Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that is famous for its healing and moisturizing properties, especially for the skin and hair. Historically, aloe vera has been used to treat people with skin disorders and burn injuries since it is considered safe and non-toxic. Because of the long list of benefits associated with its use, aloe vera has become a staple ingredient of creams, soaps, shampoos, and lotions (even your very own skincare staples)! Scroll down to learn more about the wonderful effects of aloe vera for boosting skin moisture and repair.
Historical Background
Aloe vera (Aloe vera L.) is commonly found in hot and dry areas, especially in Central America and Asia, where the plant has been used for centuries as a health supplement.1 The word aloe comes from the Arabic word meaning shining bitter substance, while vera is a Latin word meaning truth. Back in the day, aloe vera was used by the Egyptians for body care, even dubbing aloe vera as the plant of immortality. As a plant with a wide range of therapeutic effects, aloe vera is also known as the miracle gift of nature.1
Nutritional Components
The aloe vera plant is rich in nutrients that ultimately promote healing and repair. Its most important component is its leaf, which contains the liquid gold that is the aloe vera gel. This gel contains amino acids (a.k.a. the building blocks of proteins), healthy fats, chromones (which contain anti-inflammatory properties), vitamins, and sterols (essential components that maintain the strength and integrity of your cells).1 In fact, more than seventy-five (75) nutrients can be found within the aloe vera gel, including vitamins A, C, and E, which help nurture healthy, glowing skin!1
Bonus point! Aloe vera gel is also rich in salicylic acid, the famous ingredient of skincare brands that can help exfoliate your skin and maintain its youthful glow. Aside from its skin-saving properties, aloe vera is also effective in relieving pain, preventing constipation and infections, reducing inflammation, regulating your immune response, and preventing irritation.1 Skin Healing Effects
Dry and damaged skin may not only affect your physical health, but also your mental well-being. Because the skin serves as a protective barrier that safeguards your body from harmful microorganisms in the environment, a break in skin integrity can put you at risk of acquiring dangerous infections that will put your immune system out of balance. In a similar way, damaged skin can affect your mental health by affecting your self-esteem and confidence, especially during social interactions and events. Hence, healing is a vital process that your skin naturally undergoes after every injury. Aloe vera helps nurture this process, helping your skin to recover faster and healthier.
Aloe vera can help improve the flexibility and prevent your skin’s fragility through its hydrating properties, as 99% of aloe vera gel is made of water. Its amino acid and zinc components help nurture your skin’s natural integrity and prevent damage. Interestingly, the gel of the aloe vera plant can inhibit tyrosinase, which is an enzyme that promotes the production of melanin (the pigment that gives color to your skin, eye, and hair). This effect can be beneficial for those with hyperpigmentation or sunspots caused by this enzyme’s overactivity.1 Aloe vera is also considered safe and effective to use for people with burns because of its abilities to promote faster healing without having toxic effects.1 
If it sounds like too much bother to make, no worries! We've linked some of our favorite aloe products for you to check out.
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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.
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.
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!
To learn more about the wonders of naturopathic medicine for you, talk to us today!
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:
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
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
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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.
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
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.
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).
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!
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:
- 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
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!
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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!
Curious to learn more? Talk to us today!
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:
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:
- 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
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.
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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.
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!
To learn more about the healing power of nature for migraine relief, talk to us today!
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:
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:
- 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
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!
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.
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!
Curious to learn more? Talk to us today!
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:
- 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
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.
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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!
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
- Laudadio I, Leter B, Palone F, et al. Inhibition of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis by Scutellaria Baicalensis georgi and Boswellia serrata in human epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Immun Inflamm Dis. 2024;12(10):e70036. doi:10.1002/iid3.70036
- Li H, Ruan J, Huang J, et al. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and Its Rich Ellagitannins as Potential Inhibitors in Ulcerative Colitis. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(24):17538. Published 2023 Dec 16. doi:10.3390/ijms242417538
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has affected the lives of many, eventually becoming a health issue that brought an ongoing stigma against those infected. The revolutionary discovery of HIV in the United States paved the way for its awareness, diagnosis, and management, thereby helping those with the condition prevent complications and opportunistic infections that can harm their well-being.
