 By Danielle Schwaderer, ND
Steam inhalations provide therapeutic benefits to ailments of the respiratory tract. This home remedy can provide relief to irritated tissues of the upper respiratory tract, nasal and sinus cavities. When combined with herbs or essential oils, steam inhalations can deliver healing volatile oils to the targeted area for enhanced tissue healing during cold or flu, bronchitis, sinusitis or sinus infection, allergies, runny nose or cough. Directions: 1. In a large pot or pan, fill with water. 2. Add herbs or essential oils of your choice (see below for recommendations). 3. Bring water and herbs/oils to a boil. 4. Turn off burner. 5. Drape a hand towel over the back and top of the head. 6. Slowly lower the head from far away to the pot, testing the temperature of the steam. 7. Stay in position where steam is tolerable and breathe as many times as possible. 8. Alternate slow breaths: Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Inhale through the mouth and exhale through the nose. As many times as possible. 9. You can cover the pot and leave on the stove until the next inhalation. Discard ingredients after 24 hours. Dr. Danielle's Top Herb & Essential Oil Picks: Many fresh, dried or organic essential oils can be used to augment the therapeutic effects of steam inhalation. The top pics for therapeutic effects to the respiratory system are listed below:
Suggested Use: Perform steam inhalations multiple times per day when acutely ill. Steam inhalations are recommended for adults only. *Caution is advised: Steam can burn the skin. Lower your head slowly towards the steam, testing the temperature. Be sure to turn off the stove prior to performing the inhalation.
Immune Booster Benefits:
How to Get An Immune Booster Shot: The Immune Booster injection, available at Sonoma Roots Natural Medicine is available by appointment. Dr. Danielle would be happy to discuss with you individualized protocols that may be of benefit to you during the cold & flu season or during acute illness. Cost: Immune Booster: (Engystol) $35 Super Immune Booster (B-12 + Engystol + vitamin D): $55 References: Engystol Product Literature Study: Antiviral activity of Engystol® and Gripp-Heel®: an in-vitro assessment Antiviral Activity of Engystol®: an in vitro analysis Effects of the Homeopathic Preparation Engystol on Interferon-γ Production by Human T-Lymphocytes *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult your physician or Dr. Danielle for proper diagnosis and to see which of these treatments may be relevant to you.
Bieler Broth Recipe: Zucchini or summer squash, 4 medium Celery: 3 stocks String beans: 2 cups, ends removed and chopped Parsley: 2 bunches, stems removed Water, filtered: 1 quart Salt: to taste Butter (grass-fed) or ghee: optional when consumed fresh Directions: Place water, zucchini, celery and string beans in a pot. Boil for 30 minutes. If freezing the broth, add parsley to boiling water for the last 5 minutes. Blend all ingredients in batches, adding the parsley and ghee or butter if consuming fresh. By Dr. Danielle:
Every Friday, I have the pleasure of assisting quality of life protocols for patients experiencing side effects of conventional cancer treatments. My work with Cancer Support Sonoma at the Sonoma Valley Hospital is a humbling experience, one that I do not take for granted. This post is specifically for the patients that I have consulted with that would like to re-visit the melatonin research articles that have I presented at one of our visits. As an overview of melatonin, it's use goes far beyond improving sleep. When it comes to cancer, melatonin has been cited as being effective for reducing the side effects associated with chemotherapy (hair loss, low platelets, nerve pain, weakness, etc) and may have direct inhibitory effects on the formation, growth and spread (metastatic behavior) of breast cancer cell types. While the majority of melatonin research is performed in relation to breast cancer, it has notable adjuvant benefits in prostate, lung, and colon cancers, as well. Below, are several notable articles and research studies on the effect of melatonin on breast cancer cells and prognosis. An Overview of Melatonin in Breast Cancer - Melatonin: an Inhibitor of Breast Cancer Effect of Melatonin in Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Markers and Invasive Properties of Breast Cancer Stem Cells of Canine and Human Cell Lines Circadian Regulation Metabolic Signaling Mechanisms of Human Breast Cancer Growth by the Nocturnal Melatonin Signal and the Consequences of it's Disruption By Light At Night Susan G. Komen's Description of Melatonin EDITED: Additional Melatonin Articles and Other Cancer Types Role of Melatonin and Cancer Treatment Melatonin Suppresses the Growth of Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines Benefits of Melatonin in Solid Tumors When Used Concurrently With Chemotherapy
Ingredients: Chia seed, whole: 2 Tbsp Coconut milk, unsweetened: 1/2 cup Homegrown plum: 1 whole, diced Coconut oil: 1 tsp Pumpkin seeds: 1 Tbsp Directions for Chia Porridge: 1. Place chia seeds and coconut milk in a saucepan over low/medium heat, stirring frequently until plump. 2. Add additional ingredients after the chia porridge is added to a bowl. My Food Choices on the BodyBoost Cleanse: Typically, I have a breakfast similar to this one. I may have a protein snack (1 medium boiled egg or 1/4 chicken breast) a couple of hours later. Lunch is often a 32 oz blended greens drink and possibly a handful of nuts or a protein snack, depending on what I had earlier in the morning. Dinner includes veggies and a little bit of protein. The cleanse is actually much easier as it seems. I encourage everyone to try at least the food portion of the cleanse to give the body optimal nutrition and a break from environmental chemicals. Aside from the dietary aspect of the seasonal cleanse, the cleansing practices of the rest of the cleanse simply contributes to whole body wellness and optimal health and vitality.  Free Downloads Now Available!Our Summer BodyBoost Cleanse materials are now available for download here! Read about the cleanse then choose if a 3-day or 10-day option is for you! Many of us will be starting the cleanse come mid July. Grab a partner and join us!
