medicine

The Cosmological Spirituality of Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicines: David Crow & Cate Stillman

About this Episode:
In this powerful conversation, Cate Stillman interviews David Crow—renowned author, herbalist, plant-medicine researcher, and founder of Floracopeia. Together, they explore the worlds of Tibetan, Ayurvedic, and Chinese medicine through the lens of lineage, ritual, and spiritual ecology.

David shares his extraordinary journey—from being one of the first Western students in acupuncture college in the 1980s, to closing his clinic and moving to Kathmandu to study Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine directly from lineage-holding masters. He speaks about transmission, apprenticeship, plant spirit intelligence, and the disappearing wisdom of traditional herbalism.

Cate and David dive into the deep relationship between inner and outer alchemy—how consciousness, meditation, ritual, and plants work together to heal, awaken, and extend longevity. They also explore how modern people can reconnect to ecosystems, attention, and plant intelligence in simple, practical ways.

If you’re a wellness pro, herbalist, yogi, or seeker of spiritual ecology, this episode is a masterclass in ancient medicine—and a reminder of how far we’ve drifted from the natural world.

Key Takeaways

Transmission Matters:
Healing wisdom traditionally passed through relationship, ritual, and mentorship—not data alone. David recounts learning from Tibetan teachers who safeguarded ancient manuscripts.

Inner & Outer Alchemy:
Asian medicine teaches that herbal medicine is ultimately for longevity and spiritual illumination—not just symptom relief.

Meditation Potentizes Herbs:
Where attention goes, prana flows. Mindfulness amplifies plant medicine more effectively than high doses.

Ecology = Pharmacology:
The same plant species changes potency based on terrain, direction, climate, and ecosystem health.

Herbalism Requires Context:
Not every ancient practice fits modern physiology. David teaches how to evaluate herbs safely in today’s world.

Mind–Plant Intelligence:
Plants respond to ritual, attention, and intention—something modern supplement culture often forgets.

Resources

About Cate Stillman

Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic practitioner, behavior-change expert, and founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. For 20+ years she has guided wellness professionals toward deeper healing, embodiment, and regenerative leadership.