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By Blair Doucette
RNM Blog Uncategorized
Detergents and Your Endocrine System

What is the Endocrine System?:

The endocrine system is a network of glands, organs, and pathways that produce hormones and send them along to carry messages to certain cells and organs. This process influences many of your daily bodily functions and regulates big systems like your metabolism, reproductive systems, stress responses, and many others! Organs involved in the endocrine system include the pituitary gland, the thyroid, the adrenal glands, the parathyroid, and the pancreas. 

What is an Endocrine Disruptor?:

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) can naturally occur in our environment or be human-made. These chemicals mimic, interfere with, and block the body’s naturally occurring hormones. Even small levels of these chemicals can have a big impact, as hormones act in very small amounts.

Not to be an alarmist, but many of our everyday items contain EDCs. Many cosmetics, toys, food packaging, and detergents contain varying amounts of EDCs. We come into contact with them in our air, food, and water. Though they can’t be eliminated entirely from our lives, we can make small choices to decrease our interactions with them. 

If you want to learn more about endocrine disruptors, check out this article by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Endocrine Disruptors.

Everyday Items That Contain EDCs:

  • Laundry Detergents: Many detergents in the US contain chemicals known as Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). The EU and Canada have since banned NPEs. Unfortunately, the US still uses them in a wide array of products. Studies are showing that they have the potential to impact hormone function, which can lead to infertility and even affect fetal development. 
  • Cosmetics: Among many other things, cosmetics typically contain 1,4-dioxane, a chemical compound that is known to be “likely carcinogenic to humans” and a possible hormone disruptor. 1,4-dioxane is rarely listed on ingredient labels, but it’s found in soaps, detergents, and shampoos. 
  • Fragrance products: Many of our household products contain synthetic fragrances: detergents, cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, baby products, shampoos, powders, dish soaps, etc. Common fragrance ingredients to look out for include: 
    • Beta-myrcene, a carcinogen and fragrance ingredient found in 3 out of 7 cleaning products and 19 out of 25 personal care products
    • Diethyl phthalate (DEP), a common EDC found in cleaning and personal care products
    • DEHP (Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), even though this phthalate was banned in the EU over 20 years ago, we still have it in many of our personal care items, notably Summer’s Eve Feminine Products
    • Propylene glycol, this EDC is known to impact reproductive health and is found in cosmetics, fragrances, topical medications, soaps and cleansers, hair care products, deodorants, as well as E-cigarettes and vapes

How to Avoid EDCs in Laundry Detergents:

Opt for an eco-friendly, Environmental Working Group-approved product:

  • AspenClean Laundry Pods
  • Blueland
  • Seventh Generation

Make your own!:

At-Home Powder Laundry Detergent (stays good indefinitely)

Ingredients:

  • 1 bar of castile soap, chopped or grated (on the smallest grater setting you have)
  • 1 cup of coarse salt
  • 1 cup of washing soda
  • 1 cup of baking soda

Instructions:

  • Chop or grate your castile soap into small pieces
  • Then, add all of your ingredients to a food processor and blend until your powder is incorporated. 
  • I will typically triple this recipe, which lasts me a few months. 

If you prefer a liquid detergent, check out this blog post by Live Simply

If you’re looking for recommendations on choosing safe Cookware, Tupperware, or Toys, check out our blog: Holiday Toy and Gift Safety – A Naturopathic Perspective!

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Pouring herbal tea into a teacup
By Blair Doucette
RNM Blog Uncategorized
May’s Herb of the Month: Cleavers

We see it time and time again. Mother Nature grows just what we need, just when we need it. Springtime is filled with blood-building and liver-detoxing bright green herbs/weeds. Many spring greens help us shake the winter off and give us the energy to head into the hot and heavy summer. Cleavers is one of those herbs that look like weeds but work like magic. Lining many gardens, this little, unassuming plant is an excellent water purifier for your body. It helps cleanse the lymphatic system and the kidneys, and is especially helpful at relieving pain during urinary tract infections.  

Common name: Cleavers

Latin name: Galium aparine

Part Used: Aerial parts, during flowering, before going to seed

Benefits: Mineral-rich, lymphatic support, blood cleanser

Taste: Salty, Moist, Mild, “Green”, Sweet 

Energetics: Cooling, Relaxing, Moistening in the short-term, and Astringent in the long-term

History:

Cleavers has a long history as a plant medicine in North America as well as parts of Europe. It’s also a favorite among deer! In the spring, when does are giving birth to fawns, they look for beds of cleavers. This is for their plushy texture and sweet, straw-like scent that masks their own to help avoid predators. Because of this, Indigenous American groups considered cleavers to be “Deer Medicine,” and considered it a remedy that relates specifically to the nerves, artists, and beauty. In Greece, a 1st-century Greek physician, Dioscorides, prescribed it for weariness. Greek shepherds and Swedish dairy farmers used dried cleavers to fashion sieves through which they would strain their herds’ milk. 

 

Cleavers has many nicknames, one of them being Lady’s Bedstraw. During medieval times, it was used both to stuff mattresses and to throw about the floor to cover unpleasant odors. 

Benefits:

Mineral-Rich: Cleavers, like many mineral-rich plants (stinging nettle), taste a little bit salty.

