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Have you ever smiled while your heart was breaking?
In this episode, Brenda J. Sullivan explores the quiet wisdom of agrimony, an herb long associated with hidden sorrow and emotional healing. Through personal story, folklore, and herbal insight, she invites listeners to reflect on the “cheerful mask” we often wear and what it means to take it off.
From Anglo-Saxon sleep charms to the plant’s modern uses for tension and emotional release, Brenda shares how agrimony shows up as both metaphor and medicine. Settle in with a warm cup of tea and join her for a soulful exploration of grief, resilience, and the plant that helps us soften the burdens we hide.
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Reference:
Journal Article
Zeković, M., Rosić, M., Savić-Gajić, I., Savić, S., & Savić, A. (2021). The therapeutic effects of Agrimonia eupatoria L. Plants, 10(11), 2349. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112349
Websites / Blog Articles
The Herbal Academy. (n.d.). Agrimony. The Herbal Academy Herbarium. https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monograph/agrimony/
Wood, M. (2023, June 19). The indispensable relaxant – Agrimony. Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism. https://www.matthewwoodinstituteofherbalism.com/blog/the-indispensable-relaxant-agrimony
The School of Evolutionary Herbalism. (2023, August 9). Agrimony: The tense but relaxed remedy. Evolutionary Herbalism. https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/2023/08/09/agrimony-the-tense-but-relaxed-remedy/
Blood and Spicebush. (n.d.). Agrimony: “And he shal sleepyn as he were deed”. Blood and Spicebush Blog. https://www.bloodandspicebush.com/blog/agrimony-and-he-shal-sleepyn-as-he-were-deed
Rector, G. (n.d.). Agrimony: Friend or foe? Durrant Farms. https://durrantfarms.com/pasture-maintenance-lessons-with-agrimony/
Books
Garrett, J. T. (2003). The Cherokee herbal: Native plant medicine from the four directions (p. 55). Bear & Company.
Allen, D. E., & Hatfield, G. (2004). Medicinal plants in folk tradition: An ethnobotany of Britain & Ireland (pp. 146–148). Timber Press.
Websites
Pateron
Join the Rooted Wellness Circle on Patreon
Herbal Astrology One-on-One Consultations – Discover a holistic approach to wellness with our personalized consultation sessions. These sessions combine astrological insights and herbal knowledge to support your unique path and enhance your well-being.
Unlock the Secrets of Personalized Wellness with Your FREE Zodiac Herbs Guide
https://www.brendajsullivanteach.com/zodiacherbguidefreebieor
Show’s Sponsor
Farm to Bath| Our philosophy is to live a locally focused, naturally beautiful life, a lifestyle choice that is infused into the products we make. The ingredients are locally grown and/or acquired and are as basic and pure as nature itself. Each bar is full of fragrant aromatics that provide a rich, moisturizing lather with no artificial colors or preservatives added – naturally beautiful!
🌿My Garden Journal – A How-To Garden Book for Kids
Because every gardener starts with a single seed—and a little curiosity.
Gardening is a learned skill, and the best way to grow confidence is by getting your hands in the soil and keeping track of your journey along the way. My Garden Journal is part how-to guide, part creative keepsake—designed to help kids (and their grown-ups) learn the basics of growing food and flowers while documenting their progress.
Inside, you’ll find simple tips on the how, when, and where of planting, plus room to explore your garden with drawings, photos, and notes. It even includes fun themed garden ideas—like a Harry Potter-inspired Herb Garden, a Young Chef’s Garden, or a Monarch Butterfly Superhero Garden for little pollinator protectors.
Perfect for homeschooling families, budding herbalists, or anyone looking to connect with nature in a fun, hands-on way.
✨ You’ll be amazed at how much you (and your garden) grow when you take time to journal the journey.
Music
A special thank you to Alexander Nakarada for writing and producing this music. I am a Patreon Member and support Alexander creatively.
For more information about Alexander, check out his website https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com/
Song: Planning – 320bit – September 5, 2021
Social Media
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