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.
PFAS in Drinking Water & Everyday Life (2025 Guide)
PFAS contamination is now a nationwide issue, but avoiding these “forever chemicals” isn’t impossible. This guide breaks down the latest findings and offers practical steps—from water filters to fiber-rich foods—to help protect your health.
The Truth About the FDA’s Natural Desiccated Thyroid Ban
The FDA plans to ban animal-based thyroid medications like NDT, raising questions about patient choice and evidence. I break down why this matters, share research favoring NDT, and compare it directly to synthetic thyroid drugs.
Is Lab-Grown Meat Safe?
How is lab-grown “meat” made? From cell banking and genetic edits, to bioreactors, to chemical additives and scaffolds in plain English. Plus, I cover red-flag ingredients, safety problems, note the long-term unknowns, and share a printable PDF of tests/COAs to request from the manufacturer before you try it.
Ray Peat Diet: The Basics
This concise guide distills Dr. Raymond Peat’s research into a practical framework that puts energy production first. Explore food lists, protein tips, and lifestyle tweaks designed to leave you warmer, calmer, and more resilient.
Homemade Gelatin Marshmallows Recipe (+ Rose Variation)
My simple recipe for fluffy homemade marshmallows made with grass-fed beef gelatin and cane sugar or maple syrup, no corn syrup required. Plus how to turn them into rose marshmallows and a full herbal monograph on rose.
Food Intolerance vs Food Allergies
Allergies and intolerances can look alike but behave very differently once you dig into the biochemistry. Ivy Ham unpacks onset timing, dose thresholds, and mast-cell dynamics so you can communicate clearly with your provider and chart a smarter path to relief.
Safe Menstrual Products
Are you aware that most commercial period product brands include toxic chemicals that have been shown in studies to be detrimental to your health? With reproductive health issues and cancers on the rise, it’s time to take responsibility for your health and vote with your dollars for safer menstrual products for your monthly bleed.
Diquat: the “glyphosate-free” weed-killer that may be even more dangerous
Diquat—the “glyphosate-free” herbicide now appearing in Roundup—can devastate gut bacteria, damage organs, and may be 20+ times more toxic than its predecessor. Explore why America’s heavy pesticide use aligns with the world’s highest chronic-disease burden and how urgent regenerative farming offers a way out.
The FDA’s War on Herbal Medicine
Why does the FDA label time-tested herbs as “dangerous” while ignoring nuance and traditional use? Learn how modern regulation is silencing herbalists and limiting access to safe, plant-based alternatives.
Where to Buy Raw Milk in Huntersville, NC
Are you a Huntersville/Cornelius/Mooresville resident looking for some nutritious raw milk? Well here are all the businesses I know of as a local that carry it. I also discuss the 2025 Farm Act which is up for voting this July, that will potentially ban the sale of raw milk and how you can make a difference and help protect our right to food freedom.
Herbal Remedies for Hair Loss & Male Pattern Baldness
Learn about common root causes of hair loss and supportive natural remedies backed by science that can help. In this article I’m looking at genetics, nutrition, medications, vaccines and more that all are linked to hair loss, plus some herbs and natural remedies that can support those same issues.
Clean & Toxin-Free Makeup Brands
The average woman is exposed to more than 168 chemicals via her personal care products. Many of these chemicals are banned in other developed nations and are linked to detrimental health effects. Being informed about what you’re applying on your body is super important to preventing health issues.
Tylenol Autism & ADHD Lawsuits: Is Acetaminophen Unsafe During Pregnancy?
Plaintiffs allege that Tylenol makers and distributors failed to warn pregnant users about a heightened risk of autism and ADHD in their children. Although the multidistrict litigation judge issued a summary‑judgment ruling in favor of the defendants in August 2024, the decision is now being challenged on appeal.
Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids
Learn how I cured my hemorrhoids without needing surgery using natural remedies! I also get into the behaviors that cause hemorrhoids and how to prevent them. Getting surgery is only a very risky bandaid fix if you don’t change your behaviors.
Synthetic Fragrance is the New Second-Hand Smoke
Did you know that exposure to synthetic fragrance is similarly damaging to our health as being exposed to second-hand smoke? It’s true! Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are incredibly damaging to sensitive individuals, and even are emitted by essential oils. Learn about the health risks here!
Symptothermal Fertility Awareness Method
The symptothermal method is a highly effective, evidence-based fertility awareness technique that works as well as hormonal birth control when practiced correctly. Learn how to track your cycle using real-time biomarkers like basal body temperature and cervical mucus—and why it's nothing like the outdated rhythm method.
D.A.R.E to Hate Delta8
Delta-8 THC is a synthetic, chemically processed version of cannabis that lacks the safety, sustainability, and therapeutic integrity of traditionally grown, whole-plant cannabis. In this article, I’m exposing the hidden risks of Delta-8—from industrial solvents to mold-prone monocultures—and explaining why landrace, outdoor-grown cannabis remains the superior choice for health.
Raw Carrot Salad for Hormone Balance
Discover how the raw carrot salad, popularized by Dr. Ray Peat’s bioenergetic diet, can help support hormone balance, reduce estrogen dominance, and improve digestion. Backed by its unique fibers and anti-inflammatory benefits, this simple recipe is a powerful tool for gut, liver, and thyroid health.
Microplastics & Chemicals in Clothing
Plastic clothing, made from petroleum-based materials like polyester and nylon, sheds harmful microplastics and chemicals like PFAS, which infiltrate our environment and bodies. Learn how these synthetic fabrics impact our health, and discover safer alternatives in natural fibers to reduce exposure to microplastics and harmful chemicals.
Ray Peat’s Bioenergetic Theory for Diet & Why Energy is Everything
Dr. Ray Peat’s bioenergetic approach to nutrition—an energy‑first framework that prioritizes mitochondria, thyroid health, and pro‑metabolic foods over calorie restriction. Learn how optimizing cellular energy can boost metabolism (hellooooo weight loss), hormone balance, and overall vitality.
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.