Three Rivers Herbal Arts
Three Rivers Herbal Arts
Hosted by Pittsburgh herbalists Deborah Levine and Nicolette Miele, Three Rivers Herbal Arts Podcast dives into the medicine and magic of herbs—because the two have never truly been separate. We explore herbalism as a radical act of healing, resistance, and reconnection, sharing plant wisdom, ritual, and lore that support not just personal wellness, but the healing of communities and the Earth.
Episodes
11: Mugwort - Artemisia Vulgaris
Best known for her connection to dreams and divination, mugwort is a beloved herb in witchcraft... but her medicine goes far beyond the magical. From women's reproductive health to gall bladder support, she offer's a wide range of uses. From cleansing and banishing with smoke to dreamwork and clairvoyance, mugwort has a rich history rooted in both medicine and magic. Join us as we explore mugwort's history, etymology, medicinal properties, and magical traditions. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books, and more. Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah: Instagram @Ladybeastdeb
10: Sacred Smoke
Humans have used smoke for centuries to cleanse and purify spaces, ward off illness, banish unwanted influences, and sanctify the places we inhabit. It has been used to venerate and honor the dead, mark sacred spaces and rituals, and cleanse a space, person, or object. Join us as we step into the cloud of smoke and explore its history, ritual uses, practical applications, and the important conversation surrounding cultural appropriation. So dim the lights and ignite your incense as we talk about sacred herbal smoke! We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books, and more. Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah: Instagram @LadyBeastDeb
9. Echinacea: More than Just a Cold Remedy
In this episode, we explore the medicine and magic of Echinacea! More than a cold-season remedy, Echinacea is a numbing medicine, a defender against infection, a lymphatic master, and a plant with a fascinating history of use for snakebite. We trace its earliest medicinal applications, explore its role in traditional wound and infection care, and delve into its magical associations with bravery, protection, and spell enhancement. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books, and more. Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah: Instagram @LadyBeastDeb
8. Medicinal Mushrooms: Hype vs. Reality
In this episode, we'll take a closer look at some of the biggest claims being made about today's most popular medicinal mushrooms. We'll talk about where the traditional uses and scientific research actually stand, where the marketing begins to stretch beyond the evidence, and why phrases like "miracle mushroom" should make everyone suspicious. We'll explore some of the claims worth approaching with a healthy dose of skepticism, including: Weight loss, "parasite cleanses", mood boosting, hormone balancing, cancer treatment and prevention, and the increasingly popular idea that everyone should be taking medicinal mushrooms every single day. The book Nicole forgot the name of: The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books, and more. Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah: Instagram @LadyBeastDeb
7. Mullein - Verbascum Thapsus
Along roadsides, across farmlands, and at the edges of forests, Great Mullein stands tall and proud—with an air of authority, strong boundaries, and an abundance of medicine. Join us as we celebrate this velveteen warrior, a plant revered not only for her healing gifts, but for her powerful energetic protection as well. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books, and more. Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah: Instagram @LadyBeastDeb
6. Challenges of Modern Herbalism
Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the impact of AI in herbalism. With fake social media profiles, misleading content, and even fraudulent books on the market, misinformation is becoming harder to spot. We'll take you on a journey through what AI is, how it shapes the information we see, and how to recognize trustworthy sources when researching herbs and health remedies. We'll also touch on a few other challenges that modern herbalism faces, such as supply chain downfalls, sustainability, quality, and more. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books and more. Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah: Instagram @LadyBeastDeb
5: Yarrow - Achillea Millefolium
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the many uses of yarrow, exploring why it has remained one of Western herbalism's most valued plants for centuries. We'll discuss its medicinal applications, energetic qualities, and rich magical folklore, uncovering what makes this humble herb such a powerful ally for both healing and spiritual practice. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books and more. Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah: Instagram @LadyBeastDeb
4: Herbal First Aid
In this episode, we're diving into Herbal First Aid—exploring how herbs can support the body's natural healing process when everyday injuries and ailments arise. From cuts, scrapes, burns, bruises, insect bites, and sprains to soothing irritated skin and building a well-stocked herbal first aid kit, we discuss practical, time-tested remedies that belong in every herbalist's toolbox. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of herbal first aid and learn how plants have supported healing for generations. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books and more. Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah: Instagram @LadyBeastDeb
3: Motherwort- Leonurus Cardiaca
Our second Herb of the Month shines a spotlight on Motherwort. From her long-standing role in supporting women's wellness to her affinity for the heart, Motherwort is a remarkable plant that every herbal enthusiast should know. She may even be growing right in your own backyard without you realizing it! Join us as we explore the history, folklore, and herbal uses of this beloved plant. And be sure to stay until the end of the episode, where we share Motherwort's magical and mystical correspondences, elemental associations, and traditional folk uses. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books and more. Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah: Instagram @LadyBeastDeb
2: Perimenopause & Menopause
In this episode, we explore the transitions of perimenopause and menopause, discussing the physical, mental, and spiritual changes that can arise during this stage of life. We also share herbal allies that can offer support along the journey, as well as a few of our favorite nourishing tea recipes. Inspired by the wisdom of the Crone years, we offer handcrafted herbal blends designed to support hormonal balance, available in the Etsy shop. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books and more. Instagram: @ThreeRiversHerbalArts Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah: Instagram @LadyBeastDeb
1: Stinging Nettle - Urtica dioica
Join Nicolette Miele and Deborah Levine, founders of Three Rivers Herbal Arts, as they explore the healing world of plants. In this inaugural episode, they take a deep dive into Stinging Nettle, highlighting its nourishing benefits, rich traditions, and the magic that has made it one of herbalism's most treasured allies. We thank you for listening Check out our website www.ThreeRiversHerbalArts.com for products, wellness consultations, workshops, books and more. Nicolette: Instagram @handfulsofdust Deborah: Instagram @LadyBeastDeb