88. Plant Connection Through Observation: Cheryl Smith on Self Care with Herbs

The Elder Tree Podcast

During this episode I chat and laugh with Cheryl Smith, a medicinal herb farmer and artisan distiller who balances a busy corporate role with a passion for regenerative agriculture and soil health. With a dedication to leaning into nature and country, Cheryl brings a unique perspective to the intersection of business and environmental holding.

Growing up in the city, Cheryl always noticed the Dandelions popping up in the cracks of the pavement, but it wasn’t until she moved onto the land and started observing herbs through the seasons that a deeper connection was formed. A spark was lit and Cheryl’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to begin studying herbal medicine, learning how to grow, harvest and make medicines.

Cheryl and her husband Mike, an agronomist, are passionate about soil health and from very early on, Cheryl has been fascinated by the way the constituents of the herbs reflect the health of the soil. Cheryl and Mike hold the country at Solum on stunning Yaegl land, which provides ample opportunities for the profound lessons that Cheryl has discovered can be learnt through observation- watching, listening and absorbing is the medicine…an invitation to pause and reflect.

Like many of us, Cheryl has always prioritised others first, and it wasn’t until she experienced the illness that followed a tick bite that she was forced to slow down and listen to her body. It was at this time that herbs became hugely supportive and that self care became non negotiable.

Our discussion of self care dives into the dynamics of how we’re raised and the patterns that form as a result of witnessing the way others look after themselves when we’re young- deep impressions that can be difficult to shift.

Cheryl tells a beautiful story of Passionflower and her tendrils that reach out and envelop us during times of trauma and burn out.

Going deep with a single herb, forming strong relationships and a knowing and understanding of a herb on many levels is a great joy of Cheryl’s. She credits the work of Heidi Wedd for inspiring this way of working and interacting with plants.

Towards the end of our chat, we hear Cheryl share her deep connection with Withania- a root medicine that is currently offering her an invitation to observe and a doorway to re-connecting with a lifelong passion for plant medicine.

**CONNECT WITH CHERYL**

https://www.instagram.com/solumfarm/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/SolumFarm/

**CONNECT WITH JESS**

Book an appointment: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17239954

Buy handmade herbal products: https://jessbosscha-naturopath.square.site/

Join the waitlist for upcoming workshops and courses: https://linktr.ee/jessbosscha_naturopath

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The intro and outro song is "⁠Sing for the Earth⁠" and was kindly donated by Chad Wilkins. You can find Chad's music ⁠here⁠ and ⁠here⁠.