therapist with a background in Anthropology. Together we are practicing Embodied Herbalism, which aims at tying connection and deep feeling with plants and medicine. We have to be able to actually feel the plants we are working with, and to have a felt sense of the elements that tie everything in the natural world together. Nymphea is also about the sensual and juiciness of life. Anyway, more in the podcast 🌿 For more information on Lily of the Herbs, herbal products, consultations and workshops please visit: https://www.lilyoftheherbs.com/

In this interview with Jessie from Enki Organics, we delve into the world of Spagyrics. Spagyrics is the term used to describe medicines made using alchemical methods. Jessie is an incredibly inspiring and passionate herbalist who is dedicating himself to learning about these ancient arts. In this episode we tall about harvesting with planets, the process of making alchemical medicines and the laws of nature. Jam packed with gems, life will never be the same after listening to this episode. To check out more of Jessie's work you can go to: www.enkiorganics.com

In this episode I interview Tiaan and Tommy, the two founders of a not for profit organisation called Wild Seeds. Formed at the beginning of 2020, the intention behind this movement is to connect people to the land, plant trees and have a party. In Australia we have cleared the vast majority of our native vegetation, and are now relying on what little we have left in the face of fierce droughts, bushfires and dust storms. I believe that connecting to plants, of whatever kind, is medicine. This is why grassroots groups like Wild Seeds have great potential for healing. If the human race realised that the vast majority of sickness and chronic illness were products of our separation from nature, then they would all have their shovels ready and waiting for the next regeneration celebration! To find out more about Wild Seeds, visit their Facebook: Facebook.com/wildseedsparty/ or Instagram: @wildseedsparty

In this episode the wonderful Hannah Forrester of Alchemy of Plant and Sol, talks about her connection to plants and how they are infused into every part of her life. We discuss ways that others can start to foster a deeper relationship with plants and the natural world, as well as the process involved for her in growing, harvesting and making her medicines. Www.alchemyofplantandsol.com.au

I recently came down with Ross River Fever which is a mosqito born virus, and this podcast discusses my symptoms, how I dealt with them and have made a wonderful recovery. Featuring my partner Luke, we talk about the different herbs and practices that we chose to take to boost the immune system, purge the virus and trust that the body is perfectly capable of healing. Luke and I have slightly different approaches but together with his background in science and my intuitive herbal knowledge we made a great team. For more information on Luke and I and our practice;The Earth Clinic, including massage and natural therapies please visit: https://www.earthclinictherapies.com/

What happens when we all slow down and listen to the rhythm of our bodies? When we learn to grow and forage for the medicines we use? What happens when we value the energy and time which goes into creating medicine. The Perma Pixie and I have an epic discussion in this episode around the fact that all herbalists and permaculturists or people who work with plants are revolutionaries. The grassroot herbalists are keeping alive our connection to nature and while large corporations and and pharmaceutical companies may not have evil intentions behind them it is certainly not in their interests for them to have the people empowered to grow and heal themselves. The Perma Pixie has been working, teaching and studying in the world of permaculture & herbalism. Her visions for the future are bright and green and I would follow her to the end!

This epic and moving episode is based around some questions that have been going round in ny head for some time now. I asked Nawa join me to share their perspectives on why we need herbal activism and where it is especially important. This helped to shine on a light on how we also need to continue to work of decolonising, connecting back to the mother and listening to indigenous people on these matters. Nawa is a herbalist, somatic coach, death doula and community organiser. Their healing practice is centred on anti-oppressive praxis that works to address systemic harm, informed by decolonial activism on the front lines, with respect to all who have fought and lost their lives for collective liberation. I was reminded of so much during this discussion, especially the collective pain we are feeling whether we are aware or not, from our disconnection from nature and traditional wisdom. Here are some links to other powerful speakers and herbalist from Nawa if you loved this talk: Toi Scott of Queering Herbalism http://queerherbalism.blogspot.com/ Mandana Vasseghi-Boushee of Wild Gather Herbal School https://www.mandanaboushee.com/ Amanda David of Rootwork Herbals https://www.rootworkherbals.com/ My instagram @nawanightshade

