In a podcast with A Temple Wild, Maria Christodoulou (The Greek Herbalist) discusses her experiences as a first generation Greek-American, what it was like encountering the Greek landscape for the first time, how she went from a classics major to studying herbalism to now living in Greece and, among many things, leading the way in herbal immersion tours all over the country.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a tree in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America with a rich history of use in many traditions. The berries, flowers, leaves, and bark have all been used medicinally for thousands of years. Learn about the health benefits of elderberry and how it can support your health during the winter season - and throughout the year.

Upcoming virtual class on Sunday, September 24 with The Greek Herbalist and hosted by Rowan + Sage: The ancient Greeks blended myth, magic, and medicine into their daily rituals and spiritual practices. In this workshop, learn about their ancient practices and the plants that they relied on for healing and inspiration.

Traveling through thousands of years of ancient history, we will explore some of the Greek gods and goddesses and their connection to the plant world, the underground practice of magic, and the timeless power of medicinal plants that we continue to rely on today.

Apollo was the ancient Greek god with a multitude of powerful associations, including the sun, music, poetry, healing, oracles, prophecy, plagues, and archery. As the son of Zeus, king of the gods, and Leto, the goddess of motherhood, Apollo was one of the twelve Olympian gods who was both revered and feared by the ancient Greeks. Apollo’s divine powers also extended into the plant world. Of interest to herbalists, there are several well-known myths that depict his associations with sacred plants.

Editor’s pick! From the classical myths that surround them to the medicinal value they hold, the plants of Greece have stories to tell and gifts to bestow.