The Herbalist's Path

Mel Mutterspaugh
  • 4.8 (36)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What if the medicine you need is already growing in your backyard? What if you could be the healer your community is waiting for? The Herbalist’s Path is a podcast for herbalists, students of herbal medicine, and plant-loving practitioners who are ready to deepen their skills and confidence. Herbalism isn’t just about memorizing plants. It’s about understanding how and why they work, learning to think critically, and applying plant medicine thoughtfully with real people. Hosted by clinical herbalist and educator Mel Mutterspaugh (Mountain Mel), this show blends traditional plant wisdom with modern clinical understanding, grounded in real-world experience and ethical community care. You’ll hear solo episodes that break down herbal concepts in a clear, practical way, along with conversations with herbalists, educators, farmers, product makers, and healers who are actively shaping the future of herbal medicine. Together, we explore clinical reasoning, safety, formulation, sustainability, and what it really means to grow into the role of a community herbalist. Because herbalism isn’t about perfection. It’s about practice, connection, and reclaiming healing knowledge that belongs to all of us. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to serve as a healer in your community, subscribe and walk your herbal path with intention and confidence. Learn more at theherbalistspath.com

  1. 7H AGO

    Holding Space as a Healer: Nervous System Herbs, Trauma & Psilocybin with Nurse Turned Herbalist Heather Shelton

    What does it really look like to hold space for someone in their most vulnerable moments? Heather Shelton, nurse-turned-herbalist and psilocybin facilitator, shares her journey from medical trauma to healing work with nervous system herbs and plant medicine. Learn about lemon balm, motherwort, and chamomile for everyday support, what happens in a psilocybin session, and why plants have been her greatest teachers. Grounded wisdom for anyone called to healing work. What's in this episode: From medical trauma to herbalism and facilitation workLearning directly from plants when teachers weren't availableWhat a psilocybin session is really likeNervous system support: lemon balm, motherwort, and chamomileCreating safety and presence as a healerTeaching kids to trust their intuitionFor full show notes head HERE Want to learn from Heather and become the kind of herbalist people trust guide them in their healing journey? The Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship Program teaches you how to think like an herbalist, hold space for real healing, and show up wi Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! Now more than ever, we need an herbalist in every home So we're having an Herbalism Is Resistance Sale where you can get get 50% off our foundational herb program, Naturally Healed - Herbal Remedies for the Whole Family Use code RESISTANCE at checkout here Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough? Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of Need It's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to ge We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see! That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey.  If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here.  Support the show If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers Join Me In These Places Too: tiktok.com/@herbalistspath instagram.com/theherbalistspath facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath Disclaimer: *The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

    1h 44m
  2. Staying Regulated in a Dysregulated World: Nervous System Herbs for Challenging Times

    FEB 3

    Staying Regulated in a Dysregulated World: Nervous System Herbs for Challenging Times

    The world feels heavy right now. Many of us are moving through stress, grief, anger, and exhaustion while trying to stay grounded in our lives and communities. In this co-hosted episode of The Herbalist’s Path, Mel and Brittany talk honestly about what it looks like to stay regulated during hard times. They explore nervous system support through herbs, foundational practices, and self-awareness — without bypassing what’s happening in the world. In this episode, we cover: • Navigating stress & overwhelm • Why this stress isn’t new for BIPOC communities & why context matters • Nervines for immediate nervous system support • Heart-centered herbs for grief  • Milky oats for depleted nervous systems • Adaptogens for long-term resilience & when to use them • Foundational practices no tincture can replace • Herbalist burnout and practicing what you preach • Joy, laughter, and community care — including caring for yourself This grounded conversation between two clinical herbalists focuses on resilience, capacity, and caring for yourself so you can keep showing up with integrity and clarity. For full show notes, click HERE: Ready to deepen your herbal practice? Learn more about the Communi Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! Now more than ever, we need an herbalist in every home So we're having an Herbalism Is Resistance Sale where you can get get 50% off our foundational herb program, Naturally Healed - Herbal Remedies for the Whole Family Use code RESISTANCE at checkout here Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough? Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of Need It's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to ge We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see! That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey.  If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here.  Support the show If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers Join Me In These Places Too: tiktok.com/@herbalistspath instagram.com/theherbalistspath facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath Disclaimer: *The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