"The world is begging to be healed through us, not by us". Words from Miriam of the Open Heart Apothecary, on her practice as a herbalist reawakening old and new traditions, she is a part of the cultural revolution of medicine. Miriam works with patterns and processes, rather than the cause and effect approach of modern biomedicine. In this episode we talk about the humoural temperaments of melancholic, phlegmatic, choleric and sanguine and how these are ancient lenses to view people and the world. We discuss how being a herbalist is not just about 'pills and potions' but is about the stories and archetypes within each one if us. We talk about how about the history of medicine, and myths from the ancient Greeks, the celts can helo us start to remember our lineage as healers and repair some if the damage that we are seeing in today's society. We are all made up of the same elements and matter. Let's relearn the stories of our ancestors and relearn to come from the heart not just the head.

Join us in this inspiring episode with Jacqui Bushell, a celebrated Australian herbalist who has spent over 30 years helping people connect with nature’s wisdom and their own mythic stories. Through her work in women’s circles, retreats, and workshops, Jacqui guides others to explore the deep connections between psyche, body, and land.

In this episode, Jacqui shares insights on navigating heartbreak and the role of plants in healing. Discover how plant spirit alchemy, storytelling, and earth connection can help you find resilience and wholeness in moments of grief. Jacqui’s work invites a powerful reconnection with nature and a renewed sense of belonging in the world.

To connect with Jaqcui you can email her at: jacquibushell@me.com Or follow her instagram: @jacqui_bushell_sacredpresence

This is the first ever podcast of Lily of the Herbs. Inspired by the recent events and worldwide lockdowns to protect the human race, I felt to discuss ways that we can empower ourselves to feel healthy and safe in our world. Visit www.lilyoftheherbs.com for more information on workshops and sessions.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alana (Lani) Roy, a passionate advocate and therapist in the fields of psychology and psychedelic medicine, to explore the intersection of elemental herbalism and psychedelic-assisted therapy. As the founder of The Signs of Life Psychology, Lani brings her 15 years of experience in mental health, trauma, and social work to this important conversation. She shares her passion for integrating people into the natural world through her study of herbalism and discusses how the recent legal changes has inspired her to teach multidisciplinary professionals about  plants and their therapeutic potential. Lani's insights bridge the ancient wisdom of plant medicine with the emerging science of psychedelics, offering a powerful vision for holistic mental health care. Tune in to learn how these practices are being used to support the healing of trauma and reconnect individuals with nature. Dr Lani Roy does not endorse or encourage personal illegal  use and encourages people to speak to their medical professionals and check their local law. She always acknowledges with psychedelics there may be potential, but with this comes risk and responsibility. To connect with Lani visit www.thesignsoflife.com.au or her instagram @the.signs.of.life

In this episode I interview Naomi Ingleton from FarmacyCo, a former apothecary and soon to be herbal farm and education center in Eldorado, Victoria.

Naomi is a Chef, Horticulturist, Ayurvedic practitioner and studying a Bachelor of Health Science in Western Herbal Medicine, she uses biodynamic and regenerative principals, harvesting with the moon and sun.

Topics discussed in this podcast:

-Naomi's journey as a chef, dairy farmer and ayurvedic practitioner.

-How to create a herbal business.

-Why Australian grown herbs are a a rare commodity.

-The importance of using locally grown herbs over imported herbs.

-The legality of making and selling medicine in Australia. Naomi is also a member of the herb society Australia and runs regular workshops, her next one will be on the Winter solstice at the Herb Society in Burnley.

To find out more about Naomi and to follow her story as she starts her farm, visit: www.farmacyco.com.au or follow her on Instagram at: @farmacy_co

In this intimate share of her life story, Lily of the Herbs shares her story and the pivotal moments which shaped her journey today. From homeschooled to adventurer to herbal entrepreneur, Lily has often taken the path less traveled and hopes to inspire others to be their own guide and listen to what is lighting them up. This is also the one to listen to if you are interested in training to become a herbalist.

