The Harmony of Inside-Out and Outside-In: A Comprehensive Approach to Skin Conditions

January 30, 2020
Holly Lucille ND, RN

As naturopathic doctors, we have a comprehensive approach to treating our patients. In this way, we differ from conventional practitioners of medicine. One way this is very evident is our perception and care for our patients’ skin. The skin is the largest organ in the body and can be seen as a barometer of what […]

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Urinary Colic & Lithiasis

January 28, 2020
Jillian Stansbury ND

Herbal Specifics Renal colic due to kidney stones can present as vague to excruciating pain, no matter the size of calculi. Renal colic pain is not due to the stone itself, but rather is due to obstruction of the urinary flow by the kidney stone causing increased pressure on the urinary tract wall, smooth muscle […]

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Interstitial Cystitis In Men

January 25, 2020
Eric Yarnell ND, RH

Tolle Causam For a long time the medical dogma has been that interstitial cystitis (IC) affects women 10 times more often than men.1 This idea was flawed for several reasons, particularly the simple absence of any attempt to look for IC in men with pelvic pain and instead labeling them as having chronic prostatitis. A large […]

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Addressing Acute Allergy Concerns Naturally

January 23, 2020
Holly Lucille ND, RN

I occasionally have been guilty of wanting to be the quintessential ND, looking comprehensively at a patient’s presentation, scrupulously following our principles and digging deep to understand the multifactorial clinical tapestry as to effectively “identify and treat the cause(s),” unfortunately, sometimes all the while ignoring our hierarchy of care and the patient’s acute concerns: his […]

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Picrorhiza & Neopicrorhiza: Applications in Allergic & Inflammatory Lung Disorders

January 21, 2020
Jillian Stansbury ND

Neopicrorhiza schrophulariiflora and Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora have been used traditionally for allergies, asthma, and inflammatory disorders, including liver disease. Neopicrorhiza grows in high-altitude locales of the Himalayas and is an herbaceous perennial plant of the Scrophulariaceae family whose leaves, stems, and roots are used medicinally. Picrorhiza kurroa was the species originally used in Ayurvedic medicine; however, due to severe overharvesting, it is now […]

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The Stars of Medicine

January 20, 2020
Timothy Miller ND, LAc, RA

Introduction to Naturopathic Medicine Naturopathic medicine is a practice of medicine that focuses on holistic care, proactive prevention, comprehensive diagnosis, and non-invasive treatment. By using interventions that are all-natural or low-risk, naturopathic doctors help restore the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Naturopathic doctors (also known as NDs) are hybrid doctors; we are trained not […]

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Beyond Saw Palmetto: The Complexity Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

January 15, 2020
Eric Yarnell ND, RH

The common condition benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains relatively poorly understood clinically. There is much room for improvement, including a long way to go beyond just providing Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) and clearing up all the misunderstanding of this herb’s role, in general. In this article, the causes of BPH will be discussed along with approaches to […]

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Choosing Among Adaptogen Herbs

January 5, 2020
Eric Yarnell ND, RH

Adaptogens, or safe herbs that help patients cope with stress, occupy a place of prominence in herbal medicine. Stress is a major factor in creating mind-body illness, and adaptogens are a useful part of correcting imbalances. Naturopathic physicians are generally familiar with the common adaptogens and many prescribe them routinely. However, many adaptogens are frequently […]

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Herbs For Sperm Disorders

December 29, 2019
Eric Yarnell ND, RH

Decreasing sperm counts and impaired function leading to reduced fertility are a major problem in the Western world, and growing worse. Numerous reports have documented declining mean sperm counts and increasing rates of asthenospermia in developed nations over the past 50 years (Carlsen et al., 1992; Auger et al., 1995). These trends have been increasingly […]

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Chronic Prostatitis & Pain: Getting To The Root And Resolving It

December 22, 2019
Eric Yarnell ND, RH

“Chronic prostatitis” is a common but under-recognized, poorly researched entity that addresses a spectrum of disease in men. It includes interstitial cystitis (IC), a condition formerly believed to occur largely in women until men were actually inspected and found to have it at similar rates; chronic pelvic floor hypertonicity; and non-inflammatory and neuropathic chronic pain […]

