Digestive health is more than just what you eat. In this episode of Eclectic Herbal Wisdom, you’ll explore how herbs support a balanced gut microbiome and overall digestive function.

Chris and Mel break down how the digestive system, microbiome, immune system, and nervous system are deeply interconnected, and why supporting gut health requires more than quick fixes or restrictive diets. Drawing from Eclectic herbal tradition and modern physiology, this conversation highlights how herbal medicine approaches digestive health in a supportive, systems-based way.

You’ll learn why digestive bitters matter before meals, how herbs like Ginger and Calendula are traditionally used to soothe inflammation in the gut, and the role Dandelion plays in both liver and digestive support. Chris also shares insight into Eclectic Herb’s freeze-drying process and why proper processing helps preserve the compounds that make these herbs effective for digestion.

🌿 In This Episode

• Why digestive bitters are foundational for gut health
• Ginger’s traditional role in calming digestive inflammation
• How Calendula supports the gut lining
• Lemon Balm for stress-related digestive issues
• Dandelion’s role in liver and digestive support
• Prebiotic herbs that nourish beneficial gut bacteria

🌱 Herbal Terms in This Episode

Bitters: Herbs that stimulate digestive secretions and enzyme production
Microbiome: The community of beneficial bacteria that supports digestion, immunity, and resilience
Prebiotics: Plant fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria

🌿 Connect With Us

What herbs have supported your digestion the most?
Join the conversation on Instagram or TikTok @eclecticherb

Full show notes available at:
eclecticherb.com/podcast/digestive-health-herbs-gut-microbiome

Explore Eclectic Herb’s freeze-dried herbal formulas 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!

Aquarius season brings innovative, forward-thinking energy that helps us imagine what is possible beyond the present moment. In this episode of the Eclectic Herbal Wisdom podcast, Chris and Mel explore the brilliant, intellectual nature of Aquarius and why this disruptive air sign energy is exactly what many of us need right now.

Discover why Nettles is the perfect herb for Aquarius season. This generous, deeply nourishing plant mirrors Aquarian qualities with its prickly exterior and powerful gifts beneath the surface. Chris shares Ed Alstat’s pioneering discovery of freeze-dried Nettles for allergy support, while Mel talks about the embodied magic of working with fresh Nettles, including safely tasting young leaves straight from the plant.

You’ll also hear about Bilberry as an herb for vision and clarity, along with simple rituals to help ground visionary energy and support the path unfolding ahead.

What’s in this episode:

• Aquarius traits including innovation, disruption, and future-oriented thinking
• Why Nettles perfectly embodies Aquarian energy
• Ed Alstat’s groundbreaking discovery around freeze-dried Nettles and seasonal allergies
• How to safely forage and work with fresh Nettles, including when they appear in late Aquarius season
• Bilberry as an ally for inner sight, clarity, and vision work
• Grounding rituals using Nettles and Bilberry to anchor big ideas
• Affirmations to support trust in your inner vision

Herbal Terms in This Episode:

• Trophorestorative: An herb that nourishes and restores a body system over time
• Freeze-dried: A preservation method that helps maintain volatile compounds and nutrients often lost in traditional drying

🌿 Connect With Us

What rituals help you ground your visionary energy?

Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok @eclecticherb

Get Eclectic Herb’s freeze-dried Nettles here:
and Bilberry here

Full show notes available at:
eclecticherb.com/podcast/aquarius-astro-herbalism-nettles

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!

Sleep is not optional. It's foundational.

In this episode of Eclectic Herbal Wisdom, we're joined by Dr. Orna Izakson for a grounded conversation about insomnia, mental health, nervous system herbs, and why real healing often looks much simpler than the latest wellness trend.

We talk about Skullcap, Passionflower, and Valerian, including when they shine and when they don't. We also unpack detox myths, why extreme cleanses often backfire, and how gentle daily rhythms support the body's innate pathways far better than aggressive protocols.

What You'll Learn:

• Why CBT-I is the gold standard for chronic insomnia
• How herbs support sleep without overriding the nervous system
• When Skullcap is appropriate, including its use for seizure support
• Why Valerian causes paradoxical reactions in some people
• Detox demystified and why less is often more
• Milk Thistle: when robust liver support is actually needed
• Hawthorn as a heart and nervous system ally for challenging times

Connect With Dr. Orna Izakson, ND, RH(AHG) here

Naturopathic physician, registered herbalist, and educator specializing in mental health, sleep, and integrative care Instagram: @dr.orna, or find her stunning plant pics at @gardenmedicine

Herbs Mentioned:

• Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
• Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
• Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

We'd love to hear from you!

What herbs have supported your sleep or mental health?
Have you experienced a paradoxical reaction to valerian or another herb?
Share your stories with us on Instagram or TikTok @eclecticherb

Full show notes: eclecticherb.com/podcast/herbs-mental-health-dr-orna-izakson

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!