Mind & Body Connection

09/01/2026

The Peony-Glycyrrhiza combination (white peony and licorice), known as Shaoyao-Gancao in China or Shakuyaku-kanzo-to (TJ-68) in Japan, is one of the most instructive synergies in East Asian medicine, illustrating how the insightful pairing of herbs can produce effects not reliably conceived or achieved with either herb alone. Anchored by the constituents paeoniflorin and glycyrrhizin, the combination exerts reproducible hormonal, skeletal antispasmodic, analgesic and neuroendocrine-modulating actions with clear clinical relevance.
Clinical research on this pairing has evolved in three discernible phases. In the late 1980s, Takahashi and colleagues explored its use in women with polycystic o***y disease (PCOS), reporting reductions in androgen levels alongside menstrual induction and occasional pregnancies. This endocrine signal was extended in early-to-mid 1990s PCOS studies, which demonstrated significant reductions in total and free testosterone and longer-term shifts consistent with improved ovarian steroidogenesis.
During the 2000s, research attention shifted toward skeletal muscle cramping, a known traditional use. Clinical studies—particularly in haemodialysis patients—demonstrated rapid relief of painful muscle spasms, with reductions in cramp frequency, severity, and duration for both preventive and as-needed use.
More recently, from the 2010s onward, controlled trials have focussed on the formula’s endocrine effects, this time in antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia (which was also studied in the late 1990s), firmly reframing this ancient herb pair within a contemporary neuroendocrine context. The most recent study in this domain is reviewed in the next posting.
For more information see:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3292675/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8012442/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12943175/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27363396/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27755159/

Peony-glycyrrhiza decoction is effective in reducing antipsychotic-related hyperPRL and abnormal involuntary movement symptoms, but no reduction in blood PRL concentrations was observed. The underlying mechanisms of PGD's effects need further investigation (trial registration of NCT01852331 at www.c...

30/12/2025

If your nervous system’s buzzing after a busy year, herbs can promote calm, ease anxiety and let your body deeply rest and relax.
🌼 A calming cup of Chamomile – Steep these pretty petals in boiling water and relax with a soothing Chamomile tea. As a mild sedative and nervine, Chamomile calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety and prepares your body for a restful night’s sleep. Enjoy hot as is or make your own calming combination with dried herbs such as Lemon Balm, Passionflower and Lemongrass.
🧊 For a sparkling iced tea, make a stronger brew by steeping herbs for 1-2 hours (or make tea at double strength and brew for a shorter time). Strain, chill and carbonate to enjoy a refreshing summer drink with ice and a squeeze of lime.
🪻 Lovely lavender – Rub a few drops of lavender essential oil into your temples or the soles of your feet and let your worries float away.
For additional support, stronger liquid or tablets herbals are avaliable in the clinic along with relaxing and balancing acupuncture.

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28/12/2025

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28/12/2025

Thyroid nodules are common and affect half of the general population by the age of 60 years. The causes are believed to be due to hypothyroidism, mutational changes or autoimmunity. They can be associated with over- or underactivity of the gland and may sometimes be malignant.
Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) has been used in Turkey to self-treat thyroid dysfunction such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Now a controlled clinical study has evaluated the impact of dill on patients with thyroiditis and benign thyroid nodules. They were divided into two groups: placebo (n =35) and dill group (n = 33). Dried and ground dill (300 mg) was put into capsules and patients on active treatment were given three capsules per day for 90 days. Various tests were conducted at the beginning and end of the study, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg), and C-reactive protein (CRP), and thyroid nodule dimensions were measured by ultrasound.
After 90 days, compared to the control group, the dill group exhibited significantly decreased TSH (by an average of 19% from a mean starting value of 2.69 compared to a 16% increase in the control group, P = 0.009), fT4 (P < 0.001), anti-TPO (P = 0.001), CRP (P < 0.001) and nodule size (by an average of 7.3% compared to a 4.5% increase in the control group, P < 0.001).
The authors concluded that dill suppressed inflammation of the thyroid gland, reduced nodule size, and lowered TSH levels in patients with thyroiditis and nodular goitre. The daily dose used was relatively low and higher doses might deliver a greater magnitude of clinical effects.

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21/12/2025

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is a flowering plant native to western Asia and eastern Europe. The seeds are commonly used as a spice in curries and on bread and vegetables. There is an impressive body of accumulated clinical evidence for this herb, mostly from the Middle East, for a variety of uses.
Now research combining laboratory experiments and a human trial reveals that black cumin seed not only downregulates in vitro the genes that drive fat cell formation but also improves cholesterol levels, highlighting further its potential as a natural approach to supporting healthier metabolic outcomes.
This clinical trial was led by scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan: 22 participants who consumed 5 g of black cumin seed powder each day showed a decrease in LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and an increase in HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) after just 8 weeks. The 20 people in the control group showed no such changes.
This was a reasonably designed, short, single blind RCT showing 7 to 10% reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-C, with a 5% improvement in HDL-C. No appetite suppression was observed and there was no overt toxicity. With its limitations (no placebo, small number, short duration, per-protocol analysis, no body-weight data), this is good supportive clinical evidence, but is not definitive.
Of particular interest are the combined effects of lowering LDL-C while boosting HDL-C.

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21/12/2025

Sometimes we overindulge and tip our bodies out of balance. Support digestion and liver health over the holidays with these herbal hints:
🌿 If you’re feeling rather full after Christmas lunch, a cup of Peppermint tea can support digestion and help relieve indigestion, nausea, dyspepsia, bloating and flatulence.
🌱 Chew on Fennel seeds. With a sweet aniseed flavour, Fennel helps settle the stomach and support digestion after rich, fatty foods. With appetite stimulating and carminative actions, Fennel eases spasming in the digestive tract and may ease digestive discomfort.
🫚 Ginger root is used in Western herbal medicine for stimulating appetite and relieving nausea, indigestion and flatulence. Add fresh Ginger to curries, stir fries, baking and teas to enjoy the herbal benefits.
🌼 A daily Dandelion root tea supports digestion and liver function due to its bitter action and ability to promote bile flow and relieve constipation.

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06/11/2025

Would you like to find out more about this amazing herb?

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40711608/

06/11/2025

Traditionally, herbalists have used elecampane to treat coughs, particularly those associated with bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough.

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04/11/2025

Elderflower benefits include traditional uses for respiratory issues like colds, flu, and sinus infections, as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-calming properties. It contains antioxidants and bioflavonoids that can help protect cells from damage.

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03/11/2025

This in an amazing herb, it helps with relief of upper respiratory tract infections, including mild tonsillitis, pharyngitis, cold and flu. Relief of mild bronchitis. To support the body's resistance to infections of all kinds. Skin complaints, boils. Internally and topically to support healthy wound healing. Internally and topically for mild mouth ulcers. Topically as a gargle to relieve mild tonsillitis. Topically as a mouthwash to support healthy gums.

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03/11/2025

D**g Quai benefits include supporting women's reproductive health by regulating menstrual cycles and easing cramps, nourishing blood and improving circulation, and providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

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01/11/2025

Devil's Claw functions primarily as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, used to relieve pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lower back pain. It also has traditional uses it can aid digestion, act as a bitter tonic, and potentially help with weight loss by suppressing appetite.

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