 

Alterative:

When an herb is considered an alterative, it’s considered to open the body’s natural detoxification pathways and promote metabolic waste elimination. It does this through diuretic mechanisms and supports the kidneys, urinary tract, and lymphatic systems to “clean house!”

 

Lymphatic Support/Mover: 

Cleavers is known as a lymphagogue, which means it stimulates the lymphatic system to produce and move more lymph. In this way, it acts as a soothing or cooling relaxant diuretic. It is therefore very beneficial for inflamed UTIs with symptoms of burning upon urination and swollen lymph nodes around the groin region. 

 

Nervous-system support: 

While not considered a calmative agent for the nervous system, cleavers may still support it by combating inflammatory nerve conditions. Cleavers are often used alongside other nervine herbs, such as oat straw or lemon balm, for those presenting with nervousness or excess sympathetic nervous system activity. 

Emotional Aspects of Cleavers:

Cleavers is associated with emotional attachments, boundaries, and letting go. They clear negative or heavy energies and stagnant emotions and behaviors to balance emotional well-being. Cleavers is aptly named, in that as a plant, it cleaves or clings to passersby. As an emotional plant medicine, they do the opposite in that they help untangle and let go of emotional baggage. 

How To Use Fresh Herbs: 

  1. Add to any cooked or stewed meal just as you would with any other herb.
  1. Make cleavers tea
  2. Incorporate fresh cleavers into apple cider vinegar for salad dressings. Just take one part fresh cleavers and submerge them in two parts apple cider vinegar. Then, use the vinegar in place of lemon juice when making your dressing. 
  3. Blend with a small amount of water to make a juice to drink or to soothe sunburnt skin.
  4. Add to a green smoothie. Cleavers have a mild flavor, so they’re an excellent green to add. Green Smoothie with Cleavers by Jennifer Prentice at My Healthy Homemade LifeIngredients
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 cup chopped fresh cleavers
    • 1/2 cup fresh chopped pineapple
    • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mango
    • 1/2- 1 frozen banana (frozen in chunks)
    • 1 tbsp chia seeds

    Instructions

    •  Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately

 

Want to learn more about herbs? Check out some of our other Herbs of the Month:

 

April Herb of the Month: Lemon Balm, The Herb That “Makes The Heart Merry”

March’s Herb of the Month: Violet

February Herb of the Month: Hawthorn, the Herb of the Heart

January Herb of the Month: Fennel, A Natural Way To Avoid Gas and Bloating

 

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By Kristen Alexander
Uncategorized
May 4th-10th is Naturopathic Medicine Week!

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a health profession that focuses on the health and well-being of the whole person, with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. 

Naturopathic doctors are uniquely trained in both conventional therapies and natural therapies, allowing us to effectively support acute and chronic ailments, making us the perfect choice to work alongside your primary care physician and the rest of your medical team.

 

Naturopathic Medicine Week

Naturopathic Medicine Week was launched in 2013 to help bring awareness to the field of naturopathic medicine and highlight the contributions that naturopathic doctors can provide to patients and the community. Naturopathic medicine isn’t federally regulated, but it is fully licensed in 26 states. This licensure allows naturopathic doctors to provide expanded primary care services to their patients. The AANMC provides information on state-by-state licensure and can provide you with more information on your specific state! 

 

Caring for the Whole You

This year’s Naturopathic Medicine Week theme is ‘Caring for the Whole You’. One of the six core principles of Naturopathic Medicine is ‘tolle totum’, which translates to ‘treat the whole person’. As naturopathic doctors, we pride ourselves on seeing the big picture and being able to ‘care for the whole you’ instead of just briefly focusing on one specific part of you (like your high blood pressure and your heart, for example). Instead of just focusing on the fact that your blood pressure is high, we take the time to investigate further to see if we can find any triggers or factors that are affecting you and resulting in your high blood pressure readings.

Triggers like dietary factors, stressors, lack of resources, or other physical conditions are often overlooked but contribute to symptoms. This is why it is essential to ‘care for the whole you’; you are one interconnected being. Everything you interact with in the world can impact the physiological responses your body is experiencing. 

 

Why Work with a Naturopathic Doctor?

  • Time: We spend anywhere from 1 to 2 hours with patients, allowing us to ask questions that may not have been asked in a traditional visit. We dive deep into personal, medical, and social history to learn about each individual patient’s intricacies so that we can provide the best support possible. 
  • Individualization: Because we are trained to ‘care for the whole you’ and take the time to learn about each individual, this allows us to come up with a creative and unique plan specific to you as an individual person. We do not focus on protocols, but rather work towards fine-tuning your supportive recommendations based on your individual needs and goals.
  • Empowerment: Because we want to see you thrive and be the healthiest version of you possible, we will provide you with tools, referrals, and the guidance necessary to feel empowered to make sustainable lifestyle changes. We often see patients frustrated with their health and lack of results, so they are discouraged by the time they are in our office. Our goal is for you to walk out of our office feeling a sense of empowerment and to possess the tools that you need to work towards success.

 

If you are just learning about naturopathic medicine for the first time or have been waiting to make your first appointment, we encourage you to call our office today to learn more about what support we offer and how we can help empower you on your journey towards better health! 

