Outdoor Therapy for the Whole Family
The healing power of nature isn’t a new idea. Experts date the idea of nature’s healing powers back thousands of years. It can be found across traditional practices and systems, from Indigenous medicines to Ayurvedic, and TCM. Naturopathic doctors recognize nature’s “inherent self-healing process” and take it as one of their six main principles, referred to as the Vis Medicatrix Naturae.1 And even modern e-medical providers mention ecotherapy, or green or nature therapy, as the idea of being in nature to boost growth, healing, and mental health.2
Green therapy isn’t new, but you can always discover new ways to enjoy this health boost.
Originally published in print. Read the article on Ecoparent online.
Foul Weather Fun is Good for your Kids
Rain or shine or snowflakes
Sure, the fall and winter days in the Pacific Northwest are shorter than a toddler’s attention span, but that doesn’t mean your kids should stay inside. Connecting to nature and experiencing the outdoors in all seasons is more vital during this pandemic era than ever before. Here’s why your kids need to go outside and play — rain or shine or snowflakes.
Sweeten the Pot: A Guide to Greener Cookware
Eating the right food is great for our health, but the benefit becomes less if we are exposing ourselves to toxic chemicals from our cookware. Consider cooking organic carrots in a Teflon pan — kinda cancels out the benefit. This article seeks to explore not only the cookware that is good for us, but also that which is good for the environment. Appearing originally in EcoParent in summer of 2020, this cookware guide has been republished with permission at Realize a Healthy California.
Review: Plant-based 7 Minute Lift
*Affiliate disclosure - currently all of my paid work is shared via offsite links. I do not at this time receive compensation for posts on my own website. I do, however, get the opportunity to sample some products for free or discounted pricing. I am not paid to write a review.
I am so glad I tried these beauty products. In addition to feeding my newfound love of all things Greek, I also avoid most makeup instead sticking to simple and naturally based skincare routines. In summer, this can often devolve into a less-than-desirable mix of sweat, sun, and sunscreen — so I really need some fast and easy tools to help support my active lifestyle. Additionally, I stopped wearing mascara and eye makeup due to regular allergies (itchy eyes) and sensitive skin, so I’m super picky about what goes on my face. I’m happy to say that all of these products not only worked but did so with zero skin irritation.
Athena 7 Minute Lift
Before - freshly washed, ready to go
After - 8 minutes later, makeup free
I’ll admit I was skeptical, thinking a 7-minute face-lift sounded more like an infomercial than a product I wanted to try. It’s a bit difficult to see with my home lighting, but 8 minutes later my doubts were over, however, as I could see a noticeable difference in forehead lines after only a single application. The product is simple to apply. First, wash and dry your face. Dampen the included brush which looks much like a brush for blush or some powdered foundations and lightly “paint” on the Athena product. While the jar is tiny, a little goes a really, really long way and I actually over-applied a bit on my eyes on the first go-round.
The most difficult part of the process was trying not to make a facial expression for 7 minutes. As any mom knows — 7 minutes is enough time to have insane amounts of chaos happen in a home with a preschooler. The feel is an initial tightening, almost like wax solidifying and then a slight tingle - but that’s it. It’s subtle in the picture, but I definitely saw a softening of my “thinking” lines on my forehead and the squinty lines near my eyes.
The pleasant smell and tingly sensation are likely products of the ingredients which consist of 12 different Greek organic essential oils including lavender, peppermint, citrus, and chamomile. The product smells good. An absolute must for me too, the company does not test on animals under any circumstance. Check out the website to learn more!
Adonia Organics Plant Collagen Day Serum and Cleansing Gel
The Athena 7 Minute Lift is part of the Adonia Organics skincare family. You have to apply to a clean face, and Adonia Organics has just the products you need. I tried both the Plant Collagen Day Serum and also the Daily Cleansing Gel for Face & Neck. You can see that beyond my sunshine burnt shiny nose, my skin is moisturized and clear. I’ve been using both products for a few weeks now, sometimes only every other day as the kid has a tendency to knock things off the bathroom counter and force me to search for missing items.
Again, these products are based on organic Greek ingredients and animal-friendly. They smell good. My face feels better without irritation. I had previously avoided most collagen-products due to their association with animal products, so have been enjoying the opportunity to use a collagen-product with plant-based ingredients like vitamin E, aloe, artichoke, algae, and nettle extracts. Working with naturopathic medicine professionals, I know that nature can support our skin and bodies without the needs for excessive processed ingredients.
The cleansing gel I have nicknamed the “feel-good, soothing, smell-nice face stuff” as it has become a favorite part of my skincare routine. If you check my writing on other platforms, I don’t normally rave this much about a soap. This gel is definitely another level however as it’s not just how my face looks and feels after use, but the actual experience of putting on my face feels like the daily minute of soothing self-care I never knew I needed. It’s just a nice smelling and genuinely soothing experience, especially during a time where I’m avoiding any indoor spa experiences.
So what’s next? Buy it. It’s a long-lasting, all natural, organic plant-based experience. And the product line doesn’t end at the three items above. I have discovered that Adonia Organics makes a tummy-toning serum and wrap and OMG am I in. If it works anything like the rest of the products I can’t wait. I didn’t even know about these products before, but now I need them all.
