My Story

Early life

I grew up with a Lebanese mother and an Irish Father in Brisbane, and moved to Sydney in 1991 aged 22. Life in the kitchen, and garden, either growing or preparing healthy ingredients, was a major part of my life since I can remember. The problem was, I was always struggling with my digestion, weight, Endometriosis and my emotions. Western medicine recommended to remove my gall baldder (pre-teens) to ‘deal with’ my gut issues, (I still have it thank goodness), and to go on the pill to stop my periods, at 13yo. Eventually, 7 laparoscopies were performed on me to ‘treat’ the Endometriosis, and the pill provided me with chronic candida that has taken me decades to conquer. Naturally my health worsened from these treatments, so I knew I had to take control of it by learning as much as I could about traditional medicine. 

 

 

1991

Sharing Knowledge

Due to these health issues as a girl, I was drawn into the exciting world of organics and natural health in my teens; and professionally since 1994. I became a wholefood chef almost by accident, (or destiny), which led me to studying and qualifying in Naturopathy, Nutritional Medicine and Herbal Medicine (1996), Kinesiology (2009), and Traditional Chinese Medicine (2007), as well as having a continued interest in Nutrigenomics (the study of the interaction between nutrition and genes), and Epi-Genetics (how our genes ‘express’ themselves according to our environment, not due the genetic code itself. Yes your life experiences and beliefs have the ability to modify your DNA, affecting not only you, but your children and grandchildren.

 

 

2006

Taking Natural Health Mainstream

My ambition was to take whole foods and natural health to TV, and that’s exactly what happened in a TV career that spanned over a decade. From my start on morning TV in 2001, and as the chef/nutritionist on The Biggest Loser, to 4 seasons of Good Chef Bad Chef, and What’s Good For You, to most recently making short video clips for YouTube and social media. 4 books and many, many articles followed. My fifth book will be published in 2019.

Janella Purcell In The Herb Garden

2024: A Digital Cycle Begins

My 5th book – Your 40 Day Transformation – was published in 2019, and I’ve spent the years since then transforming an overgrown 7 acres full of weeds and neglect in the Byron Bay hinterland back into the kind of native paradise that rainforest once was. My plan in doing this bush regeneration was to open a Retreat Centre, organic restaurant and yoga pavilion here for anyone in need of some affordable R + R. Sometimes God laughs at our plans though right, and I’m now looking back on these past 4 years with pride in what I’ve learned, and also in the knowledge that personal growth never seems to happen as fast when things are running to plan.

In November last year I received the aha moment of how best to share my knowledge and to be of service. Finally, I once again had clarity around my direction, and I’m thrilled to announce my new podcast Toxic Silence: Finding Health Through Authenticity, will be launched in June this year, and my new cooking series Inside My Kitchen in Spring.

I look at the first image above – I was 24 here and just starting my 10 years in community radio talking about health and healing on my show The Healing Wave. I’m 55 now and back behind the microphone talking about the same things, with another 30 years of experience and knowledge coming with me. And a whole lot more insight after 25+ years in private practice.

I wonder what the next 5 years will bring, but I do intend on staying in this moment because I’m so glad to be back with you, sharing both cutting edge science and ancient wisdom on how to heal, from our roots. Not just band aiding the symptoms.

11

Early life

I grew up with a Lebanese mother and an Irish Father in Brisbane, and moved to Sydney in 1991 aged 22. Life in the kitchen, and garden, either growing or preparing healthy ingredients, was a major part of my life since I can remember. The problem was, I was always struggling with my digestion, weight, Endometriosis and my emotions. Western medicine recommended to remove my gall baldder (pre-teens) to ‘deal with’ my gut issues, (I still have it thank goodness), and to go on the pill to stop my periods, at 13yo. Eventually, 7 laparoscopies were performed on me to ‘treat’ the Endometriosis, and the pill provided me with chronic candida that has taken me decades to conquer. Naturally my health worsened from these treatments, so I knew I had to take control of it by learning as much as I could about traditional medicine. 

