A Master Herbalist Guide for International Travel, Part 6

Description

Go Farther, Feel Your Best: Nutrient-Rich Herbs & Superfoods to Support Energy, Stamina, Hydration & Travel Wellness

Welcome to part six of the Master Herbalist Guide to International Travel Series, a valuable resource for all travelers. If you haven't yet explored parts one through five, there is an absolute goldmine of wonderful information that can help you embrace a healthy lifestyle and enjoy your travels evermore: 

1. Part one: Foundational Rules for an International Adventure
2. Part two: Common Health Issues and their Herbal Allies associated with extensive travel
3. Part three: Choosing the Right Herbal Allies for Your Journey; Plus my Personal Protocol
4. Part four: Top Functional Foods, Herbs, and Supplements for Travel
5. Part five: A Master Herbalist Guide for International Travel for Kids (+Recipe)

While today’s article will focus on a very specific area of travel, it is a topic that not enough people discuss and that deserves its due attention. 

Today, I will discuss my favorite picks for:

Adventure-Ready Nutrition: Top Herbs & Superfoods to Support Energy, Endurance, Recovery & a Healthy Travel Routine Across Time Zones

Before I dive into this topic, let's embark on a journey to explore this unique group of individuals who travel with a single purpose: a love for combining adventurous travel with extreme activities.  

Everyone has their reasons for what they choose to explore and experience when they travel. If you have read part one of this series, I make no secret of how I love to travel and explore, and of the tools I suggest for creating amazing adventures. 

However, there is a unique group of people who travel to faraway destinations for a single purpose that requires months, if not a year, of training and preparation: to take on some of the most extreme physical and mental challenges known to mankind. 

I can certainly relate to this aspect of travel, as I was an elite-level competitive powerlifter for 27 years. To this day, I am always looking to challenge myself physically and mentally. 

Here are just a few examples of some of the more extreme events people seek out:  

• High Altitude Trekking and mountain climbing in amazing places like the Annapurna Circuit or the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal, the world-famous Inca Trail in Peru, or the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Mount Fuji and Mount Kilimanjaro are a few more examples of explorations that definitely push you to your limits. 
• Ultra Endurance races in extreme conditions, such as the Marathon des Sables in Morocco. This race is known as one of the toughest foot races on Earth, covering 156 miles and requiring runners to carry all their own supplies across the Sahara Desert in extreme heat. 
• Open water swimming challenges like the 21-mile English Channel with frigid and unpredictable waters or the 12-mile Rottnest Channel Swim in Australia.
• Cycling or mountain biking in places like South Africa’s Cape Epic, which takes you on an 8-day journey over tough terrain and high altitudes. 
• Multi-sport Adventures (triathlons or adventure races) like the extreme triathlon in Norway with freezing waters and mountainous marathon and cycling. If you really feel adventurous, a trip to Fiji or Patagonia will keep you well occupied for days with white-water rafting and mountain biking/climbing.  

It is essential to understand that traveling for this specific purpose requires an exceptionally high level of preparation and attention to detail, as laxity can lead to disaster. Trust me when I say, you don’t want an event you spent months preparing for, ruined because you didn’t pay attention to the important details. 

However, for individuals who travel to participate in an extreme event, normal travel issues that may set the average person back a day or two are not something a person preparing to conquer a physical challenge wants to deal with at all. 

Perhaps one of the best and simplest pieces of advice for these people to avoid the potential pitfalls of international travel, such as jet lag, dehydration, and disruptions to normal bowel habits, is to arrive 2 to 3 days before the event. This simple tip gives you time to refuel, move your body, and get acclimated to the new environment (weather, altitude, and food). With proper preparation, an early arrival should be no problem. 

However, between chaotic lives, the higher cost of things, and situations we may have no control over, it is good to be prepared if travel plans change. Therefore, a checklist is essential to ensure you are well prepared if you cannot arrive early.  

1) Pack and bring your own food onto the plane

As most experienced travelers know, airplane and airport food can, at best, be a bit sketchy. You often have no idea about any hidden ingredients that may cause an allergic or bowel reaction. Therefore, bring your own homemade prepared food. It is the only way to ensure that you get the meals that will nourish and sustain you throughout the flight. 

