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This episode is taken from a presentation recorded for OptimalRx in 2016 by renowned naturopathic physician and botanical medicine educator, Prof. Eric Yarnell. We’ve divided the original presentation into two parts, with Part One focusing on the liver and Part Two covering gallbladder and pancreatic disorders. In this thought-provoking episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx, Professor Eric Yarnell challenges the tendency to group all “liver herbs” together and explains why this approach may lead to ineffective or poorly targeted prescribing. Eric explores the two main classes of liver herbs: those with protective and regenerative actions, and liver stimulants that promote bile production and movement. He also examines glutathione pathways, potential herb–drug interactions and why metabolic liver disease requires a broader approach that addresses insulin resistance, diet and lifestyle. Throughout the episode, Eric discusses many important liver herbs, highlighting familiar botanicals such as St. Mary’s Thistle, Licorice, St. John’s Wort, Schisandra, Dandelion and Burdock, and explaining why they should not all be used in the same way. Dr Eric Yarnell is an internationally recognised botanical medicine educator and author with particular expertise in men’s health, urinary tract disorders and kidney conditions. Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

NOTE: While you can enjoy the full conversation wherever you listen to podcasts, this episode includes visual explainers, demonstrations and supporting content that are shown on screen throughout the discussion.  For the complete experience we recommend watching the episode on our YouTube Channel here via this link  Compliance is about more than avoiding penalties; it protects your professional reputation, your business relationships and the trust you have worked hard to build.  In this practical episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx, Vicky Tsoleridis is joined by CompliGUARD founder Chris Sarandis to reveal the compliance risks that may be hiding in plain sight across practitioner websites, social media, Google reviews, emails and marketing materials.   Together, they unpack some of the most common compliance traps facing health practitioners - from sharing patient outcomes and Google reviews to discussing products, health conditions and personal health journeys. They also examine why an About Me page can unintentionally become a self-testimonial and why the overall impression of your content matters just as much as the individual words you use.   Chris demonstrates how CompliGUARD helps practitioners review websites, social media posts, emails and other marketing material, identify potential risks and receive suggested rewrites – taking away some of the uncertainty surrounding what can and cannot be published.   Listeners can create a free CompliGUARD account and receive two complimentary reviews. Use the code OPTIMAL to receive 50% off your first three months of any paid plan.   Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

In this episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx, Miroslav Ivanovic is joined by experienced naturopath and herbalist John Miller-Crisp, who shares over 30 years of clinical insights into herbal medicine and integrative oncology. John discusses his journey into naturopathy, the experiences that led him to specialise in supporting people living with cancer, and the evolving relationship between herbal medicine and conventional oncology. Drawing from decades of clinical practice, including his own experience with cancer, he explores the principles of patient-centred care, supporting the body's innate healing capacity, and the role of herbal medicine alongside conventional treatment. The conversation also highlights underutilised herbs such as Thuja, Rabdosia, Reishi and Hawthorn, offering practical clinical insights into their applications for immune function, cardiovascular health, inflammation and oncology support. John shares memorable case studies, discusses the importance of understanding herbal actions rather than relying on trends, and encourages practitioners to combine traditional herbal wisdom with modern evidence and sound clinical judgement. Whether you're an experienced practitioner or new to herbal medicine, this episode offers practical, thought-provoking insights into integrative care, clinical decision-making and the enduring value of herbal medicine in modern practice. Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

In this episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx, Miroslav Ivanovic is joined by respected medical herbalist, pharmacist and Phytomed founder Phil Rasmussen to discuss one of herbal medicine's most widely prescribed adaptogens, Withania (Withania somnifera). Recent media coverage and regulatory discussions have raised questions around the safety of Withania, and the use of root versus leaf extracts. Phil examines the current evidence, explores the quality of the available research, and shares his perspective on why practitioners should interpret recent reports with caution. The discussion also explores Withania's expanding clinical applications, including stress resilience, anxiety, cardiovascular health, endocrine support and its emerging role as an adjunct in integrative oncology. Phil highlights the importance of product quality, good manufacturing practices (GMP), and clinical judgement when prescribing herbal medicines. Whether you're an experienced practitioner or newer to herbal medicine, this episode provides a practical, evidence-informed update on one of the profession's most valuable botanical medicines. For educational purposes only. Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

