Ep. 204: Cathy Skipper on Herbal Distillation, Jungian Alchemy & Menopause

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In this episode we talk with herbalist, teacher and distiller Cathy Skipper, who you can find at https://aromagnosis.com/⁠. Cathy shares her journey into the world of plants and herbalism, influenced by her family's rich history in natural medicine and gardening. She discusses her deep connections to the plant path and how it has become a family tradition. Cathy delves into her work on menopause, influenced by her personal experiences and Carl Jung's depth psychology. She talks about the alchemical journey of menopause and the concept of the 'sovereign woman', emphasizing the importance of embracing the transformation through menopause. Cathy also explores how essential oils and aromatherapy can be powerful tools in this spiritual and emotional journey. In addition to her insights on menopause, Cathy shines light on her distillation practice. She narrates the meticulous process of harvesting and distilling plants, focusing on the significance of using plants from the high desert and maintaining the integrity of essential oils. This episode is packed with wisdom on holistic healing, the power of plant medicine, and the deep connections we share with nature. Whether you're an herbalist, therapist, or simply someone curious about the mysteries of nature and personal transformation, this conversation with Cathy Skipper is sure to inspire and enlighten.

00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast

00:43 Cathy Skipper's Journey to Herbalism

03:09 The Alchemy of Menopause

11:11 Aromatherapy and Its Healing Power

18:22 The Art and Science of Distillation

24:01 Self-Healing and Jungian Concepts

30:23 The Integrity of Essential Oil Practitioners

31:46 The Importance of Small Distillers

32:25 Aromatherapy in Psychedelic Therapy

33:53 The Brutality of Industrial Harvesting

34:26 The Reality of Monocrops

35:52 Personal Experiences with Distillation

39:29 Forgotten Plants and Their Significance

53:15 The Healing Power of Aromatic Plants

57:28 Upcoming Projects and Resources