Jill Thomas

Consulting practitioner, Jill Thomas is a qualified naturopath, herbalist and iridologist. She is a Jill was a guest at the Daylesford Writers Festival in 2010.

She is the author of Revive: How to Overcome Fatigue Naturally, published by Penguin in 2005, the Healthy Gut Guide published by Penguin 2007 and Mai Piu Stanche published by Red Edizioni (Milan) 2011. Jill has received numerous awards for clinical excellence in nutrition and herbal medicine and graduated as dux of her year from the Melbourne College of Natural Medicine where she lectured for five

years. Jill has also spent a year as the resident naturopath at a Melbourne radio station. As well as directing her Melbourne practice, Jill conducts regular naturopathic consultations in Paris and is currently setting up a clinic in the Loire Valley, France. Jill also runs naturopathic consultations via Skype worldwide. She is a member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) and has been in practice for over a decade.

15/04/2026

𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐨𝐰

Let’s look around us for something so outstanding, something so wonderful it takes our breath away.

Splendid, magnificent, impressive, spectacular all describe the Cat’s Meow.

Someone, something, a furry or feathered soul or something from the floral kingdom can all fit into the broad category of the Cat’s Meow.

Consciously searching for an example of the Cat’s Meow is indeed, a gentle and inspirational meditation. Being present and fully engaged in our environment.

I have a few favoutite Cat’s Meow’s at present; one is the rather spectacular flock of crazy cockatoos residing (temporarily) in my local park. They chat noisily all morning and then, once the next destination has been agreed on, whoosh, they are off! The sky if filled with these strong, magnificent feathery beings collectively supporting each other in the next part of their journey.

Another Cat’s Meow is a row of the most splendid, beautiful orange roses in a neighbours’ garden.

These huge, amazingly richly coloured orange roses are not only a sight for sore eyes, but their perfume is exquisite! Impressive for sure, and providing a moment of absolute joy and appreciation.

Let’s keep an engaged eye out for as many Cat’s Meow’s as possible, our lives will be enriched and we will experience a sense of being happily involved.

15/04/2026

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲!

Time has marched by quickly over the last few months and now it is me who must march on! Yes, off I go! Back to my beloved France.

𝗠𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟯 𝗠𝗮𝘆, 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

If you need a top up of herbs or supplements before I go, please let me know well before 23rd May as although bookings and messages will be taken while I’m away, dispensing will not.

Also, if you need replacements of any of your supplements while I am in France, remember you can purchase any Metagenics product directly from Metagenics and all products from Oborne Health Supplies. (Now called CH2/Paragon Health). You will need to contact me to set up an account with these suppliers prior to my departure for France. (I know many of you already have accounts with these companies which works very well.)

I shall be available consultations while in France from July 1st, 2026 to September 30th, 2026. To book a consultation send an email to [email protected]

A bientôt!

15/04/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞?

Testosterone is the primary male hormone responsible for regulating male s*x characteristics, (such as body hair patterns, deep voice and muscle mass), as well as s***m production, s*x drive (libido) and fertility. From the age of 30 years, a man’s serum testosterone levels gradually decline by 1-2% each year.

𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀

Declining age, poor overall health, certain health conditions (e.g. obesity, diabetes and iron overload), and some medications can reduce testosterone levels. Damage to the testicles or pituitary gland in the brain are other causes of low testosterone levels.
Adult men can experience the following symptoms due to low testosterone levels.

Low s*x drive, fatigue, poor sleep, erectile dysfunction, infertility, facial and body hair loss, decreased testicular size, reduced muscle bulk, increased body fat and reduced bone density…not a wonderful collection of possible consequences of low testosterone levels. But there is a plethora of herbal and nutritional supplements and dietary measures which can help.

𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

Zinc is vital for the production and secretion of testosterone from Leydig cells in the te**es. It is also required for healthy s***m. (Motility and anti-agglutination, less stickiness).

Vitamin D levels share a relationship with testosterone levels-lower vitamin D is associated with lower testosterone in men. Vitamin D is also thought to play a role in erectile function.

Selenium is an antioxidant essential for s***m production and male fertility.

𝗗𝗶𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Research has found that a Mediterranean diet-rich in antioxidant containing whole foods such as leafy greens and red fruits, healthy fats (including olive oil, avocado and nuts), and moderate in grains-can improve testosterone levels. Frequent use of herbs and spices such as ginger, turmeric, coriander, rosemary, basil, garlic and parsley is also helpful.

