The MediHerb Podcast

Angela Hywood - Herbs for Women's Health and their Forgotten Uses

In this episode, we sit down with Angela Hywood to explore the remarkable versatility of herbs most commonly used for women's health. Angela delves into the forgotten uses and broader applications of these botanicals, shedding light on their diverse therapeutic benefits. From Shatavari and Dong Quai to Black Cohosh and beyond, discover how these herbs can support not just reproductive health but a variety of other systems and conditions.

 

Bio: With over 25 years’ experience as a Naturopathic Clinician, Angela Hywoods’ areas of expertise lie in integrative endocrinology, fertility and pregnancy care, as well as herbal safety and pharmacology. With a world of experience as a published writer in complementary medicine journals and a presenter across Australia and internationally, Angela has a particular passion in the art and science of herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, whole food nutrition and lifestyle medicine.

Sebastian Pole - Preserving Nature’s Pharmacy: The Importance of Sustainable Herb Sourcing

Today, Sebastian Pole discusses the importance of sustainable practices in the herbal sourcing and growing industry. Sebastian emphasizes the vital need for practitioners to be informed about the origins of their herbs, understanding where and how they are grown, and who cultivates them. He discusses the ethical considerations of sourcing, focusing on the importance of responsible harvesting practices that protect plant species from overharvesting and potential extinction. Sebastian also shares how ethical sourcing impacts the quality and efficacy of herbal products, encouraging practitioners to align their practices with sustainable values that respect both the environment, and the communities involved in herbal cultivation. This conversation highlights the role practitioners can play in fostering a more sustainable herbal industry and preserving these precious resources for future generations.

Be sure to check out Sebastian's Website 'Herb Reality' - A voice for herbal medicine

https://www.herbalreality.com/

Bio: Sebastian Pole is a registered member of the Ayurvedic Professionals Association, Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine and a Fellow of the Unified Register of Herbal Practitioners. Sebastian is qualified as a herbalist with the aim of using the principles of Ayurveda and the Herbal tradition to help transform health. He has been in clinical practice since 1998.

He co-founded Pukka Herbs in 2001 and is experienced in organic herb growing, practitioner grade quality, and sustainable value chains. Sebastian is a Trustee of the FairWild Foundation, a Director of The Betonica School of Herbal Medicine, and an Advisor to The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and The Sustainable Herbs Project. In addition, he has created the Herb Reality website where he and other herbalists and health experts are a voice for herbal medicine sharing traditional, scientific and practical insights. Sebastian is on a mission to bring the incredible power of plants into people’s life. 

 

Sarah Franklin - Compassionate Care: Naturopathy’s Role in Palliative Care

In this podcast episode, we sit down with Sarah Franklin, a registered nurse and naturopath who specialises in oncology and palliative care. Sarah shares her insights on the essential role a naturopath can play in supporting patients through the challenging transition of palliative care. She discusses how naturopaths can collaborate with conventional care providers to enhance quality of life, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Key topics include managing symptoms, optimizing nutrition, addressing anxiety, and supporting the patient and their family through the end-of-life journey. Sarah also explores factors to consider, such as the importance of personalized care, addressing comfort, and navigating ethical considerations in palliative care.

 

Bio: Sarah is one of Australia’s leading Oncology Naturopathic practitioners. Sarah is a accomplished Naturopath, and distinguished Keynote speaker, with more than 23 years of experience in healthcare. In 2008, she founded Balanced Health, where she has supported over 8000 clients across Australia and Internationally.

Graduating from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia in 1999, Sarah initially specialized in oncology, palliative care, and emergency nursing. Her fascination with the potential of nutritional and naturopathic medicine in oncology care was ignited during her tenure as an oncology nurse. Witnessing patients benefit from integrative therapies sparked her profound interest in this field.

Keonie White - A Naturopathic Perspective on PANS and PANDAS

In this episode, we are joined by Keonie White, a renowned naturopath and expert in paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS and PANDAS). Keonie breaks down the complexities of these conditions, explaining what they are, their root causes, and how they are diagnosed. We discuss conventional treatments and symptoms to look out for in paediatric patients. Keonie also explains her naturopathic perspective on the conditions, emphasising the importance of supporting the whole person and individualising recommendations to the patient. She shares her expertise on herbs and nutrients that may assist in helping children with PANS/PANDAS, providing insight into a holistic approach to these challenging conditions.

Keoni offers mentoring for practitioners on PANS and PANDAS and currently has 2 offers:

Navigating PANS and PANDAS masterclass: 90 minute training designed for practitioners to have a foundational understanding of PANS and PANDAS with key features to accurately identify cases and avoid the common pitfalls. Keonie gives practitioners clinical insights on her unique approach to this complex paediatric condition

https://a4xuxhqkx2sdisyhwely.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/32734f78-1866-479b-882f-7e2197acde3d

Moore Method Training for Practitioners: is an in-depth training program for practitioners wanting to master Keonie’s unique process of helping children battling PANS and PANDAS. In this immersive experience, Keonie guides you through every facet of the unique, results-driven approach, providing the in-depth knowledge and practical strategies needed to lead young patients towards complete remission. This is on-demand training can be done at your own pace and includes 3 x 1 on 1 mentoring sessions with Keonie personally to go through your cases and test results. 

https://a4xuxhqkx2sdisyhwely.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/b51e243a-24cc-4694-91d7-88ed83b0f70a 

 

Bio: Experienced, award-winning naturopath, mentor, and keynote speaker, Keonie White, is the pioneering founder of ReMed.