In this episode of Tech Talk by OptimalRx, Andrew Whitfield-Cook sits down with herbalist and naturopath Michelle Cose to explore the power of collaboration within the natural medicine profession. Drawing on more than 30 years of clinical experience, Michelle shares why connection, mentorship and community are essential for both practitioner growth and the future of herbal medicine. Together, they discuss the isolation many practitioners face, the importance of sharing knowledge across generations, and why collaboration, not competition, strengthens the entire industry. Michelle also highlights the value of creating supportive practitioner communities, nurturing students entering the profession, and preserving the wisdom of experienced clinicians before it is lost. This is an inspiring and thought provoking conversation about leadership, legacy, professional connection and the future of natural healthcare. Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

In this episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx, Andrew Whitfield-Cook chats with naturopath Raul Pastrana about the often-overlooked role of male fertility. Raul Pastrana, a recognised expert in fertility and reproductive health with a strong focus on male fertility. Known for his practical, inclusive approach, Raul combines evidence-based nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies to help individuals and couples optimise their reproductive outcomes, while making complex health topics accessible and relevant in everyday practice. Raul shares his journey into naturopathy and how he came to focus on supporting men with fertility concerns, an area that’s frequently under-represented in clinical conversations. He talks through some of the key factors he sees in practice impacting sperm health, including metabolic issues, stress, and lifestyle, and why these need to be addressed early. The discussion covers Raul’s approach to testing, particularly the importance of blood work to uncover underlying drivers such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular health. He also touches on how he uses herbal medicine in clinic, including herbs like Fenugreek, Rhodiola, and Vitex, depending on the individual case. A key theme throughout the episode is the need to look at both sides of the fertility equation, and to support men in taking a more active role in the process. Raul also introduces his book, The Male Factor, which is designed to help educate men around their contribution to fertility outcomes. A practical and insightful conversation for practitioners wanting to better support male fertility in clinic. To purchase Raul Pastrana's Book, The Male Factor - Fertility is a Shared Responsibility:  https://www.rhreproductivehealth.com/bookstore Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

In this episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx, Kristin and Julianne continue their Herbal Medicine Dispensary series with an inspiring discussion with medical herbalist, Deanne Apostolou.  Deanne’s journey to becoming a medical herbalist and iridologist began over 30 years ago, and her unique experiences and education in the field of herbal medicine has led her to be a fierce advocate for the continued sharing of knowledge and tradition in plant medicine.  As such, Deanne was a founding member of Estuary Learning and continues to teach the use, science, and tradition of herbal medicine.  In this podcast, Deanne discusses her own path to owning a herbal medicine dispensary, how she individualises her herbal prescriptions via dosing and the addition of flower essences, and touches on her favourite plant medicines that have deep traditional roots, as well as a few of her more modern additions.  Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

In this episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx, Kristin and Julianne discuss the ins and outs of owning your own herbal medicine dispensary; from our Naturopathic and Herbalist roots, to the unique nuances of plant medicine offerings and their individualised prescription, herbal medicine dispensaries offer a manner of prescribing that is unique to our profession.  This discussion also covers the main obstacles practitioners may face when choosing to own a dispensary, including cost, how to choose the appropriate herbs for your practice, patient compliance, and storage.  If you have ever thought of developing and owning your own herbal medicine dispensary, this is an ideal podcast for you! Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