Exercise resistance training, such as weightlifting, has been shown to boost testosterone levels in the short term. High intensity interval training can also be effective, although all types of moderate to high-intensity training exercise should increase testosterone to some extent.

Healthy weight is crucial. Obesity and excess body fat are linked with reduced testosterone levels, which can lead to reduced s*x drive, diminished muscle mass and metabolic dysfunction.
Sleep duration has also been linked to low testosterone levels. Research has found that just one week of reduced sleep can greatly reduce a healthy young man’s testosterone levels and vigour. The aim is to get 7-9 hours sleep each night.

Severe or prolonged stress reduces testosterone levels and increases cortisol levels. Stress and high cortisol can also lead to weight gain and the storage of harmful body fat around the organs. These negatively affect testosterone levels.

15/04/2026

𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲…𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲!

I am sure you will recall that I noted to my dismay a mild vitamin B2 deficiency upon returning from overseas last year. (See November 2025 newsletter) Well, with mild alarm a few weeks ago I noticed some telling tales of mild anaemia...yes…slightly disappointed with myself!

I was waking with a mild headache, (something I luckily never suffer from), I was slightly dizzy, unusually tired and was experiencing slight and erratic heart palpitations. Rather classic signs of a developing iron deficiency.

Self-inflicted, I confess! I always take a vitamin B complex, daily non-negotiable and an organic iron supplement 1-2 x per week,( many of you would be aware that I am vegetarian). However, I had recently forgotten to bring some iron supplements home for the clinic and then got slack. My last blood test over a year ago showed my iron stores were okey dokey and until a few weeks ago was feeling my normally energetic self. These initial symptoms rudely awaked me to my self-imposed stupor! I immediately restarted my iron capsule twice a week for three weeks and now back to once a week.

My iron supplement contains 12.5 mg of elemental ferrous fumarate and 10 billion CFU’s lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum), a probiotic and 80 mg vitamin C. Important to note that clinical trials have illustrated that L. plantarum combined with iron in the form of ferrous fumarate and vitamin C improved absorption of iron ranging from 23% to 50%.

Within two week all my symptoms have disappeared, and mental note to self, do not allow slackness to infiltrate your specialised supplement regime!

15/04/2026

𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐝

Buckwheat is a most nutritious and often overlooked grain. Gluten free, it has a lovely nutty flavour and in high in dietary flavonoids, an excellent anti-oxidant.

𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
1 𝘤𝘶𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘢𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘴
¼ 𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘣𝘣𝘢𝘨𝘦
½ 𝘤𝘶𝘱 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴
½ 𝘤𝘶𝘱 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴
¼ 𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘥
1 𝘤𝘶𝘱 𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵
3 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘴 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘺
10-12 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘦𝘴, 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦
1 𝘛𝘣𝘴𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥.

𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠
2 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪
2 𝘛𝘣𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘪𝘭
1 𝘵𝘴𝘱 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺 (𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭)

Rinse buckwheat and place in a saucepan with water and boil for15-20 mins, until chewy and not too soft. Strain.

Slice all salad greens, cabbage and tomatoes. Whisk dressing ingredients and combine all ingredients in a salad bowl. Sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds

15/04/2026

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐍𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠.. 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a little hungry. In fact, we should be hungry prior to eating our three main meals of the day, much better for good digestion. A rumbling stomach is nothing to fear!

Grazing is old hat…Nibbling, snacking, popping treats into our mouths all day long is not good practice.

Constant snacking results in weight gain, poor digestion, and decreased enzyme production. Eating slowly with focus, chewing each mouthful well and appreciating our meals is the way to go.
Many of you will remember a little homework I have set for you from time to time..yes, the dreaded diet diary!!

Often my response to reading this valuable document will be, “What’s this? Not enough water, insufficient vegetables or lack of variety, and TOO much snacking!” A handful of almonds here, a couple squares of chocolate there, a small bag of popcorn or potato crisps, cheese and crackers, a protein ball. NO, no no!!! Worse still, Tim Tams, (never seems to be just one), ice-cream (sugar filled, additive, baloney!), a handful of lollies, (nutritionally empty, overly sweet nonsense!)

If you must snack, choose a piece of fruit, a variety of raw veggies with a yoghurt and avocado dip, a boiled egg, ten almonds (yes that’s all) and add into that a glass of water or two.

In France it is law that following a commercial for snack food, a written warning appears on the screen “Ne pas grignoter entre les repas!” That is to say, don’t eat between meals “

Let’s consider this advice at time when we are thinking we need a snack.

Take good care.

