Herbalwell

25/02/2026

The chemicals in St Johns Wort that contribute to its medicinal effects include flavonols derivatives, bioflavonoids, proanthocyanidins, rutin, quercetin, xanthones, phloroglucinol, and naphthodianthrones. One of the naphthodianthrones is called hypericin and it’s been shown in studies to reduce neuroinflammation, improve memory and learning. This beautiful plant medicine interacts with your neurochemistry, particularly serotonin, and has a relaxant, sedative and calming effect that reduces anxiety and stress in your physiology.
Mechanism: It slows the natural breakdown of feel-good neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine by inhibiting the enzymes that catalyse or break them down.
Did you know? It also helps reduce vasomotor symptoms. A 2019 study by Eatemadnia et al., found St Johns Wort alleviated depression as well both the intensity and frequency of hot flashes. Tune in to my Youtube long form videos for more information at www.youtube.com/c/sulinsze

’sHealthEducation

14/02/2026

Black Cohosh was traditionally used to treat colds, cough, endometrial pain and rheumatism. For women in midlife this is the plant I use in clinic to reign in high luteinising hormone levels mid-cycle to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. The most active chemical in this plant is 23-epi-26-deoxyactein but there are also phenolic acids including ferulic acid and fumarolic acid, flavonoids, volatile oils and tannins .
Mechanism: While we often assume it alleviates hot flashes because of an oestrogenic or hormonal action, the unfolding science reveals it might activate neurochemical receptors, but not oestrogen receptors. It might have an indirect boosting effect on oestrogenic activity in the brain, but we need more research to support that.
Did you know? Black Cohosh is active at serotonin and dopamine receptors and potentially at op**te receptors too.
Tune in to my Youtube long form videos for more information at www.youtube.com/c/sulinsze

’sHealthEducation

13/02/2026

Black Cohosh was traditionally used to treat colds, cough, endometrial pain and rheumatism. For women in midlife this is the plant I use in clinic to reign in high luteinising hormone levels mid-cycle to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. The most active chemical in this plant is 23-epi-26-deoxyactein but there are also phenolic acids including ferulic acid and fumarolic acid, flavonoids, volatile oils and tannins .
Mechanism: While we often assume it alleviates hot flashes because of an oestrogenic or hormonal action, the unfolding science reveals it might activate neurochemical receptors, but not oestrogen receptors. It might have an indirect boosting effect on oestrogenic activity in the brain, but we need more research to support that.
Did you know? Black Cohosh is active at serotonin and dopamine receptors and potentially at op**te receptors too.
Tune in to my Youtube long form videos for more information at www.youtube.com/c/sulinsze

Watch Black Cohosh - natural hot flush fix? 👉🏽 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=C9Pj5Bm7aOA

’sHealthEducation

08/02/2026

Some of the reasons why you might see “lack of evidence for efficacy” of herbal medicines in perimenopause and menopause. Many are helpful but not considered evidence based. Here’s why. Also, some may not be very effective. Another reason to check if a is actually right for you! See a or to be sure.

08/02/2026

Low mood or depression in perimenopause? Here’s how to give your body and mind some loving support. 🌿🧠

Herbal medicine, nutrition and nervous system care can gently lift mood and restore balance. Herbs like lemon balm, St John’s wort and adaptogens such as ashwagandha and rhodiola can support stress hormones, sleep and neurochemicals.

Sometimes medication or MHT is appropriate too — and research shows integrative approaches can be highly effective. Add in practices like meditation, yoga, dance, rest and meaningful self-care. Healing happens from the inside out. ✨

More tools, studies and resources in the full article + links below 👇

Link to the article below 👇

https://herbalwell.com.au/blog/

xo Sulin 💛

links: Interview with Deborah Devaal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKsFAGEvP5g&t=79s

interview with Dr Anna Young-Ferris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xfaoag-JM0&t=412s

Free Perimenopause course with guided meditations: https://insighttimer.com/meditation-courses/calm-the-chaos-a-natural-toolkit-for-perimenopause

07/02/2026

Following on from my prior video, let’s look at some of the causes...

Why do mood changes hit so hard in perimenopause?
One key explanation is the Oestrogen Withdrawal Theory. 📉

As oestrogen (especially oestradiol) becomes erratic in midlife, it disrupts the metabolism of mood-regulating neurochemicals — dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and noradrenaline. No wonder things can feel emotionally chaotic.

Layered on top of this is HPA axis dysfunction — the stress response system. A 2016 study found that rising oestrogen and cortisol levels often occurred together in perimenopausal women and were linked with worse mood.

Then there’s serotonin (our “feel-good” neurochemical), which can drop as oestrogen fluctuates, alongside changes in GABA, progesterone and kisspeptin — all of which play a role in midlife mood regulation.

I break this down further in the article — link below 👇
Next up: foods and natural strategies that can actually help reduce depressive symptoms in perimenopause. 🌿

xo Sulin 💛

06/02/2026

Food matters for mood in perimenopause. 🧠🍽️

A Mediterranean-style, wholefoods diet rich in B vitamins, magnesium, iron, selenium and omega-3s is linked with lower rates of depression. One key shift? Reducing ultra-processed and high-GI foods — a low-GI diet supports mood, energy and metabolic health in midlife. ✨

Think leafy greens, wholegrains, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and healthy fats to support serotonin, calm cortisol and nourish your nervous system. 🌿

Link to the article below 👇

https://herbalwell.com.au/blog/

Next: natural therapies to soothe the nervous system.

xo Sulin 💛

06/02/2026

Ever wondered if depressive symptoms are initiated or amplified by perimenopause? If you’re a women...

Ever wondered if perimenopause can trigger or amplify depression?
If you’ve experienced depression earlier in life, the research says midlife may increase your risk of a relapse. 🧠💔

Multiple studies now show that depressive symptoms are significantly more common in perimenopause, with risk estimates ranging from 2–3x higher than premenopause. This isn’t rare, and it isn’t personal failure — it’s physiology, hormones, and nervous system shifts colliding in midlife.

In my latest article, I break down what the research is really saying, why a history of depression matters, and natural strategies that can support women through this transition. 🌿✨

Link to the article below 👇

https://herbalwell.com.au/blog/

More to come on this important conversation.

xo Sulin 💛

02/02/2026

01/02/2026

Hello Lovelies💓 here’s my herb garden and what I use these plants for. 🌱🌈💚
xo Sulin