In Part 2 of our Herbal Lymphatics podcast, Kristin and Julianne delve into the unique cell type, structure and function of the lymphatic system, and how herbal medicines can be utilised to support lymphatic integrity and activity. Kristin generously provides patient case examples where the addition of herbal lymphatics made a tremendous difference to treatment outcomes, with cases ranging from reproductive, skin, and metabolic health conditions. This podcast highlights the import...

In Part 1 of our Herbal Lymphatics podcast, Julianne interviews Kristin regarding the importance and unique role of herbal lymphatics and lymphagogues. Kristin outlines the significance of this broad and varied group of phytomedicines in maintaining health, particularly in chronic illnesses, and helps the practitioner to understand how to differentiate between these herbal medicines in order to select the most efficacious herb for their individual patient. Kristin provides clear e...

In 2015 OptimalRx had the privilege of recording some lectures presented by wonderful American Naturopathic doctor, herbalist, and midwife, Mary Bove, who we sadly lost this year. Mary was such an inspiring and passionate advocate for botanical medicine and in remembrance and in honour of her amazing legacy, here are some excerpts from her 2015 lecture, “Botanical Management of Metabolic Syndrome”, where she particularly highlighted the importance of adaptogens for these patients, discu...

Kristin and Julianne speak with Janella Purcell, a pioneer in Australia’s Health and Wellness industry with over 25 years of clinical experience as a Naturopath, Herbalist and Nutritionist. Janella rose to prominence as a whole-food TV chef on shows like Good Chef Bad Chef, The Biggest Loser, and What’s Good For You, and has since become a sought-after public speaker, retreat facilitator, and healer in private practice. Janella is also the award-winning author of five best-selling books...

Kristin and Julianne speak with Rebecca Holly, a Naturopath, Astrologer, and Green Witch practicing Folk Herbalism in an earth-centred and heart-led way. In this podcast, Rebecca explores some of the language and concepts in Astrological energetics, differentiates Western and Vedic Astrology, and discusses herbal medicine prescribing using Astrology, particularly focusing on the properties of solar herbs and their capacity to act as antidepressants. Rebecca generously shares patie...

Kristin and Julianne speak with Dr. Jimi Wollumbin, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor and a registered medical practitioner with AHPRA, regarding the depth and richness of traditional medicine systems, including TCM, Ayurveda and Western Herbalism. Since completing his TCM internship in Beijing in 2002, Dr. Jimi has pursued extensive research across India, Tibet, Mongolia, Persia, and Siberia, exploring diverse healing traditions and integrating the wisdom of these traditions into h...

Kristin and Julianne speak with Amanda Trieger, an experienced Naturopath, Doula and Women’s Health Educator. Amanda has a deep connection to Earth Medicine and cyclical living and in this podcast Kristin and Julianne discuss with Amanda how practitioners, and their patients, can thrive by aligning their lives and businesses with the natural rhythms of the seasons, the moon, and the menstrual cycle. Amanda discusses the use of herbal medicine in promoting both physical and emotion...

In this podcast, Kristin and Julianne follow on from last month's Part 1 of Prescribing Medicinal Mushrooms by further discussing how they individually prescribe medicinal mushrooms based on the mushroom's clinical affinities and therapeutic actions. Kristin and Julianne differentiate the use of specific medicinal mushrooms in both cardiometabolic and nervous system/mood patient presentation, as well as provide the key clinical pictures for each of OptimalRx's eleven medicinal mushroom ...

In this podcast, Kristin and Julianne discuss the clinical use of medicinal mushrooms with a focus on how the individual mushrooms can be a part of a wider herbal medicine dispensary, the impact of mushroom polysaccharides on the immune system, and how their individual immune nuances lead to efficacious prescribing. To learn more about our medicinal mushrooms and to obtain your free copy of the medicinal mushroom educational resource pack, please log into your OptimalRx account online. ...

