Have you ever wondered what it really means to connect with plants? Or struggled with when you get to call yourself an herbalist? In this heart-opening episode of The Herbalist's Path, I sat down with the wise and lovely Lauren Almquist of HeartSpace Herbals & Garden Design to talk about just that.

Lauren is the host of the Healing Power of Plants Summit and a woman on a mission to help people deepen their relationship with plants—and in the process, themselves. Our conversation went from childhood rose water potions and garlic remedies to the soul-level transformation that comes when you learn to truly listen to the plants.

Finding Herbalism Through the Back Door

Lauren didn’t always know she was on the herbalist path. Like many of us, it started with curiosity. As a child, she felt enchanted by a little blue bottle of rose water—a sensory memory that still gives her chills. Then came gardening with her grandfather. Then, teenage health struggles that pushed her to explore natural healing. Eventually, she stumbled into a school in Vermont that felt like home, and the path became undeniable.

But even then, Lauren shared how long it took her to say, "I am an herbalist." That struck a chord with me. Because whether you're a clinical practitioner or a mama putting thyme in tea to soothe your kid's cough—there are many kinds of herbalists. And they’re all valid.

The Many Paths of Herbalism

Lauren reminded us that in many cultures, herbalism isn’t a separate profession—it’s just part of life. She considers herself a community herbalist, someone who helps others grow herbs, connect with them, and use them in accessible, nourishing ways. No white coats required. Just love, intention, and trust.

How Do You Connect With Plants?

If you've ever doubted your intuition around plants, this episode is for you. Lauren speaks beautifully about the deep healing that happens when you let plants witness you—your joy, your pain, your mess. "You can come to the plants crawling with your bad day," she said. "And they will accept you."

She teaches her students to pay attention to subtle cues. What plants are you noticing? What draws your eye or your heart? Are you listening? Because when we start trusting that inner nudge, we open up to so much more than just symptom relief. We open up to transformation.

I’m super excited and honored to say she’ll also be teaching on this topic inside of the Community Herbalist certification program right here on the Herbalist’s Path!

The Energetics of Rose and Blue Vervain

Lauren has two plant allies that have really shaped her journey: Rose and Blue Vervain.

Rose, she says, is not just about romantic love. It’s about self-love. Fierce love. Boundaries. Soft petals and thorny stems. This is a plant that has protected her in times of anxiety and offered deep emotional nourishment.

Blue Vervain, on the other hand, is for the overthinkers. (Raises hand!) It's grounding. It calms the mental chatter. And Lauren loves it so much she grows it in her own garden and recommends just a small amount—it’s a potent ally.

What Is the Healing Power of Plants Summit?

If this kind of soulful plant talk lights you up, you’re going to love Lauren’s Healing Power of Plants Summit. It’s a free 4-day online event featuring over 15 incredible herbalists, plant lovers, and garden guides (including me!). We talk about everything from plant intuition to psilocybin healing to kitchen medicine.

You’ll hear from visionaries like Robin Rose Bennett, Pam Montgomery, Deb Soule, and more. Each day, you get access to 3-4 interviews full of inspiration and wisdom. I’m so honored to be part of it—and I think you’ll love it.

[>> Sign up for the Healing Power of Plants Summit here <<]

Final Words from Lauren

At the end of our conversation, Lauren left us with a message I can’t stop thinking about:

"You matter. And whatever is coming up for you matters. We need you. We need your voice. Even if it’s scary."

If that doesn’t speak to the heart of herbalism, I don’t know what does.

Tune into the full episode and get inspired to trust yourself, connect more deeply with the plants around you, and know that yes—you are an herbalist too.

Let’s keep making herbalism spread like wildflowers. 🌿