Herbs with Rosalee

Linden is one of my favorite tree medicines, but it's also surrounded by a few common misconceptions.

Here, I unpack three myths that may be keeping you from getting the most out of this remarkable herb.

► Why linden is much more than a calming bedtime tea

► Which parts of the tree are traditionally used beyond the flowers

► What research suggests about harvesting linden from urban areas

If you'd like to keep learning about linden, I'd love to share my free Linden Monograph, which also includes one of my favorite summer...

Can one tiny flower soften dry skin, soothe swollen tissues, calm the heart, and even inspire a little everyday magic?

Violets may be small, but they have an astonishing amount to offer. In this episode, I sit down with herbalist Lindsey Feldpausch to celebrate one of our shared favorite plants: violet (Viola spp.). Together, we explore why this humble spring flower deserves far more attention—not only for its beauty, but for its remarkable ability to soothe dry tissues, support the lymphatic system, nourish the body, and gently soften both physical and emotional tension.

Along th...

What if one of the most helpful herbs for the lungs is one you’ve never heard of?

Rabbit tobacco (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium) may not be the most well-known herb, but according to herbalist Karen Lynn Burr, it deserves a place in every herbal toolkit.

In this episode, Karen shares how this native North American plant became one of her most trusted allies after a serious respiratory health crisis—so much that she credits it for saving her life! Along the way, we explore rabbit tobacco's long history of traditional use for supporting the lungs, soothing irri...

What happens when we stop looking at Japanese knotweed as a problem to solve and start looking at it as a teacher?

Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is often used as a go-to herb for Lyme disease, but in this fascinating conversation, herbalist Emily French invites us to see this remarkable plant through a much wider lens. From chronic inflammation and joint pain to menstrual stagnation, skin care, and beyond, Emily shares why knotweed has become one of her most trusted herbal allies—and why reducing it to a single use misses the bigger picture entirely.

Al...

Could the tree outside your window become one of your greatest herbal teachers?

Living at the edge of the boreal forest, Erica Macrum is surrounded by balsam fir (Abies balsamea), and over the years this fragrant conifer has become one of her closest plant allies. But rather than relying on books, Erica has learned much of what she knows about balsam fir through observation, experimentation, and simply spending time with the tree itself.

In this episode, Erica shares her favorite ways to work with balsam fir's resin, needles, and bark, as well as the unexpected...

When people think about herbs for stress, they often reach for the usual recommendations. But some of the most supportive herbs aren't always the most obvious.

Here, I share three surprising herbs that I frequently think about for different types of stress and nervous system support.

► Milky oats for deep depletion and nervous system nourishment

► Lavender for anxiety and acute stress support

► Reishi for chronic, long-term stress and resilience

I also share an important lesson I've learned after many years of working with herbs: while herbs can be incredible allies...

What can an old fairy tale teach us about one of herbalism’s most trusted plants?

In this episode, herbalist and storyteller Juliet Howard shares one of my favorite stories, "The Wild Swans," an old tale in which stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) plays a central role in healing, devotion, and liberation. From there, our conversation unfolds into a rich exploration of nettle’s gifts—from its nourishing minerals and restorative qualities to its role as a fiber plant, natural dye, and lifelong herbal companion.

Through story, personal experience, and practical herbal wisdom, Juliet reveals why stingi...

Have you ever found yourself lying in bed unable to sleep, thoughts spinning in your head like a hamster wheel? Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) may just be the herb for you!

In this short episode, I discuss what I love about passionflower, when it truly shines for dealing with insomnia, and my favorite ways to work with it.

As you’ll hear, passionflower can be a wonderful herbal ally for certain types of insomnia—but unfortunately, sometimes all the herbs in the world can’t help if chronic stress is what’s keeping you from being able to...

When most people think about oral care, they think about toothpaste or mouthwash. But herbs have a long history of supporting the mouth, gums, and oral tissues in ways that are both practical and deeply nourishing.

In this short podcast, I share three of my favorite underrated herbs for oral health and why each one works so differently.

► Plantain for supporting tissue healing

► Marshmallow root for soothing dry, irritated tissues

► Echinacea for oral discomfort and deeper tissue support

I also talk about one of the most important shifts in herbal...

What if one of the most beloved herbs for emotional healing isn’t just uplifting—but helps us gently reconnect with parts of ourselves we’ve had to tuck away to survive?

In this episode, I sit down with CoreyPine Shane to discuss mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), often affectionately referred to as the “tree of happiness.” And what a fitting name! Mimosa is celebrated as a joyful, uplifting herb, and is commonly reached for to help relieve anxiety and depression—though as CoreyPine shares in this conversation, its benefits are much more nuanced than that.

CoreyPine also shares...

Herbs can be incredible allies for oral health, but knowing how and when to use them makes all the difference.

