Herbalism Uncensored

Trendy Herbs We Don’t Actually Use in Clinical Practice (Maca, Milk Thistle & More) In this episode of Herbalism Uncensored, Alicia and Lila share their perspectives on popular herbs they rarely use in clinical practice. From maca to kratom, they explore why some of the internet’s most hyped remedies often don’t make the cut in real-world client care. 🌿 In This Episode: Why trendy doesn’t equal effective How clinical outcomes, access, and cost shape real herbal decision-making A grounded look at maca, black seed oil, milk thistle, kratom, tulsi, and others The real risks of gas station herbs How social media warps our view of herbalism With personal stories and practical insight, Alicia and Lila offer a clear-eyed, clinical take on what herbs actually earn their place in a practitioner’s toolkit. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Unpopular Herbal Opinions 03:23 – Setting the Stage: Constraints in Clinical Herbalism 09:00 – Herb Spotlight: Maca 16:15 – Herb Spotlight: Black Seed Oil 23:01 – Herb Spotlight: Milk Thistle 31:16 – Herb Spotlight: Kratom 31:25 – The Dangers of Buying Herbal Remedies at Gas Stations 33:02 – Understanding Kratom: Benefits and Risks 39:55 – Tulsi: From Sacred Plant to Global Trend 48:04 – Honorable Mentions: Sea Moss, Lemon Balm, and More 53:36 – Final Thoughts and Cautions on Herbal Medicine 🔗 Learn More About Our Work Alicia’s Clinic — Holistically Correct A holistic approach that harmonizes ancient wisdom with modern life 🌐 holisticallycorrect.com 📧 tvnhc.com 📧 Sign up here 📬 Contact the Show Have questions, guest suggestions, or feedback? We’d love to hear from you. 📧 Email: herbalismuncensored@gmail.com

Andrew Royal Dugas, co-founder of Yoga Better Studio, shares his journey of integrating anatomy with playful movement. He emphasizes the importance of individualized progress, honesty, and the creative evolution of yoga. Dugas encourages redefining traditional practices, highlighting personal expression and the significance of gratitude in health journeys. He also discusses his forthcoming book, advocating for a non-binary approach to yoga that focuses on the spiritual journey rather than mere physicality. Join the conversation on finding joy through personal growth!

Ayurveda: ancient science or Instagram trend? Medical system or just another wellness diet? In this bold and brutally honest episode of Herbalism Uncensored, we’re pulling back the curtain on the world’s oldest continuously practiced medical system — and calling out the half-truths, wellness-washing, and misunderstandings that dominate the modern conversation. From spa culture to dosha quizzes, garlic myths to rigid food rules, we bust through the fluff and explain what Ayurveda actually is — and how it’s been misrepresented in the West. This is not a soft, surface-level wellness trend. It’s a sophisticated, results-driven system of whole-person healing that includes surgery, psychology, pharmacology, and subtle energetics — all rooted in over 5,000 years of lived clinical experience. We cover: Why “Vata-Pitta-Kapha” is just the beginning — and not the whole story How modern interpretations have turned Ayurveda into a luxury product for the privileged Why Ayurveda can treat symptoms (yes, even migraines and insomnia) — and how The truth behind toxic-sounding ingredients like mercury and lead (and why they might not be so scary) What makes Ayurveda scientific, even if it doesn’t speak the language of clinical trials And why your grapefruit after lunch won’t land you in Ayurveda jail Whether you're a practitioner, a curious client, or someone who’s been turned off by the rules and rigidity, this episode offers a deeper, more accurate view — and invites you to see Ayurveda as it was meant to be: accessible, powerful, and deeply human. Learn More About Our Work Alicia’s Clinic Holistically Correct Herbalism & holistic care that actually works. 🌐 holisticallycorrect.com ✉️ TVNHC.com ✉️ Sign up here 📬 Contact the Show Got a myth you want us to bust next? Questions you want answered? 📧 Email: herbalismuncensored@gmail.com

