Naturopath Jade Flint

— non-binary awareness week —
some reflections on what being non-binary means to me personally..
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it is the expansiveness of being undefined, the fluidity of existing in liminal spaces.. the feeling being neither; opposite; the sensation of an intuitive feeling of both / and.. simultaneously a vessel of body that some might define by characteristics but to me feels fluid, changeable.
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a vessel of flesh that feels simultaneously masculine, feminine, + sometimes neither or in between.. an energy that moves within me moment to moment; as if a pattern of light were to pass through me + reflect something different with each movement of its source.
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non-binary to me feels like the truest description of my internal world; the fluidity of my mind, body, soul + psyche.. one that is not always visible to those beyond the bounds of my body, but that feels like a way to an invitation for those outside to see me.
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image via

— vis medicatrix naturae —

some poetry i wrote about the healing power of nature; how it has held, me honoured me + witnessed me in my grief, both in anticipation of death + in its finality.

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— reflecting on a year in practice —
what an honour it is to do this work. to observe + facilitate connection with the body, to tune in to its language + learn to see the myriad of delicate, profound interconnections it holds. what a privilege to see the connections between person + body forged through time, dedication + gentleness.. what a beautiful reminder of the role of autonomy in health, the value of a space shared with collaboration to achieve the fluidity of form that informs so many aspects of the human condition.
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what an art form to be engaged in relationship with a practice of ever evolving + fluid learning. the alchemy of blending herbs, nutrients + tendrils of connection, both with the self + the world around us. what a joy it is to learn from this experience + feel the shifts within myself.. the past year has allowed me to develop a deeply creative flow with what i do; a holistic + all encompassing process that feels like an extension of my most scientific brain blended with the tradition i was raised in.. the magic blended into the evidence of it all.
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i thank each + every person who honours me with their trust — i am humbled by the support + in awe of the resilience.. yours in practice + patience…
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jade x

— summer solstice —
the word solstice means “sun-stopping” (solstitium in Latin), because the sun appears to be standing still. today heralds the longest + lightest day of our astrological year, coupled with our shortest night. the solstice signifies the peak of summer + all that comes with it; a time of energy + vitality, where we seek to find balance in our body + within the world.
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summer solstice is associated with the masculine energy of the sun; whilst winter solstices are associated with the more feminine energy of the moon. summer itself is associated with the fire element, with qualities of warmth, heat + expansion part of the energy at this time. the energy + power of sunlight is a reflection of our own energy, attention + power both within our internal landscape + the ways we take action or engage with our own lives.
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to lean into this energy further, we can incorporate foods that grow in abundance at this time — stonefruit, berries, more water-heavy foods with cooling properties to balance like cucumbers, melons, lettuces. a revered herb that is traditionally associated with the sun is hypericum perforatum (st john’s wort), which is said to be most potent when harvested at this time.
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i’ve been reflecting on the solstice as a time to utilise the assuredness + vital energy of the sun to motivate us in the areas we need to take action collectively + individually at the moment; how this time can be used to shift perspectives, show up for ourselves + others within our personal + broader communities, + as needed, bask in warm sun energy to give us the motivation to keep working, growing, expanding, evolving. summer + the solstice remind us that we don’t live in isolation; we are part of whole eco-systems, communities + webs that connect us + the expansiveness of our connections is reflected to us through the sun’s reach + presence at this time.
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happy summer solstice, embrace the energy + power that this time can bring

