Sandra is a health scientist, registered medical herbalist, and columnist for the NZ Herald.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Sandra Clair: How to avoid back to work summer stress
Getting back into the swing of things can be the perfect time for stress to manifest.
Your Health: How to care for your liver
Looking to give your liver a break this month? Here's how natural remedies can help.
Do plant medicines have side-effects?
Plant medicine has been used for millennia. What do you need to know before using it?
How to avoid burnout ahead of Christmas
Signs you may be headed for a Yuletide meltdown and natural ways to combat them.
How plant based medicine can help diabetes
Plant medicine has been used to help treat diabetes long before we had synthetic drugs.
Sandra Clair: Natural remedies to curb stress
When looking at how to manage stress, it's important to look at yourself as an individual.
Sandra Clair: Plant based medicine then and now
These days consumers have become acutely aware of what they are putting into their bodies.
How plant medicine can help support new mums
Comment: Having a newborn can be overwhelming. Here are some natural ways to help.
How does plant medicine impact breastfeeding?
Traditionally, breastfeeding teas are used for nutrient support during breastfeeding.
How marshmallow can help a tickly throat
But it's not the marshmallow you're probably thinking of.
The childhood illness to prepare for this winter
These natural remedies may be able to help with symptoms of croup.
Is plant medicine really that effective?
We take a look at the evidence behind plant medicine and its effectiveness.
Can children use plant medicine?
Are you considering plant medicine to heal your children? Here's what you need to know.
Plants offer whole-body treatment; pharmaceuticals treat each symptom
Plant medicines should leave you feeling better off than when you started.
How to avoid getting sick this winter
Build up your immune system before the chill really sets in.
How to battle school holiday stress
With the kids at home all day, you may find yourself more strung out than usual.
Pharmacy Council allows sale of natural health products
Pharmacists can now sell alternative medicine alongside pharmaceuticals.
How to aid common digestive problems
Digestion can be a problem for many, here are some natural remedies that could help.
Natural options for constipation
Constipation is a very common problem. Here are some natural remedies to help.
The best herbs to combat allergies
Plant medicine can help with day-to-day management and strengthen resilience to reactions.
The best herbs for better skin
Need better skin and want to improve digestion? Try these herbal medicines.
How to get rid of a cough that won't leave
Try these natural remedies to get rid of that cough, once and for all.
How herbal medicine can prevent dry skin
With the change of season dry skin can occur, here's how plant medicine could help.
Natural remedies to aid breastmilk production
Breastfeeding is not always as straightforward as you may think.
How to treat a recurrent urinary tract infection
Do you have a recurrent UTI? Look to these herbal remedies for relief.
Plant medicine for period pain
Do you suffer from bad period pain? Try some of these natural remedies.
Gentle, natural solutions for nappy rash
These are the natural properties you should look out for in nappy rash products.
Natural remedies for winter cough
Is there anything natural to take to get rid of that nasty winter cough?
Medicinal plants for healthy cholesterol
Paired with lifestyle change, these medicinal remedies could help support the body.
Plant medicine can help libido issues
Are you struggling with a loss of libido? Plant medicine may help.
How to avoid catching a cold
Try natural remedies to reduce your chances of getting sick over the next few months.
Five natural alternatives for coffee
These natural alternatives to coffee can boost concentration and focus.
How to alleviate peri-menopause symptoms
Hot flushes, trouble sleeping and more irritable? You may have peri-menopause.
Using plant medicine to aid osteoarthritis
Taking drugs long-term can take a hefty toll on the liver and digestive system.
Plant healing for stress and low moods
For uplifting mood in times of stress, there is no greater plant ally than St John's Wort.
How to naturally support lung health
There are a number of plant medicines available that help to protect your lungs.
How to treat varicose veins in pregnancy
Sandra Clair has some tips on how to improve vein integrity.
Natural healing for post-birth recovery
Speed up your post-birth recovery with these natural health tips.
How to naturally heal cracked lips
Suffering from cracked and dry lips? Try some of these natural remedies.
Natural ways to recover from surgery
Our natural health guru's tips for quick recovery from surgery.
