The French Herbal
By: The French Herbal
Language: en-us
Categories: Health, Fitness, Alternative
Hello friend of the herbs. My name is Christophe. I am a french herbalist. On this podcast, I will take you on a journey to discover French style herbalism based on tradition and practical experience. Welcome!
Episodes
Black Horehound: calming tension and nervous excitability
Jan 10, 2026Black horehound (Ballota nigra) is a forgotten medicinal plant with a strong personality—bitter, pungent, and surprisingly effective. In this article, I explore its botany, traditional uses, and modern herbal applications for nervous agitation, spasms, coughs, and more.
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/black-horehound-calming-tension-and-nervous-overexcitability/
(00:00) Introduction
(00:52) Botanical information
(06:10) Where it grows
(06:52) Parts used
(07:29) Constituents and energetics
... Duration: 00:23:02Ginkgo biloba Explained: Brain, Memory, Circulation, Tinnitus & Dosage
Jan 03, 2026Discover Ginkgo biloba, a living fossil used in herbal medicine to support brain function, circulation, memory, and healthy aging. A complete, evidence-based deep dive into its properties, uses, dosage, and precautions.
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/ginkgo-biloba-explained-brain-memory-circulation-tinnitus-dosage/
(00:00) Botanical information
(01:19) Parts used: the leaves
(03:23) When to harvest the leaves?
(04:47) Constituents
(05:52) Properties of ginkgo: introduction
(06:29...
Duration: 00:33:11Pomegranate Benefits: Science-Based Effects on Health (Part 2)
Dec 13, 2025Discover the science-backed health benefits of pomegranate, from metabolic support to heart, brain, skin and anti-aging effects.
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/pomegranate-benefits-science-based-effects-on-health-part-2/
(0:00) Introduction
(1:33) Antioxydant and Antiinflammatory
(3:34) A little every day
(4:35) Metabolic syndrome
(8:12) Cardiovascular protection
(10:02) NAFLD
(11:28) Free ebook – Herbal Teas for the 4 Seasons
(11:47) Neuroprotective
(13:29) Cancer in general
... Duration: 00:19:21Mucilage: Definition, Benefits and Herbal Uses
Dec 06, 2025Discover what mucilages are, how they form their soothing gel, and why mucilaginous plants are essential for digestion, inflammation, and gut health.
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/mucilage-definition-benefits-and-herbal-uses/
(00:18) What is a mucilage
(02:43) The famous "gel"
(04:14) Free eBook Herbal Teas for the 4 Seasons!
(04:32) Mucilages cannot be digested
(05:54) As prebiotics
(07:27) Properties of mucilages
(10:41...
Duration: 00:11:09Pomegranate Tree: Traditional Uses & Health Benefits (Part 1)
Nov 29, 2025Discover the pomegranate tree’s origins, traditional medicinal uses, and key health benefits. A powerful fruit with surprising herbal properties. Part 1.
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/pomegranate-tree-traditional-uses-health-benefits-part-1/
(00:00) – Introduction
(01:30) – Botanical information
(04:10) – Traditional uses
(07:26) – Free ebook: herbal teas for the 4 seasons!
(12:18) – Practical uses of the different parts
(17:36) – Old (but toxic!) recipe to get rid of tapeworm
Single Herbs vs Herbal Blends: Which Works Best?
Nov 22, 2025Discover when to use single herbs or herbal blends for better learning. Hold on... or should we use both approaches?
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/single-herbs-vs-herbal-blends-which-works-best/
(0:00) Introduction
(1:42) Blends in the Asian tradition
(2:27) Blends in Western herbalism
(3:02) Advantage of single herbs
(5:24) Advantages of using herbal blends
(7:56) Free ebook: Herbal Teas for the 4 Seasons!
<... Duration: 00:14:18Red Beetroot Health Benefits: Heart, Circulation, and Brain Function
Nov 15, 2025Discover the medicinal power of red beetroot—from lowering blood pressure and improving circulation to supporting brain function—backed by scientific research and practical advice on how to use it.
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/red-beetroot-health-benefits-blood-pressure-circulation-and-brain-function/
(00:00) Introduction
(02:17) Cardiovascular benefits
(07:21) Raynaud's syndrome
(09:40) Brain and cognitive functions
(12:26) Anti-inflammatory
(13:32) Anti-cancer
(14:22) Wrapping-up on those 4 properties
Moringa Benefits Explained: Nutrition, Anemia, Antioxidants, and More
Nov 08, 2025More than 10 years ago, I received a mysterious box from Africa filled with moringa leaves. That moment sparked my fascination with this incredible plant. In this episode, I’ll share what I’ve learned after years of studying and using moringa in my herbal practice—beyond the marketing hype.