— herbs for doing the work + supporting the heart —
i’ve touched on this recently, but there is immense grief, pain, anger + despair in the world at the moment. more so than ever, it’s important for us to collectively stand up for what is right + do what we can to dismantle the systems - locally + globally - which contribute to pain + suffering. but in doing so, we can feel our bodies + hearts ache with the grief that can come with that. so, here are some of many herbal allies that can assist us to do what is necessary, whilst tending to the heart space + allowing us to move through the emotions that arise.
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——— calamus: has some bitter properties, which can allow us to work through bitter emotions. has digestive + relaxing properties + can help to open up our lense or focus. helpful for introspection.
——— rose: helpful for when the heart space needs protecting or opening. metaphorically, open the heart + lift the spirit, allowing for overcoming grief + allowing new beginnings.
——— hawthorn: traditionally regarded as a heart tonic used to strengthen + tone the cardiovascular system, it also emotionally supports a stronger, more resilient heart. nourishing to the heart physically + emotionally.
——— linden: heart-shaped leaves indicate its use for the heart, as a gentle, soothing companion. allows tension in the muscles to loosen + similarly, emotions to loosen + leave the body.
——— motherwort: its latin name leonurus means “lion”; cardiaca means “used for conditions of heart.” it’s common name indicates motherly nature. helps to alleviate a racing heart, tension + emotional distress, calming unease or anxiety.
——— tulsi: connected to the heart + throat chakras, so can help with expressing what needs to be released. calming + grounding, helps connect us to our sense of self + purpose.
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*please note that some herbs may be contraindicated if you are pregnant, taking medications, or have a diagnosed medical condition, so it may be best to consult a practitioner.

— floral focus —
currently leaning into the energy of spring + taking lessons from flowers on unfurling, opening, receiving, renewal, growing, clearing, change, releasing, blooming.
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image sources:
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— herbal tinctures —
if you've seen a naturopath or herbalist, or even had a conversation with one, you'll know that we often prescribe tinctures as part of our treatment. this is because tinctures are potent herbal medicine that is convenient to take — they're easy to store, carry with you + consume (if you can tolerate the taste of some).
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herbal tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts made by soaking either fresh or dried plant parts in a liquid combination of alcohol + water — called a menstruum. the alcohol draws out or extracts the active + therapeutic properties of the plants, the alkaloids, vitamins, + minerals. once a tincture has soaked for the desired amount of time (often weeks to months or sometimes years), it is then drained to remove the herbal parts, with the remaining liquid called a tincture.
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herbal tinctures are easy for our body to absorb — tinctures have great bioavailability, meaning our bodies can absorb their beneficial compounds more effectively, meaning they have great therapeutic effects. tinctures also have the benefit of lasting a long time + can be stored for long periods of time to be used for years. properly prepared tinctures have a long shelf life, maintaining their potency + efficacy over time.
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using tinctures allows naturopaths or herbalists to tailor herbal tinctures to suit individual needs. by blending specific herbs for your individual symptoms, constitution or energetics, we can create personalised formulations to address what you personally need, whatever your health concerns may be.
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tinctures are amazing, but it's important to use them responsibly + under the guidance of a qualified naturopathic practitioner or herbalist. a practitioner can provide you with advice on proper dosages, potential interactions, + ensure the tinctures align with your individual health needs. if you’d like your very own tailored herbal prescription, i suggest booking a consultation so we can see which herbs might be right for what you need

— the body has its own language —
the body has ways that it communicates with us, calls to us to pay attention, or asks us to tune in for a moment. a lot of the discussions i have with patients are about how they can learn to tune back in to their body, as so many things can distract or prevent us from hearing our body. our modern world endlessly pulls our attention to other things with endless distractions + for some of us, our bodies haven’t always been safe places to stay when triggers arise.
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the body communicates with us in ways that we don’t always immediately understand until we start to tune into it. symptoms can be a gentle whisper to get our attention to a certain area, a subtle call that highlights an area we may need to give more care or attention. the feelings we get from our body are a call to listen.
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i encourage you to spend some time trying to tune into your body — its sensations, movements, patterns + rhythms — to see what you notice. for some this process may be more difficult than others + i want to acknowledge that, encouraging you to work at your own pace. i have some techniques that i’ve personally found helpful like a walk, gentle stretching or breathing techniques (see my last post for one of my favs). if you feel you need help w reconnecting with or tuning in to your body, i encourage you to work with a practitioner to learn how to hear what your body might have to say — or even try something like a new movement or dance class. the body is our home + it has so much to say if we can learn to hear it 🤍
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image ‘Vestige’ by Rob Mullholland, 2009.

