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naturopathic doctor news & review
Table of Contents | 2008 | February
February 2008 | Women's Medicine
Vis Medicatrix Naturae Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Kristina Conner, ND Flaxseeds and Lignans Michael Uzick, ND Flaxseed lignans offer a simple, effective and inexpensive way to decrease the risk of and aid in the treatment of breast cancer. Primum Non Nocere...
Flaxseeds and Lignans
Michael Uzick, ND Flaxseed lignans offer a simple, effective and inexpensive way to decrease the risk of and aid in the treatment of breast cancer. Unfortunately, women with breast cancer are frequently advised to avoid flaxseeds. It seems this notion comes from...
The FOOT Plan: The Natural Osteoporosis Cure
Mark Swanson, ND With more than 22 years as an ND practicing in sunny Sequim, Wash., a popular retirement community, our clinic specializes in age-related health problems. Among the more common health concerns treated is the epidemic of thinning bones and...
The FOOT Plan: Osteoporosis Therapy Update and Outcomes
A Doctor and Patient Perspective Mark Swanson, ND Most every ND treats patients with osteoporosis. Much fewer treat and monitor progress enough to reach successful treatment outcomes. There is often a greater tendency to simply supplement the patient and let nature...
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Kristina Conner, ND I’ve reached an interesting point in my career, becoming no longer enamored of diagnosing. Perhaps I have done it enough to realize the shortcomings of our diagnosis system. As I mature in my practice and revisit information to teach classical...
Book Review: Plant Medicine in Practice
Stacie Deyglio, ND Dr. Bastyr is a founding member of the naturopathic profession. His gentle perseverance and commitment to the study of historical eclectic Euro-American traditional medicine encourages all NDs to pursue the evolving scientific perspective of...
Book Review: Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 2nd Ed.
Stacie Deyglio, ND Currently about one-third of Americans use natural medicines to heal and maintain health, and 75% of these people are women. Women today are challenging their doctors to have a willingness to explore and combine natural and conventional medical...
Herbal Treatments for Cervical Dysplasia
Eric Yarnell, ND and Lauren Russel, ND Cervical cancer and dysplasia are sexually transmitted diseases caused by a variety of subtypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Incidence has been dropping in developed countries, presumably because of improved condom use and...
The Functional Approach to Hormonal Imbalance
Dicken Weatherby, ND It is the way of modern medicine and of some “alternative” practitioners to simply address the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, say by prescribing hormones or herbs rather than looking at the case from a functional perspective. Between 15% and 20%...
Testosterone and the Healthy Woman
Mary F. Shackelton, MPH, ND Hormone balancing for women usually includes consideration of progesterone and estrogen levels, and the management of symptoms resulting from deficiencies or excesses of each hormone. However, testosterone is of significance and important...
Who We Are… And Why This is Tough to Explain to Legislative Licensing Committees
David Schleich, PhD At the end of November 2007, a number of people testified before the Pennsylvania State Licensing Committee. Michael Reece, ND and Michelle Qaqundah, ND of the Pennsylvania Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PANP) had prepared an impressive...
Disease du Jour: Commonalities in Naturopathic Treatment of Degenerative Diseases
Thomas S. Lee, NMD, APH Women’s healthcare using natural medicine is becoming more and more mainstream. If you have been aware of the American medical field for more than a few years, you have noticed that diseases and public concerns about them shift with the...
Sepia: A Strong Remedy for Female Medicine
Joe Kellerstein, DC, ND Maybe its some karmic thing because I hate seafood. Maybe its because I so want to impress preceptors with the aspect of individualization in homeopathy and fate has some twisted desire to teach me humility. Maybe I am so boring I attract just...
Thermography: A Preventive Screening Tool for Breast Health
Erika Horowitz, ND, MSOM Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death among women, behind lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Association, in 2007 an estimated 178,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women, as well as an...
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins: Important Therapeutic Molecules for Bone and Joint Health
Arlene B. Donar, ND Since the discovery of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) as bone-inductive proteins by Urist in 1965, many investigators have shown that BMPs induce stem and mesenchymal cell differentiation into osteogenic cells capable of producing bone. BMPs...
Archived Case Studies and Featured Content
The Supplier Show Returns November 7, 2026, Bringing Innovation, Industry Leaders and Healthcare Professionals Together
Second Annual Event Celebrates Connections, Collaboration and Driving Success in Naturopathic and Integrative Medicine Following a successful inaugural year, The Supplier Show 2026: Driving Success returns on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Pearson Convention...
From Chemistry to Clinical Application: Essential Oils as Multitarget Therapeutics 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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
Custom Publishing
From Chemistry to Clinical Application: Essential Oils as Multitarget Therapeutics 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...






















