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.
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.
What Causes Insulin Resistance? Diet, Thyroid, Stress, and the Herbs With Evidence
Insulin resistance builds from more than diet. Here is what the trials show about sleep, sitting, stress hormones, thyroid, and medications, the food-order method that cut post-meal glucose by a third, and an honest evidence ranking of berberine, gymnema, cinnamon, bitter melon, and kutki.
How Hypothyroidism Could Secretly be Sabotaging your Weight Loss Goals, Hormones & Overall Wellness
Hidden hypothyroidism may be silently sabotaging your metabolism, making weight loss feel impossible while disrupting hormone balance and overall energy. This article explores how modern diets, stress, and environmental toxins contribute to thyroid dysfunction—and what you can do to restore optimal function naturally.
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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
A 2026 comparison of reverse osmosis and gravity filters from someone who has used them all firsthand.
Clean Mineral Sunscreen Brands + DIY Zinc Sun Balm
The cleanest mineral sunscreens on the market, plus the non-nano zinc sun balm I make at home instead.
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.