Content warning: This episode contains detailed descriptions of poisoning, historical murders, and gruesome physical symptoms. Listener discretion is advised.

From ancient assassinations to modern crimes, poisonous plants have quietly shaped history. They've toppled rulers, settled scores, and ironically, become life-saving medicines.

In today’s episode, we will unearth the sinister plants that turned ordinary hands into instruments of death.

- Background music " Easy Lemon" sourced from Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

- Royalty-free background music sourced from pixabay.com

**Episode artwork by AI
***Podcast logo is designed by me

Got feedback or suggestions? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a message at hello@rootsrevealed.org.

Explore more details on each episode here: rootsrevealed.org/episodes

Love the unusual? Read strange and fascinating plant stories @ rootsrevealed.org/the-peculiar-herbarium

Visit the official website: rootsrevealed.org

Vanilla is everywhere—in our ice cream, perfumes, and even candles. But where does it come from? And why is it so special?

The story of vanilla is anything but ordinary, and today we'll explore the surprising history of this extraordinary spice.

*Background music sourced from Kevin MacLeod

"Clear Waters, " " Easy Lemon," and "Pride" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Royalty-free background music sourced from pixabay.com

**Episode artwork by AI
***Podcast logo is designed by me

Got feedback or suggestions? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a message at hello@rootsrevealed.org.

Explore more details on each episode here: rootsrevealed.org/episodes

Love the unusual? Read strange and fascinating plant stories @ rootsrevealed.org/the-peculiar-herbarium

Visit the official website: rootsrevealed.org

Today, we're talking about a fruit that’s not just tasty, but also full of history—the mango.

Known as the "king of fruits," the mango is more than just a summer favourite. It has travelled through time, cultures, and countries.

In this episode, we’ll explore its origin, cultural symbolism, literary presence, and even its role in diplomacy.

*Background music sourced from Kevin MacLeod

"Clear Waters" and " Easy Lemon" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Royalty-free background music sourced from pixabay.com

**Episode artwork by AI
***Podcast logo is designed by me

Got feedback or suggestions? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a message at hello@rootsrevealed.org.

Explore more details on each episode here: rootsrevealed.org/episodes

Love the unusual? Read strange and fascinating plant stories @ rootsrevealed.org/the-peculiar-herbarium

Visit the official website: rootsrevealed.org

Today we're about to embark on a journey that spans millions of years and circles the globe—all following the delicate pink and white petals of cherry blossoms. These ephemeral flowers have inspired poetry, shaped mythology, symbolized peace, and even influenced our understanding of life itself.

From their ancient geological origins in Central Asia to their role in modern climate science, from Japanese Hanami celebrations to Berlin's memorial groves, these aren't just trees—they're living storytellers.

Join me as we uncover the remarkable saga of how the cherry blossom tree became one of humanity's most beloved natural wonders🌸

*Background music sourced from Kevin MacLeod

"Clear Waters" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

--

"Pride" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

--

"Parting of the Ways - Part 1" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

--

and from www.pixabay.com

**Episode artwork by Canva AI
***Podcast logo is designed by me

Got feedback or suggestions? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a message at hello@rootsrevealed.org.

Explore more details on each episode here: rootsrevealed.org/episodes

Love the unusual? Read strange and fascinating plant stories @ rootsrevealed.org/the-peculiar-herbarium

Visit the official website: rootsrevealed.org

Throughout history, women have shared an intimate, often overlooked bond with the plant world—one that extends far beyond gardening or foraging.

Plants have been their allies in survival, healing, and rebellion. Whether through preserving food in times of famine, practicing forbidden herbal medicine, or challenging colonial powers with the wisdom of the land, women have safeguarded knowledge that was often dismissed, suppressed, or even punished.

Yet, in every era, they found ways to resist—passing their expertise through whispers, rituals, and seeds sown in defiance.

Happy Women's Day💐👑

*Background music is sourced from www.pixabay.com
**Episode artwork by Canva AI
***Podcast logo is designed by me

Got feedback or suggestions? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a message at hello@rootsrevealed.org.

Explore more details on each episode here: rootsrevealed.org/episodes

Love the unusual? Read strange and fascinating plant stories @ rootsrevealed.org/the-peculiar-herbarium

Visit the official website: rootsrevealed.org

Of all the medicinal herbs used in the ancient and medieval world, none was regarded with as much awe as the mandrake. With its human-like root, potent healing powers, and deep ties to folklore, it became a subject of both fascination and terror.

*Background music is sourced from www.pixabay.com
**Episode artwork by Canva AI
***Podcast logo is designed by me

Got feedback or suggestions? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a message at hello@rootsrevealed.org.

Explore more details on each episode here: rootsrevealed.org/episodes

Love the unusual? Read strange and fascinating plant stories @ rootsrevealed.org/the-peculiar-herbarium

Visit the official website: rootsrevealed.org

Throughout history, bamboo has been a remarkable gift of nature, shaping human cultures and enriching our lives in countless ways. This versatile plant has stood the test of time, emerging as both a symbol of strength and a sustainable ally for our future.

*Background music is sourced from www.pixabay.com
**Episode artwork by Canva AI
***Podcast logo is designed by me

Got feedback or suggestions? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a message at hello@rootsrevealed.org.

Explore more details on each episode here: rootsrevealed.org/episodes

Love the unusual? Read strange and fascinating plant stories @ rootsrevealed.org/the-peculiar-herbarium

Visit the official website: rootsrevealed.org

In the chilly winter of 1604, in the charming Alsatian town of Strasbourg, snow covers the rooftops, and candlelight flickers through frosted windows. Inside a home, a fir tree stands tall, decorated with paper roses, apples, and sweetmeats. This is the earliest recorded mention of the Christmas tree—a tradition that would grow to become a universal symbol of Christmas joy.

*Background music is sourced from www.pixabay.com
**Episode artwork by Canva AI
***Podcast logo is designed by me

Got feedback or suggestions? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a message at hello@rootsrevealed.org.

Explore more details on each episode here: rootsrevealed.org/episodes

Love the unusual? Read strange and fascinating plant stories @ rootsrevealed.org/the-peculiar-herbarium

Visit the official website: rootsrevealed.org