Here, I share three of my favorite herbal recipes for supporting the mouth, gums, and oral tissues, along with practical tips for actually making them effective.

► A powerful herbal mouthwash with echinacea, sage, and plantain

► A sage and rose tooth powder for everyday oral care

► A turmeric mouth pack for deeper long-term gum support

I also talk about one of the biggest mistakes people make with herbal oral care: not gi...

Most people think oral health starts and ends with the teeth. But the mouth may be telling a much bigger story.

Here, I share three important shifts in thinking that completely changed the way I understand herbal oral care.

► Why oral health is deeply connected to the rest of the body

► How herbal energetics can help us better understand gum and tissue patterns

► Why consistency matters when using herbs for oral care

I also share why I’m so excited about the free Herbal Dental Care mini course created by my fr...

Most of us were taught to think about dental health in isolation—brush, floss, rinse, repeat. But what if your mouth is actually a gateway to understanding your entire body?

In this episode, my friend Mason Hutchison and I interview Kyle Denton to explore a more holistic approach to dental care. Drawing from his overlapping backgrounds in clinical dentistry and herbalism, Kyle shares how the mouth can reflect patterns of health throughout the body (and the many ways that herbalism can help us work with those patterns rather than simply masking them!).

We also get in...

What if the medicine you need isn’t just in the plant—but in kneeling down to meet it?

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) may not be as widely known as other plants in the herbal world, but as Swedish herbalist Lisen Sundgren shares in this episode, it holds a quiet kind of magic. With its delicate white flowers, an aroma reminiscent of vanilla, and a long history in European traditions, this woodland herb has been used to gently support the nervous system, ease restlessness, and mark the turning of the seasons.

But this conversation goes far...

If you live in the American Southwest, chances are you’re familiar with piñon pine (Pinus edulis and other species). But while this rugged tree is most often celebrated for its nourishing nuts, its needles, resin, and aromatic presence offer a whole world of medicine just waiting to be explored.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Briana Wiles to explore the many gifts of piñon pine. She shares how this beloved conifer can support everything from the lungs and immune system to the skin and nervous system, while also bringing an unexpected sens...

Peaches are sweet, juicy, and familiar—but what if there has been medicine hiding in the leaves all along?

In this episode, I sit down with herbalist and nutritionist Betsy Miller to explore the often-overlooked medicine of peach leaf (Prunus persica). While peaches are widely celebrated as food, Betsy shares how the leaves of the tree offer powerful support for patterns of heat and irritation in the body, especially when it comes to nausea, digestive discomfort, and nervous system overwhelm.

Weaving together clinical insight, personal experience, and a deep appreciation for the subtle ways plants su...

Everyone’s trying to get rid of it—but around the world, it’s treasured as medicine. What if pennywort could change the way you see your backyard?

Pennywort (Hydrocotyle spp.) is one of those plants that many people overlook (or actively try to remove!). Yet across the globe, it’s commonly harvested and enjoyed as both a nourishing food and a traditional remedy. In this conversation, herbalist and botanist April Punsalan shares how this unassuming, persistent plant became one of her most meaningful allies.

Drawing from her background with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife...

Nettle has a reputation, and like many beloved herbs, it’s picked up a few myths along the way.

In this short podcast, I untangle some of the most common misunderstandings about this deeply nourishing plant. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting the most from nettle, this is a great place to begin.

And if you’re interested in going even deeper with nettle, I’ve got you!

My friend Mason Hutchison and I teamed up to bring you the Nettle Immersion, a 30-day deep-dive into this amazing, nourishing herb.

This...

Nettle all day, everyday.

Does this sound exciting to you? Perhaps it sounds a little intimidating…or maybe you’re just curious why on earth you’d want to submit yourself to so much of a plant that literally stings you. (But not when it’s properly prepared, which is super simple to do, I promise!)

Well, my friend Mason Hutchison and I are certainly excited about nettle—and that’s why we teamed up to bring you the Nettle Immersion, a 30-day deep-dive into this amazing, nourishing herb.

This immersive experience includes over 100 min...

Isn’t smoking bad for you? Yes…but the conversation around smokable herbs may be more nuanced than you think.

In this episode, I’m joined by herbalist and founder of Puff Herbals, Lian Bruno, for a grounded, thoughtful conversation about smokable herbs—especially mullein (Verbascum spp.). While many herbalists shy away from this topic, Lian approaches it through a lens of harm reduction, compassion, and what she calls “holistic hedonism.”

LIan explores why mullein has long been used in smoking blends, how formulation dramatically changes the smoking experience, and why all-or-nothing thinking can make conversation...

What if working with hawthorn isn’t just about supporting your cardiovascular system, but also about influencing how your body expresses health at the deepest level?

