Herb Fest Portugal: A Gathering of Wild Souls
🍀 WYLDE is a collection of episodes in English, where I - Lieve Galle, a Belgian herbalist and wild plant forager since 2002 - talk with fellow herbalists and foragers in Europe.
In this special episode, Lieve Galle takes you to the beautiful Alentejo region in Portugal for Herb Fest, a four-day gathering where herbalists, botanical artists, activists, and plant lovers from all over the world come together.
The episode features inspiring conversations with various international guests about their unique bond with the plant world and nature.
Guests & Topics:
Fernanda Botelho (Portugal), co-organizer of Herb Fest, plant lover, and TV host, talks about the vibrant folk tradition of herbal medicine in Portuguese villages and her local fight against the use of pesticides like glyphosate.
Cristina Lima (Portugal) who works in sustainable tourism in the Lima Valley in the north of Portugal, shares her deep, musical connection with rosemary (alecrim). She sings a traditional song and talks about the powerful, feminine message of this plant.
Margarida Botelho (Portugal), an artist who gives 'sun printing' workshops using natural, photosensitive inks made from ingredients like beetroot and cabbage, emphasizes how art is a perfect tool to help city dwellers and children truly experience nature again.
Angie Oriana Jenkins (Canada), herbalist at Sister Lotus, talks about how she traveled to Portugal to connect with her roots. She also discusses the challenges of the diverse Canadian climates for herbs, and talks about her encounter with a new plant friend: Viper's Bugloss.
Nicolina Oedfeldt (Sweden), a herbal student, discusses the traditional medicinal uses of spruce and the complex legal status of the fly agaric (Amanita) mushroom in Sweden.
Romane Cornet (Belgium/Portugal), founder of Verbena Herbals in Lisbon, reflects on the differences in herbal knowledge and the pace of life between fast-paced Flanders and more nature-connected, slower Wallonia.
Cayetana De Sarriera (Catalonia), an educator who works with children in nature, talks about her application of the Hawaiian concept of Pono and how she teaches children the simple but valuable art of sitting in silence in the forest to observe nature.
Deborah "DeeDee" Davis (UK), a herbal student from Somerset, talks about how she realised during the festival that the love and intention with which you prepare herbs are just as important as the herbal ingredients themselves.
Antonella Vignati (Italy), a dietitian and naturopath based in Lisbon, talks about her workshop on botanical aphrodisiacs and menopause, explaining that a lowered libido often stems from stress, relationship issues, or the high use of antidepressants rather than a simple lack of herbs.
Sara Baga (Portugal), eco-feminist and documentary filmmaker, shares a powerful plea for seed activism and warns against large corporations trying to claim patents on seeds, plants, and traditional extraction protocols.
Rosemary Gladstar (US), a celebrated pioneer in modern Western herbalism, shares a heartwarming message about the need to stand up for the plants and protect them, as they need us just as much as we need them.
And last but not least:
Alfredo Cunhal Sendim (Portugal), the custodian of the nature park where Herb Fest takes place, shares a humbling story about living next to a 2,000-year-old olive tree for 20 years without noticing it, emphasising the importance of taking your time to truly connect with nature.
You can find all information about Herb Fest Portugal and the speakers on Instagram or Facebook:
https://www.instagram.com/herbfest_portugal/
https://www.facebook.com/Herbfestportugal/
And on the website: https://herbfestportugal.pt/en/
At the start of the episode you here a group of people at Herb Fest sing a very old Portuguese folk song "O Malhão".
The word Malhão has a dual, historical meaning in Portuguese:
Literal agricultural meaning: A malhão (derived from malhar, meaning 'to thresh' or 'to beat') is historically a "winnower" or "thresher." This refers to a farm worker who struck grain with a flail (a malho) to separate the kernels from the chaff.
Figurative meaning in the song: In the context of this folk song, Malhão has become an informal nickname or term of endearment for a young, somewhat lazy or carefree country boy (a "lad" or "chap"). The iconic opening line translates into English as: "O malhão, o malhão, what a life is yours! Eating and drinking, strolling down the street!" The song thus playfully teases this "Malhão" about his lazy, hedonistic lifestyle.
Famous Fado singers Amalia Rodrigues and Linda De Suza have also performed beautiful versions of this song for you to enjoy:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0YpuWkbc4SZcUx4aJDoMyF?si=53b2f26f264548a7
https://open.spotify.com/track/4F5aWdHnrPABOJF1FNmbIn?si=b25eca7cf35f402e
Music by Eva LaRuna
Disclaimer:
The information in the Wylde podcast has been compiled with the utmost care. We strive to keep it as up-to-date, complete, and accurate as possible; however, no rights can be derived from this podcast episode. We accept no liability for any direct or indirect damage resulting from possible errors or omissions, the content of websites referred to via links, or the opinions expressed by interviewed guests.
The content of this podcast in no way replaces personal medical advice or treatment from physicians or other medical professionals.