ND’s Top 7 Favorite Pharmaceuticals
As a naturopathic doctor, my primary focus is helping people achieve better health through lifestyle changes and natural medicine. Diet, exercise, and holistic treatments form the foundation of my practice. However, there are times when I prescribe pharmaceutical medicines to support the healing process. The key is using them thoughtfully, as part of a broader, […]
Spagyric Tinctures
Spagyric medicine is a ancient form of botanical medicine and is similar to that of homeopathic medicine, in the sense that through the process of creating a spagyric tincture the herbal remedy becomes more potent and reaches a highly energized state.1,3,4 Spagyric medicine, theory, and philosophy have much more depth than I just stated and […]
Herbal Bitters
Herbal Bitters Bitters are a group of plant constituents, which are not like other plant constituents but are rather distinguishable by their taste when consumed (bitter principle). Many believe that for bitters to induce their physiological effects they must be tasted. This is important when considering how to use bitters, for example as a tincture […]
Energy for Peak Performance
Many of us feel an extra boost of energy in the summer. We spend more time outside, soaking up the sun and getting fresh air. Many folks play more sports, go camping or boating, and BBQ in the backyard. We often have more leisure time to explore the things we love doing. All of this […]
How to be an EMPOWERED Patient
Medical science now shows that when patients are empowered to play an active role in their health care, they are more invested in the process, which results in greater health. Medical education is redefining the doctor-patient relationship as one that respects the patient as an intelligent participant in health care decisions. The old doctor-patient relationship […]
How Carbs Can Trigger Food Cravings
Are all calories created equal? A new study suggests that in at least one important way, they may not be. The New York Times reported on research showing that sugary foods and drinks, bread, and other processed carbohydrates that are known to cause abrupt spikes and falls in blood sugar appear to stimulate parts of […]
Autoimmune Disease and Naturopathic Medicine
Autoimmune Disease is a major health problem in our society. One in twelve people in general, and one in nine women, will be diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. There are over one hundred different autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel diseases and Celiac disease. Together these conditions affect more people than […]
Cancer and Naturopathic Medicine
The Holistic Picture on Cancer Treatment Dr. Deidre Macdonald, ND A diagnosis of cancer can strike fear deep within our souls. It is a very vulnerable time, when we are suddenly thrust into the confusing world of medical terms, statistics, and treatment choices. Conventional medicine will often offer some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. […]
Depression and Naturopathic Medicine
A 62 year old woman named Carol came to my clinic this winter concerned that she was depressed. She had tried anti-depressants in the past and didn’t find them satisfactory. She asked for my help in creating a program to help her regain her joie de vivre. I let her know that we would do […]
Pharmaceutical Prescribing
Naturopathic physician licensed to prescribe pharmaceutical medicines: Courtenay naturopathic physician, Dr. Deidre Macdonald, is one of the first group of naturopathic physicians in Canada to be granted the authority to prescribe pharmaceutical medicines. After a rigorous pharmaceutical upgrading course, and the successful completion of oral and written examinations, she is looking forward to serving her […]