Chestnut Herbal School

Chestnut School

The risks of using AI in herbalism. An AI-generated image of a robot in an herbal apothecary.
Last updated on September 15th, 2023

Risks of Using AI in Herbalism

Like it or not, artificial intelligence (AI) is now interwoven into the basic technology we use daily. Like all technology, it’s only as helpful or harmful as the intentions of the people using it. Mostly, we hear about the dangers of using AI and how it can be used in nefarious ways, yet it also offers promising solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems. In this article, we’ll primarily explore the risks of using AI in herbalism, especially herbal education.

Juliet Blankespoor teaching medicinal herb gardening at her farm in NC. Photograph by Emily Nichols.
Last updated on September 15th, 2023

Becoming An Herbalist: Juliet Blankespoor’s Dance With The Plants

Stamens, stigmas, and anthers were my first dates in what would become a lifelong love affair with plants. Today, I plan my vacations around botanical gardens and keep random pieces of colorful bark in my pocket in case I need an icebreaker in an awkward social situation. Three decades into this journey as a plant–human matchmaker, I’ve owned almost every herbal business you can imagine: an herbal nursery, a medicinal products business, a clinical practice, and now an online herbal school specializing in bioregional, hands-on herbalism.

Anise hyssop growing with echinacea.
Last updated on September 25th, 2023

Get Growing: Fourteen of Our Favorite Resources for Spring Herb Gardening

We’ve been growing medicinal herbs for decades, and their return to the garden each spring is still one of the season’s great joys. As early as January, cold-hardy herbs like motherwort and lemon balm will start showing off new green leaves—followed shortly by purple-tinged anise hyssop, plush stinging nettles, and fragrant peppermint. Although it will be many more weeks before harvesting commences, their presence is a grand and hopeful sign of warmer days to come.

A person taking notes on red clover.
Last updated on June 9th, 2023

The Top Herbal and Foraging Blogs, Podcasts, and YouTube Channels

It’s easy to become captivated by wild food and medicine. There’s a vitality to wild plants that is unsurpassed, and a nutrient load that is astonishing. More truly though, it’s connection that enamors us—a link to the natural cycles and sustenance of the earth, including a realization that a generous supply of nourishment and healing is springing up all around us.

Close up of Ruby Rose.
Last updated on June 9th, 2023

My Lovely Office Assistant

My Lovely Office AssistantWritten and Photographed by Juliet Blankespoor Ms. Rose driving a hard deal I would like to introduce my lovely office assistant, Ms. Rose, whose many talents include: Finding new and unusual ways to incorporate post-its and scotch tape into thought-provoking and controversial art installments throughout the workplace. Asking for a snack repeatedly [...]
Chestnuts
Last updated on June 9th, 2023

Chestnut Harvest

Chestnut HarvestWritten and Photographed by Juliet Blankespoor Chinese chestnuts freshly picked and washed - Chinese chestnuts (Castanea mollissima, Fagaceae) are a common yard tree in the southern Appalachians, and can easily be found this time of year, with their spiny burrs and nuts falling from the trees. - - The Chinese Chestnut is not affected [...]