Dye-Free, Naturally Green St. Patrick's Day Food Ideas
One of my biggest food pet peeves is artificial food dyes. It’s not just because I’m allergic to them (I am) or that I can get rashes in funny colours as a result (I do) -- but there seems little good reason to eat artificial food colours at all. In my head, it just isn’t food.
And I’m not alone in this thought.
The Health Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberry syrup is going viral for its antiviral properties right now, so the question is: does it live up to the hype? The short answer is yes, evidence shows elderberry can help support immunity. In lengthier reply, it’s important to remember that with any botanical remedy or DIY supplement, sourcing and product quality are important. If something is touted as a miracle cure, it probably isn’t. An antiviral remedy will not combat a dangerous bacterial infection, nor will most traditional herbal treatments provide a “quick fix.” But now that you know that elderberry can be a helpful tool in your kit for combating winter cold and flu, how do you use it?
The Ultimate Pre-Cruise Wellness Day in Los Angeles
It’s your vacation after all, and you deserve to have a little fun, but the last thing you want is to start feeling ill afterward. What better way to prepare, than a wellness day in LA?
While a cruise is good for the soul, there’s a chance you may overindulge when on vacation. Buffets will call your name, begging for that extra helping, or you might want to try each different drink with an umbrella as you sit oceanside in the sun. It’s your vacation after all, and you deserve to have a little fun, but the last thing you want is to start feeling ill afterward. What better way to prepare, than a wellness day in LA?
Originally published on Porthole Cruise magazine.
Take at Trip to Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano
Costa Rica is well known for its focus on eco-tourism and sustainable practices. A country bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic ocean, the interior volcanic region, known as Arenal, is a gorgeous part of the country that feels wild and undisturbed by man.
Costa Rica is well known for its focused on eco-tourism and sustainable practices. A country bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic ocean, the interior volcanic region, known as Arenal, is a gorgeous part of the country that feels wild and undisturbed by man. Thanks to the still-active Arenal Volcano, this region boasts eco-experiences for curios travelers and hot pools galore for those looking for a little relaxation. Visiting Costa Rica on a cruise or on your own is a unique experience for most, so here’s a handy guide to what you need to know about Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano region.
Originally published on Porthole Cruise magazine.
How Our Germaphobic Habits Are Actually Making Us Sick
Society and marketers teach us to focus on removing all dirt and microbes, but many health practitioners believe that in avoiding all bacteria, we've gone overboard in practices that damage both our health and our environment.
While proper sanitation and hygiene are vitally important, I had to learn to let go and allow my child to build his immune system by getting dirty. Society and marketers teach us to focus on removing all dirt and microbes, but many health practitioners believe that in avoiding all bacteria, we've gone overboard in practices that damage both our health and our environment.
A Naturopathic Safety Net, Primary Care for Portland’s Underserved
Carrie Baldwin-Sayre, ND, first worked with homeless youth through a local organization, Outside In, during an internship while in school. Fast forward to today. Her passion for helping the underserved continues unabated through Dr. Baldwin-Sayre’s work as associate dean of clinical education for National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and its safety-net community clinics. She believes that naturopathic primary care and complementary care help support our vulnerable populations, including those on Medicaid, uninsured, underinsured, undocumented, and who have low or no income. Here’s Dr. Baldwin-Sayre’s story about how naturopathic medicine has a positive impact on the Portland community.
Originally published on the Institute for Natural Medicine.
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Laura’s Story: Know and Trust Your Gut
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Laura Hill Temmerman was excited about a full-time job at a west coast academic medical center after completing graduate school, researching service excellence and the clinician-patient relationship. In 2008, she started experiencing stomach flu-like symptoms which would eventually be diagnosed as an extremely rare gastrointestinal (GI) bacterial infection. Several specialists, a functional medicine doctor, and a licensed naturopathic doctor later, Laura finally found the treatment and recovery path that was best suited for her body. With the help of physicians who took time to understand her condition, Laura now lives a full life and confidently understands the tools needed to manage her health.
Originally published on the Institute for Natural Medicine.
Listen to Your Gut!
Naturopathic doctors are especially interested in the microbiome or the entire environment that lives and evolves and interacts throughout your body and especially in your gut. In a compelling and intricate dance, our bodies are filled with many microorganisms including viruses, fungi, and bacteria. The gut provides a home for these microorganisms or microbes, primarily in the intestines and on the skin. The way we interact with these microbes is often referred to as gut health, and it has strong implications for the health of our overall bodies and minds.
Learn more about the gut from these licensed naturopathic doctors. Dr. Gran explains more about the neurons and the microbiome.
Originally published on the Institute for Natural Medicine.
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What Makes a Naturopathic Doctor Distinct?
Most naturopathic doctors spend between 1-2 hours with patients on initial visits, and 30-60 minutes on subsequent follow up visits. Beyond extended time, you can expect a discussion about your lifestyle, social setting, and support systems as well as a detailed review of your current health concern and your health history. A licensed naturopathic doctor will also review your prescription and supplement history, conduct a physical exam as needed, and order diagnostic tests when indicated.
These 11 licensed naturopathic doctors want you to know what makes naturopathic care exceptional, with differences you’ll see, starting at your first visit.
Originally published on the Institute for Natural Medicine.
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