In this episode, Alicia and Lila share practical tips and insights on staying cool and balanced during the hot summer months. They discuss the physical and emotional effects of heat, offering life hacks such as cooling diets, hydration strategies, and calming practices. The hosts highlight the importance of awareness and mindful living, recommending seasonal changes in routine, diet, and activities to align with the body's needs. The episode also touches on the impact of emotions and stress, advocating for holistic approaches to maintain dynamic balance. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with actionable advice for a healthier and happier summer.   00:00 Introduction to the Episode 02:06 Heatwave Struggles and Life Hacks 03:58 Understanding Pitta Dosha and Summer Ailments 07:37 Diet Tips for Staying Cool 12:12 Cooling Foods and Drinks 22:24 Lifestyle Shifts for Summer 23:07 Embracing Coolness: Cold Plunges and Moonlight 25:24 Cooling Yoga Practices for Summer 27:57 Holistic Cooling Techniques 30:19 Cooling Oils and Essential Practices 35:37 Mindfulness and Emotional Balance 37:02 The Power of Awareness and Discernment 42:02 Personal Stories and Practical Tips 48:19 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Engagement   🌿 Learn More About Our Work Lila's Clinic  The Virtual Natural Healing Clinic  Rooted in wisdom. Driven by results.  🌐 Website: TVNHC.com  ✉️ Email: hello@tvnhc.com   Alicia's Clinic  Holistically Correct  A holistic approach that harmonizes ancient wisdom with contemporary lifestyles  🌐 Website: holisticallycorrect.com  ✉️ Email: holisticsolutions108@gmail.com   💌 Stay Connected 📥 Join Our Mailing List  Get exclusive episode extras, herbal resources, and clinic updates straight to your inbox.  👉 Sign up here   📬 Contact the Show  Have questions, guest suggestions, or feedback? We’d love to hear from you.  📧 Email us at: herbalismuncensored@gmail.com

🎙️ Episode Title: The Vagina Dialogue: Clinical Insights for Your YoniHosts: Lila Swanberg & Alicia Peterson   💬 Episode Summary Let’s talk about vaginas. In this NSFW (Not Safe For Work) episode of Herbalism Uncensored, Lila and Alisha dive into a conversation that’s long overdue—sexual health, vaginal wellness, and why your yoni deserves as much attention as your face. From menstrual cycles and libido to lubrication and pain, this candid discussion explores how vaginal health is deeply connected to overall well-being, identity, and pleasure. You’ll hear personal stories, clinical insights, some laughs, and a whole lot of truth-telling. Whether you’re struggling with dryness, pain, irregular periods, or just want to feel more connected to your body—this episode is your invitation to reclaim your pleasure and tune into the wisdom of your womb space.   🧠 What We Talk About: Why sexual health is a clinical vital sign How libido reflects stress, safety, and hormone balance What’s normal vs what we’ve normalized (spoiler: most women are silently suffering) Real stories: from vaginal shame to empowerment Personal care routines for your vagina (yes, like moisturizing!) Bartholinitis, vulvodynia, and other common but rarely-discussed conditions Herbal allies for libido, lubrication, cycle support, and healing The difference between using herbs to empower vs. bypass deeper issues How to describe your vaginal health in ways that help your practitioner help you   🧪 Herbs Mentioned: Kapikacchu (Mucuna) – aphrodisiac, nourishing Ashoka – supportive for excessive bleeding and uterine tone   ❤️ Your Body, Your Birthright We believe health, happiness, and good sex are your birthright. Painful periods, low libido, and chronic infections are common—but they’re not normal. There’s another way. Let’s talk about it.   📌 Takeaways & Questions to Ask Yourself: Can you describe your discharge? Do you feel juicy or dry? Do you know what’s normal for your libido and cycle? Are you tending to your vagina like you would any other vital part of your body?   📣 Resources & Next Steps ✨ Want support for your yoni? Check out Our Clinics  Alicia Peterson – holisticallycorrect.com Lila Swanberg – thelivingwellnesslounge.com 🎧 Subscribe to Herbalism Uncensored and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. 📬 Join our newsletter for more real talk and herbal wisdom.   ⚠️ Listener Note: This episode contains open conversations about sexual health, menstruation, and anatomy. If you’re not in the mood or the setting to tune in—save it for later. But we hope you’ll come back when you're ready. Your vagina will thank you.

