Getting Personal with Plant Medicine

Unlocking Lion's Mane: Benefits, Growth Tips, and Modern Wellness

In this episode, host Diana Krach dives deep into the fascinating world of lion's mane mushrooms with the knowledgeable Amy Donohue. Amy shares her extensive expertise on the subject, explaining how lion's mane has transitioned from a staple in traditional medicine to a modern-day wellness powerhouse.
Listeners are treated to personal anecdotes about incorporating lion's mane into daily routines, such as adding its powder to morning coffee for enhanced alertness and sustained energy. The episode emphasizes the importance of proper preparation, including exposing the mushrooms to sunlight to activate beneficial compounds like beta glucans and vitamin D.
For those interested in growing their own medicinal mushrooms, the episode offers practical advice on navigating the often-confusing world of mushroom grow kits. Amy and Diana recommend trusted brands like North Spore and Paul Stamets' kits, highlighting their reliability and ease of use. They also discuss how to ensure the quality of purchased mushroom products, including tips on reading labels and using iodine to test efficacy.
Throughout the episode, listeners gain valuable insights and practical tips, whether they are mushroom novices or seasoned enthusiasts. Amy's passion for plant medicine and her expertise makes this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to harness the power of lion's mane for modern wellness.

How Kratom Gave Me Autonomy Over Endometriosis Pain

This is a bonus episode - an audio version of an essay found on the Your Highness Media Substack. This article is about using kratom for pain management and all of the challenges that come with being a consumer. 

Herb Chronicles and Everything Else

In this episode, host Diana Krach teams up with JR, her co-host from Your Highness Podcast, to delve into the delightful debate of whether to pronounce it "herb" or "erb." The duo kicks off with some housekeeping updates, highlighting the buzz around a glowing review by Frank Racioppi on his Substack, Earworthy. They also share why their own Substack is a treasure trove for plant medicine enthusiasts, offering not just podcast episodes but also insightful articles, guest posts, and detailed herb profiles.
As they navigate through listener feedback, Diana and JR express gratitude for the community's input, which continuously shapes their content. Amidst amusing debates and personal anecdotes, they discuss various herbs they are growing, such as mugwort, sage, catnip, and echinacea, along with their benefits and uses.
Important links:
Your Highness Media Substack
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How to Introduce Cannabis in the Bedroom

This is a bonus episode - an audio reading of an article host Diana wrote for a publication called Sweet Jane a couple of years ago.
Article: How to Introduce Cannabis in the Bedroom - Sweet Jane (sweetjanemag.com)
 

The Art of Safe Kava Consumption

In this episode, Diana Krach and her husband JR embark on a deep dive into the world of kava, a traditional plant medicine from the South Pacific Islands. The couple shares their personal journey with kava, which began at a kava bar in Florida, and discuss its unique properties, such as its ability to induce relaxation without impairing cognitive function and its non-addictive nature due to reverse tolerance. They also highlight the growing popularity of kava in the United States, marked by the exciting opening of a new kava bar in Baltimore.
Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of mixing kava with other substances like kratom and alcohol. The hosts emphasize the distinct purposes of kava and kratom and caution against combining them due to differing effects and potential health risks. They also warn against the serious dangers of pairing kava with alcohol, which can strain the liver. 
The episode offers practical advice on safe kava consumption, including choosing easily processed forms, staying hydrated, and maintaining good skincare routines to mitigate any adverse effects like dry skin. The hosts also explore unconventional uses of kava, such as for acne treatment, while stressing the importance of responsible use.
Check out and subscribe to our Your Highness Media Substack. 

Why Thousands of Women Are Swapping This Controversial Drug for Cannabis

This is an audio reading of an article host Diana wrote for Miss Grass in 2019. 
Article: Why Thousands of Women Are Swapping This Controversial Drug for Cannab – Miss Grass

Seaweed and CBD

In this episode, host Diana Krach engages in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Gabby Pavelko of Rootless. The episode explores Dr. Pavelko's transition from the cannabis and CBD industry to pioneering the seaweed bites market, emphasizing seaweed's nutritional and ecological benefits. Dr. Pavelko discusses her initial involvement in cannabis, her pursuit of a doctorate to assist patients with hormonal issues, and her personal experiences with hormonal birth control.
The discussion delves into seaweed's rising popularity as a nutritious and sustainable food source, differences between wild-harvested and cultivated seaweed, and the importance of clean water sourcing and heavy metal testing. The episode also highlights seaweed farming's potential to alleviate land reliance by 2050, comparing it with cannabis cultivation and state regulations. Dr. Pavelko provides insights into seaweed's benefits for hormonal health, environmental sustainability, and its role in plant-based medicine. The episode concludes with information on how listeners can support Rootless and participate in a crowdfunding campaign aimed at women's financial empowerment.

Fur the Love of Functional Mushrooms

In this episode, host Diana Krach is joined by Dr. Rob Silver, DVM, MS, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Real Mushrooms. Dr. Silver shares his fascinating journey from traditional veterinary practice to becoming a leading advocate for herbal and nutraceutical medicines in pet care. Dr. Silver also recounts how his initial frustration with conventional treatments led him to exploring the health benefits of mushrooms such as lion's mane and oyster mushrooms for dogs.
 
 

The Power of Ancestral Wisdom in Modern Plant Medicine

In this episode, host Diana Krach talks to Diana Stafford, the founder of Mota Magick. They discuss how cultural heritage influences wellness and healing practices. Diana Stafford shares her journey of reconnecting with her Guatemalan roots and the wisdom of her Mayan ancestors. Through a transformative trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, she discovers the profound role of spirituality and traditional rituals in addressing both physical and emotional health. 
This reconnection with her heritage shaped her understanding and practice of plant medicine, highlighting the role of cultural heritage in healing and self-discovery. The conversation moves to the growing trend towards natural wellness and plant-based skincare.
(00:24) Cultural Roots and Plant Medicine Influence
(15:37) Natural Wellness and Plant Medicine Impact
(23:22) Ancestral Connection in Cannabis Brand
 
This episode is edited and produced by Your Highness Media. 

Perimenopause and Plant Medicine

In this episode, Diana is joined by Seraphina Capranos, a certified herbalist and homeopath, to discuss holistic strategies for managing perimenopausal symptoms through herbal medicine. They discuss the benefits of herbs such as motherwort, wild yam, and vitex (chaste tree berry) for supporting liver function and soothing the nervous system, particularly in individuals experiencing stress and hormonal imbalances.
 Seraphina explains the antispasmodic and liver-supporting properties of wild yam and addresses common misconceptions about its hormonal effects. The episode also explores mood swings related to hormonal changes, recommending herbs like lemon balm for anxiety and cinnamon and hawthorn for depression. 
(00:23) Exploring Plant Medicine for Perimenopause
(07:17) Using Plant Medicine in Perimenopause
(15:57) Phytoestrogens and Hormonal Health
(26:56) Herbal Medicine for Women's Health
(35:17) Herbal Medicine Alchemy Online Course
 
This episode is sponsored by Mitragaia.com, a leading online kratom supplier. Use code Plantpod for 10% your next purchase. Edited and produced by Your Highness Media.