HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR & WISHING YOU EPIC ENERGY IN 2015!

Happy New Year! As many of you know I am expecting my second child any day now. I will be taking some time off to be with my family in early 2015, and plan to return to 360 Health Centre by early April. Wishing you & your families the absolute best in 2015! Dr.Renee Purdy ND I'd like to welcome Dr. Purdy to 360 Health Centre. Dr. Purdy will be providing care for my patients during my short maternity leave. She will be in the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays until early April. If you would like to book an appointment with her, or if you need a refill on your existing naturopathic prescriptions,  please contact 360 Health Centre at 506.830.6600

Wild Crafting Medicinal Herbs: preparing the medicine

Thank you to those of you who joined me at any of my several herb walks this summer. They were all super fun for me to present, it's so great to see others getting excited finding helpful herbal medicines in nature. As promised to my latest troopers here are a few basic recipes to help you get started on your own homemade herbal versions.

Salves- I use slight variations of this recipe to make lip balms, body balms and diaper/ bum balms.

• 5 g of fresh or dried herbs ( this might be a single, or combination of many).
• 100 mls of oil (I use olive, sunflower is lighter has less scent).
• Heat the oil and herbs in a double boiler for 2 hours, stir often, DO NOT LET BOIL.
• Strain through cheese cloth or stainless steel sieve
• add 1/3oz or more beeswax, stir to melt
• add essential oils as wanted, plus 25 drops vitamin e and 25 drops benzoin as natural preservatives. 

Poultice/ Compress- to apply to an area of irriation, inflammation. 

• 10g of herbs sauteed in 50-100 mls oil, saute 30 minutes if herbs are fresh, an hour if herbs are dried, pack in cheese cloth and apply to area 30-60 minutes. 

Decoction

• 6g of herbs in 400 mls water
• bring to boil then simmer until water volume is approximately 1/3
• strain and store in fridge will keep about 2 weeks
• dose will depend on herb used. 

Tincture

• 30 g of fresh of dried herbs, if using fresh chop them up very well.
• add herbs to 300 mls (40% alcohol) + 50 mls filtered water
• place herbs and liquid into a bottle with lid tightly closed.
• store in the dark 2-6 weeks, shaking bottle/ jar daily.
• strain and discard herbs, liquid tincture will last 18-24 months. 

Syrup (this is the only one I have not tried,but am about to make one with red clover decoction and licorice tincture for fall coughs)

• 50 mls tincture
• 50 mls decoction
• 100 mls honey, stir over gentle heat until all combined well
• stores up to 2 months in the fridge.

Happy Herb Hunting!

New Location!

Hope for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the most common complaints I come across with my female patients seeking fertility support. Typically it occurs in ten percent of women but for those with fertility challenges endometriosis is thought to be the culprit almost fifty percent of the

time. Symptoms are typically related to pelvic pain; pain with periods, pain with intercourse, vague abdominal pain, and pain with bowel movements. Although it has a hereditary trend, some women do not know they have the condition until faced with challenges when trying
to conceive.
Endometriosis is thought to occur during fetal development when cells from the inner lining of the uterus migrate, or are misplaced, elsewhere
in the body. Most often these cells end up in the pelvic cavity between the uterus and the rectum, but they have been discovered in other location such as the lungs, brain, and nasal passages. Many women start the birth control pill at a young age due to the
symptoms related to endometriosis, such as the aforementioned pain, and irregular, unpredictable cycles.  More often than not, these women's cycles are "regulated" on the pill and are then faced with the
return of symptoms when they discontinue the birth control pills in an
attempt to conceive.
As a naturopathic doctor my treatment goal is to help relieve symptoms
while seeking to address the underlying cause of disease. With
endometriosis this involves addressing the pain caused by
inflammation. Usually the most effective way to reduce overall
inflammation in a person’s entire system to identify and remove food
sensitivities, and to switch foods high in arachadonic acid with those
high in omega three fatty acids.  The most common denominator in the
above food equation is the moderation or complete removal of foods made
from cow's dairy. Approximately fifty percent of adults have at least
some degree of dairy intolerance, and dairy foods are also high in
pro-inflammatory fats; aracahadonic acid. Replacing some dairy foods
with hemp milk, flax oil, and chia seeds is one way to tip the
inflammation scales in your favor. 
Another common treatment goal with endometriosis is to balance the
immune system. Endometriosis does have an autoimmune component as many
women who are tested have self versus self antibodies.  Coincidently
removal of food sensitive’s can help with immune system balance, as
can my three all around favorite supplements; probiotics, fish oil,
and vitamin D. Another important component of immune regulation is
stress management. The physical pain of endometriosis can cause
depression and anxiety, combined with the disappointment of fertility
challenges, it can be challenging for women to move through without
some periods of high tension. Breathing techniques, mind-body
awareness and gentle exercises can help with stress management, and thus balance of the stress hormone cortisol.
As pain relents, stress relents, and the immune system
appears to be more balanced we may also have to employ natural
hormone support to regain regular monthly cycles. Here, the brassica family of foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts can help to balance female reproductive hormones.  Herbal medicines such as chaste tree berry, dong qaui and false unicorn root
can also be very helpful. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal blends
are an effective choice for regulating hormones, relieving pain, and
increasing blood circulation to the pelvic region.
All of these natural approaches to endometriosis treatment can be used
on their own or in combination with conventional treatments such as
surgery, clomid, IUI and In vitro fertilization. I would suggest
arranging a consult with myself (or another naturopathic doctor) before starting any of the nutritional or herbal treatments described above, to ensure safety and efficacy. Women are so often times doubtful when I tell them their periods do not have to be painful, and amazed when this becomes their actuality. 