— diaphragmatic breathing; a tool for managing stress —
my favourite things about breathing exercises is that they are free + accessible for anyone to do, any time you need them. i particularly like them for stress, as often we don't even realise, but when stressed our breathing can become shallow or quicker, which can exacerbate tension.
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diaphragmatic breathing instructions:
——— find a comfortable + quiet place to lie down or sit.
——— place your feet slightly apart. place one hand on your abdomen near your navel. place the other hand on your chest.
——— you will be inhaling through your nose + exhaling through your mouth.
——— concentrate on your breathing. note which hand is rising + falling with each breath.
——— gently exhale most of the air in your lungs.
——— inhale while slowly counting to four. as you inhale, slightly extend your abdomen, causing it to rise about 1 inch. make sure that you are not moving your chest or shoulders.
——— as you breathe in, imagine the warmed air flowing in. imagine this warmth flowing to all parts of your body.
——— pause for 1 second, then slowly exhale to a count of four. as you exhale, your abdomen should move inward.
——— as the air flows out, imagine all your tension + stress leaving your body.
——— repeat the process until a sense of deep relaxation is achieved.
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breathing exercises are fantastic tools, as they can allow us a moment to ground, bring us back into our body + re centre. keep these instructions on hand for the next time you need a grounding practice.
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image Issey Miyake, 1985, by Irving Penn.

— stress pt.2 —
now that you know a little about stress, how can we prevent it from controlling our lives? the first + most obvious thing is to reduce stress as much as possible, but the reality is that's not always easy, achievable or accessible due the structures, systems + barriers that exist in our modern world. whilst we can't always change the things that contribute to our stress, some things can help.
——— nutrition: a balanced diet rich in nutrients can support the body to cope. try limiting caffeine, sugar + processed foods.
——— prioritise sleep: establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a calming bedtime routine + ensuring a comfortable sleep environment can improve sleep quality.
——— incorporate exercise: regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or dancing, can help reduce stress by promoting the release of endorphins, the body's natural stress-relievers.
——— relaxation techniques: breathing exercises, stretching or yoga, writing or journalling, meditation + mindfulness — these techniques can help to bring us into the present.
——— utilise grounding practices + time in nature: like parks, forests, the beach, creeks or rivers, or simply a backyard can help. particularly, engaging with nature by swimming, laying or walking on the ground with bare feet. if you can't be in nature, a bath can be a great alternative.
——— prioritise social connection: utilising our support networks, friends + loved ones during times of stress can provide emotional support + reduce feelings of isolation. try going for a walk, having tea, a drink, or dinner with friends.
——— limit technology: reducing screen time + creating boundaries around technology + work can promote relaxation + reduce mental fatigue.
——— professional support: services like counselling or therapy can be helpful. many different therapy approaches exist, so try finding one that resonates with you.
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remember that everyone responds differently to stress, so it's important to find methods that work best for you. if you need additional support, modalities like naturopathy, massage, or acupuncture can by providing a personalised stress management plan

— stress pt.1 —
we've all experienced it.. stress is a built in biological response that prepares the body to respond to a potential threat or danger — our “fight or flight” response. but sometimes, our stress can get out of hand.. from a naturopathic point of view, stress has three distinct phases, each of which builds on the other depending on the chronicity of our stress. this was founded by Hans Seyle, who was the first to theorise stress with something he called the "general adaptation syndrome" (GAS), describing stress as "...the nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it".
——— alarm: this phase was characterised by hormonal changes such as increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, with its typical fight or flight response, along with noradrenaline secretions, + up-regulated cortisol.
——— resistance: in the resistance stage the body had adapted to the stressor, the above symptoms had disappeared + body metabolism had returned to normal.
——— exhaustion: in the exhaustion stage the stress triad of hypertrophied adrenals, atrophied lymph organs + gastric ulcers were noticed, together with an initial increase in cortisol, which later declined to below normal, + eventually culminated in fatigue. only in this stage, with severe stress over prolonged periods of time, did the body lose its ability to cope.
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whilst this might not sound great, stress is a protective mechanism + actually a positive occurrence needed for protection (readiness for action when in danger, increased immune particles when injured), it just becomes an issue when uncontrolled. my next post will detail some practical tips for how you can manage stress to prevent it controlling your life

