Herbal Remedies for Radiant Health at Every Age and Stage of Life

Natural Woman

Leslie Korn Answers Our Top 10 Questions About Plant Medicine and Natural Woman

Leslie Korn, PhD, MPH, is a licensed clinician specializing in mental health nutrition, herbal medicine, and integrative medicine for mental health and the physical symptoms of traumatic stress. Her book, Natural Woman, is a go-to herbal sourcebook that gives women the tools to thrive throughout their lives, with remedies using common herbs and plants to support a healthy body, mind, and spirit.

  1. How did you first begin learning about herbal remedies?

I was fortunate to travel to the jungle of Mexico, where there was no doctor, at the age of 20. That was where I discovered plant medicine. I was even more fortunate to get sick with so many things that I turned to the local herbalists and curanderas, my neighbors and the women who became my friends and colleagues, and they shared with me their knowledge of plant medicines. Together we started a health center that we ran for over 25 years.

2. What is the role of woman as herbal healer?

It is said that it wasn’t the apple that Eve ate (our first woman healer of the Judeo Christian religion) but Amanita Muscaria, which led her to experience the goddess within and introduce Adam to self awareness. Women are natural explorers, adventurers, tasters, and testers. In all cultures around the world women are herbalists and shamans, gathering and preparing foods for healing. Wherever we live and work we continue to share our wisdom as healers.

3. Are plant medicines safe?

Yes, plant medicines are very safe. It is very rare that there are problems with using plant medicines. However, let’s explore the rare circumstances in which one needs to be aware and careful. Because plants are medicinal they have the power to interact with pharmaceutical medications or nutrients. So one should explore these interactions in advance of adding in medicinal plants. Occasionally people can be allergic to certain plants or have a reaction if applying some oils topically to the skin. Overall we approach herbs and plants as we do everything for our self care: we explore options, understand our individuality, and research possible side effects.

4. How is plant medicine different from modern-day pharmaceuticals?

Many modern-day pharmaceuticals are actually rooted in plant medicine. Many discoveries in the plant world led to development of these medications. However most of the time an "active substance"—believed to be the major compound effecting a physical or mental change—was identified with its potency enhanced and often synthesized. While this often leads to positive effects, it also often causes harmful side effects. In contrast, nature has given us plants that combine many active substances and co factors that work together to create change that, like nature, is slow but sure, and rarely has side effects.

5. Are there herbs that combat anxiety and depression?

Yes, there are many effective herbs that have the benefit of avoiding the side effects of pharmaceuticals. Some of my favorites are kava for anxiety; the combination of valerian, hops, and passionflower for anxiety, stress, and sleep; and St. John’s wort for depression. Another gentle-giant herb is skullcap, known for helping reduce anxious depression. Rhodiola extract is a wonderful energizing and mood-boosting substitute when I want to reduce my coffee intake.

6. What is your go-to general health recipe for someone just starting to explore natural remedies?

I love to start by making herb teas for relaxation and even foot baths. Chamomile is a favorite. I add it to a smoothie to help me sleep. I have a recipe in the book called a Cherry Chamomile Smoothie that combines the benefits of chamomile and cherries to aid sleep. It's safe for people of all ages and also yummy as a bedtime snack.

7. What are the top three herbs or plants that everyone should have in their medicine cabinet?

Gee, that’s like asking the top 3 foods in your fridge!

Well, if I had to choose, I like chamomile, peppermint, and roselle. They all function in different ways.

  • Chamomile will reduce pain, soothe a belly ache, and help you relax and sleep. It’s a beverage and a medicine that is safe for all ages.
  • Peppermint will energize you, relieve a headache, and aid digestion. Drinking peppermint tea after a meal helps reduce gas and aids digestion. Inhaling a little essential oil if you have a headache or feel fatigued helps as well.
  • Roselle is less commonly known. It is rich in vitamin C, is bright red and thus an antioxidant. It is a beverage that can be drunk hot or cold, added to smoothies, and is well known to reduce coughing.

All three plants taste delicious and can be used as teas and in foods and are safe for children and adults.

8. Do you have a ritual that you always do to close out each year?

It’s time to gather friends and family close and celebrate the darkening of the light as we look inward. For these occasions, I prepare a special elixir or cordial, which can be found in Natural Woman. Cordials are made with fresh plants, and elixirs are made with dried herbs. The word cordial refers to the heart—think of being cordial to someone. The holidays are a perfect time to share cordials. I love a fennel licorice cordial; during our celebrations we can over do it with too much food or varieties. This is a warming cordial for the winter months, yet also soothing and stimulating for digestion. It opens the heart (it also quiets heart burn!) and is a perfect drink to share. Plus it's medicinal, so children can taste a few drops if they wish.

9. What do you see in the future of plant medicines?

Women have had plants in our hands and pots, slathered plant pulp on our bodies, and inhaled their smoke for our minds and spirit since our arrival on earth. Plant medicines will continue to guide us toward greater health in our lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We recognize the limitations and side effects of pharmaceuticals and this requires that we revisit and embrace the wisdom of our ancestors and bridge that with the knowledge we have garnered in the 21st century.

10. What do you hope people will take away from Natural Woman?

My hope is that women of all ages will learn about how plant medicines can be incorporated into daily life for prevention and also to help or heal many types of distress and illness. At the same time, plants give us culinary and sensory pleasure, and provide a path by which we can explore our deepest hopes and dreams as individuals and in community.

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Leslie KornLeslie Korn, PhD, MPH, served as a Fulbright scholar on traditional medicine, a Clinical Fellow at Harvard Medical School, and a National Institutes of Health–funded research scientist in mind/body medicine. In 1975, she founded the Center for Traditional Medicine, a public health clinic in rural indigenous Mexico that she directed for over twenty-five years. Her website is drlesliekorn.com.

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