It is equally important never to overfeed. This process is a delicate balance between how much we eat and its effects on jet lag and recovery. In simple terms, eating too much on a long international flight worsens jet lag by disrupting your gut’s internal clock and overtaxing your digestive system. Digestion naturally slows at high altitudes, potentially leading to severe bloating, acid reflux, and lethargy. This chain of events can directly prevent the restorative rest needed to adjust to a new time zone. 

Before we examine how this occurs, it is essential to understand the concept of “gut jet lag”. 

Gut jet lag is defined as “the state of desynchronization between your body's internal biological clock and the rhythmic activity of your gut microbiome. When rhythms misalign, your digestive system struggles to coordinate normal bowel movements, metabolism, and nutrient absorption, resulting in bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.”

Much like the brain, the gut also operates on a 24-hour circadian rhythm, as do the bacteria in your digestive tract. Events such as churning, acid production, and motility follow this daily clock, creating a perfectly synchronized two-way communication loop known as the Chrono-Microbiota-Motility axis. Gut jet lag occurs when timing signals become chaotic, creating disharmony that disrupts upstream rhythms and leads to downstream intestinal issues. In other words, the release of digestive enzymes, stomach acid, and motility signals from the brain is mistimed, leading to impaired mobility and microbiome imbalance. 

Gut jet lag's primary triggers are crossing multiple time zones, erratic feeding windows, diet changes, and sleep disturbances. However, there are some simple tricks to help avoid gut jet lag. 

• Shift your mealtimes to match your destination's local time zone before you even board the plane.
• For your first few days, eating a big breakfast and a small dinner helps reset your internal clocks more effectively.
• Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate to prevent digestive distress and dehydration. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, specifically during your flights. 

Now, let’s continue to understand the connection between in-flight overeating and jet lag. 

• Your body's master clock (located in the brain) is regulated by light. However, your liver and intestines have their own external clock driven by when you eat. Random overeating in flight causes these systems to misalign, leading to confusion of the internal clocks. 
• Low cabin pressure, low humidity, and prolonged sedentary time create the perfect storm that slows your gastrointestinal motility, resulting in sluggish digestion. 
• There is a concept known as the double-work effect that describes what happens when you eat a large meal and remain sedentary while flying. In simple terms, your digestive system essentially goes to sleep by inhibiting gastric emptying and gas expansion. However, when you land, all systems kick back in, into overdrive to compensate for the backlog of undigested food. This process severely saps your energy at a time when your body should be adjusting to time zone changes. So, for the love of all this is right, DON’T OVEREAT ON A FLIGHT.

2) Rent a Private space and not a hotel

I admit this suggestion takes some experience, especially if you have never been to the specific area you are about to travel to. In my experience, most people who prefer a private space to a hotel would greatly benefit from arriving 5 days before the event. This allows them to get to know the area better and see several options for private rentals in person, ensuring they are suitable for their needs. 

I am not a fan of video walkthroughs or photos, as they are never what they seem. Trust me, as I have learned the hard way.  Renting a private home you have seen in person gives you peace of mind: what you see is what you get. Don’t just take other people's word for it, as they are giving their perspective and not thinking of your needs. Also, taking note of the surrounding area, proximity to good restaurants, a grocery store, or an open market is essential for making your experience more seamless. Having the quiet of a private home lets you sleep better without worrying about loud neighbors or noisy hotel hallways.

Furthermore, it allows you to prepare your own food. Yes, I know (because I have written many articles about it), the highlight of good travel is the food experience. However, if you are traveling to participate in an extreme event or to accomplish a great physical feat, consistency in habits and details matters; how you fuel your body is extremely important and must be meticulously controlled. Therefore, a private home in a quiet area with a big kitchen is essential. 

3) Travelers Insurance: A Minimal investment for potential disasters

Let’s face it, no one wants to spend more money than they have to, especially on the what-ifs. However, for the small investment that travelers' insurance is, it is well worth it, especially for those who seek danger in their adventure. In fact, in some places, participation in specific events requires travel health insurance due to a high risk of injury or death. Travel insurance is a wise investment that can save you money if disaster strikes. 

