- Don’t Just Toss – Safe Disposal of Expired Medications
We’ve all been there — you reach for a medication and realise it’s a few months (or a few years!) out of date. It’s common to for medications to have expired before we finish them, and learning how to dispose of them safely is important for your health and those who live with you. Expired […]Read More… from Don’t Just Toss – Safe Disposal of Expired Medications
- Medicine Schedules in Australia – What They Mean For You
At Farma, we’re all about helping you make sense of your medications and treatment plans. One topic that can sometimes cause confusion is medicine schedules. In Australia, medications are grouped into different schedules based on how they are regulated and how easily they can be accessed. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the main […]Read More… from Medicine Schedules in Australia – What They Mean For You
- A Guide to Dispense Intervals for Patients
At Farma, we know that managing your medication can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding dispense intervals. Whether you’re new to filling prescriptions or adjusting to a new treatment plan, staying on top of your dispense interval is essential to keeping your health on track. This blog will walk you through what […] - Exploring The Wandering Nerve
The vagus nerve (also referred to the “wandering nerve,”) and plays a key role in our parasympathetic nervous systems. The vagus nerve starts in the brainstem and extends all the way through our neck and thorax to the abdomen, where it influences a wide range of bodily functions. Think of your vagus nerve as the […] - Feel-Good Eats: Boost Your Mood & Sleep
We all know the sage wisdom to ‘eat plenty of fruit and veg’, but that doesn’t always make a bowl of spinach more appealing. Here’s the good news: mood-boosting foods don’t have to be boring. We’ve compiled our favourite feel-good foods that you can incorporate into your daily routine to enhance your mental health and […] - 5 Evidence-Based Approaches to Better Health
In the arc of life, our health status is often in a state of flux depending on how well we are taking care of ourselves alongside tailored healthcare plans from prescribers. If you’re looking to further enhance your health, check out these 5 activities which have solid research and promising data behind them to enhance […]Read More… from 5 Evidence-Based Approaches to Better Health
- Common Patient Questions: Answered
Whether you’re preparing for a first consult or a subsequent follow-up appointment, it can take some time to get comfortable with terminology surrounding your alternative therapies journey. To help you navigate your appointments with confidence, we’ve put together a guide to some of the most common terms you might come across and what they mean […] - Terpene Talk: Humulene
So far in our Farma Terpene Talk series, we’ve profiled some of the more commonly known terps, but there is a whole world out there of interesting terpenes that garners equal fascination amongst plant enthusiasts and researchers. One such terpene gene that’s gaining attention for its therapeutic potential: humulene. (Hint: Pronounced hyoo-myoo-leen, but said a […] - eScripts VS Physical Scripts: A Guide for Patients
Our healthcare systems in Australia continue to evolve, refining processes and streamlining systems, one of which is how Doctors prescribe, and the discussion of eScripts versus physical (also known as paper) prescriptions. As an alternative therapies Patient, you may already have experienced one or both types of prescription, and with technology looking to make physical […]Read More… from eScripts VS Physical Scripts: A Guide for Patients
- Terpenes: A History Lesson
Terpenes are those fantastic organic compounds that are abundant in the plant and fruit world, and they vary widely in scent, function and therapeutic application. Just as terpene scents are both rich and diverse, so too is the history of the terpene. Let’s take a look from ancient civilizational use to modern-day scientific understanding – […] - Tolerance Breaks: A Patient Guide
Have you ever heard the phrase ‘T-Break’ and wondered what was being referred to? A ‘T-Break’ is short for ‘Tolerance Break’, which essentially involves refraining from consuming your prescription alternative therapies for a predetermined period of time, allowing your body to reset its receptors that process alternative medicine. It’s well recognised that consistent use of […] - Terpene Talk: Pining for Pinene
It’s time for another instalment of Terpene Talk, and this week’s terpene (remember, these are the natural, fragrant compounds found in plants, including those used to create alternative therapies) in the spotlight is: Pinene. Bringing a little ‘Christmas pre-July’ energy, Pinene is found in abundance in some herbs and coniferous trees, including the famous pine […] - Navigating Consumption at Home
Individuals who are prescribed alternative medicines are anything but cookie cutter – Australian Patients span a range of demographics, many of whom rent or lived in shared living environments which can add a new layer of unique considerations to the process of medicating safely and discretely. If you’re a renter (or living in a shared […] - Terpene Talk: Myrcene – Fruity & Functional
A much-loved member of the terpene family, Myrcene combines a soothing and familiar aroma with a whole host of potential therapeutic effects – best of all, it’s found in one of Australia’s favourite seasonal treats: the mango. Myrcene is pronounced MURR (like murky water) and SEEN (as in ‘I’ve just seen some great mangoes on […] - So, what about driving?
