Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.
Wild plants growing right in your own backyard can be used to enhance digestion, increase cognitive performance and improve endurance.
You just have to know how to use them.
And in today's podcast with Guido Masé, you're going to learn exactly how.
Guido is author of the book “The Wild Medicine Solution: Healing With Aromatic, Bitter And Tonic Plants“, a clinical herbalist, herbal educator, and garden steward specializing in holistic Western herbalism. A described his plant-based medicine approach as “eclectic” and “drawing upon many influences”. He spent his childhood in Italy, in the central Alps and in a Renaissance town called Ferrara. Then, after traveling the United States, he settled into Vermont where he has been living since 1996.
He is a founding co-director of the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, an herbal medicine clinic and school. He serves as chief herbalist for the Urban Moonshine Natural Products Company, where he oversees research for an all-organic whole-plant tincture line and participates in product education and quality control.
Guido is also a trail runner and marathoner, and in this episode, you'll discover:
-How Guido became a “wild plant” expert…
-What is it that has changed in domesticated plants that make them so much more inferior than wild plants…
-The important differences between aromatic, bitter and tonic plants…
-How many plants you actually need to produce a tincture…
-Why alcohol is such a great medium to mix wild plant extracts into…
-How you can use “bitters” to enhance your digestive process (and how they're far different than digestive enzymes)…
-Why you should include plants like endives, radicchio, frisee, dandelion and mustard greens on your salad or with your meals…
-How to use wild plant extracts to support long bike rides, run or feats of endurance performance…
-How to use pine, mint, lavender and lemon balm to enhance cognitive performance…
-How you can easily make your own tonics and tinctures from common wild plants growing right in your own backyard…
-And much more!
Resources from this episode:
-Guido's book: The Wild Medicine Solution: Healing With Aromatic, Bitter And Tonic Plants
-Guido's blog: ARadicle.blogspot.com
–TianChi Chinese Adaptogenic Herb
Do you have questions, comments or feedback for Guido or me about plant-based medicine, how to find and use wild plants, “Urban Moonshine” or anything else we discuss in this episode? Leave your thoughts below!
11 Responses
Interesting interview. I've recently got into Chinese tonic herbs with some help from my acupuncturist, who roams around the Sierras, collecting herbs and writing books, much like Guido. His favorite herb and the cornerstone of my program is astragalus. I use it in soups, stews, every time I cook a pot of beans or rice, much like its traditional use in China. I also combine it with other herbs to decoct as a tea to sip on throughout the day, all to great benefit.
I'm surprised Guido didn't mention it, since he devotes a whole chapter to it in his book.
I'm always looking for ways to incorporate real food (plants) instead of supplementing for everything. Thanks again for the great article!
Ben and Co.- Haven't listened to this yet… But Question: Have any of you heard of the "toothache plant" (Spilanthes acmella)? Pretty yellow and red cone-shaped flowers and leaves have properties similar to Echinacea; said to enhance the immune system, improve digestion and help nausea. Had one the other day at Farmers Market! Boy- very weird "cleansing" feeling. Check out the fun pic! https://instagram.com/p/6-eegQgwD3/ And you can grab the seeds here: http://www.rareseeds.com/toothache-plant/. Cheers! -TJ
Hi Ben, I am scheduled for a colonoscopy on 9/10 but I want to reschedule this procedure until after I hear the info you have to share about your colonoscopy. I want to be more informed so I can decide if I actually want to move forward with this procedure. It isn't critical I actually get this procedure done so rescheduling it isn't a big deal. I was wondering what month you think the podcast or article on your colonoscopy might be? Thank you for your help in advance if you are able to give any info on the release date.
Gonna but a few weeks before I release info on that. Probably mid-Oct. If you are in a rush, I'd be happy to help you via a personal one-on-one consult. Just go to https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/coaching. and then choose a 20 or 60 minute consult, whichever you'd prefer. I can schedule ASAP after you get that.
Thank you! I will take you up on that offer after I hear the podcast if the podcast does not clear up my questions. I am certain the colonoscopy isn't really critical. No cancer in our family but I have been having stomach issues and this is what the gastro doc suggested. I had forgotten that in the past I had heard it was a dangerous procedure but had no reason to investigate why. When I heard you say you are getting this dangerous procedure and will be doing a podcast all about… it I was reminded of its danger and was happy you are doing a podcast on it to fill all of us in on it. I really appreciate all your podcasts! Thank you again!
Podcast link?
cool. I look forward to hearing this one. I just met up with a girl at a health food store a few weeks ago who was giving samples of Urban Moonshine products. I tried the Joy one. It was potent and pretty intense, I felt it almost immediately. Don't have a full review, but it worked.