Power to the people with community based health

In this episode of Herbcast, Simon Mills welcomes herbalist and educator 7Song for a chat about the intricacies of herbal medicine and the personal journey that shaped his path. From his early experiments with plants to his rich experiences in diverse ecosystems across North America, 7Song shares the lessons he has learned throughout his extensive career in herbalism.

The conversation delves into 7Song’s initial fascination with nature, the various herbal schools that influenced his practice, and the importance of community engagement in herbal medicine. Listen for insights into the practical applications of herbs in clinical settings, the significance of social justice in healthcare, and the evolving role of herbalists in society today.

In this episode:

• The pivotal moments that led 7Song to embrace herbalism as a lifelong vocation.
• Reflections on the differences in plant materia medica across various regions, including the deserts of New Mexico and the Appalachian Mountains.
• The importance of integrating herbal medicine with conventional healthcare and collaborating with other medical practitioners
• Insights into the Ithaca Free Clinic and the role of herbalists in providing accessible healthcare.
• 7Song’s vision for the future of herbal education and the development of an online herbal database.

About 7Song

7Song is a clinical herbalist, teacher, and naturalist. In 1981 he began studying plants and herbal medicine and has been engaged and fascinated by them ever since. He started the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine in 1992 where he has been the director and primary teacher. He is one of the founders and a clinical herbalist at the Ithaca Free Clinic, which is an integrated free clinic offering both conventional and holistic modalities.

7Song is a Russian Jew, originally from Long Island, NY, but has been in Ithaca, NY for over 30 years. Along with teaching and clinical work, he enjoys identifying and photographing plants and other critters.

Follow & Connect

Follow / connect with 7Song: https://7song.com/ / @7songsevensong / https://www.facebook.com/sevensong.sevensong

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

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We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications. We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead. Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/