𝑱𝒊𝒍𝒍

30/01/2026

𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Let’s all make a conscious effort this year to stop that endless mental chatter which most of the time gets us nowhere. Going over and over a particular social situation, making mental notes regarding the shopping, to do lists etc. etc.

A couple of times a day let’s consciously drop our shoulders, sigh and think to ourselves “let go”..

Focus on activities that require focus but do not occupy the mind. These soft fascinations require less bandwidth and allow the mind to wander, explore, and reflect on the unresolved thoughts we had.

Engaging with focus on simple activities, such as washing dishes, folding laundry, gardening, stroking the cat, dusting the cupboards, driving without music, walking the dog, looking at the cloud formations. gives our mind time and the freedom to wander, make communication and find solutions.

Disconnect from social media, be silent and focus on your immediate environment. Are the birds singing, is the washing flapping in the wind, is a tap dripping…just let’s focus on the immediate and try to prevent living in the past and future.

Many I am sure have experienced a moment of clarity while in the shower or taking a walk. That’s soft fascination.

My personal favourite soft fascination activity at the moment is observing the stunningly beautiful varieties of roses in my neighbourhood and observing the amazing differences in tabby cat coat patterns.

When our brain is overloaded, let’s try one of these soft fascination activities and allow space for our minds to wander, I guarantee you will complete your activity feel recharged and less mentally encumbered.

30/01/2026

𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡

Pregnancy is the physiological process that begins with the implantation of a fertilized o**m and typically spans approximately 40 weeks. Pregnant women have increased nutritional requirements and supplementation with specific nutrients has been shown to improve foetal and maternal outcomes.

𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬

𝑵𝒆𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒖𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔

Folate needs to be taken for at least three months prior to conception for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTD). Low vitamin B12, choline and copper levels in pregnant women are associated with a higher risk of NTDs. High levels of folic acid have also been shown to reduce the rate of pre-term labour and early onset of preeclampsia. Supplementation for greater than six months during pregnancy is associated with a significantly lower risk of postnatal depression.

𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

Folate, zinc, selenium and vitamin A (beta-carotene) are required for healthy embryonic development and foetal growth. In addition, low copper and vitamin D can impair growth and are associated with skeletal issues in offspring. Iron supplementation may reduce the risk of low birth weight.

𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨-𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Iron, choline, iodine., copper zinc and vitamin B12 deficiencies may delay neonatal development and increase the risk of neurological abnormalities in offspring. Interesting and timely to note, that folic acid and vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of autism and ADHD development.

𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬

𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒔𝒊𝒂

Low vitamin D status is an independent risk factor for preeclampsia, while high choline and manganese intake may lower the risk. High doses of folic acid have also been shown to reduce the risk of early onset preeclampsia.

𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒕-𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏

As mentioned above folic acid supplementation is associated with a significantly lower reis of post-natal depression. low zinc levels are linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression both pre and postnatally. Vitamins B2 and B6 may also offer protection.

𝑻𝒉𝒚𝒓𝒐𝒊𝒅 𝑫𝒚𝒔𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

An iodine deficiency can potentially lead to hypothyroidism in both mother and the foetus, leading to severe consequences for foetal development. Given that selenium is required to covert T4 to T3, a deficiency can exacerbate hypothyroidism. And of course, zinc, vitamin D and iron are also required for healthy thyroid function.

𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌

A deficiency in CoQ 10, B6, copper, iodine, selenium, zinc and beta-carotene may increase the risk of miscarriage.

𝑮𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒔

Given their role in glycemic control, chromium and inositol may offer protective effects, and supplementation with zinc may also improve insulin sensitivity in patients with gestational diabetes. Vitamin D and selenium have been associated with gestational diabetes prevalence. Vitamin B1 is required during glucose metabolism, a deficiency results in impaired production and secretion of insulin and may increase the risk of maternal gestational diabetes and low birth rate.

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A lot of information to process, but many reputable companies make excellent prenatal formulas which contain the correct amount of the abovementioned vitamins and minerals crucial to a comfortable pregnancy and favourable birth outcomes.

30/01/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐝

The combination of asparagus, broad beans, broccoli with a lemony dressing make this a refreshing and delicious green summer salad.

1 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘪
2 𝘣𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘴
1 𝘤𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘻𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘴
1 𝘤𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘻𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴
Z𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 1 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯
𝘑𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 ½ 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯
2 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘪𝘭
1 𝘛𝘣𝘴𝘱 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴
½ 𝘣𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥.