 

References

  1. https://aanmc.org/naturopathic-medicine/
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Man getting frustrated looking his medical symptoms up online
By Kristen Alexander
RNM Blog Uncategorized
The Dangers of Googling or Using ChatGPT For Your Medical Symptoms
Googling Symptoms

How many times have you Googled your symptoms and been provided with frightening information about potential health ailments? The internet is a powerful tool that has made our lives easier in a lot of ways. However, it can easily complicate matters by providing broad information that doesn’t pertain to each individual. 

For the sake of this article, I asked Google ‘Why do I have a headache?”. I was provided with multiple answers, including dehydration, allergies, hormone imbalances, and underlying medical conditions like a stroke or meningitis. 

 

Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket 

The internet can be a helpful tool in assisting you in learning more about different health conditions. But it should only be considered one of the tools you rely on, not the only one you rely on. Solely relying on information from one article or from ChatGPT (or any other AI software) can be dangerous, as there is a significant amount of misinformation floating around online. The rise in artificial intelligence is making it much more difficult to differentiate good information from bad information. 

If you find information online that you are interested in incorporating into your daily life to support your overall health, consider having a conversation with your healthcare provider (or naturopathic doctor) to learn more about the information that you found, and to see if the recommendations from Google or ChatGPT truly are good ideas for you to incorporate. It is important to remember that these artificial interfaces do not have all the answers and can make errors, just like humans. Although these artificial interfaces may be intelligent, they did not spend years in school studying the human body, and they lack the ability to make personal recommendations based on your individual being. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket by blindly trusting the internet. Seek additional guidance for well-rounded support. 

 

Naturopathic Medicine and Artificial Intelligence 

As a naturopathic doctor, it is my job to take all of the information available (labs, medical history, personal preferences, individual symptoms, etc) into consideration when providing support to each individual. A computer-generated model cannot make these same individualized recommendations, because it does not know you as an individual- it only knows you by the data input into its system. ChatGPT cannot pick up on your emotions, and it cannot gauge appropriately how much stress you are under or how sleep-deprived you are.

Important Considerations

Google cannot replace a medical education or a degree in any healthcare field. ChatGPT cannot replace years of hands-on training, clinical experience, and anecdotal evidence that is seen on a daily basis. While there is no doubt that AI will infiltrate the healthcare community and there will inevitably be ways that artificial intelligence improves the medical community, we must use caution with our health and wellness when it comes to artificial intelligence. 

 

Getting overwhelmed by all of the “medical advice” swirling around social media? You’re not alone. Read more here!

References:
  1. Tan S, Xin X, Wu D. ChatGPT in medicine: prospects and challenges: a review article. Int J Surg. 2024;110(6):3701-3706. Published 2024 Jun 1. doi:10.1097/JS9.0000000000001312
  2. Homolak J. Opportunities and risks of ChatGPT in medicine, science, and academic publishing: a modern Promethean dilemma. Croat Med J. 2023;64(1):1-3. doi:10.3325/cmj.2023.64.1
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By Blair Doucette
RNM Blog Uncategorized
April Herb of the Month: Lemon Balm, The Herb That “Makes The Heart Merry”

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is an aromatic member of the Lamiaceae family and, therefore, is thought to have high antioxidant potential.1 It’s a fast-growing perennial, native to southern Eurasia, and later naturalized in North and South America and beyond over the generations.2 This global spread lets us know just how widely used and depended upon lemon balm really is! 

 

Common name: Lemon Balm

Latin name: Melissa officinalis

Part Used: leaves

Benefits: Nervine (supports and calms the nervous system), Cognitive Support, Antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms), Antiviral, Carminative (dispels gas),  Antioxidant

Taste:  sour, sweet, bitter

Energetics: cooling and slightly drying

History:

Traditionally, its lemon-scented leaves were used for problems with indigestion specifically associated with anxiety, as well as for its carminative (meaning it helps dispel gas), sedative, and antispasmodic (relaxes muscles) properties.3 Folk medicine practitioners have also used it topically to treat genital and oral herpes.4,5

 

Historically, descriptions of lemon balm can be found in ancient Turkish texts from thousands of years ago, where lemon balm was planted near bee hives to encourage the swift return of honey bees after collecting pollen. Its name is even derived from the Greek word melissa, which means a honeybee, and the Temple of Artemis beekeepers used it to keep their honeybees happy and healthy.6 

 

Additionally, throughout the Renaissance, lemon balm was prolifically used as an aromatic tonic called Carmelite Water. The recipe for Carmelite Water was so prized that Louis XIV, XV, and XVI of France granted patents for it under the name ‘Eau de Melisse des Carmes.’  The Carmelite friars who were known to make this tonic kept the recipe and its patent untouched and secret.  All that’s known about the patent recipe now is that it was made of lemon balm, coriander seeds, angelica root, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves pounded together and steeped in wine. Historically, bathing was such a rare occurrence at the time, so lemon balm was used to mask the constant odor, which made this tonic sell like hotcakes (or whatever the Renaissance equivalent of hotcakes is). It also covered up the almost constant stench from illness and death (so many plagues, so little time!). 

