 Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a wonderful plant packed with medicinal and aromatic ingredients that has been famous all over the world as flavorful tea. Its wonderful effects in lowering blood pressure are similar to allopathic medications, but without putting your body at risk of developing adverse effects that can affect your overall quality of life. Hibiscus tea is the perfect drink to savor the relaxing effects of tea, while enjoying the benefits of hibiscus in regulating blood pressure and protecting your cardiovascular health! Understanding HypertensionHypertension is a very strong predictor of heart and blood vessel problems, putting those with uncontrolled levels at risk of having blood clots, heart rhythm abnormalities, and even stroke. It is actually considered the most common long-term medical condition characterized by unregulated rise in blood pressure levels. Guidelines to determine hypertensive status change regularly and may depend on the country you live in, but these have reached a consensus that people with persistently elevated blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg should be subjected to blood pressure management.3 Aside from genetic predisposition to hypertension, nutrition and lifestyle practices greatly affect your chances of developing the condition. Historical BackgroundHibiscus, also known as sour tea or roselle, belongs to the Malvaceae family. The aromatic medicinal plant that originated from Asia is currently grown all over the world. Hibiscus is not only used for the purpose of healing, since its fibers and flowers are also used to produce a variety of food and beverages! Aside from its wonderful benefits, hibiscus is also used as a natural food colorant, making it a safer alternative to artificially-made pigments for food production.1 Effects in Blood Pressure regulationAlthough allopathic medications for blood pressure regulation are effective, these may produce unwanted effects that can negatively affect your quality of life. You may have dizziness, imbalances in your body’s electrolyte levels, and even feel fatigued all the time.2 Rather than having to experience these effects, the naturopathic approach offers a well-rounded course of management that targets nutrition, lifestyle, supplementation, and natural remedies to help regulate blood pressure levels. Interestingly, these natural remedies can also be taken in forms you can actually enjoy! By simply enjoying relaxing hibiscus tea sessions with your family and friends or even pairing this healthy drink with your favorite meals, you are also able to take care of your health as you grow older. Mechanism of action The antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory benefits of hibiscus come from its bioactive ingredients, namely, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, tannins, and carotenoids, all of which work together to widen blood vessels and regulate blood flow, ultimately reducing your risks of developing complications from lack of blood pressure control.2 Hibiscus can also help regulate blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is responsible to convert angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent hormone that increases blood pressure. Interestingly, the blood pressure effects of hibiscus are stronger in people who have higher blood pressure levels.2 Aside from its wonderful effects in regulating blood pressure, the hydroethanol component of hibiscus also exerts antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, helping to kill or inhibit microorganisms that may cause potential harm to the body.1 Safety and ConsiderationsHibiscus tea is generally safe to drink daily and has not been observed to produce side effects, aside from lowered blood pressure and mild gastrointestinal discomfort that may be factored by the way the tea was prepared.2 However, most herbal remedies should not be used during pregnancy and lactation and it is best to talk with your healthcare providers and naturopathic doctors to help you discover the best strategies for your unique case. Additionally, the use of hibiscus in combination with other antihypertensive agents should be further evaluated with your healthcare providers, as this may synergize the effects of your maintenance medications and cause more harm than good. At Natural Path to Wellness, your team will help you discover the wonderful benefits of hibiscus tea for your optimal health and well-being, making sure that this herb is right for you and its therapeutic levels in the body are kept in-check! Regulating Your Blood Pressure LevelsOptimal blood pressure regulation requires a holistic approach that targets nutrition, lifestyle, and supplementation, in combination with natural herbal remedies that nurture your cardiovascular health. This means that although hibiscus tea is greatly beneficial in controlling hypertension, nutrition and lifestyle modifications are equally (or even more!) important. At Natural Path to Wellness, our team is committed to guiding you in your journey to health and wellness, helping you discover the best natural and holistic options for your unique case and preference. To learn more about the naturopathic approach for regulating blood pressure levels, 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:
Beloved all over the world, chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a powerful herb packed with nourishing ingredients to help you relax after a long, busy day. It is actually a very popular plant to use for herbal tea!Since it can be found all over the world, the chamomile plant has different varieties, each of which may contain different sets of ingredients depending on the environment where it was cultivated (so you can actually explore which variety is best for you!). With two major varieties used for their health and medicinal benefits, chamomile may do wonders in your journey to optimal wellness!
