Artificial intelligence. Either they will subjugate us humans with their nefarious codes, or they will become our blippy BFFs—allies who will partner with us to remedy the world’s most complex issues. As much as we might want to shut our eyes against artificial intelligence (AI) and wish it away, these clever minions appear to be here to stay.

What does AI mean for herbalism? Does it even have anything to do with you?

I’m certainly no authority on artificial intelligence, but I’ll offer my perspective as a seasoned herbalist. And as a reformed technophobe—who lived off the grid in my twenties with no running water, electricity, or a phone, let alone a computer—who now owns a technology-based business, I have a unique viewpoint.

Wishing they were all as cute as R2D2,

Juliet and the Chestnut Team