In this episode, Dr. Tom Guilliams rejoins the podcast to explore the complexities and misconceptions surrounding botanical medicine and how clinicians can maximize the therapeutic effects of herbs. We learn from Dr. Guilliams that clinicians using herbs should consider the role of the microbiome in terms of absorption and activation of botanical compounds. He explains that because absorption varies from person to person, a personalized approach is needed for optimal outcomes. Dr. Guilliams also discusses the limitations of traditional clinical trials in evaluating botanical medicine, and he proposes a new framework that considers individual characteristics, such as genetics and microbiome composition. While Dr. Guilliams encourages listeners to embrace the use of botanicals, he also advises questioning the source and efficacy of herbal products and considering the traditional uses of herbs in addition to the isolated compounds. Please check out the full conversation to learn more about: The limitations of curcumin and the need to consider the whole components of herbs. Why herbology is complex and requires specialized knowledge. The historical and traditional uses of botanical medicine for healing. Issues with applying the pharmaceutical model to botanical extracts. Why we need to rethink research processes and clinical trial methodologies for botanical medicine. And much more!