Episode 223: Sweet Woodruff and the Magic of Maywine with Lisen Sundgren

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Would you prefer watching or reading this episode? If so, click here for the Sweet Woodruff Benefits video and transcript.

Episode Summary

What if the medicine you need isn’t just in the plant—but in kneeling down to meet it?

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) may not be as widely known as other plants in the herbal world, but as Swedish herbalist Lisen Sundgren shares in this episode, it holds a quiet kind of magic. With its delicate white flowers, an aroma reminiscent of vanilla, and a long history in European traditions, this woodland herb has been used to gently support the nervous system, ease restlessness, and mark the turning of the seasons.

But this conversation goes far beyond herbal actions. Lisen invites us into a deeper relationship with plants—one rooted in presence, patience, and reciprocity. From foraging in shaded forests to collaborating with chefs to create beautiful local, seasonal dishes, she shares how sweet woodruff became both a beloved herbal ally and a doorway into something even more meaningful: a sense of belonging within the natural world.

Be sure to download your beautifully illustrated recipe card for Lisen’s traditional sweet woodruff Maywine, a simple, time-honored way to celebrate the turning of the season. You’ll find a link in the section below.

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

► Five ways sweet woodruff can benefit your health, from calming a wired mind to gently supporting the skin

► The surprising way its signature scent develops (and why it matters) 

► Why less really is more when working with sweet woodruff

► How to work with sweet woodruff to create simple, nourishing skincare preparations

► Three tips for mindfully harvesting sweet woodruff

► How reconnecting with plants can support your nervous system in unexpected ways 

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Lisen Sundgren has created her path as an herbalist, forager, author, and nature and forest therapy guide for the past 30 years. We are nature and every single day there is more to learn from the depth of knowledge that plants have gathered for millions of years. What she learns, she shares, so that we can create a more sustainable, healthy, and delicious lifestyle.

To date Lisen has written eight books on various aspects of the use of herbs. She has inspired thousands through her books, through workshops and appearances in numerous TV and podcast appearances.

Since wild edibles made their entrance on the culinary scene, Lisen has been working closely with  a number of progressive restaurants, and has trained chefs to use the wild harvest and to forage sensibly.

In the 90s she pioneered in the world of natural skincare with her brand, Lisen Organics. 

Whether you’re sipping a fragrant infusion or simply sitting quietly beside a patch of green, may this episode inspire you to slow down, be present, and listen more closely to the plants around you. 

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:08] Intro to Lisen Sundgren + Lisen’s plant path
• [21:02] Why Lisen chose sweet woodruff (or how it chose her!) for today’s episode
• [27:31] Maywine recipe: a celebration of spring
• [29:41] Medicinal benefits of sweet woodruff
• [31:55] Medicinal and culinary preparations for sweet woodruff
• [36:33] The medicine in making connections with plants
• [42:13] Tips for foraging and growing sweet woodruff
• [45:06] Tips for working with sweet woodruff
• [48:38] Lisen’s current herbal projects
• [50:53] An herbal remedy Lisen would genuinely be sad to be without
• [54:27] Student spotlight
• [55:43] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe!

Connect with Lisen:

• Website | LifeByLisen.com/English
• Instagram | @lifebylisen 
• LinkedIn | Lisen Sundgren

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

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

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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