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Hypertension: A Symptom, Not A Disease

December 12, 2019
Eric Yarnell ND, RH

Tolle Causam Hypertension is regularly mismanaged in conventional and naturopathic medicine. The tyranny of the concept of “essential hypertension,” coupled with the widespread tendency to treat hypertension as a disease rather than a symptom, is at the root of this problem. Here, a more holistic approach to the patient with elevated blood pressure will be […]

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Cinnamon, Spice And Everything Nice: Insulin-Sensitizing Spices

December 4, 2019
Eric Yarnell ND, RH

In recent years, several common spices have received attention as possible insulin sensitizers. Many of these spices, including Cinnamomum spp (cinnamon, cassia) bark and Syzygium aromaticum (clove) flower buds, were once central players in the spice trade. These and similar flavorful, well-known herbs could become critical components for helping people overcome or avoid metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Cinnamon […]

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Xenoestrogens: The Assault On Reproductive Health

December 3, 2019
Eric Yarnell ND, RH

Synthetic compounds structurally distinct from estrogen that nevertheless act as estrogen receptor agonists are known as xenoestrogens. The list of xenoestrogenic compounds that industry has polluted the globe with is long and growing—dioxins, phthalides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), DDT, organochlorines, bisphenol A, and so on. The worsening estrogenic soup we appear to be bathing ourselves and […]

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Cell Salts – Part 2: The Twelve Salts

November 22, 2019
Miranda Castro CCH, RSHom

What are they good for? The mini-descriptions below include the most common, everyday indications for the use of the 12 tissue salts, confirmed over a lifetime of using them in my own family and with my patients. More information can be found in, “The Twelve Tissue Remedies of Schüssler” by Boericke and Dewey, which includes […]

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Cell Salts – Part 1: History and Overview

November 10, 2019
Miranda Castro CCH, RSHom

I was eighteen years old when I purchased a full set of Schüssler’s Twelve Tissue Salts. My parents had used these remedies from time to time when I was sick as a child, and, as a young woman I became intrigued by the delicious, little healing tablets. I also purchased a 36-remedy homeopathic kit along with […]

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Safe Harbor Laws: Protecting the Public and the Healing Arts

November 6, 2019
Anaheed Jackson ND

What are the laws surrounding the practice of medicine and who gets to decide what these laws are? Can unlicensed naturopaths, homeopaths, herbalists, and other natural medicine healers practice their medicine legally? What specifically does the practice of medicine entail? Most people probably don’t want their next-door neighbor to be able to perform general surgery […]

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How to Favorite a Course

October 24, 2019
Timothy Miller ND, LAc, RA

Let’s say you’re really interested in a course, but you’re not *quite* ready to register. Now, you can favorite the courses you are most interested in and save them for later. In this NatNotes article, we will walk you through the process, step-by-step! The Step-By-Step Instructions:   Step 1 – Create an Account First things, […]

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How to Combine Multiple Certificates into One PDF

October 24, 2019
Timothy Miller ND, LAc, RA

In just a few clicks of the mouse, you can combine multiple certificates into one, single PDF document. Making it uber convenient to submit your certificates in time for your license or certification renewal. Gone are the days of downloading and saving each and every certificate throughout the year. You can combine certificates either: 1) […]

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How to Find the Perfect Course

October 22, 2019
Timothy Miller ND, LAc, RA

When there are a lot of courses to search through, it can sometimes be a little overwhelming – leading to analysis paralysis! (No bueno!). There are enough decisions to make in a day, let’s make finding the perfect course a simple one. Now, with the filter feature right in our Course Catalog, you can filter […]

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Making the Most Out of Your Website: A Guide for Practitioners

August 19, 2019
Michelle Martello and Timothy Miller ND, LAc, RA

In this NatPractice Session, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Michelle Martello, founder of Minima Designs. Michelle is just like us – she’s a helper. She’s working to make the world a better place. Lucky for us, it comes in the area of expertise that often (sadly) is not one of our strongest […]

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NatRecipe: Cooking The Whole Fish

