Adaptogens, Bioregulatory Systems Medicine and Network Pharmacology
Have you ever wondered how life on Earth has managed to survive in the midst of volcanos, ice ages and asteroids? The answer is adaptation. Humans are remarkably adaptable. We’ve been able to adjust to almost any condition on the planet, while continuing to thrive as a civilization. Think about this: No other species lives […]
Current Research on Herbs and Nutrients Holds Promise Against COVID-19
I’ve grown frustrated and concerned over the degree to which the news surrounding COVID-19 focuses on fear and the promise of a ‘super hero’ vaccine that will eventually save us. Every week, I come across research that supports the use of herbal and nutritional compounds, diet, and lifestyle that have been shown to be of […]
Synergistic Effects of Herb Extracts and How They Might Assist in Cancer Drug Therapies
In exciting new research, clinical studies for the first time are reporting convincing evidence of the value and credibility of herbal therapeutics in cancer treatments. As an herbalist, botanical medicine has been an essential part of my toolbox for decades as a useful complement to conventional medicine in oncology as well as other chronic diseases, […]
Seasonal Respiratory Support
With cold and flu season upon us, now is the perfect time to consider herbal remedies for supporting respiratory health. During the fall and winter it is important to focus on strengthening the lungs with warming foods and drinks such as soups and hot teas, as well as specific tonic herbs. In my practice, I […]
Anabolic Nutrients: The Key to Optimal Health and Fitness
According to statistics, Americans are living longer than ever before in history. But are we living well as we age, or do we merely exist in a state of poor health and low vitality? The reality is that even in the absence of life-shortening malnourishment, disease, or accident, our bodies will naturally age and deteriorate. […]
Healing vs. Curing: Contrasting Fundamental Aims in Medicine
Conventional modern medicine has long separated itself from traditional healing systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and the Eclectic tradition. However, the inadequacies of conventional medicine and the growing interest of people in the wisdom of these ancient healing traditions has created a unique opportunity to rewrite medicine as we currently know it. I […]
How Do We Define A Human Being?
To the Western way of thinking, theology and medicine have little in common. Although some progress has been made in the past several decades in recognizing the interrelationship of the mind, body, and spirit, there is still the tendency to define a human being merely in terms of concrete, physiological attributes. In Eastern Christian ideology, […]
Herbal Medicine: How Do We Know It Works?
I often lecture in hospitals or to groups schooled in conventional medical thinking. Although they are intrigued by herbal medicine, one of the first questions they ask is, “How do you know that herbs really work?” This is a valid question. It’s not enough to say, “Well, this herbal remedy worked for my grandparents, so […]
How to Support Your Immune System During the Changing Seasons, Part II
In my blog post last week I talked about why I’m opposed to flu shots, and outlined a holistic approach to supporting the immune system and increasing the body’s ability to resist pathogens. Because botanical medicine is central to my healing practice, I’d like to address in more detail the herbal protocol I use for […]