Lani Naturopathy

14/11/2025

THE MAGIC & THE ECSTASY: PSYCHEDELICS IN THERAPY 🍄🌈💫 Clinical studies have shown that the class of substances known as ‘psychedelics’, plant-derived compounds found in certain mushrooms and some recreational drugs, can be used in the treatment of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other disordered mental states.

Also known as ‘hallucinogens’, they are a type of psychoactive substance that alter an individual’s perception of reality, and may produce changes in awareness, mood, perception, sensory experiences and cognitive function.

Based on evidence and extensive research, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the controlled use of M**A (a compound found in the drug ‘ecstasy’) and psilocybin (a compound found in ‘magic mushrooms’), for the treatment of PTSD and treatment-resistant depression respectively.

Other psychedelics that can be used for therapeutic purposes include DMT, ketamine, L*D, mescaline, and cannabis 🌿 Of course, the application, ‘legality’, accessibility and availability of these substances depend on where you live. Some countries, regions and states have decriminalised or legalised them for personal or pharmaceutical use, in a regulated and controlled way. Which to me, is a step in the right direction, as it expands the health practitioner’s toolbox in helping patients overcome distressing mental states that don’t appear to respond to other forms of therapy or treatment.

Psychedelics can be used both recreationally (a.k.a. usually illicitly) and medicinally (normally supervised or prescribed by a qualified health professional) to produce the desired effects or outcomes. By allowing their use in safe and controlled ways, this opens the door for people who have tried other treatments that produce unpleasant side effects or that simply haven’t worked.

Of course, they’re not for everyone. But for some, it’s nice to know that they’re there as an option.

As a naturopath, I welcome this cultural shift and possible renaissance of traditional herbs that have somehow always managed to remain on the fringes, but which could benefit a large range of patients whose conditions are resistant to other conventional treatments.

It may indeed be the beginning of a revolution in drug policy and plant medicine, with long-held stigmas hopefully dissolving.

Many psychoactive substances, that have only ever been used in ceremonial and ‘hidden’ societies, are gradually coming to the attention of modern scientists. Deservedly so! 🤗

Moreover, they are being clinically and scientifically proven to be effective.

And so, as we stand on the precipice of re-discovering the magic of plant medicine, are we finally seeing the light at the end of the mental health tunnel? 💡 I certainly hope so! 🌺

If you or anyone you know are wanting to explore your options further, or if any of the above has raised questions, speak to your qualified healthcare professional 🌱

Image: Harvard Law School

12/11/2025

NOT-SO-FUN-FACT 🥹 If you don't buy these organic, you'll be ingesting a whole lot of pesticides and other nasties right along with them. Always buy them organic if possible 💕

Strawberries 🍓
Potatoes 🥔
Spinach 🍃
Cherries 🍒
Apples/Pears 🍐
Grapes 🍇
Capsicum 🌶️
Celery 🥬
Nectarine/peaches 🍑
Cucumber 🥒

Your health depends entirely on the daily choices you make. Organics too expensive? Well, I see it as a free form of ‘health insurance’, effectively saving you a helluva lotta money down the track … 😉

If you think being healthy is expensive, then try illness 🙃

31/10/2025

🤔

21/09/2025

Treat the cause, cure the disease.

04/09/2025

IRON DEFICIENT? 🩸 One third of the global population is! 😌 Some things to consider:

~ REDUCED ABSORPTION (low stomach HCl acid, other digestive issues, diets high in iron antagonists).

~ LOW DIETARY INTAKE: Poor diet, junk food, strict vegan or vegetarian diets without suitable considerations.

~ OCCULT (HIDDEN) BLOOD LOSS from the digestive tract (get a faecal occult blood test to find out).

~ MONTHLY BLOOD LOSS OR HEAVY BLEEDING in females.

~ PARASITES: Compete for nutrients & hinder absorption in the gut. More common than you think!

~ DIETARY IRON ANTAGONISTS: Dietary compounds including tannins & polyphenols (tea, coffee, wine, cocoa, some fruits & vegies), phytates (wholegrains), oxalic acid (some leafy greens & nuts), and some proteins found in soy & animal products, may bind to iron or interfere with its absorption.

~ DYSBIOSIS: A common enemy. Altered or unfriendly gut bacteria can change pH balance, affect iron pathways, hinder absorption, and compete for nutrients (usually winning). Beneficial 'friendly' bacteria are critical for healthy iron metabolism.

~ SUPPLEMENTAL IRON ANTAGONISTS: Calcium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus & copper are known to compete with iron for absorption. Always take supplements at least two hours apart.

~ CHRONIC STRESS: Can impair iron metabolism among other factors.

~ DISEASE: Some diseases like coeliac disease & inflammatory bowel disease can damage important sites along the digestive tract where iron is absorbed. Anaemia of chronic disease, or 'anaemia of inflammation', is associated with long-term inflammation or illness, like cancer, autoimmune conditions, or kidney disease. It results from chronic inflammation leading to reduced iron absorption & bioavailability.

DID YOU KNOW that iron deficiency is the number one leading nutritional deficiency in the world? 🫤 If you have any concerns about your iron status, consider any or all of the above and speak to your health practitioner about suitable tests, investigations & interventions ☺️

02/08/2025

01/08/2025

YIN & YANG ✨ Which is better to have an excess or deficiency of? In my experience & research, I have learned that it is more conducive to health to have an excess of YANG than an excess of YIN.

YANG is associated with heat, summer, light, expansion, activity & masculinity, while YIN is associated with cold, winter, damp, dark, contraction, passivity & femininity.

In an ideal body & universe, both work together in harmony & unison ~ complementing & balancing each other out.

However, many of us have excesses & deficiencies of one or the other, and find that our health corresponds directly to these imbalances.

YANG is supported by outward expression, warmth, outdoors, physical movement & active pursuits. YIN is supported by introspection, cool conditions, indoors, mindful inner reflection & passive activities.

How balanced do you think you are in these two energies? ☺️

15/07/2025

FACT: POOR DIETS & EATING HABITS CAUSE MORE DISEASE & CHRONIC ILLNESSES THAN ANY OTHER LIFESTYLE FACTOR … So why are we largely ignoring it? 🤔

The government has passed legislation preventing cigarette and alcohol companies from marketing their products to children. Why have we ignored food?

Even though it is accepted that food plays a major role in many chronic diseases, we allow food industries not only to market directly to children, but also to use our publicly-funded school systems to do it.

The long-term burden of (this) short-sighted indiscretion is incalculable.

✨ T.C. Campbell PhD, 'The China Study' ✨