Herb of the Month
Explore the history, mythology and folklore of medicinal plants with me, Karl Bedson. These free videos follow the stories people have woven around familiar herbs, from household customs and superstition to magic, belief and everyday life.
Start with November’s dandelion feature below, or revisit elder from the growing archive. New recordings will be added here as the series develops.
Dandelion
November 2026 · Taraxacum officinale
Few plants are more familiar, yet dandelion carries a surprisingly rich collection of stories. In this month’s video I explore its myths and magic, marriage divination, St Bride and the folklore surrounding this much-maligned garden resident.
Elder
From the archive · Sambucus nigra
Witches, the Elder Mother, medieval superstition and the supernatural history of elder. Join me for a look at the stories and traditions surrounding one of our most culturally significant medicinal trees.