Digestion and nutrition

There is a wide variety of approaches to diet and digestive health. In these articles, you can explore more on weight, digestion, herbal health and nutrition.

“The life of all living beings is based on food, and all the world seeks food. Complexion, clarity, good voice, long life, understanding, happiness, satisfaction, strength and intelligence all come from food.” – Charaka Samhita

Herbal treatment for IBS

IBS is a common debilitating condition that can be treated effectively with herbs. We share 5 IBS herbs.

The best herbs for the microbiome

We explain what the microbiome is and what herbs you can use to keep yourself healthy and in balance.

The impact of pesticides on the gut microbiome: A closer look at health risks

Pesticides are heavily used in modern life, but what effect do they have on our health? We shed light on issues with pesticides as well...

Crap food leads to crap health: Why do we put up with it?

We know that good quality, nutritious food optimises health and prevents disease but we don't eat enough of it. We find out why.

5 herbs instead of laxatives

Many of us will experience a bout of constipation at some point in our life. Here are 5 herbs instead of laxatives.

Plants and the gut microbiome: Prebiotics and postbiotics

In this major review, we consider the astonishing implications of discoveries that each of us is a unique joint enterprise between our body and its...

5 herbs instead of antacids

Herbalist Simon Mills explores how to use herbs to reduce acid-associated problems, such as reflux and indigestion.

Too busy for health? The link between our fast-paced lives, nutrition and psychology

We know what is healthy, but why do we find ourselves eating unhealthy food? This article highlights our behavioural patterns and food choices as well...

The effects of modern life on our gut health and what to do about it

With the advent of ultra-processed foods and the over-use of pharmaceuticals, what do we know about the impact this is having on our gut health?

Bitters: Why herbalists love them and how they help digestion

In botanical medicine, we value the gentle but consistent effects bitters have in promoting digestive health and liver function.

Herbs suitable for diabetics

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly common in industrially developed societies. Simon Mills explores the onset and management of Type 2 diabetes.

Balancing oestrogen

Elevated oestrogen dominance are some of the most common factors associated with breast, uterine and ovarian conditions in women. Find out how diet and herbs...

Healing the whole: How herbs can change the world through a holistic approach

How herbs are changing the face of the world through a holistic approach to health.

Green gold: The incredible benefits of matcha

Matcha is a unique form of bright emerald green tea. Here we discuss its amazing health benefits and tradition of use.

Getting the dose right

Getting the dosage right is key to a successful treatment. Here we will look at how you can achieve the perfect dose for each herb...

Healthy oils: Good and bad fats

Fat can be healthy, you just have to pick the right ones. We will take you through the good and bad fats, and explain how...

Healthy weight

Maintaining a balanced body weight and appearance is a constant pressure in the modern world. Here we will discuss how you can achieve this and...

Ayurveda and immunity: Thriving the Ayurvedic way

Ayurveda presents some excellent philosophy and guidance on how we can maintain a healthy immune system.

Relaxation: Herbs that help you relax

We all need to relax sometimes. Modern living is stressful and our adrenal glands are constantly under pressure to perform. Here we discuss how you...

The joys of being a vegetarian

The vegetarian world is a colourful, nutritious and exciting place; perhaps more than you might think. Read on to discover more.

The six tastes

Taste impacts what we eat, when we eat and how much we eat. Each plant has a unique taste profile which, when unlocked and understood,...

The lipid layer: Medas dhatu, health and balanced weight

Our lipid layer protects, comforts and nourishes our whole body. Here we delve into deep Ayurvedic thoughts on the role of fat.

Turmeric, rather a lot more than curcumin

Curcumin is undoubtedly a key active medicinal constituent found in turmeric but there is so much more to this vibrant root.

Rainbow food and phytonutrients

Many of the very compounds that protect plants from attack also have an immensely beneficial and protective effect on the humans that ingest them; these...

Adaptogens Managing stress and stressful situations

Adaptogens: Herbs to manage stress and stressful situations

Adaptogens help the body to adapt, adjust and recalibrate itself depending on our emotional and physical surroundings.

Tea: The original health drink?

So, is tea drinking good for you? As is so often the case when it comes interpreting the health sciences and the benefits, or risks,...

Your Ayurvedic menstrual cycle

In Ayurveda, the menstrual cycle has its very own Vata, Kapha and Pitta stage. How can this help? If you can recognise which phase affects...

What is detoxification?

Traditional systems of healthcare have used purification and cleansing techniques for centuries, here we will find out more about what toxins are and how they...

Skin inflammations in Ayurveda

Skin inflammations are becoming increasingly common, with atopic dermatitis or eczema affecting 1–3% of adults.

Our caffeine and sugar culture: How to combat cravings naturally

We discuss some home truths about sugar, coffee and caffeine including its origins, evolution of use, craving behaviours and, last but not least, herbal solutions...

From food to capsule

Is our modern day desire to want to ingest concentrated nutrients in the form of food supplements a survival mechanism?

Ulcerative colitis and dysentery

In this article we will consider dysentery, known as pravahika, from the standpoint of modern Western epidemiology.

The Ayurvedic approach to digestive health and nutrition

In this article Sebastian Pole looks at the Ayurvedic perspective of how both the quality of food as well as the quality of digestion influence...

Seasonal eating and fasting with Ayurveda

Our digestive system adapts to the seasons throughout the year. Herbalist Sebastian Pole explores seasonal eating and fasting with Ayurveda.

Herbal Actions

Black horehound

Iceland moss

Cardiovascular system

Digestive system

Endocrine system

Immune system

Musculoskeletal system

Nervous system

Other systems

Reproductive system

Respiratory system

Skin health

Stages of life

Urinary system

Health and lifestyle

Herbalism

Glossaries

Digestion and nutrition

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