When I was just starting my practice, I had the honor of speaking with a reporter for Indian Country Today about traditional techniques for staying well during flu season. This was a decade before COVID changed our lives forever. And while the ongoing pandemic still...
Celilo Health Category Archive: food as medicine
you’ve got the power
A few years ago, a patient came in with some unexplained symptoms. She'd been to the hospital twice, and even had a small surgery that didn't help the problem. Bad as that was, she'd also gotten some bad news on a related genetic test. You can imagine she was pretty...
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.
healthy presents for the holidays
Stumped about what to get friends and family for special occasions? Want to help them get and stay healthy? Here are my top recommendations. Food is the First Medicine Nutrition seems confusing, but eating right can be simple. The bottom line: eat whole foods. My...
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.
the forgotten garden flavor
How often do you think of lavender as a flavor? It’s been largely forgotten, but it offers important healing benefits for gut and mental health.
rites of spring: rose petal honey
It’s full-bloom time here in the City of Roses. Which means I’m munching on flowers. Did you know that rose petals are edible? Some taste better than others, and all are somewhat astringent. But the best ones carry both the rose fragrance and flavor. (Try them! Just...
the happy medicine of spring violets
Every year there’s one particular plant that grabs my attention and won’t let go. I’ll start seeing it everywhere. And I get excited in that way you do when you have a new friend — even if it’s an old friend. So far this year violets are my jam. There have been at...
bye bye, joint pain
I talk a lot about food being the first and most fundamental medicine. You know that vegetables are good for you, and that donuts aren't so much. But what does that actually mean in terms of making you feel better? That's what my patient Kelly wants to tell you about....
do you know how to eat?
Portlanders are a pretty food-savvy bunch. We know what to ask about the provenance of our food. We pay attention to ingredients, to gluten, to dairy, to grass-fed/free-range/high-omega-3/sustainability parameters (except when we just go for a donut.) So it sometimes...