Eric Yarnell, ND, RH(AHG) 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...
naturopathic doctor news & review
Advertisement
Table of Contents | 2006 | August
Tongkat Ali: A Potent Herb from the Rainforest
Ronald Steriti, ND, PhD Long Jack or Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack) is a Malaysian herb that is considered a powerful male aphrodisiac, tonic, and energy enhancer. Tongkat Ali has an intensely bitter taste and has traditionally been used to treat fevers and...
PCOS: A Leading Cause of Infertility
Mary Shackelton, MPH, ND Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 5%-10% of all women of reproductive age making it the most common endocrine disorder among women. While the exact cause of PCOS is still not clearly identified, the majority of research implicates...
French Fries and Cancer Treatment
Jacob Schor, ND French fries may be our next new tool in treating cancer. A crazy idea, sure, but hear me out. Remember acrylamides? The food scare that no one talks about anymore? Four years ago Swedish scientists shocked everyone by announcing that acrylamide was...
Male Equipment Failure: Treating Erectile Dysfunction and Low Libido
By Steve Parcell, ND According to the Sexual Function Health Council of the American Foundation for Urologic Disease, 30 million men in the United States are estimated to have some form of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to...
Regulating Menstruation and Optimizing Female Fertility with TCM
Christina Kovalik, NMD, LAc Chinese medicine looks at female fertility challenges in a different light than conventional medicine. When it is known that the male factor is not an issue for the fertility-challenged couple, it is important to properly diagnose the root...
Local Food
Mitch Kennedy, ND In the ideal organic food system, the best option is to grow your own vegetables; the second best option is to buy from a local organic farm. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the level of home food production is...
Pesticides, Frogs, and Human Placenta
Mitch Kennedy, ND Biologist researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that the herbicide Roundup, when applied according to manufacturer’s instructions, caused a 70% decline in amphibian biodiversity and an 86% decline in total populations of tadpoles.[1]...
Treatment Considerations for Unexplained Male and Female Infertility
Amy Johnson-Grass, ND, LN, LM, CPM Unexplained infertility is a diagnosis of exclusion, when the standard investigation of both female and male partner has ruled out other infertility diagnoses (American Society for Reproductive Medicine). It doesn’t mean there is no...
Female Infertility
By Pamela Frank, ND Naturopathic doctors offer a viable treatment option for most women with fertility issues because we offer a safe, thorough, multifaceted approach at a reasonable cost. Comprehensive case taking is vital to arrive at the correct naturopathic and...
A Case Study Involving Acupuncture for the Treatment of Fertility in a 33-Year-Old Female and a 37-Year-Old Male
Judith Fiore, ND Acupuncture has been shown in several recent studies from Europe and the United States to greatly benefit fertility (Paulus et al., 2002; Magarelli et al., 2004; Quintero et al., 2004; Siteman et al., 1997). However, in the realm of Traditional...
Peat Therapy: The Newest Old Nature Cure Therapy Around
By Sussanna Czeranko, ND Peat brings to mind a dry mixture used to create the right soil blend for your garden. The peat in your garden, though, is extremely different from the peat mud used as a therapeutic agent. For centuries, peat and mud have been used faithfully...
The Perils and Pitfalls of Bartering
By Carolyn Campbell My advice to healing practitioners struggling to grow their practice is “stop bartering.” If you’re muttering, “what, are you crazy?” keep reading. This article is for you. Bartering is quite pervasive in the healing community, yet practitioners...
Peat Therapy
The Newest Old Nature Cure Therapy Around By Sussanna Czeranko, ND Peat brings to mind a dry mixture used to create the right soil blend for your garden. The peat in your garden, though, is extremely different from the peat mud used as a therapeutic agent. For...
August 2006 | Infertility
Vis Medicatrix Naturae Acupuncture for fertility after IVF failure (Judith Fiore, ND): A case study of successful full term pregnancy utilizing acupuncture and naturopathic medicine after 4 failed in vitro fertilization procedures Peat Therapy (Sussanna Czeranko, ND):...
Archived Case Studies and Featured Content
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: An Evidence-Based Guide for Naturopathic Physicians
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can persist long after cancer treatment, affecting pain, balance, function, and quality of life. This review examines evidence-informed strategies for CIPN, including Mediterranean-style nutrition, exercise, acupuncture, duloxetine, cryotherapy and compression, while identifying commonly used supplements that lack benefit or may worsen neuropathy.
Care Beyond the Cure: An Integrative Approach to Palliative Care
Palliative care is not about abandoning treatment or losing hope—it is about adding another layer of support. This article explores an integrative, interdisciplinary approach that introduces symptom management, quality-of-life support, advance care planning, and emotional and spiritual care early in the course of serious illness.
