
Alaskans: Support Senate Bill 44
I’m honored to offer naturopathic medicine to Alaskans, but current rules keep me from offering the best care. Senate Bill 44 can change that — with your help.

castor oil packs: keeping it simple
Castor-oil packs are one of the most important tools I have as a naturopathic doctor for gently,...

Alaska insurance updates
As the year draws to a close, I'm happy to report some good news for Alaskans: I'm now in network...

naturopathic doctors and medicare
Medicare is confusing, and accessing naturopathic care through it has long been difficult. But recent advances make it easier to use your coverage to see an ND.

what is functional medicine?
One of the big buzzwords in health care these days is "functional medicine." And, perhaps like...

traditional medicine for flu season
When I was just starting my practice, I had the honor of speaking with a reporter for Indian...

holistic cancer resources
Although my practice is very diverse, cancer is one of the few things I do not treat....

how do telemedicine visits work?
Since March 2020, Dr. Orna has used telemedicine exclusively for all her patients — and they love...

mental-health magic: a testimonial
Supporting mental health is one of the core elements of my practice. Our bodies heal better when...

flower essences for shock and grief
When I spoke with K, a healthcare entrepreneur building her business, she'd recently learned that...

you’ve got the power
A few years ago, a patient came in with some unexplained symptoms. She'd been to the hospital...

you are basically a plant with complicated feelings
Gardeners know that healthy plants have certain basic requirements: they need the right...

exercise. the best medicine. (podcast!)
Growing up, I was a kid who hid in the back corner during gym — because dodgeballs are hard and...

three great books for healthy holidays
Books are great wintertime presents. Try these three healthy book recommendations for the reader, the eater and the nature-needer on your holiday gift list.

my top prescription for seasonal affective disorder
How do you stay sane during Cascadia's dark, wet winters? When I first moved here, I got...

healthy presents for the holidays
Stumped about what to get friends and family for special occasions? Want to help them get and stay...

does summer make you SAD?
Most people understand SAD as a depression response to the short, dark days of winter. And indeed, that is the most common form.
But summer SAD is also truly a thing: hot days, unrelenting brightness that makes you think you have to be cheery and energetic, wildfire smoke in certain parts of the country — all of these contribute to seasonal depression in the summer.
Here’s one simple way to beat it.

herbal drinking vinegars for digestion + joy
In this video you’ll see me make a drinking vinegar, commonly known as a “shrub” or technically an acetracta (vinegar extraction.) These are tasty ways to get the medicinal benefits of herbs in a palatable package.