Could the secret to better digestion be hiding in your compost bin?

In this episode, clinical herbalist Heather Luna makes the case for an herb that most of us literally throw away. She reveals why orange peel (Citrus x sinensis) has become one of her favorite everyday herbs—and why it deserves a place in your kitchen instead of your compost.

During our conversation, Heather explores many of the overlooked medicinal gifts of orange peel, from supporting digestion and nutrient absorption to nourishing the lungs, cardiovascular system, and microbiome. Along the way, she shares why she believes herbs belong alongside our food, not separated from it, and how simple daily practices can create the biggest changes in our health.

Want an easy (and delicious!) way to start using orange peel every day? Download the beautifully illustrated recipe card for Heather's Rosehip Citrus Jam here, and discover why this simple preparation has become a favorite in her clinic.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► The surprising reason Heather puts orange peel into almost every digestive tea she makes

► How orange peel behaves differently from many other bitter herbs—and why that matters

► What's hiding inside the bitter white pith that most food recipes tell you to avoid

► Seven delicious ways to use orange peel as food and medicine (and one clever way to use up any leftovers!)

► Why slowing down to brew a daily cup of tea may be one of the most powerful herbal practices of all

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Heather Luna is a clinical herbalist and nutritionist, practicing in vitalist therapeutics. She is director of the Acorn School of Herbal Medicine where she hosts an online community learning platform for foundational, advanced, and clinical herbalism programs. She has been an instructor of Western herbalism since 2006 and has facilitated a free clinic since 2017.

Heather's work emphasizes a vitalist approach to the application of herbs, nutrition, and holistic lifestyle. She is a mother, gardener, and a forever student of nature. Heather carries a lineage in the vitalist tradition with a mission to pass it on.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that herbalism doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes the most profound medicine begins with slowing down, paying attention, and making good use of what we've already been given.

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Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video.

You can find Heather at AcornHerbSchool.com.

For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram!

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On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health.

Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com.

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Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.