Historical Background
Chamomile, as one of the most-documented plants in the world, can be found across countries with numerous varieties to choose from. Generally, two major species of plant are used to manage disease conditions, namely, Roman or English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile syn. Anthemis nobilis L.) or German chamomile (M. chamomilla L.), which we will discover through this blog post! The word “chamomile” actually means “ground apple” from the plant’s unique apple-like scent. Did you know? Chamomile seeds actually need vast, open land to survive, so this wonder typically grows as weed near roads or around landfills!1
Mechanism of action
Chamomile is packed with a variety of healthy components, such as coumarins, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, prevent infection, protect the liver, avoid allergic reactions, and regulate blood pressure.1 It is primarily used to treat skin problems, inflammation, or anxiety. Chamomile can also help relax your muscles and make you fall asleep at night! As an herbal remedy, chamomile is beneficial in managing fever, ulcer, wound, depression, and flatulence. However, the chemical components of chamomile may vary due to the type of soil and environment where the plant was grown! Essentially, there is a big difference in the chemical composition between Roman and German varieties of the plant, precisely why essential oils made from German chamomile are deep blue in color, while Roman chamomile has light-blue hues that turn yellow due to oxidation.1
Effects of Chamomile for Relaxation
Most people experience sleep disturbances, especially as we age. Sometimes, we even consider taking sleeping pills just to achieve quality rest. Although beneficial in helping us fall asleep at night, sleeping pills may have detrimental effects to our bodies and even cause our bodies to become dependent on them, eventually causing withdrawal symptoms by the time we decide to stop taking them.
Chamomile tea, on the other hand, has been famous to help relieve stress and manage sleep disorders. It is a safe and effective herbal remedy to help you finally achieve quality sleep without putting yourself at risk of having side effects from sleep medications! One of the plant’s chemical component, apigenin, binds to benzodiazepine receptors in your brain.1 These receptors modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is your brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, ultimately promoting sleep and relaxation. Additionally, the flavonoid component of chamomile helps regulate the activities within the brain, modulating activities of hormones that may cause excessive stress and disorganized thoughts. Safety and Considerations
Chamomile is generally safe to drink as tonic or tea.1 However, this wonderful plant may not be for you. Although beneficial for your health, chamomile may exacerbate your skin conditions and cause severe allergic reactions when your body is sensitive to its ingredients. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider and naturopathic doctors to further evaluate your unique case. Additionally, most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Asking your healthcare provider and naturopathic doctors about the best products to use during this transformative phase in your life is vital to ensure a safe and healthy baby.
Improving Your Sleep
The benefits of chamomile for your health are vast and worth considering if you want to relax and at the same time nurture your optimal wellbeing. However, its use should be coupled with nutrition and lifestyle practices to help your body maintain balance and regulate your circadian rhythm. Taking your first step to wellness with your naturopathic doctors ensures you are guided through every step of the way. Are you ready to begin your journey?
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: 1. Sah A, Naseef PP, Kuruniyan MS, Jain GK, Zakir F, Aggarwal G. A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(10):1284. Published 2022 Oct 19. doi:10.3390/ph15101284 12/13/2024 Naturopathic Care for Grave’s Disease: Effective Natural Strategies for Autoimmune HyperthyroidismRead Now 
Grave’s disease is an autoimmune condition that causes an overactive thyroid gland, eventually causing damage to your heart, eyes, liver, bone, skin, and skeletal muscles.1 Since it primarily affects the thyroid – a special organ responsible for your metabolism, growth, and development – promptly diagnosing and managing the condition are very important in regulating the processes that keep you alive and healthy, as well as preventing complications associated with high levels of thyroid hormones in the body.
Understanding Autoimmune Hyperthyroidism
Generally, the metabolic processes in your body are fueled by your thyroid hormones, as these primarily control how your cells convert nutrients into energy. Since minimal imbalances can greatly affect the regulatory processes that keep you alive and healthy, your mind and body work together to maintain healthy levels of your thyroid hormones! This collaboration is also known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Your hypothalamus first releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) which stimulates the cells in your anterior pituitary gland to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).2 This binds with receptors on your thyroid follicular cells, stimulating the production of thyroid hormones. Your thyroid hormones are then released into the blood to support every organ in the body.
Autoimmune hyperthyroidism, or Grave’s disease, occurs due to the presence of autoantibodies, specifically thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI), which are proteins produced by your immune system that attack your own healthy tissues instead of protecting it from harm. These activate your thyroid-stimulating hormones, thereby stimulating the production of your thyroid hormones and increasing the growth of your thyroid gland.1 High levels of thyroid hormones in the blood can disrupt your cell’s abilities to use and consume energy, causing an imbalance that affects any organ system in the body. Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism may vary depending on the age of the patient and severity of the disease upon diagnosis.1 However, patients with Grave’s disease commonly complain of:
Allopathic Options
Conventional treatment methods for autoimmune hyperthyroidism focus on minimizing the synthesis of your thyroid hormones either by lifetime antithyroid medications, treatment with radioactive iodine to permanently damage the thyroid gland and prevent its activity, or removal of the thyroid gland via surgery (thyroidectomy).1 Although beneficial, these medications may put you at risk of adverse effects, including allergic reactions and liver damage. Radioactive iodine, on the other hand, involves heavy exposures to radiation and should not be performed on pregnant women.1
The Naturopathic Approach
Managing Grave’s disease with naturopathic medicine focuses on decreasing the inflammation that triggered, and is contributing to the progression of, your autoimmunity. This involves fundamental changes to food, lifestyle, and stress management, including supplementing the levels of vitamins and minerals that support the regulatory processes in the body, as well as herbal remedies that target the root cause of your condition.
