The Blog at Natural Path to Wellness

6/12/2025

4 Herbs for Mental Health and Wellness

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Excessive stress, lack of adequate sleep, and major life events can greatly affect your mental health, causing problems with how you handle life challenges, and can even lead to physical symptoms that can affect your body’s optimal state. As we age and experience what life has to offer, the importance of mental health and wellness cannot be understated. Hence, nurturing your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical well-being. Naturopathy offers a wide array of therapeutic care that nurtures the connection between your mind and body, fostering healthy stress levels through lifestyle practices, adequate sleep, nutrient supplementation, and botanical medicine.

Let’s explore a few of the best herbs for mental health!

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.)

With over 50 active ingredients packed into one plant, ashwagandha can powerfully help nurture your body’s optimal balance through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and neuroprotective effects. As an effective herbal remedy for relieving stress, ashwagandha can help regulate the activities of your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a mechanism in the body that regulates your stress response by increasing cortisol levels in times of stress and activity. Ashwagandha exerts its stress-relieving effects by regulating the balance of the HPA axis, preventing it from becoming too reactive to stressors. However, it is important to remember that the use of ashwagandha requires monitoring and regulation especially when used together with benzodiazepines and barbiturates as the plant can enhance the effects of these drugs. To learn more about the wonders of ashwagandha for stress relief, we have the perfect blog post for you!

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)

This wonderful herb previously featured in one of our blog posts stays true to its effects on relaxation throughout time! Packed with a wide array of active ingredients that help reduce inflammation and pain, prevent infection, and regulate stress levels, chamomile can be taken as an herbal tea or tincture after a tiring and stressful day! Chamomile actually contains apigenin, which competitively binds to benzodiazepine receptors in your brain, thereby enhancing the effects of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and helping promote relaxation and optimal sleep.

If you are interested in exploring the wonders of chamomile tea for your mental wellness, we are happy to say that chamomile is generally safe to drink! However, contraindications may exist if you have skin conditions or allergic reactions caused by sensitivity to the plant’s family, which includes ragweed. Hence, it is important to explore the wonders of chamomile with your healthcare provider.

Relax & Focus

Nourish Adrenals

Calm & Think

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis L.)

Because sleep plays a vital role in regulating optimal brain and body functioning, having problems with sleep can cause detrimental effects to your health, especially towards your body’s abilities to handle stress. In fact, lack of sleep can significantly affect your mood, memory, daily performance, and metabolic health, eventually causing hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus.2 Hence, solving sleeping problems is an important step in achieving optimal health and wellness!

As easy as it sounds, achieving good quality sleep can be difficult, with the environment, thought processes, and health status playing heavy roles. These factors are some of the many reasons why people may lean towards taking sedative-hypnotic medications to finally get adequate sleep. Although initially beneficial, the use of these medications can affect cognition and damage daytime performances.2 Valerian root is a special herb that effectively helps you get a good night’s rest after a long and tiring day, without that next-day hangover feeling pharmaceuticals leave you with. This plant promotes the action of adenosine, which is a chemical present in the body to maintain balance within the brain by preventing it from getting overexcited, as well as regulating the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.2

It is important, however, that the use of valerian root should be examined and monitored, as unregulated doses may increase anxiety levels, which is opposite to its intended purpose. A few people actually find valerian stimulating, so we recommend you don’t test it out for the first time the night before an important meeting! While many people love to use it as part of a nighttime tea, it is known for a rather funky taste and odor, so we’ve added a link for a capsule form we love that helps you avoid this taste.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Commonly found in Europe and Asia, St. John's Wort is an effective herbal remedy to boost mood, reduce inflammation, and protect your body against mutations that can cause malignancy. As an anti-depressant, St. John’s Wort inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, all of which help regulate your mood and stress levels. Preventing the reuptake of these essential hormones means maintaining their optimal levels, thereby nurturing their purpose in the body. Additionally, St. John’s Wort works wonders in preventing the binding of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) to its original receptors by competitively binding to GABA instead!1 This action can help prevent central nervous system (CNS) depression, which is a phenomenon that can cause weakness, anxiety, drowsiness, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress.

With all the wonderful benefits that this plant can offer, it is important to keep in mind that St. John’s Wort may not be for everybody! For instance, St John’s Wort may not be effective and can cause adverse side effects when used with other medications, especially blood thinners such as warfarin, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and anti-viral drugs for HIV patients.1 In fact, combining St. John’s Wort with some of the commonly prescribed mental health drugs (like SSRI’s and SNRI’s) can result in a potentially fatal reaction called serotonin syndrome. Hence, it is important for you to talk to your healthcare providers before including St. John’s Wort into your regimen.

At Natural Path to Wellness, our team of naturopathic medicine advisors will help you discover the best natural options for optimal mental wellness. Backed up by years of training and experience, we are committed to creating a personalized and holistic approach that includes the use of natural herbs and therapies selected for your unique case and preference.

The Naturopathic Approach

Naturopathic care helps you achieve mental health and wellness by guiding you through natural, holistic options that nurture stress relief, relaxation, and optimal sleep, all of which is important in maintaining balance within. This balance is achieved through herbal medications, nutrient supplements, lifestyle changes, and mind-body techniques, that promote both your mental and physical health.

To learn more about the wonders of naturopathic medicine for you, talk to us today!

BECOME A CLIENT

It is important to remember that the use of herbal medications should be thoroughly evaluated and monitored by your naturopathic doctor and communicated to your other healthcare providers to make sure your daily regimen is tailored to your case and preference, and that it does not interact with any prescribed medications. Additionally, it is vital to keep in mind that most herbal medicines are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation and their use should be avoided to prevent harm to you and your baby. Talk to your naturopathic doctor to learn more about how to use herbs safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.

Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.

REFERENCES:

Peterson B, Nguyen H. St. John's Wort. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; May 16, 2023.
Shinjyo N, Waddell G, Green J. Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2020;25:2515690X20967323. doi:10.1177/2515690X20967323

6/6/2025

All About Skin: Effective Ways to Protect Yourself from Harmful Sun Exposure

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Without a second thought, getting exposed to the sun is considered an inevitable part of our daily lives. Simply getting your online shopping deliveries by the front porch or leaving the house for school or work exposes you to the sun’s UV rays. Generally, we all need the sun to keep our bones and muscles healthy, since the most effective and efficient way to maintain optimal Vitamin D levels is through sun exposure! However, a wide variety of factors should be considered when determining what is considered a healthy amount of sun exposure. Nevertheless, it is important to remain protected from the sun by using sun-protective products that are proven safe and effective.

