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 3/24/23 Ivy Ham 3/24/23

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.

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.