Last Updated on 10 July 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Natural Medicine Week helps to raise awareness about the vital role that natural healthcare practitioners contribute to society. Part of this role is ensuring that people are well informed for daily decision making about their health. What starts as professional advice continues into home life for the foreseeable future and in the context of Natural Medicine and Medicinal foods, can become lifelong knowledge for safe and effective home remedies.
The concept of Food as Natural Medicine and Herbal Medicine as Food explores the power of diet alongside the potency of herbs for greater health and wellbeing. Start writing your shopping list as we come up with some kitchen staples, fresh ideas, and classic ways to use common garden variety foods as Natural Medicine.
To put it in modern terms “Food is a complex array of macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that upgrade or downgrade our biological software with every bite.” (1) This reminds us of the power of diet change – we can improve or disadvantage our health through our diet choices. In present day, more people are aiming towards the concept of self-care, with the belief that natural foods are associated with fewer side effects and consequently safer for use. (2) Despite their recognised health giving properties, there are no recommendations for intakes of herbs and spices in the Australian guide to healthy eating. (3) Natural healthcare fills this gap, and is ahead of the curve when it comes to emphasising plant power.
Simple habits can add up – cooking with herbs and spices and drinking herbal teas all increases antioxidant content of the diet. Herbs and spices can also be used to partially or wholly replace less desirable ingredients such as salt, sugar and added saturated fat in recipes. (3)
- Clove – is found to have the highest mean antioxidant value, followed by peppermint, allspice, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, and saffron. (4) Looking closer at peppermint, thyme and sage as medicinal foods, these plants are frequently found in household kitchens and can impart several therapeutic effects: (2) (5) (6)
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – its long use as a digestive herb makes it a popular choice for relieving symptoms like bloating, abdominal distension, and difficulty passing stool, due to its smooth muscle relaxant effect.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – used to cure spasmodic gastric-intestinal complaints, cough, bronchitis, laryngitis, and tonsillitis, this strong tasting herb was also used as a vermifuge to expel intestinal worms in ancient Egypt.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis) – similar to Thyme in its medicinal actions, the Latin name of sage originates from the translation “salvation plant”, meaning “save, cure”. Even today sage is a mandatory plant in all Catholic monasteries. Its use for respiratory complaints is rivalled by its role in menopause, with fresh sage preparation demonstrating clinical value in the treatment of hot flushes and associated menopausal symptoms.
There are many ways to maximise nutrition and gain therapeutic benefits from medicinal foods. A few suggestions include:
- Medicinal Mushrooms – Mushrooms are having a moment in the sun, with varieties like Reishi, Shiitake and Lions Mane presently popular food products. You can read more about this topic in one of our recent blog posts here
- Edible flowers – a novel addition to salads, mocktails, cocktails and desserts, varieties like calendula, nasturtium and of course zucchini flowers can impress guests and kids alike. Fresh or freeze dried, edible flowers provide biologically active substances to the diet, including vitamin A, C, riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, iron and potassium. (7) Sourcing organic, from a reputable source and ensuring the flower type is actually edible is of course advice on the tip of any herbalists lips.
- Herbal infusions – can be equally effective to calm and soothe frazzled nerves, settle digestive disturbances or promote sleep. In addition to peppermint, thyme and sage, other favourites which can be frequently taken as tea include licorice, chamomile, ginger and dandelion.
- Home Grown – The pleasant scent of a sprig of Rosemary, the potent flavour of a freshly made Basil pesto, the cleansing effect on the palate when Parsley is used as a garnish – food is the perfect way to showcase herbs for their lasting impact on our wellbeing.
Here at Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we are all about sustainable change for our patients, and potentising the diet is a sure-fire way to feel a difference on a daily basis.
We have these Wellness Blogs that may interest you. Click HERE or HERE or HERE
You may enjoy THIS Wellness Recipe
Our Amazing Naturopaths at Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Shella Hall (Sunshine Coast and online)
Amy Angus (Wavell Heights and online)
Jen Strachan (Cannon Hill and online)
Nicole Odlum (Wavell Heights and online)
Dominique Johanson (Wavell Heights and online)
Locations We Service – Naturopathy
Naturopath Caloundra
Naturopath Wavell Heights
Naturopath Cannon Hill
Naturopath Sunshine Coast
Naturopath Noosa
Naturopath Brisbane Northside
Naturopath Brisbane
Naturopaths Brisbane
Brisbane Naturopaths
Naturopathy Brisbane
Naturopaths Near Me
Best Naturopaths Near Me
Best Naturopath Near Me
Natural Therapies Brisbane
Therapists Brisbane
Relevant Naturopath links
- How Naturopathy Can Help You Recover Your Health
- Seeing a Naturopath: The Ultimate Guide
- Naturopaths
- Guide to Seeing a Children’s Naturopath
- The 6 Naturopathic Principles that Protect a Naturopath’s Patients
- ADHD Naturopath
- Brisbane Wellbeing
- Natural Dispensary Brisbane
- Achieving Good Health With A Holistic Approach
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – How a Naturopath Helps
Why You May Wish to Consult a Naturopath
Gut Health
- Leaky Gut Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes and Gut Repair Support
- Naturopath for Gut Health
- Solving Gut Issues by Treating SIBO
- SIBO Test Brisbane
- Daily Ritual Gut Health
- 6 Digestive Problems that Cause Weight Gain
- How Stool Testing Helps IBS Sufferers Part 1: Digestive Markers
- How Stool Testing Helps IBS Sufferers Part 2: Microbial Markers
- Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome Cause Weight Gain?
