NEWS & MEDIA -
NEWS & MEDIA -
WE HAVE BEEN FEATURED
We’re honored to be recognized as one of the top 8 drink products to watch in The World of Food Ingredients magazine.
Beltane Festival 2025
Beltane Fire
In this talk, I explored the rich and layered meaning of fire, especially through the lens of Beltain—the Celtic celebration that welcomes the return of the sun and the coming of summer. I began by reflecting on the many forms fire takes in our lives—from the sun itself to the firewood we burn, to the fossil fuels that power so much of our world. I spoke about the deep, ancient relationship we have with fire as a source of life, warmth, and transformation.
I also shared how modern life, especially in cities, has pulled many of us away from that relationship. We often forget that all energy—whether it’s wood smoke curling from a fire or gas heating our homes—ultimately originates from the sun. That disconnection, I believe, goes deeper than just the practical—it affects our well-being, our mental and emotional balance, and our relationship to the Earth.
Throughout the talk, I wove in themes of ecological awareness, our interdependence with the natural world, and the need to return to a more grounded, heart-centered way of living. I ended with a reflection on how this reconnection to fire—and to nature as a whole—can help restore harmony between mind, body, and spirit.
Exploring the Intersections of Urban Life & Nature
By Muji Zia for The World of Food Ingredients Publication
Organic Growers Gathering 2024
Growing Medicinal Plants
I had the honour of speaking at the fantastic Organic Growers Gathering last year. I shared my journey from pharmacist to medical herbalist, weaving in years of experience cultivating, harvesting, and processing medicinal plants across the UK, US, and Sweden. My talk focused on the importance of understanding plant biology—especially which parts contain the most active constituents—and how crucial it is to harvest at the right time to preserve their medicinal properties.
I explored practical challenges too: from drying and processing herbs properly, to balancing quality with quantity, and even navigating the markets for bulk herbs or value-added products like tinctures and teas. While a scientific background can help, I emphasized that anyone passionate about plants can get involved, especially when grounded in thoughtful observation and community learning. Whether you’re looking to deepen your herbal knowledge or step into herbal cultivation professionally, I encouraged folks to engage with both traditional wisdom and scientific insights—and to always consider the sustainability and economics behind their botanical work.
I was recently invited to be a guest on The Natural You podcast, hosted by Tim, where we explored the deep connection between humans and forests. In our conversation, we delved into how nature supports our health, from the intelligence of trees and the benefits of forest bathing to the healing power of sacred plants and ancient traditions. We also discussed the importance of reconnecting with nature in our modern lives and how simple practices can help restore balance. It was a truly inspiring conversation about rewilding our bodies, minds, and our relationship with the earth.
Join us as we uncover the hidden world of fungi and their powerful role in ecosystems and human health. From the underground mycorrhizal networks that help trees communicate to the immune-boosting benefits of medicinal mushrooms, this talk explores the science, tradition, and future of fungal medicine. Plus, we share our latest product—Forest Cola—a tasty new way to experience the healing power of fungi!
In this talk at Timber Festival I delved into the fascinating and complex world of medicinal plants—using Fox Glove (Digitalis purpurea) as a powerful example. I wanted to highlight not only its therapeutic potential, especially for heart conditions like heart failure and hypertension, but also the serious risks associated with its toxicity. It’s a plant that commands both respect and deep understanding—one you certainly should never self-prescribe.
Throughout the talk, I explored how medicinal compounds like cardiac glycosides are extracted from plants and how their solubility—whether in alcohol, water, or oil—shapes their effectiveness. I emphasized the need to move beyond a reductionist view of herbal medicine and instead engage with the whole plant and its ecosystem of compounds.
This conversation also touched on the roots of herbal knowledge, particularly the rich traditions carried by women throughout history. Much of that wisdom has been overshadowed by the rise of modern, often male-dominated medical institutions. I see herbalism not just as science or tradition, but as a form of empowerment—reclaiming knowledge about our health and the natural world.
Ultimately, I encouraged attendees to combine intuition with clinical understanding, to embrace holistic approaches, and to trust their bodies while being guided by both science and ancestral wisdom.