A detailed look at the actress's holistic approach to health, from herbalism training to her decade-long recovery journey
Shailene Woodley's approach to wellness goes far beyond typical celebrity routines. The Big Little Lies and Divergent star spent a decade battling illness in her 20s, ultimately combining holistic practices with conventional medicine to achieve full recovery. Her 2024 confirmation that "my hormones are so balanced" and "I am very healthy" validates her integrative approach. With a grandmother who's a naturopath and formal herbalism training throughout her teens and early twenties, Woodley brings genuine expertise to her wellness choices. This article breaks down her complete supplement stack—from controversial clay consumption to Ayurvedic daily rituals—while offering science-backed alternatives for those seeking similar benefits.
Key Takeaways
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Shailene Woodley studied herbalism formally – Her grandmother's naturopathic background and her own training in her teens and early 20s inform every supplement choice she makes
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Her health recovery validates her approach – After spending a decade with mystery illness, she now describes herself as "very healthy" using both holistic and conventional methods
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Controversial practices require caution – Some supplements she mentions (like bentonite clay) lack scientific consensus and require consultation with healthcare providers
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Consistency matters more than complexity – Her daily rituals like oil pulling, Abhyanga oils, and bulletproof coffee focus on sustainable habits rather than extreme protocols
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Food-first philosophy underlies everything – Bone broth, fermented foods, and farmers market sourcing form the foundation of her nutritional approach
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Modern alternatives exist – For those seeking similar benefits through science-backed formulas, greens superfood powders offer comprehensive nutrition without the complexity of DIY herbal medicine
The Role of Greens and Detoxification
1. Bentonite Clay
Shailene Woodley, Emmy-nominated actress known for The Fault in Our Stars and The Descendants, has built her wellness philosophy on three decades of family tradition. As she explained in a 2024 Marie Claire interview, "My grandma's a naturopath, and I studied herbalism in my teens and early 20s, so I grew up around alternative practices."
Her most controversial supplement is edible bentonite clay, which she first learned about from an unexpected source. "I first heard about the benefits of eating clay from a taxi driver," she told Into the Gloss. She sources her clay from Mountain Rose Herbs in Colorado, a company known for high-quality botanical products.
Her explanation reveals traditional detoxification principles: "Clay is one of the best things you can put in your body...your body doesn't absorb it, and it apparently provides a negative charge, so it bonds to negative isotopes." She incorporates it into homemade toothpaste "that you swallow instead of spit out."
While Woodley's quote mentions "negative isotopes," the science shows bentonite clay's negative charge actually bonds to positively charged toxins and heavy metals—not negative ones. This principle underlies traditional detoxification practices.
Important disclaimer: Clay consumption lacks scientific consensus and can interfere with medication absorption. Always consult a healthcare provider before trying this practice, and ensure any clay consumed is food-grade.
For those seeking detoxification support through a more conventional approach, green superfood powders offer organic greens, probiotics, and digestive enzymes that can help some people increase micronutrient intake and digestive support—vegan, GMO-free, and backed by science.
Why greens matter:
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Support the body's natural elimination pathways
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Fill nutritional gaps in modern diets
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Offer chlorophyll-rich greens and antioxidants
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Enhance gut health and nutrient absorption
Woodley's emphasis on detoxification aligns with broader wellness trends focused on supporting the body's natural processes while filling nutritional gaps.
Cognitive Function and Herbal Medicine
2. Homemade Herbal Medicines
Rather than relying on commercial supplements, Woodley creates her own formulations. As she told E! News, "I make everything from my own toothpaste to my own body lotions and face oils. I could go on for hours. I make my own medicines; I don't get those from doctors."
This self-reliance stems from her formal herbalism training and family background. Her 2024 confirmation that she "still makes her own oils" shows this practice continues today. The specific formulas remain private, but her approach emphasizes understanding how plants work rather than following trends.
Speaking on the SHE MD Podcast in 2024, Woodley revealed she's been dealing with health issues since her early twenties, working with "real MDs" alongside "independent healers" throughout her recovery. Her integrative approach demonstrates how traditional herbalism can complement modern medicine.
