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.
Pick a topic below to get started.
How to Get Fragrance Out of Thrifted Clothes: My Non-toxic Method
Thrifted clothes arrive coated in someone else’s detergent and perfume. Here is the pre-soak and wash routine I use to strip it out, why fragrance clings to fibers, which products should never share a tub, and how to treat wool, silk, and dry-clean-only pieces.
Types of Herbal Preparations: Teas, Tinctures, Salves & More
A clinical herbalist's guide to every major herbal preparation type. Learn how infusions, decoctions, tinctures, oxymels, syrups, infused oils, and salves are made, how long each lasts, and how to choose the right form for the plant and the person.
Rosemary-Infused Salt Spray for Hair Recipe
Create beautiful, natural beachy waves + texture using this Rosemary Salt Spray. This recipe combines the aromatic and growth-supporting benefits of rosemary with the texturizing power of pink Himalayan salt.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe and Herbal Monograph: Uses, Safety, Look-Alikes
Learn how to make elderberry syrup at home to support immune health. This recipe, rich in antioxidants, is a tasty and effective way to combat cold and flu symptoms for the whole family.
How to Make Herbal Infusions and Decoctions (+ Which to Use)
Discover the art of preparing herbal infusions and decoctions with this comprehensive guide by Ivy Ham. Learn the ideal herbs, equipment, and techniques to extract the maximum health benefits from your chosen plants. Step-by-step instructions for both infusions and decoctions make it easy to create potent herbal remedies right in your kitchen. Plus, understand the reasons behind each method to elevate your herbal preparation skills.
Start Here
Reader Favorites
Not sure where to begin? These in-depth guides are the most-read pages on the site.
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.