EP53: Crafting Herbal Teas

EP53: Crafting Herbal Teas

Author: Robin Harford November 25, 2024 Duration: 46:32

In this episode of the Eatweeds Podcast, Robin Harford sits down with Vivien Rolfe, a herbalist and researcher with a fascinating background in both science and herbal medicine. Recorded outdoors in the serene gardens of Penny Brohn in Bristol, this conversation delves into the art and science of herbal teas, the power of plants, and the rich cultural history surrounding their use.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

ABOUT VIVIEN ROLFE

Viv is a keen herbal researcher, educator and tea blender (and drinker). She splits her time between the National Centre for Integrative Medicine in Bristol teaching on the diploma, and researching herbs as part of her own business Curiosity Research. She is keen that people have fun and learn more about herbs, so co-founded the Cotswold Herb Centre to provide workshops and herb walks in Gloucestershire where she lives.


There's a quiet revolution happening just outside our doors, in the hedgerows, parks, and forgotten corners of the landscape. Eatweeds Podcast: For People Who Love Plants is your guide to that green world, hosted by forager and ethnobotanist Robin Harford. This isn't just a list of what's edible; it's a deep, sensory dive into our relationship with the flora around us. Each episode feels like a walk with a knowledgeable friend, one who points out not just the names of plants, but their stories, their historical uses, and their place in both ancient traditions and modern kitchens. You'll hear conversations that weave together practical foraging tips with cultural anthropology, exploring how plants have sustained human life for millennia as food, medicine, and material. Robin brings on experts and practitioners who share their hands-on experiences, from turning acorns into flour to understanding the medicinal compounds in a common weed. The podcast moves seamlessly from the science of plant identification to the folklore buried in their old names, creating a rich tapestry that connects listeners directly to their environment. It’s for anyone who has ever looked at a plant and wondered, "What's your story?" This series provides those answers, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wild, often overlooked bounty that grows all around us, making every walk an opportunity for discovery and connection.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 58

Eatweeds Podcast: For People Who Love Plants
Podcast Episodes
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EP06: How To Make Nettle Leaf Protein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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EP05: Remembering Frank Cook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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On the anniversary of Frank Cook's passing, friends remember him and how his work continues through the organisation Plants & Healers International. Includes interviews with Sandor Katz, Mary Morgaine & Marc Williams.
EP04: Plant Observation & Goethean Science [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:27
An interview with Craig Holdrege from the Nature Institute on "Plant Observation & Goethean Science". How to truly know a plant beyond the traditional classification & pattern methods of plant identification.
EP03: Revisioning Herbal Medicine For The People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:50
An interview with Simon Mills, herbal practitioner and author of Principles & Practice of Phytotherapy, The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety, Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. In this interview Simon's talks about : Why pl…
EP01: Wild Dolmades, Is Comfrey Safe To Eat, Self Care Using Plants [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:22
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