Breast Screening update

I've had a few inquiries since the Canadian National Breast Cancer Screening Study was published in the British Medical Journal, my colleague and mentor Sat Dharam Kaur has shared the commentary on the study as well as her breast screening recommendations, please email :satdharamkaur@gmail.com if you would like to be added to the healthy breast ezine mailing list. 

I agree with her recommendations taking into consideration each persons own unique clinical history. If you are interested in having a baseline thermograph taken The Pear Tree is hosting a clinic on June 10th please inquire with: www.medthermonline.com for more information. 

From Dr. Kaur's Ezine: 

         If you didn't see it, the results of the Canadian National Breast Cancer Screening Study were published in the British Medical Journal on Feb 10, 2014. This important study of almost 90,000 women ages 40-59 from across Canada revealed that the number of women who died from breast cancer was the same whether women received screening mammograms annually for 5 years or had annual physical breast exams alone. During the five-year screening period, 666 invasive breast cancers were diagnosed in the women who were screened using mammography, while 524 were found in those receiving physical breast exams. Both groups received the usual medical treatment for breast cancer. Out of all of these women, 180 in the screening mammogram group and 171 of the women in the physical exam group died of breast cancer during the 25 year follow-up period. The conclusion - early detection through mammography did not reduce deaths due to breast cancer. So what are we to do?

Dr. Kaur's Guidelines for Screening

1. Women over 20 years of age should practice monthly breast self-exams

2. All women over 20 years of age and especially women with a family history of breast cancer should have an annual clinical breast exam

3. If you are over 20 and under 50, have an annual screening thermogram. Use mammogram, ultrasound, MRI and/or biopsy to explore any irregular thermogram results

4.  If you: a) have a strong family history of breast cancer; b) have been on the birth control pill or hormone replacement therapy for over 5 years; c) or have other increased risk factors - have an annual thermogram, ultrasound, MRI and clinical breast exam. Use mammography when necessary to confirm a diagnosis or if there is a lump.

5. If you are over 50, have an annual thermogram, clinical breast exam and use mammography, ultrasound, MRI and biopsy as needed if you discover a lump

Click here for more guidelines for breast cancer screening. 

Chicken Soup for your Gut!

The possibility of food sensitivities being the cause of digestive distress is something we naturopathic doctors have focused on for years. When helping a patient, or the parent of a pediatric patient, discover the underlying cause of any ailment or disease, we usually look to nutrition and the function of the digestive system for clues. The more we learn about pro-biotics and the mind body connection, the easier it is to illustrate that a “gut feeling” or “butterflies in the stomach”. Colloquialisms such as these  have been drawing the connection between intestinal and mental health, for generations. This is a connection that science is helping to further define as research continues in the area of gastrointestinal influences on other body systems, such as immunity and the central nervous system.

If you follow this column and those written by my naturopathic colleagues you’ll know that food sensitivities can account for a myriad of symptoms; IBS, reflux, headaches, eczema, joint pain, depression, ADD, etc. Once a food sensitivity is identified and eliminated, improvement can be seen as early as the next 72 hours, while in some cases it can take weeks or months to really see a reversal of symptoms. To identify food reactions, several different routes may be taken, your ND may have you keep a diet diary, do an elimination diet, or take blood samples to test your immunoglobulin levels in response to common food allergens.

There are many nutritional and herbal supplements available to help support the recovery of the gastro-intestinal tract once you have successfully identified and eliminated culprit foods. Some foods are easier to digest and generally better tolerated by the majority of the population, traditional bone broth is one such well tolerated “medicinal food”. Most traditional cultures use chicken broth as a base for their staple comfort and/or celebratory soup. Acadian Fricot, Russian Borscht, motzah ball soup, wanton soup, etc are some well known examples. Based on the work of nutritional healers such as Dr. Sidney Hass’ and Elaine Gottschall Specific carbohydrate diet, Sally Fallon’s Nurishing traditions, and Dr. Natasha Campbell-Mc Bride’s Gut and Psychology syndrome bone broth has recently made a comeback, and has re-gained the status of somewhat of a super food in nutritional medicine circles.

