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Cold & Flu Season Checklist

11/1/2022

 
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By Danielle Schwaderer Kettler, ND

Cold and flu season has arrived and there is no better time to become familiar with our top immune optimizing products and home remedies to keep you protected all season long. While we do believe it is beneficial, for otherwise healthy individuals, to mount a fever and fight a cold or flu once a year, the healthiest response is one of shorter duration and with less severe symptoms or side effects. Whether you are experiencing common symptoms of the cold or flu, are looking to prevent infection, or want to have resources available in the event that you or a loved-one fall victim to stubborn viruses, we recommend having the following remedies on hand and ready to use:
  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for optimal immune health. The immune system relies upon vitamin D to synthesize defensins and other immune system proteins that help fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. Testing your vitamin D level and maintaining an optimal blood level of vitamin D is essential to cold & flu prevention. 
  • Vitamins A & C: Both vitamins A and C are very potent antioxidants and are supportive of immune regulation. Maintaining a healthy daily dose of vitamins A & C in a multivitamin or as stand alone supplements during cold & flu season is a reasonable suggestion for maintaining a healthy immune system foundation. 
  • Medicinal Mushroom Capsules: Mushrooms are high in beta-glucan and other immune boosting properties. Medicinal mushrooms may include combinations of maitake, shiitake, reishi, turkey tail, cordyceps, chaga, agaricus, and more. We recommend our customers and patients take a daily dose, as a preventative aid. Doses can be adjusted during acute illness to help fight an infection more effectively. 
  • ​Colostrum: An important immune regulatory protein found in breast milk, colostrum can help boost the immune system and prevent influenza. Research studies have been published over the past 10 years comparing the effectiveness of colostrum supplementation versus the flu vaccine, concluding that colostrum may be more effective than the flu vaccination. See references below. 
  • Zinc: White blood cells and the immune system use zinc to work in a healthy capacity of fighting and preventing viral infections. Typical doses of zinc range from 30-50mg for most adults. 
  • Herbal Tinctures: Various herbal extracts are available for children and adults and can be formulated for preventative or active infections. Have a general immune blend or children’s immune blend in the medicine cabinet consisting of a combination of any of the following herbs: echinacea, Oregon grape root, astragalus, elder berry, elder flower, andrographis, ginger root or elecampane.
  • Herbal & Ginger Teas: Caffeine-free herbal teas encourage a healthy immune response and the excretion of metabolic byproducts during an active cold and flu. Ginger is our ultimate favorite herbal tea (fresh or dried) during cold and flu season, and when it is combined with other immune-loving herbs, that is even better!
  • NAC (N-acetylcysteine): An amino acid precursor, NAC can be a useful aid for those with sinus congestion and inflammation or a wet cough. Doses are dependent on the individuals size, symptom presentation and severity. If you are interested, stop by Sonoma Roots or call us for further recommendations. 
  • Nasal Rinse or Spray: Rinsing the nasal cavity daily with salt water or using xylitol nasal sprays can help decrease inflammation of the sinuses and keep the sinus cavity free of pathogens. 
  • Warming Sock Treatment: An old time home remedy using just two pairs of socks, hot & cold water. This treatment is recommended for any individual or any age during acute infection or at the initial onset. Read our blog post here for treatment details and instructions. 
  • Far Infrared Sauna: Far infrared sauna can be a wonderful immune boosting aid for the prevention or initial onset of a cold or flu. 
  • Natural Immune Booster Shots: natural immune modulating booster injections are now available at Sonoma Roots. Read our recent blog post to learn more about our Immune Booster. 
​
If you are interested in finding out more information about our top cold & flu season products, call or stop by Sonoma Roots Natural Medicine!

Please remember that these tools are not intended to take the place of medical expertise. If you have not been diagnosed with a cold or flu, or you or a loved one you are caring for have a fever exceeding 102 degrees, consult your doctor. ​If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a medical professional before starting a new supplement or herbal program. 

References:
Prevention of influenza episodes with colostrum compared with vaccination. 
Prevention of flu episodes with colostrum and Bifivir compared with vaccination.

Allergy Season in Sonoma Valley

3/15/2021

 
By Danielle Schwaderer Kettler, ND
The acacias are in full bloom in Sonoma Valley and our community members are starting to feel the effects of seasonal allergies. Allergic reactions to various grasses and tree pollen can elicit common allergy symptoms including runny nose, sore/scratchy throat, sinus pressure, itchy eyes, excessive tear formation, asthma, puffy eyes, hives, rashes and eczema.


The symptoms associated with allergies are often driven by an unbalanced immune system, in which T helper cells activate eosinophils and an IgE mediated immune response. This common immune response (Th2) is responsible for producing excess histamine and the symptoms that are common to those suffering from allergies. Shifting the immune response away from a Th2 profile and being supportive of the Th1 immune response is a therapeutic goal for seasonal allergy sufferers. 

