Episode 23 - Rosemary Gladstar, Godmother of Modern Herbalism, on our Ancient Relationship with Plants

Author, teacher, and expert herbalist Rosemary Gladstone joins host Chloe Aftel for a long-awaited interview about her career and fundamental understanding of nature’s healing properties. The pair explores how modern medicine got to where it is today, the misconceptions people may have regarding herbalism, and the divide between Western medicine and herbalism. Rosemary discusses the importance of native traditions and how it’s never too late to explore a connection with nature. Highlights:Rosemary’s early education from her grandmother, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide; Her definition of what it means to be an herbalist and the difference between clinical herbalists and community herbalists;Rosemary’s perspective on furthering the connection between traditional indigenous knowledge and modern herbalism practices.About:Rosemary Gladstar is a renowned herbalist, author, and teacher, widely recognized for her contributions to the modern herbalism movement. With over 40 years of experience in the field, she has played a pivotal role in reviving interest in plant medicine and herbal traditions. Gladstar is the founder of the California School of Herbal Studies and has written numerous influential books, including Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health and The Science and Art of Herbalism. Her work emphasizes the healing power of herbs, sustainability, and the integration of herbal wisdom into daily life. Chloe Aftel has spent her career working in commercial photography, photojournalism, and film. She’s an established name in modern photography with work featured in The New York Times, Mother Jones, Playboy, Dazed & Confused, Vogue Germany, The Hollywood Reporter, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue Italia, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue & more. Chloe has photographed victims of sexual violence, reported on Covid’s impact on the trans community, and gained access as the first reporter in the Covid wards of the West Coast’s hardest hit hospitals. She has covered underground abortion providers, the impact of gender pronouns on daily life, and clergy abuse. Her first book, “Outside and In Between,” is an award-winning anthology covering gender non-conforming people across America.Support The Other Pod on Patreon for episode extras and The Other Questions lightning round!Follow Chloe on Instagram @chloeaftel to stay up to date on new work.Find all episodes of The Other Pod here.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-other-pod-with-chloe-aftel--6567483/support.