Understanding HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of retrovirus that was first discovered in Africa from primates, where it was thought to be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animal blood. Its destructive nature comes from its abilities to directly attack your immune system, thereby causing damage to the cells that are supposed to protect your body from harm.1 Particularly, HIV affects your CD4+ helper T cells, which are a type of white blood cells that help regulate your immune response and activate other immune cells to successfully fight off infections.1
Did you know? Your helper T cells also undergo self-destruction to prevent the virus from replicating and causing further damage to the body. The effects of this sacrifice, although effective in reducing viral replication, is short-lived and eventually puts you at risk of infections due to an impaired immune protection.
Did you know? Your helper T cells also undergo self-destruction to prevent the virus from replicating and causing further damage to the body. The effects of this sacrifice, although effective in reducing viral replication, is short-lived and eventually puts you at risk of infections due to an impaired immune protection.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual activity, where breaks or trauma in the mucosa exposes cells underneath it to seminal or vaginal fluids that contain the virus. Other forms of transmission include sharing injectables (or straws, dollar bills, or other devices for intranasal drug use), transfusion with blood and blood products infected with HIV, and exposure to potentially infectious body fluids, such as breastmilk or amniotic fluid from a mother (who is not undergoing treatment and still considered infectious) to her fetus. It is important to remember that HIV cannot be transmitted through saliva, tears, sweat, or even discharges from your nose, unless these secretions are visibly bloody! This means that it is safe to interact with, hug, hold hands, comfort, and exchange other forms of non-sexual contact with a person who is HIV-positive.
Allopathic Options
HIV infection is primarily managed with antiretroviral drugs, such as zidovudine, with specific type and dose depending on your unique case. Although unable to completely clear the infection, antiretroviral therapy can effectively suppress viral activity by attacking different stages of the virus’ development and replication. This has paved the way for people with HIV to live longer and help prevent them from transmitting the disease to other people. Presently, anti-retroviral drugs also help prevent HIV infection when taken before or after sexual acts or exposure to blood and fluids infected with HIV.1 Presently, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP) is readily available to prevent HIV infection in people belonging to high-risk groups, such as various healthcare teams working with HIV-positive patients, community care workers, bisexuals, transgenders, gays, and people engaging in occupational intercourse (sex workers).5 In people with high risks of acquiring HIV due to sexual practices, including their partners in the treatment regimen is important.
One of the most pressing concerns behind the use of antiretroviral drugs is non-compliance that may be attributed to the number of tablets that should be taken everyday, as well as the wide array of side effects and adverse reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, rash, fatigue, and even mouth sores or blisters, all of which can affect your daily activities. This is one vital part where naturopathic care can help! At Natural Path to Wellness, we will help you explore holistic, natural options that can effectively reduce unwanted side effects from medication use and nurture your quality of life throughout your treatment regimen at the same time.
One of the most pressing concerns behind the use of antiretroviral drugs is non-compliance that may be attributed to the number of tablets that should be taken everyday, as well as the wide array of side effects and adverse reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, rash, fatigue, and even mouth sores or blisters, all of which can affect your daily activities. This is one vital part where naturopathic care can help! At Natural Path to Wellness, we will help you explore holistic, natural options that can effectively reduce unwanted side effects from medication use and nurture your quality of life throughout your treatment regimen at the same time.
The Naturopathic Approach
Naturopathic care aims to nurture optimal well-being through helping you address and prevent chronic inflammation and immune activation. Our goal is to ultimately treat the whole person and not just focus on your current disease.
Promoting Gut Health
HIV infection can impair the abilities of your gut mucosa to protect the body against harm from food and environmental particles that enter the body through your gastrointestinal tract. This is because the infection primarily damages your CD4+ Helper T cells, which are heavily responsible in initiating your body’s protective mechanisms against foreign invaders. Chronic infection and inflammation can also cause damage to cells that regulate the normal composition of your gut microbiota, which eventually triggers and sustains a never-ending cycle of inflammation.2 To prevent this cycle from happening, probiotics and prebiotics can be incorporated into your daily regimen. Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation can help prevent inflammation and improve the composition of your gut microbiota, thereby preventing gut dysbiosis.
