The Herbalist's Path

Mel Mutterspaugh

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. 1D AGO

    Free Medicine in Your Yard: 4 Medicinal Weeds Popping Up Right Now

    Spring is here, and that means some of the most powerful medicinal plants on the planet are popping up in your yard, your garden edges, and along your favorite walking paths. And most people are either pulling them out or walking right past them. In this episode, you'll meet four spring weeds that can have amazing benefits to your health: dandelion root and leaf, nettles, cleavers, and chickweed. You'll learn what they do, why they matter this time of year, and how to actually prepare them so you get the real medicine out. Free, potent, accessible plant medicine. Growing right outside your door. What's in this episode: Why spring weeds show up exactly when our bodies need them mostDandelion leaf and root: two different medicines from one plantNettles for depletion, allergies, and deep nourishmentCleavers for lymphatic support and why fresh preparation mattersChickweed as a cooling, anti-inflammatory ally inside and outEthical harvesting tips and how to prepare each plant effectivelyFor full show notes, resources, and links: theherbalistspath.com/blog/theherbalistspath-com/blog/free-medicinal-weeds-in-your-yard Learn to make potent tasty medicine with us inside Medicine Makin' Mommas here. Come to the Nourishing Nettles Conference with Susun Weed in May. Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! RSVP for the Herbal Medicine Planning Party 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 Support the show Ready to deepen your herbal skills and knowledge? Whether you're stocking your family's medicine cabinet, building your formulation skills, or stepping into the role of community herbalist, we have a program for you. Learn more here If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left us a review and shared it with a friend. It helps more herbalists find their way here, and helps make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers 🌸 Join me on: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube Disclaimer: *The information shared on this podcast 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.

    30 min
  2. Grassroots Herbalism: Mutual Aid, Community Care,  and Plant Medicine with Ashley Elenbaas

    MAR 20

    Grassroots Herbalism: Mutual Aid, Community Care, and Plant Medicine with Ashley Elenbaas

    What does herbalism look like when your community actually needs you? In this episode I sit down with clinical herbalist Ashley Elenbaas of Sky House Herbs, who has been doing boots-on-the-ground mutual aid work in Minneapolis. We talk about how she organized local herbalists, partnered with existing mutual aid networks, and got herbal care kits into the hands of homebound immigrant families. And how she did it without burning herself out in the process. This is community herbalism in action. Real, replicable, and deeply needed right now. In this episode: What grassroots herbal mutual aid actually looks likeHow to find your role without duplicating efforts already being doneThe power of pausing and orienting before you actInvolving your kids in the medicine makingKnowing when to slow down so you can keep showing upFor full show notes, resources, and transcript visit: theherbalistspath.com/blog/grassroots-herbalism-ashley-elenbaas  Ready to go deeper into community herbalism? Ashley will be joining us as a guest teacher inside the Community Herbalist Certification and Mentorship program. Learn more at here.  Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! RSVP for the Herbal Medicine Planning Party 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 Support the show Ready to deepen your herbal skills and knowledge? Whether you're stocking your family's medicine cabinet, building your formulation skills, or stepping into the role of community herbalist, we have a program for you. Learn more here If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left us a review and shared it with a friend. It helps more herbalists find their way here, and helps make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers 🌸 Join me on: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube Disclaimer: *The information shared on this podcast 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 6m
  3. MAR 7

