Herbalism & Climate Change: Heatwaves

The Holistic Herbalism Podcast

This episode begins a series on herbalism & climate change. Heatwaves have struck the US and many places throughout the world, and all signs indicate this is going to be our “new normal”. Climate change affects everyone and requires us to recognize our interdependence. We need to cultivate community care as a social ethic & public good before and until it becomes necessary as a disaster response. Herbalism offers a great deal to us in this regard.

Heat is dangerous. Heat with high humidity, even more so. Learning and sharing low-cost, low-energy methods for cooling your house, your body, and your pets is a great way to prepare and to help others near you. But herbs can help in particular ways, too:

• demulcents to improve hydration (especially with a bit of sweet added: honey, maple syrup, or – yep – even sugar)
• mineral-rich nutritive herbs for mineral repletion… more than just “electrolytes”, trace minerals too
• relaxing & cooling diaphoretics to open the pores and allow release of heat
• refrigerants to help cool the body, even if air conditioning isn’t available

Aside from nutritive aspects which could be gotten from food, all of these are actions unique to herbalism. Climate change, heatwaves, flooding, fires, changes in the ecosystems we inhabit – everyone can benefit from learning how to prepare & respond to these events.

Herbs discussed include: marshmallow, violet, elm, seaweeds, nettle, red clover, tulsi, peppermint, elderflower, linden, catnip, lemon balm, peppermint, skullcap, passionflower, betony, motherwort, blue vervain, lobelia, cucumber, watermelon, sumac, wild cherry, rose, hibiscus, citrus (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, etc).
Our Emergent Responder program is a complete guide to holistic disaster response & preparedness. Learn how herbal first aid, long-term care strategies, and emergency clinic management unfold in austere environments. Get the skills you need to be confident and ready to care for yourself, your family, and your community – even if help never comes. Once enrolled, your access never expires, and you get any updated material we add in the future free of cost!

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Our theme music is “Wings” by Nicolai Heidlas.

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