Nutrient Supplementation
HIV infection cannot only exhaust your body’s immune response, but also trigger a heavy amount of stress that can eventually deplete your body’s nutrients and cause potential deficiencies that can affect your overall healthy state. Additionally, problems with your gastrointestinal mucosa can lead to malabsorption of essential vitamins and minerals that eventually causes or exacerbates nutrient deficiencies. Antioxidants normally produced in the body to protect it from oxidative damage are also depleted during the course of HIV infection. Supplementing your diet with essential vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, magnesium, and selenium can help promote your overall health and nurture your body’s natural abilities to produce antioxidants.
Botanical Medicine
Herbal medications are effective natural remedies that can help support your immune system and improve the efficacy of your treatment regimen.
And many more!
Promoting Gut Health
HIV infection can impair the abilities of your gut mucosa to protect the body against harm from food and environmental particles that enter the body through your gastrointestinal tract. This is because the infection primarily damages your CD4+ Helper T cells, which are heavily responsible in initiating your body’s protective mechanisms against foreign invaders. Chronic infection and inflammation can also cause damage to cells that regulate the normal composition of your gut microbiota, which eventually triggers and sustains a never-ending cycle of inflammation.2 To prevent this cycle from happening, probiotics and prebiotics can be incorporated into your daily regimen. Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation can help prevent inflammation and improve the composition of your gut microbiota, thereby preventing gut dysbiosis.
Nutrient Supplementation
HIV infection cannot only exhaust your body’s immune response, but also trigger a heavy amount of stress that can eventually deplete your body’s nutrients and cause potential deficiencies that can affect your overall healthy state. Additionally, problems with your gastrointestinal mucosa can lead to malabsorption of essential vitamins and minerals that eventually causes or exacerbates nutrient deficiencies. Antioxidants normally produced in the body to protect it from oxidative damage are also depleted during the course of HIV infection. Supplementing your diet with essential vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, magnesium, and selenium can help promote your overall health and nurture your body’s natural abilities to produce antioxidants.
Botanical Medicine
Herbal medications are effective natural remedies that can help support your immune system and improve the efficacy of your treatment regimen.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). This most treasured plant that is effective in managing stress and promoting relaxation can help reduce the progression of HIV infection by preventing viral replication.3 It also helps stimulate and strengthen your immune response.
- Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum). Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, this powerful mushroom can help reduce fatigue and improve the function of your immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting abilities that nurtures your optimal health. Bonus point! Lingzhi contains zinc, potassium, selenium, magnesium, iron, and other essential minerals that can help prevent nutritional deficiencies!4
And many more!
Nurturing Your Immune Health
The health of your immune system is crucial for the overall health of your body, especially when you have HIV infection. Nurturing your immune system through supplementing your treatment regimen with essential vitamins and minerals, optimizing your gut health, and incorporating herbal medications that can help support your immune response are essential in achieving an undetectable viral load, preventing transmission to other people, and avoiding complications of an ineffective immune response, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). To learn more about how to begin your holistic health and wellness journey, talk to us today!
Take note : it is best to consult with your healthcare provider first before exploring natural and alternative options for your optimal health to ensure that your treatment regimen is what is best and safe for you. Additionally, most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy and in special populations, so talking with your healthcare provider can prevent you from experiencing unwanted effects associated with unregulated use.
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:
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
REFERENCES:
- Kemnic TR, Gulick PG. HIV Antiretroviral Therapy. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; September 20, 2022.
