Sage and Spirit

Motherwort + Mugwort: Weeds for Women with Patricia Kyritsi Howell

Patricia Kyritsi Howell, RH (AHG), is the founder and director of the BotanoLogos School of Herbal Studies, and author of Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians. Patricia has been a practicing clinical herbalist for over 28 years, and in this episode, she shares with us two of her favorite herbal allies- motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris).

In our conversation, we discuss the traditional ways in which these plants have been used to support women's bodies and cycles, and different ways of working with them. Patricia shares with us her own personal accounts of how and why these plants have been such an important part of her own healing journey, in addition to numerous clients she has worked with over the years. While each of these plants has a rich history of medicinal uses, Patricia also gives some insight to a more magical and energetic side of these wild weeds, and shares some tips for forming your own connection with them.

Learn more about Patricia, her herb school, and other educational offerings by visiting wildhealingherbs.com

Connect on Instagram: @botanologos

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The Fantastic World of Functional Mushrooms with Gina Rivers Contla

With over 30 years of experience in herbalism and the natural products industry, Gina Rivers Contla is the National Science Educator for well-known mushroom supplement company Host Defense. In this conversation, we discuss the numerous mushrooms that grow all around us, many of which can provide myriad ways of supporting our bodies and minds.

We explore the differences between the fruiting bodies of mushrooms and the lesser-known mycelium, and even go a little deeper into the archetypal nature of mycelium and all that's entailed therein.

Some of the mushrooms discussed in this episode include reishi, lion's mane, turkey tail, and shiitake, among others. Gina makes learning about mushrooms such an intriguing journey, and empowers people to learn more about working with mushrooms for everyday support and wellness.

Learn more about Gina, functional fungi, and all of the offerings from Host Defense Mushrooms by visiting the Host Defense website at hostdefense.com

Connect on Instagram: @hostdefense

To view the mushroom documentary mentioned towards the end of the episode, visit www.fantasticfungi.com or find it on YouTube.

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Holistic Oral Health with Herb Girls Amy Wright and Eileen Brantley

Amy Wright and Eileen Brantley are the masterminds, medicine makers, and educational powerhouse duo behind the Athens, Georgia based herbal business known as Herb Girls. These ladies are "lit with a passion" about many important issues when it comes to holistic health, and lately they've been delving deeper and deeper into the seldom-discussed topic of the oral microbiome, and best ways of maintaining the health- and appearance- of our pearly whites. Dental health is incredibly important in maintaining the overall health of our bodies. In this episode, Amy and Eileen talk about the connection between the oral microbiome and the gut biome. They discuss how issues in the mouth, such as periodontal disease and gum disease, don't necessarily stay in the mouth, and how these issues are often linked to even bigger concerns like heart disease and respiratory health. They also provide a number of bio-hacks and herbal tips on keeping your mouth, teeth, and gums in tip-top shape- the holistic way.

The Herb Girls have created a special link full of tips, hacks, and recommendations just for Sage + Spirit listeners: Oral Health Freebie

Learn more about Amy and Eileen, and all of the Herb Girls offerings by visiting their website at www.herbgirlsathens.com

Connect on Instagram: @herbgirlsathens

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Bean-to-Bar Botanical Chocolate with Sara Ratza

Sara Ratza is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Western Herbalist, and a self-taught chocolatier. In her bean-to-bar chocolate business, Ratza Chocolate, Sara creates thoughtfully crafted, botanical-infused creations made from sustainably sourced ingredients.

In today's episode, Sara and I delve deep into the chocolate-making process, the concept of "junk chocolate", and some of the different plant constituents that are known to be supportive for our health and well-being. Ever found yourself relishing a morsel of fine chocolate while sipping your favorite wine? You're not alone- and there's a good reason why! Sara shares with us her ideas for making chocolate a bigger part of community gatherings and women's circles, and why this special plant has the potential for bringing more joy and bliss into our lives.

Explore Sara's delicious chocolate collection and sign up for her monthly chocolate subscription at www.ratzachocolate.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram: @ratzachocolate

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Andean Wisdom for Changing Times with Fredy "Puma" Quispe Singona

Joining us all the way from the Sacred Valley of Peru, my first guest is one of my very own teachers, Fredy “Puma” Quispe Singona. Puma is an Andean medicine man, trained by his grandfather “Papakay”, who started out on his path at the young age of 6 years old. In our conversation, Puma shares what it means to navigate times of change and transformation from the perspective of his Andean lineage. He discusses the concept of ayni, a sort of sacred reciprocity that permeates the traditions of his culture, and how we can all find ways to incorporate this practice into our daily lives to facilitate greater balance and harmony. It is Puma’s mission to support the global awakening consciousness and to continue his grandfather’s legacy by sharing the ancient teachings and the medicine of his ancestral indigenous culture in his own unique, inspiring and heartfelt way.

 

In an effort to expand the reach of his teachings, Puma is now offering a number of virtual classes and courses that can be accessed around the world! Find his current offerings at The Shift Network, and on his website, Noqan Kani.

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