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cover art for 456. From African Herbal Medicine to Radical Self love and care for the modern superwoman: Dr Andrea Sullivan is our expert guide.

Low Tox Life

456. From African Herbal Medicine to Radical Self love and care for the modern superwoman: Dr Andrea Sullivan is our expert guide.

Ep. 456

“Why don’t you just go mix up those horsefeathers in your backroom or whatever it is you do” Andrea said to the naturopath after he suggested she become a naturopath. She laughed it off quickly that day, but here we are today, speaking with her, now 40 years into being a naturopathic physician. 


Dr Andrea Sullivan is a phoenix who’s risen from more than one pile of ashes to be the wise sage joining us for this show. 


We begin with a fascinating dive into African herbal medicine and the lengths the African people went to to secretly bring their plant medicines across to America when being brought over as slaves. 


We then speak about how Andrea came to study naturopathy after being the first African American woman student at the University of Philadelphia to get her PhD in sociology and criminology, having to sit through lectures about how black people were more disposed to crime because of their ‘smaller brains’. Naturopathy was no easy feat by comparison, as a student, but she has now practiced for 40 years and counting. 


We go on to explore pearls of wisdom from her second book, the Sacrifices of Superwomen, There is a common lived experience for women everywhere of often putting themselves last - sound familiar? Andrea’s strategies are simple, accessible and free from expensive interventions, protocols or supplements, that you can start today! 


I hope you love the show as I loved recording with Andrea, 


Alexx, your host. 





Want to learn more about this week’s guest? 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-andrea-sullivan/ 

https://www.youtube.com/@dr.andreasullivan5530 


Thank you to this month’s show partners for joining us to help you make your low tox swaps! \


15% off site-wide @blockbluelight_official with code LOWTOXLIFE to help you with your lighting, sleep, health and skin goals enhanced by the RIGHT light - If you haven’t tried a blue-light free evening, I genuinely recommend that you do. Enjoy this INTERNATIONAL offer. https://bit.ly/4cRGf6d 


@ausclimate is our major partner giving you 10% off their range for the whole of 2025, with brilliant Winix Air Purifiers, the best Dehumidifiers I’ve ever used and their new energy-efficient heating, air-circulating and cooling range. code LOWTOXLIFE (also works over and above their sales - pro tip!) https://bit.ly/ShopAusclimate



Be sure to join me on Instagram @lowtoxlife and tag me with your shares and AHAs if something resonated! I love to see your thoughts, genuinely! 


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  • 467. 467. 25% of women experience domestic violence: Patricia Gordon Stevens helps us be helpers and hold hope.

    52:57||Ep. 467
    This podcast discusses domestic violence. Sit this one out if you need to Many of us are enraged, shocked, and paralysed by the unfolding information from the JE files. Many of us are also dismayed at the continuing epidemic of domestic violence and murder-by-partner. What do we do? How can we help change things? We can learn how to be an ally in our own communities and circles better. Outrage and sadness must be used as springboards for action, I truly believe it. I’m joined by counsellor and author Patricia Gordon Stevens to talk about domestic and partner violence — a subject too often minimised, despite affecting 25% of women in some of the world’s wealthiest countries. We explore why silence and discomfort only deepen the harm, and why education, community, and care matter so deeply.In this conversation, we cover:Why the moment a woman chooses to leave is often the most dangerous timeHow coercive control can appear long before physical violence doesThe subtle red flags friends, families, and colleagues can look forHow to ask caring, non-judgmental questions that keep the connection openWhy Patricia chose fiction (Madness in Memphis) to build empathy that leads to actionThe role men can play in calling out harmful behaviour and changing culture locallyThis episode is confronting, but it’s also hopeful. Change doesn’t start with grand gestures — it starts with noticing, staying connected, and showing up for the women in our lives.I hope you find it useful and helpful as I did, Alexx, your host. Fancy a few more podcasts we’ve done over the years, related to this one?Show #137: Dr Sherrie Campbell on cutting ties with toxic family membersShow #359 Dr Karin Luise – Writing New Personal Stories and Learning to Tune InSupport is availableIf this article has raised concerns for you or someone you know, help is available.1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – Australia’s national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Available 24/7 via phone or online chat.Lifeline (13 11 14) – 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) – Support for anxiety, depression and mental health concerns.Relationships Australia (1300 364 277) – Counselling and relationship support services.Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) – Support for men concerned about their behaviour or affected by family violence.Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) – 24/7 counselling support for young people aged 5–25.If you are in immediate danger, call 000.You can also find local support services via www.1800respect.org.auWant to learn more about this week’s guest? Website: www.patriciagordonstevens.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciagordonstevensauthor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriciagordonstevensauthor Book: https://bit.ly/4aJE0Ve Thank you to this month’s show partners for joining us to help you make your low tox swaps! @ediblebeautyau is here with 30% off site-wide! My top reco’s? The Super Stem Cell concentrate serum, Exotic goddess serum, Enzyme peel or microexfoliant for some healthy skin regeneration! Or the new up-sized sunscreen in 200g to carry you the rest of summer. Enjoy! CODE: LOWTOXLIFE. @ausclimate is our major partner giving you 10% off their range for the whole of 2026, with brilliant Winix Air Purifiers, the best Dehumidifiers I’ve ever used and their new energy-efficient heating, air-circulating and cooling range. code LOWTOXLIFE (also works over and above their sales - pro tip!) https://bit.ly/ShopAusclimateBe sure to join me on Instagram @lowtoxlife and tag me with your shares and AHAs if something resonated! I love to see your thoughts, genuinely!