- Vujkovic-Cvijin I, Somsouk M. HIV and the Gut Microbiota: Composition, Consequences, and Avenues for Amelioration. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2019;16(3):204-213. doi:10.1007/s11904-019-00441-w
- Jadaun P, Harshithkumar R, Gaikwad SY, et al. Withania somnifera extracts induced attenuation of HIV-1: a mechanistic approach to restrict viral infection. Virol J. 2023;20(1):173. Published 2023 Aug 3. doi:10.1186/s12985-023-02130-y
- Ekiz E, Oz E, Abd El-Aty A, et al. Exploring the potential medicinal benefits of ganoderma lucidum: From metabolic disorders to coronavirus infections. Foods. 2023;12(7):1512. doi:10.3390/foods12071512
- Sundareshan V, Swinkels HM, Nguyen AD, et al. Preexposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention. [Updated 2024 Jan 28]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507789/
Menopause is an unavoidable part of living. As you age, your body undergoes different changes that signal another phase in your life. These changes may bring different feelings and experiences compared to your younger years. Aside from activating your menstrual periods, your hormones actually exert regular and protective properties that lessen your chances of developing health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases. Discovering the best practices that you can do during this wonderful phase in your life can help you walk through the aging process gracefully.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause occurs when women who menstruate do not experience periods for at least 12 months.1 This phase does not happen overnight. Menopause is actually a period of transition that happens for years, where your reproductive abilities start to change, and your ovaries stop producing eggs to be fertilized. This depletion in your reproductive abilities eventually triggers hormonal fluctuations and reduction, especially estrogen, as well as the loss of your normal menstrual cycle. Additionally, declining estrogen levels put postmenopausal women at risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
The Role of Estrogen
Estrogen is an essential hormone that is naturally produced in the body to help your body sexually develop. It exerts its effects on different organs, making it important in regulating your overall health and wellbeing. Specifically, estrogen nurtures your reproductive, bone, skin, and cardiovascular health. Estrogen helps increase your breast size during puberty and, during pregnancy, readies the breasts for the production of milk after pregnancy, a process called lactation.2 It keeps your vaginal lining supple during your reproductive years. Estrogen additionally prepares your body to carry and nurture another human being during pregnancy. Your bones are also being protected and made stronger by estrogen! Estrogen helps reduce the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells responsible in breaking down bone.2 Interestingly, estrogen helps balance out cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby protecting you against metabolic and heart problems.2
Symptoms of Menopause
As your body undergoes dramatic changes and your hormone levels decline, you may experience different sets of symptoms that will affect your everyday activities. These may include hot flashes (warm sensation or sweating that progresses into chills), palpitations, night sweats, and even anxiety. These are associated with low estrogen levels, which affect your brain’s abilities to regulate body temperature.1
The Naturopathic Approach
Rather than fighting off the effects of menopause, naturopathic care focuses on nurturing your body’s natural abilities to cope up with this major change. This is done through incorporating holistic practices that support your body’s optimal health, as well as supplementing estrogen levels safely and effectively.
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Botanical Medicine
And many more!
It is important to remember that many herbs are contraindicated when you have certain health risks. In discovering the best herbal remedies for your case and preferences, talking to your naturopathic doctors is essential.
Nutrient Supplementation
Estrogen decline during menopause will affect the integrity of your vaginal lining, making it thin and dry. This may not only cause painful sexual intercourse, but also increase your risks of developing infections in your vagina. To prevent this from affecting your sexual and immune health, supplementing your diet with vitamin D may be beneficial. Vitamin D and calcium supplements is also helpful in preventing osteoporosis (brittle bones) caused by reduced estrogen levels; your naturopathic doctor can help determine if you should supplement.
- Black cohosh (Actea racemosa). Black cohosh is a phytoestrogen (a plant compound that mimics sex hormones produced in the body) that helps relieve symptoms of menopause.3 It helps alleviate hot flushes, especially those intense types, and improves your overall mood!
- Ginseng (Angelica sinensis). Ginseng, in combination with Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), is effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause.4 This wonderful combination also helps improve the quality of your sleep.
- Hops (Humulus lupulus). Hops helps reduce inflammation and acts as a phytoestrogen, thereby relieving menopausal symptoms and protecting your body against the long-term effects of estrogen loss.5 It also has antimicrobial properties that helps protect you against infections!
And many more!
It is important to remember that many herbs are contraindicated when you have certain health risks. In discovering the best herbal remedies for your case and preferences, talking to your naturopathic doctors is essential.
Nutrient Supplementation
Estrogen decline during menopause will affect the integrity of your vaginal lining, making it thin and dry. This may not only cause painful sexual intercourse, but also increase your risks of developing infections in your vagina. To prevent this from affecting your sexual and immune health, supplementing your diet with vitamin D may be beneficial. Vitamin D and calcium supplements is also helpful in preventing osteoporosis (brittle bones) caused by reduced estrogen levels; your naturopathic doctor can help determine if you should supplement.
