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12/10/2024 Exploring the Wonders of Astragalus: A Powerful Herb for Immune Support and VitalityRead Now
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is one of the most powerful herbs in Chinese medicine to reduce inflammation and modulate the body’s immune response.The plant is rich in triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids, which help regulate your immune system, control inflammation, protect your body against infection, and nurture the balance that sustains the processes keeping your cells alive and healthy. Although beneficial, caution is indicated when using Astragalus as it may cause unwanted effects to your body. Hence, it is important to explore the wonders of astragalus with your naturopathic doctors, who will guide you throughout your journey of healing and wellness.
Historical Background
Astragalus has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to nourish Qi and protect the immune system, liver, kidneys, heart, and brain.₃ As a background, Qi is a term used in Chinese medicine that simply means air, an element that exists everywhere, connects everything together, and holds great importance to our existence even though we are not able to see or witness it using our senses. Qi represents our innate healing ability or “vital force.” In the context of the body, Qi acts similarly to air: it links the mind and body and plays an important role in maintaining overall balance. Astragalus nurtures this balance, making sure that the processes within the body are regulated and protected. Particularly, its roots are famous to help boost your immune response, keep your body strong and fight fatigue, as well as serve as herbal remedy for different health concerns! In fact, the Astragalus species has been used to manage disease conditions for almost 2000 years!₃ Although the Astragalus species are present all over the world, Astragalus membranaceus is the variety most commonly used as an herbal remedy.
Mechanism of action
The powers of Aastralagus lie in its active chemical components, namely, triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids, which exert antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-degenerative effects. ₁, ₂ Simply put, these active ingredients enhance your body’s natural defenses and keep the processes within it regulated and in balance! Your immune system is a complex network of cells and processes that protect your body from harm and heal it once damage has been made. For it to function effectively, your immune system consists of thousands of cells (white blood cells and antigen-presenting cells, all of which work together to maintain balance within the body. Once broken, your body can be susceptible to millions of diseases, eventually causing harm and irreversible damage to your cells. Astragalus is a powerful option since it stimulates the functions of your macrophages, a type of white blood cell responsible in not only protecting your body against harmful pathogens, but also healing it from damage.₁ Additionally, Astragalus helps streamline the levels of inflammatory mediators in the blood, ensuring that inflammation should only protect and not cause harm to your body.
Safety and Considerations
Although with beneficial effects for your health, Astragalus has a paradoxical nature in that it may worsen your autoimmune problems by making your immune system extra reactive by increasing the numbers of your white blood cells. Hence, the use of Astragalus for your health problems should be with the expertise of your naturopathic doctor who will guide you in incorporating this herb to your journey to wellness.
Strengthening Your Immune System
The beneficial effects of Astragalus for your immune system can only be fully enjoyed if its use is paired with holistic practices aimed at nurturing your overall well-being. Eating foods that are beneficial for your health, supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals, modifying your lifestyle and environment, exploring natural options to target the root cause of your health problems, and making proactive and conscious decisions about your health every day, are practices that nurture both your mind and body towards your personal health goals. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to help you achieve optimal well-being through helping you discover holistic and natural options for your health throughout every step of your journey. Take charge of your health today! REFERENCES:
Honey has been a staple ingredient in our kitchens. Its sweet and delectable taste is something that we can’t resist but add to our favorite desserts and drinks. However, the wonders of honey do not stop with our tastebuds, as this natural sweetener has been used for centuries to help heal wounds due to its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. As a natural skincare ingredient, honey exerts long-term protection to keep your skin healthy and protected.
Historical Background of Honey
The medicinal use of honey has been dated back to 8000 years ago and was used by the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, Assyrians, and Romans, who made use of honey to manage wounds and gastrointestinal problems.₁ Interestingly, the Vedic civilization thought honey was one of the most remarkable gifts of nature to humans, owing to its benefits in treating cough, keeping your teeth and gums healthy, treating your wounds and burns, regulating your heartbeat, and even helping you get quality sleep at night! The Egyptians, on the other hand, combined almost all of their medicines with honey and even offered this staple to their gods for sacrifice!₁
Effects of Honey for the Skin
The important role of honey for the skin primarily stems from its antimicrobial properties, which not only help protect the barrier that protects our body, but also helps repair it. Honey can inhibit almost 60 species of bacteria, most of which can cause disease or complications to an already damaged barrier.₁ Additionally, honey can prevent the excessive bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus, which is the most common pathogen causing wound infections, reducing your chances of developing skin and soft tissue conditions. The antimicrobial effects of honey depend on the type and concentration used, with greater concentrations of manuka honey effectively killing bacteria. Pasteurized honey, on the other hand, can only prevent bacterial growth but not entirely kill these pathogens!
Mechanism of action
The abilities of honey to kill bacteria or prevent their growth are different from antibiotics, which are synthetically made to destroy the bacterial cell wall or inhibit the processes within the bacteria that allow them to reproduce and cause disease. Honey naturally inhibits bacterial activity in several ways₁: 1. Honey is hygroscopic, meaning that it draws moisture from its environment. This allows it to dehydrate the bacteria within the wound. 2. The acidic property of honey is between 3.2-4.5 pH (so close to the pH level of your stomach!) which prevents the growth of most microbiomes, since not all thrive in highly acidic environments. 3. Honey contains hydrogen peroxide, which is a famous topical solution to clean wounds or cuts and prevent further infection. The hydrogen peroxide in honey has oxidative properties which can damage the processes inside the bacteria, preventing their growth and reproduction. These healing properties give honey the unique ability to clean wounds, clear infections, reduce inflammation, prevent unwanted scarring, and regenerate blood vessels and cells, helping wounds fully heal and recover.