Additional therapeutic goals for allergy season include l
imiting exposure to allergens, reducing circulating histamine and giving special attention to the gut and adrenal glands, which can all be crucial leading up to and during allergy season.The following recommendations can be utilized by many, to limit or reduce common symptoms associated with allergies:  

Pollen Exposure: Wear a mask when outdoors, plan outdoor activity after the hours of 12pm (pollen counts are typically highest early morning to 10am) and close the windows when indoors.

Pollen Hygiene: Wash clothing and hair after outdoor activity. Do not place wet clothing outdoors to dry when pollen counts are high, as pollen can stick to wet clothing. 

Vitamin C: Vitamin C can help reduce circulating histamine levels and prevent its release in the body. During allergy season, adults are encouraged to supplement vitamin C at levels approximating 2g per day (2,000mg). To enhance absorption and utilization, try vitamin C in one of two forms: liposomal vitamin C or buffered combinations of vitamin C. 

Quercetin: Quercetin is a  powerful antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the symptoms of allergies in humans and prevent activation of inflammatory cytokines. Typical adult doses range from 250-500mg daily.  Read more here. 

Omega-3's & Fish Oil: Anti-inflammatory agents can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and improving the integrity of the skin. Fish oils and other omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for those whom are prone to dryness or rashes during allergy season. Typical adult dosing of omega-3's is 1000mg of combined EPA + DHA daily. 

Probiotics: Probiotics found in fermented foods and supplement combinations are necessary for a healthy and balanced allergy (T-helper cell) response and overall gut immunity.​ 

Herbs & Mushroom capsules: To balance a healthy Th1/Th2 immune response. There are a wide variety of botanical herbs and medicinal mushrooms that help the body modulate the Th1/Th2 immune response, encouraging a shift away from the Th2 (allergic) profile to a Th1(anti-viral/anti-bacterial) immune profile. The most common herb among allergy sufferers is stinging nettle, which is available as a tea, liquid tincture or in the capsule form. 

Bee Products: Local honey, bee pollen and propolis are longtime naturopathic remedies during allergy season. The premise is similar to that of a vaccine: by consuming honey from bees carrying pollen in close geographic proximity to the allergy sufferer, one may be able to appropriately mount an effective response to the allergen that they are responding to. 


Saline Sinus Rinse: Saline rinses are useful for thinning mucous and removing allergens and irritants in the sinus cavity. They are especially useful for those prone to sinusitis or sinus infection and can be administered daily by netti pot or as a simple lavage. Read more here.

Eye Drops: Even though excessive tearing is a symptom of allergies, the quality of the tears are typically not sufficient to keep the eye properly lubricated. Allergy sensitization drops or tear stimulation drops can be helpful during allergy season to help fight excessive tear formation. 

Consider Allergy Testing: Regional blood allergy tests are available to determine allergic reactions to different pollens, grasses, pet dander, molds and more. 

Anti-inflammatory Foods: Maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet during allergy season is always advised to reduce inflammation and prevent excessive mucous formation. Focus on vegetables and lean meats is and avoid foods like sugar, dairy, gluten, nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers), soy and other personal food sensitivities.  

As always, if you are on pharmaceutical medications, are pregnant or breast feeding, please speak to a health professional before beginning your supplement regime. 

FIRE CIDER IMMUNE TONIC

9/15/2019

 
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Fire cider is a traditional folk remedy that is made of apple cider vinegar and infused herbs and spices. As an immune boosting tonic, fire cider is a popular home remedy and is often utilized in the autumn and winter months or during the cold & flu season. Fire cider combines warming and immune enhancing herbs and spices that can be utilized in low doses daily to warm the body and optimize digestion or in higher doses with the onset of a cold or flu. Typical daily doses range from 1 tablespoon to 3 tablespoons and can be consumed as a stand-alone tonic, or can be combined with water or raw local honey or mixed with oil on salads/vegetables.
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Ingredients of Traditional Fire Cider:

Apple cider vinegar: raw & unfiltered
Ginger: 1/2 cup fresh, peeled & grated
Turmeric: 1/2 cup fresh, peeled & grated or 1 tbsp powdered
Horseradish root: 1/2 cup fresh, peeled & grated
Onion: 1 medium brown, chopped
Garlic: 10 cloves, chopped
Peppers: 2 Jalapeno or cayenne peppers, diced. *Or 1/4 tsp dried cayenne powder

Optional Immune Enhancing Ingredients:
Astragalus root, echinacea root, wild cherry bark, rosemary, thyme can be considered to enhance the flavor or immune modulating benefits. 

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​Directions:
Add all desired ingredients to large air-tight jar, shake daily and let sit in a dark dry cupboard or room for 4-6 weeks. Strain with a cheesecloth and keep the remaining liquid cider. Add 1/2 cup of raw local honey to the remaining liquid to enhance the flavor and immune benefits of the infused cider. The fire cider is now ready for consumption!

The edible discarded ingredients can be used to make an immune enhancing chutney, if desired.


​Adult Usage Recommendations:
1 tablespoon daily: For warming the body and optimizing digestion. 

3 tablespoons daily: For boosting immunity during cold & flu season.

