Haumanu Herbal Healing

30/12/2025

Clinical support for Asparagus racemosus (shatavari) is rapidly expanding. Building on a positive 2022 clinical trial shared earlier on my page, a newly published RCT by a separate research team has also found that shatavari significantly enhances breast-milk production in lactating women.

A total of 120 women who had recently given birth took part in the study. Half of them took 300 mg/day of a shatavari root extract (10% shatavarins, extract ratio not specified), while the other half were given a placebo, and the results were measured after 72 hours. Researchers observed statistically significant positive changes (compared to placebo, per-protocol) in milk supply volume, the time it took for the mothers to feel their breasts were full, and how satisfied the mothers felt with breastfeeding.

Effect sizes were good. At 72 hours, shatavari supplementation produced no difference in the timing of milk expression compared with placebo (p = 0.961), indicating that the intervention did not alter feeding or expression behaviour. In contrast, milk volume expressed at 72 hours was significantly higher in the shatavari group (97.98 ± 14.34 mL) compared with placebo (85.36 ± 14.19 mL), with a mean between-group difference of 12.63 mL. This corresponds to a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.889; p = 0.001), indicating a substantial and clinically meaningful increase in milk production.

Additionally, shatavari was associated with a significant reduction in time to evident breast fullness after the last feeding, with mothers reporting earlier fullness compared with placebo (mean difference −0.56 h). The effect size was moderate (Cohen’s d = −0.504; p = 0.002), suggesting improved mammary refilling dynamics.

Importantly, no side effects were observed in any of the mothers who took Shatavari root extract. These results suggest that immediate post-partum use of Shatavari root extract is a safe and effective natural option to increase breast milk volume.

For more information see: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41055223/

28/12/2025

I promised myself I'd take a break during this time of year, time to relax. But the funny thing about loving what you do is, you dont want a break. I love herbs, working alongside them, getting to know them better each time. Like catching up with an old freind, talking any learning another layer of them to love.

So here i am reading and planning.. coming in to 2026, is there anything you'd like to see on this page, anything youd like to know about herbal medicine? Just let me know, because we all know i love to have a reason to talk herbs 💚🤣

21/12/2025

Are you looking for something to make for christmas day that is easy, delicious and convenient? Check out this beetroot slaw on Herbs on the Hill

Christmas brings back memories of cinnamon, cloves, and all things spice. This fragrant and easy-to-prepare beetroot slaw is always a hit during the festive season. It's best made a few days ahead, as it gets better over the next week when it becomes more like a raw relish and extra delicious.

For the full recipe,

https://www.herbsonthehill.com.au/uncategorized/spiced-beetroot-slaw/

For the perfect balance of ease, flavor, and convenience exactly what's needed during the busy festive season.

20/12/2025

Because I know this time of year is busy, I am getting in early with my gift. Because who doesn't love an early gift? 😉

I am keeping both my initial appointments and my follow-up appointments discounted until April 2026, giving you more time to prioritize yourself in the new year.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in contact with me.

Or if you are ready to book, head to

https://www.herbsonthehill.com.au/shaan-rakatau/

18/12/2025

The Christmas season can bring added pressure and emotional load, Oats offers a gentle, nourishing way to support the nervous system. Helping you calm the farm during the holiday period, as well as any other points in life where you may need a little extra support.

A nice bowl of oats is always a great way to start the day, but did you know that they make a wonderful liquid herbal medicine as well? Both the seed (a bit like what is in your breakfast bowl),1 and the whole fresh green plant,2 are a beautiful supportive medicine. Evidence indicates that oats, whe...

11/12/2025

The second herb in our series is the fabulous Lavender... lavender is more than just a herb to help you sleep. Have a read for this article to find out more

The second herb in our series is the fabulous Lavender. For some, Lavender holds memories of nana, or maybe it is one of those herbs that you know well for helping you get to sleep. But did you know there is research to back up the benefits of our beautiful lavender? Lavender contains over a hundred...

10/12/2025

Its been a little quite over on this page. The rush of the silly season really has caught up. But if you have any questions, ill always respond ASAP.

We are doing our best to still eat decent food, while fitting all activties in. This is our thursday morning go to right now, so we can eat and get out the door and I can get to Herbs on the Hill

Some ramen noodles, some miso, so bone broth and some vege hero for a little extra sneaky boost. Sometimes a soft boiled egg (i forgot today) And the kids love it.