Safety Considerations
Although with many beneficial properties, honey should not be given to children less than one year of age due to possible risks of botulism, especially since the immune system that is meant to protect these infants from harm is still not fully mature and developed. Additionally, the amount and type of honey for your wounds also depends on the type and severity of your condition. The amount of honey applied to your wound should still be enough to exert its antimicrobial properties even if it gets diluted with wound fluid. Additionally, you should make sure that all the wound cavities are adequately covered with honey and reinforced with occlusive dressing to prevent oozes that may come out of the wound.₁ Talking to your naturopathic doctor about exploring the benefits of honey for your skin health is important to ensure that you are able to fully receive the benefits of honey and prevent unwanted reactions that may happen if you are not eligible or are allergic to one of its components
Improving Your Skin Health
Honey, aside from being a kitchen staple, contains holistic properties that not only helps heal your wounds, but also protects your skin from further infections. When using honey for your health, you should also be responsible and knowledgeable about its proper use, amount, timing of application, and intervals, all of which should be guided by your healthcare providers. Exploring the benefits of honey for your skin is best done with the guidance of your naturopathic doctor, who is an expert in using the healing power of nature to help your body as it heals and recovers. Talk to your naturopathic doctor today! REFERENCES: 1. Eteraf-Oskouei T, Najafi M. Traditional and modern uses of natural honey in human diseases: a review. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2013;16(6):731-742. 
Complaining about pain or discomfort related to period problems is a nearly universal experience that women who menstruate share and do a round-table discussion about. Naturopathic medicine disputes the notion that these symptoms and conditions are normal. Common, yes, but not normal. Finding and resolving the underlying imbalance that caused your menstrual disorder so that you can have healthy, comfortable, emotionally-stable periods as you grow older is possible!
Undeniably, menstrual complaints are broad, associated with physical and emotional symptoms that may affect your daily activities and mood. More often than not, menstrual health complaints are incorrectly categorized as manifestations of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which is just one out of the wide array of conditions that affect women every cycle. Why You Should Care for Your Menstrual Health (Recap!) Menstrual health is a vital aspect of our well-being that we, women, are responsible to take care of as we grow older. Problems in our menstrual health not only affect the entirety of our physical health, as these come with social and emotional impacts that may affect our productivity and relationships with other people. Since menstruation is a normal process that our bodies undergo to prepare for pregnancy, targeting the root cause of your menstrual health problems is vital in reducing the burden that you will inevitably have to experience every cycle. Optimal practices to nurture your mental health and care for your vagina can be learned here. 
Common Menstrual Health Issues Menstrual health disorders could begin as early as your first period and worsen into your adult life as you become preoccupied with stressors and challenges, further exacerbating symptoms. Every month, menstrual disorders reduce your ability to concentrate, disturb academic or work commitments, and affect daily activities. Despite such effects, only a few seek medical help while most women who menstruate choose to self-medicate, which could be dangerous and has even led to liver failure in people as young as highschool- and college-age. It is a concerning reality that menstrual problems are often perceived as normal and not seen as needing medical attention. Medical help is often only sought when symptoms become unbearable. This lack of attention may be related to some people still perceiving menstruation as a taboo that is not meant to be discussed publicly.₁
Allopathic Options The allopathic management of menstrual health disorders generally focuses on relieving symptoms, rather than targeting the root cause of the problem. This may be done through taking analgesics for discomfort and pain, hormonal pills to regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, or even major surgery to remove reproductive organs! Although very important in managing menstrual health problems, your go-to pain relievers only provide temporary relief. Hence, managing the underlying problem should be your first priority.. Another problem faced with these strategies is self-medication, which may cause problems to your long-term health when not properly monitored by your healthcare provider.
The Naturopathic Approach The naturopathic approach focuses on targeting the root causes of your menstrual health problems, ultimately aiming to restore a normal menstrual cycle, regulate hormones, improve quality of life, and establish lasting, whole-person health. This is done through identifying your personal triggers and how best to avoid them, regulating the connection between the processes that produce hormones in the body, reducing inflammation, and empowering your choices for your menstrual health.
Nutrition and Physical Activity
Nurturing your menstrual health begins with making conscious decisions about food and lifestyle. Eating meals packed with the right nutrients and avoiding food that triggers inflammation can help reduce pain. Learning to use skills like Intuitive Eating can help you learn to nourish your body (without counting calories) while reducing symptoms of menstrual disorders. Supplementing your diet with calcium and magnesium, when necessary, is also an effective approach to minimize your symptoms. Engaging in regular physical activities also helps you become more active and at the same time helps regulate your hormone levels. Generally, at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercises three to five times a week can help reduce your PMS symptoms, such as nausea, headache, abdominal cramps, bloating, and back pain!₂ Botanical Medicine
It is important to remember that the use of herbal remedies for your health should be properly screened, regulated, and monitored by your healthcare providers, as many of those used for menstrual and fertility problems are not safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Exploring the best herbal remedies for your health and preference is best done with the guidance of your naturopathic doctor. Don’t forget to update your naturopathic doctor about your health decisions and pregnancy/breastfeeding status!
