The MediHerb Podcast

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.

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.

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 

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Simon Agger, a successful Chiropractor from the United States and a lecturer in nutrition, to explore his integrative approaches to treating pain and inflammation. Dr. Agger shares his unique blend of chiropractic adjustments, herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle practices to address both acute and chronic pain.

Bio: Dr Simon Agger is a Chiropractor and Clinical Nutritionist who runs a highly successful chiropractic and nutritional practice in Portland. He has advanced training in Nutrition and Western Herbal Medicine.

Since 2013, Simon has been an Affiliate Faculty member in the ‘Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine’ Masters of Science program at University of Western States.

He is also part of the faculty at the Rocky Mountain University Osteopathic Medicine program as part of the Integrative Medical Nutrition Program.

A seasoned presenter armed with the latest research and 25 years of clinical experience, he highlights innovative evaluation and treatment approaches, to both common, and not so common health problems, to inspire practitioners to return to their clinics armed with whole food, physiologic, and herbal supports so their patients can flourish and lead fuller, more productive lives.

Agger Chiropractic Portland | Portland's Premier Chiropractic and Nutrition Clinic

Today Caroline guides us through the complexities of ADHD, offering insights into holistic approaches for enhancing mental and physical well-being. Drawing from her own experiences and professional expertise, she provides invaluable strategies for achieving a better quality of life for patients with ADHD.

Bio: Caroline Kennedy is a Naturopath who has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. This diagnosis reshaped her understanding of herself and the world around her. Working in clinical practice as “The Neurodivergent Naturopath”, she advocates for the understanding of ADHD not as a disorder but as a unique adaptation of human neurological development. Caroline's clinical focus is on supporting neurodivergent individuals in achieving a better quality of life, addressing challenges in mental and physical regulation and all things in between. She sees people from all walks of life who often come to see her to connect with another neurodivergent person. As a mother to two teenage boys on the spectrum, Caroline is deeply empathetic to the struggles of neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Join us as we discuss the transformative power of lifestyle medicine with Dr. Darren Morton, a leading expert in the field. In this episode, Dr. Morton passionately discusses how many chronic diseases prevalent today are intricately linked to lifestyle choices. Through his extensive research, he reveals that common chronic conditions and mental health disorders can be prevented and even reversed through simple yet profound changes in our patient’s daily habits.

Dr. Morton emphasizes the pivotal role of diet, exercise, and reconnecting with nature in achieving optimal health. He explores how cultivating gratitude, discovering life purpose, and fostering meaningful connections with others contribute not only to physical well-being but also to mental and emotional resilience.

Tune in to discover how embracing lifestyle medicine can be a game-changer in our patient’s journey towards a healthier, more vibrant life.

Darren will be speaking at Integria Healthcare's upcoming Symposium: Systems Endocrinology: An Integrative Approach, in August. He will be discussing natural ways to enhance mental health and wellbeing, exploring developments from the fields of Lifestyle Medicine and Positive Psychology for affective disorders.

For more information about the Integria Healthcare Symposium, follow the link: Integria Practitioner Symposium 2024: Systems Endocrinology (eventsair.com)

For more information about The Lift Project, visit: The Lift Project

Bio: Dr. Darren Morton, is the Director of the Lifestyle Medicine and Health Research Centre at Avondale University, a fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, and a distinguished author of four books, which have sold over 100 000 copies. With a keen focus on improving mental health and wellbeing through evidence-based research, using lifestyle medicine approaches and positive psychology, Darren has contributed greatly to the healthcare industry through publishing approximately 70 publications in Scientific and Medical Journals.

Today we welcome back David Casteleijn for an episode of herbal myth-busting. David clears up common misconceptions about antihypertensive herbs, Tribulus, Lemon Balm, Chaste Tree, Licorice, Korean Ginseng, Hemidesmus, and St. John’s Wort.  He stresses the importance of understanding our herbs as modulators and to not relate herbal actions to the actions of pharmaceutical medications. He also encourages all of us to advocate for our herbs and not allow those who are not trained in herbal medicine to speak for them.

David will be speaking at our upcoming Symposium in August: Systems Endocrinology: An Integrative Approach. For more information, please follow the link below:

practitioner.integria.com/events/systems-endocrinology-an-integrative-approach

David studied Behavioural Sciences at USQ then trained and worked as a Registered Nurse for many years. He is also a naturopath having been in clinical practice for over 30 years besides which he teaches and has served on the board of the NHAA for 5 years and been the Vice President of the WNF.

Having completed a Masters of Health Science (Herbal Medicine) at UNE in 2007 he is currently a Ph.D. candidate with UTS where he is studying the outcome for people with Anxiety or Depression consulting a Naturopath for an individualised herbal medicine prescription.