The Skin Microbiome

Considered as the largest organ, your skin protects you from infections and harmful chemicals that can cause damage to your body. Your skin does its job because of the presence of its unique microbiome, which work hand-in-hand to nurture your skin barrier and fight off harmful pathogens from attempting to colonize and cause imbalance. Particularly, your skin microbiome is made up of hundreds of species, with the type and number of microbes dependent on skin area, temperature, humidity, pH level, and lipids. The type and amount of microbe present may also depend on your gender, age, race, and even the season of the year. Your inner forearm and upper buttocks are considered dry areas, while your armpits and inner elbow may be more damp compared to the rest of your body! Additionally, you may become oily on your forehead and side of the nose as these areas have a higher number of sebaceous glands. Like your other organs, a healthy skin ecosystem is nurtured through maintaining diversity. This wonderful diversity can be disrupted through a variety of factors: applying skin and make-up products made with toxic and damaging chemicals, getting excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, taking oral antibiotics, and having immune deficiencies. Changes in the composition of your skin microbiome can lead to a variety of skin conditions, such as eczema, rosacea, and acne.

The Impacts of Sun Exposure

UV radiation, when excessive, can cause harmful effects to the skin, such as sunburn, premature aging, and precancerous or cancerous lesions.2 The immunosuppressive effects of UV radiation to the cells that recognize pathogens in the most superficial layer of your skin may increase risks of dangerous mutations. Generally, three types of UV radiation exist: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA is harmful as it often triggers aging and hyperpigmentation, while UVB can cause sunburn and DNA mutations.2 The amount of exposure you have to UV radiation greatly depends on the time of day, as well as your location and daily activities. Interestingly, Florida has a UV index of 9 on most days, compared to 7-8 in other states. Farmers and Floridians, who get a lot of sun exposure, often have thick skin, hives, and sunstroke due to high blood calcium and low tissue calcium. Additionally, many of these individuals typically do not consume enough good fats, leading to deficiencies in essential fatty acids and Vitamin D. Hence, understanding the effects of sun exposure to your health and considering its role in causing disease are important aspects to consider as you make conscious decisions for your optimal well-being.

Vitamin D From The Sun

A hormone that can easily be nurtured in the skin following exposure to the sun’s UV rays is Vitamin D. Although a variety of Vitamin D supplements are available in the market, getting it from the sun still takes precedence in maintaining optimal levels when you are healthy and without conditions that may be exacerbated or worsened with exposure to sunlight. Simply put, Vitamin D supplements help safely increase Vitamin D levels in the blood, yet these are not as effective or efficient as the sun.1 Since it is essential for your body to function optimally, deficient levels of Vitamin D may put you at greater risk of developing diseases that can significantly take a toll on your overall well-being.

Skin exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight creates a chemical reaction that converts molecules in the skin to Vitamin D3, which is the active counterpart of Vitamin D.7 However, the efficiency of this reaction vary depending on the geographical area, season, time, and person’s skin type. This means that vitamin D synthesis is more efficient when you live near the equator since you are able to receive greater amounts and durations of sunlight throughout the year. Additionally, lighter skin tones may require less exposure to sunlight than people with darker complexions to produce similar amounts of vitamin D since these individuals produce less melanin, a sun-protective pigment that is abundant in people with darker skin.

Sun-Protective Products

Protecting your skin from excessive and harmful exposure to the sun should be considered every time you leave the house. Widely-known photoprotective agents include sunscreens, which may create either a physical barrier to reflect light or a chemical barrier which acts to absorb light within its protective layer, preventing harmful rays from causing damage to your skin’s barrier.2 When using physical sunscreens, a thicker coat increases the degree of reflected light, thereby increasing protection from the sun. However, this may cause white casts and will make your skin tone look uneven. Sunscreens should be applied in a uniform layer 15 minutes before getting exposed to the sun, water, or sweat. Reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours is also important to stay protected. Aside from sunscreen, your clothes and accessories can actually protect you from the sun, especially when you wear dark and loose-fitting outfits paired with your favorite hats and sunglasses! Wearing makeup or lotions with sun-protective ingredients also offers added protection. USF ointment, enriched with essential fatty acids and mixed with raw aloe, is an effective alternative in preventing burning and peeling after excessive sun exposure. The use of chlorophyll ointment to soothe and heal skin burns is another excellent option to naturally relieve discomfort and promote recovery.

It is important to remember that you need a small amount of regular, unprotected sun exposure before blocking excess. Hence, identifying strategies such as the time of day to receive the right amount of sun exposure can help nurture your body’s vitamin D levels!

Are Sunscreens Toxic?

Using sunscreen before leaving the house has become a routine, especially with the prevalence of product advertisements and recommendations all over social media. However, the safety associated with their use still remains a concern. Toxicity from sun products may cause endocrine (hormone) problems, skin or eye irritation, and oxidative stress that may lead to cell damage and cancer.3 Since UV filters from sunscreens are also able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), risks of developing neurotoxicity are increased.4 This is a sign for you to discover non-toxic and clinically-proven safe sunscreen that prevents you from getting exposed to harmful ingredients while protecting your skin from damage caused by sun exposure. Check this website to learn more about products that are safe and offer effective sun protection.

Foods That Help Protect You From Sun Damage

When not using topical photoprotective agents, your skin’s defense against the sun primarily rests on your body’s protective mechanisms. As your skin’s antioxidant ability decreases with increasing exposure to UV rays, nurturing its capacity and boosting its effects is vital to maintain your skin’s defense against damage from your environment.6 This is done through eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in phytonutrients, such as tocopherols and ascorbates. Taking oral supplements such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and polyphenols can have added protection against the sun’s damaging UV rays.5 Drinking fermented milk that contains lactic acid bacteria may also help in boosting DNA repair and improve your skin’s immune defenses after UVB damage.5

The Naturopathic Approach

Protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays involves a multifactorial and dynamic approach that not only considers the amount of time you should be exposed to maintain healthy Vitamin D levels, but also the use of safe and effective products and ingredients to nurture well-being. When exploring your options, it is best to talk to your naturopathic physician to guide you as you make conscious decisions for your health. Discover the naturopathic approach to obtain the benefits of sun exposure, while staying protected and safe from its harmful effects.

BECOME A CLIENT

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.

Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.

REFERENCES:

Raymond-Lezman JR, Riskin SI. Benefits and Risks of Sun Exposure to Maintain Adequate Vitamin D Levels. Cureus. 2023;15(5):e38578. Published 2023 May 5. doi:10.7759/cureus.38578
Gabros S, Nessel TA, Zito PM. Sunscreens and Photoprotection. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; July 17, 2023.
Paiva JP, Diniz RR, Leitão AC, et al. Insights and controversies on sunscreen safety. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2020;50(8):707-723. doi:10.1080/10408444.2020.1826899
Ruszkiewicz JA, Pinkas A, Ferrer B, Peres TV, Tsatsakis A, Aschner M. Neurotoxic effect of active ingredients in sunscreen products, a contemporary review. Toxicol Rep. 2017;4:245-259. Published 2017 May 27. doi:10.1016/j.toxrep.2017.05.006
Morifuji M. The beneficial role of functional food components in mitigating ultraviolet-induced skin damage. Exp Dermatol. 2019;28 Suppl 1:28-31. doi:10.1111/exd.13825
Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Weir C, et al. Role of ingestible carotenoids in skin protection: A review of clinical evidence. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2021;37(6):490-504. doi:10.1111/phpp.12690
Nagaria TD, Shinde RK, Shukla S, Acharya S, Acharya N, Jogdand SD. The Sunlight-Vitamin D Connection: Implications for Patient Outcomes in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. Cureus. 2023;15(10):e46819. Published 2023 Oct 10. doi:10.7759/cureus.46819

5/30/2025

Top 4 Herbs to Manage Multiple Sclerosis Naturally

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Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration, both of which affect your brain’s abilities to direct key processes that help your body optimally function everyday. With the currently available conventional regimen focusing on disease modifying therapies (DMTs), which are used to prevent further damage to your brain cells and are unable to fix the damage that was already present before starting therapy, identifying the root cause of immune damage through naturopathic care is important in achieving long-term remission!

