Episode 121:
Prickly Pear with Mimi Prunella Hernandez 

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Would you prefer watching or reading this episode? If so, click here for the 'Health Benefits of Prickly Pear Cactus' video and transcript.

Episode Summary

It was an honor to sit down with Mimi Prunella Hernandez to discuss the many gifts of Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp.). Mimi also shared her passion for science and her herbal journey that led to  becoming the executive director of the American Herbalists Guild. You can find a wealth of wisdom and inspiration as she shares many personal stories and talks about the beautiful gifts of prickly pear.

Also, don’t miss downloading your free recipe card for Mimi's Prickly Pear and Lemon Verbena Infused Vinegar!

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► How you can bridge your love for science and herbs

► How prickly pear shines as food, beverage, and medicine

► Multiple ways to prepare and eat prickly pear cactus

►  and much more…

For those of you who don’t already know her, Mimi Prunella Hernandez is an herbalist and author of the book National Geographic Herbal: 100 Herbs From the World's Healing Traditions. Mimi is known for her ability to explain complex information in a relatable way, which has gained her a dedicated following. Her warm and approachable nature has made her a sought-after speaker at conferences and events.

With over a decade as the executive director of the American Herbalists Guild, she shares her wealth of knowledge, unwavering dedication, and genuine love for all things herbal and ensures that herbalists have a strong professional community to support their work. She has devoted her life’s work to advocating for traditional and professional herbal pathways.

Mimi is a recipient of the Botanical Excellence Award from the American Botanical Council, a prestigious honor that recognizes her as a Mark Blumenthal Herbal Community Builder. Mimi's volunteer work inspires sanctuary dreamers. She not only strives to ensure the continued availability of native and medicinal plants but also educates others about their importance and traditional uses.

Mimi's herbal roots are inspired by her Colombian and Mexican Grandmothers via a Latin American Folk Herbalism and Curanderismo lineage. While Mimi finds immense joy in practicing kitchen herbalism, she finds tremendous fulfillment delivering herbal house calls. She brings a basket filled with homemade nourishing remedies, using the herbs she grows in her garden to provide natural remedies to those in need.

I’m thrilled to share our conversation with you today!

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [01:10] Introduction to Mimi Prunella Hernandez
• [04:04] How Mimi found her herbal path
• [10:47] Mimi shares her journey as the director of the American Herbalists Guild
• [12:50] The gifts of prickly pear (Opuntia spp.)
• [18:34] Demulcent properties of prickly pear
• [19:50] What about the prickles?
• [21:22] Mimi’s Prickly Pear and Lemon Verbena Infused Vinegar
• [24:10] Closing thoughts about prickly pear
• [25:28] National Geographic Herbal / Mimi shares her experience in writing about herbs
• [32:18] A tribute to James Duke
• [42:22] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe!

Connect with Mimi:

• Website | MimiPrunellaHernandez.com
• Instagram | @MimiPrunellaHernandez
• Facebook | @MimiPrunellaHerbal

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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