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.
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
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has a rich history spanning thousands of years. Revered for its symbolism, culinary uses, and health benefits, this remarkable fruit has much to offer.
Since ancient Greek times, pomegranates have symbolized fertility and renewal. Interestingly, they’re also one of the few natural sources of estrone, a plant compound that can gently support estrogen balance.
Modern research suggests that pomegranate fruit or juice may support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, protect against certain cancers, and promote joint and hormone health. Its high antioxidant content helps defend the body against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Comment “FRUIT” to join my mailing list and receive newsletters, herbal guides, and educational resources.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me 🌿
— Christopher Hobbs
#pomegranate #foodasmedicine #christopherhobbs
🌿Comment “OSHA” to join my mailing list and stay in touch with my latest newsletters, herbal guides, and educational offerings.
🌿Osha, known through two species, Ligusticum porteri from the Rocky Mountains and Ligusticum grayi from the Pacific coastal ranges, has long been revered as a powerful herbal ally for colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections.
The roots and seeds are often made into tinctures or brewed as teas. They can also be dried and stored for later use, a simple and traditional way of preserving their potency.
I used to carry a root with me in a small medicine pouch so I could bite off a little piece, suck on it for a while, then chew and swallow. No packaging required, and it bypassed all the handlers, distributors, packagers, and bottlers. Of course, there is nothing wrong with well-made herbal products. They are convenient and useful. But I have always found that harvesting my own plants in a sustainable and grateful way adds another layer of medicine, a kind of spiritual nourishment that cannot be bottled.
We often talk about farm-to-table and eating locally. Why not bring that same philosophy to medicine? Growing herbs at home, tending a small garden, and learning about the “weeds” that are treasured medicinal plants in other cultures all help us reconnect with the land and the healing it offers. And when we harvest wild plants, doing so with awareness and care ensures their abundance for generations to come.
Each year, I make a few trips up into the High Sierra to gather Valerian, Arnica, and Osha, among others. Harvesting with gratitude and sensitivity, and with knowledge of the plant populations in a given area, is key to ensuring sustainability.
Local medicine is the best medicine.
When we turn to the plants around us, we take steps toward independence, resilience, and healing, and away from the massive 1.5 trillion dollar drug industry that dominates so much of modern health care.
With much gratitude,
Christopher Hobbs 🌿
#osharoot #herbalmedicine #plantwisdom #localmedicine #wildharvest #herbalism #sustainableharvesting #earthmedicine ##natureheals #christopherhobbs
🌿 Comment “BASIL” to join my mailing list and stay in touch with my latest newsletters, herbal guides, and educational offerings.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum), a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, is a fragrant and time-honored herb that has been cherished for centuries for both its culinary and medicinal benefits.
Originating in India, Basil journeyed across ancient trade routes to Europe, where it became beloved for its aromatic leaves and versatile flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Basil has a deep-rooted history in traditional medicine. Ancient cultures revered it for its potential healing properties — from soothing inflammation to supporting healthy digestion. Its essential oil, rich in natural compounds like linalool, is what gives Basil its signature aroma. Linalool not only provides a delightful scent but is also known for its calming and relaxing qualities. Research suggests it may help ease stress and promote a sense of well-being, which is why Basil essential oil continues to be a favorite in aromatherapy.
In modern times, garden Basil remains a treasured herb — easy to grow, deeply aromatic, and endlessly versatile. Its enduring significance across cultures speaks to its unique ability to nourish both body and spirit.
With gratitude and best wishes for your health,
Christopher Hobbs 🌿
#Basil #OcimumBasilicum #HerbalMedicine #PlantWisdom #Herbalist #HerbalRemedies #MedicinalHerbs #NaturalHealing #Herbalism #HerbOfTheDay #HealingHerbs #HolisticHealth #ChristopherHobbs
🌱 Tomorrow is the final day of the Plants for the People Summit! @plantsforthepeople.summit
If you haven’t joined yet, registration is free and those attending will receive an exclusive 50% off my course “Medicinal Mushrooms to Supercharge Your Life.” with @botanicwise 🍄
🌿 Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your connection with the wisdom of the fungi kingdom.
#christopherhobbs #plantsforthepeople #medicinalmushrooms #herbalmedicine #reishi #lionsmane #cordyceps #turkeytail #herbalism #naturalwellness #plantwisdom
Juniperus species have a long history of traditional use across many cultures. These aromatic, blue-purple “berries” (technically fleshy cones) were valued for supporting urinary tract health and kidney function.
