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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Armour Thyroid vs Levothyroxine: What the Trials, Dr Broda Barnes, + Ray Peat PhD Found
Levothyroxine is T4 only and depends on the body converting it to T3. Armour Thyroid supplies both at a fixed four-to-one ratio. In blinded trials the average patient did the same on either, while the patients who still felt hypothyroid on levothyroxine did better with T3. Here is what is in each tablet, the three questions that decide the comparison, and how Dr. Broda Barnes and Ray Peat PhD approached it.
The 7 True Adaptogens: Herbs That Modulate Stress in Both Directions
Most herbs marketed as adaptogens are not actually adaptogens. This guide covers the seven that meet all three of Brekhman's criteria, including bidirectional normalization, with short monographs drawn from TCM, Ayurveda, and Western clinical herbalism.
Are Essential Oils Safe? Marketing Myths, Hormone Risks, and Pet Dangers
No agency grades essential oils, published case reports link lavender and tea tree oil to hormonal effects in children, and many oils are dangerous to cats and dogs. Here is what the research shows and what I use instead.
Is Armour Thyroid Being Discontinued? FDA Status Update, September 2026
The FDA walked back its 2025 natural desiccated thyroid ban. What the March 2026 guidance means for Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, insurance coverage, and patient access.
Safe Menstrual Products: What Testing Has Found in Tampons, Pads and Period Underwear
Researchers have now tested tampons, pads, cups and period underwear for metals, PFAS, phthalates and fragrance compounds. Here is what they found, which claims hold up, and how to choose products when ingredient labeling is not required.
Why I Avoid Delta-8 THC: What It Is and the 2026 Federal Ban
Delta-8 is not a natural plant medicine. Independent testing found undisclosed impurities in commercial products, and a law signed in November 2025 removes most of them from shelves by late 2026. Here is what changed and why I avoided these products from the start.
Do You Need a Certification to Be an Herbalist?
You don’t need a certification to be an herbalist — in fact, the title is unregulated and based more on experience than credentials. This article explores why self-taught herbalists can be just as skilled as certified ones, and how institutional bias plays a role in who gets to be considered “official.”
Informed Consent in Medicine: Your Legal Right to Know
Explore the importance of informed consent in herbal medicine. This essential process respects your right to make health decisions, helps build trust with your herbalist or medical provider, and contributes to more effective treatments.
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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.