Episode 209: Orange Peel Remedies for Lungs, Digestion & Joy with Constanza Leal

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Would you prefer watching or reading this episode? If so, click here for the 'How to Use Orange Peel' video and transcript.

Episode Summary

This often-discarded kitchen staple makes powerful medicine—don’t throw it away!

In today’s episode, Chilean herbalist Constanza Leal discusses an herb that is ubiquitous in my kitchen during the dark months of winter—orange peel (Citrus x sinensis). Together, we explore how this humble peel brings warmth, radiance, and the unmistakable sunny joy of citrus into our homes and our bodies. From supporting digestion and clearing the lungs to brightening our mood in the heart of winter, orange peel offers far more than most people realize.

Constanza shares so many ways to help you savor the full magic of this accessible yet often overlooked medicine, including her Cozy Immune Boost tea—a delicious way to help strengthen your immune system during the winter! You can download a beautifully illustrated recipe card from the section below.

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

► The power of connecting on an intimate level with one herb at a time

► Why orange peel—the whole thing, white pith included!—is even more beneficial to your health than the fruit itself

► A surprising way to work with orange peel to improve your mood (warning: you’re going to get wet!)

► Eight ways to enjoy the benefits of orange peel, from food to medicine to cleaning supplies

► Why herbal powders are such a great way to work with herbs

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Constanza Leal is a South American herbalist from Chile who started her journey with herbalism in June 2011 after a hit & run bike accident that changed her life.

In 2016 Constanza launched her herbalism project, Jardín Secreto, after moving to the mountains of Antioquia, Colombia with her husband. Growing food as medicine, wildcrafting, teaching decolonial herbalism and making small batches of medicine for her community became a dream come true.

Since 2017 Constanza has been offering multiple herbalism apprenticeships a year and continues to deepen her relationship with the Tahamie Lands via regenerative agriculture, seed saving, soil microbiology, and biodynamic ways of medicine-making.

Constanza teaches herbalism workshops in South America, in New England, and online through the Gaia School of Healing & Earth Education. 

Constanza’s stories and teachings offer such a radiant reminder that even the most familiar plants hold deep wisdom waiting to be rediscovered. Whether you’re brand new to citrus medicine or already love working with it, I hope this episode gives you fresh inspiration to explore, experiment, and enjoy the radiant gifts of orange peel.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:08] Intro to Constanza Leal + Constanza’s herbal path
• [6:54] Comfrey for broken bones
• [8:23] How Constanza’s time in South America influenced her herbal practice
• [12:41] Why it’s so important to follow your herbal inspiration
• [16:14] The joy of oranges
• [20:16] Medicinal benefits of orange peel
• [25:19] Cozy Immune Boost Tea recipe
• [29:06] Geeking out about mugs and tea rituals
• [33:57] The many different uses for orange peel
• [37:15] Constanza’s transition to New England
• [40:57] The magic of attending herbal gatherings
• [44:08] What is in Constanza’s herbal first aid kit?
• [50:52] Student spotlight
• [52:05] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe!

Connect with Constanza:

• Website | SomosJardinSecreto.com
• Instagram | @somosjardinsecreto 
• Facebook | Jardin Secreto

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

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

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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