Grace Rooted Wellness

Melissa Ticer
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Self-Improvement

Grace Rooted Wellness is a natural wellness and herbalism podcast focused on East Texas, hosted by Christian herbalist Missy Ticer. Each episode explores regional medicinal plants, seasonal wellness concerns, responsible harvesting, and conversations with local growers, vendors, and practitioners. Grounded in respect for the rhythms of nature and thoughtful stewardship, the show offers practical, welcoming discussions about plant medicine and everyday wellness. Learn when to harvest local medicinal herbs, where to buy the highest quality herbal products locally and how to use it all to build and sustain wellness. Educational purposes only, not medical advice.

  1. 5d ago

    When Your Body Is Trying to Tell You Something: The Thyroid & Your Voice

    What if the exhaustion, brain fog, feeling cold, weight changes, constipation, or hair loss you've been experiencing aren't random symptoms—but your body's way of trying to get your attention? In this episode, we're taking a closer look at the thyroid, especially hypothyroidism, and why supporting thyroid health is about much more than looking at one lab value or simply taking a thyroid hormone. We'll break down the relationship between the brain, thyroid, liver, gut, stress hormones, blood sugar, and sex hormones using a simple “thermostat and heater” analogy. We'll also talk about why TSH doesn't always tell the whole story, the importance of T4-to-T3 conversion, and some of the nutritional and lifestyle foundations that support healthy thyroid function. We'll explore Hashimoto's and the gut-thyroid connection, discuss herbs and nutrients commonly used to support thyroid health, and talk about why working with a practitioner is especially important if you're taking thyroid medication or have an autoimmune condition. And we'll take a different kind of look at the thyroid, too. The thyroid sits at the base of your throat—right where your voice lives. We'll explore the question of whether there might be something in your life that you're struggling to say, ask for, or express, while keeping that conversation grounded in the physical realities of thyroid health. In this episode, we'll talk about: What the thyroid actually does and why it affects so many systemsThe “thermostat and heater” analogy for understanding thyroid functionCommon signs and symptoms of hypothyroidismTSH, T4, T3, free T3, free T4, and reverse T3Why T4-to-T3 conversion mattersThe roles of the liver and gut in thyroid hormone conversionStress, blood sugar, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and toxin exposureThe connection between thyroid and sex hormonesThe cell danger response and energy conservationHashimoto's and the gut-thyroid connectionHerbs traditionally used to support thyroid functionKey nutrients including selenium, iodine, zinc, iron, tyrosine, vitamin D, and B vitaminsLifestyle foundations for supporting healthy thyroid functionThe connection between the thyroid, the throat, and self-expressionWhy “normal” labs don't necessarily mean you feel normalA reminder This episode is for education and does not replace individualized medical care. If you take thyroid medication or have Hashimoto's or another thyroid condition, work with your healthcare provider before making changes to medication, herbs, or supplements. The bigger message Your thyroid isn't a single dial with a single fix. It's part of a conversation between your brain, thyroid, liver, gut, stress hormones, sex hormones, nutrients, and environment. And sometimes your symptoms are your body's way of asking you to listen. If you're ready to look beyond the symptom and explore what your body may be trying to tell you, learn more about working with a Christian Clinical Herbalist at gracerootedherbalist.com. If this episode helped connect some dots for you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

