The MediHerb Podcast

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 practical insights into “stacked” dosing strategies, demonstrating how passionflower can rapidly interrupt escalation cycles without the residual sedation, making it a valuable tool both in-clinic and for patient self-management. Beyond acute use, this episode expands the conversation into long-term nervous system retraining, highlighting passionflower’s potential role in supporting neuroplasticity and reducing reliance on substances such as alcohol and anxiolytics. David also challenges common assumptions around dependency, safety, and herb-drug interactions, while unpacking emerging insights into its broader neurotransmitter activity. With discussion spanning ADHD, addiction patterns, and herb selection, this episode offers practitioners a deeper, more flexible framework for prescribing Passionflower across a wide spectrum of presentations.

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 how this acute response can evolve into persistent post-concussion syndrome (PCS), and why some patients remain symptomatic months, or even years, after the initial injury. Through a functional naturopathic lens, this conversation provides practical guidance on assessment, red flags, collaborative care, and therapeutic layering, while discussing the critical role of the gut-brain axis, immune activation, metabolic dysfunction, glial priming, autonomic dysregulation, and mitochondrial compromise. With the right support — nutrients, targeted herbal medicine, and realistic lifestyle rehabilitation, post-concussion outcomes are not fixed, and meaningful recovery is possible.

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 personalisation, and the growing pressure to self-optimise through constant tracking. We discuss the unique role natural healthcare practitioners play in guiding patients through this landscape with evidence-based, individualised support. From a naturopathic perspective, targeted biohacking techniques for vitality are well understood as foundational pillars—mitochondrial health, autophagy, inflammation reduction, and gut function, to support patients in navigating the noise and focus on interventions that truly enhance cellular health and reduce long-term disease risk. With realistic goals and incremental change, Beth highlights how sustainable, personalised biohacking with naturopathic principles can support meaningful improvements in healthspan—with natural healthcare practitioners leading the way in keeping it grounded, balanced, and evidence-informed. 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.

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 health, and how adaptogens can help mitigate emotional and physiological triggers. Kerry discusses emerging research on the role of herbs in supporting vascular integrity, plaque stability, and mitochondrial function, with therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation, microvascular health, connective tissue repair, and endothelial resilience. Gain insight into evidence-based herbal interventions for reducing cardiovascular risk with Kerry’s key herbal prescriptions, including his specialised formulation for post-cardiovascular event recovery, as well as practical considerations for co-prescription alongside conventional medications.

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 explore the world of herbal energetics—how qualities such as warmth, cooling, moisture, and dryness influence herbal selection and treatment outcomes. Amina highlights some of her favourite herbs, offering practical examples of how their energetic profiles can guide clinical decision-making and enhance patient care. Bio: With over 25 years of naturopathic practice, Amina successfully treats complex chronic illnesses in her clinic in the Noosa hinterland. Amina is a keynote speaker, presenting to medical doctors and naturopaths at international conferences, and on medical documentaries, webinars, and podcasts. Amina is the author of Lyme Natural, encompassing naturopathic treatment for Lyme disease, co-infections, mould illness and stealth infections; and is currently finalizing her second book (Chronic Stealth Infections – Filling in the missing pieces). In addition to clinical practise, Amina has been awarded the title of Australian Practitioner of the Year with her passion extending into teaching bush survival medicine and wild crafting medicinal herbs and food. https://amina.com.au/

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. Heidi shares her own journey from evidence-based lecturer and researcher to rediscovering traditional approaches, wild crafting, and the deeper relationship with plants that drew her to this path in the first place. Together, we discuss the many avenues open to those drawn to herbs—whether through clinical practice, farming, manufacturing, research, or writing. The conversation also touches on herbal energetics, and the role of wild plants as nourishing food. Bio: Heidi Merika is a naturopath and medical herbalist with a passion for wild medicinal and nutritional plants. She has lectured in nutrition and herbal medicine at RMIT University, Endeavour College of Natural Health and the University of the Sunshine Coast. She runs popular courses and workshops on plant medicine, wildcrafting, herbal medicine and plant-based nutrition both in person and online. She is the author of Wildcraft: The Science and Spirit of Wild Plants as Food and Medicine (2019) and From the Wild (2024). She lives on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. https://heidimerika.com.au/

