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Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside Meghan Markle's bizarre births: From Ayurvedic doctors to 'super woo-woo' lattes and a picture of Princess Diana on the bedside table
Both Diana and Catherine faced a mass photo call outside of St Mary's Hospital hours after they welcomed their children into the world. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, by contrast, took the 'personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private,' adding that they looked forward to sharing the news after they'd had time to celebrate as a new family. But now the Duchess of Sussex, 43, has chosen to share unexpected details about her pregnancies on her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder - much to the delight of royal watchers everywhere. 'During my pregnancies, I had an Ayurvedic doctor, and so much of it was about seeing food as medicine,' the former actress revealed on Tuesday. Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old ancient medical system originating in India that uses a holistic approach to physical, mental and emotional health. The former actress also revealed that during her pregnancy with her second child Lilibet she drank 'Golden SuperLattes' made with turmeric and 'upgraded with mood-boosting, stress-soothing adaptogens' from the brand Clevr Blends. Adaptogens, which Meghan admits are perceived as 'super woo-woo', can be traced back to Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. They are active ingredients in certain plants and mushrooms that are believed to impact how the body deals with stress, anxiety and fatigue. However, it is stated widely online that if you are pregnant you should avoid the use of adaptogens as the effects on the child and mother are under researched. You should also speak to your GP before using any adaptogens. Discussing the taboo subject of adaptogens on her podcast with Hannah Mendoza, founder of Clevr Blends, the Duchess said: 'I think a lot of people when they hear mushrooms, they go "OK, she's talking about being hippie-dippy, grounded in all these things". 'If you aren't familiar with adaptogens, you can go to this place of "Oh, it's feeling a little psychedelic and super woo-woo" but what we are talking about is food trends in which you are ahead of the curve on. 'There are these items and ingredients that have been part of our natural ecosystem and dietary system for a long time, whether acknowledged or not, that somehow you say mushrooms, and now people have a connotation attached to it.' The Duchess of Sussex is an investor in Clevr Blends - a Los Angeles-based company that adds adaptogens and probiotics to matcha, coffee and even hot cocoa. The female-led wellness company has also been endorsed by Oprah Winfrey who was initially sent a 'Golden SuperLatte' by her neighbour Meghan. As well as using an Ayurvedic doctor and drinking adaptogen-enhanced lattes, the American actress is believed to have initially wanted a home birth while pregnant with Archie. Both she and Harry had studied hypnobirthing techniques and were hopeful of having an all-female, midwife-led delivery in the privacy of Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate. But after she reached her due date, a home birth began to look increasingly unlikely. Indeed, experts had long warned that as a first-time mother and one who, at 37, had experienced what was classed, in medical terms, as a 'geriatric pregnancy', there would be a strong chance that the Duchess would require some sort of medical intervention. More than a week overdue, Meghan was eventually taken to The Portland Hospital in London, where she gave birth to Archie on May 6, 2019. Standing outside the stables at Windsor, Harry reassured the public that both mother and baby were 'doing incredibly well', calling it 'the most amazing experience'. In his bombshell memoir Spare, Harry went into more detail about the birth experience, confirming that Meghan was induced in a private room. According to Harry, his wife settled into a bath and immersed herself in the calming sounds of Deva Premal's Sanskrit mantras, which had been remixed into hymns. Sanskrit mantras are believed to possess spiritual or magical power and help 'mama and her partner find strength, positivity and focus' through labour, according to the Hummingbird Doula. When the doctor finally decided it was time to induce labour, Meghan was given a canister of laughing gas to help ease the process. Meanwhile, Harry, who had ordered Nando's via his bodyguards, took a hit from the gas meant for his wife. Harry pictured with Meghan in a photobooth during their Netflix documentary Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's oldest child Archie was born at The Portland Hospital in London on May 6, 2019 'I took several slow, penetrating hits. Meg, bouncing on a giant purple ball, a proven way of giving nature a push, laughed and rolled her eyes. 'I took several more hits and now I was bouncing too,' Harry reveals. 'When her contractions began to quicken and deepen, a nurse came and tried to give some laughing gas to Meg. There was none left. The nurse looked at the tank, looked at me, and I could see the thought slowly dawning: Gracious, the husband's had it all.' Fortunately, the nurse saw the humour in the situation and replaced the canister for Meghan. The Duke was also given the important task of setting the ambience by arranging electric candles - the same ones he had used during his proposal to Meghan - around the private hospital room. Among the items in her overnight bag was a framed photograph of Harry's late mother, Princess Diana, which he propped up on a small table. He noted in his memoir that this touching tribute was Meghan's idea. But, despite the ambience, Meghan's efforts to breathe through the discomfort became overwhelming and she ultimately had to receive two epidurals. 'The anaesthetist hurried in. Off went the music, on went the lights,' Harry wrote. There was a brief moment of concern when the umbilical cord was discovered to be wrapped around the baby during delivery but, soon after, their healthy son Archie was born. 'A nurse swept the baby into a towel and placed him on Meg's chest and we both cried to see him, meet him,' the Duke penned. 'Our ayurvedic doctor had advised us that, in the first minute of life, a baby absorbs everything said to them. So whisper to the baby, tell the baby your wish for him, your love. Tell.
Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘A little psychedelic…': Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, says she turned to Ayurveda and adaptogenic mushrooms during pregnancy
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, recently opened up about turning to ancient Indian health practices during her pregnancies, sparking fresh curiosity about the safety and efficacy of alternative wellness tools during this sensitive time. Speaking on her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan revealed, 'During my pregnancies, I had an ayurvedic doctor, and so much of it was about seeing food as medicine.' Her comment points to a growing trend where expectant mothers seek natural approaches to health and healing, often merging traditional wisdom with modern lifestyles. In a conversation with Hannah Mendoza, co-founder of the superfood drinks brand Clevr Blends, Meghan also spoke about her belief in the power of adaptogenic mushrooms — non-psychoactive fungi believed to support stress relief, energy, and sleep. 'I think a lot of people, when they hear mushrooms think 'oh okay she's just being hippy dippy and grounded' and all these things. [If people] aren't familiar with adaptogens, you can go to this place of 'oh it's feeling a little psychedelic and super woowoo' [but they are] part of our natural ecosystem and dietary system,' she said. Describing them as a 'food trend' with genuine wellness potential, Meghan emphasised their ability to make people feel different 'in a really safe way.' Dr Rajshree, B.A.M.S, tells 'Ayurveda isn't a one-size-fits-all set of rules. During pregnancy, it focuses on warm, nourishing, easy-to-digest foods — think ghee, rice, moong dal, and cooked fruits. The goal isn't detox. It's stability. But just because something is 'Ayurvedic' doesn't mean it's automatically safe. Some herbs — like ashwagandha or triphala — can be too stimulating or cleansing when the body needs calm and build.' A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan) She stresses that if you're curious about this route, don't DIY it. 'Work with a legitimate Ayurvedic doctor and your OB-GYN side by side. No internet blends, no random powders.' Dr Shaily Sharma, consultant gynaecologist at Cloudnine Hospital, Faridabad, informs, 'While these natural remedies can have benefits, they are not always harmless. Some adaptogens can interfere with prescription medications or affect blood pressure, blood sugar, and hormone levels in ways we don't fully understand.' Ayurvedic treatments, though rooted in tradition, may use herbs or minerals that aren't regulated, and some may even be contaminated or toxic if not sourced properly, Dr Sharma stresses. 'More importantly, relying solely on these methods can delay proper diagnosis or treatment of serious medical conditions.' 'These mushrooms are being sold as nature's stress shields. And they are powerful — but that's exactly why you need to be cautious,' alarms Dr Rajshree. She adds, 'There's barely any research on their effects during pregnancy. What little we know shows they can influence hormones, immune response, and the nervous system — which are all doing acrobatics right now inside you.' Unless you've got a medical guide who understands both pregnancy and adaptogens, she says, it's best to skip these during this phase. 'Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's harmless.' Dr Rajshree explains, 'Sometimes, in trying to 'eat right,' women end up cutting out key nutrients — carbs, fats, dairy — thinking they're doing the right thing. That's not wisdom. That's diet culture in disguise.' Here's a better way to think about it: food isn't medicine instead of real medicine. 'It's medicine alongside it. It supports your body — but it doesn't replace checkups, supplements, or honest-to-God naps,' says Dr Rajshree. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
New York Post
08-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Meghan Markle drank this ‘woo woo' concoction while pregnant — does it really do anything for your health?