    1h 5m
  3. Essential Oils for Herbalists with Hana Tisserand: Safety, Quality, and Sustainability

    JAN 20

    Essential Oils for Herbalists with Hana Tisserand: Safety, Quality, and Sustainability

    Essential oils are powerful tools, but they’re also some of the most misunderstood substances in modern herbalism. Safety concerns, quality questions, and sustainability issues are real, and sorting through the marketing noise to find reliable information isn’t easy. This episode cuts through the confusion. Hana Tisserand, internationally respected essential oil educator and author, joins me to talk about how herbalists can use essential oils confidently and responsibly. We cover safety guidelines that actually make sense, how to assess quality when you’re buying oils, what sustainability really means in the essential oil industry, and how to integrate aromatherapy into your herbal practice without overwhelm. If you’ve been curious about essential oils but unsure where to start, this conversation offers a solid, grounded foundation. You’ll learn: What essential oils are, and what they are notWhy essential oil safety requires more nuance than most people realizeHow quality, sourcing, and sustainability impact both people and plantsCommon misconceptions herbalists should be cautious ofWhen essential oils make sense in herbal practice, and when they don’tIf you’ve ever felt unsure about essential oils, overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or curious about how they fit into responsible Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! Now more than ever, we need an herbalist in every home So we're having an Herbalism Is Resistance Sale where you can get get 50% off our foundational herb program, Naturally Healed - Herbal Remedies for the Whole Family Use code RESISTANCE at checkout here Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough? Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of Need It's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to ge We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see! That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey.  If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here.  Support the show If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers Join Me In These Places Too: tiktok.com/@herbalistspath instagram.com/theherbalistspath facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath Disclaimer: *The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

    1h 15m

  4. JAN 16

    Liver Health Herbs - How Herbalists Support Natural Detox Pathways Without “Cleanses”

    Your liver is working every minute to filter toxins, balance hormones, metabolize fats, and support over 500 functions in your body. But here's what most people get wrong: your liver doesn't need a "cleanse" or punishing detox. What it needs is ongoing support through the right herbs at the right time. In this episode, you'll discover how to think like an herbalist when choosing liver-supporting herbs. Learn why bitter herbs stimulate digestion, how cholagogues and choleretics improve bile flow, and which hepatic herbs protect and regenerate liver cells. Whether you're dealing with skin issues, digestive struggles, hormonal imbalances, or simply want to support your hardest-working organ, this episode gives you the practical herbal wisdom to nourish your liver. What you'll learn Why the liver works 24/7 and why "cleansing" language misses the pointThe liver's role in fat metabolism, hormones, bile, and blood sugarHow bitter taste receptors kickstart digestion and bile flowThe difference between cholagogues vs cholereticsKey herbal actions for liver support: hepatoprotective and trophorestorative herbsPractical ways to use bitters and Milk Thistle seeds dailyIf this episode helped you think about liver support differently, come say hi. Message me on Instagram or Fac Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! Now more than ever, we need an herbalist in every home So we're having an Herbalism Is Resistance Sale where you can get get 50% off our foundational herb program, Naturally Healed - Herbal Remedies for the Whole Family Use code RESISTANCE at checkout here Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough? Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of Need It's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to ge We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see! That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey.  If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here.  Support the show If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers Join Me In These Places Too: tiktok.com/@herbalistspath instagram.com/theherbalistspath facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath Disclaimer: *The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

    39 min
  5. Slow Herbalism, Mental Health & Ancestral Healing with Herbalist Jo Sesay