Benefits:

Effects on the Nervous System:

Lemon balm is highly concentrated in compounds called volatile oils (such as citral, citronellal, and geraniol). All of these volatile oils have demonstrated a calming influence on the nervous and digestive systems while also producing anti-inflammatory effects. Lemon balm has also demonstrated through studies to be effective at producing sedative and sleep-inducing reactions, with higher doses being helpful in the treatment of headaches and dysmenorrhea (painful periods).7 Further, foods containing lemon balm often produce mild improvements in mood and cognitive performance.8 

 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

Lemon balm contains many beneficial compounds, such as rosmarinic acid.9 Studies show that Rosmarinic acid specifically produces strong anti-inflammatory results, and therefore, it’s used in supplemental treatments of cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and depression.10 Additionally, the volatile oil citral, mentioned above, is anti-inflammatory and can counterbalance the effects of free radical damage.11

 

Digestive Tract Issues:

As mentioned above, lemon balm is a carminative, so it’s especially helpful at dispersing excess gas after a meal. It also contains specific components that aid in bile production, which helps break down fats. Basically, a cup of lemon balm tea is the perfect addition to any after-meal treat!

Emotional Aspects of Lemon Balm:

Lemon balm is calming yet uplifting, especially to the emotional heart. Therefore, it’s a perfect pairing for hyper-sensitive emotional states. It’s also said to remove blocks and provide comfort to those who have experienced shock or panic. Additionally, it symbolizes feminine energy, intuition, and emotional healing.

Recipes

Carmelite Water Recipe with Lemon Balm by Mountain Rose Herbs -Makes about 3 cups.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon balm leaves or 1/4 cup dried organic lemon balm
  • 1/4 cup dried organic angelica root
  • 1 Tbsp. dried organic coriander seed
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon zest (about 1 small organic lemon)
  • 1 tsp. fair trade, organic (cassia) cinnamon chips
  • 2 fair trade, organic whole cloves
  • 1/8 tsp. freshly grated fair trade, organic nutmeg
  • 1 bottle of organic dry white wine

Instructions

  • Combine all the herbs and spices in a glass quart jar.
  • Pour the wine into the jar.
  • Stir well.
  • Cover with a lid.
  • Steep for 4 to 6 hours.
  • Strain through several layers of cheesecloth or a coffee filter and compost the herbs.
  • Place the infused wine in an airtight container and chill for several hours.
  • Enjoy within 3 to 5 days.

 

Bees Knees Mocktail Recipe by Mountain Rose Herbs – Makes 2 drinks.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water + 1/4 cup, divided
  • 10 organic juniper berries
  • 1/4 cup organic lemon balm
  • 1 tbsp. raw, local honey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
  • 3 tsp. organic apple cider vinegar

 

Instructions

  • Add 1 cup water and juniper berries to a small pot.
  • Put on medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.
  • Then, lower heat and infuse for 10 minutes.
  • Add lemon balm and infuse for another 10 minutes.
  • Strain out herbs and stir honey into infusion.
  • Add to cocktail shaker.
  • Pour in the remaining 1/4 cup water, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar.
  • Add ice and shake until nice and chilled.
  • Pour into cocktail glass.
  • Garnish with lemon and enjoy!

 

Loving learning about herbs? Check out some of our past herbs of the month!

 

March, Violet: Cleansing and Cooling

February, Hawthorne: Great for Heart Health

January, Fennel: Combat Gas and Bloating

 

References

  1. Hohmann J, Zupkó I, Ré dei D, et al. Protective Effects of the Aerial Parts of Salvia ofJicinalis, Melissa ofJicinalis and Lavandula angustifolia and their Constituents against Enzyme-Dependent and Enzyme-Independent Lipid Peroxidation. Planta Med. 1999;65(6):576-578. doi:10.1055/s-2006-960830.
  2. Rosemary Gladstar. Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. Storey Publishing; 2012.
  3. Ulbricht C, Brendler T, Gruenwald J, et al. Lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis L.): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. 2005;5(4):71-114.
  4. Astani A, Navid MH, Schnitzler P. Attachment and penetration of acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus are inhibited by Melissa Officinalis extract. Phytother Res PTR. 2014;28(10):1547-1552. doi:10.1002/ptr.5166.
  5. Rudolf Fritz Weiss, MD. Herbal Medicine. 6th ed. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd.; 1991.
  6. LEMON BALM. https://academics.hamilton.edu/foodforthought/our_research_files/lemon_balm.pdf

7.Soulimani R, Fleurentin J, Mortier F, Misslin R, Derrieu G, Pelt JM. Neurotropic action of the hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa Officinalis in the mouse. Planta Med. 1991;57(2):105-109. doi:10.1055/s-2006-960042.

  1. Scholey A, Gibbs A, Neale C, et al. Anti-Stress Effects of Lemon Balm-Containing Foods. Nutrients. 2014;6(11):4805-4821. doi:10.3390/nu6114805.
  2. Carnat AP, Carnat A, Fraisse D, Lamaison JL. The aromatic and polyphenolic composition of lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis L. subsp. officinalis) tea. Pharm Acta Helv. 1998;72(5):301-305. doi:10.1016/S0031-6865(97)00026-5.
  3. Bulgakov VP, Inyushkina YV, Fedoreyev SA. Rosmarinic acid and its derivatives: biotechnology and applications. Crit Rev Biotechnol. 2012;32(3):203-217. doi:10.3109/07388551.2011.596804.
  4. Apoptosis-Inducing Effects of Melissa Officinalis L. Essential Oil in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells (PDF Download Available). ResearchGate. https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/261762686_Apoptosis- Inducing_Effects_of_Melissa_ofJicinalis_L_Essential_Oil_in_Glioblastoma_Multiforme _Cells. Accessed August 17, 2017.

