Herbcast Herbal Reality

Ever wondered how herbs can influence your mood and stress levels? We explore the world of nervines, nootropics, and sedatives with the esteemed Julian Barker. A seasoned herbalist and philosopher, Julian shares his vast knowledge of how these herbs can help manage emotions, memory, and cognitive function.
Julian Barker taught in England and France before becoming a theatrical and literary agent in the 1960s. He botanised and studied herbal medicine in the USA and Central America for four years. Returning to England, he apprenticed at Suffolk Herbs, managed Hulbrook House Herbs, and studied with NIMH. A graduate of the Full-Time School of Herbal Medicine, he wrote The Medicinal Flora of Britain & NW Europe and founded a Student Training Clinic in Brighton. Since 1998, he has collaborated with Dr. Jean-Claude Lapraz and translated La Médicine Personalisée. He taught herbal medicine at the University of East London, contributing to a textbook. Barker continues to work full-time in Sussex, with recent books on his herbal medicine approach. Blending his clinical expertise with a philosophical approach to herbal medicine and numerous books to his name, Julian has become a respected figure in the herbal community, known for his deep understanding of the interconnectedness of plants and human health.
In this episode, Julian challenges the conventional categories of nervines and nootropics, offering a nuanced view of how herbs can support emotional and cognitive health. He explores the concept of somatopsychic effects, where treating physical symptoms can alleviate emotional distress, and vice versa. Julian also discusses the importance of understanding an individual's terrain—the unique neuroendocrine and emotional landscape shaped from prenatal stages through to adulthood.
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

Have you ever stopped to appreciate the simple act of breathing? Each inhale brings life-giving oxygen into our bodies, but what happens when this effortless process becomes a struggle? In this episode Ramana Zahn reminds us that healing is a holistic journey that requires us to look at the body as an interconnected system.
About Rumana: A Clinic Director and Consultant Naturopath, ND, BSc (Hons), DipCK, DipA, DipM, CEd, FAMH, MGNC. Rumana began her career as a microbiologist specialising in food and water analysis before transitioning to the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. She eventually redirected her focus towards holistic health, blending scientific principles with traditional medicines. Trained in naturopathy, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, acupuncture, kinesiology, iridology, and yoga, she offers comprehensive health programs that incorporate these disciplines alongside body assessments. Passionate about helping others, Rumana teaches at universities, runs clinics, and conducts research, including collaborations with the University of Newcastle. She also engages in Argentine tango, philosophy, yoga, and meditation. As a respected member of various professional associations and a prolific writer and lecturer, she actively contributes to advancing holistic healthcare practices.
Ramana takes us through the intricacies of respiratory health, a topic that has gained immense importance in the wake of global health challenges. She shares her insights on how the lungs are not just organs of breath but are deeply connected to our joy and life force. When they function well, we feel alive and vibrant; when they don't, our entire being suffers. 
Rumana emphasises the importance of an integrated approach to health, combining herbal remedies with breathwork and lifestyle changes. She discusses how the health of your gut can have a profound impact on your respiratory system and delves into the herbal toolbox, sharing specific formulas that have worked wonders for her patients. From the anti-inflammatory properties of sweet wormwood to the soothing effects of liquorice root.
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

Revealing the secrets of botanical medicine in treating urinary and kidney health, Dr. Sally Moorcroft discusses the vital link between the gut microbiome and urinary function. Hear real-life success stories of patients finding relief from chronic conditions through herbal interventions.
About Sally:
Integrative and function doctor. MBChB, BSc(Hons), MCPP, MFHom(Med). Clinical Lead Dr. Moorcroft has 20 years of clinical experience and is one of the most highly trained Integrative and Functional Medicine doctors in the UK. She is also a Core Tutor at the National Centre of Integrated Medicine in Bristol (NCIM).
Combining functional and nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, bio-identical hormone and natural desiccated thyroid therapy in her clinic. She has a special interest in women's health, menopause, gut health and psychology.
Her qualifications include a BSc (Hons) in Herbal Medicine, Medical Homeopathy (MFHom) through the National Centre for Integrative Medicine, Bristol. She is also trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Medical Acupuncture and Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy and Natural Desiccated Thyroid therapy.
This episode delves into the often overlooked area of urinary and kidney health which affects a significant portion of the population. Dr. Moorcroft sheds light on the intricate ways in which our gut microbiome, hormonal balance, and even our stress levels can impact these vital organs.
Also, Sally explores estrogen dominance and its ramifications on women's well-being, especially throughout the menopausal phase. Dr. Moorcroft elucidates her method of addressing these hormonal fluctuations through a blend of herbal remedies and dietary adjustments.
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

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