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating condition that affects your central nervous system (a.k.a. the mastermind that regulates processes in your body). This irreversible damage occurs due to demyelination and degeneration of neurons, which are cells that make up your brain and peripheral nervous system (how the brain communicates with all the tissues of your body). Although the exact cause behind multiple sclerosis is still unknown, its development and progression occur due to chronic inflammation as a consequence of your immune system attacking the very cells it is supposed to protect. Curious to learn more? We have the perfect blog post for you!

Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs)

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are forms of therapeutic regimens used to manage multiple sclerosis. DMTs help suppress inflammation and decrease disease progression.2 These medications focus on preventing further damage to your brain cells and reduce the progression of your condition. This means that DMTs are not able to fix the damage that was already present before starting therapy, making them a type of preventive regimen to reduce future risks rather than serving as a cure for multiple sclerosis. Additionally, the use of DMTs can increase your risks of developing infections, due to their primary action of suppressing your immune system, thereby decreasing your body’s abilities to protect you from diseases caused by foreign pathogens.2 These two points are precisely why the use of DMTs in people with severe or advanced stages of multiple sclerosis is controversial, since the regimen can do more harm than good.

Support Nerve
Function

Support Working Memory

Support Cellular Energy

Botanical Medicine Options

The naturopathic approach for people with multiple sclerosis focuses on nurturing your holistic health through a comprehensive and well-rounded regimen that includes lifestyle changes, nutrition, supplementation, mind-body connection, and botanical medicine. Keep scrolling to learn more about the top 4 herbs that can work wonders in managing multiple sclerosis.

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
Rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and essential oils, tarragon is an effective herbal remedy to help modulate the immune response, control markers of inflammation, and prevent demyelination in people with multiple sclerosis, thereby providing adequate protection against rapid disease progression.1 More importantly, tarragon helps reduce the severity of neurologic problems associated with impaired delivery of signals in the brain due to demyelination. This helps nurture the connection between your body and brain.

Black Cumin (Nigella sativa)
With extensive antioxidant effects, black cumin has been widely used as an herbal remedy in managing neurodegenerative conditions that affect the health of your nervous system. In people with multiple sclerosis, black cumin can help prevent relapse, improve locomotor movements, nurture a healthy body weight, and reduce damage to neurons (brain and nerve cells).1

Curcumin (Curcuma longa)
An herb that is well-loved all over the world, curcumin has antioxidant properties that can help protect your brain against oxidative stress that can cause degeneration and problems with delivering signals for optimal functioning.1 Curcumin also contains anti-inflammatory properties that decrease the production of pro-inflammatory markers, while increasing the production of anti-inflammatory markers in your white blood cells, thereby controlling inflammation.1 Interestingly, curcumin also has anti-aging effects that can help nurture your brain and body’s health as you grow older.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Effective in preventing fatigue, depression, and oxidative damage, ginseng is considered a majestic plant in most Asian countries. In people with multiple sclerosis or those with other autoimmune disorders, ginseng can effectively control inflammation through maintaining balance between the production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms within the body. Ginseng can also help prevent the infiltration of self-destructive white blood cells into the brain, thereby reducing demyelination and degeneration of axons (where electrical impulses from one neuron travels and gets delivered to another).

It is important to remember that the use of herbal medications should be thoroughly evaluated and monitored by your naturopathic doctor and communicated to your other healthcare providers to make sure your daily regimen is tailored to your case and preference, and that it does not interact with any prescribed medications. Additionally, it is vital to keep in mind that most herbal medicines are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation and their use should be avoided to prevent harm to you and your baby. Talk to your naturopathic doctor to learn more about how to use herbs safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Ready to learn more about the right herbal remedies for your optimal health? Talk to us today!

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Costantini E, Masciarelli E, Casorri L, Di Luigi M, Reale M. Medicinal herbs and multiple sclerosis: Overview on the hard balance between new therapeutic strategy and occupational health risk. Front Cell Neurosci. 2022;16:985943. Published 2022 Nov 10. doi:10.3389/fncel.2022.985943
Langer-Gould AM, Smith JB, Gonzales EG, Piehl F, Li BH. Multiple Sclerosis, Disease-Modifying Therapies, and Infections. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2023;10(6):e200164. Published 2023 Oct 9. doi:10.1212/NXI.0000000000200164

5/23/2025

Why Taking NSAIDs for Headaches Might Be Making Them Worse

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The use of analgesics, commonly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to relieve pain has been a practice for many people all over the world. Hence, it is safe to say the analgesics (pain relievers) are considered staples whenever you feel any ache or discomfort, especially when you get headaches. However, growing evidence has proven that your pain relievers can, ironically, trigger your pain! These conditions are also known as medication-overuse headaches, which is a common phenomenon in people who suffer from 15 or more headache days in a month.

The Phenomenon Behind NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of medications that revolutionized the medical management of pain. Due to their wonders in managing pain and inflammation, NSAIDs have become an over-the-counter staple that almost everyone reaches out for whenever feeling sickly or in pain. These drugs inhibit special enzymes in the body that promote the inflammatory cascade, thereby halting the progression of inflammation. However, these key enzymes (cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2) also exert protective and homeostatic effects in the body. To learn more about how NSAIDs can affect your optimal health, we have the perfect blog post for you!

Understanding Medication-Overuse Headaches

Medication-overuse headache (MOH) causes debilitating pain and discomfort from persistent and unregulated use of pain relievers to manage headaches.1 This happens because your brain actually becomes extra sensitive to pain and reacts strongly to signals, thereby changing how it is able to process this painful stimulus. People with MOH often experience headaches for 15 or more days in a month due to an already-present migraine or tension-type headache.1

Signs and Symptoms

Because MOH can cause sensitization in the brain, which is the control center of the body, your headaches may become worse or you may experience hypersensitivity reactions.1 Additionally, you may have runny nose, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting, because this sensitivity can affect the connection between your brain and gut.

Allopathic Options

Medication-overuse headaches are conventionally managed through a variety of steps, which begin with patient education on the effects of frequent use of medications to relieve headaches.2 A course of medications that prevent migraines, such as topiramate, are then given in people who cannot stop taking anti-headache medications.2 People may also undergo detoxification to remove these substances in the body. Simply put, the only way to stop your headaches is by not taking the medications that caused these in the first place. Unfortunately, this act can be a challenge for people with chronic daily headaches who rely on these medications for pain relief. Discovering the root causes of your daily headaches is therefore crucial to finally achieve headache-free days!