When Rib Pain Comes from the Spine: Thoracic Radiculopathy and Targeted Platelet-Based Treatment
After 2 years of persistent right costal-margin pain, negative visceral evaluations, and unsuccessful conservative treatment, neurodynamic testing and targeted examination localized a suspected T10 radicular source with additional thoracic articular and peripheral neural involvement. A single image-guided, multi-structure platelet-based intervention was followed by substantial and durable improvement in pain and function.
When Pain Was Where Shame Lived: Abdominal Pain and the Mind-Body Connection
After imaging failed to reveal a significant structural explanation for severe recurrent abdominal pain, attention shifted toward chronic stress, body image, and the mind-body connection. This case explores the patient’s experience with craniosacral therapy and integrative care as her relationship with her body changed and her abdominal pain ultimately resolved.
Serial ctDNA in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: Bridging Naturopathic and Conventional Oncology Care
Serial ctDNA testing provided an evolving molecular picture of advanced ovarian cancer, helping inform treatment decisions as the patient moved between naturopathic and conventional care. This case illustrates how multiple liquid-biopsy platforms can complement CA-125 while adding molecular detail relevant to treatment response and progression.
The Future of Precision Oncology: Molecular Profiling and Personalized Treatment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
How can precision oncology move beyond simply matching a mutation to a drug? Through a case of KRAS G13D metastatic colorectal cancer, this article demonstrates how serial molecular profiling can help clinicians interpret tumor evolution and integrate genomics with metabolism, nutrition, immune-directed strategies, natural medicines, repurposed pharmaceuticals, and conventional oncology.
The Naturopathic Therapeutic Order in Cancer Care: A Framework for Integrative Oncology
How can naturopathic therapies be thoughtfully integrated across the continuum of cancer care? This article applies the Naturopathic Therapeutic Order to oncology, illustrating through a breast cancer case how foundational care, self-healing strategies, system support, symptom management, and conventional treatments can be organized within a comprehensive integrative approach.
Topical Calendula Oil for Cancer Pain: An Opioid-Sparing Analgesic Approach in Recurrent Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Can topical calendula help manage severe cancer-related anal pain? This case report describes a rapid, sustained reduction in pain following topical Calendula officinalis oil in a patient with recurrent anal squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting its potential as a well-tolerated, opioid-sparing adjunct worthy of further clinical investigation.
Viscum album for High-Grade Cervical Dysplasia: A Novel Direct-Application Protocol
This case report describes a novel protocol using direct cervical application of Viscum album in a patient with persistent high-grade cervical dysplasia who was awaiting LEEP. Although causality cannot be established, treatment was well tolerated and was followed by an unexpected absence of residual dysplasia on the excised specimen, supporting further investigation of localized Viscum album therapy as a potential adjunctive approach.
Micronized Progesterone in Advanced Endometrial Cancer: Two Integrative Naturopathic Oncology Case Reports
Could micronized progesterone have a broader role in supportive care for advanced endometrial cancer? These two case reports describe its integration primarily for sleep support in women with high-risk disease, alongside naturopathic and conventional oncology therapies, and discuss its potential hormonal and anticancer relevance as an area for further investigation.
Optimizing Preoperative Nutrition in Cancer Surgery: The Role of Tumor Type, Glycemic Load, and Hydration
Preoperative nutrition in cancer surgery is not a one-size-fits-all intervention. This article examines how tumor metabolism and malnutrition risk can guide protein intake, carbohydrate selection, immuno-nutrition, pancreatic enzyme support, and hydration strategies to better prepare oncology patients for surgery and recovery.
Mebendazole and Fenbendazole for Cancer: Examining the Evidence, Risks, and Potential Harms
Mebendazole and fenbendazole have attracted attention as unconventional cancer therapies, but how strong is the clinical evidence supporting their use? This critical review examines proposed anticancer mechanisms, reported outcomes, potential neurotoxicity and drug resistance, and the importance of informed risk-benefit discussions with cancer patients.
Integrative Supportive Quality of Life Care in Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma Following COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report
This case report describes the treatment and recovery of a 45-year-old woman with Stage II Classic Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed following COVID-19 infection. Alongside standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy, a structured integrative supportive care plan—including intravenous nutrient therapy, nutritional optimization, and restorative modalities—was implemented to reduce treatment-related toxicities, support immune resilience, and enhance long-term quality of life.
The Infection Nobody Thought to Look For: Post-Infection Autoimmune Conditions
Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA, FMCP-M Emerging research links pathogens such as Epstein-Barr virus, SARS-CoV-2, Lyme disease, and other infections to autoimmune disease through molecular mimicry, chronic inflammation, and immune...
