In this episode of the Plant Cunning Podcast, hosts AC Stauble and Isaac Hill interview herbalist and author Marcos Patchett. Marcos shares his journey into herbalism and medical astrology, influenced by his grandfather and a series of personal experiences. He discusses his in-depth research on cacao, chronicled in his books 'The Secret Life of Chocolate' and 'Pharmacocoa.' The conversation delves into the history, cultivation, traditional preparation, and medicinal benefits of cacao, highlighting its unique qualities and its significant cultural impact in Mesoamerica. Marcos also touches on his new medical astrology education platform, Plan*tarium, designed for herbalists and medical practitioners.
00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast
00:31 Meet Marcos Hatchet: Herbalist and Author
01:00 Discussing Chocolate and Astrology
02:02 Marcos' Journey into Herbalism
08:24 The Influence of Mentors and Teachers
11:34 The Obsession with Chocolate
15:05 The Holy Grail of Chocolate
23:55 Cacao Cultivation and Mythology
38:36 The Resilient Dandelion and Planetary Herbs
40:14 Cacao: The Venusian Delight
41:06 The Complex Nature of Cacao
44:27 Traditional Preparation of Cacao
45:07 Foaming Agents and Techniques
57:33 Medicinal Uses of Cacao
01:02:19 Choosing the Right Cacao
01:07:03 Books, Reviews, and Courses