Botanical Medicine
Herbal remedies are effective treatment options that help regulate your thyroid hormone levels, often with fewer and milder side effects than pharmaceutical medications. Additionally, the healing properties of herbal remedies are not limited to relieving a single symptom, as they help the body regain and nurture its natural balance. Herbal remedies for autoimmune hyperthyroidism may include:
Improving Your Thyroid Health
The effects of autoimmune hyperthyroidism in the body can be prevented with prompt diagnosis and holistic strategies that help your body heal naturally and regulate its thyroid hormone levels. Since people with a family history of Grave’s disease may have higher chances of developing the condition, knowing your risk factors and genetic susceptibility are important in avoiding triggers and exacerbations. Interestingly, autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) and Grave’s disease may occur in the same person! People who are susceptible or have been diagnosed with either disease should be adequately tested and monitored. Your naturopathic doctors are committed to guiding you in exploring the best holistic options and helping you work together with your allopathic healthcare providers to achieve optimal health. Take the first step to wellness today!
AuthorKate Nemenzo's passion for holistic health has led her to become a registered nurse who promotes optimal care throughout her patient’s therapeutic journey. When not writing, she spends her time crocheting, watching Korean dramas, and playing the guitar!
REFERENCES:
9/26/2024 Honey for the Bones (and a tangential discussion of medical research into traditional remedies)Read Now
When I think of the medicinal properties of honey, my first thoughts are of using it to reduce coughing and soothe sore throats. I think of medical-grade honey to help speed healing and prevent infections in wounds and burns. But, a while back I read this Bible verse and it made me wonder if honey was actually good for the bones.
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” - Proverbs 16:24 
In our current medical system, there is an attitude of dismissiveness to traditional medicines as a whole or to specific applications that have yet to be proven by current medical research. However, we have to remember that:
Why do researchers investigate traditional remedies? Because they work. If the evidence in support of traditional remedies was not so compelling, the research would not be undertaken. Even when we know that a treatment is effective, modern research helps us understand how it works, and that helps us know how else it can be used to our benefit. It is easy for us to fall into the trap of thinking that we are at the pinnacle of human advancement and that our ancestors lacked knowledge or understanding. But we are only a point in the line of human advancement. Others will come after us and put rest to things we thought fact and prove things we theorized but were unable to prove. After all, here we are nearly three millennia later conducting research that supports the wisdom espoused by the Israelites of 700 B.C. A 2019 literature review (an evaluation of available research) described several potential benefits of honey for bone health:1
Humorously, the researchers referred to honey as a potential “novel dietary supplement to prevent osteoporosis.” Hmm…it is amusing to me how researchers have a tendency to lay claim to having discovered the medicines we have been using for thousands of years... The long list of honey’s beneficial properties do not stop here. In fact, honey is a staple ingredient in many people’s skincare routines! Famous for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, honey is a wonderful ingredient to make sure your skin remains protected and nurtured. HEALING HONEY
Quality, medical-grade manuka honey is something I recommend everyone keep in their herbal medicine cabinet. Manuka honey is made in New Zealand by bees that feed off of — and collect medical benefits from – the Leptospermum scoparium flowers. It can be taken for digestion or used topically for burn- and wound-healing. MGO numbers indicate the amount of methylglyoxal (the compound responsible for manuka’s amazing healing properties) with higher numbers indicating more medical benefits. In addition to manuka honey, I recommend keeping raw, local honey as a pantry staple.
How to find healing honey:
Warning: remember, you should never feed honey to a child under the age of one (1) year. Honey can contain botulism toxin at doses small enough not to harm healthy adults and children, but babies under 1 can not fight off this toxin and can die from consuming honey. AuthorMarney Johnson, ND, MSCI-TS, (she/her) received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Certificate of Natural Childbirth from National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM). Following graduation, she completed a CNME-approved Residency in Naturopathic Medicine with NUNM Health Center, a primary care clinic in Portland, Oregon. There she was trained and practiced in a variety of naturopathic and primary care. She is passionate about supporting the body's ability to heal itself with the support of naturopathic modalities and believes that everyone deserves outstanding care and should feel both safe and heard by those entrusted with their health and wellness.
REFERENCE:
1. Kamaruzzaman MA, Chin KY, Mohd Ramli ES. A Review of Potential Beneficial Effects of Honey on Bone Health. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:8543618. Published 2019 Sep 19. PMID: 31641368 
Your body is exposed to potentially toxic and harmful ingredients from the food you eat every day, which is why the passageways of food in your body are made with specialized cells, microorganisms, and enzymes to protect it. These protective agents maintain balance and ensure that beneficial substances are absorbed and nourish the body, while harmful materials are prevented from causing damage. Constant exposure to stress, unhealthy eating habits, medications, and alcohol can disrupt this balance, eventually causing damage to your intestinal lining and allowing entry of toxic elements and harmful agents into the bloodstream. Since the absorbing function of the intestinal lining is affected by different conditions, it is important to explore excellent strategies to maintain its balance and avoid absorption of toxic elements.
