One of the big buzzwords in health care these days is "functional medicine." And, perhaps like you, for years I had no idea what it meant. When I first heard about it, during my days writing for the now-shuttered WellWire, people tried to explain: "It's what you do as...
Although my practice is very diverse, cancer is one of the few things I do not treat. Unfortunately, this diagnosis is horrifically common. When my friends and loved ones ask for my thoughts on a cancer diagnosis, I tell them to take advantage of all the tools...
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...
Gardeners know that healthy plants have certain basic requirements: they need the right temperature, the right amount of sun, the right amount of water, and the right amount and kind of nutrients in the soil. Different plants have different needs, but one that has all...
Growing up, I was a kid who hid in the back corner during gym — because dodgeballs are hard and kids are mean. I never developed a sense of myself as athletic, and mostly didn't miss it. Instead, I found my physicality by carrying my life essentials on my back for...
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.
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...
If you’ve watched my herbal origin story video, you know that thyme is one of my secret weapons for colds and flus — any kind of stuck or infected issue in the upper or lower respiratory tract. Steaming with thyme is one of my go-tos in the clinic, and one of the key...
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...