Ginkgo for Your Brain, Ginger for Inflammation: The Science of Herbal Medicine Explained

Pioneering herbalist Simon Mills joins Dr Elizabeth Thompson for a fascinating exploration of why Integrative Medicine remains essential despite persistent barriers in mainstream healthcare. With over 40 years of experience, Simon traces the evolution from "alternative" to "complementary" to "integrative" medicine, revealing how he co-founded the Research Council for Complementary Medicine. The conversation delves into the science behind key botanical medicines, from ginkgo's remarkable effects on circulation and cognition to the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric, while challenging common misconceptions about herbal medicine being "slow" to work. Simon emphasises the immediate physiological effects of plant-based remedies and introduces lesser-known therapeutic agents like resins (myrrh and frankincense) for immune support. The episode concludes with exciting emerging research on the neurovascular unit (formerly the blood-brain barrier) and how dietary plant compounds are revolutionising our understanding of brain health and neuroinflammation.In our latest episode, he shares:Why ginkgo became Germany's most prescribed drugThe ancient principle of "heat" that modern science now confirmsHow the gut-brain connection actually works (it's not what you think)Which herbs work immediately—and which require standardized extractsThe most exciting frontier in brain health research⁠SEE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE⁠If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can:👉 ⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters⁠⁠👉 ⁠⁠⁠Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 ⁠Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course⁠⁠⁠👉 ⁠⁠⁠Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine⁠⁠⁠👉 ⁠⁠⁠Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma⁠⁠⁠, including ⁠⁠single modules⁠⁠ you can enrol in today!NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. ⁠⁠⁠Learn more and book an appointment⁠⁠⁠.We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ –and let us know your thoughts.Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode!Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.