Episode 234: Orange Peel for Digestion, Lung Health, and a Rosehip Citrus Jam with Heather Luna

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Episode Summary

Could the secret to better digestion be hiding in your compost bin?

In this episode, clinical herbalist Heather Luna makes the case for an herb that most of us literally throw away. She reveals why orange peel (Citrus x sinensis) has become one of her favorite everyday herbs—and why it deserves a place in your kitchen instead of your compost. 

During our conversation, Heather explores many of the overlooked medicinal gifts of orange peel, from supporting digestion and nutrient absorption to nourishing the lungs, cardiovascular system, and microbiome. Along the way, she shares why she believes herbs belong alongside our food, not separated from it, and how simple daily practices can create the biggest changes in our health.

Want an easy (and delicious!) way to start using orange peel every day? Download the beautifully illustrated recipe card for Heather's Rosehip Citrus Jam from the resource section below, and discover why this simple preparation has become a favorite in her clinic. 

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

► The surprising reason Heather puts orange peel into almost every digestive tea she makes 

► How orange peel behaves differently from many other bitter herbs—and why that matters 

► What's hiding inside the bitter white pith that most food recipes tell you to avoid 

► Seven delicious ways to use orange peel as food and medicine (and one clever way to use up any leftovers!)

► Why slowing down to brew a daily cup of tea may be one of the most powerful herbal practices of all 

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Heather Luna is a clinical herbalist and nutritionist, practicing in vitalist therapeutics.  She is director of the Acorn School of Herbal Medicine where she hosts an online community learning platform for foundational, advanced, and clinical herbalism programs. She has been an instructor of Western herbalism since 2006 and has facilitated a free clinic since 2017. Her work emphasizes a vitalist approach to the application of herbs, nutrition, and holistic lifestyle. She is a mother, gardener, and a forever student of nature. Heather carries a lineage in the vitalist tradition with a mission to pass it on.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that herbalism doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes the most profound medicine begins with slowing down, paying attention, and making good use of what we've already been given. 

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 Heather:

• Website | AcornHerbSchool.com
• Instagram | @acornherbschool
• YouTube | Acorn School of Herbal Medicine

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09] Intro to Heather Luna + Heather’s plant path
• [8:17] The role of education in the path of healing
• [11:39] The importance of food as medicine
• [13:33] Medicinal benefits of citrus peel
• [18:12] What’s the difference between citrus zest and the full peel?
• [20:09] Tips for preparing the peel from fresh oranges
• [21:59] Herbal preparations for citrus peel
• [23:42] Rosehip Citrus Jam recipe
• [28:00] Safety considerations for orange peel
• [30:22] What’s the most delicious citrus?
• [32:00] Heather’s herbal offerings
• [35:26] What Heather thinks herbs are especially good at teaching humans right now
• [38:17] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe Download!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 00:37 - Intro to Heather Luna + Heather’s plant path
• 08:04 - The role of education in the path of healing
• 11:26 - The importance of food as medicine
• 13:24 - Medicinal benefits of citrus peel
• 18:09 - What’s the difference between citrus zest and the full peel?
• 20:08 - Tips for preparing the peel from fresh oranges
• 21:59 - Herbal preparations for citrus peel
• 23:47 - Rosehip Citrus Jam recipe
• 28:15 - Safety considerations for orange peel
• 30:39 - What’s the most delicious citrus?
• 32:19 - Heather’s herbal offerings
• 35:50 - What Heather thinks herbs are especially good at teaching humans right now
• 38:42 - 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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