Alison Birks, MS,AHG, CNS

09/09/2025

Yum!

Thinly sliced and seasoned eggplant is pan-fried in oil until crunchy and chewy like bacon.

09/04/2025

Unlocking the Power of Macadamia Nuts: More Than Just a Tasty Nut !

When you think of healthy nuts, almonds and walnuts often come to mind first. But there's a delicious, creamy contender that deserves a prime spot in your pantry: the macadamia nut! These Australian natives aren't just a delightful snack; they're a nutritional powerhouse packed with unique benefits that can give your health a serious boost.

What makes macadamias so special? It's all about their fats! Unlike many other nuts, macadamias are exceptionally rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), the same heart-healthy fats found in olive oil. But here's the kicker: they contain a rare MUFA called palmitoleic acid in significant amounts. Think of these healthy fats as super-efficient traffic controllers for your body, helping to keep your "highways" (blood vessels) clear and your "traffic" (cholesterol) flowing smoothly. Studies have consistently shown that adding macadamia nuts to your diet can significantly lower your "bad" LDL cholesterol and even reduce markers of inflammation, which are key for a healthy heart [1, 2]. So, while they taste indulgent, they're truly working hard for your cardiovascular well-being!

Worried about their rich taste and calorie count? Don't be! While macadamia nuts are calorie-dense, research indicates that incorporating them into your diet doesn't lead to weight gain. In fact, their satisfying combination of healthy fats and fiber helps you feel fuller for longer, potentially reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day [3]. This means you can enjoy their buttery crunch without derailing your weight management goals. Beyond heart health, nuts in general are associated with a lower risk of various chronic diseases, and macadamias, with their unique profile, likely contribute to these broader protective effects.

So, how can you enjoy these incredible nuts? They're fantastic on their own as a snack, sprinkled over salads or oatmeal, or blended into smoothies for a creamy texture. Just remember, while macadamia nuts are fantastic for us, they are toxic to dogs, so keep them out of reach of your furry friends [4].

Key References:

Griel, A.E., et al. (2008). A macadamia nut-rich diet reduces total and LDL-cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic men and women. The Journal of Nutrition, 138(4), 761-767. DOI: 10.1093/jn/138.4.761.

Garg, M.L., et al. (2007). Macadamia nut consumption modulates favourably risk factors for coronary artery disease in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Lipids, 42(6), 583-587. DOI: 10.1007/s11745-007-3042-8.

Aune, D., et al. (2016). Nut consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 104(5), 1162-1175. DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.116.136066.

Hill, E.L., et al. (2002). Macadamia nut toxicosis in dogs. Veterinary and Human Toxicology, 44(2), 58-59. DOI: 10.3164/jcbna.15-58.

06/09/2025

https://global-podcast-network-ddf818f5.simplecast.com/episodes/1735-alison-birks-06-05-25-nutritionist-herbalist-phill

Amplify Your Voice with Global Podcasts Connect, create, and engage with a global audience. Join us today!

06/03/2025

Great piece about Yerba Mate in GQ magazine, where I am quoted as an herbal expert.

Hugely popular in South America and the pre-game energy drink of choice for athletes like Leo Messi, Yerba mate has an array of benefits. Dietitians and herbalists break them down here.

04/22/2025

I am honored to join Susun as a presenter. I will be speaking on: Messages from Marshmallow
**
Join us May 3 - 10 2025
Don't miss the Early bird price!
Registration
~ Live and lifetime video access to The Linden Conference is $89.
~ Register before April 15 for only $50.
Register Now:

https://www.wisewomanschool.com/p/soothing-linden-conference?affcode=78947_vpfkj93s

04/19/2025

Roses are a favorite herb of mine! I found this interesting.

Red roses, the symbol of love, were likely yellow in the past, indicates a large genomic analysis by researchers from Beijing Forestry University, China. Roses of all colors, including white, red, pink, and peach, belong to the genus Rosa, which is a member of the Rosaceae family.

04/10/2025

Please join me!

03/18/2025

Chewing gum are a source of microplastics-yuck!

03/14/2025

Register here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/herbal-support-for-the-grieving-heart-tickets-1270802888649?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

03/14/2025

https://conta.cc/4iOw9pZ

02/21/2025

2025 VIRTUAL HERBALISM CONFERENCE
VIP PASS TICKET BENEFITS

GET IT HERE!
https://abirksherbalacademy--herbalismconferences.thrivecart.com/2025-virtual-herbalism-conference/

