Judson Carroll

Show 289: Announcing Herbs That Heal

This week, I tell you about my new book, Herbs That Heal. I co-wrote this one with Steve Cunningham. I think it is among the most practical and common sense books on herbal medicine ever written. We focus on kitchen medicine and home remedies, literally giving you decades of hands on experience in a guide for anyone. Whether you have absolutely no experience or are an expert, we believe you will find this book useful and engaging from day one. It is also beautifully illustrated!

https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/p/show-289-announcing-herbs-that-heal

Blind Boy Fuller - Weeping Willow Guitar Lesson (Open A, No Capo)

Learn the classic Piedmont blues tune "Weeping Willow" by Blind Boy Fuller in this relaxed fingerstyle guitar lesson. Played in open A (no capo) to suit a baritone voice — perfect for porch picking and laid-back blues.

Judson breaks down the signature rolling lick, three-finger pattern, main groove, turnaround, and how to add the vocals. Great for intermediate players who love Blind Blake, Piedmont blues, and traditional acoustic blues.

Valerian (edible)

There is an edible variety of Valerian, Valeriana edulis.  This plant is very different from the regular Valerian that is used in Herbal Medicine as a strong sedative.  This plant has edible roots that can be prepared like potatoes or Jerusalem Artichokes.  Another variety is grown in Europe as a salad green and potherb.  It is not native to my region, and I have never tried it – I will have to try to grow some in the garden.  




Violets

All members of the true Violet family are edible, delicious and medicinal.  However, the plant known as the African Violet is not a true violet, and is toxic.  But, even the ornamental flower that is known as Johnny Jump Up and sometimes Pansy (although true pansy is a different plant) is just as useful as the beautiful but tiny wood violets that grow all around my home.  The only warning I can think of is that Violets contain salicin, which is like aspirin….. perhaps they should not be eaten in huge amounts or combined with blood thinners.  Regardless, I eat them regularly.  Add fresh leaves to salads.  The flowers are very nice candied or simply stored in sugar – they lend a nice aroma to the sugar and can be eaten like candy.  However you sugar your Violet flowers, you can eat them by themselves or use them to decorate cakes.  Without the sugar, Violet flowers are an excellent flavoring for wines.  They can also be tossed into a salad, used in soups or used as a very nice edible garnish for most any dish.  There is just something about a few Violet flowers and a pinch of chive tips that makes any dish look gourmet!  Another excellent use is to add a few Violet flowers and Wild Strawberries to vanilla ice cream…. Try it, you will thank me later!  Violets may also be used to flavor anything from honey to vinegar, and if you have enough you could even make a Violet jelly.

If you do make a violet jelly, it can be part of an excellent sauce for pork, chicken or game.  Start by browning/caramelizing the alliums of your choice with whatever mushrooms you like.  Combine about ½ cup of wine with about ¼  cup of violet jelly in a small pot.  Add some chicken, beef or game stock, along with the alliums and mushrooms.  You can also add any herbs you like.  I think a few sprigs of fresh mint, parsley (of course), marjoram, savory, oregano, etc. all work well – I just pinch off a bit of whatever is fresh and convenient.  Let it simmer and reduce by about half before adding salt and pepper to taste. It should be mildly sweet and aromatic from the violet jelly, but balanced with the acidity of the wine.  This is good for fattier meats or the wild flavor of game.  Feel free to add or leave out anything you like.  I know of a Native American chef who uses a berry jam similarly, with the addition of roasted hot peppers to make a barbecue sauce for smoked bison and grilled elk.

This article is an excerpt from

The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54

Also, I am back on Youtube. Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTube

Read about my other new books:

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2025
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist’s Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:

Judson Carroll, Master Herbalist
Herbal Medicine
Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist’s Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB



Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I’m just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won’t even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have “traditionally been used for.” I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don’t even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

Show 288: Wheat and Other grains, part 2

This week, I finish our discussion on grain. I cover several types of grains that all have medicinal properties, are nutritious and delicious. Some can be used in place of standard wheat and are easier to digest.

https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/p/show-288-wheat-part-2

Right or Wrong Guitar Lesson - Western Swing + Fingerstyle Blues (Tampa Red / Bob Wills)

How to Play Right or Wrong on Guitar | Western Swing Fingerstyle Lesson + Chords
Learn the classic early jazz/blues/western swing standard "Right or Wrong" on guitar! This lesson blends old-time alternating bass, Merle Travis-inspired fingerstyle, and western swing rhythm.

Tampa Red’s early recording, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Emmett Miller, and more — this tune has it all. Great for fingerpickers and swing players.

