Videos

Could the secret to better digestion be hiding in your compost bin? In this episode, clinical herbalist Heather Luna makes the case for an herb that most of us literally throw away. She reveals why orange peel (Citrus x sinensis) has become one of her favorite everyday herbs—and why it deserves a place in your kitchen instead of your compost. During our conversation, Heather explores many of the overlooked medicinal gifts of orange peel, from supporting digestion and nutrient absorption to nourishing the lungs, cardiovascular system, and microbiome. Along the way, she shares why she believes herbs belong alongside our food, not separated from it, and how simple daily practices can create the biggest changes in our health. Want an easy (and delicious!) way to start using orange peel every day? Download the beautifully illustrated recipe card for Heather's Rosehip Citrus Jam from the resource section below, and discover why this simple preparation has become a favorite in her clinic. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ► The surprising reason Heather puts orange peel into almost every digestive tea she makes ► How orange peel behaves differently from many other bitter herbs—and why that matters ► What's hiding inside the bitter white pith that most food recipes tell you to avoid ► Seven delicious ways to use orange peel as food and medicine (and one clever way to use up any leftovers!) ► Why slowing down to brew a daily cup of tea may be one of the most powerful herbal practices of all ► and so much more… For those of you who don’t know her, Heather Luna is a clinical herbalist and nutritionist, practicing in vitalist therapeutics. She is director of the Acorn School of Herbal Medicine where she hosts an online community learning platform for foundational, advanced, and clinical herbalism programs. She has been an instructor of Western herbalism since 2006 and has facilitated a free clinic since 2017. Heather's work emphasizes a vitalist approach to the application of herbs, nutrition, and holistic lifestyle. She is a mother, gardener, and a forever student of nature. Heather carries a lineage in the vitalist tradition with a mission to pass it on. This episode is a beautiful reminder that herbalism doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes the most profound medicine begins with slowing down, paying attention, and making good use of what we've already been given. -- RESOURCES -- ► Get your free, downloadable recipe card, plus herbal goodies every Wednesday when you sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://bit.ly/4wdVhxK ► Access the transcript for this episode here: https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/podcast234.html ► Heather’s website: Website https://www.acornherbschool.com/ ► Heather’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acornherbschool/ ► Heather’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@acornschoolofherbalmedicine ► Are you looking for high quality dried herbs? My recommendation is Mountain Rose Herbs. Click here to check them out: https://bit.ly/3ms3vQ2. You can also look for local places to buy herbs near you in my directory here: https://bit.ly/3NRQq0U -- DISCLOSURE -- I’m a huge fan of Mountain Rose Herbs and will often share referral links to buy herbs or herbal supplies at their online herbal apothecary. By using the above affiliate link, you help support this channel. Thanks! -- TIMESTAMPS -- 00:37 - Intro to Heather Luna + Heather’s plant path 08:04 - The role of education in the path of healing 11:26 - The importance of food as medicine 13:24 - Medicinal benefits of citrus peel 18:09 - What’s the difference between citrus zest and the full peel? 20:08 - Tips for preparing the peel from fresh oranges 21:59 - Herbal preparations for citrus peel 23:47 - Rosehip Citrus Jam recipe 28:15 - Safety considerations for orange peel 30:39 - What’s the most delicious citrus? 32:19 - Heather’s herbal offerings 35:50 - What Heather thinks herbs are especially good at teaching humans right now 38:42 - Herbal tidbit -- SWEATER PATTERN -- Yes, I did knit my sweater! Pattern is: Open Edge Tee by Jessie Maed Designs -- DISCLAIMER -- The herbal and plant information in this video is for educational purposes only. The information contained is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other medical professional. If you have or suspect that you have a serious health problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Always consult with a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.

A huge thank you to our presenting sponsor for The Herbalist Hour, Oshala Farm Oshala Farm is a beautiful and vibrant certified organic herb farm based in southern Oregon where they grow and sell over 80 different plant species. LEARN MORE & BUY | http://www.oshalafarm.com In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I'm joined by Heather Luna. Heather is a clinical Herbalist and nutritionist and is the founder of the ACORN School of Herbal Medicine. She is the primary teacher for all classes and programs, as well as the director and supervising faculty of our Free Clinic. Heather is a student and apprentice of Paul Bergner. With 20 years experience as a professional clinician, herbal educator, gardener, wildcrafter, and medicine maker, Heather has a wealth of real world experience to guide and train the next generation of aspiring herbalists. We chat about her childhood and her journey to discovering herbalism, some of her mentors, self care strategies in the vitalist tradition, some of her personal plant allies and a whole lot more! Hope you all enjoy and we'll see you in the next episode. ~Mason *LINKS & RESOURCES* ACORN School | https://www.acornherbschool.com/ Heather on YouTube | @acornschoolofherbalmedicine Heather on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/acornherbschool 🎵 Theme Song by @torinfrostofficial *Torin Frost on Spotify* | https://open.spotify.com/artist/1GjECPHWGdQpGRIZZBw3no *🌼WANT MORE HERBAL GOODNESS?* Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and receive THIRTEEN herbal freebies! *👉 CLAIM YOUR FREEBIES!* https://mailchi.mp/herbrally/herbal-freebies *🌿WANT EVEN MORE HERBAL GOODNESS?* Become an HerbRally Schoolhouse member! You'll get access to a TON of herbalism classes, monographs, webinars and more. We add new material each and every week. There's also discounts to cool herbal companies, a private Facebook group and more! You can get your first 30 days FREE with coupon code YOUTUBE30. *LEARN MORE AND REGISTER* | http://www.herbrally.com/schoolhouse Herbalism in your neck of the woods. HerbRally http://www.herbrally.com *DISCLAIMER* The information in this video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by your physician or other medical professionals. Always consult a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if you are nursing, pregnant, or have any medical condition.