Micronized Progesterone in Advanced Endometrial Cancer: Two Integrative Naturopathic Oncology Case Reports
Could micronized progesterone have a broader role in supportive care for advanced endometrial cancer? These two case reports describe its integration primarily for sleep support in women with high-risk disease, alongside naturopathic and conventional oncology therapies, and discuss its potential hormonal and anticancer relevance as an area for further investigation.
Optimizing Preoperative Nutrition in Cancer Surgery: The Role of Tumor Type, Glycemic Load, and Hydration
Preoperative nutrition in cancer surgery is not a one-size-fits-all intervention. This article examines how tumor metabolism and malnutrition risk can guide protein intake, carbohydrate selection, immuno-nutrition, pancreatic enzyme support, and hydration strategies to better prepare oncology patients for surgery and recovery.
Mebendazole and Fenbendazole for Cancer: Examining the Evidence, Risks, and Potential Harms
Mebendazole and fenbendazole have attracted attention as unconventional cancer therapies, but how strong is the clinical evidence supporting their use? This critical review examines proposed anticancer mechanisms, reported outcomes, potential neurotoxicity and drug resistance, and the importance of informed risk-benefit discussions with cancer patients.
Integrative Supportive Quality of Life Care in Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma Following COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report
This case report describes the treatment and recovery of a 45-year-old woman with Stage II Classic Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed following COVID-19 infection. Alongside standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy, a structured integrative supportive care plan—including intravenous nutrient therapy, nutritional optimization, and restorative modalities—was implemented to reduce treatment-related toxicities, support immune resilience, and enhance long-term quality of life.
The Infection Nobody Thought to Look For: Post-Infection Autoimmune Conditions
Jaquel Patterson, ND, MBA, FMCP-M Emerging research links pathogens such as Epstein-Barr virus, SARS-CoV-2, Lyme disease, and other infections to autoimmune disease through molecular mimicry, chronic inflammation, and immune...
Paresthesias, White Matter Hyperintensities, and Possible Preclinical Multiple Sclerosis: The Emerging Role of Environmental Mycotoxin Screening
Saied Mushtagh, ND Patients with paresthesias and nonspecific white matter hyperintensities often present diagnostic challenges when imaging is inconclusive for multiple sclerosis. This review examines differential diagnosis, neurologic risk stratification, and...
Rethinking the Thyroid Panel: Thyroid Antibodies, T3, and Brain Fog
Andrea Sulyok, ND Can patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis experience persistent cognitive symptoms despite normal thyroid hormone levels? This article examines the potential roles of thyroid antibodies, tissue-level T3 activity, and objective brain...
Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as an Adjunctive Therapy for Autoimmunity and Chronic Inflammation: A Collaborative Case Report
Fatima Hamade, PharmD, BCACP This case report explores the use of compounded low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as an adjunctive therapy for persistent autoimmune symptoms, highlighting its proposed immunomodulatory mechanisms, individualized dosing strategies, and the...
ClarityTx Launches Clinical Decision-Support Platform for Integrative Medicine
ClarityTx, a healthcare technology company, announced the launch of its clinical decision-support platform designed specifically for integrative and functional medicine practitioners. Created by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, the platform helps practitioners...
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Mitochondrial Perspective on Recovery and Root Causes
Wiet van Helmond, Classical Homeopath Drawing from decades of clinical experience and a representative case study, this article explores how mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, post-viral illness, psychosocial stress, and individualized homeopathic...
Custom Publishing
Co-Prescribing Probiotics with Antibiotics: The Case for Omni-Biotic AB 10
Omni-Biotic Human clinical trials demonstrate that functionally targeted Omni-Biotic AB 10 prevents diarrhea, reduces C. difficile risk, and eliminates multidrug resistant organism colonization in the gut. Introduction Antibiotics are among the most...
Quantum Energy Effects on Cell Recovery Rates
Robert Sheaff, PhD, and Ian Mitchell This study investigated whether quantum field exposure generated by Leela Quantum Bloc Technology influences cell recovery rates in human cell lines. A series of double-blind experiments were conducted using Human Dermal...
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Sports Medicine: Clinical Applications in Concussion and Musculoskeletal Injury
Joseph Thomas, MD, MBA, Fellow of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine In collaboration with Oxygen Health Systems Abstract Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has gained traction as an adjunct in sports medicine, particularly in concussion management and musculoskeletal injury....
Featured News
ClarityTx Launches Clinical Decision-Support Platform for Integrative Medicine
ClarityTx, a healthcare technology company, announced the launch of its clinical decision-support platform designed specifically for integrative and functional medicine practitioners. Created by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, the platform helps practitioners...
Naturopathic Medical Education: A Comprehensive Curriculum
Colleen Huber, NMD April 9 2026 The following is a comparison of my conventional medical education and subsequent naturopathic medical education. I wrote this in 2015, and now update it in April 2026, only with updated curriculum links and screenshots from the various...
Never Miss An Issue
