https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/0dff9aea-af10-4a9a-8eae-62c13c4b53d6 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 resource 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. -- RESOURCES -- ► Get your free, downloadable recipe card, plus herbal goodies every Wednesday when you sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://bit.ly/4d5nhey ► Access the transcript for this episode here: https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/sweet-woodruff-benefits.html ► Lisen’s website: https://www.lifebylisen.com/english ► Lisen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifebylisen/ ► Lisen’s LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lisen-sundgren-b76612a ► Are you looking for high quality dried herbs? My recommendation is Mountain Rose Herbs. Click here to check them out: https://bit.ly/3ms3vQ2. You can also look for local places to buy herbs near you in my directory here: https://bit.ly/3NRQq0U -- DISCLOSURE -- I’m a huge fan of Mountain Rose Herbs and will often share referral links to buy herbs or herbal supplies at their online herbal apothecary. By using the above affiliate link, you help support this channel. Thanks! -- TIMESTAMPS -- 00:36 - Intro to Lisen Sundgren + Lisen’s plant path 21:02 - Why Lisen chose sweet woodruff (or how it chose her!) for today’s episode 27:56 - Maywine recipe: a celebration of spring 30:14 - Medicinal benefits of sweet woodruff 32:43 - Medicinal and culinary preparations for sweet woodruff 37:57 - The medicine in making connections with plants 44:02 - Tips for foraging and growing sweet woodruff 47:02 - Tips for working with sweet woodruff 50:45 - Lisen’s current herbal projects 53:05 - An herbal remedy Lisen would genuinely be sad to be without 56:46 - Student spotlight 58:01 - Herbal tidbit -- SWEATER PATTERN -- Yes, I did knit my sweater! Pattern is: Very V Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs -- DISCLAIMER -- The herbal and plant information in this video is for educational purposes only. The information contained is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other medical professional. If you have or suspect that you have a serious health problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Always consult with a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition. Thu, 07 May 2026 06:31:47 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://stream.echo6.co https://stream.echo6.co/client/assets/images/icons/icon-512x512.png https://stream.echo6.co/videos/watch/0dff9aea-af10-4a9a-8eae-62c13c4b53d6 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://stream.echo6.co/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.