The Importance of Your Intestinal Lining
The microbiota present in your gastrointestinal tract is diverse and varies between individuals; it is mostly made up of bacteria and other viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea.1 These are highly regulated and balanced to nurture bodily processes. More than 100 trillion microbiota in your gut assist with your body’s immune response, degrade dietary fibers to facilitate its removal from the body, and regulate the function and motility of your GI tract to absorb nutrients and prevent pathogens from doing harm to the body. The microorganisms present in your gut basically defends your body from toxins and pathogens from the food you eat! Additionally, your gut helps regulate blood pressure and prevents inflammation due to hydrogen sulfide, which is produced when proteins are broken down by the bacteria in your intestines.1 To help maintain a healthy gut, it is important to learn more about how the enzymes, organisms, and specialized cells found in the intestinal lining work together to protect the body
Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome
The collection of microorganisms found in your gastrointestinal system is called the “gut microbiota”.3 It plays an important role on the overall health of the gastrointestinal system and an imbalance, known as dysbiosis, greatly contributes to weight and metabolic disorders.2 Problems in your gut microbiota can cause intestinal hyperpermeability (a.k.a. leaky gut), leading to dysregulation on what should be absorbed into the bloodstream and what should be prevented from entering your body. This may increase your risks of developing food allergies, infection, and may cause swelling of different organs, including the liver and fatty tissues.
how Diet can affect your Gut Microbiota
The food you eat everyday interacts with your gut microbiota and frequent irritation from inflammatory foods can lead to the development of leaky gut syndrome. Since genetics and food choices vary between individuals, the interaction between a person’s diet and his gut bacteria is becoming more specific and personal, emphasizing the importance of designing a carefully tailored nutrition plan that will better suit your unique needs. Your naturopathic physicians are committed to helping you carefully and consciously select the best food choices for your health.
High-Fat Diet
Fats are essential nutrients that your body needs to store energy and absorb nutrients that keep your cells healthy. However, strictly following a diet that is high in fat without the guidance of an expert may cause damage to your gut barrier. When not properly regulated, a high-fat diet changes the composition of intestinal mucus, promoting the growth of harmful microorganisms that disrupt the integrity of your intestinal barrier.2 When damaged, harmful bacteria and pathogens can be easily absorbed into the blood. Fat quality is key! Rather than limiting your options to a high-fat diet, it is vital to listen to what your body needs through engaging in intuitive eating practices with the guidance of your naturopathic doctor. Making conscious decisions about what you eat everyday not only nurtures your optimal health, but also allows you to actually enjoy every meal without uncomfortable side effects!
High-Carbohydrate Diet
Carbohydrates are one of the primary sources of energy for humans. However, eating food or drinking beverages that contain too much refined carbohydrates and added sugar can disturb the balance of the intestinal microbiota, leading to gut dysbiosis.2 This imbalance can actually lead to worsening of sugar cravings, creating a vicious cycle. Knowing your limits and following intuitive eating practices will help you satisfy your sugar cravings while consciously nurturing your gut health!
Health Issues Associated With Leaky Gut
A leaky gut is a common sign of intestinal inflammation. When your gut barrier is damaged, toxins can easily enter into the bloodstream.2 These toxins can cause inflammatory responses that do more harm than good and can trigger other disease conditions that will greatly affect your overall health. Leaky gut can lead to the development, or be the result, of a disease.
Diabetes
Diabetes, a major health concern experienced by many people across the world, is commonly associated with gut problems. It can diminish your intestinal motility and reduce bowel movements, cause nutritional problems, and disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria. This inevitably weakens your intestinal barrier, allowing bacteria which should normally be present at the intestinal lining to translocate into the bloodstream, where they can trigger inflammation and disease.2
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
The vein that carries blood from the gut to the liver is connected to the intestine, linking all three structures together. When damaged, bacteria and other microbial by-products may easily enter and invade the liver. A gut-liver axis that does not function properly causes gut imbalance, bacterial overgrowth, and increased permeability, leading to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).2 The food you eat affects the health of your liver! Consuming a Western-style diet that is high in processed foods can trigger inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress, all of which increases your chances of developing a fatty liver.
Brain Dysfunction
Maintaining a healthy gut is important for a healthy neuroendocrine system (the relationship between your brain and hormones). Inflammation in the gut negatively affects the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which typically keeps harmful substances out of the brain. However, stress and inflammation weakens the BBB, potentially allowing harmful substances to invade the brain.
The 4R Protocol
In reducing inflammation and maintaining a healthy intestinal barrier, it is important to target the root cause of the problem and reestablish balance. Not to worry! With four easy and conscious steps, you are able to nurture your gastrointestinal health:
The Naturopathic Approach for Optimal Gut Health
Intuitive Eating
Learning to be consciously aware of what your body needs and wants helps nurture your gut health. Intuitive eating practices helps you learn to honor your body’s hunger and fullness cues, rather than eating based on emotional or environmental triggers, helping to regulate your daily intake according to your unique needs.3 Additionally, intuitive eating highlights the connection between your gut and brain, reducing potential stressors that may trigger unwanted inflammation and disease.