Nurturing Your Menstrual Health
Your menstrual cycle is unique and different from other women, precisely why it is important to make conscious decisions for your health. Not to worry! Your naturopathic doctors are committed to guide you as you walk the path to wellness, working with you to find the best options for your menstrual health. Discover the naturopathic approach for your menstrual health today! REFERENCE: 1. Igbokwe And UC, John-Akinola YO. KNOWLEDGE OF MENSTRUAL DISORDERS AND HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, NIGERIA. Ann Ib Postgrad Med. 2021;19(1):40-48. 2. Ravichandran H, Janakiraman B. Effect of Aerobic Exercises in Improving Premenstrual Symptoms Among Healthy Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Womens Health. 2022;14:1105-1114. Published 2022 Aug 16. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S371193 
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition triggered by chronic inflammation that can destroy your joints and bones! Since persistent damage may be irreversible, diagnosing and addressing the root cause of the inflammation is vital to identify holistic strategies for your optimal health before damage ensues. Aside from joint and bone destruction, rheumatoid arthritis may also affect the processes in your body that help you function optimally every day, leading you to experience weakness while causing damage to your lungs, heart, blood vessels, and even brain! Knowing your personal risks of developing rheumatoid arthritis and holistically managing flare-ups when you are diagnosed with the disease are vital steps to bear in mind to not only achieve remission, but also nurture your long-term well-being!
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis The exact reason behind what causes rheumatoid arthritis is actually unknown.₁ However, the condition is primarily driven by chronic inflammation which eventually damages and destroys your joints and bones. Simply put, patients with rheumatoid arthritis have autoantibodies that attack cells in the body instead of destroying a foreign invader! When not properly controlled, these antibodies may also attack your other tissues and organs, causing widespread damage! The tricky part is that the progression of the disease is gradual and fluctuating, with infrequent episodes of exacerbations that you may not notice until late in the disease, when joint damage has become irreversible and your daily activities have become affected.₁ This is precisely why we should take the first step to nurture our body’s natural ability to protect and heal itself! Knowing your risks of developing rheumatoid arthritis, as well as personal triggers that may exacerbate your condition if you were already diagnosed with the disease can already make a big difference on your long-term health! Of course, your health journey is best taken with your naturopathic doctors who are committed to guiding you in exploring natural and holistic options that not only relieve symptoms, but target the root cause of your health problems. 
Signs and Symptoms
The most common complaint of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is stiffness of the joints in the morning lasting for more than an hour that eventually gets relieved with movement or physical activity. Early in the disease, antibodies most commonly attack small joints, like those in your hands and feet. As the disease progresses, you may notice more involvement in large joints, like your hips and shoulders. The type and number of affected joints may vary depending on your case, but are commonly symmetrical (which means that matching joints of the arms or legs are affected)!
Allopathic Management
Rheumatoid arthritis is conventionally managed following three approaches with lifelong medications to reduce symptoms and achieve remission.₂ These may include non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are given to relieve pain and discomfort from inflammation, but are not effective in regulating the proteins that drive inflammation itself.₃ Although equipped with strong anti-inflammatory properties, corticosteroids (commonly known as steroids) are associated with adverse effects to your body that limits their long-term use.₃ Lastly, DMARDs, such as methotrexate, are medications that can potentially prevent joint damage and destruction, but they can be toxic and their efficacy can be diminished as the disease progresses!₃ Additionally, these medications can cause nausea, rashes, and abdominal pain, all of which can cause discomfort and affect adherence to regularly taking the drug.
The Naturopathic Approach
The goal of naturopathic care of rheumatoid arthritis is to achieve remission and prevent further damage to your joints and other tissues. To do this, we work to minimize the burden of chronic and uncontrolled inflammation to your body and remove toxic materials that have accumulated as by-products of your unregulated inflammatory response. These can be achieved through a holistic approach that targets nutrition, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies thereby nurturing your joints and preventing further damage.
Nutrition
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis may have low zinc and high copper levels in the body, with undiagnosed food allergies or sensitivities. Testing and appropriate treatment for insufficient or excessive levels is an important part of addressing the root cause of your condition. Since disease flares have been associated with a variety of triggers from your environment (especially the food you eat), identifying your personal food triggers and following an elimination and reintroduction diet may prevent exacerbations. Additionally, increasing your Omega 3 intake can be beneficial in regulating inflammation (click here to learn more)! Since rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects your joints and bones, keeping your vitamin D3 levels in check through testing and appropriate supplementation or adequate intake of food rich in this nutrient is important to maintain healthy and strong bones! Herbal Medicine The wonders of herbal remedies for rheumatoid arthritis are not limited to symptomatic relief, as these special plants have healing properties that help nurture your body as it naturally heals itself. These may include:
And a whole lot more! It is important to remember that the use of most herbs is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talking to your primary care provider is important prior to exploring natural options for your case. Assessing whether a specific herb is beneficial for your health and selecting the right herbal remedies for your health problems is best done with the guidance of your naturopathic doctors who are always committed to guide you through exploring holistic and natural solutions for your optimal well-being.
The First Step
The naturopathic approach to manage rheumatoid arthritis begins with your conscious decisions to take care of your health. Since rheumatoid arthritis can affect other organs in the body, holistic steps should be taken to make sure exacerbations are alleviated and long-term health is nurtured (no more joint pain!). At Natural Path to Wellness, your naturopathic doctors are committed to assist you in every step of your health journey. Are you excited to take the first step? REFERENCES: 1. Radu AF, Bungau SG. Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Overview. Cells. 2021;10(11):2857. Published 2021 Oct 23. doi:10.3390/cells10112857 2. Chauhan K, Jandu JS, Brent LH, Al-Dhahir MA. Rheumatoid Arthritis. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; May 25, 2023. 3. Aletaha D, Kapral T, Smolen JS. Toxicity profiles of traditional disease modifying antirheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2003;62(5):482-486. doi:10.1136/ard.62.5.482 4. Razavi BM, Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Hosseinzadeh H. A review of therapeutic potentials of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its active constituent, curcumin, on inflammatory disorders, pain, and their related patents. Phytother Res. 2021;35(12):6489-6513. doi:10.1002/ptr.7224 
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition where the cells and organs in your body are subjected to damage due to the presence of antibodies that destroy rather than protect you from harm. The disease can happen in all ages, but predominantly affect women who are of childbearing age. Generally, SLE affects women 9x more than men.₁ With the increasing burden of the disease, it is vital to address the root cause of the inflammation, rather than solely minimizing your symptoms.
