The Lifestyle Herbalists Podcast--A healthy dose of happiness

Why Nutrition Was Never the Priority in Western Medicine

Nutrition is foundational to health—so why isn’t it foundational to medical care?
In this first episode of The Lifestyle Herbalist, Dabney breaks down how Western medicine evolved away from food and herbalism, why doctors receive little training in nutrition, and how public health guidelines replaced individualized nourishment.
You’ll discover how this shift impacts women’s health, hormones, digestion, and energy—and why so many people are left managing symptoms without addressing the root cause.
This episode invites you to reclaim your role in your health by understanding food as daily medicine—not a trend, not a diet, but a relationship.
Find more information about Dabney @ www.herbalhygienist.com or Sabrina @ www.brewjablends.com
 

Honoring 2025 As A Teacher

As we close out 2025, this episode offers a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and integrate—without judgment or pressure.
Rather than reviewing the year through the lens of success or failure, we explore how 2025 served as a teacher. Through the wisdom of the body, the awareness of the mind, and the quiet guidance of the spirit, this episode invites you to notice what the year revealed, what patterns became clearer, and how growth unfolded beneath the surface.
Together, we reflect on how challenges created opportunities for deeper self-awareness, how the body communicated its needs, and how alignment often shows up as calm clarity rather than force.
We close with a grounding exercise to help you release what no longer serves you and step into 2026 with intention, compassion, and trust.
This is not about reinventing yourself for the new year—it’s about honoring what you’ve learned and allowing that wisdom to guide what comes next.
Get your FREE download to help you reflect on 2025: https://www.herbalhygienist.com/year-end-integration
Reach Dabney at www.herbalhygienist.com
 
 

When the Gums Speak First

Dental hygienists often notice changes in health long before a diagnosis is ever made. In this episode, we explore why the mouth is one of the first places systemic imbalance shows up—and how routine dental visits can reveal early clues about inflammation, stress, and overall wellbeing.
Through a real patient story, we discuss how new, generalized gingival inflammation led to a deeper conversation about preventive care, missed medical checkups, and the oral-systemic connection. We’ll talk about why hygienists are uniquely positioned to notice subtle shifts over time, how to approach these conversations safely and professionally, and when it’s appropriate to encourage further medical follow-up.
This episode also introduces how tools like Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) and salivary testing can help uncover underlying patterns related to inflammation, stress, and mineral balance—not as diagnostic tools, but as ways to better understand what the body may be communicating through the mouth.
Whether you’re a dental professional or a patient curious about preventive health, this conversation invites you to listen more closely when the gums start telling a different story.
 
Reach Dabney at www.herbalhygienist.com
 

Holistic Dental Products: What Helps, What Harms, and What Actually Supports Oral Balance

On today’s episode of The Lifestyle Herbalists, host Dabney takes a grounded, holistic look at modern dental products — and asks an important question: are we caring for our mouths, or disrupting them?
This episode gently debunks the idea that “stronger antimicrobials are always better,” exploring how popular mouth rinses like Listerine can impact the delicate oral microbiome. Dabney explains why wiping out bacteria isn’t the same as supporting oral health — and how imbalance can contribute to inflammation, decay, and gum disease.
You’ll also learn about common chemicals found in commercial toothpastes that may disrupt microbial balance, irritate tissues, or create dependency rather than resilience — including foaming agents, preservatives, and harsh abrasives.
Finally, Dabney offers a balanced, non-polarizing discussion on fluoride, covering:
the benefits and concerns of fluoride in public water systems
the difference between systemic vs. topical fluoride exposure
when fluoride may be supportive — and when a more individualized approach matters
This episode is not about fear, extremes, or “one-size-fits-all” answers. It’s about informed choice, oral ecology, and supporting the mouth as part of the whole body.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your dental products are helping your health — or quietly working against it — this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a more holistic perspective.

Why People Stop Caring About Their Teeth

On today’s episode of The Lifestyle Herbalists, your host Dabney dives into a surprisingly relatable topic: why so many people stop caring about their teeth — even when they care about their health.
From dental anxiety and overwhelming information to busy schedules, embarrassment, and the “it doesn’t hurt yet” trap, Dabney breaks down the real emotional and lifestyle reasons oral care slips through the cracks.
You’ll hear compassionate insights from her experience in oral health, simple steps to get back on track, and a refreshing reminder that taking care of your mouth is truly part of taking care of your whole body.
If you’ve ever gone through a “flossing? absolutely not” phase, this episode will make you feel normal, supported, and motivated to rebuild healthy habits — without guilt.
Tune in for an honest, lighthearted, and empowering conversation that might just change the way you look at your daily routine.
 
