Sleep is not optional. It's foundational.

In this episode of Eclectic Herbal Wisdom, we're joined by Dr. Orna Izakson for a grounded conversation about insomnia, mental health, nervous system herbs, and why real healing often looks much simpler than the latest wellness trend.

We talk about Skullcap, Passionflower, and Valerian, including when they shine and when they don't. We also unpack detox myths, why extreme cleanses often backfire, and how gentle daily rhythms support the body's innate pathways far better than aggressive protocols.

What You'll Learn:

• Why CBT-I is the gold standard for chronic insomnia
• How herbs support sleep without overriding the nervous system
• When Skullcap is appropriate, including its use for seizure support
• Why Valerian causes paradoxical reactions in some people
• Detox demystified and why less is often more
• Milk Thistle: when robust liver support is actually needed
• Hawthorn as a heart and nervous system ally for challenging times

Connect With Dr. Orna Izakson, ND, RH(AHG) here

Naturopathic physician, registered herbalist, and educator specializing in mental health, sleep, and integrative care Instagram: @dr.orna, or find her stunning plant pics at @gardenmedicine

Herbs Mentioned:

• Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
• Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
• Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

We'd love to hear from you!

What herbs have supported your sleep or mental health?
Have you experienced a paradoxical reaction to valerian or another herb?
Share your stories with us on Instagram or TikTok @eclecticherb

Full show notes: eclecticherb.com/podcast/herbs-mental-health-dr-orna-izakson

Text Us & Let Us Know How You Liked The Show!

Thanks so much for tuning into Eclectic Herbal Wisdom!

We'd love to show our gratitude by giving you a 20% discount on your whole order at eclecticherb.com.

Just use the code PODCAST20 at checkout for 20% Off all your herbal goods! 🌿

And, if you have time, be sure to reach out and let us know what you think of the show!

At Eclectic Herb we're passionate about bringing you herbs as fresh as plants in the wild!

That's why we take the time to gently freeze dry our herbs, right after they've been harvested at the peak of their medicinal potency.

We know you'll feel the freeze dried difference in every capsule, every powder, and every bit of herbal love you get at Eclectic Herb!

Your liver works overtime. Processing everything from last night's dinner to environmental toxins, your liver needs consistent support to stay healthy and resilient. In this episode, Chris and Mel dive deep into milk thistle, the gold standard herb for liver protection and regeneration.

You'll learn why milk thistle has been trusted for over 2,000 years, how silymarin (the compound complex in milk thistle seeds) protects and regenerates liver cells, and why freeze-dried milk thistle preserves the beneficial compounds that get lost in standard processing.

Chris shares her experience growing milk thistle and why it's one of Eclectic Herb's bestsellers, while Mel explains the science behind this powerful plant and its uses beyond liver support.

What's in this episode:

• The 2,000-year history of milk thistle, from Pliny the Elder to Victorian physicians
• How Eclectic Physicians used milk thistle for digestive complaints and sluggish bile
• Silymarin: the compound complex that protects and regenerates liver cells
• Using milk thistle for liver support, fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cholesterol management
• Why milk thistle works for acne, skin health, and detoxification pathways
• Growing milk thistle: Chris's insights on harvest, seeds, and why it's invasive
• The antidote potential for poisonous mushroom exposure
• Why freeze-dried whole seed milk thistle makes a difference

Herbal Terms in This Episode:

• Silymarin: A complex of flavonolignans found in milk thistle seeds that includes silibinin, silychristin, and silydianin. This compound stabilizes cell membranes, reduces oxidative stress, and supports liver detoxification and regeneration.
• Hepatoprotective: An herb that protects the liver from damage caused by toxins, medications, alcohol, or disease.
• Galactagogue: An herb that promotes or increases breast milk production in nursing mothers.
• Biliousness: A term used by Eclectic Physicians referring to sluggish bile flow and digestive complaints.

We'd love to hear from you!

Do you already use milk thistle for liver support? Have you noticed benefits for your skin or digestion? Share your experiences with us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @eclecticherb

Get your freeze-dried milk thistle here and explore other liver-supporting herbs at eclecticherb.com

Full show notes, transcript, and Chris's in-depth blog on milk thistle:

Text Us & Let Us Know How You Liked The Show!

Thanks so much for tuning into Eclectic Herbal Wisdom!

We'd love to show our gratitude by giving you a 20% discount on your whole order at eclecticherb.com.

Just use the code PODCAST20 at checkout for 20% Off all your herbal goods! 🌿

And, if you have time, be sure to reach out and let us know what you think of the show!

At Eclectic Herb we're passionate about bringing you herbs as fresh as plants in the wild!

That's why we take the time to gently freeze dry our herbs, right after they've been harvested at the peak of their medicinal potency.

We know you'll feel the freeze dried difference in every capsule, every powder, and every bit of herbal love you get at Eclectic Herb!

Ashwagandha for stress and immunity is a powerful ally during Capricorn season, a time marked by ambition, determination, and the weight of responsibility. What happens when chronic stress meets winter’s demands? How can this adaptogenic root support your nervous system, immune resilience, and groundedness during a season of goal-setting?

In this episode of Eclectic Herbal Wisdom, Chris and Mel explore Capricorn energy, the shadow side of burnout, and why Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a foundational herb for stress resilience, vitality, and winter wellness.

What’s in this episode:

• Capricorn traits and the shadow side of ambition, recognizing when responsibility becomes burden
• Ashwagandha as an adaptogen for chronic stress, nervous exhaustion, and HPA axis support
• Immunomodulator vs immune stimulant, and why Ashwagandha supports winter immune resilience
• Traditional uses for reproductive health, libido, and long-term vitality
• How to work with Ashwagandha: golden milk, fresh root tinctures, freeze-dried capsules, and growing your own
• Using Capricorn energy for goal-setting and boundaries, even if you’re not a Capricorn
• Journal prompts and plant rituals for releasing stress and connecting with earth energy

We’d love to hear from you

Have you worked with Ashwagandha for stress or immune support? How does Capricorn season energy show up in your life?
Share your experience with us on Instagram or TikTok @eclecticherb.

Resources & Links

• Full show notes and transcript: eclecticherb.com/podcast/capricorn-herbs-ashwagandha
• Shop freeze-dried Ashwagandha: eclecticherb.com/products/ashwagandha
• Explore all organic supplements: eclecticherb.com
• Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @eclecticherb

Text Us & Let Us Know How You Liked The Show!

Thanks so much for tuning into Eclectic Herbal Wisdom!

We'd love to show our gratitude by giving you a 20% discount on your whole order at eclecticherb.com.

Just use the code PODCAST20 at checkout for 20% Off all your herbal goods! 🌿

And, if you have time, be sure to reach out and let us know what you think of the show!

At Eclectic Herb we're passionate about bringing you herbs as fresh as plants in the wild!

That's why we take the time to gently freeze dry our herbs, right after they've been harvested at the peak of their medicinal potency.

We know you'll feel the freeze dried difference in every capsule, every powder, and every bit of herbal love you get at Eclectic Herb!