Plants for the People
jim mcdonald

Cough it Up: A Practical Guide to Herbal Respiratory Care

A Talk by jim mcdonald (community herbalist · wildcrafter · teacher, herbcraft)

With Gratitude To

The Science & Art of Herbalism
Traditional Medicinals
Woodland Essence
Urban Moonshine
Real Mushrooms

About this Talk

For nearly 30 years, jim mcdonald—herbalist, wildcrafter, and author of Foundational Herbcraft—has learned directly from the plants of the Great Lakes region. In this lively, conversation-style session hosted by Helen Ward, jim shares how bioregional herbs can be used to support respiratory health through the lens of energetics. Coughs aren’t problems to suppress—they’re messages to listen to. Helen and jim explore what coughs are telling us and how to respond with herbal remedies. You’ll learn how to distinguish dry, damp, and spasmodic coughs—and why matching the herb to the pattern and the person matters as much as the plant itself. From Marshmallow cocoa to Wild Cherry syrup, jim introduces demulcent, aromatic, and relaxant herbs like Plantain, Mullein, Violet, Garlic, and Lobelia. With humor, analogy, and common sense, he shows how herbal energetics can make cough care more effective, practical, and even delicious.

October 08, 2025, 07:00 PM

07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

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About The Speaker

jim mcdonald

jim mcdonald

community herbalist · wildcrafter · teacher, herbcraft

community herbalist jim mcdonald has spent three decades immersed in plants and ecosystems of the Great Lakes region. A teacher, writer, and medicine maker, his work blends folk traditions, vitalism, humor, and story to share practical herbal wisdom.

Hosts

Helen Ward

Helen Ward

Herbalist & Educator, Three Springs Farm of Vermont

The Science & Art of Herbalism

Traditional Medicinals

Traditional Medicinals, founded in 1974, is the leader in botanical wellness with a purpose to inspire active connection to plant wisdom in service of people and planet.

Woodland Essence

Woodland Essence's intention & practice is to offer high quality herbal products prepared by hand from organically grown & ethically wildcrafted plants. The challenges of tick-borne infections has fueled our search for plant medicine that can help people on their journey back to health & well-being.

Urban Moonshine

Urban Moonshine has been dedicated to fostering a deeper connection to plants and amplifying everyday herbalism since its inception in 2008. An independent and woman-owned organic herbal apothecary from VT, all of their products are herbalist-formulated, organic and sustainably sourced.

Real Mushrooms

Real Mushrooms 100% Organic Mushroom Extracts Real Ingredients. Real Results. 40+ Years Experience No Grain Fillers Verified Beta-glucans Human and Pet Product Lines

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