 

 

Sharing Knowledge

Due to these health issues as a girl, I was drawn into the exciting world of organics and natural health in my teens; and professionally since 1994. I became a wholefood chef almost by accident, (or destiny), which led me to studying and qualifying in Naturopathy, Nutritional Medicine and Herbal Medicine (1996), Kinesiology (2009), and Traditional Chinese Medicine (2007), as well as having a continued interest in Nutrigenomics (the study of the interaction between nutrition and genes), and Epi-Genetics (how our genes ‘express’ themselves according to our environment, not due the genetic code itself. Yes your life experiences and beliefs have the ability to modify your DNA, affecting not only you, but your children and grandchildren.

 

 

Taking Natural Health Mainstream

My ambition was to take whole foods and natural health to TV, and that’s exactly what happened in a TV career that spanned over a decade. From my start on morning TV in 2001, and as the chef/nutritionist on The Biggest Loser, to 4 seasons of Good Chef Bad Chef, and What’s Good For You, to most recently making short video clips for YouTube and social media. 4 books and many, many articles followed. My fifth book will be published in 2019.

2024: A Digital Cycle Begins

My 5th book – Your 40 Day Transformation – was published in 2019, and I’ve spent the years since then transforming an overgrown 7 acres full of weeds and neglect in the Byron Bay hinterland back into the kind of native paradise that rainforest once was. My plan in doing this bush regeneration was to open a Retreat Centre, organic restaurant and yoga pavilion here for anyone in need of some affordable R + R. Sometimes God laughs at our plans though right, and I’m now looking back on these past 4 years with pride in what I’ve learned, and also in the knowledge that personal growth never seems to happen as fast when things are running to plan.

In November last year I received the aha moment of how best to share my knowledge and to be of service. Finally, I once again had clarity around my direction, and I’m thrilled to announce my new podcast Toxic Silence: Finding Health Through Authenticity, will be launched in June this year, and my new cooking series Inside My Kitchen in Spring.

I look at the first image above – I was 24 here and just starting my 10 years in community radio talking about health and healing on my show The Healing Wave. I’m 55 now and back behind the microphone talking about the same things, with another 30 years of experience and knowledge coming with me. And a whole lot more insight after 25+ years in private practice.

I wonder what the next 5 years will bring, but I do intend on staying in this moment because I’m so glad to be back with you, sharing both cutting edge science and ancient wisdom on how to heal, from our roots. Not just band aiding the symptoms.

1991
2006
Janella Purcell In The Herb Garden
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Books

Janella has published 5 best-selling and award-winning books. Each one loaded with recipes, and easy to digest information – for anyone wanting to achieve better health, simply. Her 5th book YOUR 40 DAY TRANSFORMATION available now.

2017

TV + Print

In 2001 Janella was the first to take food as medicine and natural health to the public via her career in tv and print media. From her start on morning tv, to most recently her own popular video clips, her wide reach continues to influence.

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WITHFEST 2024

Exciting New WITHfest Retreats To Be Announced Soon

Events for women to gather together to laugh, move, eat, drink, inspire, discover, divine, and create satisfying new connections, both within ourselves, nature and our Sista’s.

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Recipes

Healthy, tasty, ethical and environmentally friendly recipes for all different needs and cooking abilities. From the basic to exotic – vegetarian, vegan, gluten, dairy, nut, soy and grain-free meals, snacks, drinks, smoothies and sweets.

Testimonials

  • At that time, I viewed food merely as fuel, without understanding its potential benefits or risks. I was unaware of the harmful effects of certain preservatives and chemicals that were part of my daily diet. Janella's care, compassion, and deep understanding led to a transformative journey. As a result, I not only successfully completed an Ironman but also became a parent to two healthy children, and now lead a fulfilled, happy, and healthy life with a deep appreciation for the power of food and herbs. -Over the years, Janella has provided invaluable support during both times of wellness and challenges. Her advice extends beyond her exceptional nutritional knowledge to encompass the balance of body, mind, and soul. She has recommended podcasts, books, movies, and courses, all of which have been impactful. -I am profoundly grateful for Janella's wisdom and guidance and regard her as one of my most essential mentors.

    Marc Thomas, 39
  • Way before I met Janella, her book Elixir was like a trusted friend to me, always there with simple, powerful advice that challenged me to think a little differently about the way I cooked, ate and lived my life. I never imagined that one day I would meet this incredible woman, and yet, for the past twenty years, Janella has been a regular source of wisdom, care and kindness for me and my four children. Every consultation with Janella expands my thinking and when our sessions are over - even e-sessions, I float off feeling like I’ve been wrapped in the warmest of hugs. Wise, gifted, knowledgable, intuitive, generous and deeply authentic, Janella Purcell is truly one of a kind.

