Holidays can signify cheer and celebration while simultaneously demanding more than usual. These additional stressors can have systemic effects that can cause havoc and a slew of symptoms. Ever hear the phrase, “stress makes you stupid?” Guess what, it’s a scientific truth! In my latest post, I explore the biochemistry of stressed out brains...
Social Connections and Environment Shape Our Genes and Behavior
The interest in the field of epigenetics has increased rapidly over the last decade. Attention to this subject now spans across many scientific specialties, and even into mainstream. (source, source) This is due to the powerful paradigm shift it entails. Epigenetics, the study of how environmental factors interact with our genes, has verified...
The Dangers of Choosing Diets and Exercise Over Relationships and Connections
Using “food as medicine” and lifestyle choices to impact health outcomes can be helpful. Yet, when taken to the extreme these tools can cause harm. When health and fitness are viewed as a moral issue, damage to relationships and unhealthy thoughts and cultural norms can ensue. For several weeks, I’ve been sharing evidence that...
How Culture, Beliefs, and Perceptions Alter Hormonal Symptoms in Menopause and Effect Overall Health
Many integrative health followers are becoming more comfortable with the fact that optimizing lifestyle and nourishment can result in better health outcomes. Furthermore, essential oils’ lovers everywhere are also enjoying the advantage of their drops of superpower to optimize their cellular functions. Still, few have contemplated how one’s culture impacts wellness through its influence...
Essential Oils as Powerful Support for Immune Health for the Fall and Into the Holidays
In my latest blog, I discuss five reasons why essential oils are my favorite wellness tool for natural immune support. These include: They have multiple, yet selective actions. They protect our bodies without harming them (or our microbiome). The many side-benefits of using essential oils. Their ability to address the underlying causes and...
An Introduction to a Cultural and Mind-Body Perspective on Health, Hormones, and Menopause
In the past few weeks, my focus on hormones has taken us on a journey of viewing endocrine and reproductive health from an integrative, naturopathic, and functional medicine perspective. I’ve explored the effects from even tiny shifts in these chemical messengers. With the slightest alteration, these powerful single molecules have system-wide impact that goes...
The Complexities and Caveats of Using Synthetic and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
In my recent post, I provided three essential points to balancing hormones using a holistic, naturopathic, and functional medicine approach. I highlighted: the caveats to assessing hormonal levels, shortcomings with laboratory measurements, and the (imperfect) evaluation of dosages for any intervention the missing role of hormone metabolism in assessment addressing the root cause of...
The Final Summary of Essential Oils and Hormone Balance
My ongoing hormonal series with essential oils came to a close recently. In this blog, I will give a brief summary of everything I covered so far and links for those who want more information. I will also provide you with a link to learn more about the naturopathic and functional medicine approach to...
Video: Rose Geranium Oil, Essential Oils, and Hormonal Balance & Announcements on My Updated Website
In this 15-minute video, I discuss the connection between hormones, rose geranium oil, and essential oils. I also explain how I address reproductive imbalances in women and why I believe it’s more important to treat the person over lab values. Finally, I reveal exciting changes to my website and opportunities to access more training...
The Final Verdict on Rose Geranium Essential Oil- To Be (Estrogenic) or Not to Be (Estrogenic)
A few weeks ago, I left you hanging in mid-hormonal evaluation of rose geranium essential oil. After our long journey through its general properties, stress-relieving effects, and use in labor, I’ve returned for its conclusion. Could it really cause endocrine havoc and estrogen evaluations? Or, is it a balance and harmonizer leading to hormonal...