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.
Hot Springs Health Benefits: What the Research Shows
Hot mineral springs have been used for pain and skin for thousands of years. Here is what the randomized trials and Cochrane reviews found, where the minerals matter and where the heat does the work, and the two infection risks every bather should know.
Natural Remedies for Insomnia, Part 1: What to Check Before You Reach for Herbs
Part one of a two-part guide. Before reaching for a sleep herb, check light, movement, stimulants, medications, thyroid, and food. Plus tart cherry juice and two gentle teas.
Glycine for Sleep, Blood Sugar and Collagen: What the Trials Found
Glycine is the amino acid that makes up a third of collagen and gelatin. Here is what the human trials measured for sleep, blood sugar and glutathione, which foods contain the most, the doses researchers used, and what the safety literature records.
Natural Melatonin Alternatives for Adults and Kids (Evidence-Based)
Melatonin supplements can suppress your body's own production over time. A clinical herbalist covers safer, non-hormonal sleep support for adults and children, from chamomile and tart cherry juice to light exposure and magnesium.
Herbs and Supplements for Memory: What the Trials Show
A clinical herbalist reviews the human trials behind the herbs and supplements sold for memory, names the manufacturer-funded ones, and covers the two habits with stronger data than any of them.
Federal Fluoride Ruling Vacated: Where the EPA Case Stands in 2026
A federal judge found fluoridation poses an unreasonable risk to children's IQ. An appeals court vacated that ruling in May 2026. Here is where the case stands and what the research behind it says.
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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.