Plants for the People With Erin Verinder

Could you introduce yourself & a bit about your work?

My name is Erin Lovell Verinder and my work is with the people and the plants! I am a clinical Herbalist, Nutritionist, and Energetic healer and I bridge the gaps between these modalities working and creating as a clinician, teacher, mentor and author of Plants for the People: a modern guide to plant medicine.

I live up in the wilds of the Byron Bay hinterland of Australia in a quaint country town in a big old converted church. Life feels sweet, spacious and slow up in this part of the world.

Have you been fascinated with plants since you were young or what got you into this field?

Yes! I felt a deep sense of belonging amongst nature for as far back as I can recall. When I think of my childhood, I think of the mighty height of the Eucalyptus trees in the park nearby and the fragrant smells of summer coming as the flowers sprung. The plants made an impression early on and called me ever so loudly! I honestly think the plant path chooses you, and herbalism sort of just found me along the way.

I was always enamored with all things esoteric and mystical from a young age and began studying energetic healing (crystals, reiki, kinesiology, color therapy, sound healing, breath work) at 16 years old- not your typical teenager that's for sure. I learnt so much in training in the healing realms for many years about the spiritual, mental and emotional bodies, and really yearned to know more about the physical body. This is when I began training in Naturopathic medicine, forking off into deeper studies in Western Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Medicine, graduating with my bachelor in hand as a Herbalist and Nutritionist. I loved learning about how the plants hold an embodied power with a deep affinity for our bodies, and how ultimately nature’s way is the greatest healer.

What are some of your personal favorite natural remedies?

Oh I could go on and on honestly! 

I am feeling so deeply connected to calming nervine herbs lately, plant medicines that impact the nervous system. Herbs such as chamomile, milky oats, passionflower and linden. They all have a gentle nature and are potent plant medicines for the times we are in with high anxiety and overactive peaking nervous systems. 

I do love digestive herbs and take a bitter herb tincture prior to eating to assist digestion often. Lately I drink fennel seed and ginger root tea post meal to calm the belly and bring extra soothing energy to my digestive system.

Elderberry syrup is a staple fav remedy of mine to support immunity and nourish through colder seasons.

What are the most common health issues your clients come to you with and find success through natural remedies? 

I see such a varied expanse of clients honestly, but there are common threads throughout. I work with A LOT of burnt out weary people, experiencing low vitality, exhaustion and fatigue. Coming off this, there are often digestive issues and hormonal imbalances. 

Working with plant medicine and food as medicine is a potent road map to support deep healing and I am honoured to witness profound change in my clients on the daily!

For anyone who is brand new to medicinal plants & the healing powers they have, what are a few easy lifestyle transitions you would recommend?

I always suggest to begin with drinking herbal teas. Never underestimate the power of a cup of tea! Teas are so approachable, and an easy ritual to commit to. Exploring plant medicines through drinking your infused flowers, leaves, barks and berries is a wonderful simple place to begin. 

I then suggest to deepen the medicinal potency by drinking overnight herbal infusions, which are essentially long brewed teas with many health benefits.

You published a book this year - congratulations!  What’s inside for the readers?

Thank you! Plants for the People is quite a different take on a herbalism book.

I felt there was gap in the literature out there on plant medicine. Although there are so many wonderful books in this space, not so many have a very modern upgraded aesthetic and tone. I held this vision for the book for some time and it came into fruition in the most kismet way with my publishing house, Thames & Hudson. I wanted to share my understanding of the plants, their ancient stories and translate them for the modern day. To reawaken the remembering within us all, that plants are the people's medicine. They always have been and always will be!

My intention is to guide people into the beauty and power of plant medicine.

The book is meant to be useful yet beautiful. You could have it on your shelf to reference the stories of the plants and their uses, or in your kitchen to inspire you to follow the recipes and explore medicine making. Plants for the People sits perfectly on a coffee table offering a fresh breath of plant loving beauty on the daily.

What’s in store for the future?

I am currently writing and creating my second book, which is truly quite the all encompassing experience! More plant medicine, more commitment to offering accessible information on how we can heal with the plants. Lots of expansion and dreaming big visions, as always.

Lastly - where can everyone find you, your work, or book a consultation?

My website is the hub of all of my offerings, where you can sign up for my plant loving community newsletter and learn more about my book, mentoring and working with me 1:1 in consultation.

Website: www.erinlovellverinder.com

Instagram: @erinlovellverinder 

Photo Credit: Georgia Blackie