Herbalism Documentaries on Netflix

Netflix Documentaries That Explore Herbalism and Plant-Based Wellness

Netflix has become a global hub for wellness and nature-focused storytelling. Among its diverse lineup, several documentaries resonate strongly with audiences seeking insight into herbalism and plant-based healing. Together, they offer education, inspiration, and critical awareness for anyone curious about herbs, natural medicine, or holistic well-being.

(Un)Well (2020)

(Un)Well is a six-episode docuseries investigating the global wellness industry, including herbalism-related practices. Each episode examines one trend, blending personal testimonials with expert commentary.

Episode Breakdown Relevant to Herbalism :

1. Essential Oils

   • Explores how oils like lavender, peppermint, and frankincense are marketed as cure-alls.

   • Highlights the booming multi-level marketing (MLM) model, which profits from essential oil sales.

   • Raises questions about evidence, purity, and safe use.

     
     

2. Fasting

   • Connects dietary restrictions to detoxification and wellness. Herbs and teas often complement fasting practices.

     
     

3. Ayahuasca

   • Focuses on the Amazonian plant brew used in ritual and spiritual healing.

   • Explores therapeutic potential for trauma and depression, while spotlighting risks of unregulated ceremonies.

Why (Un)Well Matters

• Brings critical attention to the commercialization of herbalism and wellness.

• Shows both positive testimonials and darker sides of exploitation.

• Encourages viewers to differentiate safe herbal practices from unverified claims.

Heal (2017)

This documentary emphasizes the power of the mind-body connection.

Core Messages :

• Stress, trauma, and lifestyle affect physical health more deeply than often recognized.

• Herbalism is discussed alongside meditation, visualization, and nutrition as complementary healing tools.

• Experts and patients share how natural practices help restore balance when integrated with conventional medicine.

  
  

• Remains influential in introducing wellness newcomers to the idea that plants and herbs can support emotional and physical recovery.

  
  

Cooked (2016)

Based on Michael Pollan’s book, Cooked frames food as culture, healing, and community.

Relevance to Herbalism :

• Fermentation: emphasizes plant-based, probiotic foods (sauerkraut, kombucha) that overlap with herbal traditions.

• Fire, Water, Air, Earth: explores the four elements as ways humans transform plants into nourishing medicine.

• Daily Herbalism: shows how food itself is herbalism—garlic, turmeric, ginger as everyday medicines.

Other Netflix Documentaries Featuring Herbalism Elements :

• Forks Over Knives (2011): plant-based diet preventing chronic disease.

  
  

• What the Health (2017): investigates food systems and plant-based advocacy.

  
  

• Rooted (2018): showcases indigenous wisdom and sacred plants.

Practical Takeaways for Viewers :

• Treat Netflix documentaries as starting points, not final authorities.

• Use them to spark curiosity, then seek trained herbalists for real guidance.

• Value herbs as part of lifestyle: food, teas, baths, etc.

• Stay aware of sustainability: harvest responsibly, support eco-conscious suppliers.

• Combine herbalism with nutrition, rest, and stress care for full benefit.