The Lifestyle Herbalists Podcast--A healthy dose of happiness

The Lifestyle Herbalists

Welcome to The Lifestyle Herbalist Podcast. We are Dabney Vaccaro, a dental hygienist, herbalist, and wellness coach, and Sabrina Cooper, a dental hygienist, herbalist, mindful eating coach.  We are so glad you're here. For years, we've have worked with people who were struggling with things like fatigue, poor sleep, digestive issues, weight challenges, chronic stress, and oral health concerns. What we have learned is that these issues rarely exist in isolation. The body is always communicating with us, and often the mouth is one of the first places those messages show up. That's why this podcast exists. Here, we'll explore the fascinating connections between oral health, mineral balance, herbal medicine, nutrition, and whole-body wellness. We'll talk about how everyday habits influence our health, how herbs can support the body's natural healing processes, and why addressing root causes often leads to better outcomes than simply chasing symptoms. Our goal isn't to give you all the answers. It's to help you ask better questions, become more connected to your body, and discover practical tools that support your health in a sustainable way. Whether you're a health professional, an herbal enthusiast, or someone simply looking to feel better, you're welcome here. Reach Dabney at www.herbalhygeinist.com and Sabrina at www.nurishwell.com

  1. Aug 23

    What Is Your Dental Hygienist Really Looking For?

    In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of a dental hygiene appointment to explain what we’re looking for, why we’re looking for it, and what those findings can tell us about your health. We walk you through the appointment from beginning to end—from reviewing your health history and examining the mouth to periodontal measurements and the different types of dental X-rays we may recommend, including bitewings, periapical images, a panoramic X-ray, and a full-mouth series. We also explore how dental diagnostics are evolving beyond what we can see on an X-ray. Salivary testing and other emerging tools can give us additional information about the oral environment and help us better understand a patient’s individual risks and patterns. Our goal is not simply to look for cavities or scrape teeth. It’s to gather the pieces of the puzzle so we can recognize changes earlier, ask better questions, and help you understand what your mouth may be telling us. If you’ve ever wondered what your dental hygienist is actually looking for during your appointment—or why we recommend certain tests—this episode is for you.   Our Sponsors: Defender Shield - https://defendershield.com/HERBALHYGIENIST Survival Garden Seeds - https://survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=HERBALHYG Great Ghee - https://greatghee.com/?ref=HERBALHYGIENIST   Reach Dabney at dabney@herbalisthygienist.com or www.herbalhygienist.com Reach Sabrina at sabrina@nurishwell.com or www.brewjablends.com

  2. Aug 10

    Training the Brain: Building Stronger Cognitive Skills at Any Age

    What if struggles with learning, attention, memory, or processing aren’t simply something a person has to accept? In this episode, we talk with Sandy Zamalis, a Board Certified Cognitive Specialist and owner of LearningRx Staunton and Harrisonburg. Sandy explains how cognitive training can strengthen the foundational skills the brain uses to learn, including attention, memory, processing speed, reasoning, and auditory and visual processing. Although Sandy primarily works with children who need additional support to succeed in school, cognitive training isn’t only for young learners. She also works with adults experiencing cognitive changes or recovering from events such as a stroke, helping them strengthen skills and regain function. Our conversation offers an encouraging look at brain health, neuroplasticity, and the brain’s remarkable capacity to adapt and grow throughout life. You can find Sandy at the following places: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_brain_trainer_lady https://www.instagram.com/learningrx_shva/ https://www.thebrainymoms.com/ LearningRx Staunton | LearningRx Harrisonburg Schedule an Appointment   Reach Dabney at www.herbalhygienist.com or dabney@herbalhygienist.com Reach Sabrina at www.brewjablends.com or sabrina@nourishwell.com Our Sponsors: Defender Shield - https://defendershield.com/HERBALHYGIENIST Survival Garden Seeds - https://survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=HERBALHYG Great Ghee - https://greatghee.com/?ref=HERBALHYGIENIST