3. B-6: Active B-6 (P-5-P) should be included as a form of B-6 on the label. 4. Absolutely avoid artificial dyes, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, corn starch, gluten and soy derivatives. The tips listed above indicate active (bioavailable) forms of b-vitamins and are free of common fillers. These are general guidelines for the majority of the population. Those with prominent genetic methyl defects should consult directly with a medical practitioner to determine which forms of B-12 and folate are right for them. If you are interested in learning more, stop by our shop on Wellness Wednesday and Dr. Danielle would be happy to assist you! Let's get healthy together, Sonoma!
Ingredients: Per serving (10g fiber) Chia seeds, 2 tbsp Coconut milk or almond milk, 1/4-1/2 c (or to desired thickness) Optional Toppings for Flavor (see below) Pick 1, 2 or 3 ingredients from the list below to enhance chia pudding or porridge: 1 serving of fruit or fruit puree 1 tbs nut butter (almond, sunflower, cashew, etc) 1 tsp coconut oil (best in heated porridge) 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds 2 tbsp chooped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pencans, etc) 2 tbsp ground flax seed 1 tsp maple syrup (100% pure) 1 serving of dark chocolate (best in heated porridge)
Chia seed porridge and pudding are healthy grain-free, high-fiber and filling substitutes for breakfast foods (cereal, oatmeal) or desserts (cookies, baked goods, ice cream, etc). To see if you are getting enough fiber in your diet, input your daily dietary intake into an app or website (similar to MyNetDiary) for 1-7 days and evaluate your daily fiber intake. For optimal wellness, disease prevention and weight management, the daily fiber recommendation ranges from 30-40g of fiber for adults. Chia seed porridge and pudding can be used to fill in your fiber needs, where your diet is lacking. As the case with all high-fiber diets, be sure to drink plenty of water to keep the bowels healthy and happy.
risk factors for heart disease. The majority of these risk factors can be controlled with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
High blood pressure control: One of the most important things that can be done to prevent cardiovascular conditions and heart attack is to reduce high blood pressure. A healthy blood pressure reading is generally 120/80 or less. When blood pressure levels exceed 140/90, a visit to a health care professional for treatment is recommended, as high blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels and the heart. Pharmaceutical and herbal agents are available to help reduce blood pressure levels along with regular exercise, stress management, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake. For those who prefer to use food as medicine, a diet that is high in fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and a wide variety of vegetables are recommended to keep blood pressure in check. Hawthorn: Hawthorn (Crataegus sp) is known among many herbal medicine and natural health circles as being the ultimate cardiovascular tonifier. Hawthorn contains many bioflavonoids, allowing it to be a wonderful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant alternative. The actions of Hawthorn range from regulating the rhythm of the heart, stabilizing vasculature, improving blood pressure, protecting against arterial plaque formation, balancing cholesterol, improving venous stasis, and much more. Beyond addressing physical ailments, hawthorn is recognized as having positive effects on the mental and emotional sphere. Hawthorn is thought to be beneficial for individuals whom are irritable or for those suffering from heart conditions related to emotional heartache. The Hawthorn tree is admired for opening the heart to forgiveness of others or forgiveness of life events that may be keeping a person from healing. Medicinal properties of Hawthorn are present in the flowers, stems, and berries of the sacred Hawthorn tree. Hawthorn can be purchased and consumed as an herbal tincture, tea, capsule, or in combination with other botanicals and cardio protective nutrients. Skullcap: Often overlooked, skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) can aid the cardiovascular system by addressing nervous tension, stress and anxiety. When not properly addressed, stress and tension can constrict blood vessels, contributing to high blood pressure. Considered in botanical medicine as a nervine, a compound that has a high affinity for the nervous system, skullcap may help individuals address the physiologic effects of stress that can otherwise lead to cardiovascular ailments. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Current research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system by helping to lower harmful cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels and may also help boost beneficial cholesterol levels (HDL). When ignored, cholesterol imbalances can contribute to cardiovascular disease by contributing to plaque formation inside of blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of ischemic events such as stroke and heart attack. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, can be beneficial by balancing cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation inside of the arteries. Other than fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids can be found abundantly in grass-fed beef, chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, and cod liver oil. *If you are pregnant or considering using herbal agents listed in this article, please consult your health professional to assess potential herb/drug interactions. These statements are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. The FDA has not evaluated the statements used in this article. |
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