As our Summer Series of podcasts moves into January 2026, we continue with providing our listeners with the second of Dr. Lise Alschuler’s cognition and mood webinars from 2016, Healthy Minds.  In this podcast recording, Dr. Alschuler discusses the use of several phytomedicines that can successfully be utilised to support declining cognition, with a particular focus upon cerebral circulatory stimulants, nootropics, neuroprotectives, anti-inflammatories and antioxidants.  Dr. Alschuler provides relevant research and clinical wisdom on Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Ginkgo, (Ginkgo biloba), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), Korean Ginseng (Panax Ginseng), Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), and Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica). Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

In 2016, OptimalRx had the privilege of hosting Dr. Lise Alschuler for two remarkable webinars on the topic of cognition and mood, the first being Botanical Management of Anxiety.  In this podcast recording, we have highlighted the herbal medicine component of this first webinar where Dr. Alschuler shares with us her favourite phytomedicines for anxiety, namely Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Withania (Withania somnifera), Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa), Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), and Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and as always, shares her years of clinical experience in the management of anxiety. Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

In this episode of Tech Talk with OptimalRx, Kristin and Julianne discuss the clinical use of different Panax species (American Ginseng, Korean Ginseng, and Tienchi Ginseng) as well as two other important plant adaptogens that are often part of the Ginseng discussion, Siberian Ginseng and Withania.  Kristin and Julianne outline the differences in clinical presentations that call for the use of each plant and explain the subtle differences between each patient type and disease/condition picture.  This is a valuable listen for all practitioners wanting to explore these powerful adaptogens further in their clinical practice. Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

In Part 2 of our Herbal Lymphatics podcast, Kristin and Julianne delve into the unique cell type, structure and function of the lymphatic system, and how herbal medicines can be utilised to support lymphatic integrity and activity.  Kristin generously provides patient case examples where the addition of herbal lymphatics made a tremendous difference to treatment outcomes, with cases ranging from reproductive, skin, and metabolic health conditions.  This podcast highlights the importance of herbal lymphatics and how their addition to individual treatment plans can make a world of difference in health outcomes. Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

In Part 1 of our Herbal Lymphatics podcast, Julianne interviews Kristin regarding the importance and unique role of herbal lymphatics and lymphagogues.  Kristin outlines the significance of this broad and varied group of phytomedicines in maintaining health, particularly in chronic illnesses, and helps the practitioner to understand how to differentiate between these herbal medicines in order to select the most efficacious herb for their individual patient.  Kristin provides clear examples of different herbal lymphatics as well as touches on the term glymphatics and how herbal medicines can be utilised to optimise this particular system. Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

In 2015 OptimalRx had the privilege of recording some lectures presented by wonderful American Naturopathic doctor, herbalist, and midwife, Mary Bove, who we sadly lost this year.  Mary was such an inspiring and passionate advocate for botanical medicine and in remembrance and in honour of her amazing legacy, here are some excerpts from her 2015 lecture, “Botanical Management of Metabolic Syndrome”, where she particularly highlighted the importance of adaptogens for these patients, discussing the practical nuances of many different herbs.   Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au

Kristin and Julianne speak with Janella Purcell, a pioneer in Australia’s Health and Wellness industry with over 25 years of clinical experience as a Naturopath, Herbalist and Nutritionist.  Janella rose to prominence as a whole-food TV chef on shows like Good Chef Bad Chef, The Biggest Loser, and What’s Good For You, and has since become a sought-after public speaker, retreat facilitator, and healer in private practice. Janella is also the award-winning author of five best-selling books, widely used in Natural Health Colleges and wellness communities. In this podcast, Janella shares her knowledge of the Traditional Chinese Medicine concept, the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). She discusses each element and their corresponding season, taste and attributes, and provides examples of herbal medicines that may be supportive for each element and season. Janella’s podcast beautifully rounds out our Traditional Herbalism podcast series which have provided insights into this month’s (July 2025) webinar series, “Traditional Herbal Medicine Series – Roots and Remedies: Essentials of Traditional Herbal Prescribing”. Send us Fan Mail www.optimalrx.com.au