Herbalism Articles: Traditional Medicine Through a Modern Lens
Welcome to the Ivy Herbal article library. I'm Ivy Ham, a certified clinical herbalist, and every article here blends traditional wisdom from Western herbalism, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine with primary research you can check for yourself. Whether you are researching herbal remedies for a specific concern, learning to spot hidden toxins in your food, water, and home, or looking for clean, whole-food recipes, there is something here for you.
New to herbal medicine? Start with my Become an Herbalist guide or browse the free resources library.
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.
Symptothermal Fertility Awareness Method
The symptothermal method is a highly effective, evidence-based fertility awareness technique that works as well as hormonal birth control when practiced correctly. Learn how to track your cycle using real-time biomarkers like basal body temperature and cervical mucus—and why it's nothing like the outdated rhythm method.
Microplastics & Chemicals in Clothing
Plastic clothing, made from petroleum-based materials like polyester and nylon, sheds harmful microplastics and chemicals like PFAS, which infiltrate our environment and bodies. Learn how these synthetic fabrics impact our health, and discover safer alternatives in natural fibers to reduce exposure to microplastics and harmful chemicals.
Ray Peat’s Bioenergetic Theory for Diet & Why Energy is Everything
Dr. Ray Peat’s bioenergetic approach to nutrition—an energy‑first framework that prioritizes mitochondria, thyroid health, and pro‑metabolic foods over calorie restriction. Learn how optimizing cellular energy can boost metabolism (hellooooo weight loss), hormone balance, and overall vitality.
11 Tips for a Healthy Liver
Your liver works tirelessly to detoxify your body, but modern diets, environmental toxins, and hormonal imbalances can overwhelm it—contributing to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This article explores 11 powerful, evidence-based ways to support liver function, from dietary shifts and targeted herbs to reducing toxin exposure and optimizing hormone balance.
What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the gut lining becomes compromised, allowing toxins and harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Growing interest in functional medicine highlights its potential link to inflammation and various health conditions.
Independent Lab Finds Unsafe Levels of Lead and Cadmium in Boxed Mac & Cheese Brands
Independent lab tests reveal that popular boxed macaroni and cheese brands, including "healthy" options, contain dangerous levels of lead and cadmium, posing serious health risks.
Changing 'Normal' Testosterone Levels: Causes, Effects, and Natural Solutions for Low T
Testosterone levels have significantly declined over the past century, impacted by environmental toxins, poor diet, and modern lifestyles, but natural solutions like herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments offer effective ways to restore hormonal balance.
Herbal Remedies Books — What’s On My Bookshelf as a Certified Herbalist
Looking to learn what books you need to get started on your health sovereignty journey? Herbalism books can be expensive, and many lists out there have over 20 recommendations of what to buy to get started. Ivy’s got you covered with her top 4 books to buy before any others!
What is a Loading Dose?
Discover the concept of a loading dose in the realm of modern clinical herbalism, including its applications, safety, and evidence-backed benefits. This in-depth article explores how an initial higher dose of an herbal remedy can quickly achieve therapeutic levels, offering rapid relief for various health conditions. Learn about the importance of consulting with a qualified herbalist when starting an herbal protocol and uncover how recent studies support the efficacy of loading doses.
Start Here: Reader Favorites
Not sure where to begin? These in-depth guides are the most-read articles on the site.
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.
Ray Peat Approved Foods List
The complete guide to bioenergetic eating: fruits, dairy, proteins, fats, grey area foods, and a detailed FAQ.
Best Water Filters for Fluoride, Aluminum & PFAS
An honest 2026 comparison of reverse osmosis and gravity filters from someone who has actually used them.
Cleanest Sunscreen Brands + DIY SPF 50 Recipe
The cleanest mineral sunscreens on the market, plus a homemade SPF 50 recipe you can make yourself.
Natural Tick Repellent That Actually Works
Research-backed plant-based repellents, a DIY recipe, and the honest 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.