The History of Christian Herbal Medicine with Judson Carrol
Learn about an unknown era in the history of Christian herbal medicine and how priests preserved the herbal tradition. Join author and master herbalist Judson Carroll at the 2025 Christian Herbalist Guild conference and be inspired by these devout men who used the natural medicine created by God to help men and women in need.
What happens when the knowledge of herbal medicine is threatened, restricted, outlawed, or driven underground? History has a remarkable answer: the faithful often keep that light burning.
At the 2025 Annual Christian Herbalist Guild Conference, master herbalist and author Judson Carroll will share the fascinating story of how a few determined priests in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond preserved herbal medicine and home remedies during a time when such practices were being pushed out of everyday life in both Europe and America.
Judson isn’t just telling history for history’s sake. He’s connecting those stories to practical, everyday herbal skills you can bring into your home.
In his session on the history of Christian Herbal Medicine, you’ll discover:
- How and why these priests risked their livelihoods to preserve herbal wisdom.
- The cultural and political forces that led to herbal medicine being restricted in the first place.
- Simple, effective home remedies inspired by those who kept the tradition alive.
- How you can apply these remedies for common ailments using plants God has placed right at your doorstep.
See the full lineup of speakers here.
About Judson Carroll
Judson’s passion for herbal medicine began in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, where he learned from old Appalachian herbalists, including the Hicks family of Beech Creek. Since then, he’s dedicated his life to reviving the tradition of folk medicine in America, blending the deep roots of Christian heritage with hands-on, practical skills. He’s the voice behind the Southern Appalachian Herbs Podcast and The Uncensored Catholic podcast, a prolific herbal author, and a sought-after teacher who makes herbal knowledge accessible for everyone—from seasoned practitioners to curious beginners.
This session is more than a history lesson—it’s an invitation to take your place in a living tradition of faith-filled healers, to steward the gifts of creation, and to equip your household with remedies that are safe, effective, and time-tested.
And since the conference is completely virtual via Zoom, you can join from anywhere in the world. Attend live on August 23, 2025, or catch the replay whenever it fits your schedule.
Two Ways to Join Us
You can purchase a single conference pass and enjoy Judson’s talk along with every other session.
Or, you can join the Christian Herbalist Guild and gain:
- Access to this year’s conference plus all past conference recordings.
- Members-only workshops, training, and a growing library of herbal resources.
- A vibrant community of Christian herbalists who share your passion for faith and healing.
If you care about keeping herbal wisdom alive—and integrating it with a biblical worldview—this is a session you won’t want to miss.
👉 Reserve your spot or join the Guild today and be part of a tradition worth preserving.
Want to learn more about Judson Carrol? Click here to check out his website.
Here is a list of books written and published by Judson Carroll:
The Herbs and Weeds of Fr. Johannes Künzle
The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist’s Guide: Look Up
Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People
Christian Herbal Medicine, the History and Practice
The Encyclopedia of Bitter Medicinal Herbs
Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist’s Guide
Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist’s Guide (Medicinal Plants of The American Southeast)
Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking
A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings
Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist’s Guide
All titles are available on Amazon.com or directly from the author.