What are your go to easy meals?

06/12/2025

Anxiety played a significant role for me during both pregnancy and the postpartum period. This made me extremely cautious throughout each pregnancy, hyper-aware of everything I ate, did, or was exposed to.

Because of this, I completely understand the hesitation many people feel about taking herbal medicine during pregnancy. Concerns often come up around the use of alcohol-extracted herbal medicines (which I will cover in a separate post), as well as the general uncertainty of introducing any therapeutic agent while pregnant.

One herb I genuinely wish I had known about at the time is Passiflora incarnata (passionflower). Not only is it highly effective for relieving anxiety with research showing its effects to be comparable to pharmaceutical anxiolytics such as oxazepam (a catergory C medication) and midazolam (a catergory C medication). (1) but it is also considered safe for use in pregnancy within appropriate clinical guidance.(2)

Importantly, passionflower is classified as B1 under the TGA pregnancy categorisation system. (2) In comparison, commonly prescribed medications for anxiety during pregnancy, such as sertraline, fall under Category C according to eMIMS. This distinction can be reassuring for those seeking gentler, evidence-informed options for managing anxiety in pregnancy.

While trying anything new during pregnancy can understandably feel overwhelming, please know that I truly understand what that fear feels like. I would never recommend or prescribe anything that I would not feel completely comfortable taking myself. Since this is a medicinal herb, checking in with a qualified herbalist or naturopath can help make sure it’s the right fit for you and your unique situation.

If youd like to know more, or have any questions I'd love to chat. Or if you feel like this could be helpful for and would like to book an appointment please find my booking link in my bio. If you need a telehealth appointment on a day other than thursday send me a message so we can chat.



1. Janda K, Wojtkowska K, Jakubczyk K, Antoniewicz J, Skonieczna-Żydecka K. Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders—A Systematic Review. Nutrients [Internet]. 2020 Dec 19;12(12):3894. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766837/
2. Mills S, Bone K. The essential guide to herbal safety. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005.

3. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Australian categorisation system for prescribing medicines in pregnancy [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2022. Available from: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/health-professional-information-and-resources/australian-categorisation-system-prescribing-medicines-pregnancy

04/12/2025

The first in a series of articles with commonly known herbs to help "calm the farm" and make it through the silly season. First up, Chamomile. Did you know Chamomile has been shown to be safer than placebo?

Surprise! Its Christmas! How did we get here? If you are feeling like this (as we are) you may be thinking about some herbs to help calm the farm. Over the next few weeks, we will be taking a brief look at the evidence for some of the common herbs you may already use or have heard of, this week, let...

02/12/2025

If you've been around for a while, you will know that I began studying with the intention to support families who, like myself, struggled to get pregnant or stay pregnant.

For this post, I think it’s important to share this “origin story” (because yes… herbal medicine truly feels like my superpower). It helps explain why I’m so passionate about sharing knowledge, especially when it comes to pregnancy and postpartum care.

Looking back, I often think about how different my own experience might have been if I had known what I know now. If I had had passionflower, would  have I been able to cope better? If I'd had St. John's Wort, would I have been a better mum?

I understand firsthand what it’s like to be pregnant, trying to fall pregnant, or navigating loss while overthinking every tiny step because of all the “what ifs.”

It's because of this that I understand how difficult it can be to know what to do and who to trust on what to take while pregnant or trying to be pregnant. So I will always share research or resources for anything I share.

And most importantly: everything I share is general in nature. Herbal medicine is powerful, and every body, every journey, and every pregnancy is different. Please always speak with a qualified herbalist or naturopath before taking any herbal preparations.

My hope is that by sharing knowledge, it will help you to see how herbal medicine can be your superpower too, in all stages of life.

Tomorrow lll post on one of my favorite topics right now, Raspberry leaf during pregnancy 🌿❤️

01/12/2025

Herbal medicine in pregnancy...

I've been doing a lot of reading, writing, and researching lately. And I'd love to hear from you. What do you think or what do you know, or what would you like to know about herbal medicine in pregnancy?

I have alot id love to share, but i thought before i did, id ask you first about what youd like to hear.