Skin Health and Anti-Aging
3. Bone Broth
Woodley's enthusiasm for bone broth is legendary among her wellness practices. She called it "the s--t" in interviews and described it as her "ultimate comfort, cozy kind of food" to Bon Appetit.
Her recipe is specific: "Brew it in water...throw it in a crockpot for 24 hours, a little apple cider vinegar, some onions, garlic." She enhances it by blending "with coconut oil" for added fats. The practice connects to her nose-to-tail eating philosophy: "honor the animal and utilize them."
Bone broth benefits:
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Provides collagen, gelatin, and minerals
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Supports joint health and skin elasticity
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Delivers easily absorbed amino acids
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Supports gut lining and digestive health
For those seeking similar benefits in a more convenient format, liquid collagen supplements offer hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid, biotin, and zinc—fast-absorbing and convenient for daily use.
Collagen supplementation supports more than skin health. Joint mobility, hair strength, and nail integrity all depend on adequate collagen intake. Whether through Woodley's bone broth approach or modern liquid formulations, consistent collagen consumption builds long-term structural support.
Antioxidants and Ayurvedic Practices
4. Oil Pulling (Coconut/Sesame Oil)
Woodley practices oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic technique she uses for oral health and teeth whitening. "Swish coconut or sesame oil in your mouth when you wake up and spit it out," she explained. "I prefer sesame oil, but they're both good."
Her reasoning shows characteristic attention to biochemistry: "It really makes your teeth whiter, because the plaque on your teeth is not water soluble, it's fat-soluble. So the lipids have to dissolve in fats, which is why oil works in your mouth."
5. Abhyanga Oils (Ayurvedic Body Oil)
Beyond oral health, Woodley incorporates Ayurvedic oil massage into her daily routine. As she told Marie Claire in 2024, Abhyanga is "something that I do every day." She describes the practice: "It's the practice of rubbing oil all over your body. You start with your head, and then you move down toward your heart."
When she doesn't have time to make her own oils, she uses Surya's Cooling Oil or Calming Body Oil, depending on the "time of year." This daily commitment to skin nourishment reflects her belief that external care supports internal health.
While Woodley's antioxidant approach focuses on topical oils, oral antioxidant supplementation offers cellular protection from the inside out. Compounds like resveratrol support cardiovascular health and cognitive performance. For comprehensive antioxidant support, glutathione supplementation offers what many researchers call the body's "master antioxidant."
Supporting Metabolism
6. Bulletproof Coffee
Woodley's morning ritual centers on a fat-enhanced coffee blend. "It's coffee, coconut oil, and butter. I'll put some cinnamon or cayenne in there sometimes," she explained to Bon Appetit. "I put it all in a blender because I want it to be latte-y."
Her enthusiasm is genuine: "You've got to try it. People love it for a reason." The practice connects to her broader nutritional philosophy: "We're really big on fats, my friends and I."
This fat-first approach supports stable energy throughout the morning while keeping blood sugar levels consistent—principles that align with intermittent fasting and metabolic health optimization.
For those seeking metabolic support beyond dietary fats, GLP-1 support supplements naturally support hormone activation and blood sugar stability. Modern formulas combine berberine, ginger, and plant-based fibers to help control appetite and reduce cravings—designed for intermittent fasting and low-sugar lifestyles.
Herbal Teas and Infusions
7. Stinging Nettle Tea
Woodley's herbal tea practice reveals her deep knowledge of traditional plant medicine. She specifically uses stinging nettle for menstrual support: "She—I always think of it as a female plant because I take it when I'm about to start menstruating," she explained.
Her preparation method is precise: "Fill a little less than a quarter of a mason jar with nettle and add boiling water until it reaches the top. Then I seal it, let it sit overnight." This overnight infusion extracts maximum vitamins and minerals from the dried leaves.
Woodley connects this practice to something deeper: "There's something very special about seeing a plant and turning it into a tea."
8. Thyme Tea
For respiratory support, Woodley turns to a common kitchen herb. "In the morning, if you wake up and your respiratory system feels a bit off, thyme is a great cure for that," she told Bon Appetit. She consults herbalists for recipes but emphasizes using ingredients most people already have at home.