The Naturopathic Approach

Medication-overuse headaches can be prevented and alleviated by simply eliminating the need for analgesics. Although an easy strategy, this may be difficult for people with debilitating headaches who rely on pain relievers to become productive throughout the day. Additionally, some people may still have headaches despite stopping analgesic use. This is where naturopathic medicine can help. Aiming to help your body regain and nurture its natural abilities to heal itself, naturopathic medicine will help you explore natural holistic solutions that tailors nutritional and lifestyle practices, nutrient supplementation, botanical medicine, and mind-body techniques to nurture your optimal health, helping you finally say goodbye to your daily headaches!

Curious to learn more? Talk to us today!

BECOME A CLIENT

Fischer MA, Jan A. Medication-Overuse Headache. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; August 22, 2023.
Diener HC, Holle D, Solbach K, Gaul C. Medication-overuse headache: risk factors, pathophysiology and management. Nat Rev Neurol. 2016;12(10):575-583. doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2016.124

5/16/2025

Herbs for Migraine Headaches: Achieving Total Relief Naturally

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As one of the leading causes of pain and discomfort across all age groups, migraine headaches can lead to debilitating effects that may impact your day-to-day activities. These headaches are typically associated with abnormal sensitivity to pain, impaired regulation of blood vessels, and inflammation. Although many, the wide selection of allopathic treatment options available only provide temporary relief and may come with a hefty amount of side effects that will put your overall health at risk. This wide variety may put you in a dilemma on which medication is most effective in relieving your symptoms, diverting focus away from the main issue: over-the-counter and prescription medications only relieve your discomfort temporarily and do not target the root cause of the problem. Owing to such uncertainty, it is crucial to explore a different approach that is effective, cost-efficient, and without added risks to long-term health. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus), feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), and ginger (Zingiber officinale), are a handful of herbs proven and tested throughout history to manage and prevent migraine headaches.

Understanding Migraines

Migraine attacks are long-term and recurrent causes of moderate to severe headaches typically occurring on one side of the head, which has been attributed to reduced productivity and well-being. Migraines are believed to have been caused by the activation of the trigeminovascular pathway, which sends signals to the brain. When activated, peptides which dilate blood vessels, cause inflammation to the outer covering of your brain, and modulate pain are released, ultimately triggering a migraine attack. Allopathic treatment options are set to provide quick relief from pain and other migraine-related symptoms, restore functional capability, and prevent recurrence of your migraine attacks. Despite such claims, this treatment approach may impose detrimental effects on your overall health in the long run as its use has been associated with vision changes, cognitive decline, organ damage, and relapse within 48 hours after experiencing relief!

Herbs in History

Botanical medicine has been used for centuries across cultures to manage mild and severe forms of ailments, relying on the healing power of nature for optimal health. Various plants with healing properties have been used by the oldest civilizations to effectively manage different conditions and symptoms. Various Asian traditional medicine systems have used ginger for over 5000 years to manage disease! When properly integrated with the identification and elimination of your personal triggers, butterbur, ginger, and feverfew are effective in not only preventing and managing acute attacks, but also in totally relieving your burden of migraine headaches.

Mechanism of Action

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a staple spice used in many countries to enhance flavors of food. As a medicinal plant, ginger is used in managing stomachache, diarrhea, dizziness, breathing problems, arthritis, and toothache.1 The healing properties of ginger come from its bioactive components which include gingerols and shogaols, as these help prevent nausea, act as antioxidants, reduce inflammation, prevent blood clots, and protect nerve cells. As a safer and cost-efficient alternative, ginger acts similarly to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (good old aspirin or ibuprofen) in preventing the formation of inflammatory mediators and decreasing your perception of pain without the added trouble of experiencing unpleasant side effects.1
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a safe and effective alternative to prevent and manage migraine attacks. With healing properties due to the anti-inflammatory effects of its active components, such as sesquiterpenes (petasin and isopetasin), butterbur powerfully relieves pain.2 Additionally, this special herb helps keep your blood vessels from constricting and neurons from getting over-excited, effectively stopping the activation of the pathway which can cause your migraine attacks.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been used for centuries to relieve fever, problems with women’s health, inflammation, toothache, insect bites, asthma, stomachache, and skin problems.3 Native to Asian countries, feverfew prevents migraine attacks and alleviates associated symptoms through inhibiting the production of prostaglandins which can cause inflammation, as well as regulate constriction and relaxation of blood vessels, through its bioactive component parthenolide.

Safety and Considerations

Herbal remedies should not be considered one-time pain relievers, just as how you typically would with over-the-counter drugs, because they focus on managing the root cause of your problem rather than masking symptoms. To reach maximum therapeutic potential and alleviate the burden of having migraine headaches altogether, your body must be progressively and safely exposed to the healing properties of chosen herbs simply by taking them regularly under the guidance of your naturopathic doctor. You should start to experience fewer and less intense migraine attacks over time, but achieving total relief and healing typically takes several months with compliance to your personalized dose and schedule!

Although effective in managing mild to moderate disease, self-medicating, not consulting with an expert, and lack of risk awareness when taking herbal medications can be harmful. Butterbur, feverfew, and ginger to manage migraine headaches is not safe for use when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The safety and efficacy of the herbal remedies you take heavily depend on your understanding as to how they work, what they target, why you need to take them, and when you can expect improvements to your condition. Talking to your naturopathic medicine advisors at Natural Path to Wellness ensures that you are guided as you discover the benefits of herbal medicine according to your personal triggers and symptoms.

Relieving Your Migraine Headaches

In addition to botanical medicine, identifying and avoiding triggers that can cause your migraine attacks are vital steps to take to help the body as it heals itself. Mindfully choosing what food you eat, following mind-body techniques, removing unhealthy lifestyle practices, and exploring other naturopathic practices help prevent migraine attacks while nourishing and healing your body. While taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat your migraine attacks can potentially cause stomach ulcers, the naturopathic approach positively influences other aspects of your health, with beneficial effects on intestinal health, cognition and memory, nails, skin, and hair, ultimately promoting optimal well-being. Talking with your naturopathic medicine advisors at Natural Path to Wellness fosters meaningful conversations and health-seeking behaviors aimed to assist you in exploring natural options and making conscious decisions to totally alleviate your migraine attacks and maintain optimal well-being.

To learn more about the healing power of nature for migraine relief, talk to us today!

BECOME A CLIENT

Martins LB, Rodrigues AMDS, Rodrigues DF, Dos Santos LC, Teixeira AL, Ferreira AVM. Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginger ( Zingiber officinale Rosc.) addition in migraine acute treatment. Cephalalgia. 2019;39(1):68-76. doi:10.1177/0333102418776016
Din L, Lui F. Butterbur. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 25, 2023.
Wider B, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Feverfew for preventing migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;4(4):CD002286. Published 2015 Apr 20. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002286.pub3

5/6/2025

glp-1 agonists for Weight Loss: Are They Right for You?

