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.
Adaptogenic Herbs for Stress
The word adaptogen is everywhere, but only seven botanicals and fungi actually meet the strict scientific criteria. This guide covers what separates a true adaptogen from an ordinary tonic herb, draws from Ayurveda, TCM, and Western herbalism, and includes short monographs for all seven.
Natural Melatonin Alternatives for Adults and Kids (Evidence-Based)
Melatonin supplements are widely used but come with real downsides, especially for children. Here are natural, evidence-based alternatives that support healthy sleep without disrupting your hormones.
How to Make Herbal Tinctures at Home (Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide)
A complete beginner's guide to making herbal tinctures at home using the standard 1:5 clinical-strength method. Learn which alcohol proof works best for different plant parts, what tinctures can and can't extract, and how to get started with simple kitchen tools.
Bugs in Your Food: A Complete Guide to Insect Ingredients Hiding on Store Shelves
Most Americans have no idea how many insect-derived ingredients are lurking in their everyday food. From the red dye in your yogurt to the shiny coating on your candy, bugs are far more common in the food supply than you might think. Here is everything you need to know to identify them on ingredient labels and make informed choices.
The Hidden Dangers of Flea and Tick Medications for Pets and What You Can Do Instead
Flea and tick meds are notorious for bad reactions, but here we are at the beginning of springtime, when ticks and fleas start waking back up. In this article, I go over the issues with these commonly prescribed meds, and what I do instead to prevent infestation.
High Cholesterol? Check Thyroid Levels
If your cholesterol is high, your thyroid may be the real issue. Learn why an underactive thyroid causes cholesterol to accumulate, how to test your thyroid at home using the Broda Barnes basal body temperature method, and explore both natural supplements and prescription treatment options for hypothyroidism.
Can You Eat Sourdough Bread on the Ray Peat Diet?
Sourdough bread remains a grey area for people following Dr Peat’s work. In this article I share what Ray Peat does say about sourdough bread via his interviews, emails, and articles and explain why I chose to include it in my 7-day Ray-Peat Inspired bioenergetic meal plan.
Risks of the Essential Oil Industry: Marketing Myths and Safety Concerns
The essential oil industry is built on trademarked myths and unsustainable practices. Learn about the hidden risks of endocrine disruption, the environmental cost of production, and why whole herbs are the safer choice for your home and health.
Homemade Rose Marshmallows Recipe + Rose Herbal Monograph
Make gut-friendly marshmallows with grass-fed beef gelatin and maple syrup or cane sugar in minutes. This Ray Peat-aligned recipe creates fluffy, collagen-rich squares that outshine any store-bought bag.
The 5 Toxic Additives Hiding in 80% of Supplements (and Why I Avoid Them)
The "Other Ingredients" list on your supplement bottle might be more important than the active ones. From DNA-damaging whiteners to gut-irritating fillers, many common additives are restricted in the EU but common in the US. Learn why the "low dose" argument fails and how to switch to truly clean, Ivy-approved supplements.
List of U.S. Grocery Chains Not Using Apeel-Coated Produce (as of july 2026)
Apeel/Organipeel is a produce coating regulated as a pesticide, with most of its formulation undisclosed and a layer that doesn’t wash off easily. This article reviews the safety file, ingredient sourcing, nutrient-loss concerns, and lists grocery stores in the US that don’t sell Apeel coated produce.
Osso Bucco Recipe
Osso Bucco is one of my favorite cuts of beef, and is rich in amino acids needed for skin, bone and joint health. I present the recipe I use to make this delicious hearty dish with modifications to make it in an Instant Pot, dutch oven or slow cooker. Enjoy!
Stop Taking Fish Oil Supplements: The Seed Oil of the Sea
Fish oil supplements are often oxidized and pro-inflammatory. This article explains why omega-3s are best obtained from whole foods like eggs, sardines, and salmon instead of capsules.
Are Carrots Fertility-Friendly? Separating the Root from the Seed
Viral posts this past year have claimed negative consequences of eating carrots on fertility, but are the contraceptive constituents actually found in the root of the carrot? Find out in this article.
Glycine Pancakes Recipe
My gift to you this holiday season: the elite gelatin/glycine delivery system! These gelatin pancakes are extremely nutrient dense and make the perfect, high-protein meal. Enjoy this easy and fast recipe!
Best & Worst Cooking Oils for Your Health
Not all cooking oils are created equal. This guide ranks the best low-PUFA, heat-stable fats for cooking and explains why many seed oils oxidize and inflame. Plus: safe, non-diet ways to use up seed oils you already own,without eating or applying them to your body.
Cartilage Regeneration in Humans: Evidence, Metabolism, and Hormones
New research shows humans actually retain salamander-like cartilage regeneration superpowers, even in elderly populations. Learn how metabolism, hormones, and nutrition may support slow but real joint repair.
Crunchy Gift Guide for 2025
Looking for crunchy/non-toxic gift ideas for this holiday season? I’ve got you covered. Explore some unique gift ideas from small businesses that will please even the crunchiest of recipients.
A Complete 7-Day Ray Peat–Inspired Bioenergetic Meal Plan
Check out this complete 7-day Ray Peat–inspired bioenergetic meal plan designed to boost energy, balance hormones, and support thyroid and liver health naturally. This plan emphasizes nutrient-dense whole foods like eggs, dairy, liver, seafood, fruit, and root vegetables while avoiding inflammatory PUFAs.
Tylenol Autism Mechanisms & My Thoughts on Yesterday's Announcement
New evidence is raising questions about Tylenol’s safety during pregnancy and its link to autism risk. Learn the possible biological mechanisms and why medical freedom and informed consent remain crucial in this ongoing discussion.
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.