A voice for
herbal medicine

We share traditional, scientific and practical insights written by experienced herbalists and health experts from the world of herbal medicine and natural health

Digestion 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

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

Herbal treatment for IBS

Herbal treatment for IBS

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

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The best herbs for the microbiome

The best herbs for the microbiome

We explain what the microbiome is and what herbs you can use to keep...

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

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...

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Crap food leads to crap health

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...

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5 herbs instead of laxatives

5 herbs instead of laxatives

Many of us will experience a bout of constipation at some point in our...

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Plants and the gut microbiome Prebiotics and postbiotics

Plants and the gut microbiome: Prebiotics and postbiotics

In this major review, we consider the astonishing implications of discoveries that each of...

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5 herbs instead of antacids

5 herbs instead of antacids

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

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

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?...

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

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...

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Bitters: Why herbalists love them and how they help digestion

Bitters: Why herbalists love them and how they help digestion

In botanical medicine, we value the gentle but consistent effects bitters have in promoting...

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Herbs suitable for diabetics

Herbs suitable for diabetics

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly common in industrially developed societies. Simon Mills explores the...

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Balancing oestrogen

Balancing oestrogen

Elevated oestrogen dominance are some of the most common factors associated with breast, uterine...

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Healing the Whole

Healing the Whole

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

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Green gold: The incredible benefits of matcha

Green gold: The incredible benefits of matcha

Matcha is a unique form of bright emerald green tea. Here we discuss its...

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Getting the dose right

Getting the dose right

Getting the dosage right is key to a successful treatment. Here we will look...

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Healthy oils Good and bad fats

Healthy oils: Good and bad fats

Fat can be healthy, you just have to pick the right ones. We will...

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Healthy weight

Healthy weight

Maintaining a balanced body weight and appearance is a constant pressure in the modern...

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Ayurveda and immunity: Thriving the Ayurvedic way

Ayurveda and immunity: Thriving the Ayurvedic way

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

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Relaxation: How to relax

Relaxation: Herbs that help you relax

We all need to relax sometimes. Modern living is stressful and our adrenal glands...

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The joys of being a vegetarian

The joys of being a vegetarian

The vegetarian world is a colourful, nutritious and exciting place; perhaps more than you...

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The six tastes

The six tastes

Taste impacts what we eat, when we eat and how much we eat. Each...

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The lipid layer Medas dhatu, health and balanced weight

The lipid layer: Medas dhatu, health and balanced weight

Our lipid layer protects, comforts and nourishes our whole body. Here we delve into...

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Turmeric, rather a lot more than curcumin

Turmeric, rather a lot more than curcumin

Curcumin is undoubtedly a key active medicinal constituent found in turmeric but there is...

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Rainbow food and phytonutrients

Rainbow food and phytonutrients

Many of the very compounds that protect plants from attack also have an immensely...

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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...

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Tea The original health drink

Tea: The original health drink?

So, is tea drinking good for you? As is so often the case when...

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Your Ayurvedic menstrual cycle

Your Ayurvedic menstrual cycle

In Ayurveda, the menstrual cycle has its very own Vata, Kapha and Pitta stage....

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What is detoxification?

What is detoxification?

Traditional systems of healthcare have used purification and cleansing techniques for centuries, here we...

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Skin inflammations in Ayurveda

Skin inflammations in Ayurveda

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

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Our caffeine and sugar culture

Our caffeine and sugar culture: How to combat cravings naturally

We discuss some home truths about sugar, coffee and caffeine including its origins, evolution...

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From food to capsule

From food to capsule

Is our modern day desire to want to ingest concentrated nutrients in the form...

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Ulcerative colitis and dysentery

Ulcerative colitis and dysentery

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

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The Ayurvedic approach to digestive health and nutrition

The Ayurvedic approach to digestive health and nutrition

In this article Sebastian Pole looks at the Ayurvedic perspective of how both the...

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Seasonal eating and fasting with Ayurveda

Seasonal eating and fasting with Ayurveda

Our digestive system adapts to the seasons throughout the year. Herbalist Sebastian Pole explores...

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