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.