As an alternative therapies Patient here in Australia, even once you’ve found the right authorised prescriber and clinic, there are other challenges you may face when incorporating these medicines into your daily routine. One key challenge for Australian Patients today is the question of driving, especially for those who rely on their prescriptions to manage […] - Terpene Talk: Limonene
The terpene Limonene sounds a lot like how it smells – lemon-y. A boost of citrus with a vibrant scent like lemons, grapefruits and oranges, it’s one you’ll likely spot across the alternative medicine space. Limonene has a wide range of potential therapeutic properties, so let’s dive in to learn more about another fascinating terpene. […] - Nicotine: Avoiding Health Risks on Your Journey
Here at Farma, we strive to provide clear information that helps to demystify the world of alternative medicine, while also acknowledging realities that alternative therapies Patients face. It’s no secret that consuming nicotine (especially in the form of smoking) can compromise your health significantly, but there is a cultural link between alternative medicine and nicotine […]Read More… from Nicotine: Avoiding Health Risks on Your Journey
- The Follow-Up: Your Talking Points
Here at Farma, we’ve already discussed getting set for your initial appointment and the importance of keeping an open and honest dialogue with your prescriber. But, what about those ongoing follow-up appointments, what should you be asking? What should you be monitoring? How can you ensure you keep your Doctor informed of your ongoing journey? […] - Terpene Talk: Caryophyllene
Terpenes play a vital role in the world of alternative medicine, aromatic compounds found in plants that contribute to the flavour, scent and even potential therapeutic effects – you may have heard myrcene and limonene (some of the more commonly known terpenes), but today we’re putting the spotlight on caryophyllene, a terpene with some very […] - Catching ZZZs: Sleep & Your Health
Sleep is a fundamental pillar of your overall health, and a large portion of Aussies struggle to get a restful night’s sleep on a regular basis. If you’re an alternative medicine Patient managing sleep disorders or insomnia, or you’d just like to ensure you’re getting the very best night’s rest you can – read on! […] - Finding Support: Online Communities
Taking a holistic look at your healthcare plan should always include your community – we know that meaningful connection, purpose and a supportive network can be, in some cases, as crucial to Patient wellbeing as the specific therapy itself. Increasingly, Patients are looking to platforms like Reddit, Discord and beyond to provide additional guidance, resources, […] - Maximising the Benefits: Factors That Can Influence Your Experience
Here at the Farma blog, it’s our goal to provide you with audience-relevant communication and ongoing education – so while your Doctor will always be your first line of support for your alternative medicine journey, it’s always helpful to empower yourself with information that can aid you to support your own health goals. Today, we’re […]Read More… from Maximising the Benefits: Factors That Can Influence Your Experience
- Safe Passage: Get Your Medication On Time
Here at Farma, we’re aware of Patient challenges when it comes to obtaining their prescription alternative therapies through mail services. There are several postage service options here in Australia – and did you know that Australia Post alone delivered half a billion packages in the last financial year? This means that despite our best efforts, […] - How To: Storing Your Medicine Safely
Here on the Farma blog, we’ve already shared our guide to safely storing your alternative medicine while travelling, but what about when you’re at home? For those who have integrated alternative therapies into their routines, understanding the importance of proper storage for medication is important, so let’s delve into the essentials of storing your alternative […] - Consults: What To Expect & Ask
Your authorised prescriber (whether it’s your GP or a specialist clinic Doctor) will be your guide across your alternative therapy journey. Here at the Farma Education Hub, we’ve touched on having positive conversations and building trust with your Doctor, but this week we’re taking it back to basics, getting you prepared for that very first […] - Budgeting For Your Alternative Therapies