Traditionally, Juniper was prepared as a tea or tincture to help increase urine flow, supporting the body’s natural ability to flush out waste and maintain balance in the urinary system.
Modern herbalists and naturopathic practitioners still turn to Juniper for its gentle diuretic and antimicrobial properties. Compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils contribute to its cleansing and protective actions. While Juniper can offer valuable support for urinary tract wellness, those experiencing an active infection should consult a qualified healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and care.
For ongoing support and prevention, 1 dropperful of Juniper tincture twice daily with a little water or cranberry juice may help maintain urinary tract health.
🌿 Comment JUNIPER to join my mailing list and stay informed about upcoming webinars and new articles on herbal medicine and wellness at www.christopherhobbs.com.
#christopherhobbs #plantwisdom #herbalmedicine #juniper #urinaryhealth #naturalhealing
Elderberries have long been a trusted ally in traditional herbal medicine. 🌿
Elderberries (Sambucus spp.) are rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins that support the immune system and help the body respond to seasonal infections.
Traditionally, they’ve been used to shorten the duration of colds and flu, ease inflammation, and support overall resilience.
It’s important to note that elderberries should always be cooked before consuming—raw berries and stems can be mildly toxic.
This is one of my favorite plant allies to work with this time of year.
Have you ever made your own elderberry syrup?
Christopher Hobbs
#elderberrysyrup #herbalmedicine #wildcraftedherbs #plantwisdom #folkremedies #immunesupport #foragedfood #seasonalherbalism #christopherhobbs #elderberrybenefits #herbaltradition #naturalimmunity
Wild red elderberries 🍒 thrive in cool forests 🌲. Beautiful but toxic when raw ⚠️, they must be cooked to enjoy. Birds love them 🐦, spreading seeds and brightening nature’s palette 🌿.
#christopherhobbs #herbalwisdom #herbalmedicine #herbalremedies #plantmedicine #plantwisdom #herbalism
Sharing the power of medicinal mushrooms at the International Herb Symposium. Grateful for this community of plant people 🍄🌿✨
@herbsymposium
#medicinalmushrooms #herbalmedicine #ihs2025 #christopherhobbs
English Ivy (Hedera helix) 🌿
Great for making syrup — this time-honored herb has long been used to ease coughs and help clear stubborn phlegm. A gentle reminder of how plants support us in times of need.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me 🌿
Christopher Hobbs
#herbalism #herbal #plantbased #wellness #nature #naturelovers #wildmedicine #wholefoods #christopherhobbs
Step into the legend of the Amanita—one of the world’s most iconic and storied mushrooms, celebrated in art, folklore, and forest lore for centuries.🍄
#christopherhobbs #herbalwisdom #plantmedicine #mushroom
In short: Heavenly Blue Morning Glory seeds contain LSA, traditionally used in Mesoamerican rituals for divination. While they can produce altered states, modern use carries risks from both natural side effects and chemical seed treatments, so caution is essential.
#psychedelic
🌿 Poison Oak in the Seasonal Shift 🍂
As summer winds down, Poison Oak begins changing — its green leaves often turning hints of red, orange, or yellow. This is a good time to refresh your eye and remember: “Leaves of three, let it be.”
✨ Quick tips:
• Wash skin, clothes, and tools right away if you think you’ve brushed against it.
• Oatmeal baths, Plantain, or Jewelweed can help soothe irritation.
With a little awareness, we can continue enjoying the outdoors safely as the seasons change.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me🌿
-Dr. Christopher Hobbs
#poisonoak #plantsafety #herbalist #outdoorsafety #christopherhobbs
Tall beauty, gentle healer 🌸—the hollyhock (Alcea rosea) has graced gardens for centuries. Traditionally, its petals and roots were brewed to soothe sore throats, calm skin irritation, and bring a touch of old-world charm to cottage gardens.
#christopherhobbs #herbalwisdom #herbalmedicine #herbalremedies #flower
🍄✨ Medicinal Mushrooms Giveaway ✨📖
It’s been such a joyful few weeks connecting with the herbal and mycology community — first at Mycology Outside @northsporemushrooms, then at the International Herb Symposium @herbsymposium.
I always come home from these gatherings inspired and grateful.