Whether your're an herb enthusiast or just herb-curious, this episode is a must-listen! Join Alicia and Lila as they delve into the contents of their unique herbal medicine cabinets in this week's episode. Unlike the conventional medicine cabinets filled with common pharmaceuticals, their cabinets hold a diverse array of herbs and natural remedies. From neem for infections to Triphala and Sitopoladi for digestion and colds, they share their personal favorites, usage tips, and the benefits of each. They discuss the importance of understanding herb properties, proper usage, and the significant advantages these natural remedies offer over traditional medications. Tune in for an insightful and practical guide on enhancing your health with herbs. To learn more about Alicia and Lila's Private Practices visit:  Holisticallycorrect.com And  Thelivingwellnesslounge.com   00:00 Introduction: What's in Our Medicine Cabinets? 01:52 Childhood Medicine Cabinets vs. Now 04:42 Favorite Remedies and Their Uses 06:53 Neem: The All-Purpose Antimicrobial 10:26 Triphala: The Ayurvedic Swiss Army Knife 15:31 Licorice Root: The Natural Steroid 18:27 Sitopoladi Powder: Ayurvedic Cough Syrup 21:41 Yin Qiao San: Traditional Chinese Cold Remedy 23:41 Hingvastak: Digestive Aid 27:47 Valerian: The Stinky Sleep Aid 29:53 Embracing Herbal Remedies 30:49 Shankapushpi: The Gentle Sleep Aid 33:04 Berberine: Nature's Antibiotic 37:10 Haritaki: The Gentle Laxative 39:59 Nexrutine: Natural Pain Relief 42:47 Yarrow: First Aid Essential 47:04 Freeze-Dried Nettles: Allergy Relief 52:58 Bacopa: Brain Booster 55:56 Final Thoughts on Herbal Medicine

Shedding the Sludge: Ayurvedic Rituals for Spring Vitality Hosts: Alicia Peterson (Holistically Correct) & Lila Swanberg (The Living Wellness Lounge) Episode Type: Seasonal Wellness, Ayurveda Resources & Links: Scroll to the bottom. Episode Summary Spring is nature’s invitation to renew, reset, and lighten up. In this episode, Alicia and Lila explore how Ayurveda approaches the seasonal transition from winter to spring — a time marked by heaviness, stagnation, and excess moisture in the body and mind. You’ll learn how to support your body’s natural cleansing processes by adjusting your daily routine, diet, and movement practices to align with spring’s unique energy. This episode breaks down practical steps for reducing seasonal sluggishness, boosting circulation and digestion, and regaining a sense of clarity and vitality. Perfect for anyone feeling stuck, foggy, congested, or simply ready for a shift. What We Cover 1. Rising with the Season Why waking earlier helps prevent heaviness and fatigue The importance of morning routine and how timing impacts energy for the whole day 2. Refreshing the Body Gentle self-massage techniques to stimulate lymphatic flow and reduce stagnation Natural exfoliation practices to slough off winter buildup and support healthy skin 3. Igniting Digestion Simple ways to wake up digestion each morning and reduce seasonal congestion Dietary guidance for the spring season: what to eat more of and what to avoid 4. Moving and Breathing with Intention How to choose movement and breathwork practices that clear mental and physical fog Specific types of yoga and breath techniques that help release heaviness 5. Herbal Allies for the Season How to support respiratory and liver health with spring-focused herbs A discussion on warming spices and bitter herbs to help the body naturally detoxify 6. Seasonal Do’s and Don’ts Key recommendations for food, lifestyle, and daily rhythm during spring Common habits that can worsen symptoms of heaviness and stagnation — and what to do instead Listener Challenge Try adding one new seasonal ritual into your routine this week. Whether it's adjusting your breakfast, incorporating movement, or trying a morning routine shift — notice how even small changes can create momentum. We’d love to hear how it goes — reach out and share your reflections with us directly. Kapha-Reducing Food Guidance Favor: Barley, millet, quinoa, mung beans, red lentils, leafy greens, radishes, asparagus, apples, pomegranate, lemon, ginger, turmeric, cumin, black pepper Minimize: Dairy, fried foods, red meat, heavy oils, wheat, bananas, avocados, ice cream, sugar, leftovers, cold or processed foods About the Hosts Alicia Peterson – Holistically Correct www.holisticallycorrect.com Lila Swanberg – The Living Wellness Lounge www.thelivingwellnesslounge.com  

