Esophageal reflux, commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a chronic condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation and, in severe cases, damage to the esophageal lining. Conventional treatment options, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists, focus on reducing stomach acid production to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. However, prolonged use of these medications is associated with potential side effects, such as impaired nutrient absorption, an increased risk of fractures, chronic kidney disease and changes in gut microbiota, prompting many patients to consider alternative management options. Continue reading
Metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X, is not a single disease but a collection of risk factors that occur together. Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at a higher risk of experiencing a range of health complications, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and certain types of cancer. The incidence of metabolic syndrome has been increasing over the past few decades and is predicted to continue escalating in the coming years. Continue reading
March’s Featured Recording: Medicinal Uses of the Berberine-Containing Plants with Paul Bergner, Medical Herbalist
Paul Bergner, Medical Herbalist
Wherever they are found, plants containing berberine and related isoquinoline-alkaloids are used in traditional systems of medicine as major topical and internal medicines. A body of research demonstrates the ability of these alkaloids to suppress or kill microbes and may validate their traditional topical applications. Research has also discovered synergistic constituents in several of these plants which potentiate the antimicrobial effects of the berberine. More recent research on concentrated forms of isolated berberine has demonstrated potential uses of these concentrates for diabetes and several other conditions.
We review the research on the antimicrobial effects of the isolated alkaloids, as well as the whole plants in the genera Hydrastis, Berberis, Mahonia, Coptis, and Xanthorhiza. We then differentiate between applications of whole plant preparations and concentrated berberine compounds. (Catalog Number 21SW09)
If you want to learn more from Paul Bergner, join us online next weekend for Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine. Paul presents two classes through video: Comparative Materia Medica for the Bitter Herbs and Herban Legends and Clinical Pearls in the Female Reproductive Materia Medica. He will also present on a panel with Todd Caldecott, Dip, CI.H., RH(AHG), CAP(NAMA), AAC and Katie Stage, ND, RH (AHG), FABNG on Prevention of Viral Infections: Building Immunity with Botanicals.
The information in this series is provided as a research resource for health professionals and is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care practitioner. Please check your continuing education records to ensure you have not previously earned credits for these presentations.
The human body is a complex and interconnected system, where various organs and systems communicate with each other to maintain homeostasis. An area of research that has gained attention in recent years is the exploration of the GI-Skin-Brain axis. This axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal (GI) system, the skin, and the brain.
Increasing evidence shows that an imbalanced gut microbiome can induce inflammatory skin diseases.35 This offers a likely approach for improving skin conditions, by the modulation of the gut microbiome. Understanding the intricate connections within this axis provides valuable insights into addressing the root cause of any dysfunction that may occur here. Continue reading
Herbalist, naturopath, and much revered teacher and elder, Dr. Bill Mitchell once said, that through the process of photosynthesis, plants just naturally bring light into physical form, making them invaluable allies for those who proceed along a spiritual path. Indeed, I know of no tradition in which plants do not play a part.
In an ever-changing world it can become a challenge to find our center. Each of us engages with our innate stress response differently, therefore creating many versions of what we term collectively as ‘anxiety’. Anxiety disorders are classified by DSM-V criteria, and categorized by experiencing excessive worry more days than not, restlessness, easy fatigue, difficulty with concentration, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disturbance all with difficulty in controlling any of these symptoms9. Anxiety disorders are often experienced uniquely by the individual with some symptoms remaining constant, others transient and some not present at all. Collectively containing the experience of anxiety into a single set of symptoms is limiting and does not offer a true reflection of the individual process. Ultimately, this may lead to ineffective treatment or improper use of SSRI’s, benzodiazepines and other conventional medications used to treat anxiety disorders simply from a viewpoint of central nervous system sedation. Continue reading
This article is a part 2 to expand on additional interventions in mast cell regulation. If you didn’t read the original article, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome & Histamine Intolerance: An Herbal Approach discusses different types of mast cell activation syndromes and histamine-related issues. Furthermore, this discussion relates to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and histamine-related symptoms and not mastocytosis. For ease of use, the term “mast cell issues” is used to relate to these conditions throughout the article.
September’s Featured Recording: Types of Pain and Herbal Management Tools
This lecture by Jillian Stansbury, ND explores valuable pain management tools to counter the opiate crisis. This lecture discusses some of the most commonly encountered types of pain including musculoskeletal, neuralgic, and nociceptive pain. The mechanisms of action of selected anodyne herbs are explored and sample formulas for specific conditions are presented. Botanicals discussed include Boswelia, Vitex, Glycyrrhiza, Piper methysticum, Aloe vera and more.
Note: The information in this series is provided as a research resource for health professionals and is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care practitioner.Continue reading
Posted on by Dr. Aisha Nouh, ND, AHG Registered Herbalist
Stress can be rewarding and even pleasant in response to positive stimuli, encouraging intellectual and emotional growth and development. Most often, when we discuss being “stressed out” in a modern context, it is in reference to negative physical or psychological stimuli and an unpleasant reaction. Stress is generally defined as a state of disharmony (allostasis) and is counteracted by physiological and behavioral responses which aim to reestablish homeostasis via the adaptive stress response.1
Note: The information in this series is provided as a research resource and is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care practitioner.
Audio Series Details (See below for lecture titles and descriptions)
One-click orders all eight recordings selected from the Botanical Medicine library, plus a 99-page PDF of notes. Together these provide comprehensive information for clinicians on one of the most pressing challenges of our age.