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/moringa-benefits-nutrition-uses-herbalists-guide/
(0:00) Introduction
(1:27) Botanical information
(2:50) My experi...
Duration: 00:20:35Rosemary Benefits for Liver, Brain and Heart: A Powerful Protector
Nov 01, 2025From the hills of Provence to your teacup—discover rosemary, the timeless herb that protects the liver, sharpens the mind, and strengthens the heart.
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/rosemary-benefits-for-liver-brain-and-heart-a-powerful-protector/
(00:00) – Introduction
(01:16) – The plant: botanical info
(02:29) – Picking and gathering
(04:09) – Parts used
(04:45) – Taste and constituents
(06:27) – Energetics
(07:05) – Free eBook: Herbal Teas for the 4 Seasons
(07:24) – L...
Duration: 00:25:43Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): The Soothing Herb for Coughs, Earaches, Incontinence & More
Oct 25, 2025There are plants that bring back childhood memories—and for me, mullein is one of them. In this episode, we explore mullein (Verbascum thapsus) — a beautiful, tall, fuzzy plant that has soothed dry coughs and supported the lungs for centuries.
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/mullein-verbascum-thapsus-coughs-earaches-incontinence-more/
(00:00) Introduction
(01:27) Botanical description
(04:46) Gathering
(07:34) Constituents, taste and energetics
(08:29) Free eBoo...
Duration: 00:24:45Anemia & Iron Deficiency: The Real Causes and How to Fix It Naturally
Oct 18, 2025Discover the real causes of anemia and how to fix it long term—beyond iron pills and spinach. We explore diet, digestion, inflammation, and the best natural strategies: vitamin C, probiotics and medicinal plants.
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/anemia-and-iron-deficiency-causes-symptoms-and-long-term-strategy/
(0:00) Intro
(1:46) Basics
(2:37) Making and losing hemoglobin
(5:56) Loss due to bleeding
(6:48) Blood measurements
(7:57) Boost ir...
Duration: 00:27:03Rosehip Tea and Vitamin C: Heat, Infusion & Best Practices
Oct 11, 2025Rosehip tea, when prepared correctly—using whole or split dried fruits steeped at the right temperature—preserves most of its vitamin C. What temperature? For how long? Answers in this video :-)
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/rosehip-tea-and-vitamin-c-heat-infusion-best-practices/
(00:00) Introduction
(00:31) A few words about rosehips
(01:44) Why we need hot water for extraction
(03:08) Pure vitamin C and heat
(04:43) The...
Duration: 00:10:40Medicinal Garden Lessons: 6 Big Mistakes I Made (and What They Taught Me)
Oct 03, 2025After 10 years of growing a medicinal herb garden, I’ve made plenty of mistakes—and learned even more. In this episode, I share the 6 biggest lessons that will save you time, effort, and plants.
Free eBook on preparing your herbal teas for the 4 seasons:https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/obtain-your-free-ebook/
Link to the article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/medicinal-garden-lessons-6-mistakes-and-what-they-taught-me/
Intro (0:00)
Big thanks to Richo Cech at StrictlyMedicinalSeeds (1:20)
My gardening experience (2:10)
Download free eBook: Herbal Teas for the 4 Seasons (3:49)
Mistake 1 – Relying too much on books (4:27)
Mist...
Duration: 00:18:25Clove Benefits Explained by an Herbalist – Winter, Teeth, Gut & More
Sep 27, 2025Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) isn’t just a spice—it’s a potent herbal remedy. In this video, learn how to use it safely for health and healing.
(00:00) – Intro
(00:48) – The plant, botanical information
(03:09) – Constituents & energetics
(04:44) – Properties: Cold & winter infections
(06:57) – Properties: Digestion
(09:03) – Properties: Toothache
(10:52) – Properties: Analgesic joint pain
(12:09) – Properties: Chronic pain with cold component
(12:57) – Properties: Metabolic syndrome
(13:40) – Important for chronic use: do rotations
(14:15) – Forms & quantities
(14:23) – How to use: Tea
(15:12) – How to use: Tincture
(15:38) – How to...
