As more and more people are turning away from the traditional medical system, the act of self-prescribing seems to be rising. I get it, when your doctors prove insufficient you’re forced to take matters into your own hands. That’s part of the reason I became a naturopath. However, self-medicating, whether herbal or pharmacological, can be extremely dangerous if you lack the proper knowledge.

The relationship between anxiety and gut health appears to be bidirectional. For decades, researchers have believed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and anxiety are closely linked. The symptoms of IBS can trigger anxiety, while anxiety can provoke abdominal pain, changes in bowel motility, bloating and nausea. Moreover, anxiety can influence several processes such as the gut-brain connection, serotonin signalling and gut bacteria.

A large portion of individuals exhibiting disordered eating behaviours do not fit into the well-known categories of anorexia or bulimia. This led researchers and practitioners to propose a third category; binge-eating disorder. Despite it being up to three times more common than other eating disorders, it remains highly stigmatised and misunderstood.

Muscle cramps can generally be caused by over-training, a lack of exercise, dehydration, inadequate nutrition, injuries or medical conditions. Cramps often go away on their own within a few seconds to minutes, however, frequent cramping may get in the way of day-to-day functioning and can sometimes feel debilitating. So, how can you reduce the incidence of muscle cramps?

Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue in areas of the body other than the wall of the uterus. The goal of treatment is to address risk and exacerbating factors, normalise oestrogen levels, reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.

Did you know there are six organs used by the body to excrete toxins? They are the liver, kidneys, skin, colon, lymph and lungs. Each organ detoxes the body of excess metabolites and waste in varying ways.

So, how can you detoxify your body?

An array of products are available on the market promising a healthier body via internal cleanses, juices, teas and whatnot. But do you really need to empty your wallet to detox your way to a healthier body?

Not surprisingly, the body is equipped with several detoxification pathways that work in harmony to remove harmful toxins.

Long after a virus has cleared you may be still feeling its effects lingering on for weeks or maybe even months. This could be due to the virus remaining latent within your body or it could have triggered an increase in inflammation. Common symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, brain fog, dry skin, anxiety, muscle pain and simply not feeling like your normal self.

Allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, is an inflammatory reaction affecting approximately 1 in 5 Australians. It is triggered when allergens, such as fur, dust, pollen or mould, are inhaled. The immune system produces antibodies in defence of these allergens, promoting the production of inflammatory chemicals which cause the flu-like symptoms.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common female reproductive disorder characterised by small cysts forming on the edges of enlarged ovaries. The cause of PCOS isn't well understood, however, diagnosis is usually determined by the presence of 2 of 3 criteria; irregular periods, excess androgens or polycystic ovaries detected via ultrasound.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male reproductive disorder affecting 10-20 per cent of the male population worldwide. It is characterised by an inability to attain or sustain penile erection during sexual activity, persisting for more than three months. It is predicted by 2025, 322 million men will have ED. Luckily, there a multiple ways it can be treated and even prevented.

Botanically known as Tribulus terrestris, this herb is most commonly known in the athletic community for increasing strength and muscle mass. It has been used in traditional Eastern European and Iranian medicine as an aphrodisiac, while Ayurvedic practitioners have used it in the treatment of male and female reproductive disorders.

Botanically known as Withania somnifera, the herb is native to India and parts of the Middle East and Africa. It has been utilised for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a regenerative tonic to reduce stress, increase energy and improve cognition. In Sanskrit, ashwagandha means “smell of the horse”, referring to the herbs earthy scent and ability to increase virility and strength.

Whether you’re a high-level athlete, gym junkie or weekend warrior, these 6 herbs have been shown to improve several health markers, leading to improved athletic performance.

Hormones are the body's chemical messengers, which relay important information between cells and body systems in order to function properly. Hormone levels influence the way we look and feel physically and mentally. This is just one reason why a healthy menstrual cycle is vital.

With over 95% of serotonin receptors expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, it wouldn’t be so far fetched to think of your gut as your second brain. The gut is responsible for absorbing the nutrients you eat to fuel your body, generate energy and facilitate hormone production. This is why the quality of your diet is so important.

In our diet-obsessed culture, protein has no doubt been one of the main topics of discussion. We’re constantly being pushed to believe we need copious amounts of protein to build muscle, lose weight or just function as a normal human being. But where did this idea come from?

If you’ve been in the wellness world for quite some time you’ve probably come across the term ‘adaptogen’. Adaptogens are a group of herbs that regulate the hypothalamic, pituitary and adrenal glands to mitigate the stress response and in turn, help us ‘adapt’ to stress - whether it be psychological, environmental or physical. So, are they legit or are they another ‘superfood’ trend?

Often when people ask me what I do I’m received with looks of puzzlement. While the principles of naturopathy have existed for centuries, it can be considered a fairly modern practice. So, what is naturopathy and how can it help you?