#45 Jim McDonald on the Edge of Life, Plants as Teachers, and Herbal Craft

Pacific Rim College Radio

Surviving at the edge is something that herbalist Jim McDonald is no stranger to. From finding a passion for herbs in the Michigan woods and letting plants be his original teachers to waking from a months-long coma that left him with amnesia, he has not walked the middle road very often.

In this episode Jim shares the harrowing illness and experience in a foreign country that by most accounts should have killed him. His survival is a tribute to the strength of his will and the power of integrative medicine, as Western Medicine alongside herbal and spiritual therapies proved indispensable in his recovery.

A passionate teacher and practitioner of herbalism, Jim guides us through his fondness for the Greek humours, the crafting of his career as a herbalist, how plants have been some of his most powerful teachers, and his style of clinical practice. His unique approach to herbalism blends traditional European folk perspectives with the eclectic/physiomedical approaches of 19th century American herbalism.

Jim is an incredible, visual teacher, and even though you cannot see him during this interview, you will not soon forget his clever use of balloon props. With his intuitive knowledge of plants and zeal for life and humour, he is a rare human carving his own path and honing his craft.

Please enjoy this episode of Pacific Rim College Radio with Jim McDonald.

Episode Links:

Herbcraft.org

Herbcraft.podia.com

YouTube

Learning Links:

School of Western Herbal Medicine at PRC

Online Herbal Medicine courses at PRCOnline

Student Clinic at PRC