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naturopathic doctor news & review
Table of Contents | 2006 | August
Herbs for Sperm Disorders
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...
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
Childhood Trauma and Mental Health: A Systems Biology Approach to Treatment-Resistant Anxiety and OCD
Childhood adversity may leave lasting physiological effects that extend beyond psychological symptoms. Through a case of a 19-year-old woman with persistent anxiety, OCD, emotional eating, and hyperandrogenic metabolic dysfunction, this article examines how neuroendocrine, metabolic, immune, nutritional, and gut-brain pathways may interact—and how a systems biology approach can complement conventional psychiatric care.
Observation Over Interpretation: A Homeopathic Case of Phosphorus in an 8-Month-Old
When an 8-month-old developed sudden distress whenever his mother left the room, the choice between Phosphorus and Pulsatilla initially appeared uncertain. Through direct observation, a previously overlooked response to physical touch became the defining symptom guiding a Phosphorus prescription, followed by reported improvement within one week.
Listening Beyond Language: A Narrative Medicine Case Study for Neurodivergent Children
For neurodivergent children, communication extends beyond spoken language. Through a composite pediatric case, this article explores how narrative medicine, creative expression, sensory-aware facilitation, and caregiver co-regulation can support emotional communication, self-advocacy, and connection in children with autism, ADHD, and related developmental differences.
First, Do No Harm: Managing Pediatric Klebsiella Dysbiosis Without Delaying Diagnosis
A young child with recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, sleep disturbances, and behavioral changes experienced repeated symptom improvement during integrative treatment targeting intestinal dysbiosis. This case examines the challenges of managing suspected Klebsiella-associated symptoms while navigating inconsistent treatment across two households, parental hesitation toward additional testing, and the possibility of an underlying inflammatory bowel disorder.
Medication-Induced Kidney Injury: Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Medications may account for an estimated 20% of community- and hospital-acquired acute kidney injury, with risk amplified by CKD, older age, chronic disease, dehydration, and polypharmacy. This review examines the major mechanisms of drug-induced nephrotoxicity and practical strategies for medication review, hydration, renal monitoring, and prevention.
Low Testosterone and Cardiovascular Disease: Risk Marker, Mediator, or Both?
Low testosterone is consistently associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but whether it is a cause of vascular disease or a marker of underlying metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction remains unresolved. This review examines the epidemiology, vascular mechanisms, hypertension and atherosclerosis data, TRAVERSE findings, and the cardiovascular implications of TRT-induced erythrocytosis.
Male Infertility and Pain Medication: When Analgesic Exposure Becomes a Fertility Clue
Could overlooked pain-medication use provide an important clue in male infertility? This case follows a 40-year-old man with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia whose total motile sperm count increased from 2.72 million to 26.5 million over 111 days following analgesic discontinuation and a multicomponent integrative fertility plan.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Men: A Naturopathic Cardiology Perspective
Cardiovascular risk extends beyond LDL cholesterol and the standard lipid panel. This review explores how plaque biology, inflammation, oxidation, metabolic and hormonal health, advanced biomarkers, CGM, and cardiovascular imaging can complement established therapies to create a more individualized approach to cardiovascular risk assessment in men.
The Role of Hormonal Changes in the Etiology and Treatment of Paternal Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Approximately 1 in 10 fathers experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, yet paternal PMADs remain frequently overlooked. This review explores the hormonal and psychosocial changes accompanying fatherhood and their implications for recognizing, screening, and supporting paternal mental health.
Oral Curcumin and Artesunate Protocol in Prostatic Carcinoma: Case Study Series in PSA and Pathology Outcomes
Can curcumin and artesunate play a role in integrative prostate cancer care? This two-patient case series examines PSA trajectories and pathology during an oral botanical protocol incorporating curcumin and artesunate, while highlighting potential mechanisms, iron-related adverse effects, and the need for further clinical investigation.
A New Chapter in Pain Pharmacology: Suzetrigine, NaV1.8 Inhibition, and the Future of Non-Opioid Analgesia
Suzetrigine introduces a novel mechanism for treating moderate to severe acute pain by selectively inhibiting NaV1.8 channels on peripheral nociceptors. This review examines its mechanism, clinical efficacy, safety, and potential role within multimodal naturopathic and integrative pain management.
Beyond the Tumor: A Whole-Person Approach to Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance
Active surveillance does not have to mean simply “watching and waiting.” This case follows a man with localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer over approximately 20 months, integrating conventional oncologic monitoring with serial assessment and individualized management of metabolic health, inflammation, gastrointestinal dysbiosis, environmental exposures, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Breath of Fresh Air for the Profession: Reflections from AANP 2026 in Madison
The 2026 American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) Convention arrived in Madison, Wisconsin, under unusual skies. Wildfire smoke had drifted across the region, leaving the city enveloped in smoke and fog as naturopathic physicians, students, educators,...
