DR. CHRISTOPHER HOBBS is a fourth-generation, internationally renowned herbalist, licensed acupuncturist, author, clinician, botanist, mycologist, and research scientist with over 35 years of experience with herbal medicine.
Christopher has a doctorate from UC Berkeley in phylogenetics, evolutionary biology and phytochemistry. He is also a founding member of the American Herbalists Guild.
This site is dedicated to all who love and are inspired by the natural world, especially the green world and kingdom Fungi.
Hi friends, I wanted to send out abundant gratitude for our community of herbalists and mushroom lovers, nature, lovers, lovers of the wild places, the forests, the high mountains, oceans, coastal strand of tangled plants, and the deserts with their rich Hues and inspiring vistas!
Today is my birthday! And very happy to be celebrating with my wonderful partner, Rainya as well as many friends.
As I grow older, I realize how precious each moment, each day is with friends and family and forests, the Mushrooms and the plants and trees.
I’m also a big music lover I love, jazz, classical, and literally any kind of music that has heart.
I’ve had such a rich and wonderful life. I can only be grateful on this day November 6. My dad was born on November 5 so I always remember him as well during this time. I have lots of Scorpio friends with their birthdays, coming up in the next couple of weeks and so it’s always wonderful to have that connection as well.
As I grow older, I realize how precious health and vitality, clear thinking is. I practice healthy aging every day and I’m always fine-tuning my diet, sleep hygiene, and activities.
As I grow older, I appreciate myself and have come to realize that self-care is self-love. And it’s not ever an end point it’s always a process.

I love sharing widely my passion for plants, or maybe you could call it an obsession. As I travel for teaching are because my mind is curious to see and connect with new things and people. I realize my allies and friends are all around me  as ornamentals in the city, in wild places, pretty much everywhere. I usually try to stop and make a connection calling them by their ancient name sometimes, the Latin names. And times of need, difficulty, or hardship I know I can always call on the trees that are around me as guides and I always find not only solace, but wisdom from our communication.
So again, I send an unending oceans of love and gratitude to all my community, family, friends and our beautiful planet.
Namaste
Christopher
Discover the World Herb Library 🌎🌿📚
Step into a treasure trove of herbal knowledge spanning centuries. The World Herb Library houses an incredible collection of historical texts—from alchemy to materia medica, pharmacology to plant lore, Ayurveda to the plants of the Bible, and so much more.
This collection isn’t just for herbalists—it’s a resource for botanists, scholars, and anyone fascinated by the history, science, and stories of plants. Many of the texts are also available as audiobooks, making it easy to explore the wisdom of the past wherever you are.
Each page connects us to centuries of observation, study, and discovery, revealing the deep relationships humans have had with plants throughout history.
Explore, learn, and be inspired: visit worldherblibrary.org and follow @worldherblibrary to start your journey through the history of herbalism 📖
#worldherblibrary #herbalism #plantmedicine #materiamedica #pharmacology #herbalwisdom #historicalherbalism #plantlore #ayurveda #herbalhistory #christopherhobbs #medicinalplants #alchemy #folklore #herbalresources
💜🌸 Spotlight on this neon-pink/purple bloom! Meet my bee-magnet goddess: bold, buzzing and full of life. 🐝 Butterflies & hummingbirds approved. ✨#christopherhobbs #herbalmedicine #herbalwisdom
Eucalyptus globulus — Blue Gum Eucalyptus is prized for its aromatic leaves and powerful essential oils.
Traditionally, it has been used to support the respiratory system, helping to clear congestion, soothe coughs, and promote easier breathing.
The leaves are rich in cineole, a compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a go-to in herbal medicine for respiratory wellness.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me 🌿
Christopher Hobbs
#eucalyptusglobulus #bluegumeucalyptus #herbalism #respiratoryhealth #naturalremedies #plantmedicine #herbalwisdom #medicinalplants #forestmedicine #christopherhobbs #herbalist #plantbasedhealing #aromaticplants #herbalknowledge #naturemedicine
🌼 California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) — the golden state’s flower with calming power! ✨
This gentle herb is known for its relaxing, sleep-supportive effects without being addictive. Traditionally used to ease anxiety, tension, and mild pain, it’s a natural way to unwind and rest better. 💛#christopherhobbs #herbalmedicine #herbalwisdom #plantmedicine
Lungwort — Lobaria pulmonaria
This beautiful lichen, found growing on the trunks of old trees in moist forests, has long been associated with lung health. Its lobed, lung-like appearance inspired traditional herbalists to use it for supporting the respiratory system — a perfect example of the doctrine of signatures, where a plant’s form was thought to reveal its healing affinities.