4) Hire a private local guide

I strongly encourage you to hire a private guide to help you experience the food, markets, and any incidental issues that may arise. When you hire a local private guide, you get personalized experiences, insider knowledge, and efficient navigation. 

However, always make time for yourself to roam around and “get lost”. If you haven't gotten lost while exploring, you don’t know what you are missing. 

Sometimes, that is where you find the best stuff. Keep in mind that adventures, in some cases, can have moments of uncertainty. Therefore, having a private local guide can help keep you safe and navigate those experiences. For example, visiting authentic local markets can be exciting to the eyes and taste buds. However, one wrong move can put your trip on hold because you can’t leave the bathroom, and no one wants that situation. 

These are all things you want to avoid when you are on a mission. You may think hiring a private local guide is expensive. However, when you do the math at the end of the day, you realize that because your guide helped you avoid all of the costly touristy restaurants and locations, it saved you money. Remember to get the guides’ and each vendor's contact info, as they are wonderful sources of information. 

Finally, if you are there for a specific event or an organized event, contact the event coordinator, as they may provide that service. 

Now, let’s get to the part you have all been waiting for: My top herbal picks for extreme travel events and jet lag issues. 

It should be noted that while none of the following herbs specifically act as a reset button for your “master internal clock” or treat circadian rhythm disruptions, they are extremely effective at managing the physical and mental stress of travel and mitigating the resulting fatigue. 

Furthermore, herbs can directly help your body adapt to time zone shifts, promote restorative sleep, and regulate circadian gene expression by influencing the genetic and hormonal pathways that dictate your circadian rhythm. 

1) Rhodiola Rosea 

I have found that, amongst all the herbs, whether as a single herb or as a formula, Rhodiola (both Siberian and Tibetan) works incredibly well to quell the effects of jet lag. 

Furthermore, it works beautifully to support physical and mental performance. Let’s take a look at how rhodiola specifically helps with jet lag, adapting to a new environment, and performance during extreme travel events. While not specifically known for resetting your circadian clock, rhodiola helps your body physically and mentally adapt to the disruptions caused by time zone changes. 

• Rhodiola optimizes the synthesis and transport of serotonin, the direct biochemical precursor of melatonin in the pineal gland. 
• Rhodiola also curbs travel-induced cortisol spikes by acting on the central nervous system to inhibit stress signals at the top of the neuroendocrine cascade, thereby minimizing cognitive fatigue caused by a mismatch in internal rhythm.

Furthermore, rhodiola is well known for supporting cellular ATP levels and enhancing oxygen transport in the body through two of its primary active compounds: salidroside and rosavin, thereby optimizing mitochondrial energy metabolism. 

Rhodiola supports cellular ATP through the following mechanisms of action: 

• The active glycosides (salidroside and rosavin) have been shown to upregulate mitochondrial protein synthesis and protect the mitochondrial respiratory chain from reactive oxygen species (ROS)- mediated damage, thereby allowing it to function efficiently.  
• Cells rely on ATP as their primary energy source. When energy is expended, ATP is broken down into AMP, thereby activating AMPK, which signals the body to generate new fuel while conserving existing resources. Rhodiola activates protein kinase (AMPK), the metabolic master switch that monitors cellular energy levels and restores balance by triggering energy-producing processes and halting energy-consuming ones. 
• Rhodiola supports cellular shift (ensuring optimal ATP availability) toward more efficient aerobic energy pathways by accelerating lactic acid clearance, helping delay muscle fatigue. 
• Activating hypoxia-response pathways (molecular mechanisms cells use to detect and adapt to low oxygen levels). 

The following are the primary mechanisms by which rhodiola supports oxygen transport and utilization:

• Rhodiola has been shown to selectively modulate Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, a protein that enables cells to adapt to low-oxygen conditions. When Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 is activated, it increases the expression of enzymes that improve tissue oxygenation without unwanted side effects. In simple terms, Rhodiola rosea helps the body adapt to low-oxygen environments by allowing cells to activate protective, energy-saving survival genes without triggering harmful overreactions. 
• Rhodiola has also been shown to stimulate EPO production, which promotes red blood cell formation, thereby increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the bloodstream. 
• Supporting endothelial function through preserving nitric oxide bioavailability and resulting in vasodilatation, producing better blood flow to muscles and organs. 

