Health articles

Practical, evidence-informed advice on herbal medicine, brain health, gut health, hormones and prevention from Jean.

Herbal medicine

7 Sep 2026

Latest

Adaptogens: powerful allies, but not one-size-fits-all

Adaptogens are one of the biggest trends in natural health. But they vary widely in their actions, and choosing the wrong one can leave you more wired, not less.

Jean Dow · 2 min read

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Brain health

18 Aug 2026

Garlic: the wonder food for your brain

One of the most accessible yet powerful tools for brain health. How garlic supports inflammation, circulation, blood sugar and the gut-brain connection.

Jean Dow · 2 min read

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Herbal medicine

10 Aug 2026

Herbal medicine and detoxification: supporting the body, not forcing it

Your body already has sophisticated detox systems. The herbalist’s role is to support them, and detox only works if elimination is happening.

Jean Dow · 2 min read

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Herbal medicine

5 May 2026

Why herbalists use polypharmacy: the power of synergy in practice

Why herbalists combine several herbs in one formula, and how a single, well-designed tincture can support several systems at once.

Jean Dow · 2 min read

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Weight & metabolism

22 Feb 2026

Herbal and functional medicine alternatives to GLP-1 weight loss drugs: what's really going on?

Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro are being called game-changers, and for some people they can help. But important questions are emerging. Here’s what’s really going on, and the alternatives.

Jean Dow · 4 min read

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Brain health

9 Jan 2026

Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi): nourishing the brain, gently and deeply

A quiet, steady herb used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. How Bacopa supports memory, focus, calm and long-term brain resilience.

Jean Dow · 4 min read

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Brain health

5 Sep 2025

Herbal allies for brain health: Centella asiatica and rosemary

Two of Jean’s favourite herbs for cognitive wellbeing, and how Gotu Kola and rosemary support memory, focus, circulation and nerve repair.

Jean Dow · 4 min read

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Brain health

22 May 2023

Unlock your cognitive potential with a cognoscopy

Our ability to think clearly and focus becomes ever more vital as we age. How a cognoscopy helps protect your most valuable asset: your brain.

Jean Dow · 2 min read

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Patient advocacy

20 Mar 2023

Medical gaslighting: it is unacceptable

A joint article by Jean Dow and Charmaine Shepherd, written out of frustration after reading a letter that left them horrified.

Jean Dow & Charmaine Shepherd · 4 min read

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Prevention

16 Jan 2023

Why do we focus on prevention?

One of my greatest delights is when someone books an appointment not because something is wrong, but because they want to stay well.

Jean Dow · 3 min read

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Oral health

16 Jan 2023

The importance of oral health

We often underestimate the role our mouth plays in our overall health. Here’s why it matters more than you might think.

Jean Dow · 5 min read

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Gut health

17 Feb 2020

How can a herbalist help my gut?

You eat plenty of fibre, drink water and even eat fermented foods, but something still isn’t right. How herbal medicine can help.

Jean Dow · 5 min read

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Brain health

10 Dec 2019

Can you benefit from neurofeedback?

A non-invasive, drug-free therapy that nudges brainwaves back into healthy patterns. Who it helps, from memory loss and brain injury to anxiety and PTSD.

Jean Dow · 6 min read

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