The medicinal plants growing in our backyard
What are the most useful medicinal plants that can be found right at home?
How to alleviate stress-related burnout naturally
"I was wondering if there is anything natural that might help to restore my energy and speed my recovery?"
Why gut bacteria influences our health
Our natural health guru on how our gut bacteria are so influential to our health.
How to protect your bones
My elderly mother suffers from osteoporosis and is susceptible to bone fractures. Is there anything that can be done to protect my
Can plant medicine help with adult acne?
The key to getting rid of that adult acne you're embarrassed about could be as simple as adopting a diet based on real whole foods.
Coping with back-to-school anxiety
Entering a new phase in life can be anxiety inducing for anyone, regardless of age. Here are some natural remedies for helping manage those back to school jitters.
Natural remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Medical herbalist Sandra Clair offers some natural remedies for a common problem.
How to minimize chicken pox scars
Your child may have made it through an itchy battle with chicken pox, but what about the scars they've been left with?
How to detox naturally
OPINION: Methods of detoxification have existed in different cultures for thousands of years, and science has started to catch up with traditional wisdom.
Natural remedies to fight hay fever
It's that time of year when hay fever sufferers' symptoms flare up. Here's how to keep the allergies under control.
The history of plant medicine
Medicinal plants have been used throughout history to heal the sick.
Your health: How to soothe cradle cap naturally
Is your baby presenting flakes, yellowish-scales or redness on the scalp? Sandra has some natural alternatives to help with cradle cap.
Your health: How to naturally relieve eczema
What can you suggest to naturally help relieve eczema/dermatitis, or to at least minimise its severity?
How to ease children's ear infections
My two sons get terrible ear infections regularly. It makes them very uncomfortable and miserable. Are there any natural remedies you can suggest?
Natural remedies for chronic pain
My partner suffers from complex regional pain syndrome. Are there any plant medicines that can be used to help with chronic pain?
Your health: Plant medicines to add to your first aid kit
Hi Sandra, what plant medicines should we be adding to our family first aid kit? Thanks for your question. As summer inches closer
Remedies for croup in children
Are there any plant medicines to keep croup in children at bay?
Natural products to assist asthma symptoms
New Zealand has some of the highest rates of childhood asthma, with more than one in four children diagnosed with some form.
How to treat shin splint problems
Shin splints are caused by repeated trauma to the muscles where they attach to the shin.
How to boost children's immunity
When a child's immune system takes a hit, how can you help build it back up again?
Your health: Find out more about medical herbalist Sandra Clair
Hi Sandra - I was wondering if you could share some more information on your background as a medical herbalist? It sounds so interesting!
How natural remedies can support ovarian disorder
Question: I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and I've really struggled keeping on top of the symptoms. Are there any natural remedies I can use to support my condition?
How to build your child's immunity
Question: I know it's is pretty common for colds to get passed around at day care, but is there anything I can do to keep my three-year-old's immunity up?
Treating bronchitis in young children
My 12-month-old has a nasty bout of bronchitis. I'm desperate to give him something to relieve him, but I've heard there are a lot
Natural remedies to help children sleep
I am wondering if I can give my children anything to help with getting them to sleep. They are just not sleeping through the night
Natural remedies to aid breastfeeding
I am wondering what I can do to help with breastfeeding? I am expecting my first baby this month. - New mum As a new mum you face
How to sooth winter skin
My whole family are keen skiers. We have a season's pass and try to get up the mountain every weekend, and it seems like without fail
Natural remedies for glandular fever
My daughter was recently diagnosed with glandular fever. She is missing quite a bit of school and the thought of getting behind is
Your health: Natural remedies for sports injuries
Natural remedies are a great way to keep you in the game.
How to steer clear of 'man flu'
Every year my boyfriend comes down with bad man-flu. How can I help him stave off the sickness this year?
Your health: How to keep your heart healthy
Cardiovascular health is an important topic for everyone, especially as we age.
Your health: Should you take antibiotics for a cold?
Most bacteria are beneficial for our health, however there are some that are harmful.
How to keep fibromyalga under control
Hi Sandra, I have fibromyalgia. Can you recommend anything to help with this condition?