WIN032 – The science of plants with Dr. Kevin Spelman

​Image courtesy of Kevin Spelman, PhD

​​Have you ever wondered how ​the science of plants compares with the conventional medical research? What is the a connection between the two? Are there conventional scientists who follow the path of studying plants? ​

My today’s guest ​is ​Kevin Spelman, PhD. Dr. Spelman ​began his practice as a clinical herbalist specializing in ​Ayurvedic medicine. 

One of ​his unique qualities is ​Kevin’s ability to look at plants from ​several different perspectives. ​

Kevin is a trained principal scientist ​with experience in research models, laboratory set-ups, quality control and product development and formulation. And at the same time, he loves to ​explore energy patterns ​and understand mystical presence of plants.

​Some of Kevin’s recent projects include immunological effects of medicinal plants; ​affordable remedies in the treatment of malaria; pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic considerations of medicinal plant extracts and effects of adaptogens on stress parameters.

Kevin is a lecturer at several different universities and colleges including Maryland University of Integrative Health, Bastryr University and MCPHS University.

Talking to Kevin is a special gift for me. ​I felt like a kid in a candy shop with many parallel thoughts running through my ​head as ​he was sharing his brilliant ​ideas.

By the ​end of this episode, you’ll learn about the complexity of science of plants. But ​the biggest lessons are appreciating plants and including them into your life in many different forms ​and recognizing your body’s immense wisdom. ​

​KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1.

​What was ​​Kevin’s journey ​​in plant medicine and science

​2.

​What are some ways of knowing, and why science is just one of them

​3.

​What is evolutionary medicine and why it is important in understanding how our body works today ​

​4.

​How measuring phytochemical index of your diet can help to prevent diseases and increase your longevity, and why medicine should closely resemble our food

​5.

​​One area of research that Kevin is especially excited about today

​CONTACTING OUR GUEST:

​”Not only have plants fed us and been used as our medicine, but they’ve been our clothing, our shelter, our paper. They have affected every area of our life.”​

​Kevin Spelman, PhD

​WEB RESOURCES:

http://www.lesliecerier.com/media/articles/grow-your-own-herbs/http://www.fungi.com/about-paul-stamets.html

​BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

This episode is proudly brought to you by Spice It UP!

Spice It Up! Creative Cooking with Herbs and Spices is a workshop taught by Leslie Cerier at her home and in ​her organic vegetable and herb garden the weekend of June 29-July 1, 2018. 

We hope to see you there!

​THANKS FOR LISTENING!

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