Go for the gold? Meghan Markle recently described her preferred pregnancy drink as 'woo woo,' but the brew may have concrete benefits. 'During my pregnancies, I had an Ayurvedic doctor, and so much of it was about seeing food as medicine,' Markle, 43, said on the latest episode of her podcast, 'Confessions of a Female Founder.' Markle was in conversation with Hannah Mendoza, founder of the superfood latte and tea brand Clevr Blends, which sells Markle's beloved Golden SuperLatte. 6 Meghan Markle noted that mushrooms, key adaptogenic ingredients in the Golden SuperLatte, have a 'hippie' reputation that confuses consumers. Getty Images Markle noted that mushrooms — key adaptogenic ingredients in many of Mendoza's products, including the Golden SuperLatte — have a 'hippie' reputation that confuses consumers. 'If you aren't familiar with adaptogens, you can go to this place of, 'Oh, it's feeling a little psychedelic and super woo woo,' but what we're talking about is, in some ways, is food trends, which you were ahead of the curve on,' Markle told Mendoza. What are adaptogens? Adaptogens are herbs, roots and plants that support the nervous system, reduce stress, promote cognitive function, balance the body and boost mood and immunity. 'Adaptogens are really interesting because [they're] a little bit vague, but essentially they are a combination of herbs and roots and other plants, like mushrooms,' Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, a primary care provider with One Medical in Phoenix, told The Post. 'They're supposed to restore balance in our body and help our bodies manage stress,' Bhuyan added. 'But people in the adaptogen industry say that it affects every single person differently.' 6 The superfood latte and tea brand Clevr Blends sells Markle's beloved Golden SuperLatte. Clevr Blends In addition to probiotics, oat milk and coconut cream, the Golden SuperLatte contains the adaptogens ashwagandha, lion's mane and reishi mushrooms. Ashwagandha, a shrub native to Asia and Africa and a staple of Ayurvedic medicine, is known to help regulate the body's stress response by normalizing cortisol levels. A 2021 analysis of seven studies found that ashwagandha significantly reduced stress and anxiety while improving sleep quality and fatigue compared to a placebo. In a 2022 clinical trial by the University of Colorado involving 60 students, participants who took ashwagandha root extract for 30 days reported improved well-being, a sense of calm, better energy and heightened mental clarity. Other studies have suggested that ashwagandha may help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, boost cognitive abilities and enhance athletic performance. 6 In addition to probiotics and oat milk and coconut cream, the Golden SuperLatte contains the adaptogens ashwagandha, lion's mane and reishi mushrooms. Clevr Blends Used for centuries for their healing properties, lion's mane mushrooms contain two compounds — hericenones and erinacines — that might help stimulate the growth of brain cells. A 2020 study found that taking capsules of lion's mane every day for 49 weeks might bring about significant improvements in cognitive health among people with Alzheimer's disease. The supplement has also been linked to better cognitive functioning for people with mild cognitive impairment, but more studies are needed to establish any consistent or significant cognitive benefit. 6 Reishi mushrooms support the function of the adrenal glands. Jaroslav Machacek – Reishi mushrooms are commonly used to treat cancer in Asia, according to the National Cancer Institute. These medicinal mushrooms support the function of the adrenal glands. A 2020 study found that reishi treatment reduced stress-induced brain inflammation in rats exposed to low oxygen levels and helped protect against nerve damage and memory impairment. What are the benefits of turmeric? 6 Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. jintana – The gold in the Golden SuperLatte comes from turmeric, a spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. This root contains curcumin, a compound rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. By reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, curcumin shields the brain from stressors that lead to cognitive decline. As The Post reported, turmeric has been shown to ease symptoms of indigestion, lower the risk of heart disease, fight depression and improve memory. Known as the 'gold' of the plant kingdom, turmeric also supports liver detoxification and acts as a natural painkiller. 6 Cinnamon is an ingredient in the Golden SuperLatte. The spice is known to help balance blood sugar. AP The Golden SuperLatte includes additional organic ingredients that can boost overall health. Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that may improve memory and cognitive function by increasing neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Piperine has also been shown to aid the body's absorption of other nutrients from food and supplements. The brew also has cinnamon. A daily dose of cinnamon may help ward off diabetes, as the spice helps balance blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance. Stable blood sugar is crucial for optimizing brain function throughout the day and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Also on the good-for-you ingredient list? Ginger. Used in Chinese and Indian medicine for thousands of years, ginger comes from the roots of the Zingiber officinale plant. It contains the compound gingerol, which has been shown to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As The Post reported, ginger neutralizes free radicals, which cause oxidative stress and contribute to cellular damage and aging. Its powers also enhance the body's ability to burn calories, making the spice a boon to dieters. The royal-approved bevvie also features antioxidant-rich green tea extract, which contains catechins like EGCG that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases by helping to protect against cellular damage.