🌿 *Grab 13 FREE Herbal Resources* Sign up for the HerbRally newsletter and get instant access to a beautiful 91-page *Botanical Anthology* sampler — full of seasonal recipes, remedies & plant magic. Plus, unlock 12 more herbal freebies! Get the freebies 👉 https://mailchi.mp/herbrally/free_herbal_resources Join legendary clinical herbalist Paul Bergner in an intimate, living-room conversation on herbalism as a calling, not just a career. With over 50 years of hands-on clinical practice, teaching, and mentorship, Paul shares rare insight into what truly shapes a great herbalist—diet, sleep, case-based learning, critical thinking, and deep relationship with plants. In this wide-ranging monologue, Paul reflects on: • His early work in prisons and community clinics • Why follow-ups matter more than textbooks • How herbalists are really trained • The role of “calling” in healing work • Why the future of herbalism is becoming simpler, not more complex This is a masterclass in lived experience from one of the most influential medical herbalists of our time. 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, please give the video a thumbs up 💬 Leave a comment with your favorite takeaway—or just say hi to Paul Learn more about Paul and his work | North American Institute of Medical Herbalism | https://www.naimh.com/ Herbalism in your neck of the woods. HerbRally | http://www.herbrally.com ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

Violets have healing properties that help to relieve headaches, joint pain, anxiety, restlessness, grief and heartache. Learn how to use herbs with Heather Luna. https://www.acornherbschool.com/footprints-program

Heather Luna, Clinical Herbalist, Clinical Nutritionist and founder/director of the ACORN School of Herbal Medicine in Nevada City, CA explains the practice of Vitalism and explores the traditions of Vitalist Herbalism. For more information about herbalism, vitalism and our school please visit https://www.acornherbschool.com/

This flavonoid rich oxymel is a delicious antioxidant, anti inflammatory, respiratory strengthening, immune supporting medicine… Why you should make some and how. 🧚‍♀️

Join Heather Luna, Clinical Herbalist, Clinical Nutritionist and founder/director of the ACORN School of Herbal Medicine as she gives a demonstration on how to make Citrus Thyme Cough Syrup that can be used for respiratory infections. This simple, yet powerful, herbal remedy can be made at home using ingredients found at your local grocery store. For more information about our school and offerings please visit https://www.acornherbschool.com/

Medicine making class demo of the percolation process with Heather Luna, and live commentary from Paul Bergner in our Footprints program… Go forth and make good medicine! 🌿

Plantain is a famous weed for the treatment of skin conditions. This video demonstrates how to apply it fresh in the field for minor to serious topical ailments. My name is Heather Luna. I am the director of the ACORN School of Herbal Medicine. I teach beginning herbalists as well as practicing clinicians… both online and in person. https://www.acornherbschool.com Thanks for watching! 🌿

The Footprints in Medical Herbalism program offers training in making professional quality medicines: including tinctures, oils, salves, syrups, elixirs, cordials, oxymels, electuaries, and more. This video was created to provide examples for the type of medicine making equipment students will need to complete school projects as well as for the rest of their herbal career. To find out more about the Footprints in Medical Herbalism program visit - https://www.acornherbschool.com/footprints-program

Introducing our pre-clinical herbalism program at the ACORN School of Herbal Medicine. Our Advanced Herbalism program prepares the herbalist for becoming a clinical practitioner in the field of Vitalist Herbalism. You will learn from Heather Luna, Clinical Herbalist, Clinical Nutritionist and Paul Bergner, Medical Herbalist and Clinical Nutritionist. Students will learn how to complete a full length client intake, perform a deep level case investigation by applying vitalist assessment skills and case analysis techniques. Students will practice the art of how to apply natural therapeutics and herbs to individual cases, and gain critical insights to perform subsequent follow up visits with a client for long term health transformations. This includes the necessary technical skills to write up a case for peer review and faculty feedback in a clinical setting. For complete program information please visit our website https://www.acornherbschool.com/

Eat yo weeds! The season of spring weed eating is here. 🌱🙌🏽 Chickweed (Stellaria media) has waited all year for this moment… these brief few weeks of the year when you can stuff her tender delicious leaves in your mouth. 🤤 Dried, this herb can be taken in medicinal doses as a tea or tincture to shrink fibroids and cysts…. however, never forget that food is first medicine. Whoever eats the most chickweed wins! 🐣🌿 https://www.acornherbschool.com