    When Your Body Is Trying to Tell You Something: The Thyroid & Your Voice

  2. Jul 1

    Hulk Smash - A Caveman's Guide to Hard Times

    What do comic books, wild plants, and the Great Depression have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, I sit down with herbalist, forager, educator, and author Mark "Merriwether" Vorderbruggen known to many as the "modern caveman." We begin by talking about edible and medicinal plants, but the conversation quickly becomes something much deeper. Mark shares how growing up with parents who lived through the Great Depression shaped his understanding of resilience and why he believes reconnecting with nature is one of the most important things we can do for our health and well-being. He also opens up about one of the hardest seasons of his life—losing a business partner, financial uncertainty, and wondering whether he could continue the work he feels called to do. Through it all, one simple phrase keeps him moving forward: Hulk Smash. It's funny, but it's also a surprisingly powerful reminder that sometimes the only way through hardship is to keep putting one foot in front of the other. In this episode, we discuss: How the Great Depression influenced a generation's relationship with wild foodWhy Mark believes modern people suffer from being disconnected from natureWhat it really takes to make a living teaching foragingThe emotional toll of losing a business and starting overWhy "Hulk Smash" has become Mark's personal philosophy during difficult seasonsThe importance of friends, community, and having a "third place"How climate and land access are changing the future of foragingPractical advice for anyone who wants to begin learning the plants growing around themWhether you're interested in herbalism, foraging, self-reliance, or simply need encouragement to keep going through a difficult season, I think you'll find something valuable in this conversation. Resources Mentioned Foraging by Mark Merriwether VorderbruggenForaging TexasVillage Healer InitiativeIf this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a reminder that hope, purpose, and sometimes even medicine can still be found growing right outside the door.

    Hulk Smash - A Caveman's Guide to Hard Times

  3. Jun 24

    Why You're Always Cold, Tired, Anxious, and Overwhelmed

    Do you have cold hands and feet no matter the weather? Struggle with anxiety, insomnia, constipation, or feeling like your mind is always moving in a dozen directions at once? Are you creative, adventurous, full of ideas—and sometimes completely overwhelmed by them? In this episode, we're diving deep into the Ayurvedic concept of Vata, the constitution associated with the elements of air and ether. Vata relates to movement in the body and mind, influencing everything from digestion and sleep to creativity, energy levels, emotions, and nervous system function. You'll learn how to recognize a Vata constitution, understand the signs of Vata imbalance, and discover practical ways to bring your body back into balance through food, lifestyle, herbs, and daily routines. We'll discuss: • Physical characteristics commonly associated with Vata types • Why Vata individuals often experience coldness, dryness, constipation, bloating, and irregular digestion • The connection between Vata and anxiety, overwhelm, fear, insomnia, and difficulty focusing • How travel, stress, sensory overload, skipped meals, and lack of routine can aggravate Vata • The powerful role of warmth, nourishment, routine, and serenity in restoring balance • Best foods for Vata, including bone broth, soups, stews, healthy fats, warming spices, sweet potatoes, squash, and coconut • Foods and habits that can worsen Vata imbalance • Traditional herbs used to support Vata, including ashwagandha, shatavari, tulsi, ginger, cardamom, fennel, triphala, slippery elm, oatstraw, and more • A nourishing flax and chia breakfast recipe designed to support Vata balance • A traditional herbal massage oil recipe to calm the nervous system and encourage grounding Whether you're exploring Ayurveda for the first time or looking for natural ways to support stress resilience, digestion, sleep, and nervous system health, this episode offers practical insights you can begin applying today. As always, we'll approach these ancient concepts through the lens of holistic wellness, helping you understand how your unique constitution influences your health and how small, consistent changes can create lasting balance. If you've ever felt scattered, depleted, overstimulated, exhausted-but-wired, or unable to slow your mind down, this episode may help you understand why. Keywords: Vata constitution, Ayurvedic body types, Vata imbalance, Ayurveda for beginners, anxiety and Ayurveda, natural remedies for anxiety, nervous system support, Ayurvedic herbs, digestion and Ayurveda, constipation remedies, insomnia natural support, ashwagandha benefits, shatavari, tulsi, Ayurvedic nutrition, grounding practices, holistic health, herbal medicine, wellness podcast, digestive health, stress management, natural healing.