To share that gratitude, I’d love to gift one of you a signed copy of my book, “Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide.”
Here’s how to enter:
1. Follow this page
2. Like this post
3. Tag a friend who loves mushrooms, herbs, or natural wellness (each tag = one entry, unlimited tags welcome!)
🌟 Bonus entry: Share this post to your story and tag me!
Thank you for walking the plant and mushroom path with me,
Dr. Christopher Hobbs 🌿🍄
#medicinalmushrooms #mushroomlover #herbalism #plantmedicine #fungalwisdom #naturalhealing #herbswithhobbs #bookgiveaway
✨ The mysterious Queen of the Night in full bloom — a rare, midnight miracle that graces the world for just a few fleeting hours. 🌙🤍 #QueenOfTheNight #EpiphyllumOxypetalum #NightBloomingBeauty#flower #christopherhobbs #herbalwisdom
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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
Pomegranate with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has a rich history spanning thousands of years. Revered for its symbolism, culinary uses, and health benefits, this remarkable fruit has much to offer.
Since ancient Greek times, pomegranates have symbolized fertility and renewal. Interestingly, they’re also one of the few natural sources of estrone, a plant compound that can gently support estrogen balance.
Modern research suggests that pomegranate fruit or juice may support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, protect against certain cancers, and promote joint and hormone health. Its high antioxidant content helps defend the body against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me 🌿
— Christopher Hobbs
#pomegranate #foodasmedicine #christopherhobbs
Osha with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
🌿Osha, known through two species, Ligusticum porteri from the Rocky Mountains and Ligusticum grayi from the Pacific coastal ranges, has long been revered as a powerful herbal ally for colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections.
The roots and seeds are often made into tinctures or brewed as teas. They can also be dried and stored for later use, a simple and traditional way of preserving their potency.
I used to carry a root with me in a small medicine pouch so I could bite off a little piece, suck on it for a while, then chew and swallow. No packaging required, and it bypassed all the handlers, distributors, packagers, and bottlers. Of course, there is nothing wrong with well-made herbal products. They are convenient and useful. But I have always found that harvesting my own plants in a sustainable and grateful way adds another layer of medicine, a kind of spiritual nourishment that cannot be bottled.
We often talk about farm-to-table and eating locally. Why not bring that same philosophy to medicine? Growing herbs at home, tending a small garden, and learning about the “weeds” that are treasured medicinal plants in other cultures all help us reconnect with the land and the healing it offers. And when we harvest wild plants, doing so with awareness and care ensures their abundance for generations to come.
With much gratitude,
Christopher Hobbs 🌿
#osha #osharoot #herbalmedicine #plantwisdom #localmedicine #wildharvest #herbalism #sustainableharvesting #earthmedicine ##natureheals #christopherhobbs
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) with Christopher Hobbs
Basil (Ocimum basilicum), a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, is a fragrant and time-honored herb that has been cherished for centuries for both its culinary and medicinal benefits.
Originating in India, Basil journeyed across ancient trade routes to Europe, where it became beloved for its aromatic leaves and versatile flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Basil has a deep-rooted history in traditional medicine. Ancient cultures revered it for its potential healing properties — from soothing inflammation to supporting healthy digestion. Its essential oil, rich in natural compounds like linalool, is what gives Basil its signature aroma. Linalool not only provides a delightful scent but is also known for its calming and relaxing qualities. Research suggests it may help ease stress and promote a sense of well-being, which is why Basil essential oil continues to be a favorite in aromatherapy.
In modern times, garden Basil remains a treasured herb — easy to grow, deeply aromatic, and endlessly versatile. Its enduring significance across cultures speaks to its unique ability to nourish both body and spirit.
With gratitude and best wishes for your health,
Christopher Hobbs 🌿
#Basil #OcimumBasilicum #HerbalMedicine #PlantWisdom #Herbalist #HerbalRemedies #MedicinalHerbs #NaturalHealing #Herbalism #HerbOfTheDay #HealingHerbs #HolisticHealth #Christopherhobbs
Turkey tail Mushroom, why is it the Most Valuable of All?
**Learn how to make your own extract powder. Check out my book, Medicinal Mushrooms, the Essential Guide**
SOME MAJOR BENEFITS
Immune regulation powerhouse – Contains polysaccharopeptides (PSK, PSP) that are among the most studied mushroom immunomodulators, enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity.
