Vape and Mirrors
Imagine it’s 1946. You can’t afford a television yet, so you read the paper. There’s an advertisement that reads “More Doctors Smoke Camels Than Any Other Cigarette”.
Blog
A selection of articles about plant-based medicine and wellness. If you’d like to learn more about plant-based therapies, please discuss your options further with your doctor or make an appointment with Astrid Clinic
Naturopathy: Buzzword or Buzzworthy?
Naturopathy might seem like another trendy term floating around health-conscious circles, but it’s much more than just a buzzword.
Astrid and Western Sydney University presents Endometriosis Clinical Trials
Endometriosis is a condition affecting almost 1 million women in Australia – that’s around 1 in 7 women.
Introducing Astrid’s Smoking & Vaping Cessation Service
Here is everything you need to know about Australia’s new vape laws.
Meet our People: Georgina Phin, Naturopath at Astrid Clinic
Meet Georgina– our newest naturopath, who’s here to make a meaningful impact on our holistic approach.
With her passion for natural health and commitment to patient care, she’s not just joining our team—she’s here to inspire and transform lives. Get to know her and discover the exciting ways she’ll be contributing to our mission of holistic wellbeing!
Travelling Internationally with Medicinal Cannabis
Planning an international trip? If you are treated with medicinal cannabis, navigating the patchwork of global laws can seem daunting. But don’t let that put a damper on your adventures!
Meet our People: Bashar, Head of Patient Experience at Astrid
More affectionately known as “Bash”, Bashar is Astrid’s Head of Patient Experience and joined the team after completing his Biomedical Science studies and many years in community pharmacy. Let’s get to know our favourite Head of Patient Experience.
Asian Heritage Month with Astrid: Celebrating Heritage and Community
Asian Heritage Week is here and we are excited to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Asian Australian community.
Gifts for Mother’s Day: Elevate Your Routine with Hemp Seed Oil Skincare
As Mother’s Day approaches, Astrid invites you to explore the world of hemp oil infused skincare products to create rituals around nurturing your skin, loving your body and practising self-care.
Incorporating Meditation within your Wellness Routine: 5 Key Benefits
In today’s fast-paced world, the practice of meditation has surged in popularity as more people seek natural and holistic approaches to improve their overall well-being.
What is 420? Celebrating Natural Medicine at Astrid South Yarra
On April 20 at 4:20pm our dispensary in South Yarra was buzzing with patients, nurses, doctors, and advocates, all sharing their experiences with natural medicine.
Meet Our People: Olivia Lackmann, Senior Nurse Lead at Astrid Clinic
Olivia (Liv) is our Senior Nurse Lead and is a Registered Nurse with many years of clinical experience and specialty in surgical nursing, palliative care and general practice.
Navigating Workplace Drug Testing
Astrid’s government submission into the Workplace Drug Testing Inquiry. Learn more about Astrid and our advocacy for patients
A Year of Growth and Connection: Astrid Dispensary Byron Bay’s One Year Anniversary
The Astrid team have been reflecting on the transformative year since early 2023 when we unveiled our second Astrid Dispensary, this time in the heart of Byron Bay. Our first year in Byron has been filled with growth, innovation and strong community engagement.
Celebrate 420 with Astrid: A Journey Through Culture and Patient Care
April 20th, known globally as 4/20, has evolved from an underground gathering to a major cultural event celebrating cannabis culture and its journey towards acceptance alongside medical recognition.
Understanding Medicinal Cannabis and Driving Laws in Australia
Astrid’s ongoing support and advocacy for our patients. In the evolving landscape of medicinal cannabis, one of the most pressing concerns for patients is how its use intersects with driving laws.
Meet our People: Dr Shu Ng, Astrid Clinic Chief Medical Officer
In the evolving landscape of natural healthcare, Dr. Shu Ng shines as a beacon of innovation and compassion.
