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.
Wool Bedding Benefits: The Lancet Lambswool Trial
In 1983, doctors in Cambridge laid premature babies on lambswool instead of cotton and the babies grew 22 percent faster. What that trial found, what hospital sheepskin trials added, what the polyester fertility experiments and textile chemical testing show, and how to tell a medical grade sheepskin from a regular one.
Microplastics in Clothing: Safer Swaps, Natural Fiber Brands
Most clothing is now made from plastic. Here are the swaps I make, the natural fiber and non-superwash wool brands I buy, how I thrift, and what the research on microplastics, viscose and PFAS shows so far.
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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.