In this podcast, Kristin and Julianne delve into four unique phytomedicines, Houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata), Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum), Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis), and Red Root (Ceanothus americanus). They discuss the characteristic ways in which they dispense these herbs, while also noting research insights to their clinical application.Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) - 00:25Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) - 10:50Red Root (Ceanothus americanus) - 21:32Houttuynia (Houttuynia c...

In this podcast, Kristin and Julianne delve into four unique phytomedicines, Burr Marigold (Bidens species), Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), and Kudzu (Pueraria lobata). They discuss the characteristic ways in which they dispense these herbs, while also noting research insights to their clinical application.Timestamps:Burr Marigold (Bidens species) - 1:40Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) - 15:08Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) - 32:17Japanese Knotweed (Polygonu...

Kristin and Julianne speak with James Hancock, an experienced clinical Naturopath and passionate Herbalist, about the diverse mental health challenges that can occur through key life stages in the male patient. James delves into the concept of seven-year vitality cycles and draws upon many traditional and Naturopathic concepts of vitality, resilience and adaptation. Tapping into his extensive clinical experience as a Herbalist and Naturopath, James shares his most valued phytomedi...

Kristin and Julianne speak with Rhiannon Hardingham, an experienced Naturopath and educator who has dedicated her Naturopathic practice to supporting the reproductive health of her patients. In this podcast, Rhiannon chats about the unique mental health challenges faced during the menopausal transition, including the significant rise in cases of depression, suicide and cognitive issues, and provides the listeners with an insight into navigating these changes within mood and neurological...

Kristin and Julianne speak with Sheryl Sivell, an experienced Naturopath who has been in full time family Naturopathic clinical practice for 32 years. In this podcast, Sheryl chats about the unique mental health challenges faced by adolescents, including anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and draws on her wealth of knowledge and hands on experience to help practitioners successfu...

Associate Professor Bevin Clare has dedicated her life to plants. Bevin has studied herbal medicine around the world, blending her knowledge of traditional uses of plants with modern science and contemporary healthcare strategies. Several years ago, OptimalRx had the privilege of interviewing Bevin around her clinical knowledge and passion for herbal medicine, and in this podcast episode they share excerpts from a lecture she recorded in 2014. This episode goes back through the Materia Medica...

Kristin and Julianne speak with Alisa Asano, a Naturopath, Nutritionist and Counsellor, who specialises in supporting individuals with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and addiction. Alisa draws on her unique qualifications and clinical experience with this patient population, sharing her holistic approach in supporting patients with PMDD and discussing the significant link between PMDD and alcohol consumption. This podcast also delves into the beneficial impact of herbal medicine...

Kristin and Julianne welcome back Prof. Eric Yarnell to the podcast, an experienced Naturopathic Doctor from the United States of America. Eric brings his wealth of knowledge and clinical experience in the realm of addictions, particularly focusing on how natural medicine practitioners can best manage and support patients with different types of addiction. This podcast delves into some specific addictive substances, including opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, and nicotine, as well as the ben...

Join Julianne and Kristin as they interview Christina Veselak, a licensed Psychotherapist and addiction recovery/relapse prevention specialist from the United States of America. Christina has specialised in addiction recovery for over 40 years and has a vast range of experience and training in supporting the emotional, social and spiritual components of recovery, including her expertise as a mental health nutritionist and training in Western Herbal Medicine. This podcast delves in...

Join Kristin and Julianne as they interview Naturopath Melissa Colosimo of Husk Naturopathy about the complex and often misdiagnosed condition of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). Melissa Colosimo is a naturopath and nutritionist with a clinical focus on chronic and debilitating skin conditions. Eczema and TSW is a subject she is hugely passionate about, not only as an advocate for her clients, but also as they are conditions she experienced herself. Melissa dives into the ins and outs ...

Join Kristin and Julianne as they interview Dr. Julie Greenberg, a registered Naturopathic Doctor from the United States of America who has dedicated her Naturopathic practice to holistic skin care. Hear Dr. Greenberg compare and discuss two prevalent skin conditions, eczema and psoriasis. Dr. Greenberg dives into the pathophysiology of each condition, the major drivers, functional testing options, and herbal treatment considerations. This podcast interview touches on aspect...