Performance and Recovery
9. Fermented Foods (Kombucha, Kimchi, Sauerkraut)
Woodley makes her own fermented foods when circumstances allow. "My favorites are kraut, kimchi, and kombucha, but you can ferment just about anything," she said. "I sort of love that semi-rotten flavor."
This DIY probiotic approach requires consistency: she makes them when "in a stable environment long enough" to maintain cultures. The gut health benefits align with her 2024 recovery, where balanced hormones and digestive health played crucial roles.
Fermented food benefits:
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Provide beneficial probiotics for gut health
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Support immune function and digestion
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Enhance nutrient bioavailability
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May support mood and cognitive function through the gut-brain axis
While Woodley hasn't specifically mentioned creatine supplementation, her focus on energy, recovery, and cognitive function aligns with research showing creatine supports not just muscle strength but also brain health and cellular energy production. See which famous athletes use creatine for performance support.
Whole Food Philosophy
10. Farmers Market Sourcing
The foundation of Woodley's supplement approach isn't a supplement at all—it's her commitment to sourcing real food. "No matter where I am, I always seek out farmers' markets and locally sourced co-ops," she explained. "I love going to actual farms even more."
Her dedication goes beyond convenience: she Googles local farmers on road trips and brings her own food to film sets rather than eating catering. This whole-food foundation means her supplements enhance an already nutrient-dense diet rather than compensating for deficiencies.
The power of an effortless routine:
What sets Woodley's approach apart isn't complexity—it's consistency. Her daily practices (oil pulling, Abhyanga oils, bulletproof coffee) take minutes but compound over years. This mirrors modern wellness philosophy: science-backed supplements for daily energy and focus, starting with simple daily habits.
For those building their own daily supplement routine, the key is finding products that fit seamlessly into existing habits. Whether that's a morning greens powder, a bedtime collagen shot, or convenient gummies, sustainability matters more than intensity.
Complete Wellness: The XV1 Approach
Shailene Woodley's wellness journey demonstrates a fundamental truth: sustainable health requires consistency, not complexity. Her decade-long recovery from mystery illness—achieved through integrating holistic practices with conventional medicine—validates an approach that modern science increasingly supports. The question for most people isn't whether these principles work, but how to implement them in daily life without the expertise of a trained herbalist or the time to make everything from scratch.
This is where XV1's philosophy aligns perfectly with Woodley's foundational principles while making them accessible. Her emphasis on detoxification through greens, collagen for structural support, antioxidants for cellular protection, and gut health through fermented foods represents core pillars of evidence-based wellness. The difference is delivery: while Woodley sources ingredients from farmers markets and creates custom formulations, XV1 translates these same principles into third-party tested supplements backed by clinical research.
Foundational Nutrition Made Simple
Woodley's commitment to sourcing organic greens and nutrient-dense foods reflects the challenge most Americans face: In 2019, about 10% of U.S. adults met vegetable intake recommendations. Her solution involves daily trips to farmers markets and hours of meal preparation. For those without this flexibility, comprehensive greens powders deliver the same micronutrient density—organic vegetables, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants—in one daily scoop. No shopping, no chopping, no complex recipes.
The science behind concentrated superfoods shows that bioavailability matters as much as sourcing. Modern extraction and formulation techniques can actually enhance nutrient absorption compared to whole foods alone, particularly for compounds like chlorophyll, spirulina, and wheat grass that Woodley values. XV1's approach removes barriers while maintaining the nutritional integrity she prioritizes.
Cellular Support and Longevity
While Woodley's herbal medicines address energy and cognitive function through traditional plant compounds, modern longevity research has identified specific molecules that support mitochondrial health and cellular repair. Ingredients like Resveratrol, CoQ10, and Urolithin A work synergistically to enhance the body's natural energy production—the same goal Woodley pursues through her custom formulations, but with decades of peer-reviewed research validating mechanisms and dosing.
For those seeking cellular energy support without DIY complexity, science-backed supplements offer precision that even expert herbalists struggle to achieve through whole plants alone. Standardized extracts ensure consistent potency, while combination formulas create synergies that single herbs cannot.
