Herbalism, Healing, and Community: A Deep Dive with members from the South Jersey American Herbalist Guild Chapter

A woman standing in her kitchen holding containers of dried herbs

In this episode of The Herbalist’s Path, we had the pleasure of chatting with Christine Osinski, Rudy Tighe, and Jackie from the South Jersey Chapter of the American Herbalist Guild. These herbalists share their unique paths into the world of herbal medicine, offering valuable insights on the power of plants, the challenges of working with herbs, and how community plays a vital role in healing.

From Law Enforcement to Herbal Medicine

Christine, a former law enforcement officer, shares how her experience with a health crisis led her to explore herbs. After years of struggling to find solutions in Western medicine, she turned to plant medicine and made transformative changes in her health and lifestyle. Her story is a testament to the power of herbs when combined with holistic changes like diet and lifestyle shifts.

Cannabis, Herbalism, and Finding Balance

Rudy, with his background in cannabis extraction, talks about his transition into herbalism and how cannabis opened his eyes to the wider world of plant medicine. He discusses the challenges of the cannabis industry, especially as it becomes more commercialized, and how he's now finding a deeper connection with other herbs.

Growing up with Plants

Jackie, who grew up in a Puerto Rican family where plants were central to healing, shares how her background in environmental science and botany led her to formalize her herbal studies. She discusses how herbalism is becoming more popular among younger generations and how familiar kitchen herbs like peppermint and basil are often overlooked for their powerful medicinal properties.

Herbal Wisdom: Practical Tips and Favorite Herbs

One of the highlights of the episode is hearing everyone’s favorite herbs and why they can't live without them. Christine swears by nettles for its nutritive benefits, while Rudy shares how elderberry has become a go-to for his family. Jackie loves peppermint for its digestive and anxiety-soothing properties.

Herbs To Thrive In School: A Free Class

The episode wraps up with an exciting announcement about a free class on September 18th, focused on helping kids (and adults) thrive in school with the support of herbs. This class will cover topics like immune health, focus, and managing anxiety.

Want to Dive Deeper?

Tune in to the full episode above, or on your favorite podcast player, and don't forget to register for our upcoming free class on September 18th to learn how herbs can help your family through the school year. You can sign up for the free herb class right here. Whether you're new to herbalism or a seasoned practitioner, there's something for everyone in this episode.

Want to connect with our guests? Check out South Jersey Chapter of the American Herbalists Guild on Facebook.

Key Herbs Mentioned in the Episode:

Nettle – for nourishing the body and boosting energy
Elderberry – for immune support during cold and flu season
Peppermint – for calming digestion and anxiety
Garlic & Thyme – everyday kitchen herbs with powerful healing properties

Meet The Author

_{We Love the Mission and Sustainable Herbs available through Oshala Herb Farm, WishGarden Herbs & Mountain Rose Herbs and receive a small commission when you purchase through our affiliate links. Thank you for supporting our small business, and others on a mission to make this planet a better place to live!}

_{*Always remember to contact your healthcare provider when considering the use of botanical medicine as a possible treatment option and the medical considerations. While the information in this article is absolutely relevant, herbs work differently for each person and each condition.}

_{**I am a trained herbalist and not a licensed or registered healthcare practitioner. I cannot diagnose health conditions, nor prescribe medicines legally; I am not a medical doctor. However, I will recommend or suggest medicinal herbs for various health complaints, as I do believe in the safety and efficacy of botanical medicine.}

_{***The information I’ve provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing.}

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