Botanical Medicine
Herbal remedies contain phytochemicals that promote healing by helping to regulate the intestinal microbiota and improve the function of the gut barrier. Rather than trying out herbal remedies by yourself, it is best to explore the best natural options for your optimal health with the guidance of your naturopathic medicine advisors.
At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to assisting you in making informed and conscious decisions about your health. We do this through the healing power of nature, allowing you to improve your nutrition and lifestyle choices based on your body’s responses, leading to optimal gut health. Through a balanced, personalized, and mindful approach, we work hand-in-hand in recognizing and addressing your body’s needs. Discover the naturopathic approach to improving your gut health today! AuthorKate Nemenzo studied in nursing school as an academic scholar. Her passion for holistic health has led her to become a registered nurse who promotes optimal care throughout her patient’s therapeutic journey. When not writing, she spends her time crocheting, watching Korean dramas, and playing the guitar!
REFERENCES:
Millions of women and other people who menstruate experience regular and terrible effects on their physical, social, and mental well-being during period days. Menstrual disorders are a leading cause of discomfort in women of reproductive age, with 75% of biological females around the world experiencing menstrual complications.1 Symptoms such as pain, anxiety, digestive changes, depression, and fatigue are commonly experienced and affect their daily activities. Feminine hygiene products like douches, wipes, sprays, washes, and powders make up a $2 billion industry in the country, with marketing strategies promoting the idea that women’s bodies are unclean and in need of these products to remain healthy. A better understanding of the nitty-gritty of menstrual health and how poor menstrual health affects women’s quality of life is essential in ending this social taboo.
What is Menstruation?
Menstruation is a natural process that individuals assigned female at birth experience on a regular basis due to the body’s cyclic changes to prepare itself for possible pregnancy. As progesterone levels rise during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle, the endometrial layer of your uterus thickens, develops its own blood supply, and accumulates energy sources to accommodate a potential embryo. When hormone levels decrease because no pregnancy occurs, the endometrial layer, which previously changed throughout the menstrual cycle, cannot be maintained anymore and sloughs off, producing menses. Menstrual flow usually lasts for 3-5 days, but healthy females can have it for a day or as long as 8 days.1 On average, blood loss is about 30 mL but this can range from light spotting to about 80 mL.1 More than 80 mL of blood loss is considered abnormal. Factors influencing blood flow may include medications, thickness of the uterine lining, and problems with coagulation (blood clotting).
The Importance of Menstrual Hygiene
Since menstrual bleeding is a natural phenomenon that the body undergoes regularly, hygiene practices that maintain the cleanliness of your intimate area are essential to prevent urinary tract infections, yeast infections, low self-esteem, and poor quality of life. Stains, smell, and leakage of menstrual blood on clothes may also lead to feelings of fear and shame, causing negative effects on concentration and social interactions.
Essential Hygiene Practices During Your Period
Did you know? The vagina, which is part of the internal female genitalia, naturally cleans itself. Vaginal discharge contains good bacteria and secretions that help protect you against infections. What needs cleansing, on the other hand, is the vulva which forms the outer female genitalia since it is exposed to your clothes and perineal area. Optimal practices to care for your intimate area include:
Is vaginal douching safe?
Douching has been a common practice for centuries where the vagina is cleansed to remove menstrual blood, maintain freshness, minimize itching, avoid pregnancy, or tighten the vagina.2 Presently, there has been an increase in vaginal douching due to the heavy advertisement of douching products sold in pharmacies and grocery stores, which make these readily available for when a feminine hygiene product is desperately needed, especially on the go. This phenomenon is alarming because douching weakens the vagina’s natural defenses due to its effects on vaginal pH levels and vaginal flora, making you more susceptible to infections. Ironically, douching practices end up killing the healthy bacteria that should protect your vagina, while allowing the unhealthy bacteria to keep growing. Instead of douching, you can maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome and reduce your risks of developing vaginal infections by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Having safe and protected sex, avoiding hygiene products that may cause irritation, and wearing breathable undergarments help keep your vaginal health in check!
Menstrual Products and Their Proper Use
Menstrual pads, tampons, pantyliners, menstrual underwear, or cups, have been staple products to use during your period. About four disposable menstrual products are used per day on average, amounting to more than 10,000 menstrual products in a lifetime! Such an extensive amount can cause harm to the environment and expose you to chemicals used while making these products. Testing has found harmful chemicals in menstrual products, such as phthalates, volatile organic compounds, and metals that can increase cancer risk. Additionally, excess menstrual blood that has not been absorbed by other layers of the pad provides access for chemicals from the pad to come in contact with the vulva, resulting in irritation.3 On the other hand, using tampons that can absorb more than the amount of your menstrual flow can cause tiny cuts in the vagina and enhance the absorption of chemicals found in the product.3 How long a menstrual pad is worn or a tampon is left in the vagina also affects chemical absorption and exposure to pathogens, with extended use making you more at risk for menstrual toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal infection.3
Sustainable Menstrual Practices
Improving Your Menstrual Health: Quick Tips
Taking care of your menstrual health is an integral part of maintaining optimal well-being. Although many medications are available to manage menstrual symptoms, these often cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, stomachache, and long-term health risks causing more harm than good. Aside from essential hygiene practices you should follow during your period, taking care of yourself from within is essential. Here are some quick tips to make your next cycle more comfortable:
Your naturopathic medicine advisors at Natural Path to Wellness are committed to assisting you in understanding the importance of taking care of your menstrual health and following a personalized approach to maintain optimal well-being. Contact us to learn more about the natural path to improving and maintaining your menstrual health. AuthorKate Nemenzo studied in nursing school as an academic scholar. Her passion for holistic health has led her to become a registered nurse who promotes optimal care throughout her patient’s therapeutic journey. When not writing, she spends her time crocheting, watching Korean dramas, and playing the guitar!