- Gut Health with Parasite Cleanse
- Natural Parasite Cleanse Australia
- The Gut-Brain Connection to Mental Health
- The Gut-Brain Connection: How to Feed Your Brain
- Controlling Constipation and Bloating
- How Stool Testing Helps Find the Causes of IBS and Other Digestive Health Problems
- Gut Health Specialist Brisbane
- Gut Microbiome Testing Australia
- Gut Health Test Australia
- Probiotics for Thrush
- What is Leaky Gut Australia?
- Daily Ritual Gut Health: Finding Your Best Daily Rituals
- Addressing SIBO for Gut Health Improvement
- Gut Health, Diet & Nutrition
- Improve Your Gut Health Brisbane
- Naturopath Gut Health
- IBS-Friendly Slow Cooked Porridge
- L-Glutamine: A Solution for Gut Health Issues
- Understanding Appetite Regulation
Perimenopause and Menopause
- 3 Lifestyle Changes Women Need to Make After 40
- Guide for a Happy Menopause
- Menopause Clinic Near Me
- What is Menopause?
- Perimenopause
- Acupuncture for Perimenopause and Menopause
- Managing Menopause
- Strategies for Preparing for Perimenopause
- Finding Relief from Menopausal Symptoms with Naturopathy
- Brain Fog and Menopause
- Early Menopause: Preparation and Management
Hormone Health
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Hormone Testing Brisbane
- Find Reliable DUTCH Test Providers Near Me and Look After Your Hormones
- Take an At Home Hormone Test – DUTCH Hormone Package
- Hormonal Health and Thyroid Issues
- PCOS and the Insulin Connection
- Identifying Insulin Resistance
- Looking at Luteal Phase Deficiency
- Experiencing Painful Periods? Here’s What Might Be Causing It
- Test Cortisol at Home
- Cortisol Test Australia
- How to Get Hormone Levels Checked in Australia
- Blood Analysis Cost in Australia
- Reducing your Body’s Toxin Burden to Improve your Hormone Health
Thyroid Issues
- When You Suspect You Have Thyroid Issues
- Subclinical Hypothyroidism: When You Suspect You Have a Thyroid Issue
- Thyroid Disorders from a Naturopathic Aspect
- Thyroid Health for the Winter Months
- Thyroid Disease: A Brief Guide to Common Disorders
- Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s
- Thyroid
- How Hyperthyroidism Can Affect Your Health
- Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease
- Naturopath Herbs for Thyroid Health
Detox and Cleansing
- Heavy Metal Toxicity: Strategies for Detoxing
- Detoxing Your Lifestyle, Not Just Your Body
- How Long Does It Take To Detox Heavy Metals From The Body?
- Heavy Metal Detox for Kids
- Naturopathic Detox Cleanse
- Naturopath Detox
- Do I Need a Heavy Metal Detox?
- Heavy Metal Detox Australia
Insomnia and Sleep Health
- Save Your Sleep with What You Eat
- Insomnia Linked to Mineral Deficiency
- Solving Insomnia: Naturopathy’s Five-Step Solution
- 5 Ways Insomnia Can Affect Your Life and What You Can Do About It
- Natural Treatment for Insomnia
- Naturopathic Remedies for Insomnia
- Enhancing Sleep Quality with Natural Strategies
Autoimmune Conditions
- Naturopathy for Autoimmune Disorders
- Thyroid Health for the Winter Months
- Naturopathic Management of Acid Reflux Disease (GERD) and Weight Gain
- A Naturopath’s Guide to Managing Psoriasis
Mental Health, Stress, Anxiety and Depression
- The Gut-Brain Connection to Mental Health
- The Gut-Brain Connection: How to Feed Your Brain
- Treating Depression with Naturopathy: What You Should Consider
- A Naturopath’s Guide to Improving Mental Health
- Naturopathic Anxiety Medication
- Naturopath Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): How a Naturopath Helps
- Pyrrole Disorder
- Breathing for Anxiety: How to Get Anxiety Relief Through Breathing Techniques
- Stress and How It Manifests
- Brain Fog: Causes And Some Treatments
- A Tasty Egg Curry for Stress and Anxiety Relief
- Warm Brussel Sprouts Super Salad for Increased Energy and Stress Relief
Women’s Health
- Women’s Health
- Naturopath Women’s Health
- Women’s Health Week: It’s All About Women’s Wellness and Wellbeing
- Treating Vaginal Thrush the Natural Way
- The Lowdown on Low Libido
- Experiencing Painful Periods and What’s Causing Them
- Regulating Menstrual Cycles with Chaste Tree
- Painful Periods and Naturopathy
- Preventing Post-Pill Acne
- PCOS and Gut Microbiome Health
- Helping Cardiovascular Disease in Women
- Health and Fitness Strategies for Women