July 18, 2019
Sally Fallon MA

My mother and I both loved Paris and several times had the pleasure of being there together—either meeting there or traveling there. However we met up, we never let the opportunity go by without a visit to our favorite restaurant, La Boule D’Or, in the 7th arrondissement. La Boule D’Or was a small family restaurant […]

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NatRecipe: Kombucha Like Fine Champagne

July 2, 2019
Sally Fallon MA

Kombucha is an artisan product, and like all hand-crafted foods, the best results require patience and time. A good hand-brewed kombucha is like a fine champagne, fizzy with tiny bubbles, a delightful combination of sweet and sour, and even slightly viscous on the tongue. The secret is plenty of time—it takes about 30 days to […]

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NatRecipe: Pancake Batter

June 26, 2019
Sally Fallon MA

One of the most versatile and successful recipes from Nourishing Traditions is the pancakes. Freshly ground flour (spelt, emmer, or soft winter wheat) soaked overnight with equal parts of yogurt or kefir serves as the base for delicious, light tasting, and highly digestible pancakes. Every few weeks I make a double recipe of pancake batter […]

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AromaChemistry and Applications of Tea Tree Oil – Part 4 of 4

June 21, 2019
Timothy Miller ND, LAc, RA

Absorption of Tea Tree Oil Applied Topically Tea Tree Oil has long since been used topically for a variety of conditions and is widespread in formulations of the cosmetic industry. However, little is actually known about its absorption and penetration through human skin and the consequential risks of application.  Due to the lipophilic nature of […]

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AromaChemistry and Applications of Tea Tree Oil – Part 3 of 4

June 13, 2019
Timothy Miller ND, LAc, RA

Potential Uses For Humans In vitro studies have shown great potential for Tea Tree Oil as a therapeutic agent, but few in vivo studies have been conducted. Tea Tree Oil has been commonly used for acne, dandruff, cuts, as well as other conditions (10, 11). In vivo research is currently reviewing and determining the efficacy […]

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AromaChemistry and Applications of Tea Tree Oil – Part 2 of 4

June 7, 2019
Timothy Miller ND, LAc, RA

Potential Modes of Action Even after substantial research, the mode of action of Tea Tree Oil is still not properly understood. Numerous studies have been conducted involving a variety of assays to hypothesize the mechanism behind Tea Tree Oil’s efficacy. Potential modes of action, as have been identified in bacteria, include inhibition of respiration, alterations […]

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AromaChemistry and Applications of Tea Tree Oil – Part 1 of 4

May 31, 2019
Timothy Miller ND, LAc, RA

Introduction Plants, as a means of chemical defense, produce and store a variety of compounds that help protect against invasion from microorganisms. As a result, many of these compounds possess a multitude of medicinal qualities for humans. An extract of Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as Tea Tree, has been used within the practice of Medicinal […]

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Miasms and Mythology: Part 3 of 3

May 24, 2019
Luke Norland BMus, RSHom

The Tubercular Miasm The Tubercular Miasm can be seen as a type of Pseudo-Psora, where the struggle is so intense, hectic, and destructive, that the person feels oppressed and needs to break away as soon as possible. It is even more revolutionary than the Cancer Miasm, which has a slower kind of pace to it. […]

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The Way of CTCA: Naturopathic Oncology Gets a Place at the Table

May 18, 2019
Sarah E Ouano ND

A recent family trip to the Midwest had me reconnecting with colleagues in Chicagoland, and, serendipitously, I found myself having dinner with an old friend, who later invited me to visit her office at the Midwest outpost of The Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). Yes, please!   A Center for Healing Truth be told, […]

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Miasms and Mythology: Part 2 of 3

May 16, 2019
Luke Norland BMus, RSHom

The Ringworm Miasm The Ringworm Miasm is characterized by an unequal struggle, whereby despite all your efforts to overcome the problem, eventually you realize it is bigger than you and you resign yourself to succumbing to its greater power. This miasm is evident in almost everybody. It’s ubiquitous, with a tussle between striving toward one’s […]

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Topical Ceramides for Cosmetic Dermatological Concerns

