The MediHerb Podcast

GLP-1 medications are reshaping the management of obesity and metabolic health, but where do integrative practitioners fit into this rapidly evolving landscape? In this episode, Laurence Katsaras speaks with internationally recognised obesity and metabolic health expert Dr Jacqueline Jacques about GLP-1 therapies, why obesity should be viewed as a chronic disease, and the opportunities for naturop...

In this episode of the MediHerb podcast, Laurence Katsaras is joined by Dr Antony Underwood, integrative paediatrician and cofounder of Spectrumceuticals, to explore the rapidly evolving science of probiotics and microbiome therapy. Together, they unpack strain specificity, probiotic research quality, taxonomy and trademarks, storage and stability, and how practitioners can apply evidence-based pr...

In this clinically rich conversation, David Casteleijn revisits Passionflower through a far more nuanced lens than its traditional “mild anxiolytic” label. Drawing on decades of practice and deeply personal clinical observations, David explores the herb’s powerful role in acute nervous system dysregulation—particularly in states of panic, PTSD, and heightened sympathetic activation. He shares prac...

In this episode of the MediHerb Podcast, we welcome Angela Hywood to draw on some unanswered questions from the MediHerb Unplugged livestream. Angela shares her evidence-informed approaches to supporting patients in complex clinical scenarios, with dosing strategies and clinical rationale.   Bio: Angela Hywood is an experienced naturopathic clinician with over 26 years of clinical experience, spec...

Concussion is often minimised as a “head knock,” yet it represents a complex traumatic brain injury with far-reaching systemic consequences. In this episode, we welcome Louise Cork to unpack the physiological cascade that unfolds following impact — from axonal shearing and ionic shifts to glutamate excitotoxicity, blood-brain barrier disruption, neuroinflammation, and gut permeability. We explore...

Following the MediHerb Unplugged livestream, renowned herbalist Kerry Bone returns to address some of the audience’s unanswered questions. Drawing on decades of clinical and research experience, Kerry explores complex and often misunderstood areas of herbal therapy, including the use of berberine-containing herbs, the role of St Mary’s Thistle in gut health, and evidence-informed perspectives on E...

In this episode, we welcome Dr Elizabeth Steels and explore the rapidly growing world of biohacking and longevity medicine—examining the technical, lifestyle, supplemental, and medical interventions people are turning to in pursuit of vitality and human improvement. Beth unpacks the pros and cons of this trend-driven space, including the risks of information shared without context or personalisati...

In this episode, we welcome pharmacist and Naturopath Diana Boot, and explore the safety considerations when co-prescribing herbal and nutritional therapies alongside conventional medications. Offering a unique dual perspective, Diana unpacks the complexities and opportunities of integrative prescribing in clinical practice. Together, Diana and Kerry examine the vital role natural healthcare pract...

In this episode of the MediHerb Podcast, esteemed Herbalist and Phytotherapist Professor Kerry Bone explores the complex landscape of Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) and how herbal medicine can address critical treatment areas often overlooked by conventional drug therapy. This episode also delves into gender-specific differences in cardiovascular disease, the impact of stress and anger on heart hea...

PROMO OFFER: $150 off Endo-SIBO Mastery - a five-part on-demand course to help practitioners support their endo clients to overcome endo belly. Listeners can use the code MEDIHERB to get $150 off, bringing the price to $197. Sign up for the course at jadeandlaura.com.   In this episode, we explore the fascinating intersection between the gut microbiome, the oestrobolome, and menstrual health — wit...

In this episode, we’re joined by naturopath Amina Eastham-Hillier for a deep dive into the art and science of liquid herbal blending. Amina shares her insights on the unique benefits of prescribing liquid herbal extracts in clinical practice, from tailoring formulations to individual patients and flexible dosing, to capturing the full energetic and synergistic essence of a formula.   We also explo...

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the brain's most fascinating and overlooked systems - the glymphatic system. Joining us is naturopath and neuroscientist Renée Grandi who unpacks the science of how the brain clears waste, why this process is vital for healthy cognition, and what happens when it falters. She sheds light on the link between glymphatic dysfunction and neurodegenerative condi...

