Episode 156: Elderberry with Holly Bellebuono

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Episode Summary

I’ve been emailing with Holly for years, but as much as we’ve interacted via email and recipe exchange, this was our first time face-to-face and it was great to finally get the chance to meet her!  In this episode, Holly shares so much fascinating information about elderberry (one of my very favorite herbs!) - from folklore, to crafty uses for the twigs, to tips for harvesting the berries, and of course the many ways this amazing plant can be worked with medicinally!

Holly also shared her recipe for Bright Vinegar for Colds, which just looks so delicious and enticing!  You’ll find a beautifully-illustrated recipe card for Holly’s recipe  in the section below.

When might you turn to elder leaves, flowers, and berries for your health?

► When you need a soothing remedy for angry emotions, angry fevers, or angry skin

► As a topical first aid ointment for burns

► To help shorten the duration of colds and flu (or prevent them from starting in the first place!)

► As  delicious and nutrient-rich food and drink

In addition to discussing the many benefits of elderberry, Holly also shared some fantastic tips for learning about herbs, especially for the beginning herbalist - so if you’re new to herbalism you’ll want to be sure to give this episode a listen!

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

► Why it’s important to experience herbs hands-on and not just through book learning

► A fun tip for harvesting elderberries from high up in its branches

► How elderflowers can be worked with for emotional support

► Nine medicinal benefits of elder berries, flowers, and even leaves!

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, herbalist, entrepreneur and author Holly Bellebuono has spent 30 years teaching plant medicine and business courses for natural and organic product makers. She directs The Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine and Selle Impact Consulting.

Holly lectures globally at conferences, retreats, and universities. Her documentary book Women Healers of the World: The Traditions, History & Geography of Herbal Medicine was named Book of the Year by The International Herb Association.

Holly’s seven nonfiction books have been published in three languages.  Her 8th book will be released Spring 2025: Once Upon a Place: Forests, Caverns, and Other Places of Transformation in Myth, Fairy Tale, and Film.

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

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Holly

• Website | Holly Bellebuono
• Instagram | @hollybellebuono
• Facebook | Holly Bellebuono
• LinkedIn | Holly Bellebuono, MPA

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [01:10] Introduction to Holly Bellebuono
• [02:47] How Holly found her plant path
• [08:47] The importance of hands-on experience with herbs
• [10:30] Elderberry harvesting tips
• [11:57] Elderberry folklore
• [12:59] Medicinal benefits of elder berries, flowers, and leaves
• [18:22] Elderberry twig flutes
• [19:25] Using elder berries and flowers in food and drink
• [21:45] Bright Vinegar for Colds
• [28:26] Tips for learning about herbs
• [31:16] Holly’s current projects
• [39:38] What Holly wishes she’d known when she began her herbal path
• [43:41] Herbal tidbit

Are you interested in learning more about Holly’s herbal Tuscany retreat, which will be happening in May of 2025?  You can find information about it on her website here - but if you want to join, don’t delay, as spots will fill up quickly!

Holly also has a new book, Once Upon a Place: Forests, Caverns & Other Places of Transformation in Myths, Fairy Tales & Film, coming out in March of 2025.   You can pre-order her book here.

Get Your Free Recipe!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 01:09 - Introduction to Holly Bellebuono
• 02:48 - How Holly found her plant path
• 9:16 - The importance of hands-on experience with herbs
• 11:03 - Elderberry harvesting tips
• 12:41 - Elderberry folklore
• 13:47 - Medicinal benefits of elder berries, flowers, and leaves
• 19:36 - Elderberry twig flutes
• 20:45 - Using elder berries and flowers in food and drink
• 23:21 - Bright Vinegar for Colds
• 30:39 - Tips for learning about herbs
• 33:36 - Holly’s current projects
• 42:43 - What Holly wishes she’d known when she began her herbal path
• 46:46 - Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

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

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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