 

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By Kristen Alexander
RNM Blog Uncategorized
April is Rosacea Awareness Month

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition commonly associated with redness, inflammation, or rash, typically located on the nose and the cheeks. Rosacea can appear differently in different people. Some may experience a quick flushing sensation in their face, some may experience constant redness, irritation, and discomfort of their face, and others may experience acne-like breakouts on their face. 

 

What causes rosacea?

The root causes of rosacea are largely unknown, but there are many different working theories. 

One of the most common theories is that underlying inflammation is likely contributing to the development of rosacea. This inflammation could be coming from a disrupted gastrointestinal microbiome (possible infections or imbalanced bacteria) or a disrupted skin microbiome, as it is common for patients with rosacea to have higher numbers of Demodex mites on the skin. 

Several different triggers for rosacea can vary from person to person, including stress, sunlight, spicy foods, exercise, temperature changes, caffeine, and alcohol. Therefore, it is essential to take notes of your symptoms so that you can better understand what may be triggering your rosacea. 

 

Naturopathic Support for Rosacea

One of the main principles of naturopathic medicine is ‘tolle totum’ which means ‘to treat the whole person.’ When you book your initial appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors, we will dive deep into your medical history. We will discuss things like diet, sleep, stress, exercise, etc. This is to learn more about you as a whole person (and not just your rosacea). This will allow us to make possible connections between your rosacea and other factors in your life that could be contributing (stress, intense exercise, inflammation, diet, microbiome imbalances, etc). Making these connections and getting to the root causes can help us work towards improving symptoms along with the underlying causes, helping you move towards an improved state of health. 

If you want to be proactive before your visit, you can create a symptom and lifestyle journal to help us better understand what could be triggering your symptoms. In your journal, you can include things like: what symptoms you experience, what time of day you experience them, what activities you were doing before/while you noticed the symptoms, what foods you ate before/during symptoms, etc. 

 

If you are tired of dealing with rosacea, take charge of your health this Rosacea Awareness Month and let Richmond Natural Medicine help guide you towards clear skin! 

 

For more information on our practice or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (804) 977-2634!

Looking for Seasonal skin care tips for Spring? Click here!

Dealing with psoriasis? We have a blog for that too! Click here!

 

References:
  1. Farshchian M, Daveluy S. Rosacea. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557574/ 
  2. Sánchez-Pellicer P, Eguren-Michelena C, García-Gavín J, et al. Rosacea, microbiome and probiotics: the gut-skin axis. Front Microbiol. 2024;14:1323644. Published 2024 Jan 8. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2023.1323644 
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Hawthorn herb
By Blair Doucette
RNM Blog Uncategorized
February Herb of the Month: Hawthorn, the Herb of the Heart

As we progress through the cycle of seasonal changes, we find ourselves in mid-to-late winter. February is a time of deep rest, just before new spring energy arrives. Continuing our monthly walk with herbs, February’s herb of the month is hawthorn, the great heart herb. Hawthorn has been used throughout the ages for physical and emotional heart health. Hawthorn trees decorate the global landscape with many species, each native to a different region. Though some species were already native to North America, Eastern Hemisphere ancestors brought over many of our current hawthorn trees from the old world, indicating their profound importance. 

 

Common name: Hawthorn

Latin name: Crataegus monogyna

Part Used: berries, flowers, leaves, and young twigs 

Benefits: Cardiovascular health, emotional health, aids in digestion

Taste: slightly sweet, sour, astringent 

Energetics: cooling and moist

History:

Due to its globalized nature, hawthorn has a history of being used in countries all over the world for hundreds, if not thousands of years. As early as the 1st century, China used hawthorn for its cardiovascular benefits as well as its strengthening effect on the spleen. Also, according to Traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn helps promote healthy digestion and blood circulation. Its Latin name, Crataegus, comes from the Greek word krataigos, which roughly translates to “strong thorn.” The Greek physician wrote of hawthorn, “Its fruit stops diarrhea when drunk and eaten. Its root finely ground and plastered extracts splinters and thorns.” This was likely due to its astringent flavor.

Hawthorn has many informal names, such as the Maythorn and the Thorn Apple. This is likely because it typically blooms into beautiful white flowers around the beginning of May. Legend has it that May Poles were made out of hawthorn trees and that the Mayflower was named after the hope inspired by the hawthorn trees, as they were seen as a symbol of hope and love. 

Additionally, according to folklore, it was believed to be bad luck to cut down hawthorn branches and bring them inside. But if left outside, hawthorn branches would keep witches out. 

Benefits: 

Hawthorn is considered a great heart herb, and all of its parts are used to benefit heart health. The berries, flowers, leaves, and young twigs all contain high bioflavonoid and antioxidant content. Hawthorn works on the heart by helping to dilate the veins and arteries, which helps blood flow more freely to and from the heart, releasing cardiovascular constrictions. It also works as a tonic, which means it helps strengthen the heart muscle, works as a preventative measure, and works best when taken regularly. It can also help to regulate and normalize blood pressure and cholesterol. Hawthorn is an excellent natural option for people who bruise easily, as it works to strengthen the ligaments, tendons, and capillaries. 