NDTV
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Meghan Markle Reveals She Turned To Ancient Indian Medicine During Her Pregnancies
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, recently revealed that she turned to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian holistic medicine, during her pregnancies with Archie and Lilibet. In a recent episode of her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, she discussed the benefits of seeing "food as medicine" and using "adaptogens" like mushrooms, despite some people viewing the approach as unconventional. The episode, released on Archie's sixth birthday, featured a conversation with Hannah Mendoza, founder of Clevr Blends. During the episode, Ms Markle discussed her interest in Ayurveda, which translates to "knowledge of life" in Sanskrit, and its focus on balancing the body. She credited an Ayurvedic practitioner for teaching her to view "food as medicine" and praised the benefits of adaptogens like mushrooms. However, she acknowledged that some people might find this approach unconventional, describing it as "a little psychedelic and super woo-woo." "So there are these items and ingredients that have been part of our natural ecosystem and dietary system for a long time, whether acknowledged or not, that somehow you say mushrooms, and now people have a connotation attached to it. But it's just a food trend that I believe you were far ahead of in terms of saying, 'Hold on, these have properties that can in some way make you feel differently in a safe way. During my pregnancies, I had an Ayurvedic doctor, and so much of it was about seeing food as medicine," she said. She added, "I think a lot of people, when they hear mushrooms, they go, 'Okay, she's talking about being hippie-dippy, grounded in all these things. If you aren't familiar with adaptogens, you can go to this place of 'Oh, it's feeling a little psychedelic and super woo-woo." Interestingly, Prince Harry's memoir Spare also mentions his own experience with psychedelics, including magic mushrooms in California in 2016. The couple also explored alternative approaches during Archie's birth, using Sanskrit songs in the delivery room on the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor. The doctor also suggested they whisper words of love to him immediately after birth. This practice was based on the belief that babies absorb everything said to them in their first minute of life.
Fox News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Meghan Markle bemoans downside of being under ‘microscope' of fame
NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Meghan Markle was worried about launching her lifestyle brand. On the May 6 episode of her podcast, "Confessions of a Female Founder," the Duchess of Sussex said she went through "self-doubt" in creating As Ever after being under the "microscope" of the public spotlight. "I made a phone call, I said, 'Is this gonna work? Like, is this actually gonna work?' But I had self-doubt," the 43-year-old told Hanna Mendoza, founder of Clevr Blends. MEGHAN MARKLE ACCUSED OF COPYING SPANISH COAT OF ARMS IN 'COMEDY OF ERRORS' REBRAND "You can't bring self-doubt to your team that's junior to you," the mother of two admitted. "They have to believe in what you're creating and the vision and how you hold the line. But you still have to be able to have someone you can go to, to be human, and say, 'I don't know. Can you just tell me that this makes sense?'' Markle told Mendoza that her team had uplifted her when she questioned herself. "Thankfully, my partner said, 'Are you joking? We're so energized, this is amazing!'" the "Suits" alum recalled. "I got into that same headspace that any of us can, because some might look at it and say, at least for me, it will have so much exposure." "Whatever I put out in the world, [it] will have so much attention," she continued. "And there's a flip side to that coin, which we know. It's a microscope that a lot of people don't have to experience." Markle, a former American actress, became the Duchess of Sussex when she married Britain's Prince Harry in 2018. They stepped back as senior members in 2020 and moved to California. Following the couple's royal exit, Markle, who originally had a lifestyle blog called "The Tig," wanted to become an entrepreneur, allowing the couple to be financially independent. In the podcast, she described leaning on her close friends while building As Ever. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "The safety of stream of consciousness with someone who understands it… That is part of that sisterhood and that understanding of, 'OK, every day is not going to be the same. Some days are going to be harder to show up as your best and shiniest self,'" she said. It also helped to partner with Netflix. "Netflix coming on as my business partner is huge," said Markle. "Just having a global powerhouse that believed in me, and the site selling out in the first 45 minutes of launch – everything, every single piece that we had been working on." "That told me that customers — people — believed in me and this vision," she shared. "That's all you really want as a founder. That becomes your proof point that those late nights and the midnight musings are worth it." Markle faced several hiccups along her journey as an entrepreneur. Last September, the mother of two suffered a professional setback when the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office refused the application for American Riviera Orchard, the original name of the brand, The Telegraph reported. