The Lifestyle Herbalists Podcast--A healthy dose of happiness

Hydration: Feeding Your Brain, Fueling Your Body

What if one of the most powerful tools for improving your energy, focus, mood, and overall health was as simple as a glass of water? In this episode of The Lifestyle Herbalists: A Healthy Dose of Happiness, we explore the incredible connection between hydration and the brain, nervous system, digestion, and oral health. Learn how water fuels your neurons, why electrolytes matter, and discover simple hydration tips and cooling herbs to help you feel your best—one sip at a time.

The 5 Secrets to Hormonal Health (Hint: It's Not What You Think)

What if balancing your hormones had less to do with chasing the latest supplement or quick fix—and more to do with supporting your body as a whole?
In this episode, I'm joined by Whitney, founder of Four Seasons Harmony, who shares her deeply personal healing journey and how it led her to a career in clinical herbal medicine and Ayurveda. Her own health challenges became the catalyst for helping women around the world restore balance, vitality, and resilience through a root-cause approach.
Together, we explore the five "secrets" to hormonal health—but they may not be what you're expecting. Instead of focusing solely on hormones, Whitney explains why the foundations of health—nourishment, stress resilience, digestion, sleep, and daily rhythms—play a far greater role in helping women feel like themselves again.
If you've been struggling with fatigue, mood changes, irregular cycles, perimenopause, menopause, or simply feel like your body is asking for something different, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and gentle encouragement.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why hormone balance begins with supporting the whole body.
How chronic stress can quietly disrupt every body system.
The surprising role digestion and nourishment play in hormonal health.
Simple lifestyle shifts that can make a meaningful difference.
How herbs and Ayurveda can beautifully complement modern wellness practices.
This conversation is a refreshing reminder that healing isn't about perfection—it's about creating the conditions for your body to do what it was designed to do.
Find Whitney and her offerings at www.fourseasonsharmoney.com
Your gift from Whitney: 7 Steps to Creating Lasting Hormonal Health website page for any listeners to receive the complimentary resource — https://www.fourseasonsharmony.com/free-health-trainings
 
Our Sponsors: 
Defender Shield - https://defendershield.com/HERBALHYGIENIST
Survival Garden Seeds - https://survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=HERBALHYG
Great Ghee - https://greatghee.com/?ref=HERBALHYGIENIST
 
Find Dabney at www.herbalhygienist.com
Find Sabrina at www.brewjablends.com
 

Why Am I Bloated Even When I Eat Healthy? Listening to What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You

Do you wake up feeling great, only to end the day wondering why your stomach suddenly feels tight, uncomfortable, or bloated—even though you're eating healthy?
In this solo episode of The Lifestyle Herbalists, Dabney shares her own recent experience with bloating and how becoming curious instead of frustrated helped her uncover important clues about her health. From noticing how gluten and even carbonated water affected her body to exploring the powerful connection between stress, digestion, saliva, and oral health, this conversation is all about learning to listen to your body's wisdom.
You'll discover why bloating isn't always about what you're eating—it may also be about how you're eating, how well you're digesting, and what your body has been trying to communicate all along.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why healthy foods can still leave you feeling bloated• How stress and your nervous system influence digestion• Why digestion truly begins in the mouth• The surprising role saliva plays in digestive health• How low stomach acid may contribute to bloating for some people• Gentle herbs that support healthy digestion, including marshmallow root, ginger, chamomile, and fennel• Five simple habits you can begin this week to better support your digestive system
Remember, symptoms aren't always something to silence—they're often an invitation to become more curious.
If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who has been searching for answers about their digestive health.
Until next time, keep listening to your body—it has more wisdom than we often give it credit for.
Have you discovered something unexpected that contributes to your bloating? I'd love to hear your story. Send me a message or leave a comment—I read every one.
 
Our Sponsors: 
Defender Shield - https://defendershield.com/HERBALHYGIENIST
Survival Garden Seeds - https://survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=HERBALHYG
Great Ghee - https://greatghee.com/?ref=HERBALHYGIENIST
Use Code: DabneyVaccaro at checkout
 
Reach Dabney at: www.herbalhygienist.com or dabney@herbalhygienist.com
Reach Sabrina at www.brewjablends.com or sabrina@ nourishwell.com
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Hidden Cost of Service: Burnout, Purpose, and Resilience with Scotti of Slow Living Solutions

What happens when the people who spend their lives rescuing others begin carrying more than they can bear?
In this episode of The Lifestyle Herbalists, we sit down with Scotti, founder of Slow Living Solutions and an Applied Organizational Psychologist dedicated to supporting Fire and EMS professionals. Raised in a firefighting family and shaped by the loss of her father, Scotti understands firsthand the unseen toll that chronic stress, grief, and burnout can take on individuals and their families.
Together, we discuss the culture of service, the importance of self-regulation, the impact of social connection on health, and why "slow living" isn't about doing less—it's about creating the capacity to recover, reconnect, and serve sustainably.
Whether you're a first responder, caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply someone navigating stress and searching for more purpose, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hope for building a healthier legacy.
In this episode, you'll learn:• Why burnout is more than just exhaustion• How grief can reshape our understanding of time and purpose• The role of nervous system regulation in long-term health• Why connection and community are protective factors against stress and isolation• How to build a life and career that you're proud to pass on to future generations
 
