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.

Herbal Remedies Health Conditions Toxin Education Recipes Ray Peat Product Reviews Pregnancy & Birth Informed Consent

Ivy Ham 10/4/24 Ivy Ham 10/4/24

Nontoxic Deodorant Recipe

Learn how to make your own nontoxic deodorant with simple, skin-friendly ingredients that avoid the harmful chemicals found in conventional products.

Ivy Ham 4/27/24 Ivy Ham 4/27/24

Deodorant Workshop Notes

Explore the health benefits of natural deodorants with our workshop recap. Understand the risks associated with conventional deodorants, such as aluminum and parabens, and learn how switching to natural alternatives can improve your health. Learn about the role of the lymphatic system in detoxification and how to make your own non-toxic deodorant at home.

Ivy Ham 8/22/23 Ivy Ham 8/22/23

Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Immune Health

Learn how to make elderberry syrup at home for a natural immune boost. This recipe, rich in antioxidants, is a tasty and effective way to combat cold and flu symptoms for the whole family.

Ivy Ham 7/21/23 Ivy Ham 7/21/23

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 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.

Go Deeper Than the Articles

Reading is where it starts. These pages help you put herbalism into practice.

Become an Herbalist

The roadmap to studying herbal medicine, from first books to clinical practice.

Free Resources

Downloads, guides, and tools for learning herbalism at your own pace.

Holistic Pet Care

Safe, gentle herbal support for the animals in your family.

Handmade Tea Blends

Small-batch herbal tea blends formulated and blended by hand in Montana.

Herbal Topicals

Grass-fed tallow balm, botanical sugar scrub, and lip balm made with clean ingredients.

Meet Ivy

Learn about my training, my approach, and why I started Ivy Herbal.

Every article in this library is researched and written by a certified clinical herbalist, not a content farm. I cite primary sources, read the actual studies behind the headlines, and tell you plainly when the evidence is thin. You will find long-form guides on health conditions and the herbs traditionally used to support them, honest product reviews of water filters, coffee, sunscreen and more, and informed consent deep dives that give you the full picture before you make a health decision.

New articles are published regularly. Subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of this page to get them in your inbox, or reach out if there is a topic you would like me to cover.