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Eclectic Herbal Wisdom

Eclectic Herbal Wisdom

Written by: Christine Alstat & Mel Mutterspaugh
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About this listen

Hosted by two experienced herbal educators and storytellers — Christine Alstat, owner of Eclectic Herb, and Mel Mutterspaugh, founder of The Herbalist’s Path and Lead Herbal Educator at Eclectic Herb, this show explores the herbs we love, how they work, and the deeper connection between people and plants.


Each episode features monthly herb spotlights, zodiac-themed herbal insights, seasonal wellness support, wildcrafting stories from the Pacific Northwest, and conversations shaped by decades of experience in the herbal world.


Rooted in Eclectic Herb’s 40-year legacy and grounded in the traditions of the Eclectic Physicians, this podcast is perfect for herbalists, plant lovers, and anyone wanting to live closer to nature.

© 2026 Eclectic Herbal Wisdom
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Episodes
  • Herbal Wisdom for Women: From Birth to Menopause w/ Dr. Judith Thompson, ND
    Apr 24 2026

    When it comes to women's health and herbal medicine, there may be no better pairing. In this episode we had the pleasure of chatting with naturopathic doctor and herbalist Dr. Judith Thompson, who shares decades of clinical wisdom from her work with women, from postpartum care to perimenopause, the everyday herbs she trusts most for nourishment and balance, and why the intention behind how we make and use herbal medicine matters more than we might think.

    What's in this episode:

    * How Judith's Paraguayan roots and her mother's kitchen medicine shaped her path into herbalism

    * The near-fatal car accident that opened her eyes to the healing power of plants

    * Herbalism and naturopathy: two lenses, one deep relationship with plants

    * Clinical stories from birth to menopause: arnica for newborns, sitz baths, mugwort vaginal steams, maca, and evening primrose

    * Supporting women through HPV naturally with green tea, vitamin E, and dietary shifts

    * Safe everyday herbs for nourishment and balance: nettles, oats, parsley, celery, red raspberry leaf

    * Why the intention behind making herbal medicine matters, and what one doctor's observation revealed

    * Caring for plants as living beings and the Sustainable Herbs Initiative


    For full show notes and transcript: eclecticherb.com/podcast/womens-health-dr.-judith

    Get herbs as fresh as nature intended at eclecticherb.com Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

    Text Us & Let Us Know How You Liked The Show!

    Thanks so much for tuning into Eclectic Herbal Wisdom!

    We'd love to show our gratitude by giving you a 20% discount on your whole order at eclecticherb.com.

    Just use the code PODCAST20 at checkout for 20% Off all your herbal goods! 🌿

    And, if you have time, be sure to reach out and let us know what you think of the show!

    At Eclectic Herb we're passionate about bringing you herbs as fresh as plants in the wild!

    That's why we take the time to gently freeze dry our herbs, right after they've been harvested at the peak of their medicinal potency.

    We know you'll feel the freeze dried difference in every capsule, every powder, and every bit of herbal love you get at Eclectic Herb!

    At Eclectic Herb we're proud to stay rooted in tradition, balanced with science, and committed to sustainable herbal products that are better for you and better for the planet since 1982.

    Over 95% of our freeze dried herbs are grown right here in the US, by small family farmers, and wild crafters that we've cultivated relationships with for over 30 years. They're tending to the plants and the land, ensuring they come back for future generations, and we're getting you the best herbal products out there.

    You deserve herbs as fresh as nature intended! Get them at eclecticherb.com

    Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Dandelion: Digestive Health, Liver Support, and Eclectic History
    Apr 9 2026

    Dandelion might be the most beneficial plant in your yard, yet so many are trying to kill this abundant, generous plant. Discover why herbalists have turned to dandelion for centuries, from its bitter properties that get digestion moving, to its support for liver function, kidney health, and natural detoxification. You'll hear how the leaf and root each have different beneficial properties, and why fresh dandelion is the best when it comes to getting the most from this "weed”.

    Dig into the history through a century-old Eli Lilly dandelion extract, Culpeper's writings, the Eclectic Physicians, and traditional cultures around the world who have relied on this bright spring plant for generations. Plus, how freeze-drying preserves dandelion's full potency year-round.

