Getting Personal with Plant Medicine

Series: Talking to Kids About Other Kids Using Cannabis

In the latest addition to the Talking to Kids series, host Diana Krach invites holistic nurse and plant medicine specialist Marissa Fratoni to delve into the challenging yet crucial topic of discussing cannabis with young people. The episode explores various aspects of cannabis use, focusing on the delicate balance between its medical and recreational purposes. Marissa provides valuable insights into how parents and guardians can communicate the realities of THC and cannabinoids as legitimate medicines, even for children, while addressing privacy and industry-specific challenges.
The conversation highlights the ease of access teenagers have to cannabis and related products, such as Delta-8, through both legal and gray markets. Marissa emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and the need for comprehensive education on cannabis's impact on mental health. Listeners will gain practical strategies for preventing substance use among at-risk youth, leveraging peer influence, and maintaining open, honest dialogues.
Throughout the episode, Marissa shares personal anecdotes and tips, offering a compassionate approach to empowering youth with the knowledge to make healthier choices. The episode is part of a broader series aimed at providing guidance on how to effectively discuss complex topics like cannabis with the younger generation. By the end, listeners will feel equipped to support young people in navigating these discussions, understanding the nuanced differences between medical and recreational use, and promoting holistic well-being.

Bonus: Unleashing the Power of Plant Medicine for Pets

Join host Diana as she takes you on a unique journey exploring the intersection of plant medicine and pet care in this special bonus episode. Get ready for the upcoming in-person event on November 18th at Harford Haven Studio in Maryland, where you'll delve into the world of pets and plant medicine.
This episode revisits enlightening discussions with two experts who have previously graced the show. First, hear from Julianna Carella, founder and CEO of Treatibles, as she shares insights on how CBD can transform your pet's health, especially for rescue animals dealing with anxiety and other health issues.
Next, Dr. Robert Silver, Chief Veterinary Officer of Real Mushrooms, discusses the benefits of functional mushrooms for pets, including cognitive health and digestive benefits. Discover how these natural remedies can enhance your pet's well-being.
Don't miss the chance to learn more at the event, with no cost of admission and exciting samples and raffle prizes. Whether you're a pet owner or just curious, this episode and the upcoming event promise valuable insights into the world of plant medicine for pets.

Understanding Terpenes: The Unsung Heroes of Cannabis

In this episode, host Diana welcomes Eric Mercado from Terpli to delve into the fascinating world of terpenes and their significant role in cannabis. Discover how these unsaturated hydrocarbons, akin to essential oils, are pivotal in tailoring cannabis treatments for various medical conditions, including anxiety and pain relief.
Eric shares his personal journey and insights into the endocannabinoid system, explaining how individual biochemistry can influence the effects of different terpene profiles. Learn about the complexities of the cannabis market, from the challenges of naming conventions to the importance of Certificates of Analysis (COA) in understanding product composition.
Explore the concept of the entourage effect and how a personalized wellness plan incorporating a tailored terpene profile can enhance the cannabis experience. Eric introduces Terpli, an AI-driven tool designed to empower consumers by providing effect-based product recommendations based on terpene and cannabinoid profiles.
Join Diana and Eric as they discuss the future of cannabis consumption and the importance of focusing on terpenes for a positive and healing experience. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned cannabis enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of plant medicine.

Chocolate and Roses as Plant Medicine

In this episode, host Diana invites certified herbalist Dale Bellisfield from Canncestra to delve into the fascinating world of chocolate and roses as plant medicines. Discover the historical and modern medicinal uses of chocolate, from its origins as a spiritual beverage in ancient cultures to its current recognition for enhancing mood, memory, and endurance.
Explore how chocolate, rich in antioxidants and nutrients, can be a vital part of a wellness plan despite its reputation as a luxury indulgence. Dale also shares insights into the healing properties of roses, known for their comforting and heart-healing qualities, and how they can be used in teas, honeys, and even as a natural remedy for grief.
 
 Since the episode was recorded, there has been new information: Chocolate does impact the ECS, but via 2 other compounds “endocannabinoid analogs”, LEA & ORA. These “prolong a cannabinoid response in the body.”
 

Plant Medicine from a Younger Perspective

Welcome to Getting Personal with Plant Medicine. In this episode, host Diana Krash is joined by Mackenzie McCotter for an in-depth discussion on the personal and generational impacts of plant medicine.
Mackenzie shares her journey with cannabis, starting from high school experimentation to finding it beneficial for her ADHD. The conversation also delves into her unique family dynamics, where openness about cannabis use was a norm, and how it helped her through a medical crisis and supported her grandfather's quality of life.
They explore the challenges and benefits of using plant medicine during the pandemic, the evolving perceptions among younger generations, and the importance of honest education about safe usage. The episode also touches on Mackenzie's experiences with psilocybin, the significance of setting and mindset, and the need for responsible use.

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
Spendr

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.
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