The MediHerb Podcast

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 misconceptions about well-known herbs. Highlighting willow bark as a prime example, Kerry explains its nuanced mechanism of action and why it shouldn't be confined to musculoskeletal prescriptions alone. Practitioners will come away with a deeper understanding of how to approach inflammation across body systems—and how to choose the right herbs for the right context.

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.

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 us as we go beyond the classic symptoms to examine how the brain adapts to new hormonal realities, the clinical implications of this shift, and how practitioners can better support cognitive and emotional wellbeing in midlife women.

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.

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 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 to healing.

She discusses the importance of engaging with herbs not just as standardised extracts or supplements, but through an organoleptic experience—smelling, tasting, and touching the plants—to truly understand their nature and gifts. Erin also emphasises traditional preparation methods like infusions and decoctions, and how these simple yet potent rituals can become powerful tools for healing, regulation, and reconnection in our fast-paced lives.

Erin reminds us that it’s possible for practitioners to straddle both worlds: to be scientifically grounded while still honouring the ancient roots of herbalism. Through this approach, she invites both practitioners and patients to reclaim their relationship with nature, create moments of ritual, and anchor themselves in the present. This episode will leave you inspired to deepen your practice—both intellectually and soulfully.

Erin's mentoring program Blossom: https://www.erinlovellverinder.com/blossom

Erin's books/card deck: https://www.erinlovellverinder.com/plant-guides 

Bio: Erin Lovell Verinder is an Australian trained Herbalist, Nutritionist and Author of two best selling plant medicine titles, Plants for the People and The Plant Clinic. Erin's work is to reconnect the people with the plants, teaching the love language of the plants within her community and beyond. She holds a Bachelor of Western Herbal Medicine, an Advanced Diploma of Nutritional Medicine and a Diploma of Energetic Healing, all from Nature Care college. Walking the plant path, she is a woman in tune with the natural world. On a full hearted mission to educate and inspire others to heal with the rhythms of nature, through the bounty of plant medicine. Erin runs a thriving clinical practice, alongside mentoring students and emerging practitioners in her program Blossom and she is the founder of Community Herbal Care, a community herbal outreach program forged in the face of the 2022 floods in Northern NSW.

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.

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, systemic impacts of menopause across cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, and urogenital systems and discusses how HRT, when prescribed thoughtfully, can play a powerful role in mitigating these effects. Concomitant use of herbs, nutrients, and lifestyle interventions for a holistic prescription are also discussed.

Instagram: @drlucycaratti

Check out Lucy's podcast: Goddess Era on Spotify/Apple podcasts etc.

Bio: Dr Lucy Caratti is an integrative doctor with 15 years of clinical experience specialising in women’s health, including menopause, gut health, metabolic diseases, and hormonal imbalances.

She takes a root cause approach, combining medical expertise with evidence-based integrative medicine to empower women at every life stage. Holding a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Western Australia. She’s a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, and has additional training in child health, psychology, nutrition, and mental health biochemistry.

Dr Lucy co-founded the Western Australia charity Be Giving and Expand Wellbeing, a school program for girls health, education and actively participates in initiatives supporting women’s wellness.

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.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Bowel Flora Protocol with Professor Kerry Bone. From its origins to its clinical application, Professor Kerry Bone unpacks the science and strategy behind this powerful approach to restoring gut health. He explores each phase of the protocol, sharing some of his top herbal choices for optimising microbial balance and addressing dysbiosis. He provides key clinical insights on when and how to apply the protocol and touches upon biofilms. Whether you're new to the Bowel Flora Protocol or looking to refine your approach, this episode delivers expert guidance to enhance your practice.

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, Dr Elizabeth Steels explores the essentials of pathology testing and regular health screenings, providing healthcare professionals with the knowledge to guide their patients toward optimal testing accuracy and meaningful results. Elizabeth discusses the core set of pathology tests recommended for different age groups, key companion tests for deeper clinical insights, and the importance of regular screenings such as DEXA scans.

We also dive into the practical considerations that can significantly impact test accuracy, including fasting requirements, hydration, time of collection, and other factors that practitioners should educate their patients about. Additionally, we touch on the evolving field of epigenetic testing and its potential role in preventative healthcare.

Integria also has a 4 part webinar series on pathology coming up in April, for more information visit the Integria Practitioner Education Center website: https://practitioner.integria.com/upcoming-events

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.