Here is the link to the study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10916780/
 
CONTACT
Reach Scotti directly at www.slowlivingsolutions.com
Email: squam@slowlivingsolutions.com
 
IG: @slowlivingsolutions and @thetinyfancylady
Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/share/1GFVTFNXLG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniquam
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@slowlivingsolutions
 
OFFERS:
Here is the latest offer: https://slowlivingsolutions.thrivecart.com/mbrt-challenge/
Here is my flagship program: https://www.slowlivingsolutions.com/theempowermentmethod (1:1 mentorship)
 
Reach Dabney @ www.herbalhygienist.com or dabney@herbalhygienist.com
Reach Sabrina @ www.brewjablends.com or sabrina@nurishwell.com
 
 

Why Am I So Tired All the Time? | The Wellness Questions People Are Asking in 2026

Feeling exhausted even though you're eating well, taking supplements, and trying to do all the "right" things? You're not alone.
In this episode of The Lifestyle Herbalists, Dabney and Sabrina tackle one of the most common questions they're hearing in 2026: Why am I so tired all the time?
Together, they explore some of the hidden factors that may be contributing to low energy, including chronic stress, poor sleep quality, mouth breathing, mineral depletion, inflammation, and blood sugar imbalances. They also discuss why adding another supplement isn't always the answer and why returning to the foundations of health can make the biggest difference.
You'll learn:
• Why stress can leave you feeling depleted• How oral health and sleep quality influence energy• The role minerals play in overall wellness• Why inflammation may be quietly draining your body• Simple foundational habits that support lasting energy
If you've been wondering why you're still tired despite your best efforts, this episode offers a fresh perspective and practical encouragement.
Connect with us:Instagram: @HerbalHygienist and @TheLifestyleHerbalists
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use a little more energy and encouragement.
 
Our Sponsors:
Defender Shield - https://defendershield.com/HERBALHYGIENIST
Survival Garden Seeds - https://survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=HERBALHYG
Great Ghee - https://greatghee.com/?ref=HERBALHYGIENIST
 
Reach Dabney @ www.herbalhygienist.com
Reach Sabrina @ www.brewjablends.com
 

Episode 100: What We've Learned About Oral Health, Herbs, Minerals, and Whole-Body Wellness

🎉 100 Episodes! 🎉
What began as conversations about herbs, mindfulness, and healthy living has evolved into a deeper exploration of the connections between oral health, digestion, minerals, stress, sleep, and whole-body wellness.
In this special 100th episode, Dabney reflects on some of the biggest lessons learned from the first 99 episodes of The Lifestyle Herbalists. From understanding the mouth as a window into overall health to exploring the role of minerals, herbs, nourishment, and nervous system regulation, this episode brings together many of the themes that have shaped the podcast's journey.
You'll hear insights on:✨ Why symptoms are often messages from the body✨ The connection between oral health and overall wellness✨ Digestion, nutrient absorption, and the importance of saliva✨ The impact of chronic stress on healing and health✨ How minerals influence energy, sleep, mood, and resilience✨ Favorite herbs for supporting the nervous system and daily wellness✨ The power of mindfulness, nourishment, and small lifestyle changes
Dabney also shares an exciting look ahead at the future of the podcast as she and Sabrina embark on their own wellness journey. As The Lifestyle Herbalists enters its next chapter, listeners can expect more conversations with dental professionals, wellness practitioners, herbalists, and experts who help bridge the gap between oral health and whole-body wellness.
Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or are just joining the journey, thank you for being part of these first 100 episodes.
Here's to the next 100!
🌿🎙️🦷
Connect with Dabney:www.herbalhygienist.com
Connect with Sabrina:
www.brewjablends.com
Affliliates:
Defender Shield - https://defendershield.com/HERBALHYGIENIST
Survival Garden Seeds - https://survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=HERBALHYG
Great Ghee - https://greatghee.com/?ref=HERBALHYGIENIST
Enjoying the show?Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who is interested in living a healthier, more connected life.
 
