The Herbal Rebel: What I Learned from Steven Bartlett’s Chat with Simon Mills
We loves this interview A LOT and wanted to share some highlights.. hope you enjoy too!
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Simon: "Many doctors use plants as medicines"
Steve: "I've not spent a significant amount of time in China, how different is their perception of herbal medicine?"
Simon: "They don't think twice about it, it's what they grew up with"
When you think of “medicine,” you probably picture blister packs, sterile pharmacies, and the faint smell of disinfectant. Simon Mills, however, sees medicine growing quietly in your spice rack.
In Steven Bartlett’s latest Diary of a CEO episode, Mills — a man who has championed herbal healing since long before “wellness” became an Instagram trend — turns the tables on how we think about health. He’s not just any herbalist; he has advised the UK House of Lords, coined the term “complementary medicine,” and boasts 50 years of experience fighting for plants to get a rightful place at the medical table.
Rich, our founder, first encountered Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in 2013. Having lived alongside TCM doctors and immersed himself in the very world Simon Mills speaks of, Rich has since co-authored (with Jeff Deperon) Your Invisible Shield, available on Amazon, a book that delves deeper into holistic health approaches.
Steven Bartlett: "Is it the Chinese that are particularly big on herbal medicines?"
Indeed, the rich heritage of TCM profoundly illustrates the power of plants in healing, a perspective echoed throughout Mills’ insightful discussion.
The Gut: Your Real Command Centre
If you want to change your health, Mills says, start with your gut. Forget six-pack abs — the real core strength lies in your microbiome. He paints a vivid picture of our digestive system as a bustling city of microbes, where diet can either keep the streets clean or cause complete gridlock.
Herbs vs. The Pill Bottle
One of the most eyebrow-raising claims? There are at least eight plants so effective they could seriously threaten pharmaceutical profits — and according to Mills, they’ve been quietly pushed out of the limelight. He draws sharp parallels between medicinal plants and drugs like paracetamol, often not in Big Pharma’s favour.
Explore our range of medicinal mushrooms — nature’s ancient healers — celebrated for supporting immunity and wellbeing, echoing the wisdom Simon Mills shares.
Nature’s Antibiotic Problem-Solver
We’ve all heard about antibiotic resistance as a distant problem. Mills brings it right to the kitchen counter, revealing everyday ingredients — including a common spice — that can neutralise the majority of cold-causing viruses without contributing to resistance.
Complement this with shilajit, a powerful mineral-rich resin revered in traditional medicine for boosting vitality and immune resilience.
From Garlic to Dark Chocolate
This isn’t a lecture in deprivation. Mills lights up when talking about the health benefits of garlic, turmeric, curcumin, purple vegetables, and yes — dark chocolate. But it’s not about throwing them all into a smoothie; it’s about weaving them into daily life as a form of quiet, consistent medicine.
Indulge mindfully with our premium dark chocolate, crafted to nourish and delight, delivering antioxidants alongside flavour.
Why This Conversation Matters
In a world where “natural remedies” are often dismissed as folk tales, this episode feels like a bridge between the lab and the garden. Mills doesn’t reject conventional medicine — but he challenges the idea that it’s the only game in town.
If you listen, be prepared to walk away with two things: a grocery list that looks suspiciously like a prescription pad, and a nagging question — if nature already offers so many answers, why aren’t we listening?