    JAN 8

    Slow Herbalism, Mental Health & Ancestral Healing with Herbalist Jo Sesay

    What if healing isn't something you rush toward, but something you remember? In this episode, herbalist Jo Sesay shares how her grandmother, mother, and Aunt Jo created their own healing network long before the internet existed. You'll discover why cultural connection matters deeply in both food and plant medicine, how ancestral wisdom shapes modern herbal practice, and why slowing down is the most radical thing you can do as a budding herbalist. Jo brings together psychology, addiction counseling, perinatal mental health expertise, and a PhD candidacy in integrative health. She shares honest truths about the pressure to perform on social media, why herbalism thrives on collaboration not competition, and how to build a genuine relationship with plants one cup of tea at a time. Here's what you'll learn: Jo's family healing network across generationsWhy cultural foods matter in healingMental health, trauma, and cultural processingReconnecting to landBlack Americans returning to herbalismCreating herbal rituals with childrenOat straw as allyCreating your own blueprintReclaiming the sacred in practiceConnect with Jo here as RealRootedJo on Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! Now more than ever, we need an herbalist in every home So we're having an Herbalism Is Resistance Sale where you can get get 50% off our foundational herb program, Naturally Healed - Herbal Remedies for the Whole Family Use code RESISTANCE at checkout here Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough? Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of Need It's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to ge We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see! That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey.  If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here.  Support the show If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers Join Me In These Places Too: tiktok.com/@herbalistspath instagram.com/theherbalistspath facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath Disclaimer: *The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

    1h 22m

  6. JAN 1

    Learn to Think Like an Herbalist, Not Just Memorize Herbs

    There’s a moment in most herbalist’s journey when working with plants stops feeling like a fun curiosity and starts feeling more like responsibility. Your remedies work. People notice. And suddenly, friends, family, and community members are asking you for deeper help. Not just a salve or a tea, but real support for chronic issues, complex patterns, and long-standing health concerns. In this episode of The Herbalist’s Path, Mel talks about that pivotal shift. The moment when integrity matters more than confidence, and when memorizing more herbs no longer feels like enough. You’ll hear why true herbal confidence doesn’t come from stacking more books or collecting more plant facts, but from learning how the body actually works, how to assess what’s really going on beneath the surface, and how to think critically about which herbs, preparations, and lifestyle shifts are truly supportive for the person in front of you. This episode is for herbalists who care deeply about doing this work well. For those who feel the weight of responsibility when people trust them with their health, and who want to meet that responsibility with skill, compassion, and integrity. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by internet herbalism, conflicting advice, or the pressure to sound confident before you feel ready, this show will feel grounding and reassuring for you. What you'll hear in this episode: The emotional shift from hobbyist to responsible herbalistWhy memorizing herbs doesn’t build real confidenceHow understanding the body changes everything about herbal recommendationsWhat it actually means to think like an herbalistWhy mentorship and guidance matter when the stakes are real If this resonates, you’re feeling the call to go deeper, you can Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! Now more than ever, we need an herbalist in every home So we're having an Herbalism Is Resistance Sale where you can get get 50% off our foundational herb program, Naturally Healed - Herbal Remedies for the Whole Family Use code RESISTANCE at checkout here We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see! That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey.  If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here.  Support the show If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers Join Me In These Places Too: tiktok.com/@herbalistspath instagram.com/theherbalistspath facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath Disclaimer: *The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

    24 min
  7. Do Herbs Really Work? Clinical Herbalist Brittany Williams' Honest Answer After 25+ Years

    12/12/2025

    Do Herbs Really Work? Clinical Herbalist Brittany Williams' Honest Answer After 25+ Years

