The Active Herbalist

Becca Kawaoka

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HEALTH & FITNESS
UPDATED WEEKLY

The Active Herbalist is a beginner-friendly introduction to common herbs and how they can support an active lifestyle. Learn about the herbs in your spice cabinet and their healing properties in a down-to-earth way along with tips on when to reach for an herb and easy application tips. The opinions stated in this podcast are individual and not reflective of a medical professional.

2 DAYS AGO

Episode 47: Comfrey & the Art of Wound Healing

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) has a centuries-long reputation as a powerful wound healer. In this episode, we dive into its history, traditional and modern uses, growing tips, and herbal actions, exploring why herbalists turn to it for tissue repair and skin support. We also break down the scientific studies that shaped today’s safety guidelines, including adverse reports from internal use and high-dose animal research, and how these findings differ from topical and traditional use. I'll share practical tips, safety considerations, and a weekly herbal recipe for Comfrey Oil so you can harness its healing potential safely.

40 min
5 FEB

Episode 46: Maternity Herbs for New & Expecting Mothers

In this episode, we explore gentle, nourishing herbal allies for pregnancy and the postpartum season. I share why not all herbs are safe during pregnancy, how to think in terms of herbal actions rather than trends, and what qualities I look for when supporting expecting and new mothers. We talk about the power of nutritive tonics, nervines, demulcents, digestive herbs, and galactagogues, and I highlight some of my favorite plant allies including nettle, red raspberry leaf, oatstraw, chamomile, mint, and rose—plus a few honorable mentions like lavender, lemon balm, and calendula. You’ll also hear about my Nursing Cup Tisane, a gentle postpartum tea blend crafted to nourish, soothe, and uplift mothers in the early weeks of new life. This conversation is rooted in safety, respect for each unique mother & baby, and the belief that gentle does not mean ineffective. Tune in for a grounded, heart-centered look at how herbs can support mothers in one of life’s most transformative seasons.

37 min
29 JAN

Episode 45: Calm & Clear - Herbs for Skin & Liver Harmony

Discover how your skin mirrors your internal health and meet five herbs that support liver, lymphatic flow, and calm, clear skin. This episode explores how to use them both as tea ingredients, food herbs, salves, and gentle facial rinses for an inside-out skincare approach. Learn about Becca's Calm & Clear Skin Bundle before wrapping up with a Calendula Salve recipe to experiment with yourself!

32 min
22 JAN

Episode 44: Herbal Formulation - The Art & Craft of Blending Herbs

Today Becca discusses herbal formulation and "science" behind crafting an herbal remedy. We unpack herbal taste, actions, affinities, energetics, dosage and potential interactions to create plant remedies from the lens of an herbalist.

36 min
15 JAN

Episode 43: Herbal Aphrodisiacs

The discussion focuses on herbs that support the reproductive system, particularly for athletes and those under chronic stress. Emotional wellness, sleep quality, and nutrition are foundational for restoring sexual health. Several herbs, including rose, ashwagandha, oats, shatavari, pau d'arco, and damiana, are highlighted for their nourishing and restorative properties to enhance libido and overall wellness.

47 min
8 JAN

Episode 42: Hawthorn for the Heart - Physical and Emotional Cardiac Support

Today, we’ll look at hawthorn’s physical support for the cardiovascular system, as well as its role in emotional healing, resilience, and long-term cardioprotective health. Join Becca for a deep dive into hawthorn's herbs energetics, actions, uses, preparations and alchemical correspondence before wrapping up with a weekly recipe.

34 min
2 JAN

Episode 41: Vanilla - Beyond Flavor for Comfort & Calm

Join Becca for a deep dive into vanilla! We review vanilla’s taste, actions, energetic, uses and elemental/planetary associations before wrapping up with an easy DIY vanilla extract recipe!

22 min
26/12/2025

Episode 40: Juniper - Winter's Warming & Cleansing Berry

Today, we review Juniperus communis, a hardy shrub of the Northern Hemisphere. Juniper berry is most commonly used medicinally for the musculoskeletal and urinary systems, but has extended traditional and current uses we review in depth. Explore herbal actions, energetics, preparations, alchemical correspondence and more before wrapping up with our usual recipe of the week.

30 min

The Active Herbalist is a beginner-friendly introduction to common herbs and how they can support an active lifestyle. Learn about the herbs in your spice cabinet and their healing properties in a down-to-earth way along with tips on when to reach for an herb and easy application tips. The opinions stated in this podcast are individual and not reflective of a medical professional.

Creator

Becca Kawaoka
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

47
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Becca Kawaoka
Show Website

The Active Herbalist