🌿 Nanna's Herbal Blog
Evidence-based articles on herbal alternatives, natural remedies, and wellness recipes — reviewed by Iola Herschell, RN.
3 Evidence-Based Natural Options for Migraine Prevention
Feverfew, Magnesium & Riboflavin (B2) — three natural migraine-prevention options rated “probably effective” by the American Academy of Neurology, with PubMed citations.
Read Article →3 Evidence-Based Natural Options for IBS Relief
Enteric-coated Peppermint Oil, Soluble Fiber & Fennel — natural, research-backed options for IBS symptoms, with PubMed citations.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Stimulants for Fatigue & Burnout
Rhodiola, Ashwagandha & American Ginseng — adaptogens with PubMed-cited research for stress-related fatigue, low energy, and burnout.
Read Article →3 Evidence-Based Herbs for Liver Health & Fatty Liver (NAFLD)
Milk Thistle, Artichoke Leaf & Turmeric/Curcumin — evidence-based herbal support for fatty liver and elevated liver enzymes, with PubMed citations.
Read Article →Inside Iola's Garden: Where Nanna's Apothecary Really Grows
A tour of our Plant City, Florida homestead — 35+ medicinal and culinary herbs, olive and mango trees, moringa, and the living garden behind every remedy.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Zoloft for Depression
St. John's Wort, Saffron & SAMe — evidence-based herbal mood support with PubMed-cited research and important drug-interaction cautions.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Xanax for Anxiety
Valerian, Passionflower & L-Theanine — gentle, non-habit-forming calm. Critical safety guidance on never stopping benzodiazepines abruptly.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Ambien for Insomnia
Valerian Root, Magnesium Glycinate & Melatonin — science-backed sleep support without next-day grogginess or dependency risk.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to NSAIDs for Inflammation
Turmeric, Boswellia & Omega-3 Fish Oil — clinically studied anti-inflammatories without the stomach, kidney, and heart risks of ibuprofen or naproxen.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Heart Medications for Cardiovascular Health
Hawthorn Berry, CoQ10 & Magnesium — traditional and modern support for heart function, blood pressure, and circulation.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Acid Reflux Medications
DGL Licorice, Slippery Elm & Zinc Carnosine — soothing, evidence-based support for heartburn without the long-term risks of PPIs like omeprazole.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Gabapentin for Nerve Pain
Alpha Lipoic Acid, Acetyl-L-Carnitine & Capsaicin — research-supported options for diabetic neuropathy and nerve pain.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Prednisone for Inflammation & Immune Support
Cat's Claw, Bromelain & Boswellia — complementary anti-inflammatories. Important: never discontinue prednisone abruptly.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Thyroid Medications for Thyroid Support
Ashwagandha, Bladderwrack & Selenium — complementary support for thyroid health. These are supportive, not replacements for levothyroxine.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to HRT for Menopause Symptoms
Black Cohosh, Red Clover & Maca Root — evidence-based herbal support for hot flashes, mood, and menopause transition.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Lisinopril for Blood Pressure
Hibiscus, Olive Leaf & Garlic — head-to-head trials show these herbs match low-dose ACE inhibitors with fewer side effects.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Lipitor for Cholesterol
Red Yeast Rice, Bergamot & Plant Sterols — evidence-based herbal alternatives to statins with PubMed-cited research.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Metformin for Blood Sugar
Berberine, Bitter Melon & Ceylon Cinnamon — evidence-based herbal alternatives for Type 2 Diabetes management.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Adderall & Ritalin for ADHD Focus
Lion's Mane, Ginkgo Biloba & Bacopa — evidence-based herbal alternatives to stimulant medications. PubMed-cited research reviewed by a licensed RN.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Losartan (ARBs) for Blood Pressure
Magnesium, Beetroot & CoQ10 — evidence-based herbal alternatives to ARB blood pressure medications. PubMed-cited research reviewed by a licensed RN.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Tamsulosin (Flomax) for Prostate Health
Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seed Oil & Pygeum — evidence-based natural alternatives for BPH and prostate health. PubMed-cited research reviewed by a licensed RN.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Metoprolol (Beta Blockers) for Heart & Blood Pressure
Hawthorn Berry, Magnesium Glycinate & CoQ10 — evidence-based complementary support for beta blocker patients. PubMed-cited research reviewed by a licensed RN.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Amlodipine (Norvasc) for Blood Pressure
Olive Leaf, CoQ10 & Magnesium Glycinate — gentle cardiovascular herbs as complementary support for calcium channel blocker patients. Reviewed by a licensed RN.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Furosemide (Lasix) for Water Retention
Dandelion Leaf, Hawthorn Berry & Hibiscus — gentle herbal diuretics for mild water retention, with PubMed-cited research and loop-diuretic safety guidance.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Sitagliptin (Januvia) for Blood Sugar
Gymnema Sylvestre, Fenugreek & Bitter Melon — evidence-based blood sugar support for Type 2 Diabetes, with critical guidance on monitoring and physician partnership.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
Dandelion Leaf, Celery Seed & Hibiscus — herbal support for blood pressure and fluid retention, with PubMed citations and electrolyte safety notes.
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) for Muscle Spasms
Magnesium Glycinate, Valerian Root & Kava — natural muscle relaxation support, including important kava liver-safety guidance (noble varieties only).
Read Article →3 Natural Alternatives to Montelukast (Singulair) for Allergies & Asthma
Quercetin + Bromelain, PA-free Butterbur & Freeze-Dried Nettle — allergy relief research, plus the FDA 2020 boxed-warning context every Singulair patient should know.
Read Article →🌱 More Articles Coming Soon
More evidence-based articles are in the works — covering additional prescriptions, herbal recipes, and wellness topics. Subscribe below to be the first to know when new articles are published.