Cassandra Quave

1 week ago | naturespharmacy.substack.com | Cassandra Quave

In 2023, annual sales of herbal dietary supplements reached an astounding $12.5 billion USD. Nearly one in three Americans use these supplements daily, yet accurate information on their ingredients remains difficult to find. Misinformation on video and social media platforms continues to hinder public understanding of the safe and effective use of herbs. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has been a critical player in filling this void.

1 week ago | naturespharmacy.substack.com | Cassandra Quave

New on the show, I speak with Dr. César Ojeda, an ethnobiologist specializing in fermentation, biocultural diversity, and microbial ecology. Dr. Ojeda shares his insights on traditional Mexican fermented beverages, particularly focusing on the science and cultural importance of these foods. We discuss the concept of ethnomicrobiology, the role of microbes in traditional agriculture, and how microbial communities impact the fermentation process.

2 weeks ago | naturespharmacy.substack.com | Cassandra Quave

I’ve long been fascinated by the gut microbiome. Although scientists can now genetically sequence microbes to capture a snapshot of what inhabits the gut, many of these microbes have never been successfully grown in the lab. As a result, the gut microbiome—and the complex interactions between microbes and between microbes and their human host—remains somewhat of a mystery. Many devastating diseases have already been linked to disruptions in the gut microbiome.

2 weeks ago | naturespharmacy.substack.com | Cassandra Quave

As readers of this newsletter, you’re already aware of the sudden and far-reaching challenges that have disrupted my lab and so many others in the scientific community. With funding abruptly withdrawn, I’ve spent countless long days and late nights at my computer—scrambling for solutions and trying not to slip into a state of despair. In one of my darkest moments, my husband gently pulled me away from my desk and out into our backyard. “Come look at the plum tree,” he said.

3 weeks ago | naturespharmacy.substack.com | Cassandra Quave

They’re the secret behind the vibrant red pop of maraschino cherries and the enduring green in canned green beans. But these colorants are neither natural nor nutritious—and the U.S. food system is long overdue for a reassessment of the synthetic additives we allow in our food. Many of these dyes are already banned in other countries due to health concerns.