Modern research has shown that Lobaria pulmonaria contains compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and it’s still valued in folk medicine for soothing coughs and supporting the lungs through irritation or infection.
Just as it thrives in clean, oxygen-rich air, this lichen reminds us how deeply our own health is connected to the forests and the purity of the air we breathe.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me 🌿
Christopher Hobbs
#lobariapulmonaria #lungwort #lungwortlichen #herbalism #doctrineofsignatures #respiratoryhealth #medicinallichens #forestmedicine #herbalwisdom #christopherhobbs #herbalist #naturalmedicine #plantmedicine #herbalknowledge
Comment “MUSHROOM” to join my mailing list and stay in touch with my latest newsletters, herbal guides, and educational offerings. 🍄🟫🌿
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) are a versatile and nourishing fungi found growing on decaying wood in forests around the world. With their delicate, fan-shaped caps and gentle flavor, they’re as beautiful in the wild as they are in the kitchen.
Beyond their culinary appeal, oyster mushrooms are celebrated in herbal medicine for their immune-supportive and antioxidant properties. Rich in beta-glucans, they help support the body’s natural defenses, while also contributing valuable nutrients like B vitamins, potassium, and fiber.
These mushrooms remind us that some of the most potent allies for our health are often growing quietly, right in the forest or even on a fallen log. 🌿
#oystermushrooms #pleurotus #medicinalmushrooms #fungimedicine #forestmedicine #immuneherbs #herbalwisdom #plantmedicine #foodasmedicine #natureheals #wildfood #christopherhobbs
Usnea (Usnea spp.), often called Old Man’s Beard, is a lichen that graces the branches of trees in the world’s cleanest forests. Sensitive to air pollution, it only grows where the air is pure — a quiet sign of ecological balance.
This unique organism is part fungus and part algae, living in beautiful symbiosis. Herbalists have long valued Usnea for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and immune-supportive qualities. It’s often used as a tincture or extract to support the respiratory system, especially when there’s congestion or irritation.
When working with Usnea, it’s important to harvest only fallen pieces or very small amounts from branches, respecting the lichen and the tree it grows on. This mindful approach ensures that Usnea remains a sustainable and long-lasting ally in the forest.
A humble yet powerful presence, Usnea reminds us that the health of the forest and the health of our bodies are deeply intertwined. 🌿
#usnea #oldmansbeard #lichenmedicine #forestmedicine #respiratorysupport #antimicrobialherb #plantwisdom #botanicalmedicine #herbalwisdom #foodasmedicine #natureheals #christopherhobbs
Hi Friends, a few years ago I joined the Shift Network as a faculty member on a trip to Peru. We were greatly inspired by our shaman/guide Puma, a most amazing facilitator to other realms of awareness, and for profound healing. Besides our medicine ceremonies
we also enjoyed visiting Machu Pichu and Cusco. I was so inspired as well by the culture in many ways.
https://theshiftnetwork.com/course/18PSingona06_25
I’m posting the flyer for their upcoming journey and absolutely not accepting anything in return, only that I feel it is an amazing experience and wanted to let you know how greatly inspired I was throughout the entire trip. I’m not attending this year, but they have an amazing lineup of teachers and facilitators and musicians . Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Food as medicine 🍄🟫🌿🧄
#foodasmedicine #healthrecipes #nutritionalherbalism #eatwelllivewell #wholefoods #healingfoods #christopherhobbs
Nettles (Urtica dioica) are a powerhouse of the plant world, rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. In the fall, while the leaves may be tougher, the roots and seeds are at their most potent for supporting urinary and reproductive health.
Traditionally used in teas, soups, and tinctures, Nettles are a gentle yet nourishing ally, helping to strengthen the body and maintain balance through the changing seasons. 🌿
#nettles #urticadioica #herbalmedicine #plantmedicine #foodasmedicine #botanicalwisdom #forestmedicine #wildherbs #herbalwisdom #natureheals #england #christopherhobbs
Comment “GINGER” to join my mailing list and stay in touch with my latest newsletters, herbal guides, and educational offerings.