    You can study herbs for years, read all the books, memorize the properties… but none of it replaces working with real people. None of it builds your intuition the way practice does, and it definitely doesn't come from AI. If you've ever wondered whether herbs really work or doubted your abilities as an herbalist, this conversation with clinical herbalist Brittany Williams of Eudemonia Herbs is going to feel like a deep exhale. Brittany shares her 25-plus year journey and gets real about what it takes to grow as an herbalist, why nuance matters, and how experience shapes confidence in ways no algorithm ever could. What's in this episode: Brittany's magical apothecary discovery at Smile Herb ShopThe "friends, family, and fools" phase of building confidenceWhy herbs work (and when they don't): quality, dosage, and matchingMeeting people where they are vs. gatekeeping herbalismHow herbal education creates a ripple effect in communitiesStarting somewhere is better than starting nowhereFor full show notes and transcript: https://www.theherbalistspath.com/blog/brittany-williams-eudemonia-herbs-work Ready to deepen Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! Now more than ever, we need an herbalist in every home So we're having an Herbalism Is Resistance Sale where you can get get 50% off our foundational herb program, Naturally Healed - Herbal Remedies for the Whole Family Use code RESISTANCE at checkout here Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough? Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of Need It's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to ge We're seeing more home herbalists pop up in the world today, and it's so beautiful to see! That also truly skilled and knowledgeable herbalists that can go beyond surface level herbalists, and guide others on their healing journey.  If you're feeling that call, I invite you to check out the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship here.  Support the show If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers Join Me In These Places Too: tiktok.com/@herbalistspath instagram.com/theherbalistspath facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath Disclaimer: *The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

    1h 14m

  8. 11/25/2025

    Am I Herbalist Enough? Real Talk For Herbalists Experiencing Imposter Syndrome

    Have you ever felt like you're not quite herbalist enough? If so, you're not alone, and neither am I. In this episode, we're talking about imposter syndrome in the herbal world and sharing the very human side of growing as an herbalist. And yes, even after 25 years of studying, teaching, formulating, running a product line, and guiding thousands of people with plant medicine, that nasty imposter syndrome still gets me. You'll hear some beautiful moments from my students, the lessons my teachers passed down to me, and what it truly looks like to own your role as a healer in your community. If you've ever wondered whether you "know enough" to call yourself an herbalist… this episode is for you. For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript: https://theherbalistspath.com/am-i-herbalist-enough-imposter-syndrome If you're feeling the nudge to step more fully into your role as an herbalist and community healer, I'd love to welcome you into the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship program. You can start your studies now and join our next live cohort when it begins. Learn more: https://www.theherbalistspath.com/community-herbalist-certification  Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! Support the show If you love the show and learned something new, please don't forget to leave us a bunch of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! And, share it with your friends so that we can make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers Join Me In These Places Too: tiktok.com/@herbalistspath instagram.com/theherbalistspath facebook.com/TheHerbalistsPath pinterest.com/TheHerbalistsPath youtube.com/c/TheHerbalistsPath Disclaimer: *The information I’ve provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.

    32 min
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4.8
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

What if the medicine you need is already growing in your backyard? What if you could be the healer your community is waiting for? The Herbalist’s Path is a podcast for herbalists, students of herbal medicine, and plant-loving practitioners who are ready to deepen their skills and confidence. Herbalism isn’t just about memorizing plants. It’s about understanding how and why they work, learning to think critically, and applying plant medicine thoughtfully with real people. Hosted by clinical herbalist and educator Mel Mutterspaugh (Mountain Mel), this show blends traditional plant wisdom with modern clinical understanding, grounded in real-world experience and ethical community care. You’ll hear solo episodes that break down herbal concepts in a clear, practical way, along with conversations with herbalists, educators, farmers, product makers, and healers who are actively shaping the future of herbal medicine. Together, we explore clinical reasoning, safety, formulation, sustainability, and what it really means to grow into the role of a community herbalist. Because herbalism isn’t about perfection. It’s about practice, connection, and reclaiming healing knowledge that belongs to all of us. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to serve as a healer in your community, subscribe and walk your herbal path with intention and confidence. Learn more at theherbalistspath.com

Information

  • Creator
    Mel Mutterspaugh
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    165
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Herbalist's Path
  • Show Website
    The Herbalist's Path

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