Debunking Ashwagandha Myths: Truths and Misconceptions | Herbalism Uncensored In this episode of Herbalism Uncensored, clinical herbalists Alicia and Lila dive deep into the world of Ashwagandha. They address the most common myths surrounding this trendy adaptogen, from the need to cycle on and off to misconceptions about its effects on the immune system, sleep, energy, and more. They emphasize the importance of using whole, powdered root over extracts and highlight the role of traditional practices in understanding this powerful herb. Whether you're new to Ashwagandha or looking to clear up the misinformation, this episode provides a comprehensive and honest look at how to use it effectively for natural healing. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:18 Welcome to the Ashwagandha Episode 01:47 Ashwagandha Myths and Misconceptions 02:56 Understanding Ashwagandha's True Nature 10:12 Debunking the Dark Side of Ashwagandha 16:48 Ashwagandha and Nightshade Sensitivity 19:53 Ashwagandha for Sleep and Stamina 23:22 Understanding Ashwagandha's Energy Benefits 23:54 Myth 6: Forms of Ashwagandha 24:42 Gummies and Traditional Methods 25:30 Spiritual Practice and Medicine 26:45 Importance of Using the Root 28:38 Myth 7: Ashwagandha and the Immune System 29:19 Complexity of the Immune System 30:40 Ashwagandha's Normalizing Effect 32:18 Research and Traditional Knowledge 36:49 Myth 8: Ashwagandha and Blood Thinners 39:15 Perception and Drug Interactions 43:01 Final Thoughts on Ashwagandha

Podcast Episode: The Art of Tinctures – Pros, Cons, and Techniques Episode Summary In this episode, we dive deep into the world of tinctures—a beloved yet often misunderstood form of herbal medicine. We explore why tinctures have gained popularity, break down their strengths and limitations, and examine the art and science of extracting plant constituents. From folk methods to standardized lab practices, we discuss when tinctures truly shine and when other herbal preparations might be a better fit. Whether you’re new to tinctures or have years of experience, this episode offers grounded insight and practical tools to help you work more effectively with plant medicine.   Learning About the Hosts and Their Practices Alicia Peterson – Holistically Correct https://www.holisticallycorrect.com/ Lila Swanberg – The Living Wellness Lounge https://thelivingwellnesslounge.com/

Uncovering addiction: the mind, body, spirit connection In this episode of Herbalism Uncensored, Alicia and Lila engage in an in-depth discussion about the spiritual nature of addiction and its intertwined relationship with physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They reflect on insights from Dr. Shaw, a neurologist and addictionologist, and focus on the three-stage recovery process — emphasizing mind, body, and spirit. The discussion touches on how uncomfortable emotions can drive addictive behaviors and how holistic approaches, including herbal remedies and meditation, can support recovery. They also explore their personal experiences with addiction and process addictions, ultimately highlighting the importance of self-love, spiritual growth, and addressing deep-rooted fears for true healing. 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 01:46 Exploring Addiction and Recovery 03:10 The Human Condition and Spirituality 04:37 Coping Mechanisms and Physical Impact 06:10 Holistic Approaches to Healing 09:55 The Role of Nutrition in Recovery 14:56 Emotional and Psychological Healing 22:53 Personal Stories and Reflections 27:21 Struggles with Eating Disorders 28:08 Exploring Addictive Behaviors 29:22 Understanding Pitta Dosha 33:18 Ayurvedic Insights on Fear and Healing 39:16 Holistic Approaches to Health 44:39 The Role of Spirituality in Healing 48:11 Challenges of Holistic Healing 54:22 Final Thoughts and Resources