Reach Dabney at dabney@herbalhygienist.com or www.herbalhygienist.com
Reach Sabrina at sabrina@nourishwell or www.brewjablends.com
 

Raising Resilient Mouths

In this week’s episode of The Lifestyle Herbalist, we dive into the world of children’s dentistry—when to schedule that very first appointment, how to spot early signs of trouble, and the simple daily habits that prevent cavities, trauma, and airway issues before they start. With a blend of humor and holistic wisdom, you’ll learn how nutrition, breath, routines, and gentle herbal support all play a role in raising healthy, happy little mouths. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or simply curious, this episode will leave you feeling confident and empowered.
 
Reach Dabney at dabney@herbalhygienist.com or www.herbalhygienist.com
Reach Sabrina at sabrina@nourishwell.com or www.brewjablends.com
 

Cheers on Your Terms

In this heartfelt and candid conversation, Dabney and Sabrina dive into the pressures of consuming adult beverages—especially during the holiday season when expectations run high. They open up about their own experiences, the moments that shaped their relationship with drinking, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) social cues that can make saying “no” feel complicated. Together, they explore practical ways to honor your boundaries, stay grounded in your values, and still enjoy the celebration without sacrificing your well-being. This episode is a warm, encouraging reminder that you can show up authentically—and have a great time—on your own terms.
 
Reach out to Dabney at dabney@herbalhygienist.com or Sabrina at sabrina@nurishwell.com
 

Time Well Spent: Navigating Burnout and Self Sabotage

 
Welcome to Time Well Spent, with Sabrina Cooper  the podcast dedicated to exploring the depths of burnout and self-sabotage, and providing you with the tools to break free and thrive. .
Join us as we uncover the underlying patterns that lead to exhaustion and self-doubt, and learn strategies to cultivate resilience and self-compassion. From understanding the importance of setting boundaries to practicing mindfulness in our daily lives, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and encouragement you need to reclaim your time and energy.
At the end of this episode, we invite you to unwind with a short guided meditation, designed to help you reset and reconnect with yourself. This moment of mindfulness will promote relaxation and clarity, allowing you to integrate the insights from the discussion into your life. 
Tune in to *Time Well Spent* and take the first step toward a more balanced, fulfilling life. It's time to invest in yourself—because you deserve it.

Your Mouth as a Mirror to Your Health

In this enlightening solo episode, Dabney takes us on a deep dive into the fascinating world of oral health, sparked by conversations from a recent women's conference. She reflects on your pressing questions and reveals what your mouth can tell you about the state of your overall wellness.
Today, we explore the mouth-body connection like never before. Dabney breaks down the critical role of nitric oxide, why you should be concerned about mouth breathing, and the unsung hero of digestion and oral defense: your saliva. She also sheds light on common oral health conditions and what they might be signaling from elsewhere in your body.
This is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the foundational principles of holistic health, starting from the inside out—and the top of your digestive tract.
We'd love to hear from you! After listening, leave a comment and let us know: What are you most interested in understanding about oral health?
 

The Silent Superpower: Sleep, Dreams, and Taming Nightmares

Why is sleep the ultimate herbal remedy we all overlook? In this episode of The Lifestyle Herbalists, your host Dabney Vaccaro delves into the nocturnal world of rest and dreams. We'll explore how sleep is a non-negotiable pillar for both physical repair and mental well-being, acting as our body's most potent form of medicine.
But the journey doesn't stop there. We'll venture into the dreamscape to understand the necessity of dreams, what it might mean if you can't remember them, and how they serve as our brain's nightly therapy session. Finally, we tackle a subject many struggle with in silence: reoccurring nightmares. Dabney will discuss what these distressing dreams may be signaling and offer practical, holistic strategies—like the powerful Imagery Rehearsal Therapy—to help you reclaim peaceful nights.
Tune in to rediscover sleep as your silent superpower and learn how to cultivate a lifestyle for truly restorative rest.
 
www.herbalhygienist.com
www.brewjablends.com