57. Herbal Shamanism and Kisses from Mel Gibson: Linda Bates on Herbal Education

Linda Bates is a fourth generation herbalist who trained in 19 schools around England and the Mediterranean. She has been in clinical practice for 4 decades and is a truly inspirational herbal elder in Australia. I met Linda about a decade ago, at Pindari farm in Tasmania at a week-long medicine making intensive which was taught by her and Sandra Parker (who I interviewed in episode 17). In this episode we discuss the importance of herbalists doing the ongoing self work- the spiritual work is important to be able to hold space as a practitioner to create a space of love and compassion for the patient. Linda shares about how the word herbalist back in ancient Greece meant doctor, and the role of the doctor was teacher. We discuss the importance of clinic being educational. The teacher should be opening minds and expanding hearts.We share the importance of attuning with and talking to the plants and listening to what they have to say. Linda shares her passion and belief that herbalists should have 10 years of clinical practice before being able to give clinical training to herbal students. She shares her dissapointment at the lack of experience many lecturers at university have these days and the necessity of being truly ready before entering into clinical practice. She offers wonderful mentorship for university graduates to assist them in coming into their own clinics- this is a wonderful bridge! Linda shares wisdom around Angelica, Lavender and Basil. She shares her way of integrating herbs into a hospital setting and also addresses the issue of mass produced heavily processed medicines on the market lacking the fresh vitality and wholeness.Linda shares some wonderful stories fro her time in the London theatre working for Lindsay Kemp. It was here that she assisted famous opera singers with her herbs. She dispensed herbs to David Bowie and was even kissed by Mel Gibson!!! It was such an honour to interview Linda, she is a herbal elder who I respect immensely and am grateful that I had the opportunity learn from her face-to-face. I am sure you will all enjoy this episode! Learn more about Linda here:https://www.lindabatesherbalmedicine.com/aboutFollow Linda Bates Herbal Medicine on FB. To find out more about The Elder Tree visit the website at ⁠www.theeldertree.org⁠ and donate to the crowdfunding campaign ⁠here⁠. You can join our Patreon ⁠⁠here⁠ ⁠and gain a deeper connection to our podcast. Pay only $2 per week to have access to bonus and often exclusive resources and opportunities- plus support The Elder Tree at the same time!⁠www.patreon.com/theeldertree You can also follow The Elder Tree on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠sign up to the newsletter⁠. Find out more about this podcast and the presenters ⁠here⁠. Get in touch with The Elder Tree at:  ⁠[email protected] The intro and outro song is "⁠Sing for the Earth⁠" and was kindly donated by Chad Wilkins.  You can find Chad's music ⁠here⁠ and ⁠here