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The Herbalist's PathAuthor: Mel Mutterspaugh
What if the medicine you need is already growing in your backyard? What if you could be the healer your community is waiting for?The Herbalists Path is a podcast for herbalists, students of herbal medicine, and plant-loving practitioners who are ready to deepen their skills and confidence. Herbalism isnt just about memorizing plants. Its about understanding how and why they work, learning to think critically, and applying plant medicine thoughtfully with real people.Hosted by clinical herbalist and educator Mel Mutterspaugh (Mountain Mel), this show blends traditional plant wisdom with modern clinical understanding, grounded in real-world experience and ethical community care.Youll hear solo episodes that break down herbal concepts in a clear, practical way, along with conversations with herbalists, educators, farmers, product makers, and healers who are actively shaping the future of herbal medicine. Together, we explore clinical reasoning, safety, formulation, sustainability, and what it really means to grow into the role of a community herbalist.Because herbalism isnt about perfection. Its about practice, connection, and reclaiming healing knowledge that belongs to all of us.Whether youre just getting started or ready to serve as a healer in your community, subscribe and walk your herbal path with intention and confidence.Learn more at theherbalistspath.com Language: en-us Genres: Alternative Health, Health & Fitness, Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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When the FDA Questions Elderberry Safety With Google AI - What Every Herbalist and Herbal Business Owner Needs to Know
Episode 173
Friday, 3 July, 2026
When an FDA inspector showed up to inspect my student's herbal product business, he flagged her elderberry echinacea tincture as dangerous, and cited Google AI as his research source. That's where this episode starts, and it gets crazier from there.This herbalist has done the work, and played by all the rules. She documented everything from seed to final sale. Her SOPs in place, labels compliant. She’s even been working in healthcare for years. She was doing everything right. And still, an FDA inspector who couldn't explain cyanogenic glycosides without consulting an AI chatbot tried to bring her down.What's in this episode:What happened when an FDA inspector flagged elderberry using Google AI as his only sourceThe truth about cyanogenic glycosides in elderberries and why the inspector was wrongWhat the American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook says about elderberryWhy AI-driven research on plant medicine is dangerous and what to do insteadThe bigger picture: how plant medicine has been systematically erased from mainstream knowledgeWhat you need to have in place if you run an herbal product lineHow to find support and resources if this happens to youFor full show notes, resources, and links visit: theherbalistspath.com/blog/fda-inspects-herbal-business-elderberry-safetyWant support and mentorship as you build your herbal business, or gain more skills to become an herbalist? That's what we do inside the Community Herbalist Certification and Mentorship. Learn more at theherbalistspath.com/community-herbalist-certification Like the show? Got a Q? Shoot us a Text!Wondering how you can use your herbal skills to help people when times are tough?Grab Medicine For The People - An Herbalist's Guide To Showing Up For Your Community In Times of NeedIt's loaded with ideas and resources to help you help others!💚 Click here to geSupport the showReady to deepen your herbal skills and knowledge?Whether you're stocking your family's medicine cabinet, building your formulation skills, or stepping into the role of community herbalist, we have a program for you.Learn more hereIf you enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you left us a review and shared it with a friend. It helps more herbalists find their way here, and helps make herbalism #SpreadLikeWildFlowers 🌸Join me on: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTubeDisclaimer:*The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbs.
