Tech Talk with OptimalRx

In this episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx, Miroslav Ivanovic is joined by respected medical herbalist, pharmacist and Phytomed founder Phil Rasmussen to discuss one of herbal medicine's most widely prescribed adaptogens, Withania ( Withania somnifera ). Recent media coverage and regulatory discussions have raised questions around the safety of Withania, and the use of root versus leaf extra...

In this episode of Tech Talk by OptimalRx, Andrew Whitfield-Cook sits down with herbalist and naturopath Michelle Cose to explore the power of collaboration within the natural medicine profession. Drawing on more than 30 years of clinical experience, Michelle shares why connection, mentorship and community are essential for both practitioner growth and the future of herbal medicine. Together, they...

In this episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx , Andrew Whitfield-Cook chats with naturopath Raul Pastrana about the often-overlooked role of male fertility. Raul Pastrana, a recognised expert in fertility and reproductive health with a strong focus on male fertility. Known for his practical, inclusive approach, Raul combines evidence-based nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies to help...

In this episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx, Kristin and Julianne continue their Herbal Medicine Dispensary series with an inspiring discussion with medical herbalist, Deanne Apostolou.  Deanne’s journey to becoming a medical herbalist and iridologist began over 30 years ago, and her unique experiences and education in the field of herbal medicine has led her to be a fierce advocate for the contin...

In this episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx, Kristin and Julianne discuss the ins and outs of owning your own herbal medicine dispensary; from our Naturopathic and Herbalist roots, to the unique nuances of plant medicine offerings and their individualised prescription, herbal medicine dispensaries offer a manner of prescribing that is unique to our profession.  This discussion also covers the main...

As our Summer Series of podcasts moves into January 2026, we continue with providing our listeners with the second of Dr. Lise Alschuler’s cognition and mood webinars from 2016, Healthy Minds.  In this podcast recording, Dr. Alschuler discusses the use of several phytomedicines that can successfully be utilised to support declining cognition, with a particular focus upon cerebral circulatory stimu...

 In 2016, OptimalRx had the privilege of hosting Dr. Lise Alschuler for two remarkable webinars on the topic of cognition and mood, the first being Botanical Management of Anxiety.  In this podcast recording, we have highlighted the herbal medicine component of this first webinar where Dr. Alschuler shares with us her favourite phytomedicines for anxiety, namely Lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia )...

In this episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx, Kristin and Julianne discuss the clinical use of different Panax species (American Ginseng, Korean Ginseng, and Tienchi Ginseng) as well as two other important plant adaptogens that are often part of the Ginseng discussion, Siberian Ginseng and Withania.  Kristin and Julianne outline the differences in clinical presentations that call for the use of eac...

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 r...

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 s...

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...

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...

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 sol...

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 Si...

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 cyc...

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 present...

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 me...

 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 ) - 00:2...

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 speci...

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 cl...

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 provi...

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),...

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 shar...

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...

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 ad...