World Sleep Day: Embrace Rest with Natural Therapies
World Sleep Day is a call to action to celebrate and strive for healthy sleep. Between 30-40% of Australians are regularly not getting enough sleep.
Astrid Celebrates International Women’s Day
March 8th is International Women’s Day, a day acknowledging how women’s development and economic empowerment are central to a gender equal world.
Endometriosis Awareness Month: The Role of Natural Therapies
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, shedding light on a condition affecting almost 1 million women in Australia – that’s around 1 in 7 women.
Meet Our People: Lisa Nguyen, Founder and Australian trained pharmacist
Have you ever wondered how Astrid came to be and the brains behind it all? Meet Lisa Nguyen, Astrid’s founder and Australian trained pharmacist.
Astrid’s Stance on Legalising Cannabis in Australia
Australia is currently navigating the complexities of legalising and decriminalising cannabis. We are encouraged by this shift and advocate for public health to be a central focus in these discussions.
Astrid’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
6 Heartwarming Gift Ideas to Surprise Your Valentine
How CBD Can Play a Role in Cancer Treatment
Cancer affects millions worldwide, and understanding its impact and the importance of comprehensive care can empower us to better support those on this challenging journey.
Navigating Chronic Pain and Endometriosis with Medicinal Cannabis
Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 individuals in Australia aged 45 and above, totaling 1.6 million people.
Astrid’s EOY Party in Melbourne
To conclude 2023 on a high note, Astrid Dispensary & Clinic hosted a spectacular year-end event, bringing together the Astrid team and our extended community to celebrate and reflect on the remarkable milestones achieved throughout the year.
Introduction to Natural Therapies
2800 BC is the earliest evidence about the medical use of medicinal cannabis, originating in Central Asia or Western China.
In October 2016, the Australian Government passed legislation to allow for medicinal cannabis-based products to be prescribed to patients by registered healthcare professionals. The laws also allowed for the import of medicinal cannabis products and the growing and production of medicinal cannabis products in Australia.
Who Meets the Criteria for Natural Therapies in Australia?
Plant medicine has gained increasing attention in Australia since its legalisation for medical use in 2016 as a potential treatment option for a wide range of conditions. However it may not be suited to everyone.
Navigating Mental Health with Natural Therapies
Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being. In Australia, like many other parts of the world, a significant proportion of the population struggles with mental health issues.
Travelling soon? Before you pack, know how to travel with medicinal cannabis
Australians love to travel. In the 2022-23 year, there were 8,337,080 overseas trips taken by Australian residents, more than 5 times the previous year.
Unlocking the Potential of Medicinal Cannabis in Epilepsy
Medicinal cannabis may have a place in the treatment of epilepsy where the use of traditional anti-seizure drugs have not been effective.
The Aromatic Alchemy: Unveiling the Wonders of Terpenes
Ever wondered why different plants have unique scents? It’s all thanks to compounds called terpenes.
Smoking vs Vaporising
Plant-based products vary, depending on the symptoms or condition they are designed to treat. The way that you take them can vary too.
Your doctor will need to assess your needs, and make a decision about whether there is an appropriate product for you.
Here we explore the differences between vaporising and smoking dried herb, and share information on natural therapy.
Understanding the Endocannabinoid System
In the intricate orchestra of our body’s internal systems, like the well-known sympathetic nervous system responsible for our fight-or-flight reactions, there’s a relatively new player on the stage: the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
This complex network of chemical signals and receptors, scattered throughout our brain and body, serves as the maestro of essential functions, from memory and emotions to pain management, sleep, and more. As global research and drug development efforts converge on the ECS, its role in our well-being is gaining remarkable attention.
Natural Therapy Dosage Forms
There are more than 100 different plant-based products in Australia which come in many different forms, including oral formulations, topical formulations, inhalations.
The World of Cannabinoids: Nature’s Medicinal Compounds
The word “cannabinoid” may strike a chord with its association to cannabis, but this term encompasses a vast variety of chemical compounds that interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors.