Meet Lucy the Naturopath. An old friend and herbal lover who specializes in female intimate health, optimizing vaginal microbiomes and tackling imbalances of fungi (thrush) and bacteria (bacterial vaginosus). Learn about some key herbs for these conditions, pH testing, sitz baths and how to maintain a healthy internal environment. It's good to have conversations and normalize talking about intimate health as there can be taboo around it, which can mean people are suffering in silence or relying on ineffective over the counter drugs, that are not specific for the specific strains of bacteria. To work more with Lucy you can find her at www.lucythenaturopath.com.au

In this episode we learn from Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Dr. Jessie Fayers about the female reproductive cycle from a TCM lens. Jessie has been working with women supporting them with their fertility and reproductive health for over 20 years and has some insights into the different colours and what they are telling us about the health of our cycle, we also discuss the distinct phases and ways of supporting with herbal practices, the moon and lifestyle. To work more with Jessie you can visit her website: www.jessiefayers.com or attend our moxa workshop on the 2nd of March 2024: https://events.bookitbee.com/skinc-nursery/the-art-of-moxibustion-2/

Yoga nidra is a guided meditation technique that is practiced lying down in the floor or in your bed. It can be done at any time throughout the day to restore a deep sense of calm and relaxation to the body and mind. Yoga nidra can be a powerful tool when healing from illness or fatigue. It is a way of effortlessly dropping into the parasympathetic nervous system and self regulating 🙌

This episode is a little different. Clare Bedford interviews me about my own life story, and how I’ve worked with Hawthorn as a companion through death, heartbreak, loss of love, and major life changes.

It’s an episode I waited almost a year to share, allowing the stories and experiences to fully ripen. It feels more vulnerable to offer this one to you as listeners, but now feels like the right time. There are many gifts woven through this conversation, and I sense that many of you may relate to the very human emotions we speak of.

If you’d like to connect more with Clare, you can follow her at @clare.weaving.

We've all bought a supplement or herbal tea and then it's sat unused until it expired.

In this episode of Lily of the Herbs Talks, I explore how to truly work with herbs, not by taking more, but by taking them with respect and awareness.

We live in a world full of powders, capsules, and herbal blends, but often we don’t know where our plants came from, how they were harvested, or whether their potency has been preserved. I share why sourcing herbs from your own garden, from the wild, or from small, organic Australian farms matters, and why working with whole herbs, grinding them yourself, and storing them properly can make a huge difference.

We’ll also dive into how the form of herbal medicine affects absorption and potency. Using an elemental lens: fire, water, earth, and air - I explain why fresh plant infusions capture volatile oils, why minerals can benefit from long soaks, and why mushrooms often need double decoctions to unlock their full potential.

I also talk about the value of simplicity and relationship with plants. Spending time with one herb at a time- whether in meditation, tea, or tincture form - helps you understand its effects, flavors, and personality, allowing your body to better attune to what it needs. And we discuss when blends can be synergistic, alongside the role of food as medicine.

Whether you’re just starting your herbal journey or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers practical guidance to make your herbs more effective, more alive, and more connected to your life.

This episode is a life update from my tiny house, a conversation about roots, seasons, and the rhythm of living simply. I share how I track my menstrual cycle using not just the four phases, but also the elements and the herbs that support each one. If you’re curious about syncing your body with nature or finding structure inside your inner landscape, this is a gentle, grounded entry point.

The book that I speak about about is Sastun, by Rosita Arvigo. Which I really recommend you reading.

This episode is a response to the times; reflections and musings on 2026.

I speak to why herbalism feels not only relevant, but essential in the face of global crisis. This is about creating health sovereignty, building community resilience, and remembering the value of local, plant-based knowledge.

I share what I’ve been learning from the plants, and why this way of working with medicine cannot be replaced by AI. If anything, it feels more needed than ever.

In this episode, I touch on:

• Herbalism in the context of global uncertainty
• Creating health sovereignty in your own life
• Building and leaning into community resilience
• What plants are teaching us in this moment
• The limits of AI in relation to embodied, plant-based medicine
• Why returning to the land and local knowledge matters