The story of Amazon John Easterling is one of remarkable transformation and profound discovery. Far from the stereotypical image of the South American explorer driven by gold, Easterling’s journey led him to a far more valuable treasure: the healing power of the Amazon rainforest. This path intertwined beautifully with his relationship with the iconic Olivia Newton-John, creating a powerful partnership dedicated to plant medicine and wellness.
Easterling’s early aspirations were indeed rooted in adventure. Inspired by tales of lost Inca cities, he embarked on a journey to Ecuador and Peru in 1976, fresh out of the University of North Carolina. While initial dreams of finding gold remained unrealized, this marked the beginning of a lifelong connection with South America. He transitioned from selling handicrafts to trading pre-Columbian textiles, leather goods, and gemstones, immersing himself in the rich cultures and landscapes of the continent.
Amazon John Easterling and Olivia Newton-John in a Shipibo-Conibo village on the Rio Ucayali tributary of the Amazon. Easterling secured land titles for the indigenous community, highlighting their commitment to rainforest preservation and indigenous rights.
However, a significant turning point came during his explorations of the Peruvian rainforest. Years prior, Easterling had faced a severe health crisis battling hepatitis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever in 1972. While he survived, he felt his health was permanently compromised. During a bout of illness in the Amazon, indigenous healers introduced him to traditional plant remedies. They prepared a healing drink from Una de Gato vine bark, Chanca Piedra leaf and stem, and Sangre de Drago tree sap. To his astonishment, within days, he experienced a dramatic resurgence of energy and well-being, surpassing even his pre-illness condition.
This experience was a revelation. Easterling realized he had been overlooking the true treasures of the rainforest in his search for material wealth. The “real” treasure, he discovered, lay in the vast array of medicinal plants, offering unparalleled healing potential. This epiphany ignited a new passion within him, shifting his focus from treasure hunting to plant medicine research and advocacy.
He deepened his connection with the curanderos, the traditional medicine men of the Amazon, learning from their ancestral wisdom and knowledge of botanicals. This led to the founding of Amazon Herb Co., where for over two decades, Easterling dedicated himself to researching, formulating, and commercializing rainforest medicinal plants.
Amazon John Easterling and Olivia Newton-John exploring the Peruvian rainforest near Yaraincocha Lagoon, showcasing their shared passion for environmental conservation and plant-based wellness.
The very botanicals that had healed him – Una de Gato, Chanca Piedra, and Sangre de Drago – became the cornerstones of his research. Modern science has since validated the traditional uses of these plants. Una de Gato is known for its immune-boosting properties, Chanca Piedra for its antiviral effects, and Sangre de Drago sap as a potent antioxidant. This ancient wisdom, combined with contemporary scientific understanding, fuels Easterling’s ongoing work.
In 2008, another transformative event occurred in Easterling’s life: his marriage to Olivia Newton-John. Their union brought together two individuals with a shared commitment to health, wellness, and the power of nature. Newton-John, already a cancer survivor and advocate for holistic approaches to health, found a kindred spirit in Easterling.
Close-up portrait of Amazon John Easterling, highlighting his dedication to plant medicine research and his deep connection to the Amazon rainforest.
Together, they became vocal proponents of plant medicine, expanding their focus to include cannabis. Easterling, drawing upon his decades of experience with Amazonian botanicals, approached cannabis with the same respect and scientific curiosity. He established a research grow in California, cultivating various cannabis cultivars and developing unique formulations. His approach mirrors the reverence of the curanderos, emphasizing a deep connection with the plant and a holistic understanding of its therapeutic potential.
Newton-John, facing her own cancer journey, discovered the profound benefits of cannabis in managing pain, stress, and sleep disturbances. She openly credits cannabis for enabling her to wean off morphine and significantly improve her quality of life. Her personal experience has made her a powerful advocate for cannabis as a valuable tool in integrative cancer care and pain management.
Olivia Newton-John smiling warmly, representing her advocacy for cancer wellness and her positive experiences with plant-based medicine and cannabis.
The couple’s dedication extends beyond personal use and research. They are actively involved in the cannabis industry, with Easterling serving on the board of a cannabis company in Australia and co-owning a licensed farm in Oregon. He has also developed a microbial soil amendment, Bio Harmonic Tonic, aimed at enhancing the therapeutic properties of cannabis. Furthermore, they are committed to rainforest conservation, serving on the board of the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER), supporting indigenous communities in securing land rights and preserving their ancestral lands.
Their collaborative efforts culminated in a plenary address at the Cannabis Science Conference West, titled “Plant Medicine – A Personal Healing Journey.” In their address, they shared their individual journeys and their combined vision for the future of plant medicine. They highlighted the importance of scientific research in validating traditional plant-based remedies and emphasized the need for a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Olivia Newton-John and Amazon John Easterling presenting at a conference, illustrating their collaborative advocacy for plant medicine and their commitment to sharing knowledge and experiences.
Amazon John Easterling’s transformation from treasure hunter to plant medicine pioneer is an inspiring testament to the power of personal experience and the enduring wisdom of traditional knowledge. Together with Olivia Newton-John, he champions the cause of plant medicine, advocating for its integration into modern healthcare and promoting a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world. Their combined journey serves as a powerful reminder of the healing potential of nature and the importance of embracing a holistic approach to well-being.