Finally, let’s take a quick look at how rhodiola curbs travel-induced cortisol spikes by adjusting neurotransmitter levels. 

As you may already know, travel stressors such as sleep disruption, time zone changes, and transit delays can trigger the brain to activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to elevated cortisol levels. Rhodiola's bioactive compounds, primarily salidroside, blunt this process. However, rather than simply shutting down the stress response, rhodiola promotes a balanced, resilient state by supporting key monoamine levels through the following mechanisms of action.  

• Rhodiola has been shown to sensitize neurotransmitter receptors, such as dopamine and serotonin, by acting as a gatekeeper, preventing these chemicals from being broken down too quickly and helping them cross into the blood-brain barrier more easily. In simple terms, it improves neurotransmitter access. 
• Through compounds in rhodiola, such as rosiridin, it inhibits monoamine oxidases that break down norepinephrine, thereby offsetting the mental fatigue of travel. 
• If travel cortisol spikes, rhodiola increases the expression of heat-shock proteins, shielding neurons in the hippocampus from cortisol-induced cell damage.

The following was reported in a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effects of Rhodiola on endurance performance and related biomarkers.

• The results indicated that Rhodiola improved endurance-related outcomes, including VO2max, time to exhaustion, and time-trial performance. 
• Antioxidant capacity increased with increases in total antioxidant capacity and SOD, alongside reductions in malondialdehyde (a highly reactive organic compound widely used as a biomarker of oxidative stress in the body).
• RR also reduced creatine kinase and lactate levels, indicating improved metabolic efficiency. 
• However, no significant effects were observed on inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Therefore, the following was concluded. Rhodiola supplementation is an effective ergogenic aid for enhancing endurance performance and improving physiological biomarkers related to oxidative stress, muscle damage, and metabolic efficiency.

2) Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is known worldwide as a calming adaptogen. Adaptogens don’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all concept. If you require the use of adaptogens, looking at the individual, not the condition, is critical. Not every adaptogen is suitable for everyone. 

Like all other plant medicines, individual adaptogens have their unique qualities. In nature, they can be nourishing, warming, or cooling; stimulating or calming; moistening or drying. Depending on the species and where they are grown can also affect one’s results, and considering an individual's personality traits is especially vital when choosing the right adaptogens.  

Calming adaptogens promote a sense of calm and are for those who need support amid a high-stress lifestyle. Calming adaptogens are primarily, though not exclusively, for those who need to rebuild vital energy but are not necessarily low on it. The effects of these adaptogens build over time. Ashwagandha is a perfect example of a calming adaptogen and is considered one of the best tonic herbs in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) principles, Ashwagandha is a warming and acrid Yang tonic with a particular affinity for the kidneys. It also has Shen qualities due to its ability to calm the mind. Because TCM recognizes its protective qualities, Ashwagandha is also considered a Qi-tonifying herb supporting defensive Qi.

The following was stated in a study examining the effects of Ashwagandha on stress-related anxiety: 

• Full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract exhibited a significant reduction in scores on all the stress-assessment scales on Day 60, relative to the placebo group. 
• Serum cortisol levels were substantially reduced in the Ashwagandha group compared with the placebo group. 

Therefore, it was concluded, “that a high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual's resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life.”

So, how exactly does Ashwagandha affect circadian rhythms & Jet Lag Modulation?

It is believed that Ashwagandha is capable of creating these positive effects through 

regulating and restoring the rhythmic expression of two specific genes (BMAL1 and PER1). These two core genes are a part of what makes up your body's "biological clock," controlling your 24-hour circadian rhythm. 

• BMAL1 acts as a positive activator, turning on clock genes. 
• PER1 acts as a negative regulator, turning them off and creating a continuous loop that dictates your sleep-wake cycle.

Ashwagandha keeps these rhythms steady when they are disrupted by lack of sleep or jet lag through four specific modes of action.

