Shows
Eclectic Herbal WisdomHerbs, Hospitals, Community Healing and the Essence of Nature Cure with Dr. Les Moore, NDWhat does it look like when someone grows up watching their father heal their whole community with plants from the mountains of Virginia? Dr. Les Moore knows firsthand. In this episode, Chris Alstat welcomes her long-time colleague and friend to share a lifetime of wisdom rooted in nature cure, the eclectic physician tradition, and the deep conviction that plants are here to help us become whole again. From a closet apothecary in the Virginia mountains to a full natural pharmacy inside a New York hospital, Dr. Moore has spent decades weaving naturopathic medicine, traditional Chinese m...
2026-03-051h 00
Eclectic Herbal WisdomDigestive Health - Herbs for a Balanced Microbiome and Healthy GutDigestive health is more than just what you eat. In this episode of Eclectic Herbal Wisdom, you’ll explore how herbs support a balanced gut microbiome and overall digestive function. Chris and Mel break down how the digestive system, microbiome, immune system, and nervous system are deeply interconnected, and why supporting gut health requires more than quick fixes or restrictive diets. Drawing from Eclectic herbal tradition and modern physiology, this conversation highlights how herbal medicine approaches digestive health in a supportive, systems-based way. You’ll learn why digestive bitters matter before meals, how herbs...
2026-02-1742 min
Eclectic Herbal WisdomAquarius Astro-Herbalism: Nettles Nourish Innovative MindsAquarius season brings innovative, forward-thinking energy that helps us imagine what is possible beyond the present moment. In this episode of the Eclectic Herbal Wisdom podcast, Chris and Mel explore the brilliant, intellectual nature of Aquarius and why this disruptive air sign energy is exactly what many of us need right now. Discover why Nettles is the perfect herb for Aquarius season. This generous, deeply nourishing plant mirrors Aquarian qualities with its prickly exterior and powerful gifts beneath the surface. Chris shares Ed Alstat’s pioneering discovery of freeze-dried Nettles for allergy support, while Mel talks about the...
2026-02-0525 min
Eclectic Herbal WisdomHerbs for Insomnia: Mental Health, Joy & Detox with Dr. OrnaSleep is not optional. It's foundational. In this episode of Eclectic Herbal Wisdom, we're joined by Dr. Orna Izakson for a grounded conversation about insomnia, mental health, nervous system herbs, and why real healing often looks much simpler than the latest wellness trend. We talk about Skullcap, Passionflower, and Valerian, including when they shine and when they don't. We also unpack detox myths, why extreme cleanses often backfire, and how gentle daily rhythms support the body's innate pathways far better than aggressive protocols. What You'll Learn: ...
2026-01-151h 15
Eclectic Herbal WisdomMilk Thistle: Liver Support, Regeneration & Silymarin ScienceYour liver works overtime. Processing everything from last night's dinner to environmental toxins, your liver needs consistent support to stay healthy and resilient. In this episode, Chris and Mel dive deep into milk thistle, the gold standard herb for liver protection and regeneration. You'll learn why milk thistle has been trusted for over 2,000 years, how silymarin (the compound complex in milk thistle seeds) protects and regenerates liver cells, and why freeze-dried milk thistle preserves the beneficial compounds that get lost in standard processing. Chris shares her experience growing milk thistle and why it's one of Ecl...
2026-01-0829 minEclectic Herbal WisdomCapricorn Season Herbs: Ashwagandha for Stress & ImmunityAshwagandha for stress and immunity is a powerful ally during Capricorn season, a time marked by ambition, determination, and the weight of responsibility. What happens when chronic stress meets winter’s demands? How can this adaptogenic root support your nervous system, immune resilience, and groundedness during a season of goal-setting? In this episode of Eclectic Herbal Wisdom, Chris and Mel explore Capricorn energy, the shadow side of burnout, and why Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a foundational herb for stress resilience, vitality, and winter wellness. What’s in this episode: Capri...
2026-01-0227 minEclectic Herbal WisdomSkullcap: Herb of the Month for Calming the Nervous System and MoreCan’t turn off your racing mind at night? Feel like you’re constantly running on high alert? Skullcap might be exactly what your nervous system needs. This episode dives deep into one of the most beloved herbs for nervous system support, exploring its rich history from Native American medicine to Victorian-era Eclectic Physicians, and how it’s used in clinical herbalism today. Chris and Mel share the fascinating ways Skullcap has been used throughout history. From menstrual support to snake bites, and why the Eclectic Physicians insisted on using it with fresh herb preparations. You’ll d...
2025-12-1626 minEclectic Herbal WisdomSagittarius Season Astro-Herbalism: Rosemary, Rituals & the Adventurous SpiritSagittarius season is all about expansion, adventure, and following that inner spark that wants to grow. In this episode, Chris and Mel explore the spirited, fire-driven energy of Sagittarius and the herbs that best support this season. You'll learn why rosemary has long been tied to travelers, students, memory, protection, and courage, along with practical ways to work with it both physically and energetically. You'll also hear companion herbs that round out Sagittarius season, including turmeric for sustainable fire, garlic for boundary-setting protection, and aronia berry for endurance. Whether you're a Sagittarius yourself or just feeling the c...
2025-12-1615 minEclectic Herbal WisdomWelcome to Eclectic Herbal Wisdom: Meet Chris & MelMeet Chris Alstat, owner of Eclectic Herb, and herbal educator Mel Mutterspaugh, two herbalists who found each other through their shared love of plants and are finally sitting down to do what they've talked about for years: share stories, wisdom, and a whole lot of herbal passion. In this episode, you'll get to hear from Chris as she shares about her Japanese heritage, the influence her mother's garden had on her childhood, the health crisis that changed everything, and how a chance meeting in Tokyo led her to Eclectic Herb, a 40+ year legacy of organic, freeze-dried herbal s...
2025-12-161h 07
The E-Comm ShowPlanting Seeds of Consistency and Quality with Eclectric Herb | EP. #133In today’s digital world consumers already know what they want, but how do they measure companies against each other? One word- quality. On this 133rd episode of the E-Comm Show, Andrew Maff interviews Christine Alstat, founder of Eclectic Herb. From innovative technologies such as freeze drying, Eclectic Herb separates itself in its quality and commitment to consistency.From balancing live and digital channels to educating customers without stepping out of regulatory boundaries, Eclectic Herb practices attention to detail in everything it does. This commitment to staying consistent and detail-oriented has allowed Eclectic Herb to stand out and...
2024-05-1524 min