The Key to Graceful Aging
Menopause is a natural phase in life that affects the overall well-being of people who menstruate. Although menopause can affect your physical and emotional well-being, it should not be considered a disease or medical disorder. The key to surviving and thriving in menopause is supporting your body as it goes through extreme changes in its effort to age gracefully. At Natural Path to Wellness, we will help you discover the best holistic strategies to help you in your journey through menopause and transition to another wonderful life phase. Talk to us today!
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:
- Peacock K, Carlson K, Ketvertis KM. Menopause. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; December 21, 2023.
- Delgado BJ, Lopez-Ojeda W. Estrogen. [Updated 2023 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538260/
- Castelo-Branco C, Navarro C, Beltrán E, Losa F, Camacho M; on the behalf of the Natural Products Study Group of the Spanish Menopause Society. Black cohosh efficacy and safety for menopausal symptoms. The Spanish Menopause Society statement. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2022;38(5):379-384. doi:10.1080/09513590.2022.2056591
- Johnson A, Roberts L, Elkins G. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Menopause. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2019;24:2515690X19829380. doi:10.1177/2515690X19829380
- Vahedpoorfard Z, Ferdosi S, Rahimi H, Motedayyen H. Effect of Humulus lupulus L. (Hop) on Postmenopausal Sexual Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pract. 2023;2023:9528335. Published 2023 Apr 17. doi:10.1155/2023/9528335
Your stomach is a vital organ that is very susceptible to inflammation from infection, injury, and irritation, especially since it receives food from the mouth (which may contain foreign pathogens) and breaks them down into particles for your intestines to absorb essential nutrients that your body needs to remain healthy. In people with peptic ulcer disease (PUD), the protective function of their stomach is impaired, leading to ulcerations that can severely affect quality of life and overall well-being.
Understanding Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) occurs due to an imbalance in the protective and damaging forces present in the gastrointestinal tract. Although the condition may occur in any part of the GI tract, it most commonly affects the last part of the stomach and the first portion of the small intestine.4 Years ago, most people with PUD were infected with Helicobacter pylori. However, with improvements on sanitation and the growing use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and fever, the trends eventually shifted. Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that thrives in the stomach of some people which can cause inflammation that can damage the stomach lining. The microorganism does this by decreasing the protective mucus that is present in the stomach, allowing gastric acid to destroy healthy cells. Currently, the rising rates of PUD have been associated with the use of NSAIDs, which can cause damage to the protective layer of your stomach. Ibuprofen or aspirin blocks COX-1, which is an enzyme that helps protect the stomach lining. Once blocked, the production of mucus in the stomach decreases and its protective properties diminish. Curious to learn more about the effects of NSAIDs to your stomach lining? We have the perfect blog post for you!
Signs and Symptoms
People with peptic ulcer disease experience episodes of burning or aching epigastric pain (pain located on the upper middle part of your abdomen). This gruesome pain typically happens 1-3 hours after eating and can be worse at night. The tricky part is that pain in PUD can be relieved by food or non-acidic drinks. Aside from abdominal pain, you may also experience bloating, nausea, and vomiting, all of which can affect your daily activities. In severe cases, PUDs can put you at risk of having GI bleeding, malnutrition, or cancer, since damage to your stomach lining can affect the integrity of blood vessels that supplies its cells the energy to function, impair the absorption of essential nutrients, and cause chronic irritation that can lead to the development of malignant cells. The good news is that peptic ulcers can actually spontaneously heal without having to go to treatment or therapy. However, the risks of developing additional ulcers should prompt you to take charge of your health and explore natural options that target and eradicate the cause of persistent erosions.
Allopathic Options
Conventional treatment strategies for peptic ulcer disease focus on eliminating H. pylori through antibiotics and reducing stomach acid through H-2 receptor antagonists, such as ranitidine, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI), such as omeprazole. Additional supplementation may be needed when using PPIs, since their prolonged use can lead to malnutrition and may increase your risks of getting bone fractures.4 Bismuth may also be taken in addition to antibiotics and PPIs when these two become ineffective in managing PUD. These medications can help treat the symptoms of peptic ulcer, but they do not treat the underlying cause or aid in nourishing the body.
