Castor-oil packs are one of the most important tools I have as a naturopathic doctor for gently, effectively and inexpensively supporting health on several fronts simultaneously. Although the internet is filled with directions for doing castor-oil packs, every...
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...
Supporting mental health is one of the core elements of my practice. Our bodies heal better when our minds are right. I've got many tools to help folks with this, ranging from food choices and exercise to herb, supplements and flower essences. One of my longer-term...
When I spoke with K, a healthcare entrepreneur building her business, she'd recently learned that her father was diagnosed with a likely terminal cancer. She felt dread in the mornings and would sometimes freeze, with feelings of grief, unresolved issues with him and...
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.
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.
Have you ever thought that if you could just change your mind you could change your life? My patients see those changes quickly with flower essences.
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...
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...
As you may know, I am slowly — glacially, even — working on a book about gardening with medicinal plants. Looking out at the frost-covered garden this morning for any inspiring hint of green, I decided to start work on my olive (Olea europea) monograph. Before my...