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The discovery of GLP-1 agonists brought a revolutionary change to the management of diabetes, offering a non-invasive approach to help insulin, produced by your pancreas, effectively do its job in regulating glucose levels in the blood. This also prevents rapid deterioration of your pancreas due to diabetes, thereby minimizing your risks of becoming dependent on insulin injections for life. Interestingly, one of the side effects of GLP-1 agonists is weight loss, making this medication an appealing regimen in people who are aiming for a specific goal weight. Although with several properties promoting weight loss, GLP-1 agonists should not be used for the sole purpose of losing weight. Aside from putting yourself at risk of experiencing adverse health effects, GLP-1 agonists must be taken for life to maintain the weight you have previously lost. This means that GLP1-agonists are not efficient, long-term solutions to achieving your weight goals!

What are GLP-1 agonists?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, such as semaglutide (famously known as Ozempic) or liraglutide, are a type of medication used to regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These medications help stimulate the secretion of insulin after eating a meal rich in glucose, thereby preventing too much buildup of glucose in the blood through effectively facilitating its delivery into the cells for energy.1 Additionally, GLP-1 agonists prevent your pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for secreting insulin, from self-destruction, thereby helping to maintain the amount of insulin needed to prevent build-up of sugars in the blood. However, GLP-1 agonists can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, or headaches, which can affect the quality of life in people using these medications.

How do GLP-1 agonists promote weight loss?

GLP-1 agonists cause weight loss by reducing your appetite and promoting early feelings of satiety.2 This means that taking GLP-1 agonists will make you feel full quickly compared to when you are not including these medications in your regimen. Interestingly, appetite reduction associated with GLP-1 agonists may be due to their effects on the receptors in your brain that are responsible for maintaining energy balance and regulating food intake.2 Additionally, experiencing nausea and vomiting while taking these medications will inevitably affect your desire to eat. Once your eating habits are affected, nutritional deficiencies due to lack of food intake may occur! This can affect your body’s regulatory processes and may lead to weakness and fatigue due to problems with energy production, brittle bones from calcium deficiency, and weakened immune system that will put you at risk of infections. Hence, the use of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss is not without health consequences. Liraglutide, for instance, can increase your risks of developing cancer or pancreatitis and have severe implications on your mental well-being.2

Helps Reduce Cravings

GLP-1 Boosting Probiotic

Healthy Glucose Levels

The Naturopathic Approach

Rather than limiting yourself to taking GLP-1 agonists for weight loss and experiencing its adverse health effects just to achieve your weight goals, naturopathic care offers a natural and holistic approach that nurtures your health without forcing the body past its own healthy, desired weight. Intuitive eating practices offer a revolutionary change towards your eating habits by helping you listen to your body’s natural cues on when to eat and stop eating. Herbs like ginger (Zingiber officinale), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.), can help naturally increase GLP-1 secretion, so our team will work with these natural remedies to manage blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity.

At Natural Path to Wellness, we will help you explore herbal medications, supplementations, and mind-body practices that will not only help you achieve a healthy body weight, but also promote healthier eating and lifestyle habits for long-term stability. Talk to us today!

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Collins L, Costello RA. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; February 29, 2024.
Popoviciu MS, Păduraru L, Yahya G, Metwally K, Cavalu S. Emerging Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Obesity: A Comprehensive Review of Randomised Controlled Trials. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(13):10449. Published 2023 Jun 21. doi:10.3390/ijms241310449

5/2/2025

Naturopathic Care for Myasthenia Gravis

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Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neurological problem that affects your muscles, causing them to be frail and weak. This is caused by a reduced number of acetylcholine receptors that receive signals in your neuromuscular junction due to damage caused by an impaired immune system, where your very own immune response attacks these fundamental structures instead of protecting them from harm.4 Because this disease targets the control center of your body, it is important to incorporate natural and holistic care that will not only help you achieve remission, but also nurture your optimal health.

Understanding Myasthenia Gravis

Acetylcholine, a vital hormone in transmitting responses throughout your nervous system, is constantly being synthesized and stored at special sites in your neuromuscular junction (the area where your neurons communicate and interact with your muscles to deliver signals towards and from the brain). Acetylcholine binds with its receptors to open up channels within the cell, facilitating the entry of essential minerals, such as sodium, to trigger a series of action potentials leading to muscle contraction. In people with myasthenia gravis, the number of acetylcholine receptors are not substantial enough to efficiently regulate these processes, thereby causing weakness due to impaired muscle contractions.4

Signs and Symptoms

Myasthenia gravis typically affects women more than men, especially those in their twenties and thirties. People with MG experience weakness and fatigue which worsens with persistent muscle use throughout the day. However, these symptoms are relieved with sleep or rest. Your eye muscles are typically affected first, causing you to experience double vision (diplopia) or droopy eyelids (ptosis). As the condition progresses, you may have facial weakness that will show up as an aggressive or snarling expression every time you try to smile. You may also have problems with chewing for longer periods of time or have difficulty swallowing due to weak oral muscles. Once your speech muscles become affected, your voice quality may change and become mushy. Limb muscles may be affected in some people with myasthenia gravis, leading to proximal and symmetric weakness. Severe cases of myasthenia gravis may lead to a crisis, where your weakness can cause difficulty breathing and even lead to respiratory failure.

Allopathic Options

Myasthenia gravis is conventionally managed with steroids to suppress your immune system and anticholinesterase medications to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, which is an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine. Steroids are used to depress your immune system, thereby preventing its activation and attack on your brain. Myasthenia gravis may also be secondary to a thymoma, which is a tumor in the thymus that produces antibodies attacking acetylcholine receptors in the brain.1 Removal of the thymus may be beneficial in people with tumors present in this organ.

The Naturopathic Approach

Naturopathic care for myasthenia gravis focuses on regulating your immune response by addressing the root cause behind why your immune system attacks your own body. These may include holistic counseling sessions, lifestyle modifications, herbal medications, and nutrient supplementation.

Holistic Counseling
The reason behind autoimmune dysfunction is not only limited to the physical domain of health, an imbalance in your emotional, mental, spiritual, or environmental health can also trigger an autoimmune reaction that precipitates the development of myasthenia gravis. This means that your immune system can attack your body because of a psychological strain! As optimal health is a state of holistic well-being and not just the absence of physical disease, holistic counselling can be beneficial in determining and targeting different phenomena that may affect your overall health.

Regular Exercise and Physical Activity
Since myasthenia gravis primarily causes fatigability in your muscles, exercise is an effective way to nurture muscle strength and endurance.1 Exercise also helps improve your work of breathing by improving the strength of your respiratory muscles.

Botanical Medicine
Remedies from nature may be safe and effective adjuncts to your current medication regimens. In fact, the medication you are currently using today may have been developed through studying how medicinal plants work! Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is especially beneficial when you have myasthenia gravis because it protects your brain from degeneration.2 This herb is rich in antioxidants and immunomodulating properties which help maintain a healthy and protective environment within the brain! Aside from ginseng, our team at Natural Path to Wellness will help you discover the best herbal remedies for your case and preferences, talk to us to learn more!

Nutrient Supplementation
Supplementing your diet with essential vitamins and minerals can help nurture your body’s natural abilities to heal and protect itself. Vitamin D, in particular, can have powerful benefits in people with myasthenia gravis by exerting immunomodulatory effects and nurturing muscle function.3 On the other hand, vitamin B12 supplementation can help nurture healthy nerves! Nutrient supplementation, however, can only work when needed and when combined with supportive therapies that address the root cause of autoimmune dysfunction.