Fertility and Pregnancy
- Pregnancy
- Pre-Pregnancy Fertility Care with Naturopathic Nutrition
- Fertility Naturopath Brisbane
- Acupuncture and Naturopathy for Pre-Conception Care
- Pregnancy Care and Naturopathy
- Maximising Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy
- Getting Quality Sleep in the 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Wellbeing and Naturopathy are Great Partners
- Naturopathy for the Management of Constipation During Pregnancy
- How a Prenatal Naturopath Can Transform Your Pregnancy
- Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
- Keeping Calm About Colic
- Foods for Fertility
Men’s Health
- Men’s Health
- The Sperm Health Decline
- Better Prostate Health with Natural Medicine
- Naturopathy and Men’s Health
- Support Your Thyroid Health Naturally
- Men’s Health Supplements
- Understanding Postpartum Depression in Fathers
- Healthy Eating Guide for Men
Children’s Health
- The Importance of Naturopathic Care for Children
- Omega 3 for Child’s Health
- Find Your Children’s Naturopath at Brisbane Livewell Clinic
- Guide to Seeing a Children’s Naturopath
- Naturopath for Children and Teenagers
- Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity in Toddlers
- How Naturopaths Can Improve Study Stress and Anxiety for Your Child
DNA Testing
- DNA Testing & Personalised Medicine
- DNA Testing Brisbane
- DNA Testing Brisbane, Australia
- Methylation Test Near Me
- Testing Functional Medicine
- Genetic Methylation Test Brisbane
- DUTCH Test Providers Near Me
- Full Genetic Testing Australia
- MTHFR Gene Test – Understand Your Genetic Health with Expert Guidance
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Food Intolerances and Allergies
- 7 Useful Strategies for Overcoming Food Intolerance
- Hayfever and the Gastrointestinal Immune System
- Food Intolerance, Hypersensitivity, and Allergies Explained
- Everything You Need to Know About Food Intolerance
- Food Allergy Testing Near Me
- Food Intolerance Testing Brisbane
- Food Allergy Testing
- Food Intolerance Testing
- Food Intolerance Testing Package
- How to Get an Allergy Test in Australia
- Food Intolerance and Food Allergies: Why are they so Different?
Weight Loss
- Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome Cause Weight Gain? (IBS)
- Naturopathy for Weight Loss
- Natural Weight Loss for Summer
- A Naturopathic Approach to Achieving an Ideal and Healthy Weight
- Intermittent Fasting: A Naturopath’s Guide to Success
- Weight Loss Naturopath
- Kick-Start Weight Loss: 5 Science-Backed Tips
- Combining Therapies for a Healthy Weight
- Naturopath’s Weight Loss Programme
Nutrition and Mineral Deficiencies
- Nutrition and Naturopathy: Healthy Diet
- Optimising Nutrition for Skin Health
- The Seriousness of Sugar
- The Importance of Mindfulness and Meditation in Natural Medicine
- Nutrition Deficiency: Visible Body Look Signs
- Helping Cardiovascular Disease in Women
- Sports Nutrition and Your Ideal Protein Requirements
- Creating a Healthy Diet for Good Health and Wellbeing
- Maximising Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy
- Nutrition and Naturopathy: Healthy Diet
- Combining Therapies for a Healthy Weight
- Intermittent Fasting: A Naturopath’s Guide to Success
- Iron Deficiency and Anaemia: When Things Go from Bad to Worse
- Naturopathic Medicine: What You Need to Know
- National Herbal Medicine Week
- The Role of Nutrition and Naturopathy in Wellbeing
- Clinical Nutrients
- Mood & Food
- Food as Medicine: Exploring Natural and Herbal Options
- Maximising Macronutrients – Spotlight on Carbohydrates
Parasites
- Natural Parasite Cleanse Australia
- Parasites from Traveling
- Natural Treatments for Those Pesky Parasites
- Clean Your Body of Parasites
- Parasite Cleanse
Chronic Fatigue / Exhaustion / Tired
- Treatment of Chronic Fatigue
- Combat Chronic Fatigue with this Delicious Curry
- Chronic Fatigue Treatment Brisbane
- Adrenal Fatigue: Stress and Burnout Management
Healthy Eating
- Eating Healthy for you and our Planet
- Plant Based Eating From Around The World (The Middle East)
- Chickpea Pancake Recipe: A Great Diabetic Breakfast
- Exploring the Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms
- Staying Fit and Eating Right After 60
- Fermented Foods
Naturopath Health Screening