In this episode, we sit down with a naturopath, lecturer, author, and wild crafter, Heidi Merika to explore what it means to “return to our roots” in herbal medicine. While evidence-based practice has advanced the profession in many ways, it has also created a gap—leaving many practitioners disconnected from the traditional knowledge and ways of prescribing that have long been central to herbalism...

In this episode, we continue our Herbal Heroes series and welcome back Professor Kerry Bone to spotlight his second favourite herb: Ginkgo. With his signature blend of deep research insight and clinical wisdom, Kerry takes us on a journey through the rich history of this ancient plant to its modern scientific validation. He explores key research findings and offers practical guidance on ginkgo’s c...

In this episode, we’re joined by a naturopath and midwife to unpack the often misunderstood role of the naturopath and herbalist in pregnancy care. With misinformation and caution frequently clouding the conversation, she shares how naturopaths can play a valuable, supportive role throughout pregnancy and into the postpartum period. From promoting wellbeing to addressing common pregnancy concerns,...

In this episode, paediatric naturopath Brooke Klower shares her approach to uncovering the root causes of allergies in children. She explores key considerations in case-taking and assessment, reminding practitioners not to overlook simple —but impactful interventions such as correcting common nutritional deficiencies. Brooke also discusses her go-to herbs and nutrients for supporting paediatric al...

Treating children requires more than scaled-down dosing—it's a specialised area demanding careful consideration of developmental stages, disease presentation, and metabolic differences. In this episode, we explore key clinical principles for safe and effective paediatric prescribing. Topics include: • Age-related physiological changes and their impact on treatment • Solubility, absorption, and eli...

In this episode, renowned herbalist Professor Kerry Bone explores the many faces of inflammation and how to prescribe herbal medicine with clinical precision. From acute to chronic presentations and system-specific patterns—including neuroinflammation—Kerry outlines how different herbal strategies can be applied based on the underlying drivers of inflammation. He also challenges common misconcepti...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Libby Weaver to shine a spotlight on an often overlooked yet vital mineral for human health—iron. Often associated with energy and fatigue, iron plays a far more extensive role in the body, impacting everything from thyroid function to neurotransmitter production and immune health. Dr Libby dives deep into the broad-reaching effects of iron deficiency, highlight...

While hot flushes and night sweats are hallmark symptoms of menopause, the neurological effects of this hormonal transition are often overlooked. In this episode, Angela Hywood explores the profound impact of menopause on the brain. Estrogen plays a crucial role in neuroprotection, cognition, and mood regulation—so its decline during menopause presents significant changes in brain function. Join u...

Join Professor Kerry Bone as he shares his clinical wisdom on using herbal medicine to support healthy sleep architecture. In this episode, Kerry explores herbs that influence sleep latency, duration, and quality, while addressing the limitations of commonly prescribed pharmaceutical sleep aids. He also highlights the essential role of diet and lifestyle in sleep health. Importantly, he champions...

In this episode, we sit down with Erin Lovell Verinder—qualified herbalist, author, and educator—who masterfully blends evidence-based herbal medicine with the rich traditions of old-world plant wisdom. With a grounding in modern clinical training, Erin shares how she integrates the vitalistic principles and energetics of plants into her practice, offering a nuanced and deeply connected approach t...

In this episode, we’re joined by naturopath Natalie Pickering, who sheds light on the often-overlooked role of men in the fertility journey. Natalie highlights the lack of attention paid to men’s health and sperm quality, particularly in cases where women are undergoing intensive fertility treatment without a full picture of their partner’s contribution. Natalie emphasises that men are 50% of the...

Integrative GP Dr Lucy Caratti explores the evolution of HRT from older synthetic hormones that sparked safety concerns, to today’s bio-identical options that more closely mimic the body’s natural hormones. She addresses historical safety concerns and discusses the benefits of appropriate use to support patients experiencing significant menopausal symptoms.   She highlights the widespread, systemi...

In this episode, we welcome back naturopath and herbalist Angela Hywood to explore the powerful role of herbal medicine in supporting the nervous system. Angela highlights some often-overlooked herbs for nervous system health and explains how to differentiate between various types of nervous system herbs, including adaptogens, nervines, and more. She also shares expert insights on blending differe...