HerbRally Herbal Pharmacy & the Magic of Plant Medicine | Betzy Bancroft
In this episode of The Herbalist Hour, I sit down with herbalist, teacher, and long-time community mentor Betzy Bancroft to explore the heart, craft, and deep science behind her new book Herbal Pharmacy: The Science and Magic of Preparing and Administering Plant Medicine.
Betzy has been teaching herbal medicine making for more than three decades. She co-founded the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, mentors clinical interns, presents at the Vermont NOFA Winter Conference, and serves on the advisory board of United Plant Savers. She also teaches and leads plant walks at the legendary Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary, where she lives just down the road.
This conversation dives into the practical, the philosophical, and the magical sides of making plant medicine — from water and oils, to home apothecaries, to the evolving spiral of students becoming teachers.
What We Talk About 🌿 Tips for leading an inspiring, grounded plant walk 🌿 Advice for herbalists writing their own informational books 🌿 A rich discussion of the water chapter and her reverence for water 🌿 Why oils and fats are both essential and misunderstood in herbalism 🌿 How she chooses fresh vs. dried plant material for tinctures 🌿 How to make homemade vinegar 🌿 Practical tips for building or expanding your home apothecary 🌿 And whole lot more!
LINKS & RESOURCES
BOOK: Herbal Pharmacy | BUY THE BOOK
Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism | VTHerbCenter.org
Sage Mountain | SageMountain.com
United Plant Savers | UnitedPlantSavers.org
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⚠️ 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.