Nurturing Your Brain Health

Myasthenia gravis can cause debilitating effects when not adequately managed. Since the disease targets the neuromuscular junction, which is responsible for maintaining the connection between your brain and muscles, its progression can affect your everyday activities, senses, and breathing (in worst cases). Therefore, managing myasthenia gravis through holistic integrative care is important. This type of approach does not rely on conventional medications for symptom management. Instead, it targets the root cause of autoimmune dysfunction to help your body regain and nurture its inherent ability to heal itself.

Curious to learn more? Talk to us today!

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Huang EJ, Wu MH, Wang TJ, Huang TJ, Li YR, Lee CY. Myasthenia Gravis: Novel Findings and Perspectives on Traditional to Regenerative Therapeutic Interventions. Aging Dis. 2023;14(4):1070-1092. Published 2023 Aug 1. doi:10.14336/AD.2022.1215
Kim KH, Lee D, Lee HL, Kim CE, Jung K, Kang KS. Beneficial effects of Panax ginseng for the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases: past findings and future directions. J Ginseng Res. 2018;42(3):239-247. doi:10.1016/j.jgr.2017.03.011
Zhang T, Zhong J, Ji X, Sun J, Cui Y, Wang S. Vitamin D add on the standard treatment for myasthenia gravis symptoms following total gastrectomy: a case report. BMC Neurol. 2024;24(1):188. Published 2024 Jun 5. doi:10.1186/s12883-024-03687-z
Dresser L, Wlodarski R, Rezania K, Soliven B. Myasthenia Gravis: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations. J Clin Med. 2021;10(11):2235. Published 2021 May 21. doi:10.3390/jcm10112235

4/25/2025

Hypothyroidism: What It Is, Who’s at Risk, and Why It Matters

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Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland is unable to sufficiently produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormones that are needed to regulate different processes within the body. The most famous culprit behind hypothyroidism all over the world is iodine deficiency, which can be preventable through proper supplementation of this vital mineral in the diet. However, the most common causes of an underactive thyroid gland in the United States, as well as most industrialized nations, are autoimmune disorders and treatments of hyperthyroidism.5

Understanding Hypothyroidism

Your thyroid gland plays a vital role in producing hormones that regulate your body’s metabolic rate, energy, growth, and tissue development. To make sure it produces adequate amount of hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine), your hypothalamus regulates the thyroid gland’s activity through releasing thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) which activates thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the pituitary gland to kickstart thyroid hormone production.6 Once sufficient hormone levels are produced, your thyroid gland actually inhibits the production of TRH in the hypothalamus!6 This is one of the wonderful mechanisms present in the body to make sure optimal amounts of hormones are present and prevent excess or deficient hormone levels, which can do more harm than good. In order to create thyroid hormones, your thyroid gland needs tyrosine and iodine. This is precisely why iodine deficiency can also lead to hypothyroidism, since your thyroid gland lacks a vital element it needs to create thyroid hormones.

Types of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs due to different factors and can affect anyone, even newborns! The most common types of hypothyroidism include:

Congenital Hypothyroidism
Newborns and infants are not immune to hypothyroidism, especially when their mothers were previously diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or were able to receive antithyroid medications during pregnancy. Problems with the connection between the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis or hormones that are regulated by this pathway can cause hypothyroidism in children. Abnormal development of the thyroid gland while in the mother’s womb or impaired abilities of the baby to synthesize and process thyroid hormones may also lead to hypothyroidism.7 Babies with hypothyroidism may have feeding problems, delayed bone growth and development, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), neurodevelopmental delays, and enlarged tongue.7 Additionally, children with hypothyroidism are at risk of developing heart problems and malformations. This serves as a reminder to women with thyroid problems who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant to take care of their health, regulate their thyroid hormones, and talk to their healthcare providers and naturopathic doctors on the best holistic practices to nurture their health and baby’s well-being.

Autoimmune Hypothyroidism
Autoimmune hypothyroidism has two subtypes: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and atrophic thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the more common type and is typically associated with a goiter (neck mass). Autoimmune hypothyroidism occurs when white blood cells, especially lymphocytes, attack the thyroid gland and destroy thyroid follicles that produce your very own thyroid hormones.5 This eventually leads to the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) and decreased thyroid hormone levels. Take note: this doesn’t happen overnight! Your body has wonderful abilities to fight off this imbalance and attempt to compensate through increasing the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the pituitary gland! To learn more about Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, signs and symptoms you should take note of, and the best natural approaches to manage it, we have the perfect blog post for you!

Signs and Symptoms

People with hypothyroidism may experience fatigue, weakness, unintentional weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and intolerance to cold.1 However, symptoms may vary depending on your age, thyroid hormone levels, and sex. In fact, older people with hypothyroidism can have fewer symptoms or experience no symptoms at all!1

Risk Factors

Stress
Stress triggers the release of noradrenaline and cortisol, which are hormones that help your body cope up with the increasing demand to maintain balance within. Unfortunately, these hormones can suppress the secretion of your TSH, thereby causing dysfunction in the thyroid gland.3

Iodine Deficiency
The food you eat everyday can actually affect your risks of developing hypothyroidism. Particularly, iodine deficiency has been the leading culprit of hypothyroidism worldwide since millions of people do not get sufficient amounts of iodine in the diet.1 As previously mentioned, iodine is an important element in thyroid hormone synthesis. Hence, lack of this essential element disrupts the essential process in creating thyroid hormones.

One important source of dietary iodine is seaweed and seafood. In the U.S., many people became iodine-deficient due to lacking a diverse diet that included these foods. Because of this, our regular table salt is supplemented with iodine. This means that, more than likely, if you are cooking with standard table salt, or eat a lot of restaurant or processed food, you will not need additional iodine. If, however, most of your foods are cooked at home with mineral-rich sea salt or Himalayan salt, and you are not eating seaweed and seafood regularly, you should ask your health team if you need to supplement since iodine is typically not added to these kinds of salt.

Selenium
Aside from iodine, selenium is another important element that helps convert thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), which is the active form of thyroid hormone that is used up by your cells.2 Once selenium levels in the body are low, this process cannot be facilitated effectively, and your cells will not be able to receive adequate levels of active thyroid hormones for growth and energy.

One natural source of selenium is the Brazil nut!4 Traditionally, just 3 Brazil nuts per day was sufficient to supplement your needed selenium; however, mono-cropping and other big-food-industry changes have led to the soil being stripped of much of the selenium the tree needs to create selenium-rich nuts. Because of this, your naturopathic doctor may make a recommendation to use a selenium supplement with a standardized dose, rather than relying on Brazil nuts with unstable levels. However, for many people, especially those without autoimmunity, the Brazil nut is still a wonderful source and will typically provide sufficient selenium.