• As we age, the natural rhythmic expression of clock genes such as BMAL1 and PER1 declines. Ashwagandha leaf extracts have been shown to rescue and restore daily patterns of gene expression.
• Withanolides (a family of compounds in Ashwagandha) perform as inverse agonists (shutting down spontaneous background signaling) of a vital protein gene known as RORA, turning target genes on or off. It functions primarily as a bridge between hormonal signals, metabolism, and cellular development.
• Circadian regulation is linked to inflammation, and high stress levels activate the NF-κB pathway, which, in turn, suppresses BMAL1. Ashwagandha is known to downregulate NF-κB, thereby relieving this transcriptional repression and allowing normal expression of circadian clock genes.
• Because Ashwagandha is well studied for modulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which in turn lowers cortisol levels, and cortisol and clock genes share a direct feedback loop. Therefore, lowering stress hormone spikes normalizes the transcription patterns of PER1 and BMAL1. 

Furthermore, Ashwagandha is a powerful tool for addressing travel fatigue. As mentioned above, Ashwagandha is well known as a potent adaptogen that modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety. However, less well known is that it mimics the neurotransmitter GABA, thereby reducing sleep onset latency. This allows you to relax and recover more efficiently. Finally, preliminary research indicates that Ashwagandha may support mitochondrial function and cardiorespiratory endurance, helping buffer against the physical and mental drain of travel.

The following was stated in a study evaluating the efficacy of Ashwagandha in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. “There was a greater increase from baseline in the mean VO2 max with Ashwagandha compared to placebo at 8 weeks and at 12 weeks. The QOL scores for all subdomains improved significantly more in the Ashwagandha group at 12 weeks than in the placebo group. Therefore, it was concluded that “Ashwagandha root extract enhances the cardiorespiratory endurance and improves QOL in healthy athletic adults.”

Matcha Tea

Matcha, one of Japan’s most traditional and respected beverages, has become a booming success throughout Western society as a replacement for your cup of java. But Matcha is much more than your average green tea or grandma’s cup of Lipton black tea. This strong, polyphenol-packed tea is not only time-tested but also has a colorful history and powerful nourishing qualities, as it is the only beverage in its natural state that creates the perfect feeling of a “focused calm.” 

Matcha has been well studied for its ability to promote mitochondrial biogenesis (creation of new mitochondria). It is believed to have a high concentration of the following. 

• Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) acts as a signaling molecule that activates the AMPK (triggering signaling cascades that lead to the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis).  
• PGC-1α pathways (directly responsible for increasing the density and function of mitochondrial networks). 

These pathways are master regulators of mitochondrial energy metabolism, fostering mitochondrial creation and enhancing mitochondrial efficiency. However, there is more to matcha’s ability to support healthy aging than meets the eye.  

• Matcha improves the metabolic profile via its antioxidant system, boosts lipid metabolism, and enhances mitochondrial proteins that drive ATP production. 
• Matcha enhances bioavailability because it is a whole-leaf preparation, thereby having a higher concentration of polyphenols. 

The standard clinical amount to support the above functions is 4 grams daily.   

Next, we can’t discuss this potent food without looking at one of the superstar compounds that has proven itself to be among the most effective substances for both single-dose administration and long-term use in supporting a healthy mood, mindset, and outlook. 

L-Theanine is an amino acid primarily found in various forms of tea. However, while there are many trademark raw material supplements of this potent amino acid, Matcha is the primary source of L-Theanine. An average cup of high-quality matcha at a 2-gram serving size contains 40 milligrams of Theanine and 70 milligrams of caffeine. 

Research has shown that Theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier and demonstrates anti-stress effects (and reduces perceived stress) on stress markers such as blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol, and brainwave activity. However, one of Theanine’s impressive qualities is its ability to generate a relaxed-alert feeling with both long-term and single-dose use via several mechanisms of action. 

• Enhances the production of the relaxing neurotransmitter GABA, which then modulates the soothing effects of dopamine and serotonin.  
• Increasing Alpha brain waves, which support deep relaxation and alertness

So, how exactly does Matcha affect circadian rhythms & Jet Lag Modulation?