— 🤍 website dropping tonight 🤍 —
i’m sooo excited to share that my website will be live tonight. i can’t thank my angel enough for working w me to create a website that entirely captures me + my practice so well. v v excited to share it w you all 🫶🏼 keep an eye out!
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— protein —
the english word protein originated from the greek “proteios”, meaning prime or primary, which is fitting, as protein provides the structural building blocks for the body’s tissues. protein is made up of amino acids — most of which (there are 22) are synthesised by the body, with 9 of these called essential amino acids. these 9 are essential as our body can't make them itself, meaning they need to be consumed through the diet.
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some foods contain all 9 essential amino acids (referred to as "complete" proteins), whilst other foods contain only some of them. examples of complete proteins include meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, fish, seafood, quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, + soy, whilst almost complete proteins include legumes, chickpeas, millet, nuts, chia seeds, and some vegetables. as a general rule, if you're vegetarian or vegan, it is important to consume of variety of protein options throughout the day + across the week to ensure an adequate intake of essential amino acids.
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so why should we eat protein? a lack of protein can contribute to poor growth, a breakdown of muscle tissue, poor immune function, low mood, impaired brain function (e.g. learning + memory) + poor blood sugar control. this is because protein plays a role in:
——— regulating appetite + promoting satiety (our sense of fullness).
——— building + repairing muscle + bone tissue.
——— nourishing the cells that line the gut to support digestion + absorption.
——— transporting oxygen + carbon dioxide via haemoglobin — the iron-containing protein component of red blood cells.
——— maintaining fluid balance + blood pressure via the kidneys.
——— producing antibodies, immune cells that protect against invading bacteria, viruses, fungi, and allergens.
——— creating hormones + neurotransmitters for mood regulation, learning + cognition, + blood sugar control.
——— transporting + storing various nutrients.
——— forming enzymes that trigger various chemical reactions within the body.
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are you eating enough protein? aiming for a serve of protein with each meals is good general rule to start w.
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artwork "arm of eve" by Albert Drürer, 1507 via

— winter solstice —
a little late, oops! solstices are astronomical events that occur twice a year, marking the points in earth's orbit around the sun when the tilt of the planet's axis is either tilted most directly toward or away from the sun. today is the winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year + the official beginning of winter in the southern hemisphere.
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the energetics of winter are associated with qualities such as cold, darkness, stillness, + introspection. this time calls us to prioritise rest + restoration, mirroring the dormant energy found in nature. it is essential to honor the body's natural inclination for rest during this season. restful, adequate sleep, relaxation techniques, + practices like meditation, breathing techniques or gentle stretching or yoga can support the body's restoration + replenishment.
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from a naturopathic, food as medicine perspective, consuming foods that are warming + nourishing during winter is prioritised. this can include cooked foods, hearty soups, stews, + warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, + cloves. incorporating seasonal fruits + vegetables — like root vegetables + dark leafy greens — can provide essential nutrients + support the body's needs during this time.
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the air in winter tends to be dry, which can lead to dehydration + dry skin. maintaining adequate hydration by consuming enough water (at least 2L), herbal teas, + warm beverages like broths can help maintain optimal hydration levels. further, using moisturisers + practicing good skin care habits can help protect the skin from dryness + maintain its health.
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from an emotional perspective, winter can be associated with feelings of introspection + the potential for emotional stagnation. its important to pay attention to emotional well-being during this season — engaging in activities that promote self-reflection, creativity, + connection with loved ones can help support emotional balance.
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happy solstice, how ever you choose to honour + celebrate it, or not. 🤍

image “Ice Star”, 1987, by Andy Goldsworthy.

