Episodios

  • Diagnosis Identity, Trauma, and the Human Condition

    Diagnosis Identity, Trauma, and the Human Condition
    Jul 16 2025

    In this post, I’m delving into a concept that has been on my mind for the past few months. I call this concept “diagnosis identity,” and it’s about the nature of the human condition, the role of suffering in our lives, and how we navigate it. It’s about what we choose to do with suffering and illness, and a call to rise above our suffering, learn from it, and ultimately not allow it to take over our lives and become a part of our identity.

    In this piece, we’ll explore:

    • Why suffering is both inevitable and potentially transformative

    • The difference between trauma and the normal struggles of life

    • The cultural trend of over-identifying with a diagnosis and how it can become an obstacle to healing

    • The alchemical idea of transforming poison into medicine

    • A vitalist approach to healing through strength, forgiveness, and meaning

    • How practitioners can spot “stuck” cases and support deeper transformation

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    CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY

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    To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:

    http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com

    Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels:

    http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism

    https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/

    Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ

    Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism:
    https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/

    Shop our herbal products:

    https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/

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    ABOUT THE PLANT PATH

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    The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.

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    ABOUT SAJAH

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    Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy.

    His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves.

    He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.

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    WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST?

    ————————————

    If you’d like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.
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    36 m
  • Holy Basil: The Sacred Herb of Ayurveda

    Holy Basil: The Sacred Herb of Ayurveda
    Jul 10 2025

    Holy basil is a sacred plant in the Indian and Ayurvedic traditions. There is a wide range of conditions for which it is used, both physically and psychologically. Holy Basil is one of nature's panaceas, making it a powerful plant to grow in your garden and stock in your home.

    In today’s plant profile, you’ll discover:

    • Holy Basil’s unique taste and how it supports your nervous, digestive, immune system, and more

    • Holy Basil's unique combination of adaptogenic and nervine properties to support the modern stressed condition"

    • Spiritual applications for this ancient herb

    • Its relationship to Jupiter and the Fire Element

    • How to prepare medicine with the fresh and dried plan

    ————————————

    CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY

    ————————————

    To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:

    http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com

    Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels:

    http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism

    https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/

    Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ

    Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism:
    https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/

    ————————————

    ABOUT THE PLANT PATH

    ————————————

    The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.

    ————————————

    ABOUT SAJAH

    ————————————

    Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy.

    His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves.

    He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.

    ————————————

    WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST?

    ————————————

    If you’d like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.
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    29 m
  • Lemon Balm: The Happiest Plant on Earth

    Lemon Balm: The Happiest Plant on Earth
    Jun 18 2025

    Lemon Balm, the “happiest plant on Earth,” enchants with its vibrant lemony aroma and taste. Beloved for its calming effects, this aromatic herb brings a sense of peace and serenity, along with an uplifted feeling to the spirit.

    Loved for its calming and relaxing properties, this aromatic herb soothes tense digestion and eases an anxious mind. Whether sipping it as a delicious cup of tea or taking it in tincture form, there are numerous ways to enjoy this herb. Like a ray of sunshine, Lemon Balm infuses your days with joy and invites you to reconnect with your inner child. Lemon Balm is a radiant herb that spreads joy in all who embrace it.

    In today’s plant profile, you’ll discover:

    • Why Lemon Balm is one of the happiest plants in our materia medica

    • Lemon Balm’s sour flavor, why it’s so unique, and how it supports cardiovascular health

    • Reasons why Lemon Balm is perfect for those with an anxious heart and digestion

    • How Lemon Balm helps you connect with your inner child

    • The optimism of Jupiter and how it corresponds with Lemon Balm

    ————————————

    CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY

    ————————————

    To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:

    http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com

    Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels:

    http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism

    https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/

    Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ

    Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism:
    https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/

    ————————————

    ABOUT THE PLANT PATH

    ————————————

    The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.

    ————————————

    ABOUT SAJAH

    ————————————

    Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy.

    His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves.

    He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.

    ————————————

    WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST?

    ————————————

    If you’d like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.
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    31 m
  • Cayenne and Lobelia: Two Distinct Herbs with Dynamic Synergy

    Cayenne and Lobelia: Two Distinct Herbs with Dynamic Synergy
    Jun 17 2025
    In this episode, we take a high-level look at what happens when you combine two of the most contrasting—and complementary—herbs in North American herbalism: Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) and Lobelia (Lobelia inflata). One stimulates, one relaxes—and together they create a powerful synergy that supports circulation, respiration, and neuromuscular function. You’ll also hear insights on how their energetic and constitutional profiles apply to vāta patterns in Ayurveda and Mercury archetypes in astrology. 🔍 In this segment, you’ll learn: The core affinities and actions of Cayenne and Lobelia How stimulant and relaxant diaphoretics work differently—and why that matters Why this pair is especially helpful for cold-damp, spasmodic coughs and fevers How they function systemically through cardiovascular and neuromuscular pathways Applications for constitutional types (like vāta) and astrological patterns (like Mercury) Why this pair is more than just cumulative—it’s synergistic Tune into the full episode to learn more: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0D57qDsVCLfCfpIZtshgEb?si=6a3639d913d44847 ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at: http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/ Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/ Shop our herbal products: https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/ ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve. ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines. ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you’d like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.
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    12 m
  • The Dynamic Duo: Cayenne & Lobelia in Traditional Herbalism

    The Dynamic Duo: Cayenne & Lobelia in Traditional Herbalism
    Jun 16 2025

    In this episode, we dive into one of the most powerful herb pairs in North American herbalism—Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) and Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).

    These two plants represent the archetypal stimulant and relaxant, and when used together, they reveal deep patterns in how herbal energetics function. You’ll also discover how this triad—stimulant, relaxant, and tonic—connects to core principles found in Ayurveda, alchemy, and astrology.

