"Natural" Doesn’t Mean Nonsense - The Real Science Behind Herbs
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There’s something beautiful about walking into your kitchen, opening a jar, and knowing you’re holding medicine!
Chamomile to soothe. Ginger to move.
But there’s also something missing in the way we often talk about herbs — especially online. Between TikTok wellness hacks and Google search spirals, it’s easy to fall into two traps:
Either:
“Herbs are harmless, so I can take whatever I want!”
Or:
“Herbs are dangerous and unregulated, so I better avoid them altogether.”
The truth? It's not either/or. It’s both/and.
Science + Tradition = Smart Healing
Herbs are powerful. That’s not hype — that’s pharmacology.
Many pharmaceutical drugs were developed by isolating compounds from plants.
Willow bark became aspirin.
Foxglove gave us digitalis.
But unlike synthetic meds, whole herbs contain a spectrum of compounds that work in harmony with your body — when used with awareness.
That’s what makes herbal medicine so fascinating — and why I use it in my home.
What's Helpful, What's Hype?
Here’s a quick peek at how I approach herbs as a physician:
Helpful:
-
Ashwagandha for stress response (when dosed properly)
-
Peppermint for IBS relief
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Turmeric for inflammation, but it’s not a miracle spice — you need enough, and sometimes it needs help absorbing. Ever wondered why every other South Asian recipe has this coloring agent turmeric along with whole black peppercorns? That’s the ancient wisdom for healing — and now you know! Every culture has similar healing traditions based on what’s available locally in that region.
Overhyped (or misunderstood):
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Slapping “detox” on every tea with a leaf in it
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Taking 6 different herbs + supplements at once
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Using “natural” as an excuse to skip conversations about drug interactions or side effects
“What Shouldn’t I Mix?”
Good question — and it’s not just about herbs + meds.
Even combining multiple herbs with similar effects can be too much of a good thing.
For example:
Mixing valerian and passionflower might sound like the ultimate chill-pill, but together? They could overly sedate your nervous system or cause fatigue.
Or pairing herbs that affect the same detox pathways (like CYP450 enzymes) with medications can amplify or block drug effects — something I’ve seen firsthand in clinical practice.
I used to be fearful of herbs because of this, as we are not taught much about the science of herbs in medical school. Now I am thrilled to be educated and informed about it, and the fear has been taken over by respect for these amazing tools.
Let’s Talk About It — Together
If you’ve ever stood in front of your wellness shelf wondering,
“Is this helping me… or just collecting dust?” —
you're not alone.
That’s why I'm starting to host live chats on Substack every Monday where we’ll go deeper into:
-
Which herbs I actually recommend (and why)
-
How to choose the right form
-
What to avoid combining (without needing a PhD in biochemistry)
They'll be casual, real, and open — you can ask me anything. (Find the link below or just leave me a comment)
What’s Coming Next
The first book — Healing Protocols — is launching soon as a free digital guide. It’s where our journey begins together.
If you’d like to be reminded the moment it goes live, just drop your email below.
You’ll also get thoughtful updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and never — ever — spam.
Let’s bring natural medicine back into your life —
not with hype or fear, but with trust, science, and grounded curiosity.
Wish you health and healing,
Dr. Tooba
The Unconventional Doc
🌿 @tbytooba
Substack I Instagram I Facebook I TikTok I YouTube
Medical Disclaimer.
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While Dr. Tooba is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician, the content shared here — including natural remedies, herbal protocols, and wellness practices — is not a substitute for professional medical advice or individualized care.
Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new health regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Use of this website and its content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.