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.
Is Red Meat Healthy? Here’s What “The Science” Says
Explore the differences between grass-fed and conventional red meat, and examine the research that challenges the common view of red meat as unhealthy. This article highlights the nutritional benefits of pasture-raised beef and addresses the flaws in studies that group it with processed meat.
Blood Sugar Control
Discover the deeper causes behind blood sugar imbalances and why the standard narrative around diabetes misses the mark. This article explores overlooked factors and holistic tools for restoring metabolic health.
Healing Acne & Nourishing Your Skin’s Microbiome
Discover how a holistic approach—focusing on gut health, liver function, and gentle skincare—can naturally heal acne and restore your skin’s microbiome. Learn from my personal journey to clear, healthy skin through nourishing the body from within.
Do You Need a Certification to Be an Herbalist?
You don’t need a certification to be an herbalist — in fact, the title is unregulated and based more on experience than credentials. This article explores why self-taught herbalists can be just as skilled as certified ones, and how institutional bias plays a role in who gets to be considered “official.”
Herbs for Seasonal Allergies
Discover natural, evidence-based alternatives to conventional allergy medications that can soothe seasonal allergy symptoms without unwanted side effects. Learn how to strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation naturally for lasting relief.
Potassium Over Sodium: Reconsidering the Approach to Better Hydration
Discover why a potassium-dominant electrolyte drink may offer a healthier balance than traditional sodium-focused options, supporting blood pressure regulation, fluid balance, and overall metabolic health. Learn about potential pitfalls like hidden “natural flavors” and stevia, and get a simple DIY recipe for a truly clean, personalized hydration boost.
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.
11 Tips for a Healthy Liver
Your liver works tirelessly to detoxify your body, but modern diets, environmental toxins, and hormonal imbalances can overwhelm it—contributing to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This article explores 11 powerful, evidence-based ways to support liver function, from dietary shifts and targeted herbs to reducing toxin exposure and optimizing hormone balance.
Chaparral (Larrea tridentata): Healing Properties of the Creosote Bush
Discover the ancient secrets of chaparral, a resilient desert plant revered for its remarkable healing properties and enduring legacy. From its potent antioxidants to its traditional uses across cultures, this creosote bush offers a fascinating blend of nature’s wisdom and modern potential.
Ray Peat Inspired Savory Beef and Gelatin Broth Bowl
Discover how gelatin, praised by Dr. Ray Peat for its stress-busting and anti-aging benefits, can transform your health with this simple broth recipe. Packed with glycine and easy to make, it’s a tasty way to support wellness inspired by Peat’s groundbreaking insights.
Is your Plant-Based Milk Harming Your Gut Health?
Plant-based milks might seem like a healthy swap, but hidden ingredients could be quietly working against your gut. Discover what’s really in your favorite dairy alternative and whether it’s time to rethink your pour for better digestion and wellness.
Dr. Ray Peat on Progesterone: The Hidden Hero of Heart Health
Ivy’s latest article examines Dr Ray Peat's perspective on the complex connection between hormones and heart health. The piece invites readers to consider how nutrition and subtle hormonal influences might shape overall cardiovascular wellness.
Tremella Mushroom Pomegranite Gelatin Gummies Recipe
Boost your daily beauty and wellness with these nutrient-packed Tremella Mushroom Pomegranate Gelatin Gummies, made with organic pomegranate juice, grass-fed beef gelatin, and raw honey. Inspired by pro-metabolic nutrition and Dr. Ray Peat’s approach, this customizable recipe delivers a delicious way to support healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Herbs & Supplements for Memory
Unlock natural ways to support your memory and overall brain health with our comprehensive guide to herbal remedies and supplements. Explore holistic approaches and lifestyle adjustments designed to promote mental clarity and cognitive vitality as you age.
Unveiling Hidden Risks: How Everyday Choices Impact Your Cancer Risk
Discover the hidden factors that may be increasing your cancer risk, from endocrine disruptors to nutrient deficiencies and harmful chemicals in everyday products. Learn actionable steps to make informed choices for long-term health and prevention.
Ray Peat Gelatin Gummies Recipe (+ Pomegranate Variation)
These Ray Peat-inspired fruit juice gummies are a simple, protein-rich treat made with gelatin and fresh juice, offering a deliciously nourishing snack that's easy to customize.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Long COVID & Healing Vaccine Injuries
Explore how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) may offer relief for lingering symptoms of Long COVID and vaccine injuries by promoting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and supporting natural detoxification, with emerging research backing its potential benefits.
What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the gut lining becomes compromised, allowing toxins and harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Growing interest in functional medicine highlights its potential link to inflammation and various health conditions.
Judge Rules Fluoride in Drinking Water Poses Serious Risk to Children’s Brain Health
Learn about a federal judge's ruling on fluoride risks, its impact on health, and ways to minimize fluoride exposure for safer drinking water.
Independent Lab Finds Unsafe Levels of Lead and Cadmium in Boxed Mac & Cheese Brands
Independent lab tests reveal that popular boxed macaroni and cheese brands, including "healthy" options, contain dangerous levels of lead and cadmium, posing serious health risks.
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.