    Why You're Always Cold, Tired, Anxious, and Overwhelmed

  4. Jun 8

    Bee Balm's Charm: Kills Bugs, Calms Guts, and Soothes Alarm

    What makes bee balm one of the most versatile herbs in the herbalist's toolkit? In this episode, we're exploring the remarkable medicinal uses of bee balm (Monarda species), a plant that grows abundantly across East Texas and has earned a permanent place in my apothecary. To help remember its key actions, you'll learn a simple rhyme: "What's bee balm's charm? Kills bugs, calms guts, and soothes alarm." Using stories from my own practice and family experiences, we'll unpack what those three actions really mean and why this humble wildflower continues to impress me year after year. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to identify Monarda punctata, also known as spotted horsemint • The differences between Monarda punctata, Monarda fistulosa, and Monarda didyma • Why some herbalists prefer the "buttery" leaves of fistulosa while others value the stronger aromatic qualities of punctata • The role of thymol and why bee balm is considered such a powerful antimicrobial herb Kills Bugs We explore bee balm's traditional and modern applications for: • Sinus infections and nasal congestion • Respiratory infections • Chest congestion and steam inhalations • Sore throats • Urinary tract infections • Yeast overgrowth • Minor skin infections • Bee stings, wasp stings, and insect bites • Sunburns and inflammatory skin conditions We'll talk bee balm nasal sprays, steam treatments, infused honey, and a memorable experience using bee balm baths to comfort a congested infant. Calms Guts Bee balm's digestive uses may surprise you. We discuss: • Gas and bloating • Diarrhea associated with pathogens • Microbial imbalances in the digestive tract • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) • Traditional use for infant colic • Historical references to the herb as the "baby saver plant" I also share my personal experience working with bee balm during a stubborn H. pylori-related ulcer and why the herb's unusual flavor seemed to become more tolerable when it was exactly what my body needed. Soothes Alarm One of bee balm's most fascinating actions may be its effect on the nervous system. We discuss: • How bee balm differs from more emotionally focused nervines • Physical nerve overstimulation • Feeling frazzled, overstimulated, or "hair standing on end" • Anxiety, insomnia, and nervous exhaustion • Traditional use for vertigo, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease • Matthew Wood's observation that bee balm acts deeply on the nerves • The relationship between thymol, circulation, and cranial nerve support You'll also hear a personal story about a perforated eardrum and how bee balm became an unexpected ally during recovery. Additional Topics Covered • Traditional Native American uses • Wildcrafting and harvesting considerations • Tea preparation and dosage guidelines • Tincture dosage recommendations • Safety considerations during pregnancy • Potential interactions with valerian Key Takeaway If you remember one thing from this episode, remember the rhyme: "What's bee balm's charm? Kills bugs, calms guts, and soothes alarm." Whether you're dealing with microbes, digestive discomfort, or a nervous system that feels like it's buzzing with overstimulation, bee balm is an herb worth getting to know. Resources Mentioned • Matthew Wood's writings on Monarda • The Herbarium dosage • Research on thymol & antimicrobial activity • Traditional ethnobotanical uses of bee balm Interested in personalized herbal support? I offer one-on-one herbal consultations designed to help you create a wellness plan tailored to your unique needs. Learn more at Grace Rooted Herbalist: www.gracerootedherbalist.com

    Bee Balm's Charm: Kills Bugs, Calms Guts, and Soothes Alarm

  5. May 25

    Elderflower Harvesting and Use Made Easy

    Elderflower is in bloom across East Texas! Let's talk about what you can use it for, where to find it, how to harvest it and preparations that will have it ready to use when you need it. This episode answers questions like: What's the difference between elderflower and elderberry?Can I harvest plants from Texas state parks?Do I wash elderflower before using?What can I do with elderflower besides make tea?And much more.