Naturopathic Options
The naturopathic approach in managing peptic ulcer disease focuses on nurturing whole body health through lifestyle and food modifications, supplementation, herbal remedies, and stress reduction, which are all aimed at targeting the root cause of inflammation and breaking the cycle of ulceration. Simply put, naturopathic care aims to correct the cause of dysfunction, eliminate pathogens like H. pylori, healing the stomach and intestinal lining, and replace any lost nutrients. Additionally, people with long-term NSAID use are more likely to suffer from conditions that need immediate and frequent pain relief. Targeting the root cause of their health problem may ultimately prevent them from using NSAIDs in the first place!
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Stress Reduction
Exposure to stressful events and environments can affect acid secretion in the stomach and cause unwanted irritation to the lining that eventually results in ulceration. Hence, your stress levels severely affect regulatory processes within the body! Identifying and reducing stressors with your naturopathic doctors not only help nurture balance within the body, but also challenges yourself to become more proactive and conscious in maintaining optimal health.
Botanical Medicine
- Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis). Marshmallow root contains healing properties that help coat the lining of your esophagus and stomach, thereby forming a barrier that protects your gastric wall from acid and damage.1
- Licorice (Radix glycyrrhizae). Licorice can be a safer and effective alternative to bismuth, which is the drug of choice that helps protect your stomach from destructive acid and pepsin secretions by acting as a barrier while enhancing mucus secretion at the same time.1 Licorice root can increase your blood pressure so, as always, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.
- Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra). Aside from its wonders in healing sore throat, slippery elm helps nurture the protective barrier of the stomach by stimulating mucus production, thereby coating irritated or ulcered lining.2 This wonderful plant can also help improve your bowel habits and reduce problems with constipation.1
L-glutamine Supplementation
As the most abundant amino acid that helps maintain regulatory processes in the body, L-glutamine supports the optimal functioning of your gastrointestinal tract. Glutamine helps regulate the production of inflammatory markers and proliferation of white blood cells, thereby nurturing your defenses against infection and irritation.3 Supplementing your diet with L-glutamine also helps meet the metabolic demands of the body during metabolic stress, such as peptic ulcer disease.3
Nurturing Your Gastric Health
The role that your stomach plays is not only limited to breaking down food particles for absorption. It also helps secrete enzymes that help regulate the processes within your gastrointestinal tract. With food particles that may contain toxins and pathogens entering the stomach everyday, keeping your stomach strong and healthy is important to nurture innate protective factors that safeguard it from infections and ulcerations.
Do you want to learn how? Take the Natural Path to Wellness today!
Do you want to learn how? Take the Natural Path to Wellness today!
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:
- Mohiuddin AK. Alternative Treatments for Minor GI Ailments [retracted in: Innov Pharm. 2020 Feb 25;11(1). doi: 10.24926/iip.v11i1.3940]. Innov Pharm. 2019;10(3):10.24926/iip.v10i3.1659. Published 2019 Jul 5. doi:10.24926/iip.v10i3.1659
- Slippery Elm. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; January 5, 2024.
- Perna S, Alalwan TA, Alaali Z, et al. The Role of Glutamine in the Complex Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Health: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(20):5232. Published 2019 Oct 22. doi:10.3390/ijms20205232
- Malik TF, Gnanapandithan K, Singh K. Peptic Ulcer Disease. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; June 5, 2023.
THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESS
AuthorS
Natural 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.
Medical Reviewer:
Marney Johnson, ND, MSCI-TS is a Naturopathic Doctor and Naturopathic Medicine Advisor with a background in allopathic (standard American medicine) medical research, Dr. Johnson, is uniquely qualified to evaluate current scientific research and offer insight to help you make sense of how you can integrate natural medicine into your health plan. She is passionate about the roles of Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Nature in health and constantly seeks new ways to make these accessible through food as medicine, encouraging new, healthy habits, and promoting interaction with Nature in its many forms.
Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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