Episode 183: Thyme with Dr. Orna Izakson

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Episode Summary

A major hazard of inviting herbalists on this show is that with each conversation, I get so excited about the herb we discussed that I want to run out and get it and start working with it right away! I often have to remind myself that I don’t need to try every single herb, and that many of my most versatile and beloved herbal allies are the ones that I already have in my garden and my spice rack.

This conversation with Dr. Orna Izakson about thyme was a great reminder that herbs don’t need to be unusual or exotic to be powerful!  Orna shared about how thyme has supported her from the very beginning of her herbal journey, as well as her recipe for the preparation that helped keep her out of the hospital and healing at home.  You can find the recipe for her Herbal Steam for Respiratory Health in the section below.

Thyme is an amazing herb with so many benefits, and the best thing is, you probably already have a jar of it in your spice rack! Here are just a few ways you can work with thyme’s gifts:

► Infused into vinegar to make an all-purpose antimicrobial cleaner

► Added liberally to food to boost flavor and aid digestion

► Prepared as a tea to soothe a sore throat or relieve congestion

To learn even more about this wonderful herb, be sure to give my conversation with Orna a listen!

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

► How working with thyme helped keep Orna from having to go to the hospital

► Why the herbs we need the most are often the ones growing right outside our door

► Three simple ways you can work with thyme for your health

► Why herbal steams are so powerful for warding off colds and flu

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Dr. Orna Izakson is a licensed naturopathic doctor and registered herbalist practicing in Alaska and Oregon, specializing in mental health, women’s health and chronic disease. She spent six years as the founding lead physician of the Traditional Roots Institute at National University of Natural Medicine, served on the Gaia Herbs science advisory board, and is a current faculty member of Psychiatry Redefined. Dr. Izakson previously was an award-winning environmental newspaper reporter, contributing to books on climate change and healthy living. She continues her mission of educating the public about plant medicine, mental health and clinical nutrition as a public speaker and online educator. Dr. Izakson is vice president of the Alaska Association of Naturopathic Doctors and founder of the Naturopathic Climate Alliance.

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 Dr. Orna Izakso:

• Website | DrOrnaIzakson.com
• Instagram | @Dr.Orna and @GardenMedicine
• Facebook | Dr. Orna Izakson
• Bluesky | @orna.bsky.social
• YouTube | DrOrna

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [2:02] Introduction to Dr. Orna Izakson
• [3:42] Orna’s plant path
• [16:54] Medicinal benefits (and culinary delights!) of thyme
• [25:46] Herbal Steam for Respiratory Health recipe
• [36:42] Orna’s herbal projects
• [40:30] How herbs instill hope in Orna
• [47:53] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 02:02 - Introduction to Dr. Orna Izakson
• 03:42 - Orna’s plant path
• 17:12 - Medicinal benefits (and culinary delights!) of thyme
• 26:15 - Herbal Steam for Respiratory Health recipe
• 37:30 - Orna’s herbal projects
• 41:23 - How herbs instill hope in Orna
• 48:44 - 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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