Getting Personal With Plant Medicine: A Podcast That Nurtures Plants For Health

 In the first episode of the Getting Personal With Plant Medicine (GPPM) podcast, creator/host Diana-Ashley Krach talks with her life and podcasting partner -- JR Krach -- about the inherent flaws in Western modern medicine. While there are copious flaws with our health care system, the Krach's rightfully focus on the indiscriminate prescribing of medications to solve every physical problem. Soon, the couple rightfully asserts, people's health suffers because of dangerous interactions between medications and medication side effects.

The show's elevator pitch is simple yet effective: "Whether you're just starting to explore the potential of plants or are a seasoned alternative healing expert, our show invites you to unwind, learn, and discover the remarkable healing power of earth and plant medicine."

  While today's pharmaceutical industry appears lab-based and high-tech, thousands of prescription medications are plant-based. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 11 percent of prescription drugs are derived from flowering plants. The use of traditional Chinese medicine dates back thousands of years. 

For example, childhood Leukemia is treated with drugs derived from Madagascar periwinkle. Atropine, derived from belladonna, is an anticholinergic that can treat conditions from dizziness to psychosis.

Since November 2022, Krach has produced and hosted the podcast, advocating for plant medicine.

 Krach explains: "I began GPPM because my other podcast only covered the cannabis industry (and the plant), and I wanted something that covered all types of plant and earth medicine. The plant medicine journey can be lonely, so I wanted to create something that would foster a community as well as provide some informative content."

 Krach continues: "Additionally, GPPM is about demystifying and destigmatizing the conversations we have about plant and earth medicine. That’s why we have the Talking to Kids series inside the show- because the only way to really change the way we talk is to start with children."

  Diana-Ashley Krach is a freelance writer, journalist, and content creator whose work can be found on High Times, Civilized, Miss Grass, DAME, SheKnows, and more. She is also the creator and host of Your Highness Podcast. Krach has also contributed to Medium, Business Insider, MSN (US), Yahoo News, Yahoo, Miami Herald, The Charlotte Observer, Paste, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and The Sacramento Bee.

As a host, Diana-Ashley Krach excels because of her encyclopedic knowledge of the topic, her no-nonsense interview skill, and the uniqueness of her laugh -- unabashed and thunderous. In her episodes, Krach doesn't delay and dives into the topic at hand.

What topics does GPPM cover?

In the most recent episode, Krach engaged in a captivating conversation with Dr. Silver, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Real Mushrooms. Dr. Silver shared his fascinating journey from traditional veterinary practice to becoming a leading advocate for herbal and nutraceutical medicines in pet care. Dr. Silver also recounted how his initial frustration with conventional treatments led him to exploring the health benefits of mushrooms such as lion’s mane and oyster mushrooms for dogs.

In the October 25, 2023, episode, Krach talks with Charlotte Cruze from Alice Mushrooms, who takes listeners deep into the world of plant medicine, unraveling the mysteries of Cordyceps and Lion's Mane mushrooms and their supercharged potential for healing. Then, guest Amy Donohue, a seasoned cultivator of mushrooms, enlightened listeners on the transformative journey she embarked on, leading to the discovery of the medical benefits of Reishi mushrooms. From regulating blood pressure to aiding in liver health and even assisting in the recovery from COVID-19, the Reishi mushroom has proven to be a treasure trove of wellness. Delving into the world of ancient Chinese and Japanese medicine, Donohue discussed how different colors of Rishi mushrooms correspond to various parts of the body.

In my favorite episode from June 2023, Krach spoke with Dr. Peter Grinspoon about the importance of discussing plant medicine use with your doctor. Dr. Grinspoon, a primary care physician, and medical cannabis expert, shared his experiences treating patients who use plant medicine and provides valuable insights into how to talk to your doctor about it.

The episode begins with a discussion of the stigma that still surrounds plant medicine use, and how this can make it difficult for patients to talk to their doctors about it. The conversation then turns to the potential benefits and risks of plant medicine use, and how these can vary depending on the individual and the specific plant medicine. Dr. Grinspoon provided tips for preparing for a conversation with your doctor, including doing your own research, bringing a list of questions, and being open to discussing alternative treatments.

Throughout the episode, Diana and Dr. Grinspoon share personal stories and anecdotes, making the conversation both informative and engaging. By the end of the episode, listeners should have a better understanding of how to approach talking to their doctor about plant medicine use, and why it is important to have an open and honest dialogue.

Check out Getting Personal With Plant Medicine. Diana-Ashley Krach is an excellent host, sensible and passionate about plant-based medicine and concerned about her listeners' health.

You only have to hear her laugh on the show to realize that Krach is having a great time hosting the show, and, I believe, she wants her listeners to be entertained and informed.