— the importance of sleep —
something i've been supporting a lot of my patients with lately is sleep. which, as a former insomniac, i understand! sleep is important for our health, + a lack of or poor sleep can affect so many aspects of our health + daily functioning.
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sleep is essential for emotional, physical + cognitive wellbeing + occupies around one third of our life. it is an important time for our body to regenerate, rest + repair. during sleep, the body undergoes crucial processes such as tissue repair, muscle growth, + the release of growth hormones. it supports the immune system + helps to heal + recover from injuries, illnesses, + daily wear + tear.
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sleep supports brain + cognitive function, enhancing learning, memory consolidation, + problem-solving abilities. adequate sleep supports optimal attention, concentration, + overall mental performance. in addition to cognitive function, sleep plays a significant role in regulating emotions + promoting emotional well-being. it helps to stabilise mood, regulate emotional responses, + reduce the risk of mood disorders, as a lack of sleep can contribute to the development or worsening of mental health disorders.
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sufficient sleep supports healthy metabolism, hormone regulation, + overall physical health, which can assist with promoting physical wellness + disease prevention. sleep is crucial for maintaining proper hormonal balance as it supports the regulation of hormones involved in appetite control, metabolism, growth, + our stress response.
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if you feel like you need some additional sleep support, it might be worth prioritising good sleep habits like maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, practicing relaxation techniques before bed, or consulting with a practitioner to ensure that you catch enough z's

on friday i officially graduated!! endlessly grateful for the love, care + support i received from family, friends + my darling partner since starting my degree in 2016 🦋 + obsessed w the absolute angel friends i’ve made along the way.
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here’s to officially being a naturopath!! 🤍
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— actinidia deliciosa // kiwi fruit —
as some of you know, my parents own an organic kiwi fruit farm (where i was lucky to grow up) which is relevant now as it’s harvest back home! so, i thought it was the perfect time to let you all know some of the benefits of these little green fruits!!
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kiwi fruit are sometimes called the “king of fruits” + have been found to support immune function, digestive function + cardiovascular health.
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kiwis are high in antioxidant vitamins — a, c, e, k + b vitamins (specifically b1, b2, b5 + b12). they are particularly high in vitamin c — nearly three times that of strawberries or oranges! they are also high in minerals — potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, calcium, iron, copper + sodium. as if that wasn’t enough, they’re packed w fibre, carbohydrates, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, proteins + amino acids.
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in terms of what this means for health, kiwis:
——— support antibacterial, antioxidant + anti-inflammatory activity, with actions against bacterial species (both gram positive + gram negative), reducing cell damage by free radicals, reducing inflammatory processes + chronic inflammation.
——— have antidiabetic effects through the ability of soluble + insoluble fibre, along with inositol, to stabilise glucose regulation.
——— are cardioprotective + antiplatelet activity due to their nutrient content + can assist with managing blood pressure.
——— support digestive function. they can alleviate constipation, bloating + indigestion through their fibre content, enhancing the frequency + ease of bowel motions. kiwis also contain an enzyme called actinidin which assists protein breakdown, helping to digest dietary proteins.
——— regulate immune function by supporting phagocytosis + increasing immunoglobulins, which boosts the immune system + can reduce the severity of colds or flus.
——— support skin + tissue health through their content of vitamin c, which stimulates collagen production + as an antioxidant, protects skin from UV rays + pollution.
——— enhance iron absorption.
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kiwi season is upon us + worth incorporating into your diet to support immune + gut health this winter! 💚

— where you can find me on mondays + thursdays 🤍 —

— the relationship between our microbiome + the outer world reminds us that we are never seperate from nature — it is both within + without us, always. we are influenced by the outer world through the things we consume + the way they interact with us, even the parts of both that we cannot see. a delicate dance between our bodies + the environment — isn't that magic?! —

image ‘Dot Lady’ by Ruth Thorne-Thomson, 1983.