Understanding SLE
The exact reason as to why SLE develops is still unknown. However, persistent exposure to personal triggers, especially when you are genetically predisposed to SLE, can stimulate your immune response and affect your chances of developing the condition.1 When cells are damaged from ongoing irritation or infections, they reveal certain markers called self-antigens. These markers help the immune system identify the cells as part of the body and protect them.₁ This mechanism contributes to your body’s wonderful abilities of keeping itself safe and maintaining balance despite changes in the environment. However, this process can completely take a different turn in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus as their immune system activates B and T cells, forming antibodies to fight against self-antigens. Destroying your self-antigens means destroying the shield that protects your cells from getting harmed by your immune system! When not managed, persistent destruction may lead to irreversible damage to your kidneys, blood vessels, skin, and lungs.₁ 
Signs and Symptoms The signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus are tricky in that they vary from person to person and typically mimic manifestations of other health problems, affecting the ability to promptly diagnose and manage the condition altogether. Hence, avoiding such delay is crucial to detect the condition before severe damage occurs, preventing further destruction to cells, nurturing well-being, and maintaining the patient’s quality of life. Since the manifestations of SLE are diverse, several criteria and diagnostic tests are used by your healthcare providers to rule out other autoimmune conditions. Generally, the signs and symptoms of SLE include:
Allopathic Options SLE is conventionally managed through immunosuppressive therapy, where drugs that depress the immune system are used to prevent it from responding and causing unregulated inflammation and destruction. These may include corticosteroids, anti-malarial, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).₃ Corticosteroids, which decrease the concentration of arachidonic acid (primary molecule converted into chemicals that maintain the immune response), are commonly used to suppress inflammation in SLE. Although helpful in suppressing symptoms, the use of corticosteroids may put you at risk of becoming dependent on the drug in the long run and increase your chances of developing brittle bones, acne, eye problems, diabetes mellitus, thinning of the skin, infection, and muscle weakness.₃ NSAIDs, on the other hand, may cause stomach irritation and bleeding, ultimately affecting your gut health, ability to absorb nutrients, and your ability to maintain homeostasis (internal balance).₃
The Naturopathic Approach Since SLE affects various tissues and organs in the body, the naturopathic approach focuses on not only addressing each health concern, but most importantly on targeting the root cause of inflammation and dysregulation of the immune system. These include avoiding your personal triggers, alleviating pain, improving digestive function, reducing stress and inflammation, and improving your abilities to cope up with stressors. Naturopathic medicine focuses on the whole person, including mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Botanical medicine that may be beneficial for when you have SLE include:
It is important to remember that exploring and using botanical medicine options to manage SLE should be under the expert guidance of your naturopathic doctor and in communication with your primary care provider and specialists. Communication with your entire health and wellness team helps to avoid dangerous drug interactions. Although there are great potential benefits for your health, the use of herbs should be monitored and regulated to avoid toxicity and ensure therapeutic levels of the medicine are present in your body. Improving Your Immune Health The immune system works wonders in keeping your body safe and healthy, but it can also be the reason why your body is constantly subjected to damage and harm. Knowing your health risks, personal triggers, and genetic susceptibility, are helpful in preventing the development of autoimmune conditions that will inevitably affect your well-being. Not to worry! Your naturopathic doctors are committed to guiding you as you make conscious and holistic decisions for your health. Talk to your naturopathic medicine advisors today! REFERENCES: 1. Justiz Vaillant AA, Goyal A, Varacallo M. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; August 4, 2023. 2. Peng Y, Deng X, Yang SS, Nie W, Tang YD. Progress in Mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus and Its Chemical Constituents on Multiple Sclerosis. Chin J Integr Med. 2023;29(1):89-95. doi:10.1007/s11655-022-3535-6 3. Balkrishna A, Thakur P, Singh S, Chandra Dev SN, Varshney A. Mechanistic Paradigms of Natural Plant Metabolites as Remedial Candidates for Systemic Lupus Erythromatosus. Cells. 2020;9(4):1049. Published 2020 Apr 22. doi:10.3390/cells9041049 
Whether you are sitting all day completing your tasks at your desk job or enjoying life after retiring from spending so much time working in your chosen profession, low back pain is a universal problem that we complain about every once in a while, especially as we grow older. Back pain is actually a very common cause why people visit the emergency department!₂ The reasons behind your back pain are vast, ranging from acute, insidious causes to fractures or unresolved trauma that affected the structures in your back. Identifying the root cause of your low back pain and discovering natural, holistic options that will address your problem allows you to experience back pain-free days and enjoy life as you grow older.