Structural Integrity and Aging
Woodley's dedication to bone broth—cooking it for 24 hours to extract maximum collagen—reflects sound nutritional science. Type I and III collagen peptides support skin elasticity, joint mobility, and connective tissue repair. The challenge is consistency: maintaining a perpetual supply of homemade bone broth requires time and culinary commitment most people cannot sustain long-term.
Liquid collagen supplements solve the consistency problem while offering advantages that even bone broth cannot: hydrolyzed peptides for superior absorption, precise dosing of hyaluronic acid and biotin, and convenience that fits any schedule. One tablespoon daily delivers the same structural support Woodley achieves through her elaborate broths—without the cooking, without the refrigerator space, without the barrier to adherence.
The Gut-Health Foundation
Woodley's fermented foods practice—making kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut when "in a stable environment long enough"—highlights both the importance and difficulty of consistent probiotic intake. Research increasingly shows that gut health influences everything from immune function to mood regulation, but homemade fermentation requires expertise, attention, and the right conditions.
Modern probiotic formulations offer strain-specific benefits that even diverse fermented foods may not provide. Combining prebiotics (the fiber probiotics needed) with digestive enzymes and targeted bacterial strains creates comprehensive gut support that doesn't depend on fermentation success. For those who lack Woodley's herbalism training, evidence-based supplements offer reliability that DIY approaches cannot guarantee.
Building Your Sustainable Routine
The most valuable lesson from Woodley's approach isn't any single supplement—it's the power of daily rituals that compound over time. Her oil pulling takes five minutes. Abhyanga massage takes ten. Bulletproof coffee takes three. These small, consistent actions create the foundation for long-term vitality.
XV1's product philosophy mirrors this principle: remove friction from evidence-based wellness. Whether that's creatine gummies that require no mixing, greens powders that blend instantly, or liquid collagen that needs no preparation, the goal is making consistency effortless. Because as Woodley's recovery demonstrates, sustainable habits matter more than perfect protocols.
Her decade-long health journey—combining her grandmother's naturopathic wisdom, her own herbalism training, and collaboration with medical doctors—proves that the most effective wellness approaches integrate multiple perspectives. Traditional plant medicine offers insights modern science continues to validate. Conventional medicine provides tools traditional practices cannot replicate. The synthesis creates something more powerful than either alone.
This is complete wellness: honoring ancestral wisdom while leveraging modern research, prioritizing real food while filling gaps with targeted supplementation, and building routines that support rather than stress your life. Whether you're making nettle tea by moonlight like Woodley or taking a greens scoop before work, the principle remains the same—consistent, evidence-based practices that compound into long-term health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can collagen supplements improve skin elasticity and joint health?
Yes—hydrolyzed collagen peptides have clinical support for skin hydration, elasticity, and joint comfort. Type I and III collagen specifically target skin and connective tissue. Liquid collagen formulas offer faster absorption than capsules or powders, making them ideal for those prioritizing comprehensive skin and joint support.
What is the role of antioxidants like Resveratrol and Glutathione?
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative stress and cellular damage. Resveratrol supports cardiovascular health and healthy aging, while glutathione—the body's master antioxidant—aids detoxification and liver function. Together, they provide comprehensive antioxidant protection against environmental and metabolic stressors.
How do metabolism-boosting supplements work with intermittent fasting?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that signals satiety to your brain and helps regulate blood sugar after meals. Compounds like berberine naturally support GLP-1 activation without prescription medications. This makes these supplements ideal for those practicing intermittent fasting or managing cravings through weight management approaches.
What should I look for in a greens superfood powder?
Look for organic greens, probiotics with prebiotic fiber, digestive enzymes, and no added sugar or fillers. Third-party testing and transparent ingredient sourcing matter. The best greens powders fit multiple dietary approaches—vegan, keto, paleo—while providing comprehensive micronutrition in one daily serving. Compare options in our guide to best AG1 alternatives.
How can I ensure supplements are high quality and science-backed?
Prioritize brands that offer third-party testing, FDA-registered manufacturing, transparent ingredient lists with dosages, and money-back guarantees. Avoid proprietary blends that hide ingredient amounts. Look for certifications like non-GMO, vegan where applicable, and gluten-free verification. Quality supplements should back claims with research, not just marketing.