Simmering bones for a long duration at a low temperature helps to release minerals from the bones, gelatin from the bones and connective tissues, and possibly even immune factors from the inner marrow of the bone. The gelatin is especially important in terms of gastrointestinal healing and rejuvenation. The released nutritional factors help to soothe inflammation and re-build the inner lining of the digestive tract. During a time of dietary elimination and healing it is advisable to include bone broth as a staple in your nutritional plan, one cup taken three times per day with meals. It can also be taken as a supplement during times of acute illness or recovery from illness.

Adding bone broth to your winter diet, particularly if you suffer from any digestive complaints, is something I would recommend for anyone who is not meat sensitive. If you need help to sort out what is the underlying cause of your individual digestive disease or discomfort, please call me to book an appointment.

Chicken Bone Broth

Ingredients:

• 2-3 organic or naturally rise chicken carcasses( available from; Springbrook farms, dolma food, Bunnet farms)
• Water to cover the carcasses
• 8-10 peppercorns
• 2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Herbs/ spices to taste

Instructions

• Simmer for 2-3 hours
• Strain and discard bones and peppercorns
• Do no skim fat.
• Drink warm or at room temperature as is, or use as a base for soup or other dishes.
• Enjoy!

Riverview Clinic is open!

Shoo Flu!

I’ve been getting a fair number of inquiries lately into what people can do to avoid this winter’s potential influenza epidemic. The media craze, once again, has us locked in fear of what this winter’s viral onslaught will bring our way.

Like any other time, as with any other microbe, hand washing is crucial. Simple right? This also involves teaching our little ones to keep our “mouths to ourselves”, sneeze into our arm and wash our hands before and after nose picking. All this hand washing leaving your hands dry and cracking? Pure coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer and it also has anti-bacterial properties. I poured some melted coconut oil into a small glass jar and now carry it in my diaper bag (incidentally, it makes a great diaper cream too).

Like any other time, as with any other microbe, keeping our resistance up through healthy eating is crucial. Refined sugar has a direct immune suppressing effect, while local raw honey has immune supporting and any anti-microbial properties, choose your “sweet” accordingly. I always find myself preaching about eating tons of natural colors and this time of the year is no expectation. If you like to eat “seasonally” and locally choose beta carotene rich carrots, mineral rich beets and flavenoid laden frozen blueberries. If your culinary desires reach past the confines of our local yield; go for those rich yellows and oranges; sweet potatoes, mangoes, bells peppers and many other fruits and vegetables are all high in beta carotene the precursor to vitamin A, the vitamin which is so crucial for keeping the linings of our noses, throats and lungs ready to “fight”. Garlic, onion, and ginger are also fantastic fare for winter immune health. A quick home remedy for the beginning of cold or flu symptoms is a grated clove of garlic and a “finger” of fresh ginger steeped in hot water with honey.

There are many botanical medicines in the Naturopathic Doctors tool chest to help support the immune system all winter long, as well as those that have specific ant viral and anti-influenza properties. The Chinese herb astragalus is an excellent herb that can be used safely all winter long to keep the immune system strong in kids and adults alike. Echineacea is another well known herb, well know because of its immune supportive and direct anti-viral actions. Elderberry is a wild herb that grows locally here in New Brunswick, it has garnered a lot of attention due to a study that demonstrated it’s ability to prevent H1N1 infection of cells in vitro with effectiveness comparable to the pharmaceutical Tamiflu (Phytochemistry. 2009 Jul;70(10):1255-61).

Naturopathic Medicines and home hygiene practices may reduce your chances of contracting the flu, and the aforementioned Naturopathic protocols should help your flu experience to be more brief and mild, should you be one of this winter’s viral hosts. Please visit your Naturopathic Doctor for a more personalized approach to keeping your immune system healthy during this winters battle with the flu.

She Let Go

Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa shared this on her blog (http://www.goldenbridgeyoga.com/)   some time ago, I printed it up and it's now hanging in my office, it speaks to  me & many of the women who pass through my clinic door. 

She Let Go

 

By  Rev. Safire Rose

She let go
She let go. Without a thought or a word, she let go.

She let go of the fear. She let go of the judgments. She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head. She let go of the committee of indecision within her. She let go of all the ‘right’ reasons. Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go.

She didn’t ask anyone for advice. She didn’t read a book on how to let go. She didn’t search the scriptures. She just let go. She let go of all of the memories that held her back. She let go of all of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward. She let go of the planning and all of the calculations about how to do it just right.

She didn’t promise to let go. She didn’t journal about it. She didn’t write the projected date in her Day-Timer. She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper. She didn’t check the weather report or read her daily horoscope. She just let go.

She didn’t analyze whether she should let go. She didn’t call her friends to discuss the matter. She didn’t do a five-step Spiritual Mind Treatment. She didn’t call the prayer line. She didn’t utter one word. She just let go.

No one was around when it happened. There was no applause or congratulations. No one thanked her or praised her. No one noticed a thing. Like a leaf falling from a tree, she just let go.

There was no effort. There was no struggle. It wasn’t good and it wasn’t bad. It was what it was, and it is just that.

In the space of letting go, she let it all be. A small smile came over her face. A light breeze blew through her. And the sun and the moon shone forevermore.