136 - Herbalism and Community Organising with Grassroots Remedies

This episode shares an interview with Soraya and Catriona from the Grassroots Remedies Co-operative based in Scotland. They share all about their work from sliding scale clinics to ‘closing the gap’ and working with local plants. We talk about relationship building, community organising and co-operative working while navigating the complexities of class and public perceptions of herbalism. Their central philosophy is that herbal medicine is the medicine of the people and should be accessible to everyone - we talk about what this means in practice for them, and so much more. About the Guests Soraya Bishop (she/her) has a background in ecology, conservation and community gardening and organising. Along with other GRR co-op members she believes that social and environmental justice and community herbalism are deeply intertwined. Soraya runs workshops and courses in sustainable foraging practice, sensory herbalism and practical remedy making and helps manage one of GRR co-ops larger medicine gardens - a small corner of the 100 acre Lauriston Agroecology Farm in North West Edinburgh. Soraya also has a love for birds, beats, hills and cooking.Catriona Gibson (she/her) is a Medical Herbalist (BSc MNIMH) and foraging tutor (AoF), offering consultations, seasonal walks and workshops across Glasgow. Catriona is interested in herbal medicine as it brings together her experiences working with people with chronic health problems and her interest in nature connection. She sees working with people to make their own medicines, with locally available plants as a means of enhancing environmental sustainability.About the Grass Roots Remedies Co-operativeGrass Roots Remedies is a workers’ cooperative based in Scotland. Our central philosophy is that herbal medicine is the medicine of the people and should therefore be accessible to everyone. We align our ethics with the three Permaculture ethics of Earth Care, People Care, Fair Shares, and endeavour to continually reflect upon all areas of our work as we practice herbalism in the 21st Century. GRR is currently made up of four co-op members - Ally Hurcikova, Soraya Bishop, Rhona Donaldson & Catriona Gibson, and three others involved in running the Wester Hailes Community Herbal Clinic, facilitating workshops and delivering projects. Our shared interests and experience include: clinical and community herbalism, social and environmental activism, non-hierarchical organising, community and therapeutic gardening, horticulture, permaculture, ecology and bodywork.Our work spans four main areas: herbal education; low cost community clinics; community herb gardening & providing online DIY resources.Links & resources from this episodeGrassroots Remedies website - www.grassrootsremedies.co.uk Instagram: @grassrootsremediesFacebook: Grass Roots Remedies CoopClinics - https://grassrootsremedies.co.uk/clinics/Courses - https://grassrootsremedies.co.uk/learn-with-us/Grassroots Herbal Foundations Course - https://grassrootsremedies.podia.com/grass-roots-herbal-foundations-2026-27Find them all at solidarityapothecary.org/podcast/Support the showMusic from Sole & DJ Pain – Battle of Humans | Plant illustrations by @amani_writes | In solidarity, please subscribe, rate & review this podcast wherever you listen.