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An audio journey through the wonderful wild world of plants. Episodes cover modern and ancient ways wild plants have been used in human culture as food, medicine and other uses.
Robin Harford: Welcome to another episode of the Eat Weeds podcast. Today, I’m with Vivien Rolfe, who I met at the Power Plants Festival over the summer. It was quite an unusual introduction because you had your intestines around your neck, which was a brilliant teaching mechanism! Vivien is a herbalist, and we’re going to be talking about herbal teas today. But first, Vivien, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Vivien Rolfe: Sure! It’s a funny story, really. I’ve been researching herbs on and off for most of my life, purely by coincidence at first. I’ve always been fascinated by the natural compounds in plants and how they affect the body. Coming from a science background, I viewed them in a very analytical way for years.
But about eight years ago, my perspective changed completely when I had the life-changing honour of working at Pukka Herbs. I joined the team to set up a research programme, and during my time there, I worked with so many amazing herbalists. That experience truly opened my eyes.
Robin: Let’s pause there. Many listeners will recognise Pukka Herbs as a tea brand found in supermarkets, but they might not know the story behind the brand. It’s not just a multinational business, is it?
Vivien: Not at all. Pukka Herbs was founded by Tim Westwell and Seb Pole, two of the most inspirational people I know. They built the company with a deep passion for doing good in the world, pushing boundaries, and creating something ethical and fair. Their products—herbal teas, supplements, and other herbal remedies—are all organic, certified, and ethically sourced where possible.
They essentially ignited the herbal tea category. Twenty years ago, you wouldn’t see herbal teas on supermarket shelves like you do now. Pukka played a huge role in making that happen. The ethos of the company was amazing. Even today, people who’ve worked there carry the mission forward in their own ways.
Robin: That’s inspiring. What did you take away from your time there?
Vivien: So much. I began my journey at Pukka as a scientist, thinking of herbs as fascinating chemicals in a test tube. But I left with a deep appreciation for their social and cultural importance. It wasn’t just about the lab—it was about how herbs impact people’s lives. Working with the amazing herbalists there completely shifted my perspective.
Even after leaving, I’ve stayed connected with many of them through projects like Herbal Reality. We’re still working to spread awareness and shape the future of herbal medicine. It feels like we’re all pollinating the culture in our own ways, which is fantastic.
Robin: That’s wonderful. So why are we recording this podcast at a cancer help centre?
Vivien: We’re at Penny Brohn, a cancer charity based at Ham Green House near Bristol. This place is special to me because, years ago, I volunteered in the gardens here while working at Pukka. The gardens are stunning, even in November, and I remember thinking, “Wouldn’t it be amazing to work here?” Fast forward, and here I am, now working with the National Centre for Integrative Medicine (NCIM) as well. They focus on holistic and complementary therapies for a broad range of patients.
Robin: That must feel like a full-circle moment.
Vivien: Absolutely. It’s an incredible place to work. Penny Brohn, NCIM, and the Natural Academy are all based here. The Natural Academy does fantastic work connecting people with nature and supporting mental health through retreats and outdoor therapy. It’s a buzzing community of passionate people doing meaningful work.
Robin: Herbal medicine seems to have gone mainstream compared to its fringe reputation decades ago. What’s changed?
Vivien: It has become much more accepted, though misconceptions persist. Many people still confuse herbal medicine with homeopathy, which is entirely different. Herbal medicine is tangible—plants in your hand, not just an abstract idea. It’s great to see more awareness now, but there’s still work to do in educating the public and integrating herbal practices into healthcare.
Robin: Let’s dive into herbal teas. They seem to be a gateway for people exploring plants. Why do you think they’re so popular?
Vivien: Teas are accessible. Everyone knows chamomile or peppermint tea, and they’re an easy way to start exploring plants. Growing something simple like mint or lemon balm at home can be transformative. Fresh or high-quality dried herbs make such a difference compared to the contents of most commercial tea bags, which often lack potency.
Robin: So fresh herbs are preferable?
Vivien: Both fresh and good-quality dried herbs are excellent. The key is preparation. Using a teapot and keeping the water temperature high ensures you extract the beneficial compounds. A tea cozy helps retain heat, allowing the tea to steep properly. It’s a simple ritual, but it makes a huge difference.
Robin: What about medicinal teas like ginkgo or lime flowers?
Vivien: Ginkgo leaves are wonderful for making tea with mild medicinal benefits, such as supporting cognitive health. For stronger effects, you’d need concentrated supplements. Lime flowers are calming and sedative, often used in nighttime teas. The folklore around lime trees is beautiful—they’re associated with relaxation and even fairy tales!
Robin: How do you dry and store your herbs?
Vivien: Drying herbs gently in a dark, airy space is best. I use muslin bags and hang them up, ensuring they aren’t exposed to too much light, which can degrade their quality. Properly dried herbs can last for years if stored correctly.
Robin: Any advice for people new to herbalism?
Vivien: Start small. Grow something simple like mint or dandelion, or join a community garden. Get hands-on with the plants—you’ll develop a connection that goes beyond just using them for tea. It’s about building a relationship with the plants and the people in your community.
Robin: That’s inspiring. Thank you, Vivien, for sharing your journey and insights. Where can people find more about your work?
Vivien: I’m on LinkedIn as Vivien Rolfe, and my company, Curiosity Research Limited, has more information on workshops and research.
Robin: Wonderful. Thanks for joining me, Vivien. Let’s have a cuppa now!
Vivien: Absolutely. Thank you, Robin.