REFERENCES:
Black seed is an herbal remedy with rich historical roots that naturally regulates your thyroid hormones and improves your quality of life by minimizing symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid gland. As a source of antioxidants, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects, black seed, or Nigella sativa L. helps in reducing inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. With thymoquinone as its most active ingredient, black seed prevents the overactivation of your immune response, thus supporting your body as it achieves and maintains balance (homeostasis).
Understanding Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition and one of the leading causes of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).3 People with Hashimoto’s experience symptoms like weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, low energy, and difficulty regulating body temperatures. The most common allopathic (standard Western medicine) treatment is to manage symptoms by supplementing with synthetic thyroid hormone using Levothyroxine. However, this does not address the underlying cause, stop the damage to the thyroid gland, or prevent the development of additional autoimmune conditions.
Naturopathic physicians utilize treatments found in nature to support tissue health and establish new lifestyle habits to promote wellness and prevent chronic disease. The goal of naturopathic treatment of Hashimoto’s is to reestablish the body’s ability to heal itself so that the autoimmune condition goes into remission and we prevent the development of new autoimmune conditions. Read our post about Hashimoto’s for more information. Historical Background of Black Seed
The seeds of Nigella sativa L., commonly known as black cumin or black caraway, have been used by humans for more than 3000 years as a food ingredient. Although native in Eastern Europe and a few countries in the Near East, black seed has been cultivated throughout the world for its medicinal properties. Because of its wide array of health benefits to support metabolic functions, liver, cardiovascular, kidney, reproductive, neurological, and lung health, black seed has been a staple in herbal medicine for centuries. Traditionally, black seed oil has been used to treat cough, diarrhea, fever, and other abdominal disorders.1
Historically, Nigella sativa L. was considered a valuable drug in Indian medicine and referred to as melanthion (little black seed) in ancient Greek medicine. Avicenna (c. 980-1037 A.D.), an Islamic philosopher-scientist, thought that black seed helps in stimulating the body’s energy, allowing it to recover from feelings of dispiritedness and fatigue.2 Nigella sativa seeds contain carbohydrates, proteins, essential oils, and alkaloids.6 With such powerful ingredients, black seed regulates cell survival and energy metabolism, enhancing your immunity and protecting your body from damage. Much of the therapeutic properties of black seed comes from the presence of thymoquinone, a powerful antioxidant found in its essential oil.
Mechanism of Action: Thymoquinone
As black seed oil’s main active ingredient, thymoquinone produces antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which are helpful in patients diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Thymoquinone acts to regulate your immune system due to its ability to induce apoptosis, also referred to as programmed cell death. This allows the body to eliminate a cell that has been too badly damaged, which is essential for the body to protect and nurture itself against imbalances. Because of its low toxicity and potent therapeutic activity, thymoquinone has been studied in the management of cancer, diabetes mellitus, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Thymoquinone, with its simple molecular structure, is also able to cross the blood-brain barrier, modulating your brain’s activity and reducing oxidative stress that may cause damage to your brain and nerve cells.5
Effects of Black Seed in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, your body’s impaired immune response frequently triggers the activation of T lymphocytes (white blood cells that help fight infection), causing inflammation and higher production of antibodies attacking your thyroid gland. This leads to damage and impaired thyroid function. To counteract this problem, black seed essential oil acts by lessening the production of T lymphocytes, reducing inflammation and relieving your symptoms.4 Additionally, black seed helps in increasing the concentration of your thyroid hormones, regulating your thyroid hormone levels. Black seed also improves your energy expenditure, helping you lose the weight you have previously gained due to problems in your metabolic function.
Safety and Considerations
As an herbal medicine, black seed has a promising safety profile. However, even natural products have the potential for side effects, so the use of black seed to manage Hashimoto’s thyroiditis should be guided by a qualified healthcare provider trained in herbal medicine. The amount and frequency of product taken are dependent on the unique features of your case. Side effects of black seed use may include nausea, bloating, and a burning sensation with topical application. Black seed may also cause allergic reactions. Talking to your provider at Natural Path to Wellness will help you understand the implications of your condition and explore the best natural options for your holistic health.
Can black seed be used as a daily health supplement?