Daraxonrasib and Pancreatic Cancer: A Breakthrough for Precision and Integrative and Naturopathic Oncology
Daraxonrasib is reshaping the therapeutic landscape of RAS-driven pancreatic cancer and raising new considerations for integrative clinicians. This article explores pan-RAS inhibition alongside practical strategies for nutrition, exercise, symptom management, and careful evaluation of botanical and nutrient interactions within a precision integrative oncology framework.
Oral Curcumin and Artesunate Protocol in Prostatic Carcinoma: Case Study Series in PSA and Pathology Outcomes
Can curcumin and artesunate play a role in integrative prostate cancer care? This two-patient case series examines PSA trajectories and pathology during an oral botanical protocol incorporating curcumin and artesunate, while highlighting potential mechanisms, iron-related adverse effects, and the need for further clinical investigation.
A New Chapter in Pain Pharmacology: Suzetrigine, NaV1.8 Inhibition, and the Future of Non-Opioid Analgesia
Suzetrigine introduces a novel mechanism for treating moderate to severe acute pain by selectively inhibiting NaV1.8 channels on peripheral nociceptors. This review examines its mechanism, clinical efficacy, safety, and potential role within multimodal naturopathic and integrative pain management.
Beyond the Tumor: A Whole-Person Approach to Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance
Active surveillance does not have to mean simply “watching and waiting.” This case follows a man with localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer over approximately 20 months, integrating conventional oncologic monitoring with serial assessment and individualized management of metabolic health, inflammation, gastrointestinal dysbiosis, environmental exposures, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Breath of Fresh Air for the Profession: Reflections from AANP 2026 in Madison
The 2026 American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) Convention arrived in Madison, Wisconsin, under unusual skies. Wildfire smoke had drifted across the region, leaving the city enveloped in smoke and fog as naturopathic physicians, students, educators,...
Daraxonrasib and Pancreatic Cancer: A Breakthrough for Precision and Integrative and Naturopathic Oncology
Daraxonrasib is reshaping the therapeutic landscape of RAS-driven pancreatic cancer and raising new considerations for integrative clinicians. This article explores pan-RAS inhibition alongside practical strategies for nutrition, exercise, symptom management, and careful evaluation of botanical and nutrient interactions within a precision integrative oncology framework.
Advanced Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Complete Response with Naturopathic and Immuno-Oncology Treatment
This case follows a 44-year-old woman with inflammatory breast cancer that progressed to osseous metastatic disease and was managed through a multimodal naturopathic, immune-directed, and conventional oncology strategy. Serial imaging and molecular surveillance ultimately demonstrated complete metabolic response, zero circulating tumor cells, and repeatedly undetectable ctDNA, highlighting the potential value of adaptive, interdisciplinary integrative oncology care.
Ketogenic Diet in Metastatic Breast Cancer: An Integrative Oncology Case Study
Can a ketogenic diet play a supportive role during treatment for advanced breast cancer? This case follows a 34-year-old woman with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who adopted a ketogenic diet and broader lifestyle changes alongside chemotherapy and HER2-targeted therapy, while examining the evolving evidence, potential metabolic benefits, and limitations of ketogenic diets in cancer care.
How to Get the Most from Your Cancer Doctor Visits: A Guide for Patients and Survivors
Cancer care can be complex and overwhelming, but preparation can make medical appointments more productive and less stressful. This practical checklist offers 18 strategies to help patients communicate effectively with providers, organize their care, explore treatment options, and build a collaborative medical “dream team.”
Botanical Immunomodulation for Pancreatic Neoplasia: An Integrative Medicine Case Report
Can botanical immunomodulation play a supportive role in patients with pancreatic neoplasia? This case report describes the clinical course of a patient who declined surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation and pursued a physician-directed botanical regimen alongside nutrition, exercise, meditation, and other lifestyle measures, with subsequent imaging reportedly demonstrating stabilization followed by reduction in lesion size.
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.
Custom Publishing
Clinical Application of Essential Oils for Microbiome Balance Across Three Mucosal Systems
Essential oils contain complex compounds with antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, and other biological activities. Dr. Sarah LoBisco explores how essential oil chemistry, formulation, and route of administration inform targeted applications for microbiome balance across the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary systems.
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...
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...

























