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What if the “weeds” in your backyard are actually part of your wellness toolkit?

In this inspiring episode of Thursday Tea with Sami: Your Sip of Wellness and Mental Health, Dr. Samia Estrada, Psy.D., DipABLM sits down with Michelle McAninch, founder of Tamarac Garden, to explore the heart of herbalism and how everyday plants can support natural wellness and self-care.

Michelle shares the personal story that sparked her journey—after her son’s serious illness was initially misidentified, she began researching Northwest medicinal plants, learning to forage, and discovering how herbs and “weeds” can help support the body’s natural healing processes. Together, Michelle and Dr. Sami talk about listening to your body, building confidence in your own intuition, and starting small with practical herbal tools that feel approachable—even if you’re brand new to herbalism.

You’ll also hear beginner-friendly tips on starter herbs like oregano, peppermint, basil, and garlic, plus everyday wellness go-tos like activated charcoal and cayenne—and how these may be used as part of a broader lifestyle approach alongside nutrition, sleep, stress management, movement, and community connection.

As always, this conversation is for educational purposes and encourages listeners to make informed decisions and seek professional care when needed.

✅ In this episode, we cover:

• What herbalism is (and what it isn’t)
• “Weeds as medicine” and how to see plants differently
• Beginner-friendly starter herbs for everyday wellness
• Simple self-care tools that support the body naturally
• Mindset, intuition, and why you know your body best
• How herbalism can complement lifestyle medicine

🌿 Learn more about Michelle’s work at TamaracGarden.com

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🎶Special thanks to Nothing Short of Tragic for creating the amazing music you hear in our intro and outro—bringing the perfect vibe to each episode!

Curious about more? Check out everything I’m working on at Dignus Wellness. https://DignusWellness.com

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Email me at: SamiaEstrada@DignusWellness.com

Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or mental health care. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinician–patient relationship.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Dr. Samia Estrada, Psy.D., DipABLM, or Dignus Wellness. Content discussed on this podcast reflects general wellness, lifestyle medicine, and mental health education and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are in crisis, please seek immediate support from local emergency services or a trusted crisis resource.