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.
What Is Leaky Gut? Intestinal Permeability Explained by an Herbalist
Gliadin, stress, alcohol, and NSAIDs each raise intestinal permeability in controlled human studies. Here is what the research shows, how permeability is tested, and which supports have trial evidence.
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.
Lab Tests Find Cadmium in Boxed Mac & Cheese Brands: Full Results
Independent lab testing found cadmium in three boxed mac and cheese brands and lead in one. The published results and the organization behind the testing.
Natural Deodorant Recipe: A Primally Pure Dupe, Kitchen-Tested
My kitchen-tested deodorant recipe, built from the same eight ingredients as Primally Pure's unscented stick. Exact weights, essential oils optional, and the safety context to decide for yourself.
Low Testosterone: What the Research Says About Herbs, Thyroid and Lifestyle
Evidence review of fifteen commonly recommended approaches to low testosterone, from shilajit and tongkat ali to thyroid function and interval training, with study designs and their limitations.
Saffron and Mood: What the Clinical Trials Measured
Saffron has been tested against placebo, fluoxetine, and imipramine in small six to twelve week trials. I walk through who was enrolled, what was scored, and what the results can and cannot support.
Herbs for Bee Stings and Bug Bites: Plantain, Yarrow, and First Aid
The plants I keep on hand for stings and bites in Montana, how I use them, what the research supports, and the situations where no herb belongs in the plan.
Can Low Thyroid Cause High Cholesterol? What to Check First
High cholesterol can be a symptom of something deeper, especially low thyroid function. Learn the thyroid-cholesterol connection, how the definition of "high" cholesterol has shifted over the decades, the real trade-offs of with statins, + natural strategies to support healthy levels.
Gut Repair Protocol
A protocol that is supportive for reducing increased gut permeability (AKA “leaky gut”). I’ve educated about this protocol for years with clients as a jumping-off point and many have found it super helpful.
Rosemary-Infused Salt Spray for Hair Recipe
Create beautiful, natural beachy waves + texture using this Rosemary Salt Spray. This recipe combines the aromatic and growth-supporting benefits of rosemary with the texturizing power of pink Himalayan salt.
Herbal Medicine Books: 4 Titles a Clinical Herbalist Keeps
Six herbal medicine books that take you from your first herb to safe, well-made preparations, chosen and ordered by a certified clinical herbalist. Includes a free option and how to build the library used.
Herbal Remedies and Drug-Free Solutions for Dog Separation Anxiety and General Anxiety
Learn how I support my dogs’ anxiety levels with medicinal herbs and positive reinforcement training techniques.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe and Herbal Monograph: Uses, Safety, Look-Alikes
Learn how to make elderberry syrup at home to support immune health. This recipe, rich in antioxidants, is a tasty and effective way to combat cold and flu symptoms for the whole family.
Itchy Dog Paws: Why They Happen and 8 Natural Ways to Help
Learn ways to support your dogs paw microbiome to prevent and support itchiness and irritation. Plus, learn the causes of itchy paws so that you can prevent future discomfort.
Raw Milk Benefits vs Pasteurized Milk: Nutrition Facts, Risks, and What the Numbers Show
Is raw milk good for you? A clinical herbalist compares raw milk benefits, nutrition facts, and health risks against pasteurized milk using outbreak records, individual death case files, and the cohort studies on childhood asthma and allergy.
Symptothermal Fertility Awareness: Track Your Cycle Privately
Symptothermal fertility awareness reads your cycle from temperature and cervical mucus, on paper, with the strongest effectiveness record of any fertility awareness method. Here is how it works, how to track accurately, and why the alternative of handing your cycle data to an app carries risks the app's privacy policy will not protect you from.
Herbal Remedies for Immune Support
Astragalus, elderberry and echinacea each have a distinct job across a cold season. Here is what the traditions claimed, what the trials found, and how I prepare each one in my Montana kitchen.
Informed Consent in Medicine: Your Legal Right to Know
Explore the importance of informed consent in herbal medicine. This essential process respects your right to make health decisions, helps build trust with your herbalist or medical provider, and contributes to more effective treatments.
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.
Psychedelics: An Emerging Frontier for Brain Injury Treatment
Psychedelic substances like psilocybin and LSD are showing promise as novel treatments for brain injuries through their neuroprotective and plasticity-enhancing effects. Emerging research indicates these controversial drugs may protect neurons, regulate inflammation, and stimulate new connections in the injured brain to aid healing and recovery. This overlooked application represents an exciting new frontier in psychedelic medicine.
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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.