Understanding Back Pain
In general, pain is an uncomfortable experience that occurs as your body attempts to signal a warning of injury or respond to the problem. Low back pain, in particular, stems from a variety of causes. These may include degenerative problems that your body undergoes as you grow older, autoimmune conditions, spine infections, trauma such as in cases of falls or mechanical accidents, congenital diseases that affect the development of your spine, improper posture, and pain referred or radiated from other organs in the body. Generally, the structures in your lower back are extremely prone to stress from your environment or abnormal processes in your body and each of these can trigger low back pain.₁ Acute back pain typically lasts for less than 6 weeks, while chronic back pain can occur for more than 12 weeks.₂ The diagnosis of your low back pain problems are primarily driven by your personal history and work-up that are supplemented with a variety of imaging tests to detect the underlying condition. Knowing which activities trigger or minimize the pain should also be considered. Hence, taking the first step of becoming proactive about your health and talking to your healthcare provider about your low back pain are vital to achieve low back pain-free days!
Allopathic Care
Treatment for low back pain depends on the type and extent of pain, as well as its specific underlying cause. Pain relievers and muscle relaxants are generally prescribed to address the pain, in combination with physical therapy or psychological management strategies for specific patients.₁ In severe cases with complex causes, surgery may be indicated to manually fix or replace damaged structures. Although beneficial to some extent, management strategies for low back pain can be expensive and only target single causes of the discomfort. This is concerning since low back pain is complex, associated with multifactorial causes, and may be persistent when not appropriately addressed.₁
The Naturopathic & Alternative Medicine Approach
The naturopathic approach does not only address your back pain, but also improves your optimal well-being through targeting the root causes of your health problems. Rather than solely relying on medications that only temporarily suppress your pain, nurturing the intricacies of the processes within your body and the interconnectedness of your organs ultimately helps your body as it naturally heals itself. It is important to remember that your body is wonderfully made to protect and nurture itself. Supporting your body as it regains balance is the best reward your future self can receive for the years to come.
Herbal Medicine Herbal medicine can be used to reduce inflammation, nourish and heal damaged tissue, and reduce pain. Natural ingredients such as curcumin, bromelain, and quercetin have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that will help you say goodbye to your back discomforts! As a natural aspirin, white willow bark can also be beneficial in relieving pain. However, since it has similar effects to aspirin, you may also experience gastric irritation similar to when you use aspirin. Not to worry! Your naturopathic medicine advisors will guide you in exploring the benefits of herbal remedies for your health, making sure that you are able to use the right herbal medication and receive its optimal benefits, while monitoring therapeutic levels to keep your health on track! 
Massage
Massage has been used for centuries to relieve acute and chronic health problems, such as joint and muscle pain, backache, and osteoarthritis.₃ The procedure promotes clearance of lactate which is increasingly produced in your body when it becomes subjected to increased stress and damage, thereby reducing its toxic buildup and effects.₃ Additionally, massage nurtures your immune response and cognitive function, as well as exerts beneficial effects in reducing anxiety and mental health problems.₃ Rehabilitative Exercises Complex cases of low back pain due to trauma, developmental problems, or those requiring targeted interventions are recommended to not only alleviate pain, but also nurture optimal well-being. These may include stretching, muscle strengthening, and proprioceptive training, under the guidance of your naturopathic doctors who are expert in mind and body reconditioning. Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy is wonderful in stimulating and regulating essential processes in the body, such as your digestion, immune response, and blood circulation.₃ By achieving and nurturing the balance of the processes that keep your body going, stress is reduced, pain is relieved, and your body becomes rejuvenated.₃ With different kinds of hydrotherapy that target specific health concerns, it is important to identify which one is best for you! Talking with your naturopathic doctor will help you in exploring the best procedure type and duration for you.
Yoga (Ayurveda) Yoga is a non-invasive and effective routine to address your low back pain. Since it targets both the mind and body, yoga enhances your body’s flexibility, endurance, and allows your mind to actively control your body.3 The benefits of yoga do not stop there! Yoga also promotes your body’s capabilities to regulate processes and functions, as well as promote healthy thoughts and behavior. Acupuncture (Traditional Chinese Medicine) A powerful tool in promoting pain relief, this procedure addresses the blockage or excessive flow of qi throughout the body, relieving muscle spasms and promoting joint mobility and function. The wonders of acupuncture stems from the belief that wellness is interconnected: rather than being an isolated symptom, pain arises from blockage or excess in elements (wood, fire water, earth, metal) that disrupts your body’s vital energy.₄
The First Step
At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to guiding you in making conscious and proactive decisions for your health. The journey to optimal health may be long and difficult, but your courage in taking the first step to achieve your health goals is already inspiring. After all, your body’s #1 support system is you! To learn more about the benefits of naturopathic care for your optimal health and wellness, talk to your naturopathic doctors today! REFERENCES:
You may have heard of “seed cycling” once or twice in your life, especially when you have problems with your menstrual cycle! Seed cycling (seed rotation diet) is an effective practice that can help regulate your hormone levels by eating specific seeds that contain beneficial properties during each phase of your menstrual cycle.
The Power of Hormone Balance
The primary hormones that drive menstrual cycles are estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), each of which play major roles in preparing your body physically and mentally for possible pregnancy or restarting your cycle once fertilization did not occur. As the level of these hormones fluctuate to signal another phase in your menstrual cycle, a simple disruption can inevitably lead to menstrual health problems, such as irregular periods, menstrual cramps, fatigue, pain, heavy bleeding, and acne (which we definitely do not want)! Hence, regulating your hormone levels is a top priority to prevent your body from having to experience pain and discomfort every month!