Emotional Aspects of Hawthorn:

Being the herb of the heart, hawthorn is a great natural approach to emotional heartache as well. Herbalists and naturopaths employ it to help with grief and deep sadness. Just like the thorns of the hawthorn tree protect its berries, hawthorn helps protect your emotional heart. It helps those who are attempting to have a more open and courageous heart, and it also helps set emotional boundaries for those who need help with deep heartache. Hawthorn also helps support the nervous system and, therefore, is used to alleviate nerves and anxiety. 

Recipes

Precautions: Before taking hawthorn, individuals who are taking beta-blockers or other heart health medications should consult an experienced practitioner.

  1. Rosemary Gladstar’s Heart-ease Tea 

According to Rosemary Gladstar, “This is an effective remedy for deep-seated grief and feelings of loss. It’s also an effective remedy for seasonal affective disorder.”

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts hawthorn leaf, flower, and berry
  • 1 part green oat top (milky oats)
  • 1 part lemon balm leaf
  • 1 part St. John’s wort flower and leaf
  • Honey (optional)

Instructions:

  • Prepare an infusion of the herbs by pouring boiling water over them. Let steep for 30-45 minutes. The length of steeping time and the amount of herb you use will affect the strength of the tea. 
  • Strain and drink

 

Circulatory Tea for Ears and Tinnitus 

This tea is a circulatory stimulant. Increasing the circulation throughout the body may help with some cases of tinnitus and hearing loss. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 part ginkgo
  • 1 part hawthorn berries
  • ¼ part cinnamon
  • ¼ part ginger

Instructions:

  • Prepare an infusion of the herbs by pouring boiling water over them. Let steep for 30-45 minutes. The length of steeping time and the amount of herb you use will affect the strength of the tea. 
  • Strain and drink 

 

Rosemary Gladstar’s Sprinkles for the Heart

This is a heart-healthy addition to any meal that can be sprinkled on for extra flavor. Place it in a small bottle with a shaker top and set it on the table to make sure you remember to use it often. 

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts hawthorn berry powder
  • 1 part cinnamon powder
  • ½ part ginger root powder
  • ⅛ part cardamom powder

Instructions:

  • Mix the powders together and store them in a spice jar on the table. 
  • Sprinkle the powder on any food that could use a flavor boost. 

 

References

Gladstar, R. (2012). Rosemary Gladstar’s medicinal herbs: a beginner’s guide. North Adams, MA, Storey Publishing.

Touwaide, A., & Appetiti, E. (n.d.). Naylor Association management software. American Herbal Products Association. https://www.ahpa.org/herbs_in_history_hawthorn

 

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Nature in the winter
By Alida Callahan
RNM Blog Uncategorized
A Naturopathic Approach To Post-Holiday Blues

The whirlwind of the winter holidays is over, and while it was filled with excitement and joy, it also came with its fair share of stress and chaos. Now, as you face January, you may feel a bit low with post-holiday blues. This month often prompts the “New Year, New You” mentality, but you might be feeling unmotivated, burnt out, and struggling to find your normal routine. You are not alone; many people find that January is not the best time for setting ambitious goals.

 

Winter is a season of rest and introspection. Just as plants and animals hibernate, gathering energy and turning inward, we, too, can use this time for reflection. So, why do we push ourselves to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions just 11 days into winter? In Chinese medicine, winter is viewed as a time of “Yin within Yin,” symbolizing rest, reflection, the earth, and nighttime. Instead of striving for large, physically demanding goals during this period, we should focus on routine, nourishment, reflection, and rest.

 

Spring is the time when Yang energy begins to reemerge, signaling an increase in vitality. This is the moment to embrace larger goals and physical activities. In the meantime, here are some tips for nurturing yourself during the winter months.

 

Tips for Nurturing Yourself During the Winter Months:

Maintain Routines:

Keeping a consistent daily schedule during winter is crucial for fostering stability and balance when natural rhythms tend to slow down. A routine can help combat seasonal blues by providing structure, promoting productivity, and encouraging positive habits. By prioritizing routines, we create a safe space for self-care and reflection, allowing us to navigate the winter season with greater resilience and ease.

Nourishment:

During winter, warming and nutritious foods are essential for maintaining both physical health and emotional well-being. Hearty soups, stews, and casseroles made with ingredients like root vegetables, legumes, and whole grains not only provide comfort but also deliver vital nutrients to sustain energy levels. Dishes like butternut squash soup, lentil stew, and vegetable chili are perfect choices that nourish the body while warming the soul. Incorporating spices such as ginger and cinnamon can enhance flavors and boost immunity, making these meals both satisfying and beneficial during the colder season.

Hot Tea:

Sipping hot tea in winter provides a soothing ritual that encourages moments of pause and reflection amid the chill and chaos. The act of brewing and enjoying tea becomes a meditative practice, allowing you to connect with the warmth of the beverage while nurturing your mind and body. This comforting tradition not only offers hydration and warmth but also creates space for introspection and tranquility, making it an ideal companion during colder months. Many herbal varieties provide medicinal benefits that support the immune system and promote mental clarity, making tea an essential ally for well-being at this time of year. Check out our blog on Herbal teas!