While the 2025 Virtual Herbalism Conference is completely free to enjoy, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a VIP Pass Ticket to get Lifetime Access to the conference and so much more (over $2,500 value):
Lifetime Access to ALL 30 Herbal Masterclasses! ($749 value)
30 Masterclass audio file downloads ($349 value)
30 Masterclass PDF transcript downloads ($349 value)
90-minute Chamomile: Herb of the Year Speaker Film ($79 value)
Over 20 bonus herbal ebooks, classes, and digital downloads from conference speakers and sponsors! ($350+ value)
Special discounts from brands like Herbal Academy, Mountain Rose Herbs, The Science and Art of Herbalism, HerbRally, and more! ($500+ value)
Access to The Heirloom Recipe Collection – a curated course of 40 signature herbal recipes from the apothecaries of sage herbalists like Rosemary Gladstar, Aviva Romm, David Winston, Abril Donea, Mimi Hernandez, and others! ($149 value)
LIFETIME ACCESS
to the 2025 Virtual Herbalism Conference
Unlock a wealth of herbal knowledge and learning with Lifetime Access to the 2025 Virtual Herbalism Conference! You'll gain unlimited access to all 30 Conference Masterclasses featuring insights and teachings from renowned herbalists. Exclusive to VIP Ticket purchasers, you’ll also get downloadable audio files and PDF transcripts for on-the-go enjoyment and review. Lifetime access ensures you can absorb, rewatch, and apply the masterclass teachings at your own pace, making it a lasting resource for your herbal journey.
Including the Special Speaker Film:
CHAMOMILE: HERB OF THE YEAR
Join us for an inspiring deep dive celebrating Chamomile: the Herb of the Year! This exclusive 90-minute film brings together conference speakers and contributors' voices to explore chamomile’s versatile uses in everyday life. Uncover the wisdom and applications of this gentle, yet powerful plant through captivating stories, expert insights, and practical tips. You really won’t want to miss out on this special bonus – the perfect blend of education, inspiration, and connection to the plant world with one of our most beloved herbal allies!
Access to the Conference Bonus Portal with
20+ HERBAL EBOOKS, CLASSES, AND RESOURCES
BONUS COURSES + CLASSES
The Beauty of Herbalism 7-Part Mini Course
By Rachelle Robinett
Healing Medicine of Enslaved Africans Class
By Abril Donea x BIPOC Herbalism Community
Evaluating Diet: Eat Your Herbs Class with Felicia Ruiz
By Herbal Academy
Herbs for Stress and Anxiety Class with Lindsey Feldpausch
By Herbal Academy
Aralia Class with Logan Keister
By HerbRally SchoolHouse
How to Quiet The Mind
By David Crow
BONUS EBOOKS + RESOURCES
Adaptogens: Ancient Medicine for 21st Century Stress Ebook
By Aviva Romm, MD
Rainbow Lattes Ebook
By Adriana Ayales x Anima Mundi
Aromatherapy for First Aid Guide
By Holly Brandenberger of
Herbal Care Guide
By Mountain Rose Herbs
The Beauty of Herbalism Handout
By Rachelle Robinett
Everyone Can Formulate: Formulation Ebook
By Lorraine Dallmeier of Formula Botanica
Brain-Boosting Herbs & Brainiac Bonbons Ebook
By Maria Noel Groves
Five Essential Winter Recipes Printable
By Dr. Tieraona Low Dog
5 Gateways to an Intuitive Plant Medicine Practice
By Asia Suler
The Forest Farmer's Handbook
By United Plant Savers
Deep Ecology Artists Fellowship 2025 Herbal Planner
By United Plant Savers
Nature's Pharmacy Ebook: Botanical Origins of Common Rx Medicines
By Herbalism Conferences
Herbal Remedy Recipes: A Cheat Sheet for 10 Common Childhood Ailments
By GrowingUpHerbal
The Path of Possibility Ebook
By Selima Harleston Lust of Iwilla Remedy
Herbs for Sustained Energy Ebook
By Herbal Academy
Marshmallow Root Monograph
By The Herbarium
Complete Guide to Plant Medicine Integration
By Mariah Gannessa x Four Visions
Exclusive Invitation to
THE HEIRLOOM RECIPE COLLECTION COURSE
The Heirloom Recipe Collection is a curated course of 40 signature herbal recipes from the apothecaries of sage herbalists like Rosemary Gladstar, Aviva Romm, David Winston, Felicia Ruiz, jim mcdonald, Abril Donea, and dozens of others. Watch and listen to each herbalist as they share a special herbal recipe from their collection. Each video is paired with accompanying lesson text and a beautiful printable 5x7 recipe card.
Here’s a glimpse at some of the Herbal Recipes you’ll find inside the course:
David Winston's Adaptogenic Tea Blend by David Winston
Sacred Hawthorn Cordial by Asia Suler
Liver Love Hot Chocolate by Selima Harleston Lust
Turmeric Ashwagandha Milk by Tieraona Low Dog
Nutritive Winter Soup with Herbs by Ric Scalzo
After Dinner Tea Blend by Alyson Morgan
The Reishi Decoction Challenge by Nick Polizzi
Prickly Pear Fruit Vinegar by Mimi Hernandez
3-Part Nervine Formula by Sajah Popham
Formula Botanica's Foundational Balm by Lorraine Dallmeier
And 30 more treasured herbal recipes!
From age-old preparations to modern favorites, this exclusive collection brings a treasure trove of herbal wisdom directly to your shelves. The Heirloom Recipe Collection is so much more than a course – it’s a piece of herbal legacy!
Including Generous
HERBAL DISCOUNTS FROM CONFERENCE PARTNERS
10% off One Order
MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS
expires 3/31/25
20% off Herbalism Course
HERBAL ACADEMY
expires 12/31/25
20% off Annual Membership
THE HERBARIUM
expires 12/31/25
15% off Your Order
ANIMA MUNDI APOTHECARY
expires 12/31/25
FREE 30-DAY TRIAL
BIPOC Herbalism Community
expires 12/31/25
$50 off Registration
SCIENCE AND ART OF HERBALISM
expires 12/31/25
20% off Annual Membership
HERB RALLY SCHOOLHOUSE
expires 12/31/25
15% off Your Order
OSHALA FARM
expires 12/31/25

Checkout page for 2025 Virtual Herbalism Conference.

02/15/2025

https://abirksherbalacademy--herbalismconferences.thrivecart.com/2025-virtual-herbalism-conference-vip/