Strong anticancer evidence – PSK is approved in Japan as an adjuvant cancer therapy; clinical trials show improved survival and reduced recurrence in gastrointestinal, breast, and lung cancers.
Broad-spectrum microbiome support – Rich in prebiotic β-glucans and complex polysaccharides that selectively nourish beneficial gut bacteria and strengthen gut–immune interactions.
Global recognition and safety – Extensively researched in Asia, Europe, and North America; consistently shown to be safe and well tolerated even in long-term use.
Model species for medicinal mushroom science – With over a thousand peer-reviewed studies, turkey tail serves as the reference point for validating the clinical potential of other medicinal fungi.
English Ivy (Hedera helix) with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
English Ivy (Hedera helix) 🌿
Great for making syrup — this time-honored herb has long been used to ease coughs and help clear stubborn phlegm. A gentle reminder of how plants support us in times of need.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me 🌿
Christopher Hobbs
#englishivy #englishivysyrup #herbalism #herbal #plantbased #wellness #nature #naturelovers #wildmedicine #wholefoods #christopherhobbs
Poison Oak with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
🌿 Poison Oak in the Seasonal Shift 🍂
As summer winds down, Poison Oak begins changing — its green leaves often turning hints of red, orange, or yellow. This is a good time to refresh your eye and remember: “Leaves of three, let it be.”
✨ Quick tips:
• Wash skin, clothes, and tools right away if you think you’ve brushed against it.
• Oatmeal baths, Plantain, or Jewelweed can help soothe irritation.
With a little awareness, we can continue enjoying the outdoors safely as the seasons change.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me🌿
-Dr. Christopher Hobbs
#poisonoak #plantsafety #herbalist #outdoorsafety #christopherhobbs
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) with Christopher Hobbs
🍄✨ Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is one of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms, valued for its immune-supportive properties and beautiful fan-like bands of color.
I’ll be sharing more about mushrooms like this one in person very soon! Join me at Mycology Outside 2025 at The Ecology School in Maine, September 5th–7th, for a weekend of mushroom education, foraging, cultivation, cooking, and more. 🌲
🌿 Thank you for walking the plant (and mushroom) path with me! 🌿
— Christopher Hobbs
#turkeytail #trametesversicolor #mushroommedicine #mycologyoutside2025 #northspore #drchristopherhobbs #medicinalmushrooms #fungi #foraging #herbalmedicine
Motherwort with Christopher Hobbs
🌿 Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is one of those plants that seems to offer comfort wherever it goes — to the womb, the heart, the nerves. A long-standing ally in traditional herbalism, and now supported by emerging clinical and laboratory research, this plant has many gifts to share.
✨ Here are just a few of motherwort’s key uses:
– To support and benefit the heart
– To move the blood and ease pain
– To relieve menstrual cramps and tension
– To reduce inflammation in the body
– To soothe the spirit and calm anxious moods
Whether in tincture, tea, or a homemade decoction, motherwort offers deep, grounded support to those who walk with her.
Thank you for walking the plant path with me 🌿
Christopher Hobbs
#motherwort #leonuruscardiaca #herbsfortheheart #plantmedicine #anxietyrelief #nervines #botanicalmedicine #christopherhobbs #herbalwisdom #herbalremedies #livingwell #calmingherbs #livingwellintheageofanxiety
Motherwort with Christopher Hobbs
🌿 Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) – a steadfast ally for the heart and the nerves.
Motherwort is a beloved herb among herbalists — a hardy member of the mint family that grows abundantly once invited into the garden.
Traditionally used to move the blood and support the heart, motherwort has also been a comforting remedy for easing menstrual cramps. And now, emerging research shows that a concentrated extract of the flowering tops may help ease anxiety and gently calm the nervous system.
One of my favorite ways to prepare it is simple:
– Simmer the fresh or dried herb for 15 minutes
– Blend it once cooled, and add a little honey if desired
– Add 1 tsp per pint of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to help preserve
– Store in the fridge for up to 2–3 weeks
– Take 1 tsp twice daily as needed
Thank you for walking the plant path with me 🌿
#motherwort #leonuruscardiaca #nervinetonic #anxietyrelief #herbalmedicine #calmingherbs #plantwisdom #christopherhobbs #botanicalmedicine #livingwellwithplants #nervoussystemsupport #herbalremedies #livingwellintheageofanxiety
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.