  3. Jul 27

    The Power of the Pause: Why Your Short Fuse Is Trying to Tell You Something

    Have you ever snapped at someone and immediately wondered, Where did that come from? In this episode, Dabney and Sabrina sit down with Rachel Cline to explore the powerful connection between stress, emotional regulation, and the "short fuse" so many of us experience in today's fast-paced world. Rachel shares why creating intentional pauses throughout the day isn't a sign of weakness—it's one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting our relationships, our health, and our peace of mind. Together, we discuss what happens in the brain and body when we stay in a constant state of overwhelm, why our patience seems to disappear, and how small moments of stillness can completely change the way we respond to life's challenges. Whether you're juggling work, family, caregiving, or simply feeling stretched too thin, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the power that exists in the pause. In this episode, you'll learn: Why we develop a "short fuse" under chronic stress. How intentional pauses help regulate the nervous system. Practical ways to respond instead of react. Simple strategies to cultivate more patience, peace, and resilience in everyday life. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or like you're constantly running on empty, this episode is a gentle reminder that sometimes the smallest pause can create the biggest transformation. Rachel's Gift--9 minute grounding practice, The Soft Landing: https://radiantlyrootedyoga.myflodesk.com/softlanding Find Rachel and her work -- Website: www.radiantlyrootedyoga.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiantlyrootedyoga Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiantlyrootedyoga My podcast, Radiantly Rooted with Rachel: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFG5s67Qwj-wuodQnwSoLDwLuUIhCcYEZ&si=V1wyBKOwvNrOLw-D   Find Dabney at www.herbalhygienist.com or dabney@herbalhygienist.com Find Sabrina at www.brewjablends.com or sabrina@nourishwell.com

  4. Jul 20

    Why Knowing Isn't Enough: The Missing Piece in Your Healing Journey

    Why is it that so many women know what they should be doing for their health, yet still don't feel better? In this solo episode, Dabney explores one of the most overlooked pieces of the healing journey: accountability. From hormone balance and digestion to oral health, stress, and nutrition, lasting wellness isn't about finding the next supplement or following the perfect protocol—it's about consistently caring for your body in ways that align with your values and goals. Join Dabney as she shares why information alone rarely leads to transformation, how small daily habits create lasting change, and five practical steps you can begin today to move toward greater healing and alignment. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting health advice or frustrated that your progress seems to stall, this episode will encourage you to slow down, simplify, and focus on what truly matters. In this episode you'll learn: Why more information isn't always the answer The difference between knowledge and implementation How accountability can support—not shame—your healing journey Five simple practices to help you feel more aligned and energized Why healing is a process of consistent, compassionate choices Healing isn't about perfection. It's about taking one faithful step at a time. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use the reminder that lasting wellness begins with small, intentional choices.   Our sponsors: Defender Shield - https://defendershield.com/HERBALHYGIENIST Survival Garden Seeds - https://survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=HERBALHYG Great Ghee - https://greatghee.com/?ref=HERBALHYGIENIST   Reach Dabney at www.herbalhygienist.com or dabney@herbalhygienist.com Reach Sabrina at www.brewjablends.com or sabrina@nourishwell.com

About

Welcome to The Lifestyle Herbalist Podcast. We are Dabney Vaccaro, a dental hygienist, herbalist, and wellness coach, and Sabrina Cooper, a dental hygienist, herbalist, mindful eating coach.  We are so glad you're here. For years, we've have worked with people who were struggling with things like fatigue, poor sleep, digestive issues, weight challenges, chronic stress, and oral health concerns. What we have learned is that these issues rarely exist in isolation. The body is always communicating with us, and often the mouth is one of the first places those messages show up. That's why this podcast exists. Here, we'll explore the fascinating connections between oral health, mineral balance, herbal medicine, nutrition, and whole-body wellness. We'll talk about how everyday habits influence our health, how herbs can support the body's natural healing processes, and why addressing root causes often leads to better outcomes than simply chasing symptoms. Our goal isn't to give you all the answers. It's to help you ask better questions, become more connected to your body, and discover practical tools that support your health in a sustainable way. Whether you're a health professional, an herbal enthusiast, or someone simply looking to feel better, you're welcome here. Reach Dabney at www.herbalhygeinist.com and Sabrina at www.nurishwell.com

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