In the latest episode of her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, released on Prince Archie’s sixth birthday, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, opened up about her holistic health journey, particularly during her pregnancies with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The former Suits star, now 43, revealed she sought guidance from an Ayurvedic doctor during both pregnancies, embracing the ancient Indian system’s emphasis on balance and treating “food as medicine.”
Ayurveda, which translates from Sanskrit as “the knowledge of life,” is a traditional approach that uses herbs, diet, massage, and other natural methods to support physical and emotional well-being.
“There are ingredients that have always been part of our natural ecosystem and diet—whether acknowledged or not,” Meghan explained. “But when you say ‘mushrooms,’ people immediately think you’re talking about something psychedelic or far-out.”
Meghan highlighted the role of adaptogens—natural compounds found in plants and mushrooms that may help the body manage stress and fatigue—while chatting with Hannah Mendoza, founder of Clevr Blends. She acknowledged some people may see adaptogens as “hippie-dippy,” but emphasized their deep roots in wellness traditions.
This exploration of alternative wellness aligns Meghan with her father-in-law, King Charles III, a long-time proponent of holistic treatments. As documented in Charles: The Alternative Prince by Edward Ernst, the monarch has long supported alternative medicine, including homeopathy. The late Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother also reportedly favored homeopathic remedies.
However, homeopathy has fallen out of favor with mainstream medicine. The NHS stopped funding it in 2017 due to a lack of scientific evidence, calling it a complementary practice rather than a medical one.
Ayurveda, while also considered alternative, differs significantly from homeopathy. Originating in ancient India, Ayurveda focuses on balancing bodily energies through personalized diets, herbal remedies, and lifestyle practices. Homeopathy, which began in Germany, relies on the belief that highly diluted substances can stimulate the body’s healing.
In earlier episodes of her podcast, Meghan also highlighted wellness ventures she has personally invested in, such as Highbrow Hippie—a hair wellness brand co-founded by her colorist Kadi Lee—and Clevr Blends. Mendoza shared how her mushroom-based drinks initially helped a grieving friend, a moment that later inspired the brand.
Though opinions may be divided on these alternative therapies, both Meghan and King Charles continue to champion natural approaches to health and well-being—each in their own distinctive way.