🌿 Western Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum) is one of the quiet gems of the Pacific Northwest forest. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves form lush ground cover beneath the trees, while its hidden, deep maroon flowers bloom close to the soil — pollinated by beetles and ants rather than bees.
The rhizomes release a warm, spicy aroma reminiscent of true Ginger, though the two aren’t related. Traditionally, Indigenous peoples used Wild Ginger as a warming and stimulating herb, but it’s best appreciated today as a beautiful native plant that supports the forest ecosystem.
Take a slow walk in the woods sometime and see if you can spot this shy but enchanting plant. 🌿
Christopher Hobbs
#asarumcaudatum #wildginger #pacificnorthwestplants #forestmedicine #nativeplants #botanicalwisdom #christopherhobbs #herbalism
🍄 Morel mushrooms (Morchella) — rare spring fungi prized for their honeycomb caps and rich, earthy flavor. 🌿 Found in forests after rain, they’re a forager’s gold and a chef’s favorite. Always cook before eating!
#christopherhobbs #herbalmedicine #herbalremedies #mushroom
🌿 Cleavers: Nature’s Gentle Detox! 🌿
Meet Galium aparine — the sticky little plant that loves to cling but also helps your body cleanse. 💧 Known for supporting the lymphatic system and skin health, cleavers are a springtime favorite for herbal teas and tonics. 🌱✨
#christopherhobbs #herbalmedicine #plantwisdom #herbalwisdom #herbalremedies #plantmedicine
🍂 Sweet Bay Laurel — Warming Medicine for Soup Season
As the air cools and pots of soup and chili begin to simmer, consider adding a few leaves of Sweet Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis). Used for centuries in both kitchens and medicine, Bay leaves lend their gentle aroma while supporting healthy digestion.
I prefer Sweet Bay Laurel over California Laurel, which can be a bit too strong for flavoring soups and stews. A leaf or two in your next pot of chili adds both depth and quiet herbal nourishment.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me,
— Christopher Hobbs 🌿
#bayleaf #sweetbaylaurel #herbalmedicine #soupseason #plantwisdom #herbalist #chili #autumnherbs #kitchenmedicine #christopherhobbs
Revisiting this conversation with @rosemarygladstar — Lessons from the Green World (Ep. 15) on her podcast Voices of our Herbal Elders🌿
Have you heard this episode yet? 🌱
#herbalism #plantwisdom #rosemarygladstar #christopherhobbs #greenworld #herbalmedicine #plantteachers #natureheals #voicesofherbalwisdom
Comment “MUSHROOM” to join my mailing list and stay in touch with my latest newsletters, herbal guides, and educational offerings. 🍄🟫🌿
Shingled Hedgehog (Hawkwing) Mushroom
(Sarcodon imbricatus and related species)
This fascinating mushroom, commonly called the shingled hedgehog or hawkwing, is often found growing under fir and spruce trees. The species Sarcodon squamosus has smaller scales around the margin, while Sarcodon imbricatus — the most widespread species — is recognized by its distinct, layered, shingled cap.
Identification Tips 🍄🟫
To identify this mushroom and assess edibility, look for these key features:
1. Shingled top – layered, scale-like surface.
2. Color – brown when young, darkening with age.
3. Underside – toothed rather than gilled or pored.
4. Habitat – found in forest duff, most often beneath spruce or fir.
Description 🌿
• Cap: Convex to flattened, with a shingled or tiled surface ranging from brown to reddish-brown.
• Hymenophore: Underside lined with soft spines instead of gills; these “teeth” can be easily separated from the cap.
• Stipe: Short, stout, and solid.
A Word of Caution ⚠️
Always practice caution and respect when foraging for wild mushrooms. Misidentification can lead to serious health consequences. If you’re new to mushroom identification, learn directly from an experienced forager or mycologist, and consult reliable field guides.