Medications
Certain medications can affect your thyroid hormone levels and increase your risks of developing hypothyroidism. Amiodarone, which is a medication used to regulate heart rate in people with cardiac problems, can cause damage to your thyroid gland. This medication can cause iodine overload, which can block the synthesis of your thyroid hormones.1 You might be wondering why this can happen knowing iodine is needed to synthesize thyroid hormones. The answer is: your body also cuts off thyroid hormone production when too much iodine is present to maintain optimal thyroid hormone levels!1 This helps nurture balance within. Additionally, medications used to manage epilepsy, such as carbamazepine and valproate, can decrease thyroid hormone levels and eventually cause hypothyroidism.8

The Naturopathic Approach

Regulating your thyroid hormone levels through holistic and multidisciplinary care is important to achieve remission and prevent complications of hypothyroidism. It is important to remember that your body has the natural ability to heal itself and it is your responsibility to help it regain and nurture this ability. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to helping you in your journey to wellness through discovering the best natural solutions for your case and preferences. Talk to us today!

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Chaker L, Bianco AC, Jonklaas J, Peeters RP. Hypothyroidism. Lancet. 2017;390(10101):1550-1562. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30703-1
Wang F, Li C, Li S, Cui L, Zhao J, Liao L. Selenium and thyroid diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023;14:1133000. Published 2023 Mar 24. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1133000
Singh M, Narayan J, Thakur R, Bhattacharya S, Sonkar SK, Ali W. Association of stress and primary hypothyroidism. J Family Med Prim Care. 2024;13(3):1073-1078. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_845_23
Godos J, Giampieri F, Micek A, et al. Effect of Brazil Nuts on Selenium Status, Blood Lipids, and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(2):403. Published 2022 Feb 16. doi:10.3390/antiox11020403
Kaur J, Jialal I. Hashimoto Thyroiditis. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; February 9, 2025.
Shahid MA, Ashraf MA, Sharma S. Physiology, Thyroid Hormone. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 5, 2023.
Bowden SA, Goldis M. Congenital Hypothyroidism. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 5, 2023.
Adhimoolam M, Arulmozhi R. Effect of antiepileptic drug therapy on thyroid hormones among adult epileptic patients: An analytical cross-sectional study. J Res Pharm Pract. 2016;5(3):171-174. doi:10.4103/2279-042X.185717

4/22/2025

Naturopathic Care for Type 2 Diabetes

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Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic problem that occurs when you have prolonged high levels of glucose in the blood due to problems with insulin resistance. This means that although your pancreas is actively working to secrete insulin and regulate sugar levels in the blood, organs that are supposed to benefit from the wonders of insulin are resistant to its effects!

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that occurs when there is prolonged high levels of sugar within the blood due to problems with insulin metabolism and balance.1 Insulin is a special hormone secreted mainly in the pancreas that is responsible in regulating blood sugar levels, thereby helping to produce energy that your body needs to function and at the same time regulate the consumption of this energy. Over time, this metabolic imbalance can damage your blood vessels, leading to long-term (and possibly irreversible) problems with your heart, eyes, kidneys, and brain.

The Role of Insulin

You may have wondered what exactly insulin does and why it is a very important hormone in the body. To answer your question, insulin is the primary control that directs tissues in the body to store and replenish its own fuel (also known as glucose), making sure your cells have adequate amounts of energy to function properly. As insulin effectively regulates the use and storage of the body’s fuels, it also helps maintain adequate levels of glucose in the blood. Maintaining these levels are important in regularly providing your brain with glucose to fuel its day-to-day activities. Once this balance is disrupted, your central nervous system cannot function properly. This is why people with low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) experience confusion, seizures, or coma (in severe cases). Prolonged high levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia), on the other hand, can impair the abilities of your kidneys to reabsorb glucose. Once this happens, the unabsorbed glucose draws water out of the body along with it, causing you to urinate more than usual! This can lead to dehydration in the long run.

Allopathic Options

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is initially managed with anti-hyperglycemic oral medications, such as metformin. These anti-hyperglycemic drugs effectively reduce your blood sugar levels to reach their normal numbers, helping to maintain homeostasis and effective delivery of energy to body tissues. However, the right anti-hyperglycemic drug varies per person and may cause different side effects, such as stomach problems, unintentional weight gain or weight loss, headaches, increased risks of infections, and vitamin deficiencies.2 Additionally, the efficacy of these medications in regulating your blood sugar levels diminishes overtime, especially when nutrition and lifestyle changes are not incorporated in these regimens. Eventually, many people with type 2 diabetes mellitus are prescribed lifelong insulin injections, where monitoring of blood sugar levels every day is required to prevent low blood sugar levels (a common side effect of insulin that primarily affects fuel delivery into the brain).

The Naturopathic Approach

Naturopathic care for type 2 diabetes mellitus follows a holistic approach that targets the root causes of your health problems, thereby promoting healing from within. It aims to establish a personalized and structured approach that considers lifestyle, nutrition, nutrient supplementation, herbal medications, and whole-body therapies, that are all aimed at nurturing your body’s natural abilities to heal itself.

With naturopathic medicine, total remission from type 2 diabetes is possible!

Intuitive Eating
Being aware of what you eat every day and understanding the different impacts of food on your blood glucose levels is important in effectively managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Rather than restricting yourself to a specific diet, intuitive eating practices help you choose the best and accessible food choices for your optimal health without having to feel guilty of what you actually eat. This may sound a bit tricky! Your naturopathic doctors will help you recognize your body’s natural hunger signals and discover ways on how you can indulge in your favorite foods and take care of your health at the same time.

Nutrient Supplementation
Supplementing your diet with vitamins and minerals is an effective approach to help your body fight off the imbalance associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is important in stimulating the release of insulin after eating glucose. Taking vitamin C supplements every day is helpful in supporting this regulatory process. Additionally, vitamin C contains antioxidant properties that can help regulate your blood pressure levels and protect your blood vessels from damage that may occur after prolonged hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).
Chromium. Chromium is a mineral that enhances insulin activity and promotes its uptake, thereby allowing the entry of glucose into the cells. Hence, chromium helps cells receive their fuel for them to function optimally! Additionally, chromium helps prevent the build-up of glucose in the blood and manage hyperglycemia.
Zinc. Zinc is another essential nutrient that is important in preventing the complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Supplementing your diet with zinc helps metabolize insulin and nurtures your cells’ abilities to produce their own antioxidants.

And many more!

With different supplements available for type 2 diabetes mellitus, finding the best types for your health and preference is important! Not to worry, your naturopathic team at Natural Path to Wellness will help you discover the best supplements for your optimal health and well-being.

Botanical Medicine

Galega (Galega officinalis). This powerful herb helps promote insulin secretion and nurtures your pancreas at the same time. Galega protects your pancreas by preventing the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevent the formation of inflammatory products, both of which cause unwanted cell damage.3 Galegine, its active ingredient, was actually used as a prototype for metformin!3
Cow's Paw (Bauhinia forficata). Also known as vegetable insulin, this herb has been used in Brazilian folk medicine to manage diabetes mellitus. It contains anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, and antioxidant properties that help maintain balance within.4
Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre). Commonly considered a sugar destroyer, gumar is an effective herbal remedy to help improve your glycemic control by increasing the sensitivity of your body tissues to insulin.5 Additionally, this plant helps lower lipid levels in the blood, preventing health risks associated with cholesterol build-up.