Hydration:

Staying hydrated during winter is crucial, as the dry air can lead to increased fluid loss and a higher risk of dehydration. Incorporating electrolyte-rich fluids, such as coconut water, electrolyte/mineral powders, or homemade electrolyte solutions made with water, a pinch of sea salt, and a splash of citrus juice, can help maintain proper hydration levels. Additionally, consuming hydrating foods like soups, stews, and fresh fruits can contribute to your overall fluid intake while providing essential nutrients.

Introspection and Rest:

Introspection and rest can serve as powerful goals for personal growth during the quieter months of winter. Set aside dedicated time each day for reflection, whether through journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in silence to connect with your thoughts. Create a calming environment with soft lighting and comfortable seating to encourage relaxation. Prioritize quality sleep by establishing a nighttime routine that signals to your body that it’s time to rest, fostering rejuvenation. Embracing these practices will enhance your self-awareness and provide the mental space necessary to recharge and understand yourself more deeply.

 

While jumping into the new year with new exciting goals and resolutions may be the norm, and of course, we encourage new healthy habits, we also want to invite you to pause and give yourself the grace you deserve. Winter is a vital period for rest and reflection. It allows us to pause and recharge during one of the year’s quietest times. By establishing consistent routines, nourishing our bodies with warming foods, and staying hydrated, we can support our overall well-being. Incorporating soothing medicinal teas into our daily rituals enriches our moments of introspection, while dedicated time for rest helps us connect with our inner selves. Embracing these practices fosters balance and prepares us for the rejuvenating energy of spring.

 

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Medicinal Roots
By Blair Doucette
RNM Blog Uncategorized
December Herb of the Month: Astragalus, the Herb of Support and Fortification

Astragalus is the Herb of the Month for December. And for good reason! As we ease into the Winter solstice of December, we say hello to longer nights, quieter days, and, hopefully, moments of reflection. There is a seasonality to everything. Since it’s almost winter outside, we’re starting to slow down, and typically, our internal energy is doing just the same. Astragalus is the perfect winter companion for this new rhythm. 

Common name: Astragalus 

Latin name: Astragalus membranaceus

Part Used: Roots

Benefits: Adaptogenic, adrenal tonic, antiviral potential, blood tonic, Qi tonic, digestive aid, diuretic, hypotensive, immune stimulant, tonic, vasodilator

Taste: Sweet, Earthy, and Bitter

Energetics: Warm and Moist

History: 

December’s Herb of the Month, Astragalus, is one of the most commonly recommended herbs in the world. This is partly due to its ability to enhance and balance the entire body. It’s long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to boost overall vitality, improve circulation, and build the blood. While there are literally hundreds of different varieties of Astragalus (they’re all in the pea family!), the medicinal variety that we most commonly use is Astragalus membranaceus, a sun-loving perennial native to China. This root is thought to have been used as a traditional medicine in China for at least 2,000 years (with some writings suggesting that it might be more like 5,000 years!) 

Astragalus was first introduced to North America through the USDA’s Plant Introduction Office in 1925. However, acclaimed herbalist Stephen Buhner points out that it likely wasn’t used in Western botanical practice until the 1960s, when there was a shift towards blending Eastern and Western perspectives in herbal medicine. 1

Benefits: 

Our Herb of the Month, Astragalus, has been used so prolifically throughout the history of traditional medicine that it is deemed one of the “Fifty Fundamental Herbs” still used in TCM.2 It’s most commonly used as a Qi (or chi) tonic, which means it’s thought to strengthen and replenish your vital force or energy, essentially aiming to restore your vitality. On top of that, this amazing herb is also helpful during times of acute illness to help speed up recovery. Herbalists may recommend astragalus to help fortify the lungs or to help get over a cold. Additionally, Astragalus contains high antioxidant properties and can potentially help protect cells from oxidative stress.

Astragalus’s main claim to fame in Western herbalism is as an adaptogen, helping to normalize behavior in the immune, nervous, and hormonal systems. This helps your body better regulate during times of stress. It can also be taken as a long-term preventative against colds and other viruses. 

You may see other herbal sites also recommending astragalus for the following (As always though, you should consult your doctor first if you are interested in taking Astragalus, or anything, for the long term): 

  • The liver
  • The kidneys and urinary system
  • Blood sugar
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Upper respiratory tract
  • Menstrual cycle
  • Menopause
  • Organs of detoxification
  • The skin
  • Pain/inflammation
  • Stress response

Emotional Aspects of Astragalus:

Astragalus is known for tonifying and building up internal power or energy. It can be used to fortify the energetic body, support vital energy, and reinforce the body’s natural defenses. It also helps keep energy flowing, rather than becoming stagnant. In spiritual practices, Astragalus is used to protect or cleanse the aura, while it also helps ward off negative energies. 

 

Using Astragalus In Your Everyday: 

Astragalus Chai Recipe for Immune Support – Makes 6 cups.

Recipe from Mountain Rose Herbs

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. astragalus root or 10-15 small organic astragalus root slices
  • 10 slices of organic Chinese licorice root
  • 2 Tbsp. of organic ginger root
  • 2 Tbsp. organic dried orange peel
  • 1 Tbsp. of organic sweet cinnamon chips
  • 1 tsp. of organic white peppercorns
  • 1-2 organic cardamom pods
  • 3-5 organic whole allspice berries
  • 3-5 whole organic cloves
  • 1 ½ quarts of water

Directions

  • Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Simmer for one hour.
  • Strain.
  • Add milk and raw, local honey if desired.

