Weed Wisdom and Wildflower Children: A Lifetime of Herbal Mastery and Radical Authenticity

In this vibrant and soul-nourishing episode, host Julian Royce welcomes back a true community elder, Brigitte Mars. An herbalist with over 50 years of experience, a professor at Naropa University for four decades, and the author of nearly 20 books, Brigitte is a living bridge between ancient earth wisdom and modern healing. From her days living in a teepee in the Ozarks to her early encounters with psychedelic pioneers like the Learys, Brigitte shares how we can reclaim our health and "life force" by simply looking out our front doors. Whether you are interested in holistic gynecology, the "hippie" roots of modern wellness, or how to turn your backyard weeds into a gourmet salad, this conversation is a masterclass in resilient living.Main Topics CoveredEat the Weeds: Why dandelions and nettles are the ultimate survival plants and how to embody "weed wisdom" to overcome personal adversity.The Hippies Were Right: A look at how once-radical ideas like organic food, meditation, and renewable energy have moved from the commune to the mainstream.Integration over Appropriation: Moving past "looking outside" to other cultures for the sacred and claiming a healthy, integrated American culture in the 21st century.Safe "Set and Setting": Brigitte’s early lessons in psychedelic safety while living with Rosemary Leary and the importance of respect for powerful medicines.Herbalism vs. Big Pharma: The history of "quackery," the Flexner Report of 1917, and why you can't patent a dandelion.Holistic Gynecology and Libido: Insights from Brigitte’s book The Sexual Herbal on tonifying the body for healthy sexuality and navigating transitions like fertility and menopause.The 19th Book: A sneak peek into Brigitte’s upcoming memoir, Wildflower Child: A Tale of Sex, Psychedelics, and Natural Foods.Healing the Masculine and Feminine: Addressing deep-seated societal traumas—from circumcision to the "spoils of war"—to foster trust and connection.Key TakeawaysAdaptability is Health: Wild plants survive without being watered or mulched because they are adaptable; humans can learn resiliency by integrating wild foods into their diets.The "Information Diet": Just as we avoid junk food for the body, we must avoid "junk food for the mind"—horror, violence, and digital drama—especially before spiritual or psychedelic work.Vote with Your Dollars: Every time you buy an organic apple or an herbal remedy, you are voting for a field of lavender and the pollinators that sustain the earth."If You Think It, Ink It": A simple but powerful rule for personal responsibility and maintaining integrity in relationships and work.Connect with Brigitte MarsWebsite: https://www.brigittemars.com/ (Find articles, recipes, and natural remedies)Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brigittemars01Books: Look for Dandelion Medicine, The Sexual Herbal, and her upcoming memoir Wildflower Child at your local independent bookstore or online.Connect with Julian RoyceWebsite: https://astateofmindtherapy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianoceann/Therapy & Meditation: Inquire about Julian's somatic psychotherapy and meditation classes.Support the Show: Join our Patreon page to help us continue these vital conversations.Inspired to start your own herb walk? Please Follow, Like, and Share this episode to help spread the wisdom of the earth!