Cut broccoli into florets. Cut off the tough ends of asparagus and cut into three. Place broccoli and asparagus in 200 C oven liberally coated with olive oil and bake until slightly crispy. Keep an eye on the asparagus as it may need to be removed before the broccoli is done. Add the broad beans to a saucepan of boing water and after 3 minutes add the peas for a further minute. Drain. Combine the lemon zest. juice and olive oil and drizzle over the greens. Add the capers, salt and pepper to taste and garnish with chopped coriander.

30/01/2026

𝐀𝐜𝐧𝐞

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common chronic inflammatory conditions, affecting more than 640 million people worldwide. It is typically considered a condition of adolescence, with global estimates suggesting that between 35% and 100% of young people are affected at some point during their teen years, However, acne often persist or develops well into adulthood. In fact, it appears that 10% of acne develops after the age of 25 age, while adolescent acne is more common in males, adult acne is more common in females.

Acne typically presents as comedomes (blackheads), papules and pustules. As well as then obvious physical manifestation of acne on the face and body, the diagnosis carries some significant social and mental consequences, including low self-esteem, poor body image, anxiety and depression.

The proliferation of the bacteria Cutibacterium (C. Acnes) plays a role in eliciting an inflammatory response that is thought to be important for the pathogenesis of the disease. Although serum androgens are viewed as the major hormonal trigger for acne, emerging evidence suggests insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) also plays a key role. IGF-1 increase during puberty and increasing prevalence of acne is being linked to the Western diet and specifically high-glycemic foods which stimulate sebum production.
Several studies have found increased serum levels of antioxidants such as vitamin A, C and E, zinc, selenium and glutathione in acne patients.

𝑪. 𝑨𝒄𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒕𝒂

The skin microbiota is the second largest microbiota, home to four main phyla (probiotic phage system) and three genus. Similar to microbes in the intestine, resident skin microbes act to stabilize the skin barrier by defending against pathogens and interacting with immune cells, thereby modulating host immunity.

𝑨𝒄𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒕𝒂

The skin and the gut are engaged in an important relationship whereby both organs exert critical neuroendocrine and immune functions. Many studies clearly highlight the link between intestinal health and skin homeostasis. Acne patients generally exhibit decreased levels of gut Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species.

𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗰𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

𝒁𝒊𝒏𝒄

Meta-analytic data has demonstrated tat serum zinc levels tend to be significantly lower in those with acne compared to controls, and zinc appears to be efficacious in reducing acne-related symptoms. In all my years of practice very, very few of my lovely patients with acne have passed the zinc taste perception test. Zinc is anti-inflammatory and exerts a bacteriostatic effect via the inhibition of C. acnes and is essential in wound repair, cell replication and immune activity, Zinc also suppresses sebaceous gland activity and blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
A review examining zinc supplementation for acne vulgaris, encompassing nine randomized trials, 17 controlled trials, 13 noncontrolled trials concluded that zinc is an effective option for managing the condition.

𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒂-𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒆

Beta-carotene acts as a provitamin A, thus it is converted to retinoic acid within the intestine and liver. By virtue of its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory effects, beta-carotene is a highly versatile supplement that interacts with multiple inflammatory targets and shows potential for managing inflammatory-related conditions.

𝑨𝒓𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒖𝒎 𝒍𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒂 (𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒐𝒄𝒌)

Burdock root has been used for over 300 years for the treatment of boils, sores and abscesses, Burdock acts upon the gland that lie under the skin, heaving positive effects on skin conditions such as acne. The burdock root promotes skin circulation to the skin surface, thereby enhancing skin quality and texture. It is an herb with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects and is an essential component in the herbal medicine mixes I prescribe for acne in the clinic.

𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒚𝒃𝒖𝒎 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒎 (𝑺𝒕 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒚’𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒍𝒆)

St Mary’s Thistle is an efficacious liver tonic, recognized for its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory properties.

These potent anti-inflammatory effects may represent a rational explanation for the positive results observed in clinical trial involving acne patients, where participants experienced a significant decrease in the number of papulopustular inflammatory lesions after eight weeks of use.

𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒂 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔 (𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒂)

Calendula efficacy in supporting skin inflammation is well-documented, mainly due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, antifungal and hypoglycemic effects.

Calendula enhances the uptake of blood and oxygen to the wound site, which encourages tissue regeneration. Furthermore, this rather unique herb has been shown to dramatically increase wound angiogenesis (development of new blood vessels) and collagen metabolism, which may aid in softening scar tissue. Since scarring is a common concern facing a significant number of acne patients, calendula may be an effective adjunct to prevent scar development and improve clinical outcomes.

Lastly. Calendula in in vitro studies has demonstrated antibacterial activity against acne., highlighting its potential in addressing an underlying driver of acne development.

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