    In this segment, you’ll learn:

    • Why Cayenne and Lobelia are a dynamic herbal duo

    • How traditional herbalists define stimulants and relaxants (beyond caffeine and chamomile!)

    • The significance of the stimulant-relaxant-tonic triad in herbal energetics

    • The cross-cultural connections to Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and astrology

    • How combining oppositional energetics can create synergy in herbal formulas

    Tune into the full episode to learn more:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/0D57qDsVCLfCfpIZtshgEb?si=6a3639d913d44847

    ————————————

    CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY

    ————————————

    To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:

    http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com

    Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels:

    http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism

    https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/

    Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ

    Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism:
    https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/

    Shop our herbal products:

    https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/

    ————————————

    ABOUT THE PLANT PATH

    ————————————

    The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.

    ————————————

    ABOUT SAJAH

    ————————————

    Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy.

    His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves.

    He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.

    ————————————

    WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST?

    ————————————

    If you’d like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.
    Más Menos
    5 m
  • Cayenne and Lobelia

    Cayenne and Lobelia
    Jun 11 2025

    Welcome to the second installment in our Anatomy of a Formula series. In this post, we’ll examine a classic North American herbal duo: the archetypal stimulant, Cayenne (Capsicum annuum), and the archetypal relaxant, Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).

    If you missed the introductory post, which explored a brief history of formulation in Western herbalism and the strategic thinking behind herbal pairs and triplets, be sure to check it out[LINK]—it sets the stage for this series and what we’re diving into today.

    Here’s what you’ll learn in this epsisode:

    • Why Cayenne and Lobelia—seemingly opposing herbs—create powerful synergy in herbal formulas

    • How this pairing acts on multiple systems, including circulatory, respiratory, and neuromuscular

    • Key energetic patterns (Western, Ayurvedic, and astrological) that guide the use of these herbs

    • Traditional and modern uses of Cayenne–Lobelia combinations

    • Clinical considerations: where this pair works well, and where to use caution

    • How to think constitutionally and systemically rather than symptomatically when formulating with pairs

    ————————————

    CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY

    ————————————

    To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at:

    http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com

    Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels:

    http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism

    https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/

    Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ

    Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism:
    https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/

    Shop our herbal products:

    https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/

    ————————————

    ABOUT THE PLANT PATH

    ————————————

    The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve.

    ————————————

    ABOUT SAJAH

    ————————————

    Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy.

    His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves.

    He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines.

    ————————————

    WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST?

    ————————————

    If you’d like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.
    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Anatomy of a Formula

    Anatomy of a Formula
    May 28 2025
    Have you been studying herbs for a while, but you still feel unsure about how to combine them into an effective formula? Or maybe you’re newer to herbalism and ready to dive into the art and science of formulation? Formulation is one of my favorite parts of herbal medicine, so I’m excited to kick off a new series called The Anatomy of a Formula. I love the synergy that emerges when herbs are combined in intelligent, intentional ways—and the specificity you can achieve when formulating for a particular person. It’s both powerful and fun. However, for budding herbalists, formulation can initially feel daunting and a little confusing. Without some kind of framework or guidance, many people end up just tossing a bunch of herbs into a bottle and hoping it works. That’s not an ideal approach because you’re essentially leaving your therapeutics to chance. Instead, approach formulation with strategy, intention, and precision, tailored to the individual you’re working with. Here’s what we’ll cover in this post: • A brief history of formulation in North American herbalism • Formulation challenges and how to fix the problem • The foundations of herbal formulas: pairs and triplets • The anatomy of an effective formula ———————————— CONNECT WITH SAJAH AND WHITNEY ———————————— To get free in depth mini-courses and videos, visit our blog at: http://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com Get daily inspiration and plant wisdom on our Facebook and Instagram channels: http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionaryHerbalism https://www.instagram.com/evolutionary_herbalism/ Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyP63opAmcpIAQg1M9ShNSQ Get a free 5-week course when you buy a copy of the book, Evolutionary Herbalism: https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/evolutionary-herbalism-book/ Shop our herbal products: https://naturasophiaspagyrics.com/ ———————————— ABOUT THE PLANT PATH ———————————— The Plant Path is a window into the world of herbal medicine. With perspectives gleaned from traditional Western herbalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Alchemy, Medical Astrology, and traditional cultures from around the world, The Plant Path provides unique insights, skills and strategies for the practice of true holistic herbalism. From clinical to spiritual perspectives, we don't just focus on what herbs are "good for," but rather who they are as intelligent beings, and how we can work with them to heal us physically and consciously evolve. ———————————— ABOUT SAJAH ———————————— Sajah Popham is the author of Evolutionary Herbalism and the founder of the School of Evolutionary Herbalism, where he trains herbalists in a holistic system of plant medicine that encompasses clinical Western herbalism, medical astrology, Ayurveda, and spagyric alchemy. His mission is to develop a comprehensive approach that balances the science and spirituality of plant medicine, focusing on using plants to heal and rejuvenate the body, clarify the mind, open the heart, and support the development of the soul. This is only achieved through understanding and working with the chemical, energetic, and spiritual properties of the plants. His teachings embody a heartfelt respect, honor and reverence for the vast intelligence of plants in a way that empowers us to look deeper into the nature of our medicines and ourselves. He lives on a homestead in the foothills of Mt. Baker Washington with his wife Whitney where he teaches, consults clients, and prepares spagyric herbal medicines. ———————————— WANT TO FEATURE US ON YOUR PODCAST? ———————————— If you’d like to interview Sajah or Whitney to be on your podcast, click here to fill out an interview request form.
    Más Menos
    33 m