Fire cider can be added to water as a stand-alone treatment or can be combined with olive oil as a salad dressing or drizzled on vegetables. ​

​Fire cider can be spicy and is often not appealing to children. Store your fire cider in the refrigerator for up to a year. Enjoy your cider!
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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and do not intend to diagnose or treat illness. Please consult your physician prior to use.

essential oils now available!

4/11/2017

 
Veriditas Botanicals

​We couldn’t be more excited to announce the arrival of our essential oil line, Veriditas!


Veriditas Botanicals is the only 100% certified organic essential oil company on the U.S. retail market. These essential oils are pharmaceutical-grade and are of the highest quality around. 

Like wines, the quality of essential oils can vary greatly. There are exceptional fine wines and there are high volume, mass produced wines in which the integrity of the wine has been compromised. Just as there are commodity wines filled with additives and preservatives, there are commodity essential oils, which often contain synthetics or other additives to "extend" the oils. If you care about the quality of your wine, you should care about the quality of the products you put in and on your body. 

Stop by our shop during business hours and sniff our testers for yourself! Let’s get healthy together, Sonoma!

New Natural Immune Booster Shot

10/24/2016

 
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​Now available at Sonoma Roots Natural Medicine, natural immune boosting shots to help prevent and manage the symptoms and severity of the common cold or flu. Our immune booster options contain an injectable homeopathic preparation called Engystol, and may combine B-12 & vitamin D (see below for options). Engystol is an  immunomodulator, and has been scientifically proven to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms during an acute viral infection and helps protect against subsequent infections.

Immune Booster Benefits:


  • Scientifically demonstrated and clinically proven efficacy and safety
  • May be used for both treatment and prevention of various viral infections
  • Stimulates the non-specific and specific immune system (an immunostimulator), thereby strengthening the immune system
  • Safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers, as well as the entire family
  • No known side effects, contraindications or interactions
  • Suitable for long-term treatment
  • May be combined with other natural or conventional immunostimulating therapies
  • Ingredients: natural vitamins and homeopathic agents in sterile water, salt, vinegar and alcohol. 


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


Book an immune booster online

OR
Call us to book


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.

Selecting a Quality Multivitamin

4/26/2016

 
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By Danielle Schwaderer, ND:
Want to know if your multivitamin is of good quality? I get asked everyday how to spot a good quality multivitamin from one of poor quality. Below are a few of my tips that can be used to determine if you are taking a multivitamin (and/or B-complex) that is worthwhile: 


1. B-12: Should be listed on the label as methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin. Avoid cyanocobalamin.

​2. Folate: Look for 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) or plant folates. Avoid folic acid or foilinc acid. ​

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!

Heart Health Month: February 2016

2/4/2016

 
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By Danielle Schwaderer, ND
 
February is American Heart Month and there is no better time to raise awareness regarding cardiovascular health, preventative measures, and several of natures best kept cardiovascular treats. With heart disease being the leading cause of death in the US, understanding the risk factors is the first step towards prevention. 

According to the CDC, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and unhealthy diets are among the main
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.

Rootie News: Dr. Danielle on the Air

9/8/2015

 
Dr. Danielle Schwaderer on KSVY Sonoma
Last week Dr. Danielle had the pleasure of being a guest on Sustainable Growing on Sonoma's KSVY 91.3 with host Andrea Davis-Cetina of Quarter Acre Farm! Dr. Danielle had the opportunity to casually discuss naturopathic medicine, Sonoma Roots Natural Medicine, and delivered a general introduction to the topic of "Restoring Health Naturally." The hour long show is now up as a podcast! Check it out!
Listen To the Show Here

Sweet and Tart Greens Drink

9/2/2015

 
Dr. Danielle's Greens Drink thenaturedoc Sonoma Roots
By Dr. Danielle Schwaderer
Just another daily detoxifying greens drink from my kitchen. So simple and good that I almost cried. Seriously get in the habit people. Your cells and liver will love you for it!!!!

Serves 2, In my vitamix:
-Spinach, tons
-Beet greens, of 4 beets
-Pineapple, several chunks (with core if vitamix)
-Banana, 1 frozen
-Coconut oil, 1 Tbsp
-Chia seeds, 4 Tbsp ground
-Collagen powder, 3 Tbs hydrolized
-Water, 20 oz
Blend until smooth and enjoy! My greens drinks are the perfect combo of protein, fat, fiber, and veggie-based carbohydrate. This is the one recommendation that I offer the majority of my patients who are looking to optimize their health and nutrition. Before taking away all of their favorite foods, I start by adding in more nutrition. Before no time, the standard American diet is no longer appealing. Just start with real nutritious foods people! 

Cheers to health!
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    About Our Blog:

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    ​Dr. Danielle Schwaderer Kettler, aka "TheNatureDoc" seeks to educate the community:

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  • Welcome
  • About Us
    • Apothecary
    • Naturopathic Medicine
    • Dr. Danielle Schwaderer Kettler
    • Bloom Skin Care & Waxing
    • Praise
  • Services
    • Holistic Services
    • Seasonal Cleanse
    • Lab Tests
    • Cancer Support
  • Injections & IVs
    • Nutrient Injections
    • IV Therapy
  • Products
  • Policies
  • Blog
  • Contact