For centuries, indigenous healers in the Amazon have turned to Cat's Claw as one of their most treasured medicinal plants. Today, it's become a favorite in functional medicine for supporting immune balance, calming inflammation, promoting gut health and even as part of chronic Lyme protocols. But how much of its reputation is rooted in tradition and how much is backed by modern science?

In this episode, we travel from the rainforest to today's research, exploring the fascinating history of Cat's Claw, the experts who rely on it, what the clinical evidence says and the practical questions people ask most—like whether you should cycle it, who should avoid it and how it's commonly used.

If you've ever wondered why this ancient vine continues to generate so much excitement, this episode is a great place to start.

Don't forget, you can support this podcast by shopping small at our family health food store at https://ngvitamins.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Click here to shop water filtration with us at Nature's Garden of Naples: https://ultrawatersolutions.com/?ref=naples1042

Support the show

NOTE: This information contained is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Please consult a qualified health professional if you do have a medical condition. The information on this podcast represents the opinions of the hosts and guests.

We’ve been taught that perfume smells attractive, laundry should smell “fresh,” and a clean home should carry a noticeable scent. But what if those familiar smells are not signs of cleanliness at all—and are instead exposing us to complex mixtures of undisclosed chemicals?

Inspired by the book Killed by Fragrance: How Synthetic Scents Make Us Sick, this episode explores why fragrance is showing up almost everywhere, from perfume and shampoo to laundry products, cleaning supplies, candles, hotels, stores, and even products marketed for babies.

We look at why the word “fragrance” can conceal numerous ingredients, how synthetic scents enter the air we share, and why some people experience headaches, brain fog, fatigue, skin reactions, breathing problems, and other symptoms around scented products.

This episode is NOT about disliking smells. It is about recognizing fragrance as a source of involuntary chemical exposure—and asking whether something designed to smell pleasant may carry a health cost we have been trained to overlook. Once you begin noticing how pervasive fragrance has become, it is my hope you'll understand that Fragrance-Free is the Way to Be!

Send us Fan Mail

Click here to shop water filtration with us at Nature's Garden of Naples: https://ultrawatersolutions.com/?ref=naples1042

Support the show

NOTE: This information contained is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Please consult a qualified health professional if you do have a medical condition. The information on this podcast represents the opinions of the hosts and guests.

Meet andrographis—the fiercely bitter herb with a centuries-old reputation for helping the body respond to colds, sore throats, inflammation, digestive troubles and more.

In this episode, we explore why it earned names like “King of Bitters,” what modern research says about its immune-supporting potential, and why this powerful plant may be better suited for short-term, targeted use than everyday supplementation. You’ll also learn where other intriguing nicknames andrographis has earned and important contraindications that should not be ignored.

For all your supplement needs, remember to SHOP SMALL. One choice is our family health food store: https://ngvitamins.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Click here to shop water filtration with us at Nature's Garden of Naples: https://ultrawatersolutions.com/?ref=naples1042

Support the show

NOTE: This information contained is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Please consult a qualified health professional if you do have a medical condition. The information on this podcast represents the opinions of the hosts and guests.

Could one tree really earn the nickname "Nature's Medicine Cabinet"? For thousands of years, neem has been trusted in traditional medicine for everything from healthy skin and oral care to immune support and microbial balance.

Today, it's gaining renewed attention in the world of holistic and functional medicine for its remarkable versatility.

In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating history of neem, what modern research is discovering about its powerful plant compounds, and why practitioners are turning to this ancient botanical to support everything from gut health and candida to metabolism and everyday wellness. If you've been curious about herbal medicine or are looking to expand your natural health toolbox, this is one episode you won't want to miss.

Prioritize Health. Shop Small. Make a Big Statement.

To support the show, shop at our health food store for all your supplement needs at: https://ngvitamins.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

NOTE: This information contained is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Please consult a qualified health professional if you do have a medical condition. The information on this podcast represents the opinions of the hosts and guests.

Everyone has heard of SIBO—Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth—but what if bacteria aren't the whole story?

In this episode, we're diving into SIFO (Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth), an emerging diagnosis that's gaining attention in gastroenterology and functional medicine. If you've struggled with chronic bloating, gas, digestive discomfort, food sensitivities, or persistent IBS-like symptoms despite trying everything from probiotics to elimination diets, this lesser-known condition may be another piece of the puzzle.