Thank you for walking the plant (and mushroom!) path with me 🌿
— Dr. Christopher Hobbs
#mushroomforaging #wildfood #mycology #plantmedicine #naturewisdom #forestwalks #shingledhedgehog #hawkwing #sarcodonimbricatus
🌿Aloe Vera: Nature’s Healing Gel
This powerhouse plant isn’t just for sunburns — it’s packed with vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants that soothe skin, support digestion, and boost hydration from the inside out. Whether you use it fresh, in skincare, or as a juice, aloe vera’s cooling magic makes it a must-have in any herbal routine. 💧
#christopherhobbs #aloevera #herbalmedicine #herbalwisdom #plantwisdom
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Dr. Hobbs's News
New Workshop Series: Hypnosis, Health & Traditional Mushrooms
Join Dr. Hobbs and Rainya Dann for a 2-month transformational webinar blending hypnosis, herbal medicine, and microdosing. Begins October 4.
Magic Mushrooms Course
Join Dr. Hobbs for a 7-Week Online Magic Mushroom Course (Evergreen stream)
Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide
Dr. Hobbs’s latest book is available to order and being shipped now.
Follow Dr. Hobbs's on YouTube
Eucalyptus globulus with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Eucalyptus globulus — Blue Gum Eucalyptus is prized for its aromatic leaves and powerful essential oils.
Traditionally, it has been used to support the respiratory system, helping to clear congestion, soothe coughs, and promote easier breathing.
The leaves are rich in cineole, a compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a go-to in herbal medicine for respiratory wellness.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me 🌿
Christopher Hobbs
#eucalyptusglobulus #bluegumeucalyptus #herbalism #respiratoryhealth #naturalremedies #plantmedicine #herbalwisdom #medicinalplants #forestmedicine #christopherhobbs #herbalist #plantbasedhealing #aromaticplants #herbalknowledge #naturemedicine
Lungwort — Lobaria pulmonaria with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Lungwort — Lobaria pulmonaria
This beautiful lichen, found growing on the trunks of old trees in moist forests, has long been associated with lung health. Its lobed, lung-like appearance inspired traditional herbalists to use it for supporting the respiratory system — a perfect example of the doctrine of signatures, where a plant’s form was thought to reveal its healing affinities.
Modern research has shown that Lobaria pulmonaria contains compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and it’s still valued in folk medicine for soothing coughs and supporting the lungs through irritation or infection.
Just as it thrives in clean, oxygen-rich air, this lichen reminds us how deeply our own health is connected to the forests and the purity of the air we breathe.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me 🌿
Christopher Hobbs
#lobariapulmonaria #lungwort #lungwortlichen #herbalism #doctrineofsignatures #respiratoryhealth #medicinallichens #forestmedicine #herbalwisdom #christopherhobbs #herbalist #naturalmedicine #plantmedicine #herbalknowledge
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) are a versatile and nourishing fungi found growing on decaying wood in forests around the world. With their delicate, fan-shaped caps and gentle flavor, they’re as beautiful in the wild as they are in the kitchen.
Beyond their culinary appeal, oyster mushrooms are celebrated in herbal medicine for their immune-supportive and antioxidant properties. Rich in beta-glucans, they help support the body’s natural defenses, while also contributing valuable nutrients like B vitamins, potassium, and fiber.
These mushrooms remind us that some of the most potent allies for our health are often growing quietly, right in the forest or even on a fallen log. 🌿
#oystermushrooms #pleurotus #medicinalmushrooms #fungimedicine #forestmedicine #immuneherbs #herbalwisdom #plantmedicine #foodasmedicine #natureheals #wildfood #christopherhobbs
Usnea with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Usnea (Usnea spp.), often called Old Man’s Beard, is a lichen that graces the branches of trees in the world’s cleanest forests. Sensitive to air pollution, it only grows where the air is pure — a quiet sign of ecological balance.
This unique organism is part fungus and part algae, living in beautiful symbiosis. Herbalists have long valued Usnea for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and immune-supportive qualities. It’s often used as a tincture or extract to support the respiratory system, especially when there’s congestion or irritation.
When working with Usnea, it’s important to harvest only fallen pieces or very small amounts from branches, respecting the lichen and the tree it grows on. This mindful approach ensures that Usnea remains a sustainable and long-lasting ally in the forest.