In this heartfelt conversation, I’m joined by herbalist Betzy Bancroft to explore the many layers of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)—a plant that nourishes and protects the heart in more ways than one. Though hawthorn is widely known for supporting cardiovascular health, Betzy shares how its effects go far deeper, helping regulate gene expression, improving flexibility of the blood vessels, and overall supporting the body’s natural resilience.

At the same...

Stinging nettle has a reputation as a mineral-rich powerhouse—but what happens when you drink it every day for decades?

For many herbalists, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the first plants they fall in love with—and for herbalist Mary Blue, that relationship has only deepened over time. In this episode, I sit down with Mary to explore the many ways stinging nettle can nourish and support the body, as well as what it means to build such a deep, lasting relationship with a single plant.

Mary shares stories from her decades of work...

What if our ancestors already found solutions for our modern health problems—and the answers are hiding in plain sight in your spice cabinet?

Allspice (Pimenta dioica) may be small, but as Asia Dorsey shares in this episode, its medicine is mighty. Used throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and beyond, this aromatic berry carries anti-fungal, circulatory, and even menopausal support (all while making your food taste incredible!).

But this conversation goes far beyond herbal actions. Asia weaves together ecology, fermentation science, ancestral cooking techniques, and herbal healing into a powerful reminder: everything we need is al...

In a world of constant sensory overload, how do we care for the mind without burning it out?

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jennifer Kurdyla to discuss gotu kola (Centella asiatica), an herb that has long been known for supporting calm focus, emotional spaciousness, and long-term nervous system resilience.

Through the lens of Ayurveda, Jennifer explains how gotu kola cools inflammation, supports the gut–brain connection, and nourishes the senses. She reflects on her personal journey with gotu kola, highlighting how this quietly powerful herb helped to bring her back into balance afte...

Is there anything black seed can’t do?

In this episode, herbalist and nutritionist Abrar Al-Shaer takes a deep dive into the many gifts of black seed (Nigella sativa), a revered herb that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Abrar has been studying this plant since she was a child, and has so much to share about it—from the home remedies her mother gave her as a child, to ancient teachings from Islamic medicine, and even modern-day medical research on this celebrated plant.

Abrar also shares her recipe for Black Seed Herbal Ener...

What if one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory herbs isn’t in your supplement cabinet—but already in your kitchen?

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of my students, Mylinda Ogundipe, to talk about a plant that has quietly become a lifelong ally for her family: turmeric.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of the most widely used herbs in the world—and that familiarity can make it easy to overlook just how powerful this plant really is. In this heartfelt and practical conversation, Mylinda shares how turmeric moved from bei...

Register for our free webinar, “Avoid Common Herbal Pitfalls So You Can Make Remedies That Heal,” by visiting http://www.herbalminicourse.com/.

In this webinar, my co-teacher Emily Han and I will be diving into the most common mistakes people make when working with herbs (as well as how to avoid them). You’ll also get access to our free Rooted Medicine Circle mini course when you register. But don’t delay, the webinar and mini course are only open for a short time!

For all the details about the free webinar and mini course, be sure...

Is there a “right” way to use herbs topically?

Most people are familiar with salves, lotions, and creams—including non-herbalists!—but there are so many other ways that herbs can be used topically beyond these popular applications. From herbal baths and compresses to poultices and liniments (and yes, even suppositories!), topical remedies offer powerful, often immediate ways to support the body—that is, of course, if they’re used appropriately.

In this episode, I’ll explore several different ways to work with herbs topically, and when you might choose one herbal preparation over another. You’ll learn why som...

In a world obsessed with stimulation and strength, what can this gentle, velvety herb teach us about healing?

In this episode, herbalist and prolific author Maria Noël Groves joins me to discuss one of the most soothing herbs around—the lovely marshmallow (Althaea officinalis). Together we explore what makes this mucilaginous (read: velvety, not slimy!) herb such a powerful ally for irritated and inflamed tissues—especially in the gut, where marshmallow helps to protect, moisten, and nourish while also supporting the microbiome.

Maria shares why she’s fallen so deeply in love with this soft, s...

Pedicularis doesn’t shout for attention—but once you meet it, you may wonder how you ever lived without its profound ability to help the body let go.

It was such a delight to sit down with Chicago herbalist Alex Williams to discuss the gorgeous pedicularis (Pedicularis spp.). Those who are familiar with this lovely plant treasure it for its ability to help release deep skeletal muscle tension—and yet it remains relatively unknown in the herbal world.

In this rich and reflective conversation, Alex weaves together the clinical uses of pedicularis for pain, injury, and ne...

This often-discarded kitchen staple makes powerful medicine—don’t throw it away!