Yes, the highly nutritious ingredients in black seed make it a great source of energy. Since your body’s decreased energy levels may lessen its ability to fight external toxins and heighten your chances of developing disease, black seed may be taken daily to assist your body in maintaining its optimal health and homeostasis.
Can black seed be used with other medicines?
Because black seed lowers blood glucose levels and blood pressure, thins blood, and acts on the immune system, it can interact with medications that have similar roles. Black seed may be taken in combination with other forms of natural or conventional medicines under the guidance of your licensed healthcare provider.6
How is black seed administered?
Black seed may be given in the form of paste, extract, essential oil, or powder, depending on your goals.7 Talking with your naturopathic physician is essential to further understand which form and dosage is most appropriate and effective for your case.
Improving Your Thyroid Health
Aside from botanical medicine, the naturopathic approach to improving your thyroid health utilizes holistic options, targeting your dietary and lifestyle practices, supplements, sleep quality, stress management, and mind-body care. Comprehensively managing and monitoring your thyroid health increases the likelihood that you can achieve remission and achieve optimal wellness as you grow older. At Natural Path to Wellness, we focus on empowering you to make conscious and holistic decisions for your health. Embracing the healing power of nature, we are committed to use the gentlest, most effective options to restore health, not just to mask symptoms. Click here to learn more about the natural path to improving your thyroid health.
AuthorKate Nemenzo studied in nursing school as an academic scholar. Her passion for holistic health has led her to become a registered nurse who promotes optimal care throughout her patient’s therapeutic journey. When not writing, she spends her time crocheting, watching Korean dramas, and playing the guitar!
REFERENCES:
Nearly everyone experiences daily stress to some degree. In fact, our bodies are equipped to counteract acute stress, but what happens as our bodies respond to continual stress over long periods of time?
And how do we cope? Physiological Response to Stress
The body’s response to stress, also called general adaptation syndrome, includes 3 stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.1 
Chronic stress can alter the way our genes are expressed and suppress the immune system. Many of the hormones released in the stress response limit the capacity of the immune system by reducing the function of white blood cells whose job is to fight off infections in the body. Inflammation is further accumulated in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract due to stress. Researchers have discovered a strong connection between chronic stress and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), for instance. In the cardiovascular system, stress increases heart rate and blood pressure, as well as the risk of clotting leading to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.1 Over time, stress can also decrease sexual libido and sperm maturation, as well as irregularities in the female menstrual cycle.1
Managing Stress
We mentioned one of the major responses to stressors is to ‘freeze,’ which is not a weakness. It’s just another way that our bodies are wired to protect us. Notice when your body needs a break and take some time to recharge in order to prevent the build up of chronic stress. Learning to manage your stress response takes practice, but it’s important to integrate what works for you into your daily rhythms. Non-pharmacological therapies for stress reduction include regular exercise, healthy diet, and changes in lifestyle.2 Think about how some of the following ideas for stress management might fit into your lifestyle.
AuthorDaelyn Quinn is a graduate of the University of South Florida, Class of 2024. She studied Cell and Molecular Biology, as well as Spanish, and has been accepted into a nationally accredited Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program. Outside of academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys exploring cities with friends and family, running outdoors, and reading next to one of Florida’s many bodies of water.
References
Stress is a common phenomenon that all of us experience daily. Although beneficial in stimulating bodily processes and activities that will improve how we cope with everyday situations, long-term stress is detrimental for our health and may subject us to greater risk for disease. To prevent these long-term health risks, it is crucial to not only consider changes in your everyday activities, but also explore natural options that will assist your body in maintaining homeostasis despite the high number of stressors you are subjected to every day. Ashwagandha has long been used to promote “youthful vigor” because of its ability to improve muscle strength, endurance, and overall health.1 With its rich history of alleviating stress, ashwagandha may be the herbal remedy you are looking for to achieve stress-free days!
Understanding Stress
Stress is considered a normal psychological or physical response from internal or environmental triggers that test your capacity to adjust or adapt to different situations.2 Common stressors may include past experiences, pressure from work, heightened expectations, and other environmental factors. Aside from poor decision-making skills, stress may negatively affect your mental capacity, memory, sleep quality, and overall psychological well-being. All these negative effects of stress lead to the development of health problems that will inevitably affect your overall well-being. Physiologically, the unhealthy effects of stress to the human body begins as a quick reaction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis which alerts a part of the brain called the adrenal cortex to produce more of a hormone called cortisol. In response to stress, cortisol triggers several changes in the body to make up for the additional demands, most of which may be detrimental when not regulated.
HPA Axis and Sleep
The HPA axis greatly affects the quality and duration of your sleep. The activation of your HPA axis results to disturbed and lighter sleep, while not getting enough sleep increases the activity of your HPA axis.2 This means that subtle changes in the activity of your HPA axis and environment influence the quality of your sleep and consequently affect your ability to think and become productive every day. Discover the importance of a good snooze for your health today!
