In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast series, naturopath and herbalist Jo Boyd joins host Daina Parent, ND, to celebrate an “unsung herbal hero” – garlic. This herb has a well-known culinary and medicinal history of use beyond eschewing vampires. Garlic ancient medicine uses extend back to centuries ago and continues to be a main staple in modern times as well for its numerous health benefits.

One of the most advantageous qualities of medicinal herbs is their versatility. In this podcast episode, our host Daina Parent, ND, talks with naturopath, herbalist, and acupuncturist Laurence Katsaras about the four herbs he considers essential for any herbalist or practitioner incorporating medicinal herbs in their clinical practice. What do these herbs have in common? Their applications are broad, and their medicinal effects are potent.

In this episode, Marisa Marciano, ND, RH, returns to talk with host Daina Parent, ND, to talk about the rich history of botanical medicine. In particular, this conversation is about what we know regarding traditional uses and evidence-based uses of medicinal herbs — and the impact the entire body of knowledge has on modern herbal medicine.

In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast from WholisticMatters, guest Marisa Marciano, ND, RH, returns to talk with host Daina Parent, ND, about the common clinical conditions and concerns she sees in her practice and the medicinal role played by herbs. Some of the most common issues Marisa addresses with her patients involve stress, hormones, and digestion. Additionally, Marisa and Daina talk about their favorite herbal home remedies for culinary and first-aid applications.

Although ginseng is one of the most popular herbs in the world, it is also often the most easily misrepresented within the herbal marketplace. Confusion abounds when it comes to naming herbs as “ginseng” — often in a disingenuous attempt to capitalize on the plant’s ancient reputation of powerful health-enhancing effects. In reality, there is a finite number of “true” ginsengs that are defined based on a shared botanical ancestry and phytochemical profile.

For over three billion years, plants have evolved in response to the needs and challenges required of their environment. Through these constant biochemical pursuits, humankind has also greatly benefited.1 Herbal constituents are the active ingredients of plants. They are plant metabolites (phytochemicals) which when consumed, have a definable physiological and potentially medicinal effect on the body.

Developed in India, Ayurveda is considered one of the world’s oldest medical systems. Its history goes back to at least 5,000 BC, and its modern-day relevance continues to be utilized worldwide. The literal meaning of the word Ayurveda is “science of life,” and Ayurveda’s aim is to preserve health and treat disease by promoting balance between humans and their environment using a range of healthy lifestyle practices. These practices include the consumption of minimally processed foods and medicinal herbs, alongside sophisticated exercise and detoxification protocols which are aimed at enhancing the body’s capacity to maintain balance amid a variety of stressors.1