    John Thomas, 51
  • Oh My God- Janella is just amazing! What can I say- her retreat house is divine, the food was next level amazing and her care, compassion and support goes above and beyond. She is an amazing naturopath and an even more amazing human being! I came on retreat exhausted, broken and overwhelmed, she tailored my whole retreat to give me exactly what I needed- rest, recovery and healing. I went home feeling energised, connected and ready to tackle 2025 with ease and grace. Would definitely recommend Janella for anything.

    Samantha, 32
  • I’ve been seeing Janella for about 16 years now off and on , I would be lost without Her help.. She has now been helping me through a pretty stressful stage of my life the passed year with menopause, She has helped me emotionally and mentally and helped me understand what's going on with my body and its reactions to the many different symptoms to menopause/post and not to fear it but embrace it and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I am now able to leave the house again ... Shes caring,loving and down to earth which makes you feel safe and most of all Janella knows what She is talking about and how to help Thank You So Much Janella...

    Rebecca, 53
  • I first came across Janella Purcell about fifteen years ago when I saw her segment on the Biggest Loser as the in-house nutritionist. She came across as very enthusiastic to share her knowledge and to teach people how to eat for better health. I then discovered her first book ‘Elixer’ and the idea of using food as medicine and the s.l.o.w. (seasonal, local, organic, wholefood) approach really resonated with me. I decided I needed to find out how I could adapt this approach into my circumstances, so I booked my first (of many) consultation/s and discovered a whole lot more. Being guided through different stages of life has been so beneficial and I’m reaping the rewards of good health (mind, body & spirit) because of this. I would recommend any of Janella’s many resources she has generously made available (books, podcasts, recipes, consultations, herbs, balms … the list goes on!), and if you are feeling a little self-indulgent or needing a personalised re-set, I would recommend her new Bangalow Retreats – the food is amazing and prepared by Janella herself!

    Lisa, 45
  • Janella, I just wanted to take a moment to Thank you for your expertise, guidance and the beautiful healing balms you made for me. They arrived at a time when I needed them most, and the impact they've had on my body and well-being has been so amazing! They’ve definitely been my go-to over these last few months. The soothing properties, organic and all natural ingredients is something that I value and have brought immense comfort and relief to my mind, body and spirit. I couldn't be more grateful for your kindness and the incredible work that you do as a naturopath and healer. Your talent in crafting these balms speaks volumes about your dedication and genuine care for others’ well-being. They’ve undoubtedly become an essential part of my self-care routine, and I hope that more people get to experience the same in their own home too. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your healing expertise. I AM forever grateful for your guidance and the extraordinary healing balms you've created. THANK YOU again, Annie x

    Annie, 48
  • Janella Purcell’s “Naturopathy Apothecary” is a god send. I have purchased several of her balms, particularly the Gut and Moontime balms which are a favourite of mine as they work. I found the Gut Balms work within 20 minutes for both me (IBS) and my son (Autism) when we are both bloated as we both find taking things orally are just icky and don’t work. As for the Moontime Balm, the smell is divine and helps with stress. These luscious little tins of delight don’t go on sticky, nor do they leave any residue, and my son and I don’t have a reaction to them, which can be a concern for many people. Janella has been super helpful to make small batches for myself and my son without coconut and lavender in them due to migraines/allergies, and will continue to purchase these products as long as Janella’s okay with making them for us. I do purchase three or four at a time of the same product to make it a little bit more worthwhile for Janella. Have I gushed enough? Probably not. Would I keep recommending her products if they work specifically to me? Yes. Would I recommend her products to others? Yes, and if you have any concerns, just email Janella as she can help you out. This woman is a walking talking wealth of knowledge.

    Kath, 39

Janella can help you with

Poor Digestion
Weight Loss or Diet
Allergies
Inflamation
Reproductive Issues

Anxiety and Depression
Auto-Immune Disorders
Adrenal and Chronic Fatigue
Lack of Libido
and so much more

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