Immune Boost Soup – Serves 8

Recipe from Vegetarian Times 

Ingredients

  • 5 cups water
  • 1 Tbs. miso paste
  • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
  • 2 small yellow onions (minced)
  • 1 cup celery (sliced)
  • 1 cup carrots (sliced)
  • 1 cup bell peppers (sliced)
  • 1 Tbs. ginger (grated)
  • 1 tsp. turmeric
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 3–4 dried slices of astragalus root
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 Tbs. coconut oil

Instructions

  • Heat water and miso paste in a large pot and allow the paste to dissolve.
  • Add mushrooms, onion, celery, carrots, peppers, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and astragalus slices, and simmer for 1 hour (or longer if needed).
  • Add raw garlic and coconut oil for the final 10 minutes of simmering.
  • Remove astragalus slices from the soup before serving.

Missed our other Herbs of the Month? Check them out!:

November: Ginger… Recipes included!

October: Echinacea

September: Goldenrod

August: Agrimony  

References:

  1. “Astragalus, Astragalus Membranaeus, Huang-Qi.” Steven Foster Group, 2011.
  2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Astragalus: Usefulness and safety. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/astragalus 

 

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By Lindsay Kluge
RNM Blog
Naturopathic Appointments: A Comprehensive Guide to What is Included and What to Expect

A Naturopathic Doctor (ND) is an expert in natural medicine. They blend natural, non-toxic therapies under current advancements in the study of health and human systems. They cover all aspects of family health and utilize cutting-edge medical knowledge, research and tools to resolve a client’s health concerns. Naturopathic doctors work alongside their patients as partners, taking the time to listen to their needs and ensuring they are part of the healthcare solution. NDs provide clients with the time, space, and answers they need to show they are cared for and supported.

Below are some commonly asked questions regarding what is included and what to expect in our naturopathic appointments at Richmond Natural Medicine. Please note, we are a Virginia based naturopathic office and some services that are not available here may be available in naturopathic offices in licensed states.

Read More: About Richmond Natural Medicine & Our Practitioners

Do you accept insurance?

Unfortunately, we do not accept insurance for payment of our services. This is because naturopathic medicine is not covered by health insurance in Virginia at this time. The current medical model does not fully recognize the strengths of preventative holistic medicine. Steps are currently being taken here in Virginia and across the country to give more recognition to naturopathic medicine. You may check with your insurance company to see if they offer out-of-network coverage for alternative or complementary care.

Fortunately, those individuals with a HSA (health savings account) or FSA (flexible spending accounts) are often able to use these plans toward naturopathic care. In these cases, we can provide you with necessary paperwork and itemized receipts. You should check with your HSA or FSA Provider for more information and specific rules.

How long is the initial appointment and follow up appointments?

The initial appointment will be 2 hours, and is an in-depth review of your past and present medical history. Over the course of two hours, your practitioner will aim to obtain a full overview of who you are and what your needs are during this time. You can expect a discussion that looks beyond your presenting symptoms to the overall picture of your health, in order to best determine the best possible treatment for you. Your practitioner will inquire about your long-term expectations while working with our clinic, as well as considering your current lifestyle choices and habits.

Follow up appointments are initially 1 hour, and sometimes 30 minutes for a brief check-in if and when needed.

Can my naturopathic doctor be my primary care doctor?

In Virginia, your ND cannot serve as your primary care doctor, however they are trained in primary care medicine. Your ND however can work seamlessly with your PCP when needed to provide you the most holistic, comprehensive care possible over your health journey.

Can my naturopathic doctor order lab work for me?

In Virginia, your ND is unable to order specific lab work for you, however they can do affordable self-referral lab work. Additionally, since your ND works collaboratively with your other health providers, often your PCP or specialist is willing to write for the labs that are needed.

Is my naturopathic doctor a specialist for particular conditions?

A naturopathic doctor approaches treating people – not diseases. Although they are well versed and trained in multiple conditions, they are approaching the entire person – from health history to stress management, to assessing your diet and your barriers to healing – before they are focusing on the condition specifically. They are taking a wide angle approach to your health first, while also considering all of the inputs that have gone into the development of that condition in order to work towards balancing health and increasing patient vitality. Often, they are doing this in collaboration with your other specialists or physicians.

At Richmond Natural Medicine, we are also unique in that we work together as a collaborative team, sometimes putting two or three of our heads together to work on a case that may be a bit more complicated. We also see many complicated cases that have not responded to modern or conventional therapy.

At the core of naturopathic medicine lies the body’s ability to heal itself. Symptoms of any illness serve as an indicator that there is an imbalance within the human body. Your body works to communicate with you that it is not functioning as it should. The imbalance could be cumulative or based on a lack or excess of nutritional factors, daily habits, infection, or environmental issues. Naturopathic medicine works to support the body in dealing with these imbalances in a more comfortable and efficient way. It works with the body, helping to re-balance the issue. The goal is to find the cause of the imbalance and use the symptoms to guide one in finding the cause of the disease.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us and we will be happy to guide you through our next steps and match you with one of our naturopathic doctors.

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Phone 804-977-2634

Fax - 804-980-7876

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM-5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM-5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM-5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM-5:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM-5:30 PM

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