Herbalism Articles: Traditional Practice, Primary Research
I'm Ivy Ham, a certified clinical herbalist. Every article in this library combines traditional practice from Western herbalism, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine with primary research you can check for yourself.
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Hot Springs Health Benefits: What the Research Shows
Hot mineral springs have been used for pain and skin for thousands of years. Here is what the randomized trials and Cochrane reviews found, where the minerals matter and where the heat does the work, and the two infection risks every bather should know.
Eating Slowly Raises GLP-1 Naturally: The Case for Meal Hygiene
Eating the same 675 kcal meal over 30 minutes instead of 5 raised natural GLP-1 output by about 41% in a clinical trial. Learn how meal hygiene, eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and eating in a rest and digest state, supports fullness hormones, digestion, and weight management.
Are Carrots Fertility-Friendly? Separating the Root from the Seed
Viral posts this past year have claimed negative consequences of eating carrots on fertility, but are the contraceptive constituents actually found in the root of the carrot? Find out in this article.
Microplastics in Clothing: Safer Swaps, Natural Fiber Brands
Most clothing is now made from plastic. Here are the swaps I make, the natural fiber and non-superwash wool brands I buy, how I thrift, and what the research on microplastics, viscose and PFAS shows so far.
Fatty Liver Disease: Causes, Symptoms & 11 Tips for a Healthy Liver
Nearly one in three adults has fatty liver disease, most without symptoms. Here is what causes it, how to spot it, and 11 tips ranked by the strength of the evidence behind them.
What Is Leaky Gut? Intestinal Permeability Explained by an Herbalist
Gliadin, stress, alcohol, and NSAIDs each raise intestinal permeability in controlled human studies. Here is what the research shows, how permeability is tested, and which supports have trial evidence.
Lab Tests Find Cadmium in Boxed Mac & Cheese Brands: Full Results
Independent lab testing found cadmium in three boxed mac and cheese brands and lead in one. The published results and the organization behind the testing.
Low Testosterone: What the Research Says About Herbs, Thyroid and Lifestyle
Evidence review of fifteen commonly recommended approaches to low testosterone, from shilajit and tongkat ali to thyroid function and interval training, with study designs and their limitations.
Herbal Medicine Books: 4 Titles a Clinical Herbalist Keeps
Six herbal medicine books that take you from your first herb to safe, well-made preparations, chosen and ordered by a certified clinical herbalist. Includes a free option and how to build the library used.
What Is a Loading Dose? Meaning, Purpose, and Examples
A loading dose shortens the wait for steady state, but only for compounds that clear slowly and build up in tissue. Creatine, vitamin D, iron, and omega-3s qualify. Most herbs do not, and the vitamin D trials show what happens when loading goes past its endpoint.
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Is Apeel Discontinued? 2026 Store List
Which U.S. grocery chains have said no to Apeel-coated produce, which have not, and how to shop around it. Updated September 2026.
The Ray Peat Diet Guide
Every food he mentioned in a searchable database of 150, his hormone framework in order, recipes, and links to his first-hand sources.
Adaptogenic Herbs for Stress
Only seven botanicals truly meet the scientific criteria for adaptogens. Monographs on all seven, drawing on Ayurveda, TCM, and Western herbalism.
Best Water Filters for Fluoride, Aluminum & PFAS
A 2026 comparison of reverse osmosis and gravity filters from someone who has used them all firsthand.
Natural Tick Repellent That Works
Plant-based repellents that hold up in studies, a DIY recipe, and the case against DEET and permethrin.
The Clean Coffee Buying Guide
Every brand that passes strict criteria: third-party tested, organic, mold-free, with a Swiss Water decaf option.