With her extensive experience with children, she has become specialised in neurological presentations such as ADHD, autism, OCD, tics and paediatric oncology.

Keonie is recognised as a leading practitioner in paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS and PANDAS), a condition that leads to anxiety, OCD and tics after an infection in children.

 

Moira Bradfield Strydom - Microbiome Matters: Exploring the Vaginal Ecosystem and its Influences

In this episode, we sit down with Moira Bradfield Strydom, a naturopath and founder of Intimate Ecology, to discuss vaginal health. With a PhD focused on recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush) and the effects of fluconazole oral therapy on both the vaginal and digestive microbiomes and over 20 years of clinical experience, Moira brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

We discuss what constitutes a healthy vaginal microbiome and explore the numerous factors that can disrupt its balance, including, lifestyle habits, diet, the menstrual cycle, and menopause. Moira also sheds light on lesser-known contributors like histamine, offering practical advice on maintaining microbiome health for optimal patient outcomes.

Bio: Dr. Moira Bradfield Strydom (PhD, B.Nat, M. Acu) is a clinical Naturopath with over 20 years in practice. She has taught in both higher education and private sector holistic education for over 15 years. She runs a busy genitourinary focussed virtual practice in Australia called Intimate Ecology and also offers mentoring and group education with a unique focus on genitourinary health. 

Moira completed a PhD at Griffith University in 2023, focussing on a clinical intervention for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) in addition to exploring patient experiences and mapping the impact of fluconazole on the fungal and bacterial microbiome (gut and vagina). 

Moira's extensive experience and practical teaching style allows her to bring a new depth of understanding to an important aspect of holistic healthcare. Lessons that convert to effective clinical care.

You can find out more about Moira and her services at www.intimateecology.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/intimateecology/?hl=en @intimateecology 

Dr. Elizabeth Steels: Metabolic Syndrome and the Rise of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Steels to explore the alarming rise of metabolic syndrome, particularly its increasing prevalence among younger generations. Dr. Steels delves into the root causes of this concerning trend, emphasizing the critical role diet and lifestyle factors. She discusses optimal macro ratios and highlights how choosing the right types and amounts of carbohydrates is paramount for controlling metabolic dysfunction.

We also discuss the growing use of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Dr. Steels shares insights on how healthcare professionals can support patients using these medications through mitigating side effects and nutritional, and lifestyle interventions for optimal outcomes. She also shares her top herbs that act as natural GLP-1 receptor agonists.

 

Bio: Elizabeth is a clinical biochemist and nutritionist with over 30 years experience in clinical practice, research, clinical trials, formulation and regulatory affairs. She runs a consulting and research clinic in New Farm, Brisbane. She is also an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, and has a growing team of clinical naturopaths enrolled in MPHIL and PHD students, also becoming researchers to further support natural health research. The projects vary from metabolic disease and diabetes, pain and peripheral neuropathy, GIT health, candida overgrowth, to probiotics for bone health in menopause. She is well published and often speaks at academic and industry events.

 

Kerry Bone - Cognitive Care: Holistic Strategies for Dementia and Alzheimer's Prevention (Part 2)

In the second part of our series, we move from understanding the foundations of cognitive decline to actionable strategies for prevention and support. Building on our exploration of the pathogenesis and contributing factors of cognitive impairment, this episode focuses on practical interventions. Professor Kerry Bone discusses key herbs and discusses how targeting areas such as microcirculation and mitochondrial function can make a significant impact.

Bio: Professor Kerry Bone, as the Director of Research & Development at MediHerb drives innovation in Phytomedicinal Research, with prestigious recognition in the industry of Herbal Medicine.

From co-finding MediHerb in 1986, Kerry’s inspiration for high-quality herbal medicine has paved the way for Naturopathic practitioners in Australia and overseas, reflecting traditional practices, effective extraction techniques, phytochemical analyses, and scientific understanding utilising contemporary research.

 

Kerry Bone - Cognitive Care: Holistic Strategies for Dementia and Alzheimer's Prevention (Part 1)

In the first part of our two-part series, Professor Kerry Bone discusses the complexities of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, examining the pathogenesis and the various contributing factors that lead to cognitive impairment. From genetic predispositions to diet and lifestyle influences, we uncover the multifaceted causes behind these conditions. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding cognitive decline, setting the stage for actionable strategies and interventions in part two. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of what underlies dementia and Alzheimer's disease and how we can begin to address it, understanding that prevention is key.

Bio: Professor Kerry Bone. Kerry is the co-founder and innovation driver at MediHerb as the Director of Research & Development; practicing Herbalist and Naturopath with 38 years of experience; a lecturer in Australia and overseas; a prolific author with 7 published Herbal Medicine texts and over 40 scientific papers on herbal research including original research and Systematic Reviews.