In today’s episode, Chilean herbalist Constanza Leal discusses an herb that is ubiquitous in my kitchen during the dark months of winter—orange peel (Citrus x sinensis). Together, we explore how this humble peel brings warmth, radiance, and the unmistakable sunny joy of citrus into our homes and our bodies. From supporting digestion and clearing the lungs to brightening our mood in the heart of winter, orange peel offers far more than most people realize.

Constanza shares so many ways to help you savo...

How can one tree be said to bless, protect, seduce… and curse?

In this episode, I’m joined by herbalist and writer Ruthie Kølle for a deep dive into one of my all-time favorite plants: hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). Together, we explore hawthorn’s rich folklore, its potent heart-centered gifts, and the magic woven into its thorns, blossoms, and berries. Drawing from her Celtic heritage, Ruthie shares how hawthorn is not just a medicine, but a living bridge to old-world traditions and ancestral ways of healing.

Ruthie brought us her recipe for Anam Cara Heart Opening...

From opening the lungs to easing grief, pine offers both physical and emotional medicine.

In this week’s episode I’m joined by herbalist Liz Neves, who shows us how to tap into pine’s gifts through working with its resin, needles, and the simple yet profound medicine of just being in its stately presence.

Liz reveals the many ways she works with pine (Pinus spp.), from crafting pine needle baskets to making medicine with the resin and needles, and even a surprising  use for pine-infused porcupine poop (no, I’m not kidding—that really came up in...

What makes calendula a must-have herb for gardeners and herbalists worldwide?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Helena del Pesco, whose background as a chef and fermentation enthusiast gives her unique insight into the world of herbs. Together we explore the many faces of calendula (Calendula officinalis)—from its glowing orange blossoms and otherworldly seeds to its remarkable gifts for soothing skin, supporting tissue repair, and inspiring generosity in both garden and spirit.

Calendula is beloved in herbal oils and salves to heal and protect the skin, but it shines in so many other...

Could the secret to a calmer mind and a healthier gut be hiding in your morning bowl of porridge?

In this episode, I sit down with Swedish herbalist and nutritionist Karoline Karttunen to discuss one of my favorite breakfasts — the humble oats (Avena sativa).

Grains have gotten a bad rap in recent years — and it’s true that highly processed or sugar-laden versions don’t do us any favors. But as Karoline reminds us, whole-grain oats are a true nutritional powerhouse that also carry the same medicinal gifts as oat straw and milky oats — beloved herbal all...

From easing hot flashes to calming muscle tension, black cohosh has long been a trusted ally for cycles of change.

In this episode, I’m joined by herbalist, author, and Appalachian plant steward Patricia Kyritsi Howell for a fascinating deep dive into one of the forest’s most mysterious and misunderstood herbs: black cohosh (Actaea racemosa). Patricia shares how this powerful woodland plant first “brought her back to herself” during a time of personal healing—and how that experience shaped decades of herbal practice and advocacy. Together, we explore the magic, medicine, and conservation of a plant that’s as...

Why have so many herbalists stopped using American ginseng — and what would it mean to welcome it back?

In this episode, I sat down with Appalachian herbalist Phyllis Light to discuss American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), an herb that her family has had an intimate relationship with for generations. Wow, what a wealth of information she had to share about this legendary herb! Our conversation wound through the folk history of ginseng’s use in Appalachia, ginseng trade routes, and the many, many ways we can work with it to benefit our health. Phyllis also explored the widespread beli...

What can this velvety, rose-family herb teach us about transformation and healing?

In this episode, I’m joined by the luminous Robin Rose Bennett to discuss lady's mantle (Alchemilla spp.), a plant that embodies both strength and tenderness, ancient alchemy and modern healing. Robin Rose shares how this ancient herb supports women through every life stage, from menstruation to menopause, and what its alchemical nature can teach us about transformation, healing, and self-love.

Together, we dive into the folklore, magic, and medicine of this lovely herb. Along the way, Robin Rose offers her Lady’s Luxu...

What happens when we follow one plant deeply enough to uncover its stories, traditions, and medicines?

In this episode, I sit down with herbalist, artist, and folk magic researcher Rebecca Beyer to talk about her lifelong devotion to spicebush (Lindera benzoin)—a plant rooted in Appalachian folk tradition and brimming with story.

Rebecca shares how a difficult illness first led her to herbal medicine, and how she eventually came to see spicebush as her patron plant. We explore its many gifts—from its role in spring tonics and colonial kitchens to its modern uses as a wa...

Can you believe we’ve made it to 200 episodes of the Herbs with Rosalee podcast?! 

Week after week, I get to sit in the host’s chair—asking the questions, guiding the conversation, and shining the spotlight on other herbalists (and the plants we love). Honestly, it’s one of my favorite things to do.

So when we realized the 200th episode was coming up, we knew it had to be something different. 

At first, someone suggested I should be the one in the hot seat. My reaction? Hard no. Absolutely not.

But the...