Hosted by two experienced herbal educators and storytellers — Christine Alstat, owner of Eclectic Herb, and Mel Mutterspaugh, founder of The Herbalist’s Path and Lead Herbal Educator at Eclectic Herb, this show explores the herbs we love, how they work, and the deeper connection between people and plants.
Each episode features monthly herb spotlights, zodiac-themed herbal insights, seasonal wellness support, wildcrafting stories from the Pacific Northwest, and conversations shaped by decades of experience in the herbal world.
Rooted in Eclectic Herb’s 40-year legacy and grounded in the traditions of the Eclectic Physicians, this podcast is perfect for herbalists, plant lovers, and anyone wanting to live closer to nature.
Most people think of St. John's Wort, and instantly think, "hey, that's the depression herb." But like most herbs, it has so much more to offer. In this episode we go deep on one of herbalism's most underestimated plants, tracing it from ancient Greek medicine and medieval folklore through the Eclectic physicians and all the way to modern clinical use. St. John's Wort was used for centuries for wound healing, nerve pain, sciatica, antiviral actions, and so much more before anyone starte...
9 Jul 2026
Your Body Can Heal Itself: Holistic Fertility w/ Dr. Kimberly Spair
Dr. Kimberly Spair was told she would never conceive again. She went on to have four more children. In this episode we talk about what holistic fertility support can look like. Dr. Kimberly shares the healing story behind her motherhood miracles: years of neurological Lyme disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the night she wrote a will, and the Medical Medium protocols that turned everything around. What's in this episode: Why the liver, nervous system, and adrenal glands ar...
25 Jun 2026
Calendula: The Skin Herb That Has Many More Benefits
Most people know calendula as a soothing herb for the skin, but its story goes far beyond salves and creams. This bright, golden flower has been used to support the lymphatic system, promote gut healing, offer antiviral support for shingles and chicken pox, and ease tired, overworked eyes. We also shared some of Calendula's history, from ancient physicians to traditional herbalists who revered it as one of nature's great healers. What's in this episode: Why calendula is so ...
11 Jun 2026
Chinese Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture and the Art of Healing with Dr. Cole Magbanua
Some healers change the course of your life in a single session. For Chris, that healer was Dr. Cole Magbanua, the acupuncturist who got her back on her feet after a serious car accident left her unable to walk. In this episode, Dr. Cole explores the world of Chinese medicine from the inside out: how distal acupuncture works and why it produces such immediate and sometimes miraculous results, the ancient art of pulse diagnosis and what it can detect before symptoms even appear, how Chinese nu...
29 May 2026
Hawthorn: The Herbalist's Go-To Heart Herb, Its History and Traditional Uses
If there is one herb that holds the heart in every sense of the word, it is Hawthorn. In this episode we take a deep and loving look at one of herbalism's most celebrated cardiotonic plants. From rich mythology to traditional Chinese medicine, from the stressed nervous system to the grieving heart, hawthorn shows up for all of it. Whether you are drawn to it for circulation, blood pressure, cold hands on winter mornings, or simply because your heart needs a little more love, this episode is f...
24 Apr 2026
Herbal Wisdom for Women: From Birth to Menopause w/ Dr. Judith Thompson, ND
When it comes to women's health and herbal medicine, there may be no better pairing. In this episode we had the pleasure of chatting with naturopathic doctor and herbalist Dr. Judith Thompson, who shares decades of clinical wisdom from her work with women, from postpartum care to perimenopause, the everyday herbs she trusts most for nourishment and balance, and why the intention behind how we make and use herbal medicine matters more than we might think. What's in this episode:&n...
9 Apr 2026
Dandelion: Digestive Health, Liver Support, and Eclectic History
Dandelion might be the most beneficial plant in your yard, yet so many are trying to kill this abundant, generous plant. Discover why herbalists have turned to dandelion for centuries, from its bitter properties that get digestion moving, to its support for liver function, kidney health, and natural detoxification. You'll hear how the leaf and root each have different beneficial properties, and why fresh dandelion is the best when it comes to getting the most from this "weed”. Dig into ...