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS According to the outlet, the office warned that businesses could not trademark geographical locations, noting that American Riviera was a "common nickname" for Santa Barbara, where Markle resides. The addition of the word "Orchard" made "little difference." The outlet also warned that the descriptions of the duchess' products could fit into multiple trademark categories. At the time, Markle's team said the pushback was "routine and expected." However, her issues did not end there. Food and gift retailer Harry & David filed a protest against American Riviera Orchard in October, the New York Post reported. According to the outlet, they claimed that the name was too similar to their "Royal Riviera" product line. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In November, the outlet reported that the "Suits" alum's legal team requested a three-month extension in an attempt to secure a trademark. The U.K.'s Independent reported that the duchess attempted to trademark the brand over the summer. However, it was rejected due to issues with how it was filed. In February, Markle announced on Instagram that she was renaming her brand to As Ever. APP USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW POST Previously on her podcast, Markle said she secured the name As Ever in 2022. She said "everything started to evolve" in 2023, especially when she partnered with Netflix on both the brand and her lifestyle series, "With Love, Meghan," which showcased some of her products. "It was just so interesting because, you remember, I said, 'I like "American Riviera" as an umbrella and then to be able to have verticals beneath it and maybe have the "Orchard" really small,'" she said. While the name "American Riviera Orchard" was first announced in March 2024, Markle said it quickly "became this word salad." WATCH: MEGHAN MARKLE WILL NEVER WIN OVER UK PUBLIC AGAIN, AUTHOR CLAIMS "I said, 'OK, well, let's go back to the thing that I've always loved. Let's use the name that I had protected for a reason that had been sort of under wraps,'" she said. "We were able to focus in the quiet and put our heads down and build on something that no one was sniffing around to even see about. It was just really, really helpful to have that quiet period." As Markle geared up to launch As Ever, her brand faced other woes. Francisca "Xisca" Mora, the mayor of the Mallorcan town of Porreres in Spain, claimed to local outlets that the Duchess of Sussex's brand logo for As Ever was "an exact copy" of their historic coat of arms. "I would like to clarify that the Porreres Town Hall, which I represent, has no intention of taking legal action against Ms. Meghan Markle," Mora told Fox News Digital in a statement. "We consider it to be an unfortunate coincidence." "The only thing we ask for is respect for our historical and cultural heritage, such as the emblem of Porreres — an image that identifies us as a town and is part of our local culture," she added. MEGHAN MARKLE SLAMMED FOR USING SMALL BUSINESS' NAME FOR HER LIFESTYLE BRAND At the time, Fox News Digital reached out to a spokesperson for the duchess for comment. Fox News Digital learned that the logo was a nod to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's home in California, where they are raising their two young children. Markle was also born in California. It is also understood that it was designed to create a personal emblem and that global searches for registered trademarks were conducted. Following Markle's announcement of As Ever, a New York City-based clothing line, also called As Ever, had to address the confusion over their names on social media. "I want to say thank you to all the old friends who know and love our small family brand As Ever, and also say hi to all those that have just become aware we exist," founder Mark Kolski wrote on Instagram. "In the last 36 hours, there has been an outpouring of support and concern regarding recent events around our namesake brand," the statement read. "We are aware. We are not affiliated." "We are grateful for all the customers coast to coast and worldwide that have supported our venture. We will continue As Ever," the statement concluded. MEGHAN MARKLE DISMISSING ECONOMIC CONCERNS AROUND NEW LIFESTYLE BRAND IS 'OUT OF TOUCH': EXPERT In a video announcing the rebranding, Markle mentioned she had secured the name As Ever in 2022. Fox News Digital understands that As Ever will not be designing clothing. "Last year, I had thought, 'American Riviera, that sounds like such a great name.' It's my neighborhood; it's a nickname for Santa Barbara, but it limited me to things that were just manufactured and grown in this area," she explained in her Instagram video announcing the rebranding in February. "Then Netflix came on, not just as my partner in the show, but as my partner in my business, which was huge. So, I thought about it, and I've been waiting for a moment to share a name that I had secured in 2022, and this is the moment, and it's called As Ever." "As Ever essentially means as it's always been, and if you've followed me since 2014 with The Tig, you know I've always loved cooking and crafting and gardening — this is what I do," she said. "And I haven't been able to share it with you in the same way for the past few years, but now I can, so as things are starting to trickle out there, I wanted you to hear it from me first." The Associated Press contributed to this report.