Duration: 00:20:07Genepi – Herbal Emblem of French Mountain Culture
Sep 19, 2025Join me to discover génépi, the legendary Alpine wormwood. In this episode, we'll talk about the 4 main species of genepi, traditional uses for digestion, colds & immunity, energetics, properties & precautions, safer alternatives to this endangered plant A rare herb, a symbol of resilience, and a fascinating part of Alpine herbalism.
Article and transcription : https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/genepi-herbal-emblem-of-french-mountain-culture/
(00:00) Introduction
(02:13) My first encounter with genepi
(03:56) Botanical, 4 species
(06:09) Parts used
(07:02) Taste, energetics and constituents
(08:20) Properties – Digestive
(10:01) Properties – Cold and ch...
Duration: 00:16:59HARN1 : milk thistle leaves (not seeds), sumac for fatty liver
Sep 12, 2025Welcome to the very first episode of Herbal Applied Research News (HARN)! In this series, I review recent (and sometimes overlooked) studies on medicinal plants and share what they might mean in practice.
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/harn1-milk-thistle-leaves-not-seeds-sumac-for-nash/
In today’s episode:- Surprising findings on milk thistle leaves (not seeds!) and their silymarin content.- A 2020 clinical trial on sumac fruit powder for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
(00:00) - Introduction
(02:20) - Overview of our two studies
(02:45) - Study 1: milk thistle leaves and their silymarin content
...
Duration: 00:15:03Thyme Benefits: A Powerful Herbal Remedy from Provence
Sep 05, 2025Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is one of the most powerful — and underrated — medicinal plants in herbalism. In this video, I take you on a deep dive into the many ways thyme can support your health
Associated article: https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/thyme-benefits-a-powerful-herbal-remedy-from-provence/
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:53) - Case study 1: urinary tract infection
(03:53) - Common thyme, the plant
(06:06) - Picking and drying
(06:54) - Wild thyme vs. garden thyme
(09:09) - Thyme's problem: a condiment
(09:44) - Energetics and constituents
(11:16) - Thyme for cold
Q&A #1: Eating Medicinal Plants, Teas vs Hydrosols, and Herb Mixing Tips
Aug 30, 2025Welcome to the very first English Q&A of The French Herbal! In this episode, I answer 3 common questions on medicinal plants and herbalism:
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/qa1-can-you-eat-medicinal-plants-teas-vs-hydrosols-bad-herbal-mixes/
(00:00) - Intro
(01:10) - Question 1: Can we eat medicinal plants instead of preparing teas or tinctures?
(06:25) - Question 2: What's the difference between a tea and a hydrosol?
(10:29) - Question 3: Are there bad herbal mixes?
Disclaimer: The content shared in this video is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not...
Duration: 00:19:09Fireweed (Epilobium) Benefits: Prostate Herb and More
Aug 23, 2025Discover fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), a beautiful and abundant plant that deserves much more than its reputation as “just” a prostate herb. In this episode, Christophe from The French Herbal explores the full medicinal potential of this fascinating plant.
It’s a complete overview for herbal students, clinical herbalists and plant lovers who want to use fireweed beyond the cliché. (And yes… the cowbells are real — nothing I can do about them 😅)
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/fireweed-epilobium-benefits-prostate-herb-and-more/
(00:00) : Intro
(00:50) : Fireweed, the plant
(03:01) : Constituents
(03:47) : Mouth and throat inflammation
(05:36) : Intestinal inf...
Duration: 00:16:56Gentian Root : A Forgotten Herbal Tonic for Digestion & Vitality
Aug 15, 2025Join me in the stunning Swiss Alps for a deep dive into gentian (Gentiana lutea) — a legendary medicinal plant of European herbalism. Gentian is famous as a digestive bitter, but it’s so much more than an appetite stimulant. With a long tradition of use in France and beyond, gentian has been valued for digestive health, nervous system balance, immune support, and even vitality restoration.
Whether you’re an herbalist, a natural health enthusiast, or simply curious about one of Europe’s most iconic alpine plant, this video will give you practical ways to integrate gentian into your her...
Duration: 00:23:27Welcome to the French Herbal!
Aug 07, 2025Hello friend of the herbs. My name is Christophe. I am a french herbalist. On this channel, I will take you on a journey to discover French style herbalism based on tradition and practical experience. Welcome!
https://www.thefrenchherbal.com/podcast/welcome-to-the-french-herbal/
#herbalmedicine #medicinalplants #traditionalmedicine #herbalism #plantmedicine #herbs #herbal
Duration: 00:02:35