Across the board, we know cost is a concern for our Patients, so as part of bringing our #equalaccess mission to life, we’re taking you through some practical considerations for budgeting and pricing for your alternative therapies journey. Clinic consultations Patients here in Australia could feel overwhelmed with the influx of new alternative therapies providers […] - #equalaccess: Conversations with Loved Ones
While there is increasing acceptance towards alternative therapies here in Australia, having open and productive conversations with your friends and family can still be a challenge, as a delicate subject matter which may tap into fears, concerns and stigma surrounding certain medications. Here’s Farma’s guide to sharing your alternative therapy journey with loved ones, and […] - Finding What Works
As an alternative medicine Patient, and within a burgeoning industry here in Australia, there are a wide range of delivery methods and forms that your prescription can take. Choice is a fantastic thing, but it’s essential to strike the delicate balance between experimenting with different options to find what works and sticking with a routine […] - Managing Your Medicine During the Festive Season
The festive season brings plenty of opportunity to connect with loved ones, enjoy a trip or a indulge in a staycation – but for alternative medicine Patients, it can bring a unique set of challenges and factors to manage. Let’s take a look at some helpful habits to keep in mind, supporting you to manage […]Read More… from Managing Your Medicine During the Festive Season
- Holistic Health: Supporting Your Journey
There’s a clear synergy between prescribed plant medicine and the complementary lifestyle practices and activities, with one supporting the other. We’re all aware that we can’t always rely on medicine alone to manage chronic conditions – in short, holistic health goes well beyond the prescription, so let’s explore some simple lifestyle tools to incorporate into […] - On Track: Mapping Your Alternative Medicine Journey
While your first source for all alternative therapies information should be your Doctor and health care team, there’s a lot you can personally bring to your therapeuric journey through accurately tracking your experience. Even if you’ve been a Patient for some time now, we encourage you to see how you can stay informed and empowered […]Read More… from On Track: Mapping Your Alternative Medicine Journey
- Removing Stigma: Transparent Communication with Your Doctor
In the plant medicine landscape, there’s no such thing as a “standard” protocol – every Patient is unique, and your plant medicine journey will be tailored specifically to your health requirements. In creating this healthcare plan, it is helpful for your prescriber to understand your plant medicine experience to date, even if this has been […]Read More… from Removing Stigma: Transparent Communication with Your Doctor
- Navigating Dispense Intervals: A Guide for Natural Medicine Patients
When you first start down the natural medicine Patient path, you’ll be issued what’s known as a ‘dispense interval’ by your authorised prescriber, and this will impact how frequently you can order your medication. Here at Farma, we recognise dispense intervals are a hot topic for Patients, and a subject where confusion can easily creep […]Read More… from Navigating Dispense Intervals: A Guide for Natural Medicine Patients
- #EqualAccess(ories): Our Guide to Plant Medicine Accessories
Plant medicine comes in many different forms, and some will require an accessory for use. Before you dive in, here are some points to keep in mind when choosing and using plant medicine accessories safely: Consultation with Your Doctor Before you incorporate any accessories into your plant medicine plan, consult your prescribing Doctor. They will […]Read More… from #EqualAccess(ories): Our Guide to Plant Medicine Accessories
- “No two days are the same.” Q&A with Shivani Chand
Much of the magic of Farma comes down to our talented team working behind the scenes, starting with our Senior Pharmacist and Medicine & Dispensary Manager, Shivani Chand. Today, we’re taking 5 with Shivani to learn more about her career to date, and what excites her in the future of plant medicine. Q: When did […]Read More… from “No two days are the same.” Q&A with Shivani Chand