And many more!

Nurturing Your Metabolic Health

Achieving optimal blood sugar levels and long-term glycemic control requires a whole-person commitment that involves modifications in lifestyle and nutrition, as well as supplementation, effective medications, herbal remedies, and physical movement, all of which impart positive effects on your overall health. You are not alone in fighting against type 2 diabetes mellitus. At Natural Path to Wellness, your naturopathic medicine advisors will help you discover the best solutions for your long-term well-being. Talk to us today!

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It is important to remember that the use of certain herbal medications is contraindicated in special populations, especially in pregnant and lactating women. Additionally, incorporating herbal remedies into your daily regimen should be monitored and regulated to ensure that you are able to receive the full benefits of their natural healing properties. Discovering the right herbal remedies for your case and preferences is done with the guidance of your naturopathic doctors, who are experts in the field of natural and holistic healing.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.

Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.

REFERENCES:

Yedjou CG, Grigsby J, Mbemi A, et al. The Management of Diabetes Mellitus Using Medicinal Plants and Vitamins. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(10):9085. Published 2023 May 22. doi:10.3390/ijms24109085
Ganesan K, Rana MBM, Sultan S. Oral Hypoglycemic Medications. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482386/
Hachkova H, Nagalievska M, Soliljak Z, et al. Medicinal Plants Galega officinalis L. and Yacon Leaves as Potential Sources of Antidiabetic Drugs. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(9):1362. Published 2021 Aug 26. doi:10.3390/antiox10091362
Tonelli CA, de Oliveira SQ, Silva Vieira AAD, et al. Clinical efficacy of capsules containing standardized extract of Bauhinia forficata Link (pata-de-vaca) as adjuvant treatment in type 2 diabetes patients: A randomized, double blind clinical trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022;282:114616. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114616

4/11/2025

Naturopathic Care for Ulcerative Colitis

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Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the large intestine, while sparing the deeper layers of its walls. Although the exact cause of ulcerative colitis is still yet to be discovered, several factors play a role in its development, namely, genetics, environmental factors, and autoimmunity that cause defects in the protective function of the intestinal barrier. These impairments eventually trigger the normal intestinal flora to constantly and inappropriately activate the immune system, creating an endless cycle of inflammation that can be eradicated with holistic long-term solutions that nurture the body’s natural abilities to heal itself.

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis, together with Crohn’s disease, are the two main classifications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus (end part of the large intestine), ulcerative colitis only affects the lining of the large intestine and rectum. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but various genetic and environmental factors can trigger its development, such as gastrointestinal infections, use of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like good old Advil or Celebrex), and smoking.1 These changes alter your healthy gut microbiota, eventually causing dysregulation of the immune system within the gastrointestinal tract and fostering an endless cycle of inflammatory responses.

Signs and Symptoms

People with ulcerative colitis typically experience diarrhea and notice the presence of blood in the stool. Additionally, you may feel abdominal pain, have yellowish (mucus) discharges from your anus, and have the frequent urge to go to the bathroom without actually being able to poop (tenesmus).1 Ulcerative colitis may also have extraintestinal signs and symptoms, such as joint inflammation and erythematous (red and swollen) skin lesions.1

Allopathic Options

Ulcerative colitis is conventionally managed through a combination of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications that aim to help those with the condition achieve and maintain remission. Despite being effective to some extent, not all people with ulcerative colitis can experience promising results with currently available treatment options. Additionally, medications for ulcerative colitis are associated with severe adverse effects that can cause impairments to your quality of life more than the disease itself.

The Naturopathic Approach

Naturopathic medicine aims to help you restore your normal gut microbiota by correcting dysbiosis, regulating intestinal inflammation, and nurturing a healthy immune response. These are achieved through a combination of effective herbal remedies and nutrient supplementation, both of which nurture healthy intestinal microbiota.

Botanical Medicine

Curcumin (Curcuma longa). With rich historical roots in managing inflammatory, infectious, and digestive problems, curcumin helps regulate the factors that activate inflammatory processes in the body, while nurturing healthy intestinal microbiota and structure. Curcumin does this by targeting inflammatory enzymes in the body, effectively decreasing the progression of ulcerative colitis.2
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller). This herb doesn’t just give you smooth and silky hair! It has actually been used for centuries to manage stomach ulcers, burns, wounds, and inflammation. Its wonders in managing ulcerative colitis comes from its abilities to inhibit the secretion of inflammatory markers and exert antimicrobial effects that promote a healthy, normal intestinal flora.3
Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata). The extract of this wonderful herb helps prevent diarrhea and regulate the movement of food in the intestines. Its ability to improve tissue repair and healing helps restore damaged intestinal barrier integrity associated with ulcerative colitis.4
Pomegranate (Punica granatum). This fruit is not only delicious, but also contains wonderful health benefits that nurtures your optimal well-being and prevents the development of diseases. Its wonders in managing ulcerative colitis comes from ellagitannins, which are active ingredients found in different parts of the plant that exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, in addition to preventing the development of intestinal inflammation.5

And many more!

Probiotics
The role that the normal microbiota in your intestines play is complex. This generally protects your body from infections and maintains balance that regulates the processes keeping the body healthy and strong. However, your intestinal microbiota can also induce and maintain inflammation once dysbiosis occurs, so it is very important to nurture the balance between these inhabitants to prevent dysregulation of key body processes. Simply put, any problems in the intestinal microbiota that can alter the balance between the amount of protective and harmful bacteria play a significant role in the development of ulcerative colitis. Probiotics prevent this from happening by nurturing intestinal microbial balance, ultimately nurturing a healthy gut barrier and immune system.

Nurturing Your Intestinal Health

Your gastrointestinal tract, especially the intestines, are considered gateways that not only provide a protective barrier from the outside environment, but also digest and absorb nutrients that allow your body to function. Hence, reducing inflammation and nurturing a healthy intestinal microbiota protect your body from dysregulation and disease conditions. To discover natural options that help your body heal itself and nurture the balance within, talk to your naturopathic medicine advisors at Natural Path to Wellness today!

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Before using herbal remedies for your optimal health, it is important to consult with your primary care providers and naturopathic doctors to prevent any unwanted or adverse effects that may cause more harm than good to your body. Additionally, most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, so it is vital to check whether your choice of herbs could not cause harm to you and your baby.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements.

Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.

REFERENCES:

Feuerstein JD, Moss AC, Farraye FA. Ulcerative Colitis [published correction appears in Mayo Clin Proc. 2019 Oct;94(10):2149. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.08.008]. Mayo Clin Proc. 2019;94(7):1357-1373. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.01.018
Lin Y, Liu H, Bu L, Chen C, Ye X. Review of the Effects and Mechanism of Curcumin in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:908077. Published 2022 Jun 20. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.908077
Kweon DY, Song HJ, Kim JE, et al. Therapeutic Effects of Aloe saponaria against Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2023;45(2):1483-1499. Published 2023 Feb 9. doi:10.3390/cimb45020096
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