The French Herbal - The French Herbal

Latest Podcast, Videos and Articles

Pine Buds for Respiratory Health: Harvesting, Preparation & Benefits

Pine, spruce, and fir buds are powerful respiratory remedies used in French herbalism for centuries. In this episode, learn what conifer buds are good for, how to harvest them, and the best way to prepare them—including a simple alcohol extraction trick that makes all the difference.

July 17, 2026

Medicinal Plants and Herbs

Ancient Roots of Herbal Medicine episode 2: Gallic Practice in France

Discover how the ancient Gauls and Celts mastered herbal medicine long before modern science—from druid traditions to sophisticated plant preparations that still influence healing practices today.

July 10, 2026

Herbal History

Roman Chamomile: Health Benefits, Preparation & Natural Uses

Learn about Roman chamomile’s digestive, calming, and therapeutic benefits. Expert guide on preparation, dosage, and safe use of this noble herbal remedy.

July 3, 2026

Medicinal Plants and Herbs

Birdsfoot Trefoil: The Wildflower with Powerful Calming & Sleep Benefits

Discover how birdsfoot trefoil, a common wildflower, can ease anxiety, improve sleep, and support nervous system health—plus key precautions to use it safely.

June 26, 2026

Medicinal Plants and Herbs

4 Gentle Plants to Calm Hyperactive Children Naturally

Is your child struggling to wind down in the evening? In this episode, I share 4 gentle herbs trusted in French herbal tradition to help children relax and sleep better.

June 19, 2026

Learning Herbalism

Book Review : Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy, By Kerry Bone and Simon Mills

Discover why “Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy” is considered the gold standard reference for serious herbalists—a thousand-page masterpiece that combines rigorous science with clinical wisdom from two of the world’s leading herbal practitioners.

June 13, 2026

Book Reviews

Adaptogenic Plants: Myth or Reality? Part 2 – Personal Insights & Ecological Impact

Part 2 of my adaptogenic plants series. I delve into personal experiences, separate myth from reality, and uncover the ecological impact of these powerful herbs. Plus, I propose sustainable local alternatives for your herbal wellness journey.

June 6, 2026

Learning Herbalism

Ancient Roots of Herbal Medicine episode 1: From Neanderthals to Galen

Discover how instinct, observation, and experimentation shaped early plant-based remedies—and how traditions like the Four Humors and Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica laid the foundation for Western herbalism. A deep dive into humanity’s oldest healing practice.

May 30, 2026

Herbal History

About me

Hello and welcome to The French Herbal.

My name is Christophe, and I’ve been a practicing herbalist for more than 15 years in the south of France (Provence). I have lived in North America for about 15 years before I moved back to what I call « home », a dry, hot, and rocky place with lots of strong aromatic medicinal plants.

I have studied herbalism in both North America and in France.

Throughout the years, I have picked plants in the wild, I have grown many medicinal plants from around the world, I have sold seeds of medicinal plants, and I have taught in different schools, including my own online herbal school.

I have done a lot of herbal medicine making, and first and foremost, I have tried my best to help the people that consult with me, as a clinical herbalist. I am also the cofounder of the French Herbalist Guild.

I hope you find this site interesting. We will take a ride into the French herbal tradition.

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