A voice for
herbal medicine

We share traditional, scientific and practical insights written by experienced herbalists and health experts from the world of herbal medicine and natural health

Safety

“In the end we will conserve only what we love.
We will love only what we understand.
We will understand only what we are taught.”
Baba Dioum

Do you know your herbs, their traditional actions and benefits? Do you know how safe they are and how to use them? Our expert insights articles take a look at safety issues facing herbalism.

Beyond Pills campaign A call for herbal activism

Beyond Pills campaign: A call for herbal activism?

How can we reduce unnecessary prescriptions and promote selfcare with greater herbal activism?

How herbs can help reduce antibiotic overprescribing

Supporting doctors: How herbs can help reduce antibiotic overprescribing

The overuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance and higher risk of major health issues. We share how herbalism can help.

The quiet ecocide of pharmaceutical pollution

The quiet ecocide of pharmaceutical pollution

We may be familiar with the impact of plastic, agrochemical, and human waste, but what are the causes and consequences of pharmaceutical pollution?

Threats to ashwagandha safety How do we respond to new reports of liver damage

Threats to ashwagandha safety: How do we respond to new reports of liver damage?

Evidence suggests that one of our most widely prescribed herbs, ashwagandha, poses a risk to liver health. Simon Mills discusses findings and how we may...

A guide for herb-drug interactions

A guide for herb-drug interactions 

Herbalists and doctors alike have a responsibility to provide information on potential herb-drug interactions and refer to herb-drug interaction checkers for guidance.

The impact of pesticides on the gut microbiome A closer look at health risks

The impact of pesticides on the gut microbiome: A closer look at health risks

Pesticides are heavily used in modern life, but what effect do they have on our health? We shed light on issues with pesticides as well...

The Register of Chinese herbal medicine’s response to media backlash against herbs

The Register of Chinese herbal medicine’s response to media backlash against herbs

Herbal medicine often faces negative press, from ill-informed sources. The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine have gathered a panel of experts to respond to a...

give herbs a chance

Give herbs a chance

There is a rise in complex chronic conditions. We explore how and why herbal medicines can be here to help.

Should I self treat at home or consult a herbalist?

Should I self treat at home or consult a herbalist?

Herbal self-care is a life skill we believe everyone should have. However sometimes seeing a medically trained herbalist is the best healthcare option.

A guide to safe and sustainable foraging

A guide to safe and sustainable foraging

Foraging has boomed in popularity in recent years as people seek to connect with nature.

Herbal quality and safety: What to know before you buy

Herbal quality and safety: What to know before you buy

We explore what to look out for when buying good and safe herbal products.

Toward a sustainable future for frankincense An ancient medicine in a modern world

Toward a sustainable future for frankincense: An ancient medicine in a modern world

Dr. Anjanette DeCarlo and Stephen Johnson explore the many changes the sustainable trade in frankincense has seen.

A brief history of herbal quality assessment: From ancient Rome to 21st century mitochondria

A brief history of herbal quality assessment: From ancient Rome to 21st century mitochondria

Quality control has been an issue for as long as humans have used herbs to heal. Herbal medicines can be adulterated for a variety...

Kava: Mythical origins and epic coevolution

Kava: Mythical origins and epic coevolution

Origin Myths from various cultures and religions are fascinating examples of oral tradition. Bill Chioffi shares the story of a plant which is used in...

Botanical drugs and supplements that may be safe and useful in COVID-19

Botanical drugs and supplements that may be safe and useful in COVID-19

Mark Blumenthal explores the misapprehensions surrounding the safety and efficacy of herbal ingredients to help guide clinical use.

Traditional herbal medicine, pharmacognosy, and pharmacopoeial standards A discussion at the crossroads

Traditional herbal medicine, pharmacognosy, and pharmacopoeial standards: A discussion at the crossroads

Despite the development of modern medicines in the past few hundred years, herbal medicine remains the mainstay of medicine for most underdeveloped and developing nations.

Ephedra: ma huang or ephedrine?: A lesson for herbal practitioners

Ephedra: ma huang or ephedrine? A lesson for herbal practitioners

Ephedra is a valuable herb. It is however banned in the USA. We take a look at this story and what we can learn.

Are herbs safe?

Are herbs safe?

In this review we understand that herbs are not a public hazard, and that humans have always been very good at avoiding plants that upset...

Getting the dose right

Getting the dose right

Getting the dosage right is key to a successful treatment. Here we will look at how you can achieve the perfect dose for each herb...

The birth of nutraceuticals

The birth of nutraceuticals

Find out how nutraceuticals first evolved and are now a booming industry bringing the power of plants to a shelf near you.

Sign up to our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the very latest in herbal insights.