Garlic, Mustard and Magic Needles: A Herbalist’s Masterclass in Healing

When you hear the words “No. 1 Herbal Medicine Expert,” you might expect a quiet chat about plants and potions. What you get instead from Dr Simon Mills is a fascinating and deeply human look at how nature and our own bodies already know how to heal.

His recent episode on The Diary of a CEO reminded me exactly why I fell in love with acupuncture in the first place: real, intelligent self-care that works with the body, not against it.

Garlic: More Than a Kitchen Hero

Forget breath mints. Garlic is the star of the show. Dr Mills calls it Russian penicillin, praising its ability to fight infection, balance the gut microbiome, and even help with circulation.

And here’s the thing. I actually use his famous “garlic intensive” myself. As someone with bronchiectasis, I can tell when my chest starts to tighten or feel heavy. Twice now I’ve taken the plunge: eight raw cloves (yes, really) spaced over an evening, and by the next morning my chest feels lighter and far more manageable. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

Inflammation: The Body’s Alarm, Not the Enemy

Dr Mills explains inflammation as a defence, not a disease. He says, “Inflammation is your body’s Marines showing up to clean house.” I love that image.

In acupuncture, we see inflammation as the body’s energy getting stuck or overreacting.

With gentle needling, we help calm the system, reduce pain, and restore natural flow so your body can finish the healing job it’s already trying to do.

Mustard, Ginger and Getting the Blood Moving

When Mills talks about warming remedies like ginger, mustard, and cinnamon, he’s describing nature’s version of one of acupuncture’s favourite principles: moving the Qi.

Whether you’re sipping ginger tea or soaking your hands in mustard water, it’s all about stimulating circulation and unblocking stagnation. A mustard bath for stiff fingers? I’m in. (And yes, I’ll still reach for my needles when I want that deep, lasting, head-to-toe relief.)

If you’re like most of my patients juggling kids, work, and never-ending laundry, you’ll know that “cold hands, cold feet, frazzled brain” feeling. These warming herbs and a good acupuncture session are like pressing the body’s reset button.

Eat Your Rainbow (and Feed Your Qi)

Mills says, “The more colours on your plate, the better your circulation and brain health.” Acupuncturists couldn’t agree more.

In Chinese medicine, each colour supports different organs: greens for the liver, yellows for the spleen, reds for the heart. So that vibrant plate of veggies isn’t just pretty, it’s medicine. (And if you can get the kids to eat something that isn’t beige, even better.)

Echinacea and the Subtle Nudge

Dr Mills describes echinacea as giving your immune system a polite tap on the shoulder. I’d say acupuncture does the same, it reminds your body what “balanced” feels like. Both work best as gentle prompts, not dramatic interventions.

With a chest condition and a child who seems to bring home every germ the classroom can offer, I always have echinacea in my cupboard. If anyone in my house even looks like they’re coming down with something, I reach for it straight away. It’s one of those simple, steady supports that keeps me one step ahead of the sniffles, right alongside regular acupuncture to keep my system resilient and responsive.

The Best Medicine of All

When asked what truly matters in life, Dr Mills didn’t mention herbs or supplements. He said the best thing you can do for your health is spend time with the people you love.

I couldn’t agree more. Connection, warmth, laughter, they’re powerful medicine.

Acupuncture has long recognised that emotional wellbeing is inseparable from physical health.

So, pour yourself a mug of ginger tea, call someone who makes you smile, and give this episode a listen.

🎧 Listen now: No. 1 Herbal Medicine Expert Podcast 👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts

And if your “boat” needs a little strengthening, whether it’s for immunity, inflammation, or just feeling more balanced, acupuncture is a beautiful way to help you ride life’s waves with ease.

Rebecca Side.  Side by Side, Acupuncture.  Sevenoaks, Otford, Kent.