We have included eight audio recordings since this is such a large topic, which includes not only dietary measures for weight management and exercise, but mitigating factors often not considered, including allergy, endocrine dysfunction, insulin resistance (metabolic syndrome), stress, lack of sleep, environmental toxicants and the effect of widespread use of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals on the obesity epidemic in the US. Pharmaceuticals for weight loss are mentioned and evaluated.
(Series price of $65 includes a 99-page PDF of lecture notes.)
Naturopathic CE:
12 total CME hours if not claimed previously for the above lectures
11.5 general + .5 pharmacy credits
Approved by Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine (OBNM)
Working with patients to manage their weight includes prevention of weight gain, control of age-related gains and treatment of obesity. This requires a broad understanding of many factors, including insulin resistance, environmental toxicants, the gut microbiome and the effect of pharmaceuticals on weight gain. Panelists at the 2021 Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine, naturopathic physicians Marianne Marchese, Katie Stage, and Lise Alschuler, discussed new research, practical naturopathic interventions and specific recommendations for clinical practice. A synopsis of each presentation follows.
Note: The information in this series is provided as a research resource and is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care practitioner.
Audio Series Details (See below for lecture titles and descriptions)
One click orders all six recordings selected from the Botanical Medicine library, plus a 128-page PDF of notes. Together these provide comprehensive information on healthy aging.
This series begins with understanding the biological aging process in Part 1 of the lecture given by Donald Yance, RH (AHG) and continues in Part 2 with a discussion of botanicals, nutrients and lifestyle recommendations to support and restore health as we age.
Next, Lise Alschuler, ND presents a detailed overview of the consequences of a maladaptive stress response, which manifests as elevated cortisol levels, altered circadian rhythms and an increase in inflammatory cytokines. She explains how the neurological, cardiovascular, endocrine, immunological and gastrointestinal effects of stress can be managed and even reversed with botanicals and diet.
Christopher Hobbs, PhD, LAc provides a review of the latest scientific data on the factors leading to aging, and herbs, both from Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, shown to address these specific factors. And in a fitting wrap-up to this topic, Jill Stansbury, ND lays out the impact of diet on aging and provides tonics, teas, and smoothies that can easily be included in daily dietary routines.
(Series price of $55 includes an 128-page PDF of lecture notes.)
Note: The information in this series is provided as a research resource for health professionals and is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care practitioner.
Video Series Details (See below for titles and descriptions of videos)
One click orders all six videos selected from the 2020 conference season (4 videos from Medicines from the Earth and 2 from the Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine), plus an 89-page pdf of notes. Together these provide comprehensive information on the clinical management of immune conditions.
The series begins with an overview of immunity from childhood to the elder years, followed by a more detailed look at the lymph system and the role it plays in immunology.
Specific immune challenges are then addressed, including the influence of estrogen on autoimmunity, managing acute viral respiratory infection, a panel discussion on immune-centered illness and, finally, the latest research on managing COVID-19. (This was recorded in March 2020, just as the pandemic was spreading, so the speaker, Donald Yance, provided an update in August 2020 featuring all the latest research findings. The updated article link is included in the pdf of lecture notes for the series).
Video presentations offer complete clinical information, with the speaker and the PowerPoint playing together in an ideal format for online learning.
(Series price of $89 includes an 89-page PDF of lecture notes.)
Mary Bove, ND was recently asked a question as part of the 2020 Summer Series: “What three herbs would you recommend for study by beginning students of herbalism?” In the video above she listed Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), and Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) as a great place to start. Continue reading
Our bones are powerful! I’m still amazed sometimes that these hardened structures, allowing for muscle attachments and acting as a scaffold for movement, are indeed very much alive. Right now, as you’re reading this, they are hard at work creating blood cells and maintaining their structure and intricate framework. Continue reading
Note: The information in this series is provided as a research resource for health professionals and is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care practitioner.
Details: These six audio recordings offer a wealth of clinical information for restoring healthy sleep patterns. Beginning with the cytokine connection to insomnia in which Mary Bove, ND discusses how modulating specific pro-inflammatory cytokines can provide relief for sleep disruption, this series continues with a description of the healing and anti-aging powers of sleep with Christopher Hobbs, PhD and Mary Rondeau, ND. Tori Hudson, ND discusses the pandemic of insomnia and anxiety in midlife women and how to provide relief from this “fearsome twosome.” The series is rounded out by two comprehensive presentations, one by David Winston, RH (AHG) on botanical and nutritional treatments for insomnia (determining the right herbs and nutrients for the right person), and one by Kenneth Proefrock, ND on the cycles of sleeping and dreaming and their importance for overall health. Series includes a digital book of lecture notes with complete references (62-page PDF). Continue reading
Note: The information in this series is provided as a research resource for health professionals and is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care practitioner.
Details: In this collection of thyroid presentations, Paul Bergner begins with an overview of thyroid physiology, ideal hormone balance and nutrients for the thyroid. Jason Miller’s lecture looks at the endocrine network through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine, and nutrients, botanicals and iodine for treatment. Mary Bove’s presentation centers on thyroid and women’s health, and Jill Stansbury investigates the research showing the connection between the thyroid and the reproductive system.
Kenneth Proefrock speaks about his clinical experience treating both hypo and hyperthyroid disorders, including the increasing incidence of Graves’ disease in the pediatric population. David Winston wraps it up with an extensive review of botanicals for common thyroid conditions. (See more detailed descriptions below.) Includes a digital book of lecture notes with complete references (61-page PDF). Continue reading
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