How Seed Cycling Works
Seed cycling follows a systematic approach of eating special seeds such as pumpkin, flax, sunflower, and sesame, at specific days throughout the month to help balance the hormones which regulate your menstrual cycle. During the follicular phase, pumpkin seeds are taken to balance out the increasing level of estrogen that primarily drives this phase, preventing excess production of estrogen that can trigger a wide array of menstrual problems. Pumpkin seeds are specifically rich in phytoestrogens, which are natural compounds that mimic the estrogen produced in your body!₁ These phytoestrogens can bind with estrogen receptors made for endogenous estrogens (produced by the body), thereby potentially regulating the processes driven by this hormone!! Flax seeds, on the other hand, contain lignans, which act as a quality control officer and effectively regulate your hormone levels by binding to excess estrogen1 to prevent estrogen dominance. As you enter the second phase of your menstrual cycle (luteal phase), eating sesame seeds and sunflower seeds can help boost and regulate progesterone, which is the hormone that is most essential during this phase of your cycle. Sesame seeds are beneficial as they are not only rich in zinc which boosts progesterone levels, but also lignans, which are effective in blocking off excessive amounts of estrogen to pave way for progesterone to play its part during the luteal phase.₁ Sunflower seeds, on the other hand, are rich in vitamin E and selenium, which help boost progesterone production and detoxify excess estrogen from your liver, respectively.₁
A note on preparation
The medicinal components of these seeds are fragile, especially flax. We recommend that you buy raw, organic seeds from your local bulk food or health food store that has frequent turnover to ensure freshness. Store the seeds in your fridge or freezer and grind them fresh daily (or up to weekly), storing the ground seeds in your freezer to protect the fragile oils.
How to use seed cycling
Typical use is 1 Tablespoon of each seed indicated for the current phase of your cycle. These can be sprinkled on your food, like a power bowl or salad, blended in a smoothie, as a topping for yogurt or overnight oats, or eaten by the spoonful. One of our favorite methods is to add them to fat bombs or homemade chocolates for a sweet and satisfying treat!
Don’t have a regular cycle? Many like to sync their cycle with the phases of the moon, starting the flax & pumpkin seeds with the new moon and switching to sunflower & sesame seeds with the full moon. Most notice their cycles begin to regulate and sync after about 3-4 months of consistent use. Here is a simple guide to help you start your seed cycling journey: 
Naturopathic Reminders
Rather than forcefully introducing hormones into the body with medications or injectables, seed cycling takes a more holistic and fundamental approach by helping your body naturally produce and regulate your very own hormones! Simply put, seed cycling is considered a safe and non-invasive practice to regulate your hormone levels without putting yourself at risk of having side effects associated with synthetic products and medications containing estrogen or progesterone. However, the power of seed cycling comes from seeds that you may be allergic to! Additionally, the beneficial effects of seed cycling can only be achieved if you are consistent and willing to eat these special seeds every day, which may not be for everyone’s preference and lifestyle. Hence, it is vital to first talk with your naturopathic doctors before starting and continuing your seed cycling journey. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to guiding you in your journey towards optimal health by working with you to create customized wellness plans that fit your goals and lifestyle. Talk to your naturopathic medicine advisors today! REFERENCES:
The common cold is like a bird that is flitting in the sky, eventually flying away as your immune system gets into action and clears the clouds. Although total relief can be achieved in a matter of days, the common cold may cause a wide array of symptoms that can affect your overall health and well-being. Medications for the common cold focus on treating your symptoms, allowing you to get through the day without coughing and wiping your nose all the time. Although beneficial, these may put you at risk of having side effects that can trigger entirely different symptoms and affect your long-term health. Rather than solely relying on allopathic treatments for the common cold, exploring naturopathic approaches for your condition will not only help relieve your symptoms, but, most importantly, nurture your body’s natural ability to protect and heal itself.
Understanding the Common Cold
Generally, the common cold is caused by viruses that can trigger inflammation to the lining that protects your throat and nose.₁ Symptoms caused by the common cold may be mild and include a stuffy nose, cough, sneezes (which can be uncomfortable in social settings), and sore throat. The common cold may also trigger headaches, fever, joint and muscle pains, and fatigue, all of which can affect your productivity (and willingness to go to work). The good news is that these symptoms are self-limited, which means that they typically resolve on their own. However, having the common cold won’t protect you from getting infected with another common colds in the future, as the strains of the viruses that cause the condition are over 100 in number, which means your immune system has to adapt every time.₁ To help your body prevent the common cold, we have the perfect blog post for you!
The Power of Naturopathy
The naturopathic approach for the common cold focuses on nurturing your body’s natural ability to protect and heal itself through supplemental vitamins and minerals that regulate the processes within your body, herbal medications that target the virus and your holistic health, and home remedies to support your immune system that you can easily make in your kitchen! Natural Supplements
Botanical Medicine
Managing your symptoms through conventional medications are typically not needed, since these are only helpful in minimizing your symptoms without guarantee that you will not experience unwanted side effects. More importantly, antibiotics are not and should not be used for treating the common cold, since these target bacteria whereas colds are caused by viruses! Instead, natural remedies that will not only help relieve your symptoms, but also help nurture your overall health, are your best options for your long-term well-being!
And the list goes on! Exploring herbal medications for your health can be overwhelming, but with the guidance and expertise of your naturopathic doctor, you are guided to the right medication, preparation, dosage, and timing for your fast recovery and optimal well-being!
Home Remedies
Aside from the wonders of botanical medicine for your health, strengthening your immune system can be as simple as making fresh pressed juices with vegetables, eating produce rich in vitamin C, and incorporating ginger, turmeric, and lemon in your meals and juices. Additionally, you could make your very own elderberry syrup! Here’s our version of this wonderful concoction: What You’ll Need:
Directions:
Key Takeaways
Kids are no exception for the common cold and may have more exposure to the virus that can cause the condition as they play and go to school. Making a kid-safe herbal tea with fruit puree and turning them into popsicles can help soothe a sore throat. By simply mixing your favorite tea with fresh fruit juices (carrots, oranges, fresh turmeric, pineapples, or lemons) and popping them off into the freezer in your coolest popsicle mold, your child (and you!) will be able to enjoy a healthy and immune-boosting treat! Make sure to press out the extra water from the tea bags since that will be very concentrated and beneficial. Bonus point! You can actually make your very own Elderberry Popsicles for Sore Throats.