You'll learn what SIFO is, why it's different from SIBO, and why the goal isn't to eliminate every microbe in your gut—but to restore balance to an ecosystem that was designed to work in harmony.

We'll walk through some major contributing factors as well as a functional medicine roadmap for restoring gut health.

Remember: Prioritize Health. Shop Small. Make a Big Statement.

Find your supplements at our family store: https://ngvitamins.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Click here to shop water filtration with us at Nature's Garden of Naples: https://ultrawatersolutions.com/?ref=naples1042

Support the show

NOTE: This information contained is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Please consult a qualified health professional if you do have a medical condition. The information on this podcast represents the opinions of the hosts and guests.

Feeling more anxious, irritable, overwhelmed or unlike yourself lately?

Many women—and men—enter midlife believing their mood struggles are purely psychological. They're told they're stressed, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed. But what if the real story is more biological than psychological? What if it's not just "hormonal changes" that you have to accept because of your age?

In this episode, we explore the surprising science behind saffron, the world's most expensive spice, and why researchers are studying it for mood, stress resilience, menopause support, eye health and healthy aging. If midlife has you feeling "off," this may be the conversation you've been waiting for.

And... I'm getting personal in this one, folks! Join me as I share about my own recent experience with saffron as a mood game-changer.

For the specific products mentioned in this show and if you'd like to support our small business, visit: https://ngvitamins.com/

Specifics I mentioned:

Elevated Mood: https://ngvitamins.com/product/elevated-mood/

Berberine Phytosome: https://ngvitamins.com/product/berberine-phytosome-2/

4-in-1 Magnesium Complex: https://ngvitamins.com/product/4-in-1-magnesium-complex-supplement-300-mg-per-serving/

Send us Fan Mail

Click here to shop water filtration with us at Nature's Garden of Naples: https://ultrawatersolutions.com/?ref=naples1042

Support the show

NOTE: This information contained is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Please consult a qualified health professional if you do have a medical condition. The information on this podcast represents the opinions of the hosts and guests.

Drinking water all day but still battling fatigue, brain fog, headaches, muscle cramps, dry skin, or constant thirst? You may not have a water problem—you may have a mineral problem.

Join me in this comeback episode, as I explore the difference between simply drinking water and achieving true cellular hydration.

Learn how the suggested ratios between key minerals like sodium and potassium, demystify the electrolyte noise and understand why an imbalance can leave you feeling depleted even when you're carrying around that giant water bottle all day.

You'll also learn the early warning signs of dehydration, why overhydrating can sometimes make things worse, and how "water logging" may contribute to fatigue, headaches, and electrolyte imbalances.

Plus, we'll discuss practical strategies to improve hydration naturally, including the role of mineral-rich foods, coconut water, sea salt, lemon juice, greens powders, and other holistic approaches that support energy, focus, circulation, exercise recovery, and overall wellness.

After a 4-month hiatus, I’m back with a reinvigorated focus on sharing important holistic health information you can use to be a better health advocate for yourself and those you care about.

Send us Fan Mail

Click here to shop water filtration with us at Nature's Garden of Naples: https://ultrawatersolutions.com/?ref=naples1042

Support the show

NOTE: This information contained is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Please consult a qualified health professional if you do have a medical condition. The information on this podcast represents the opinions of the hosts and guests.

What if the so-called “midlife crisis” isn’t emotional instability at all, but a very real biological turning point? In this episode, I explore the functional medicine perspective on midlife as a powerful physiological transition driven by hormonal shifts, stress load, inflammation and changing brain chemistry.

learn why energy dips, mood changes, and a deep desire for reinvention often emerge in the late 30s through 50s — and how targeted nutrition, key supplements, nervous system support and lifestyle changes can help you move through this phase with more vitality.

Whether you’re in midlife now or approaching it, let's reframe the experience as a wake-up call for cellular health, purpose and an exciting new chapter!

Send us Fan Mail

Click here to shop water filtration with us at Nature's Garden of Naples: https://ultrawatersolutions.com/?ref=naples1042

Support the show

NOTE: This information contained is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Please consult a qualified health professional if you do have a medical condition. The information on this podcast represents the opinions of the hosts and guests.