It is believed that Matcha directly modulates the circadian rhythm and alleviates jet lag through a combination of caffeine, L-theanine, and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). This unique combination alters peripheral clock genes and brain wave activity. Depending on when you consume it, matcha acts as a phase shifter between wake and sleep. It does this in four specific phases: 

• Within the first few hours of consuming matcha, caffeine provides a gentle, sustained energy boost while L-theanine stimulates alpha brainwaves, yielding a calm focus.
• Within 6 hours, the body has fully utilized the matcha, and the l-theanine remains high, supporting the neurotransmitters GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, acting as a counterbalance to fading caffeine. 
• Eight hours after consuming, Matcha’s caffeine levels drop significantly, allowing natural melatonin production to kick in. Keep in mind that L-theanine is the primary factor responsible for the slow, smooth absorption of caffeine in matcha, which prevents an abrupt crash. L-Theanine does not change how fast your liver metabolizes caffeine. It acts as a neurochemical buffer, modulating how your brain experiences caffeine's effects. 
• The final stage is restful sleep and an alert awakening, as matcha shortens the time it takes to fully wake up and feel alert when you open your eyes in the morning. It bridges the gap between deep sleep and wakefulness, so you feel less groggy.

The combination of caffeine and L-theanine is renowned for creating a feeling of controlled, calm focus. If you have ever had a well-made cup of matcha, you know exactly what I am talking about. The following was stated in a randomized controlled trial evaluating the combined effects of theanine and caffeine on mood and cognitive performance. 

• Caffeine improved subjective alertness at 60 min and accuracy on the attention-switching task at 90 min. 
• The L-theanine and caffeine combination improved both the speed and accuracy of performance in the attention-switching task at 60 minutes, and reduced susceptibility to distracting information in the memory task at both 60 minutes and 90 minutes. 
• These results replicate previous evidence suggesting that combining L-theanine and caffeine improves performance on cognitively demanding tasks.

How does EGCG play a role in affecting circadian rhythms?

EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) is the most abundant polyphenol (catechin) found in green and black tea. In simple terms, the polyphenols found in matcha can extend or amplify circadian periods in cells by upregulating key clock genes such as CLOCK, BMAL1, CRY2, and PER3, which are severely flattened or suppressed by jet lag or constant light exposure. Furthermore, constant exposure to circadian disruption damages support cells in the brain, like 

• Astrocytes that regulate the blood-brain barrier, recycle neurotransmitters, providing metabolic energy to neurons, and maintain extracellular chemical balance.
• Oligodendrocytes are responsible for creating the myelin sheath. 

In simple terms, Matcha polyphenols help to restore these depleted cells. Furthermore, the internal cellular clock is heavily dependent on cellular energy and metabolism, and EGCG targets specific feedback loops, thereby slowing progression and safely extending the period length. Finally, EGCG modulates cell growth and metabolism, thereby optimizing circadian alignment. 

In conclusion, I hope you have enjoyed this addition to my master herbalist travel series and learned some valuable tips and tricks for successfully traveling to participate in extreme events, as well as how to mitigate the effects of jet lag. Understanding and respecting the intrinsic details, I believe, is a focal point in these situations for achieving optimal results. An adventure can be a significant time and financial commitment, and there is nothing worse than having it ruined by something completely preventable. I hope you all have many fun and exciting adventures in your lives. Remember, we only live once, and there should be plenty of excitement and adventure involved. 

For more information about our Ashwagandha, go here: Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder

For more information about our Matcha, go here: Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder

The Author’s Bio
Michael Stuchiner is a Master Herbalist and proud graduate of The School of Natural Healing, with over 25 years of experience in various aspects of the field. He is a retired elite-level powerlifter who competed for 27 years. As an avid international traveler, he is passionate about medicinal and tonic herbs, as well as foods traditionally found in local markets across the 35 countries he has visited. Michael shares his years of experience as a Master Herbalist, traveler, and athlete through the hundreds of articles he has written and his YouTube channel, "A Master Herbalist Perspective." He is considered a true educator in this field. For more articles written by Mike, go here: Master Herbalist.