Meet Robert Dale Rogers, one of the most prolific herbalists alive today, with over 65 books and decades of clinical practice rooted in botany, indigenous plant wisdom, and a deep love of the overlooked medicines of the Earth. In this episode, Robert joins Chris and Mel to share the stories, the science, and the magic behind some of herbalism's most under-appreciated medicines: lichens, ferns, mosses, and fungi. This one is rich with wisdom, wild stories, and a few things that might jus...
14 Mar 2026
Stinging Nettles: The Most Nutritious Weed You're Walking Past
Nettles might be the most nutrient-dense plant growing right outside your door right now, and most people walk past it every day without a second glance. In this episode, we're digging deep into one of herbalism's most beloved plants, sharing everything from its nutritional profile to why Dr. Ed Alstat's discovery of freeze-dried nettles for allergy relief changed the game for Eclectic Herb. You'll hear readings from a 17th century Nicholas Culpeper text right from Chris' personal herba...
5 Mar 2026
Herbs, Hospitals, Community Healing and the Essence of Nature Cure with Dr. Les Moore, ND
What does it look like when someone grows up watching their father heal their whole community with plants from the mountains of Virginia? Dr. Les Moore knows firsthand. In this episode, Chris Alstat welcomes her long-time colleague and friend to share a lifetime of wisdom rooted in nature cure, the eclectic physician tradition, and the deep conviction that plants are here to help us become whole again. From a closet apothecary in the Virginia mountains to a full natural pharmacy inside ...
17 Feb 2026
Digestive Health - Herbs for a Balanced Microbiome and Healthy Gut
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...
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 p...
15 Jan 2026
Herbs for Insomnia: Mental Health, Joy & Detox with Dr. Orna
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 b...
Your liver works overtime. Processing everything from last night's dinner to environmental toxins, your liver needs consistent support to stay healthy and resilient. In this episode, Chris and Mel dive deep into milk thistle, the gold standard herb for liver protection and regeneration. You'll learn why milk thistle has been trusted for over 2,000 years, how silymarin (the compound complex in milk thistle seeds) protects and regenerates liver cells, and why freeze-dried milk thistle pre...
2 Jan 2026
Capricorn Season Herbs: Ashwagandha for Stress & Immunity
Ashwagandha for stress and immunity is a powerful ally during Capricorn season, a time marked by ambition, determination, and the weight of responsibility. What happens when chronic stress meets winter’s demands? How can this adaptogenic root support your nervous system, immune resilience, and groundedness during a season of goal-setting? In this episode of Eclectic Herbal Wisdom, Chris and Mel explore Capricorn energy, the shadow side of burnout, and why Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera...
16 Dec 2025
Welcome to Eclectic Herbal Wisdom: Meet Chris & Mel
Meet Chris Alstat, owner of Eclectic Herb, and herbal educator Mel Mutterspaugh, two herbalists who found each other through their shared love of plants and are finally sitting down to do what they've talked about for years: share stories, wisdom, and a whole lot of herbal passion. In this episode, you'll get to hear from Chris as she shares about her Japanese heritage, the influence her mother's garden had on her childhood, the health crisis that changed everything, and how a chance me...
16 Dec 2025
Sagittarius Season Astro-Herbalism: Rosemary, Rituals & the Adventurous Spirit
Sagittarius season is all about expansion, adventure, and following that inner spark that wants to grow. In this episode, Chris and Mel explore the spirited, fire-driven energy of Sagittarius and the herbs that best support this season. You'll learn why rosemary has long been tied to travelers, students, memory, protection, and courage, along with practical ways to work with it both physically and energetically. You'll also hear companion herbs that round out Sagittarius season, includi...
16 Dec 2025
Skullcap: Herb of the Month for Calming the Nervous System and More
Can’t turn off your racing mind at night? Feel like you’re constantly running on high alert? Skullcap might be exactly what your nervous system needs. This episode dives deep into one of the most beloved herbs for nervous system support, exploring its rich history from Native American medicine to Victorian-era Eclectic Physicians, and how it’s used in clinical herbalism today. Chris and Mel share the fascinating ways Skullcap has been used throughout history. From menstrual support to s...
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