Herbcast Herbal Reality

From Burdock to Blood Cleansers: dive into the power of alterative herbs with Sebastian Pole and today’s guest Graeme Tobyn. With over a quarter-century of expertise, Graeme brings his wealth of knowledge from his roles as a herbalist, educator, and author, currently enriching minds at the University of Lancashire.
About Graeme: Graeme Tobyn graduated from Leeds University in 1978 with a degree in Russian with Italian. He developed the Latin and French he learned at school for use in his later studies of the histories of Renaissance and early modern medicine. He trained in herbal medicine in the 1980s, graduating with the top award and, after a six-month engagement as a phlebotomist at University College Hospital, London, entered practice in 1990 as a herbalist and member (later fellow) of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. He became a herbal trainer in 1993, working at several NIMH training clinics, and switched to external clinical examiner for two BSc Herbal Medicine programmes from 2007. In 2000 he joined UCLan as a senior lecturer and took over the leadership of the BSc Herbal Medicine there the following year. His teaching focus on the programme (2001-2012) was in clinical examination skills and therapeutics. He completed his PGDipHE in 2005. Since 2011 he has been leader of the MSc Herbal Medicine, and in 2016 took over the running of the MSc Integrated Healthcare. In 2015 he was visiting botanical medicine scholar at Bastyr university, Seattle, USA. In 2017 he was awarded a PhD in the history of medicine from Lancaster University.
In this lively discussion, Sebastian and Graeme dissect the controversial and often misunderstood category of alteratives. They explore the historical context and evolution of this herbal action, questioning its relevance and application in modern herbal practice. Graeme challenges the retreat from robust treatments like stimulant laxatives and advocates for a reinvigoration of traditional, potent herbal therapies.
The episode delves into the semantics of herbal medicine, questioning the adoption of terms like 'anti-inflammatory' and 'immunomodulator' and calling for a return to a language that truly reflects the dynamic nature of herbs. 
Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.
Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Join Herbal Reality’s Simon Mills Embark on a journey through the delicate intricacies of women's health with expert herbalist Ginny Kemp. With a medical science background, Ginny discovered her calling in the world of herbs back in 2007. Since then, she has cultivated a thriving practice with a particular emphasis on women's health.
Ginny delves deep into a case study that epitomises the power of herbal treatments in addressing fertility issues. She shares the tale of ‘Alice’, a 36-year-old woman trying to conceive, battling with fatigue, anxiety, and a host of other interconnected health concerns. Ginny's approach is a testament to the holistic nature of herbalism, where a bespoke treatment plan not only paved the way to a successful pregnancy but also improved Alice's overall well-being.
Ginny and Simon discuss the nuances of supporting women through the different phases of their lives, from the onset of menstruation, through the challenges of perimenopause, to the empowerment of post-menopausal vitality. This episode is a treasure trove of herbal knowledge, spotlighting adaptogens, hormone modulators, and the importance of sleep and stress management in women's health.
About Ginny Kemp MCPP, MNIMH 
Ginny has a Bachelor of Medical Science from The University of Birmingham (2003) and qualified as a Medical Herbalist through the College of Phytotherapy/UEL degree course in 2007. She has been in practise ever since.
Initially she consulted full time at Hydes Herbal Clinic in Leicester for 7 years before setting up her own busy practices in Stamford (Lincs) and Leicestershire.
Whilst studying Herbal Medicine Ginny worked in the areas of sales and production at Rutland Biodynamics and experienced the processes required for Herbal Medicine manufacturers to meet Good Manufacturing Practice. Ginny’s phytochemistry research dissertation looked at the Stability Of The Flavonilignan Complex Silymarin In Commercial Tinctures Of Silybum marianum, the results of which went on to be published.
Ginny is currently Co-Vice President of the CPP and  also a member of the EHTPA council 
Ginny regularly gives talks on herbal medicine, works with a corporate health and well-being company to bring well-being into the work place and has run various workshops on making herbal medicines.
Connect with Ginny:
Ginny.kemp@theherbclinic.co.uk
www.theherbclinic.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/theherbclinic