Rough and Rowdy Ways Guitar Lesson (Fingerstyle in C) | Jimmie Rodgers / Doc Watson Style

Learn how to play Rough and Rowdy Ways on guitar in this fingerstyle lesson inspired by Jimmie Rodgers and Doc Watson.

This classic country-blues tune has been played countless ways over the years, and in this lesson I break down a simple, musical approach in the key of C. We’ll go through the chord progression, picking pattern, intro lick, and a movable chord break—all designed to give you a solid foundation while encouraging you to make the song your own.

Thlapsi

This plant goes by a few common names, such as Field Pennycress.  Try to harvest this one early, as it gets tough and bitter as the season goes on.  When tender, the leaves and shoots may be used just like Mustard, and included in a mix of similar potherbs.  I love peppery greens and enjoy the slight bitterness of this herb, cooked in fat (of course) and dressed with salt and vinegar.  The addition of Thlapsi gives other potherbs a richer flavor due to the bitter characteristic.  I think it is very nice, but it may not be to everyone’s taste… you will just have to try it to find out.  Medicinally, the bitterness of this herb is very good for digestion and liver health.

An excellent way to use Thlapsi, Wild Mustard and really any member of the brassica family is to make a kraut as I described under Caraway.  Unless harvested very early the stems of Thlapsi, Wild Mustard, etc.... will likely be too tough.  If you can use them, that is great.  Keep in mind, you could probably use most any green or tender stem listed in this book and you could make an endless variety of combinations. Either way, just chop everything up, work in your salt and keep air from getting to it as it ferments.

Have fun with fermentation!  It is easy, cheap and you can be as creative as you like.  Just don't blame me if you get into kimchi, adding fish sauce, hot pepper paste, garlic, etc. and become addicted!







Toothwort

This pretty little plant is named for its “toothed” or serrated leaves.  This is another plant in the brassica family.  The leaves are very much like Mustard, but they are small and you will have to gather a lot if you plan to eat them on their own.  A few, harvested in early spring, are nice in a salad.  They would likely make an excellent potherb on their own, but I have never harvested enough for that.  I just toss them in with any other spring greens

The root is spicy and pungent in the way that horse radish is.  It is also pleasantly crunchy.  Toothwort is a refreshing snack eaten raw or a nice addition to salads.  Cooked, it can be used in any way you might use radishes, although it is more pungent.  You can toss them into a soup or add to a roast with some carrots and onions.  I really like making a condiment out of Toothwort to accompany fried fish or roast beef, which is very much like prepared horseradish, but with a unique flavor.  Grate the root fine, add some salt and vinegar.  You can also mix with a little mayonnaise and a dash of Worcestershire (etc) to make a nice dipping sauce for fried mushrooms.

As mentioned under Thlapsi, the entire family is great when fermented.  Try grating the root just as you would for the horseradish sauce, but fermenting it like you would kraut or kimchi.  This will give you a remarkable depth of flavor that cannot be bought in a store.  You can combine the grated roots with turnip and radish roots, and even carrots, ginger, etc.  The complexity of such fermented condiments will keep you hooked on trying new variations.  It has for me... I make over a dozen varieties of what I call “redneck kimchi”, just tossing in most anything... there is nothing that will make you a hot dog addict more quickly than having tons of spicy, sour, peppery, funky krauts, relishes and kimchis on hand!  



This article is an excerpt from

The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54

Also, I am back on Youtube. Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902 Judson Carroll - YouTube

Read about my other new books:

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2025
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist’s Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:

Judson Carroll, Master Herbalist
Herbal Medicine
Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist’s Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB



Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I’m just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won’t even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have “traditionally been used for.” I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don’t even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

This week, I discuss the Herbal Medicine of Maurice Messegue. Messegue was a French herbalist, who was the most famous herbalist in the world around 1950. He treated kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents, stars of the stage and screen... and the poor of Paris. His remarkable story unfolds a fascinating and nearly lost history of French folk medicine. I believe his unique, family system of herbal medicine has the potential to be the most dramatic addition to western herbalism imaginable.

https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/p/show-286-the-herbal-medicine-of-maurice

Candy Man Guitar Lesson (Mississippi John Hurt Style) | Easy Fingerstyle Blues in A

Learn how to play Candy Man in the style of Mississippi John Hurt with this easy, step-by-step fingerstyle guitar lesson. This classic blues tune is built around a smooth alternating bass, simple chord shapes, and a relaxed, bouncy groove that makes it one of the most fun songs to play on acoustic guitar.

Hi everyone, a listener just asked if I could recommend and herbalist and/or naturopath in the Tri Cities area of TN.  That is Johnson City, Bristol and Kingsport.  I know there are several, but I don't know enough about them to recommend one.  Does anyone have a suggestion?  Thanks in advance!