A humble yet powerful presence, Usnea reminds us that the health of the forest and the health of our bodies are deeply intertwined. 🌿
#usnea #oldmansbeard #lichenmedicine #forestmedicine #respiratorysupport #antimicrobialherb #plantwisdom #botanicalmedicine #herbalwisdom #foodasmedicine #natureheals #christopherhobbs
Food as medicine with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Food as medicine 🍄🟫🌿🧄
#foodasmedicine #healthrecipes #nutritionalherbalism #eatwelllivewell #wholefoods #healingfoods #christopherhobbs
Nettles (Urtica dioica) in England with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Nettles (Urtica dioica) are a powerhouse of the plant world, rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. In the fall, while the leaves may be tougher, the roots and seeds are at their most potent for supporting urinary and reproductive health.
Traditionally used in teas, soups, and tinctures, Nettles are a gentle yet nourishing ally, helping to strengthen the body and maintain balance through the changing seasons. 🌿
#nettles #urticadioica #herbalmedicine #plantmedicine #foodasmedicine #botanicalwisdom #forestmedicine #wildherbs #herbalwisdom #natureheals #england #christopherhobbs
Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum) with Dr. ChristopherH Hobbs
Western Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum) is one of the quiet gems of the Pacific Northwest forest. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves form lush groundcover beneath the trees, while its hidden, deep maroon flowers bloom close to the soil — pollinated by beetles and ants rather than bees.
The rhizomes release a warm, spicy aroma reminiscent of true Ginger, though the two aren’t related. Traditionally, Indigenous peoples used Wild Ginger as a warming and stimulating herb, but it’s best appreciated today as a beautiful native plant that supports the forest ecosystem.
Take a slow walk in the woods sometime and see if you can spot this shy but enchanting plant. 🌿
#asarumcaudatum #wildginger #pacificnorthwestplants #forestmedicine #nativeplants #ethnobotany #botanicalwisdom #herbalheritage #christopherhobbs
Sweet Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
🍂 Sweet Bay Laurel — Warming Medicine for Soup Season
As the air cools and pots of soup and chili begin to simmer, consider adding a few leaves of Sweet Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis). Used for centuries in both kitchens and medicine, bay leaves lend their gentle aroma while supporting healthy digestion.
I prefer Sweet Bay Laurel over California Laurel, which can be a bit too strong for flavoring soups and stews. A leaf or two in your next pot of chili adds both depth and quiet herbal nourishment.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me,
— Christopher Hobbs 🌿
#bayleaf #sweetbaylaurel #herbalmedicine #soupseason #plantwisdom #herbalist #chili #autumnherbs #kitchenmedicine #christopherhobbs
Shingled Hedgehog (Hawkwing) Mushroom with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Shingled Hedgehog (Hawkwing) Mushroom
(Sarcodon imbricatus and related species)
This fascinating mushroom, commonly called the shingled hedgehog or hawkwing, is often found growing under fir and spruce trees. The species Sarcodon squamosus has smaller scales around the margin, while Sarcodon imbricatus — the most widespread species — is recognized by its distinct, layered, shingled cap.
Description 🌿
• Cap: Convex to flattened, with a shingled or tiled surface ranging from brown to reddish-brown.
• Hymenophore: Underside lined with soft spines instead of gills; these “teeth” can be easily separated from the cap.
• Stipe: Short, stout, and solid.
A Word of Caution 🍄🟫
Always practice caution and respect when foraging for wild mushrooms. Misidentification can lead to serious health consequences. If you’re new to mushroom identification, learn directly from an experienced forager or mycologist, and consult reliable field guides.
Thank you for walking the plant (and mushroom!) path with me 🌿
Christopher Hobbs
#mushroomforaging #wildfood #mycology #plantmedicine #naturewisdom #forestwalks #shingledhedgehog #hawkwing #sarcodonimbricatus
Herb Walk
Garlic
Allium sativum
Garlic acts as a warming herb for the digestion and respiratory tract, and is the “herbal antibiotic,” and much more.
Cactus
Selenicereus grandiflorus
Cactus is the spectacular night-blooming cereus of Jamaica and Cuba.
Burdock
Arctium lappa
Burdock is a blood purifier commonly used for skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Black Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa
Black cohosh preparations are useful for hot flashes and depression during menopause.
Ginseng
Panax ginseng
Use ginseng for chronic fatigue, convalescence, lethargy, depression, and chronic infections related to immune weakness, especially if you’re over forty-five.