- Terpene Talk: The Basics
Somewhere along your plant medicine journey, you’re likely to come across the word ‘terpenes’ – so, what are they? And where do they fit in the plant medicine world? Here at Farma, a cornerstone of our mission is ‘audience-relevant communication’, so let’s take a look at terpenes from a macro level, and we’ll deep dive […] - Travelling Smart with Plant Medicine
Across your plant medicine journey, there’s likely to be a time when you need to travel interstate within Australia – and you’ll need to bring your prescriptions along for the ride. With prescription plant medicine strictly regulated across the country, it’s essential to ensure you’re prepared before you travel, so here’s Farma’s comprehensive guide to […] - Form & Function: Resin, Rosin & Distillates
As our plant medicine industry expands here in Australia, so too do the options that Patients have in the types of medicine they can choose from, each with their own distinct characteristics and benefits. While we know flower is leading the charge in demand, we’re seeing more discussion and brand offerings of resin, rosin and […] - Stock Shortages & Substitutions
As a plant medicine Patient, you’re likely to be familiar those three frustrating words: Out Of Stock. While plant medicine stock issues across Australia impact several product forms, it’s even more prominent with the increased demand for flower. In fact, according to the Penington Institute’s 2022 report, “During the first five months of 2022, there […] - The 411 on Compounded Flower
Within Australia, the demand for flower continues to rise, so today, we’re drilling down on compounded flower specifically – what it is, how it’s made, and what it means for you as a Patient. Whether you’re a new plant medicine Patient or further along on your plant medicine journey, you’ll likely have come across the […] - The Price of “Free” Consults
For Australian plant medicine Patients, cost is often at the forefront of their decisions – that dollar figure influences everything from choosing their preferred prescriber, clinic and prescription brands (within their authorised prescriber’s guidelines). As the plant medicine industry expands, we’re seeing more clinics opening their doors to new Patients, and we’re also seeing the […] - The Origins of 420
It’s the 20th of April this week, a globally well-recognised date within the plant medicine space, and a great opportunity to examine that dynamic intersection where 420 culture and plant medicine meet. So, what are the origins of 420? The most widely accepted story is this: “420″ was a code conjured up by a group […] - #EqualAccess: Audience-Relevant Communication
Your plant medicine journey should always begin with your qualified prescriber – this might be your GP or a dedicated plant medicine Doctor, or even a Canwell authorised prescriber. Once you’ve been approved as a Patient, however, it can be difficult to navigate the world of plant medicine content online. Here at Farma, we advocate […]Read More… from #EqualAccess: Audience-Relevant Communication
- #EqualAccess: Fair Pricing
Within our plant medicine ecosystem, the first pillar of our #EqualAccess approach is fair pricing – a topic that is well-discussed within the plant medicine Patient communities (and online forums such as Reddit and Discord). Historically, plant medicine in Australia has been prohibitively expensive, not only for the initial consults and paperwork to get approved, […] - Preparing for Your First Farma Consult: The How-To Guide
#1: Confirm Your Eligibility If you’re ready to get started on your natural medicine journey, the very first step you should take is to confirm if you are an eligible Patient. Here’s our simply Eligibility Test at our partnered clinic, Canwell. Remember: even if you’re deemed eligible via the above quiz, there are no guarantees […]Read More… from Preparing for Your First Farma Consult: The How-To Guide
- Dispense Intervals 101: Managing Your Medicine
With the plant medicine landscape of Australia shifting almost daily, you might have spotted some changes to how frequently you can order your current prescriptions. We’re talking about dispense intervals, which is a term that refers to the interval between a supply and the subsequent supply e.g. a first dispense of a script and your next refill […]Read More… from Dispense Intervals 101: Managing Your Medicine