    Herbs for Cardiovascular Health: Hawthorn, Garlic, Motherwort, and More

    Heart disease is the number one cause of death globally, and nearly 50% of adults in the US have at least one major cardiovascular risk factor. The good news is you likely have herbs in your kitchen and garden that can help. Learn the herbal actions that matter most for cardiovascular health as we share top herbs for heart support, from culinary powerhouses like garlic, ginger, rosemary, and cayenne, to longer-term tonics like hawthorn, motherwort, and ginkgo. These herbs work best alongside good daily habits to truly nourish your heart for the long haul. What's in this episode: Why heart health matters The cardiovascular system's connection to blood sugar, stress, inflammation, and the liverHerbal actions to know: antispasmodics, cardiotonics, circulatory stimulants, hypotensives, nervines, and vasodilatorsCulinary herbs as cardiovascular medicine: garlic, ginger, rosemary, and cayenneHawthorn: the heart tonic herbalists reach for again and againMotherwort for stress-induced hypertension and heart palpitationsGinkgo biloba and microcirculation: cold hands, brain fog, and beyondFor the Blueberry Cinnamon Heart Healthy Shrub recipe head here: theherbalistspath.com/blog/herbs-for-heart-health-hawthorn-garlic-motherwort Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! RSVP for the Herbal Medicine Planning Party 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 Support the show Ready to deepen your herbal skills and knowledge? Whether you're stocking your family's medicine cabinet, building your formulation skills, or stepping into the role of community herbalist, we have a program for you. Learn more here If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left us a review and shared it with a friend. It helps more herbalists find their way here, and helps make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers 🌸 Join me on: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube Disclaimer: *The information shared on this podcast 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.

    27 min
  4. FEB 12

    Holding Space as a Healer: Nervous System Herbs, Trauma & Psilocybin ER Nurse & 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 with herbal skills and the confidence to use them for your community. Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! RSVP for the Herbal Medicine Planning Party 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 Support the show Ready to deepen your herbal skills and knowledge? Whether you're stocking your family's medicine cabinet, building your formulation skills, or stepping into the role of community herbalist, we have a program for you. Learn more here If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left us a review and shared it with a friend. It helps more herbalists find their way here, and helps make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers 🌸 Join me on: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube Disclaimer: *The information shared on this podcast 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 41m
  5. 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 Community Herbalist Certification and Mentorship Program HERE. Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! RSVP for the Herbal Medicine Planning Party 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 Support the show Ready to deepen your herbal skills and knowledge? Whether you're stocking your family's medicine cabinet, building your formulation skills, or stepping into the role of community herbalist, we have a program for you. Learn more here If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left us a review and shared it with a friend. It helps more herbalists find their way here, and helps make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers 🌸 Join me on: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube Disclaimer: *The information shared on this podcast 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 2m
  6. 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 herbalism, this episode brings clarity without fear or hype. Connect with Hana at the Tisserand Institute: https://tisserandinstitute.org/ For full show notes, resources, links, and to download the transcript: https://www. Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! RSVP for the Herbal Medicine Planning Party 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 Support the show Ready to deepen your herbal skills and knowledge? Whether you're stocking your family's medicine cabinet, building your formulation skills, or stepping into the role of community herbalist, we have a program for you. Learn more here If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left us a review and shared it with a friend. It helps more herbalists find their way here, and helps make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers 🌸 Join me on: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube Disclaimer: *The information shared on this podcast 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 12m
  7. 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 Facebook at The Herbalist's Path and share what your liver needs this season. For full show notes, resources, links and transcript: https://www.theherbalistspath.com/blog/liver-health-herbs-natural-support Ready to go beyond surface level herbalism, and learn Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! RSVP for the Herbal Medicine Planning Party 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 Support the show Ready to deepen your herbal skills and knowledge? Whether you're stocking your family's medicine cabinet, building your formulation skills, or stepping into the role of community herbalist, we have a program for you. Learn more here If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left us a review and shared it with a friend. It helps more herbalists find their way here, and helps make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers 🌸 Join me on: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube Disclaimer: *The information shared on this podcast 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.

    36 min
  8. 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 Threads and Substack for science-informed reflections on herbalism, mental health, and ancestral healing. Ready to deepen your practice? This is the kind of thinking we cultivate inside the Community Herbalist Certification & Mentorship. Learn more at Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text! RSVP for the Herbal Medicine Planning Party 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 Support the show Ready to deepen your herbal skills and knowledge? Whether you're stocking your family's medicine cabinet, building your formulation skills, or stepping into the role of community herbalist, we have a program for you. Learn more here If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left us a review and shared it with a friend. It helps more herbalists find their way here, and helps make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers 🌸 Join me on: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube Disclaimer: *The information shared on this podcast 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 19m
4.8
out of 5
37 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

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