Welcome to series 3 of Herbcast!
In this episode, Sebastian Pole is joined by Marion Mackonochie, a seasoned herbalist, senior advisor at Pukka, and editor of the Journal of Herbal Medicine. In this liver-focused episode of Herbcast, Marion and Sebastian navigate the complexities of hepatics – the category of herbs that support the liver, our body's metabolic maestro. They discuss signs of liver imbalance, the power of bitters, and the wide-reaching impact of hepatics on conditions ranging from skin ailments to hormonal imbalances.
Marion shares her insights on the relationship between mood and liver health, the nuances of bitter taste receptors throughout the body, and the intriguing connection between bitters and immune function. The conversation also explores the role of culinary herbs and spices in supporting liver function and overall health, offering practical tips for integrating these potent plants into daily diets.
About Marion Mackonochie
Marion Mackonochie is a medical herbalist and member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy. She initially studied a degree in pharmacology and worked in publishing on drug discovery journals. Feeling disillusioned by what she could see of the pharmaceutical industry and being a lover of plants, Marion retrained with a degree in herbal medicine followed by a masters in phytochemistry and medicinal natural products.
Everything Marion does, from seeing patients to planning research projects as Senior Herbal Specialist at Pukka Herbs, is aimed at figuring out what works best for every individual. She is passionate about helping people gain control of their own health through diet, lifestyle and herbal medicine. Every consultation allows her to learn from the narratives of others, but she is also interested in the wider narrative of the history of medicine and how we have got to where we are with herbal medicine and health.
Marion lives and practises by the sea in Brighton, growing herbs in her garden, making skincare products and spending as much time in nature as she can.
For more herbal insights from Marion, visit her website at fieldremedies.com.
Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.
Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

“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 principlesThe relationship of plants and people in different culturesHis foraging courses which focus on the sensory method of plant identificationThe media's coverage of foraging and lack of ecological understandingThe 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 
 

“If something is irreparably defective, either because it's adulterated intentionally or accidentally contaminated, then it should be removed from the supply chain. ”
With 50 years of diverse experience as an herbal advocate, consultant, educator, researcher, writer, and advisor, Mark Blumenthal has an extensive comprehensive background in herbs and medicinal plants. Mark is the Founder and Executive Director of the American Botanical Council (ABC). An independent, nonprofit organisation, ABC is dedicated to disseminating accurate, reliable, and responsible information on herbs and medicinal plants. Mark is the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of HerbalGram, an international peer-reviewed quarterly journal, the contents of which reflect the educational goals of ABC. 
He is also Founder and Director of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program, a consortium of nonprofit organisations that researches and educates industry members and other stakeholders on the adulteration of botanical raw materials, extracts, and essential oils in the global supply network. 
His commitment to rigorous research and evidence-based information has helped bridge the gap between traditional herbal knowledge and modern science. In addition to his advocacy and educational efforts, Mark Blumenthal has been championing quality control and standardisation in the herbal industry. 
Mark talks on:
The beginnings of HerbalGram and the American Botanical Council (ABC)The role of the ABC in setting quality standards in the herbal industry.The impact of the US dietary supplement legislationThe sector-led initiative to combat adulterants and destroy irretrievably damaged goods from the supply chain. Exploration of changes and opportunities in the herbal community.The Sustainable Herbs Program and the importance of sustainable and regenerative practices in herb production.
Find out more about the American Botanical Council and its journal HerbalGram at https://www.herbalgram.org/

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 

“Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under 50”
 Phil’s route to herbal practice has encompassed work as a doctor in hospitals, primary care and unscheduled care settings. Although he now identifies as a herbalist, his experiences in conventional healthcare have equipped him to reference a number of perspectives when supporting people with their health and wellbeing as a herbal practitioner. 
Phil has presented guidance and created resources for herbalists and students on possible approaches to men's health issues - both in terms of physiological wellbeing and through the lens of perceived masculinities and their impacts on men's mental health and help-seeking behaviours. 
More recently, his career development has focussed on some work around equality, diversity, and inclusion, emphasising LGBTQ+ issues. Currently, Phil works in Sheffield where he lives with his husband and a small white mischievous cat. 
In this episode, Phil chats with Simon about why he transitioned from a GP to a herbalist and how herbalism is the best environment to tackle men’s health issues.
Phil talks on:
The pandemic - why were men more affected?How masculinity affects men’s health and help-seeking behaviours.Vulnerabilities in men’s health.Herbalism on mental and spiritual wellbeing.The dangers of purchasing herbal products without guidance.How to frame and discuss men’s health in herbal consultations.Strategies and tools to empower the patient.Top-tier men's health issues that can identify red flags.
You can reach Phil via email at herbdoctorphil@gmail.com
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