The First Step
Managing the common cold is simple and with the right expertise, your short-term symptoms are relieved and long-term health is nurtured. Since the common cold is a condition that eventually comes and goes, you should help your body prepare as it strikes again! At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to guide you as you make conscious decisions for health. Excited to take the first step? Talk to your naturopathic medicine advisors today! REFERENCES: 1. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Common colds. [Updated 2023 Dec 11]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279543/ 2. Mammari N, Albert Q, Devocelle M, et al. Natural Products for the Prevention and Treatment of Common Cold and Viral Respiratory Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023;16(5):662. Published 2023 Apr 28. doi:10.3390/ph16050662 
The cold, rainy season has finally entered the chat and along with its heartwarming breeze comes the high number of people getting affected with coughs and colds (some even skipping work because of fatigue and fever). On average, adults experience 2-4 colds in a year, mostly occurring during the colder months.₁ Given that most celebrations occur during this time of year, we could expose ourselves or others to different viruses that can activate our immune response and cause our bodies to suffer from increased stress in order to fight off the harmful pathogen. For our symptoms to not get in the way of celebrations (and scrumptious food), it is important that we understand how we could get infected, infect other people, and prevent the infection from happening in the first place!
Understanding the Common Cold Common colds occur when a virus enters your body and triggers an immune reaction to the lining of your nose and throat, causing you to develop sore throat, sneezing, hoarseness, cough, a stuffy nose, and sometimes muscle and joint pain, fever, and headache.₁ The tricky part is that the common cold is actually caused by a wide variety of viruses with over a hundred strains, making it difficult to actually become immune to the infection for life. Simply put, recovering from a cold does not mean you cannot catch another one and your immune system needs all the help it can get to learn to fight off each new virus!1 Not to worry! Your immune system is fully capable and equipped to fight off the infection and prevent it from causing damage to your body. 
The Common Cold vs The Flu
The common cold and flu are two entirely different health problems caused by different sets of viruses. Unlike the common cold, the flu is a specific viral infection in that it is generally caused by the influenza virus with fewer viral strains (lesser chance to get re-infected).₁ Vaccines for the flu are also available and can be injected yearly by your healthcare provider.
Allopathic Treatments
Generally, allopathic strategies for the common cold focus on treating individual symptoms through taking NSAIDs (ibuprofen or mefenamic acid) for fever and sore throat, antihistamines to minimize sneezing and stuffy nose, cough medications, and decongestants to reduce clogging and stuffy feeling in your nose.₂ Are antibiotics helpful to manage the common cold? The answer is NO. Antibiotics are not effective to help fight off viruses since these target harmful bacteria and the structures that allow them to thrive within the body.₁ The unnecessary use of antibiotics may contribute to the global health problem of antibiotic resistance, as well as increase your risk of developing side effects that may cause unnecessary harm to your body. The only exception to the rule happens when complications develop, and secondary infections thrive because of the body’s weak and ineffective immune response. 
The Power of Prevention
Although your body has wonderful abilities to fight off the viruses that cause the common cold and fully recover without any extensive help, it can take a few weeks for your symptoms to go away (which may cause discomfort and inconvenience in social settings). The best solution to fight the common cold is by preventing it from happening in the first place. It can be as easy as switching your favorite fish oil supplements to cod liver oil which helps improve your vitamin A and D levels, helping your body respond efficiently and effectively against infections. Vitamins A and D are the best of their kind in modulating your immune response. Particularly, vitamin A exert its immune-strengthening effects by enhancing the efficacy of dendritic cells, which play key roles in initiating and regulating the immune response.₃ On the other hand, vitamin D (most importantly vitamin D3) works wonders in modulating your immune system by improving its ability to destroy (phagocytosis) and clean harmful pathogens out of your body.₃ To support healthy vitamin D levels, supplementation may also be essential, especially when you live in a colder and less sunlit environment during the winter months. Vitamin C, fire cider, and switchel are other effective options in keeping your body protected and healthy. Keeping a sickness kit ready just in time for the colder season ensures you can have easy access to essential medications and supplements for preventing and managing the common cold. Your naturopathic doctors will help you build your own sickness kit and guide you in exploring the best holistic treatments and remedies for your optimal well-being.
