Herbal support during pregnancy: Guidance on safety with herbalists Eve Brazil and Simon Mills.

In this episode of Herbcast, editor and first-time host Eve sits down with veteran herbal practitioner, educator, and author Simon Mills to explore one of the most sensitive and deeply important topics in herbal care: using herbs safely during pregnancy.

With over four decades of clinical experience and co-authorship of The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety, Simon brings clarity to a subject often clouded by caution, conflicting advice, and limited research. Together, Eve and Simon discuss why safety is such a critical consideration in pregnancy, how herbs are assessed for risk, which plants are truly well-supported, and where professional judgement is essential. The episode also covers supportive herbs for nausea, digestion, nourishment, and late-pregnancy preparation, plus key considerations for herbal use while breastfeeding.

• Why the precautionary principle is so important in pregnancy and why most herbs are best avoided in the first trimester.
• How herbs are assessed for safety (including the A–X categories) and why hard data in pregnancy is still very limited.
• Herbs with supportive safety data (e.g. ginger, chamomile, echinacea, raspberry leaf, nettle) and those historically used to bring on a period that are best avoided.
• Practical herbal support for morning sickness, digestion, and nourishment, including ginger, chamomile, dandelion root, nettle and food-based strategies.
• Late-pregnancy and postpartum considerations: raspberry leaf, caution with licorice, and how certain herbs may support breastfeeding or colic through the mother.

Eve is the editor of written content at Herbal Reality and the host of this Herbcast episode. With a deep love of language and plants, she helps translate complex herbal knowledge into clear, accessible articles, features, and resources for the Herbal Reality community. This episode marks her Herbcast debut, where she brings her editorial curiosity and grounding in herbal philosophy into conversation with experienced practitioners.

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Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

Herbcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications. We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.

Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

Mentioned in this episode:

Support our cause - Donate to Herbal Reality

We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications. We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead. Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

In this episode of Herbcast, Marion Mackonochie talks with medical herbalist Kathie Bishop about vaginal health, why it’s so often overlooked, how the vaginal microbiome really works, and the herbal and holistic strategies that can make a difference. Kathie shares her personal story of recurrent thrush from childhood into her 30s, what finally helped, and why every person’s microbiome and needs are unique.

In this episode:

• The vaginal microbiome 101 - lactobacilli, glycogen, and the powerful role of oestrogen across the cycle and life stages.
• Thrush vs. bacterial vaginitis (and aerobic vaginitis), why thrush often flares around ovulation/post-ovulation, why BV is more common post-menopause, and practical symptom clues (itch, discharge, odour) to tell them apart.
• Testing without the anxiety - when microbiome tests help (and when they don’t), plus why symptom-led care with a practitioner can be enough.
• Herbal care & applications
• Everyday choices that matter - hygiene (only water internally), breathable underwear (cotton/bamboo), managing heat and moisture, toilet paper swaps (bamboo to avoid dusty pulp irritation), and exploring personal diet triggers (e.g., sugar, alcohol, wheat) and iron status.

Kathie Bishop is a Medical Herbalist specialising in vaginal health and author of It’s Your Power Portal: Take Control of Your Vaginal Health with Herbal and Holistic Care (2022). She received the Innovation in Practice Award from the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (2021) and was a finalist in the Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards for her contributions to women’s health. Kathie also founded Into the Wild, an award-winning natural, organic, vegan intimate lubricant brand, and continues to support women in clinical practice.

• Book: It’s Your Power Portal: Take Control of Your Vaginal Health with Herbal and Holistic Care (2022)

Explore a world of plant-powered knowledge at herbalreality.com or connect with us on Instagram @herbal.reality.

These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications. We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.

Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

Mentioned in this episode:

Support our cause - Donate to Herbal Reality

We are fundraising to continue our work! These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications. We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead. Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/

In this episode of Herbcast, host Marion Mackonochie sits down with Claire Goulding, a medical herbalist and aromatherapist, to discuss the complexities of endometriosis and the natural ways to support those affected by this challenging condition. Claire shares her personal journey with endometriosis, revealing how her own experiences shaped her passion for women's health and herbal medicine.

The conversation covers the common symptoms of endometriosis, including debilitating pain, heavy bleeding, and the emotional toll it takes on those who suffer with the condition. Claire emphasises the importance of menstrual cycle awareness and how understanding one's body can empower women in managing their health. She also highlights the significance of personalised herbal treatments, discussing specific herbs that can alleviate symptoms and support overall wellbeing.

In this episode:

- The role of herbal medicine in pain management and hormonal balance.

- Common misconceptions about endometriosis and the latest theories behind its causes.

- Practical lifestyle and dietary recommendations to support reproductive health.

- Real-life case studies showcasing successful herbal interventions.

About Claire:

Claire is a Medical Herbalist and Aromatherapist with over 15 years of clinical experience. She works 1:1 with clients both in her private clinic in Bristol and internationally via Napiers Online Clinic.

With a strong background in facilitation, education, and environmental conservation, Claire brings a unique and grounded approach to her work. She specialises in hormonal health and is a passionate advocate for menstrual cycle awareness—an essential thread that runs through both her clinical practice and teaching.

Claire runs Learn Botanics Herbal Medicine Clinic & Workshops, offering empowering courses and events in Bristol, the South West, and across Europe. She holds a First-Class Honours BSc in Clinical Herbalism.

Outside of her practice, you’ll likely find Claire singing in her choir, dancing, or getting out in as much wildness as possible.

Follow & Connect:

Website: https://www.learnbotanics.co.uk/

Instagram: @learn.botanics

These funds will allow us to produce our next season of the Herbcast and commission our 2026 publications. We are asking for a contribution of £3 or whatever you feel able to offer, to sustain our website and content creation in the years ahead.

Donate: https://www.herbalreality.com/donate/