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, she outlines the safe and appropriate use of herbal medicine during each stage—highlighting both her go-to herbs and those best avoided. Whether you’re a practitioner or simply curious, this episode brings clarity to a complex topic with evidence-informed insights. Bio: Rebecca Tanner has over 30 years experience as a Naturopath, she is also a registered Acupuncturist & more recently, Rebecca qualified as a Midwife and completed a Masters in Reproductive Medicine. In addition to her practice career, Rebecca has also been a trainer and educator for Blackmores and has lectured at Nature Care College, the Australasian College of Natural Therapies & at Endeavour College. She is an experienced public speaker and regularly runs seminars on pregnancy support, pre- conception care & fertility. She has guest lectured for five consecutive years at Curtin University on wholistic support for labour. Rebecca has recently featured on the Health Masters Live pregnancy Series. B.Sc Pharm/Physiol; Dip Naturopathy; Dip Acupuncture; Adv.Cert.N.F.M; BSc Midwifery; M. Repro Med. M.A.T.M.S; AHPRA registered Acupuncturist

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 elimination of herbal compounds across the paediatric lifespan• Safety considerations for neonates and breastfeeding• Practical strategies to improve compliance and clinical outcomes Essential listening for practitioners working with paediatric patients. Bio: Rose Cornelissen is a skilled herbalist and naturopath with over 3 decades of practice and peer education experience. She has a special interest in the self-adjusting demands of practice and staying current without losing the connection and passion for herbal medicine and healthy nutrition. Anything from ethnobotanicals to hard core science is included in this blend which makes up contemporary naturopathic clinical practice. Rose has a Master of Health Science in Herbal Medicine and is a University of New England Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar, School of Health Academic awardee and a former NHAA director and chair of the Professions Committee. She currently heads the Clinical Support and Medicines Safety Data teams at Integria Healthcare.

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, highlighting some of the more surprising and lesser-known symptoms that may signal a need for attention. This eye-opening conversation highlights the role of this humble mineral in whole-body health. To purchase Dr Libby's new book 'Fix Iron First', please follow the link https://drlibby.com/products/fix-iron-first Bio: Armed with abundant knowledge, scientific research and a true desire to help others live with more energy and vitality, Dr Libby empowers and inspires people to take charge of their wellness and wisdom through her live events, courses, supplements and books. While most nutritionists will focus predominantly on nutrition, Dr Libby draws on her PhD in biochemistry, 20+ years of clinical practice and a deep understanding of how thoughts and emotions influence the body, to take a distinct three pillared approach to health challenges. Examining symptoms through a nutritional, biochemical and emotional lens, she delivers transformational wisdom with gentleness and genuine care to anyone, no matter where they are on their health journey. Her unique ability to help people make lasting changes in their lives by providing them with new knowledge and fostering a shift in their emotional understanding, empowers them to take charge of their health.

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 the role of the practitioner as a detective— uncovering the root causes behind each patient’s sleep disturbance for more targeted and effective care. 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 40 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.

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 fertility equation, yet are frequently under-assessed and under-supported in clinical settings. She discusses why it’s essential to engage men early, conduct proper screening, and consider the significant impact of sperm health on conception, pregnancy outcomes, and the health of future generations. Listeners will also hear practical insights into how sperm health can be rapidly improved with targeted herbal, nutritional, and lifestyle interventions, and why this presents a powerful opportunity for practitioners. Bio: Natalie has been a naturopath since 1996 and specialises in women’s health, natural fertility, and pregnancy care with qualifications in natural fertility management. She has spent over 2 decades helping women with fertility. Her expertise includes IVF support, miscarriage prevention, postpartum care and child health. She founded the Fertility Focus School and created the highly successful Create Conception fertility programme to support couples struggling to conceive. While her practice is centred on women, she also has a deep passion for working with babies and children.

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 different herbs effectively to create complementary formulations tailored to individual needs. Whether you're looking to refine your herbal prescribing or deepen your understanding of nervous system botanicals, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. Bio: Angela Hywood is an experienced naturopathic clinician with over 26 years of clinical experience, specialising in integrative endocrinology, women’s health, fertility and pregnancy care. Angela is a well-known speaker at complementary and integrative medicine conferences in both Australia and internationally and has published articles in complementary medicine journals in Australia and USA.