Historical Background of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) is a small plant from the Solanaceae family that is commonly grown in South Asia, Central Asia, and Africa.1 A historical system of medicine in India, Ayurveda has been incorporating the use of ashwagandha to improve memory and mental cognition for millenia. With root and leaf extracts containing adaptogens as therapeutic ingredients, ashwagandha is also known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng.1 The term “ashwagandha” is derived from the word “ashwa”, which translates to “horse”, while the component used as an herbal remedy is its roots. It is thought that eating the root could give you horse-like powers! Interestingly, the word "gandha," refers to fragrance and talks about the smell of the herb's root. This is why at Natural Path to Wellness, we recommend it in capsule form rather than tea or tinctures. Aside from improving memory and mental cognition, ashwagandha also helps in managing stress levels, regulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, rejuvenating body cells, relieving arthritis, and preventing growth of tumors.2
Effects of Ashwagandha in Relieving Stress
With over 50 chemical compounds found in the different components of the ashwagandha plant that could contribute to your overall health and wellness, this herb could do wonders to assist in maintaining balance within your body. The major chemical ingredients found in ashwagandha that could explain its therapeutic effects include steroidal alkaloids and lactones, all together known as withanolides.1 The powerful effects of withanolides enable ashwagandha to regulate the activities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In response to a stressor, your HPA axis increases cortisol levels to help your body cope up with stress. However, high levels of cortisol for prolonged periods may cause detrimental effects on your immune system: suppressing its function and increasing your risk of developing health problems. Ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels through regulating the balance of your HPA axis, making it less reactive to stressors. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, ashwagandha is an effective form of alternative medicine that could be of great benefit to your body as it handles everyday stressors.
Mechanism of action of Withanolides
Withanolides help in preventing tumor growths, destroying damaged cells, reducing inflammation, regulating the immune response, preventing bacterial overgrowth, reducing stress levels, and preventing degeneration of neurons. WIthanolides are also beneficial for long-term health problems due to their unique ability to balance multiple signaling pathways in your nervous system, promoting the regulation of your body’s inflammatory and immune responses.4 As an adaptogenic herb, withanolides regulate the HPA axis or stress response of the body, potentially modulating its physiologic reaction to stressors.
Safety and Considerations
The rich historical roots of the use of ashwagandha as a form of health remedy is the best evidence of its effectiveness and benefits to the human body. However, it is vital to apply safety measures and consider other therapies you may be receiving, since the use of ashwagandha may not be recommended for everyone. Ashwagandha root contains methanolic extract, an ingredient that has reported effects on the dopaminergic neurons in the brain which plays an important role in the body’s movement, cognition, executive functions, reward, motivation, and the central nervous system in general.5 Hence, extreme caution should be exercised when using ashwagandha simultaneously with other drugs, especially medications from the benzodiazepine and barbiturate groups, to avoid over-enhancing their effects!
Ashwagandha root may interact with anti-anxiety, sleep-promoting, muscle relaxant, and sedative medications, intensifying their individual effects and consequently cause problems with muscle coordination, weakness, tremors, headaches, and drowsiness.5 Knowledge and understanding on the proper use of ashwagandha is vital to ensure you are able to receive its full benefits, without putting yourself at greater risk for unwanted effects due to overdose and dysregulation of stress levels, which can occur when intake is not regulated and monitored. A licensed naturopathic physician with expertise in managing stress levels using natural options and botanical medicine will help you in exploring the benefits of ashwagandha and other medicinal herbs and monitoring therapeutic levels of the herbal remedies you take every day, ultimately guiding you in making conscious decisions for your health. Regulating Your Stress Levels
Talking with your naturopathic medicine advisors is a vital step in helping you understand how stress affects your body, consider nutrition and lifestyle changes that will assist you in avoiding triggers, and explore natural options that will help you regain and maintain balance despite exposure to unavoidable stressors every day. At Natural Path to Wellness, we are committed to assist you regain vitality through a comprehensive and personal approach that considers your unique needs and preferences. Discover how to maximize the beneficial effects of the naturopathic approach in reducing your stress levels today!
AuthorKate Nemenzo studied in nursing school as an academic scholar. Her passion for holistic health has led her to become a registered nurse who promotes optimal care throughout her patient’s therapeutic journey. When not writing, she spends her time crocheting, watching Korean dramas, and playing the guitar!
REFERENCES:
1. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(37):e17186. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000017186 2. Gopukumar K, Thanawala S, Somepalli V, Rao TSS, Thamatam VB, Chauhan S. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:8254344. Published 2021 Nov 30. doi:10.1155/2021/8254344 3. Smith SJ, Lopresti AL, Fairchild TJ. Exploring the efficacy and safety of a novel standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (Witholytin®) in adults experiencing high stress and fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2023;37(11):1091-1104. doi:10.1177/02698811231200023 4. Mikulska P, Malinowska M, Ignacyk M, et al. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceutics. 2023;15(4):1057. Published 2023 Mar 24. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15041057 5. White PT, Subramanian C, Motiwala HF, Cohen MS. Natural Withanolides in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;928:329-373. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-41334-1_14 |
THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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