In this talk at Timber Festival I delved into the fascinating and complex world of medicinal plants—using Fox Glove (Digitalis purpurea) as a powerful example. I wanted to highlight not only its therapeutic potential, especially for heart conditions like heart failure and hypertension, but also the serious risks associated with its toxicity. It’s a plant that commands both respect and deep understanding—one you certainly should never self-prescribe.

Throughout the talk, I explored how medicinal compounds like cardiac glycosides are extracted from plants and how their solubility—whether in alcohol, water, or oil—shapes their effectiveness. I emphasized the need to move beyond a reductionist view of herbal medicine and instead engage with the whole plant and its ecosystem of compounds.

This conversation also touched on the roots of herbal knowledge, particularly the rich traditions carried by women throughout history. Much of that wisdom has been overshadowed by the rise of modern, often male-dominated medical institutions. I see herbalism not just as science or tradition, but as a form of empowerment—reclaiming knowledge about our health and the natural world.

Ultimately, I encouraged attendees to combine intuition with clinical understanding, to embrace holistic approaches, and to trust their bodies while being guided by both science and ancestral wisdom.