The Naturopathic Approach Apart from preventing the development of infection by strengthening your immune system, regaining its balance when you have gotten the common cold is equally essential. Since the disease typically resolves on its own, making conscious decisions about your health can help your body fully recover and reestablish the lost balance. Not to worry! Managing the common cold can be done at the comfort of your own home. Drinking fresh-pressed juices with vegetables that are beneficial for your health, eating food rich in vitamins, as well as those containing lemon, ginger, and turmeric have added immune-regulating effects. Naturopathic doctors are committed to guide you in making conscious and empowered decisions for your health, from prevention to cure. To learn more about the naturopathic approach for the common cold, talk to your naturopathic medicine advisor today! REFERENCES: 1. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Common colds. [Updated 2023 Dec 11]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279543/ 2. Mammari N, Albert Q, Devocelle M, et al. Natural Products for the Prevention and Treatment of Common Cold and Viral Respiratory Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023;16(5):662. Published 2023 Apr 28. doi:10.3390/ph16050662 3. Džopalić T, Božić-Nedeljković B, Jurišić V. The role of vitamin A and vitamin D in modulation of the immune response with a focus on innate lymphoid cells. Cent Eur J Immunol. 2021;46(2):264-269. doi:10.5114/ceji.2021.103540  As one of the mainstay medications to manage different types of infections, antibiotics have helped millions of people recover from diseases which were once thought to be deadly and incurable. Statistically speaking, antibiotics added 23 years to the average human lifespan!₁ From the discovery of penicillin (the first antibiotic) to the present day, different types have been developed to target broad infections and specific disease conditions. However, the effects of antibiotics to the body aren’t all that good and could even have long-lasting disruptions to your healthy microbiota. This disruption eventually leads to an imbalance, putting you at risk of developing health problems from your environment and the very cells that are made to protect your body from harm! How Antibiotics Work Antibiotics help your body fight off different types of infections by either preventing the growth of bacteria or killing them off until they are reduced into small amounts, assisting the cells of your immune system to do its wonders of killing the foreign or opportunistic pathogen. This job is done through preventing the reproduction of the bacteria or disrupting cellular processes or functions within the bacterial cell.₂ The effects of a specific antibiotic may depend on its concentration levels within your body or the duration of its use.₂ Additionally, antibiotics are not made equally. Some are effective in managing infections found in certain areas of the body, while others impact the entire body and may be inappropriate for organ-specific conditions. The Growing Global Health Crisis The increasing misuse of antibiotics has led to the alarming phenomenon of antibiotic resistance, wherein antibiotics previously used to manage certain infections are now ineffective as the bacteria has developed immunity against the medication’s effects. The growing antibiotic resistance becomes a threat to optimal health and undoubtedly increases healthcare costs. Bearing in mind that antibiotics are not to be used for viral infections, following the recommended dose and duration of your antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare provider, not sharing your antibiotics to other people, and sharing your understanding about proper antibiotics use to your friends and loved ones are simple yet impactful ways to prevent the growing resistance to antibiotics, which were originally developed to protect our bodies instead of causing unwanted harm. Ultimately, exploring natural options that will help treat or augment antibiotic treatment of infections with your naturopathic doctors will not only minimize the problem with antibiotic resistance, but also ensure that your health decisions nurture your holistic well-being. Adverse Effects of Antibiotic Use
Effects on the Intestinal Microbiota Just like how they are specialized to manage specific health conditions, each antibiotic has a unique effect on your intestinal microbiota. However, since the concentration and amount of time the drug has been present in the body matter, antibiotics used in combination consequently have longer and stronger effects. As a recap, the different species that make up your intestinal microbiota work together to maintain the integrity of your gut and regulate optimal body function. When this balance is disrupted, your body becomes vulnerable to different disease conditions and opportunistic infections. Unfortunately, antibiotics are infamous for disrupting the healthy diversity and abundance of the intestinal microbiome. The effects of antibiotic use to your body’ normal microbiota may be few or massive, damaging several species or triggering a widespread imbalance due to massive loss of dozens of species. This imbalance can lead to other, normally helpful, species overpowering their neighbors and creating new issues. An example of this is a yeast infection that occurs after antibiotic treatment of a urinary tract infection. Interestingly, the gut microbiota of children who were given antibiotics during their first three years of life are less diverse and stable.₃ This can greatly affect the body’s ability to protect itself from infection, irritation, and potent drugs growing up. Additionally, children who have been given antibiotics during the first year of life are more likely to have asthma, allergic reactions, and attention problems.₄ The Gut-Brain Axis Antibiotics may affect the body in different ways, aside from their antibacterial activities. Interestingly, these medications can affect your mental well-being through the gut-brain axis. The microbiota in your gut sends signals to the vagus nerve, affecting your stress response and mental well-being. Generally, the effects of antibiotics on your mental well-being may vary and could either be good or bad. Isoniazid, which is the first known antidepressant, is actually an antibiotic! It is no longer used as an antidepressant because it is so damaging to the liver, but, since the medication has positive effects on noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin levels in the brain, isoniazid paved the way for specialized antidepressant drugs to be developed.₄ Ironically, antibiotics can also negatively affect your mental well-being. Tryptophan, which is used to make the happy hormone serotonin, can be either absorbed from the diet or produced by microbes in the gut.₄ When the healthy environment of your gut becomes haywire as a consequence of antibiotic use, the production of your happy hormone may be affected, eventually affecting your mood, productivity, and emotional well-being. The Naturopathic Approach
When using antibiotics to combat infections, maintaining the balance of your intestinal microbiota should be a top priority. Taking probiotics, getting healthy sleep, and following intuitive eating practices ensure your body’s balance is maintained while it fights off infections and protects itself everyday. In exploring the best options for your gut and immune health, talking with your naturopathic medicine advisors is the first step you should take. Discover the naturopathic approach for your optimal health today! REFERENCES: 1. Hutchings MI, Truman AW, Wilkinson B. Antibiotics: past, present and future. Curr Opin Microbiol. 2019;51:72-80. doi:10.1016/j.mib.2019.10.008 2. Patel P, Wermuth HR, Calhoun C, Hall GA. Antibiotics. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; May 26, 2023. 3. Yassour M, Vatanen T, Siljander H, et al. Natural history of the infant gut microbiome and impact of antibiotic treatment on bacterial strain diversity and stability. Sci Transl Med. 2016;8(343):343ra81. doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.aad0917 4. Dinan K, Dinan T. Antibiotics and mental health: The good, the bad and the ugly. J Intern Med. 2022;292(6):858-869. doi:10.1111/joim.13543 |
THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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