    What's in this episode:

    • Why dandelion is a spring tonic for digestion, liver, and kidney support
    • The difference between dandelion leaf and root, and when to use each
    • Culpeper, Eli Lilly, and the Eclectic Physicians on dandelion's traditional uses
    • Dandelion as food: salads, pesto, flower fritters, roasted root coffee, and more
    • Why fresh matters and how freeze-drying preserves what air drying destroys
    • The energetics of dandelion: uplifting leaf energy and grounding root energy

    Full show notes, resources, and transcript: eclecticherb.com/podcast/dandelion-herb-of-the-month

    Get Eclectic Herb's freeze-dried dandelion here at eclecticherb.com

    Text Us & Let Us Know How You Liked The Show!

    Thanks so much for tuning into Eclectic Herbal Wisdom!

    We'd love to show our gratitude by giving you a 20% discount on your whole order at eclecticherb.com.

    Just use the code PODCAST20 at checkout for 20% Off all your herbal goods! 🌿

    And, if you have time, be sure to reach out and let us know what you think of the show!

    At Eclectic Herb we're passionate about bringing you herbs as fresh as plants in the wild!

    That's why we take the time to gently freeze dry our herbs, right after they've been harvested at the peak of their medicinal potency.

    We know you'll feel the freeze dried difference in every capsule, every powder, and every bit of herbal love you get at Eclectic Herb!

    At Eclectic Herb we're proud to stay rooted in tradition, balanced with science, and committed to sustainable herbal products that are better for you and better for the planet since 1982.

    Over 95% of our freeze dried herbs are grown right here in the US, by small family farmers, and wild crafters that we've cultivated relationships with for over 30 years. They're tending to the plants and the land, ensuring they come back for future generations, and we're getting you the best herbal products out there.

    You deserve herbs as fresh as nature intended! Get them at eclecticherb.com

    Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Medicinal Lichens, Moss, & Ferns w/ Robert Dale Rogers, RH (AHG)
    Mar 27 2026

    Meet Robert Dale Rogers, one of the most prolific herbalists alive today, with over 65 books and decades of clinical practice rooted in botany, indigenous plant wisdom, and a deep love of the overlooked medicines of the Earth. In this episode, Robert joins Chris and Mel to share the stories, the science, and the magic behind some of herbalism's most under-appreciated medicines: lichens, ferns, mosses, and fungi.

    This one is rich with wisdom, wild stories, and a few things that might just change how you look at the forest floor.

    What's in this episode:

    • Robert's path into lichens, ferns, and overlooked plant medicine
    • Usnea as a clinical tool for drug-resistant tuberculosis and antibiotic resistance
    • Lungwort and the Doctrine of Signatures: why this lichen keeps showing up when you need it
    • Learning from Cree healers and documenting a 10th-generation medicine bundle
    • Flower essences in clinical practice, including Gorse for hope
    • 26 years of developing mushroom essences and shadow work
    • You can learn more about Robert and his coming events here, and get his latest books here.

    Herbal Terms in This Episode:

    • Doctrine of Signatures: A traditional concept suggesting a plant's appearance may offer clues about its potential uses
    • Usnic Acid: A compound found in roughly 32 lichen species, studied for its unique ability to affect bacterial cell function

    We'd love to hear from you!

    Have you ever had a plant show up at exactly the right moment? Share your stories with us on Instagram or TikTok @eclecticherb

    Full show notes and transcript: eclecticherb.com/ blogs/news/medicinal-lichen-robert-dale-rogers

    Explore Ecl

    Text Us & Let Us Know How You Liked The Show!

    Thanks so much for tuning into Eclectic Herbal Wisdom!

    We'd love to show our gratitude by giving you a 20% discount on your whole order at eclecticherb.com.

    Just use the code PODCAST20 at checkout for 20% Off all your herbal goods! 🌿

    And, if you have time, be sure to reach out and let us know what you think of the show!

    At Eclectic Herb we're passionate about bringing you herbs as fresh as plants in the wild!

    That's why we take the time to gently freeze dry our herbs, right after they've been harvested at the peak of their medicinal potency.

    We know you'll feel the freeze dried difference in every capsule, every powder, and every bit of herbal love you get at Eclectic Herb!

    At Eclectic Herb we're proud to stay rooted in tradition, balanced with science, and committed to sustainable herbal products that are better for you and better for the planet since 1982.

    Over 95% of our freeze dried herbs are grown right here in the US, by small family farmers, and wild crafters that we've cultivated relationships with for over 30 years. They're tending to the plants and the land, ensuring they come back for future generations, and we're getting you the best herbal products out there.

    You deserve herbs as fresh as nature intended! Get them at eclecticherb.com

    Follow @eclecticherb on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
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