May 9, 2019
Rob Ayoup ND

  When one integrates aesthetics into their clinical practice, there are a few noted therapies which offer a benefit across most patient populations and concerns. In the realm of cosmeceutical ingredients, ceramides are a prime example of such therapeutic products, given their applicability for many common cosmetic/dermatological conditions. Further to the information provided in my […]

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Miasms and Mythology: Part 1 of 3

April 30, 2019
Luke Norland BMus, RSHom

  The miasms at their most basic level are archetypal energy patterns ranging from very rapid, intense, and generalized symptoms, to slow, insidious, and pathological symptoms. Follow Homeopath Luke Norland on a journey from Acute to Syphilitic.   The Acute Miasm The Acute Miasm corresponds to the fight or flight response and is the body’s […]

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Dr. Christine Girard Named President of National University of Natural Medicine

April 24, 2019
National University of Naturopathic Medicine

Recognized Leader and Educator in Integrative Natural Medicine Returns to Her Roots PORTLAND, Oregon (April 23, 2019) –The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) Board of Directors has appointed Christine Girard, ND, MPH, as the 18th president of NUNM. Dr. Girard will succeed David J. Schleich, PhD, who is retiring from the position after 12 […]

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Homeopathic Remedies for Insomnia: A Quick Review

April 12, 2019
Luke Norland BMus, RSHom

Are your patients struggling with insomnia? Your patients might find it difficult to get to sleep initially, have trouble staying asleep, wake up too early, or just wake up unrefreshed from a night of tossing and turning. It is often difficult to pinpoint an exact cause and there are likely to be several contributing factors, […]

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Reviewing the Many Applications of Cannabinoid-Rich Hemp Oil and the Role of the Gut-Brain Axis

February 28, 2019
Chris Meletis ND

Written by Chris Meletis, ND and Kimberly Wilkes A Brief Review of the Endocannabinoid System Endogenous endocannabinoids that are produced within the body including anandamide (arachi-donylethanolamide) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) are able to activate receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Phytocannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa plant, and cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive […]

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Evidence for the Clinical Use of Cannabinoid-Rich Hemp Oil in the Management of Pain, Inflammation, and Stress

February 21, 2019
Chris Meletis ND

Written by Chris Meletis, ND and Kimberly Wilkes The endocannabinoid system is a fascinating regulator of many aspects of our health. Endogenous endocannabinoids that are produced within the body including anandamide (arachi-donylethanolamide) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) are able to activate receptors in this system. Phytocannabinoids such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa plant, […]

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Hemp Oil Benefits and Challenges

February 14, 2019
Chris Meletis ND

Cannabinoid rich hemp oil has emerged as a promising botanical therapeutic with both clinical experience and published studies to support its use. The Stanley brothers are largely credited for first awakening the public to its benefits. The six Colorado siblings developed a hemp extract low in ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in marijuana, and high […]

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Dr. Chris Meletis Inducted into NUNM Hall of Fame

December 23, 2018
Chris Meletis ND

Beaverton, Oregon — Naturopathic physician Chris Meletis was inducted into the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) Hall of Fame on December 1, 2018 in recognition of the vital role he has played in the enhancement of Naturopathic Medicine’s reputation, prestige, and pursuit of excellence. Established in 1956, National University of Natural Medicine is the […]

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Skin Deep: Dermal Absorption of Essential Oils

December 6, 2018
Timothy Miller ND, LAc, RA

For one reason or another, many of us have applied essential oils topically, either neat (undiluted) or as a blend in a carrier, possibly as part of a clinical aromatherapy application. The integumentary system (the skin) is designed as a selectively permeable barrier to protect the human organism from its external environment.1,2 The inherent nature […]

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Book Review: Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals, Volume 1

October 14, 2018
Sarah E Ouano ND and Jillian Stansbury ND

In Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals, Volume 1, the first in a five-volume series, Dr. Jill Stansbury makes a strong case for herbs in clinical case management–with tremendous success.  As a licensed naturopathic doctor and esteemed clinical herbalist, Dr. Stansbury shares thirty years of experience with botanical medicine from all over the globe in this […]

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