 

When Your Breath Talks Before You Do

Bad breath is something most of us worry about—but rarely talk about openly. In this episode, we explore halitosis in a completely different way, moving beyond mints and mouthwash to uncover what bad breath may actually be telling us about oral and overall health.
We’ll discuss how to navigate the uncomfortable but important conversation of telling someone they have bad breath with kindness and respect. Then we dive into the most common causes, including the oral microbiome, gum health, tongue coating, dry mouth, and the often-overlooked role of mouth breathing—especially during sleep.
We also explore how digestion and gut function can sometimes contribute to breath changes, and what that connection really means (and what it doesn’t). Finally, we look at supportive herbs and simple daily practices that can help improve breath by addressing root causes rather than masking symptoms.
This episode is for anyone who wants to better understand persistent bad breath, support their oral health more naturally, or have more confidence navigating a sensitive but very human topic.
Products I recommend: https://www.herbalhygienist.com/my-recommendations
Defender Shield - https://defendershield.com/HERBALHYGIENIST
Great Ghee - https://greatghee.com/?ref=HERBALHYGIENIST
Survival Garden Seeds - https://survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=HERBALHYG
 
Reach Dabney at dabney@herbalhygienist.com or www.herbalhygienist.com
Reach Sabrina at sabrina@nourishwell.com or www.brewjablends.com
 
 
 
 

Honoring the Hands Before Ours

In this special Memorial Day episode of The Lifestyle Herbalists Podcast, we pause to honor the people who came before us — the ancestors, caretakers, veterans, healers, and everyday people whose lives shaped our own.
We carry more than genetics from those who came before us. We carry stories, traditions, resilience, nervous system patterns, recipes, wisdom, and sometimes wounds that are waiting to be healed.
Together, we explore the connection between ancestral remembrance, herbalism, healing, and the ways we can create healthier generations moving forward.
This episode includes a gentle guided reflection and meditation to help you slow down, reconnect, and honor the roots beneath you.
So pour yourself a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and join me for a quiet moment of remembrance, gratitude, and healing.
In this episode:
Honoring ancestral wisdom and resilience
The connection between herbalism and generational healing
What we inherit — both strengths and struggles
A guided meditation for remembrance and reflection
Simple rituals to honor those who came before us
Herbs mentioned:Rosemary, Tulsi, Rose, Mugwort, and Oat Straw
 
Reach Dabney or learn more go to www.herbalhygienist.com
Reach Sabrina at www.brewjablends.com
 

Do You Really Need a Cleanse? The Herbalist’s Take

Parasite cleanses and colon detoxes seem to be everywhere right now—but do we really all have parasites, or are we missing the bigger picture? In this episode, I’m diving into the wellness industry’s growing obsession with cleansing, “killing,” and detoxing while exploring a more balanced perspective as an herbalist and oral health practitioner. We’ll talk about what parasites actually are, common signs of gut imbalance, why aggressive cleansing may do more harm than good, and how mineral depletion, stress, digestion, and oral health all connect to the conversation. I also share gentle herbal approaches that may help support the body and terrain without creating more chaos in the process. If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms are really parasites—or if your body may simply need more support and resilience—this episode is for you.
 
Survival Garden Seeds - https://survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=HERBALHYG
Great Ghee - https://greatghee.com/?ref=HERBALHYGIENIST
Use code DABNEYVACCARO at checkout for 10% off
 
To reach Dabney or work with her, go to www.herbalhygienist.com
Reach Sabrina at www.brewjablends.com
 
 

Fatigue, Burnout & Why Rest Doesn’t Help

The Language of Symptoms series and today we are going to talk about  Fatigue, Burnout & Why Rest Doesn’t Help.
“Welcome back to The Language of Symptoms — the podcast where we stop fighting symptoms and start listening to what they’re trying to say.
Because headaches aren’t always about the head. Gut symptoms aren’t always about food. And today, we’re talking about something so many are quietly carrying:
Exhaustion.Not just being tired… but that deep, heavy fatigue that sleep doesn’t seem to touch.
The kind where you wake up tired. Push through the day. Cancel plans. Drink the coffee. Try the supplements. Rest on the weekend…
…and still don’t feel restored.
What if fatigue isn’t a flaw?
What if burnout isn’t weakness?
What if your body isn’t failing you at all — but protecting you in the only way it knows how?
Today, we’re decoding fatigue, burnout, nervous system overload, and why rest sometimes doesn’t work the way we think it should.
So settle in — because this conversation may completely change how you understand energy, recovery… and yourself.”
 
 
For more information on this podcast please feel free to email me at sabrina@nurishwell.com and visit my website www.brewjablends.com
Also you can reach Dabney at dabney@herbalhygienist.com and visit her website www.herbalhygienist.com
 
References and Citations for this episode.
McEwen BS. Protective and Damaging Effects of Stress Mediators.New England Journal of Medicine, 1998.
Picard M et al. Mitochondrial Psychobiology: Foundations and Applications. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 2018.
Maslach C & Leiter MP. Understanding the Burnout Experience.World Psychiatry, 2016.
Walker MP. Why We Sleep. Scribner, 2017.
Dhabhar FS. Effects of Stress on Immune Function.Neuroimmunomodulation, 2009.
Sapolsky RM. Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. Holt Paperbacks.