— tips for improving digestion (digestion pt.3) —
——— before eating, start the cephalic phase of digestion by thinking about what you are going to be eating for 5-10 minutes before the meal. preparing your own meals is a great way to focus on the food you're about to consume + get your body ready to eat it. when your food is ready, or as you're cooking, spend time smelling + looking at your food. this will help to stimulate the secretion of saliva, hydrochloric acid + digestive enzymes.
——— have some lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in water 10-15 minutes before eating. the acidity of liquids like these encourages the stomach to produce stomach acid, creating an environment perfect for digestion.
——— eat slowly.
——— chew your food well. try for about 30 chews per mouthful of food. if you find you eat quickly, try putting your fork down in between mouthfuls to slow down.
——— avoid consuming liquids whilst eating as this can dilute important digestive enzymes + reduce food breakdown.
——— sit down for your meal, avoid distractions (like tv, phones or laptops) + avoid multi-tasking or eating on the run. focus on your meal + try to enter a relaxed state at the time you're eating. eating with others is a beautiful way to slow down our eating + eat more mindfully!
——— be mindful of portion size (ie. eat until you're full, use reasonably sized plates + bowls) as not to overwhelm your digestive system with more food than it can handle in one go.
——— seperate coffee + tea. they contain tannins which can prevent us from absorbing important nutrients. ideally seperate consumption of coffee + tea from food an hour. if this is not possible, aim for at least 30 minutes.
——— consider practicing mindful or embodied eating practices to bring awareness to the foods you are consuming + your full awareness to the act of eating, as opposed to mindless eating without focus or attention. this includes observing the sensations we have when we eat (the sight, smell, taste + texture of our food) + how it feels to eat.
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image by Anna Maria Maiolino via

— factors that affect digestion (digestion pt.2) —
——— stress: the connection between the gut + the brain is powerful + when the nervous system is activated in times of stress, digestive function is switched off or reduced to prioritise other functions.
——— eating too quickly or when distracted: if you're eating too quickly or on the run, chances are that you're unlikely to be chewing your food properly. eating this way doesn't allow your digestive system to prepare for food intake + reduces the stimulation of digestive enzymes. as it can take around 20 minutes for signals of fullness to be registered by the brain, eating too quickly may also result in over-eating.
——— eating large meals: when large portions of food are consumed, our digestive system can become easily overwhelmed. this can lead to partially digested food moving further through the digestive system + causing uncomfortable symptoms like bloating or excess fullness.
——— caffeine: has been found to increase levels of stress hormones, therefore reducing digestive secretions + function. coffee also prevents the absorption of nutrients, so it is best to avoid eating or consuming supplements for around an hour before or after coffee consumption.
——— insufficient food breakdown: when food is unable to be broken down into its building block particles, enterocytes (the cells responsible for absorption) are less able to absorb both macro + micronutrients.
——— interactions with other substances in food: substances like phylates, oxalates + tannins (found in various food + beverages) can bind to important minerals in the gut + block their absorption.
——— medications: some medications can interfere with the absorption of specific nutrients. this should be assessed on a case by case basis.
——— alcohol intake: may block nutrient absorption by impairing the output of digestive secretions, as well as damaging stomach + intestinal cells.
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image via .practice

— digestion (pt.1) —
our digestive function is an integral aspect of our health + wellness, performing important functions like the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients + elimination of waste. but how does it work?? there are three main phases:
——— the cephallic phase
this phase begins before we even start eating when we see, smell + prepare food. the sensory stimulation of preparing a meal readies our digestive system for the meal we're about to eat. these cues stimulate parts of the brain (mainly the vagus nerve), which in turn trigger the release of enzymes + secretions required for optimal digestion — eg. salvia, stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) + digestive enzymes.
this phase continues as we begin to chew food. by chewing, we break apart our food into smaller particles, whilst continuing to prime the stomach + intestines to release the digestive enzymes which assist us in effectively breaking down our food.
——— the gastric phase
once our food enters our stomach, it expands to accomodate the incoming food + digestive secretions continue. the stomach consists of a muscle layer which makes small + typically unnoticed contractions that assist in breaking down food into smaller particles. these contractions also mix the digestive substances (including hydrochloric acid + enzymes such as pepsin + gastric lipase) around with the food, furthering food breakdown.
——— the intestinal phase
around 2-4 hours after eating a meal, the stomach empties its contents into the small intestine. once food enters the small intestine, hormones are released to signal the pancreas + gallbladder to begin releasing more digestive secretions.
the pancreas releases pancreatic enzymes, which help to break down the carbohydrate, protein + fat components of food into smaller particles. the gallbladder releases bile, which helps to emulsify fat components in the otherwise watery environment of our intestines. biles also help to lubricate the passage of food contents along the intestines for elimination via the bowel.
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image by Stuart Franklin via