    Elderflower Harvesting and Use Made Easy

  6. Apr 23

    Harvest Self Heal Now! Plus Uses

    I once made the mistake of underestimating this little plant, but I don't any more! Self heal, Prunella vulgaris might be the something extra your medicinal herb regimen has been waiting for, and it's blooming now across East Texas. This episode covers: Identifying self heal Historic/traditional use Current medical research around autoimmune issues and cardiovascular inflammation How herbs can also be medicine for the soul Where to buy seeds How self-heal is used as food Why you might benefit from visiting gracerootedherbalist.com

    Harvest Self Heal Now! Plus Uses

  7. Mar 17

    High Blood Pressure & Herbs: What Actually Works (and What Matters More)

    In this episode, we take an in-depth look at high blood pressure—what it is, why it matters, and what you can actually do about it. After a personal experience with cardiovascular crisis, this topic became more than theoretical—it became urgent. We break down how blood pressure works, why inflammation is such a major driver, and how diet, movement, sleep, and stress all play a role in long-term heart health. Because the truth is, there usually isn’t just one fix—and it’s not always as simple as taking a pill. 🌿 At 12:11, we dive into herbs traditionally used to support healthy blood pressure, including: Hawthorn for whole-system cardiovascular supportGarlic for circulation and arterial healthHibiscus for gentle, research-backed reductionsDandelion root for fluid balanceMotherwort and linden for stress-related hypertensionAnd when (and when not) to consider cayenneYou’ll also hear why one size does NOT fit all in herbal medicine—and how your unique constitution matters when choosing the right approach. Whether you’re exploring natural support, navigating a diagnosis, or simply wanting to better understand your body, this episode gives you a grounded starting point. ⚠️ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your medications, diet, or health routine—especially if you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medications.

    High Blood Pressure & Herbs: What Actually Works (and What Matters More)

  8. Feb 18

    Where to Buy Locally Grown and Raised and Why You Should

    What if the key to better energy, stronger immunity, and real healing wasn’t another supplement… but your food source? Getting nutrient-dense, toxin-free food is vital for good health. Again and again when I work with clients, I see how much progress depends on the quality of what’s on the plate — and not all “healthy” food is created equal. In this episode, I sit down with Angie Gillette and Crystal Branch of the Tyler REKO Ring to talk about where to buy local organic food and why it truly matters. They break down how to choose the best locally grown produce, meat, and poultry — and what signs tell you it’s the real deal. We talk about whether locally grown and raised food is actually healthier (and why), why organic produce often costs more and whether it’s worth the extra investment, and the important difference between grass-fed and grass-finished. They also share red flags that something hasn’t actually been grown by a local farmer — even when it’s being marketed that way. If you’ve ever wondered what a REKO ring is, how it works, and how to get involved, this episode gives you a simple, practical guide to getting started. Whether you’re working on your health, feeding a family, or just wanting to be more intentional about your food, this conversation will help you shop smarter and support your local food community with confidence. This episode covers: -What should you look for when buying locally grown produce, meat or poultry? -What's a REKO ring and how do you shop? -Is locally grown and raised food actually healthier? -Does locally grown food taste better? -Why is organic produce more expensive and is it worth the extra cost? -What's the difference between grass-fed and grass-finished? -What are red flags something hasn't actually been grown by a local farmer? Tyler REKO Ring: https://www.facebook.com/TylerFarmtoTable Grace Rooted Herbalist: https://www.facebook.com/gracerootedherbalist

    Where to Buy Locally Grown and Raised and Why You Should
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About

Grace Rooted Wellness is a natural wellness and herbalism podcast focused on East Texas, hosted by Christian herbalist Missy Ticer. Each episode explores regional medicinal plants, seasonal wellness concerns, responsible harvesting, and conversations with local growers, vendors, and practitioners. Grounded in respect for the rhythms of nature and thoughtful stewardship, the show offers practical, welcoming discussions about plant medicine and everyday wellness. Learn when to harvest local medicinal herbs, where to buy the highest quality herbal products locally and how to use it all to build and sustain wellness. Educational purposes only, not medical advice.

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa Ticer
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Melissa Ticer
  • Show Website
    Grace Rooted Wellness