For women concerned about breast health & cancer prevention, for people with a tendency to swelling in their lower legs, for anyone who could use some sensual self care. For healing scars, for decreasing swollen glands, for cyclically tender or cystic breasts.
What does it do?
Supports healthy hormone metabolism, decreasing breast risk of breast health concerns. Use it to help reverse elevated breast thermography readings, and as part of a cancer prevention program.
Moisturizes: all the herbs are extracted in a base of 100 % organic olive oil
Soothes and uplifts through its blend of essential oils.
What do I do with it?
Rub a small amount onto the targeted area (legs, breasts, chests, scar) daily after a bath or shower. Also great as a herbal bath oil, or as moisturizer for the whole body.
Can I eat it? Yes, as with any quality natural skin product, it is safe to eat, but it is meant to be absorbed through your skin.
Where can I get it?
Available only at Dandelion Naturopathic Clinic. Each 100 ml bottle is $17.70 plus HST.
What is in it?
Organic Extra Virgin Olive oil infused with Calendula & Red Clover Blossoms, Dandelion Root, Cleavers leaf, and Rose Petals; Essential oils of Rosemary, Lavender, Palmarosa, Lemon, Juniper & Frankincense.
Handmade with love & healing intention by Dr Mahalia Freed, ND.
Contains no parabens or other chemicals. No animal products or derivatives.
Calendula is still blossoming here in Toronto right now, donating sunshine to the cold grey rain of late November. Every time I walk by some, it induces a grateful smile. What a beautiful reminder of the abundant medicine accessible to us, even as winter rolls in!
Calendula
Uses
This is another herb that is popular for good reason: used externally in creams, salves or herbal oils, Calendula is anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, supportive to the lymphatic system’s circulation, antibiotic, and anti-fungal. It is unsurpassed for treating local skin problems due to infection and for treating wounds, burns, bruises, and muscle strains (physical damage). Internally (as a tincture or in tea), it has a similarly soothing & healing effect on the mucus membranes of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract. Continue reading →
An important herb for the uterus, heart and nervous system, Motherwort (Leonuris cardiaca) is a great example of an urban herbal ally. This often-overlooked plant is central in formulas for menopausal/perimenopausal women as well as for PMS and painful periods. Motherwort is recognizable by the distinctive jagged shape of its scratchy leaves and characteristic square stem.
Leonuris cardiaca (Motherwort)
You can find this larger member of the mint family growing as a healthy, wild “weed” in laneways, ditches, and untended yards throughout the city. Now that you know what to look for, pause, sample a leaf, and appreciate the medicine at your fingertips!
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.
Current research indicates that 1 in every 9 women in Canada will get breast cancer in her lifetime. That means an average of 445 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each week. With these alarming statistics, pro-active women do everything they can to detect possible problems early.
Breast Thermography, otherwise known as Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) is a diagnostic procedure that creates images based on a careful detection and analysis of skin and tissue temperatures. These images allow practitioners to see where there is abnormal chemical and blood vessel activity in breast and body tissue. The ability of DITI to detect thermal signs that may suggest a pre-cancerous state of the breast at an extremely early stage, is a useful tool in early detection. Continue reading →
This article highlights a common women’s health concern seen in my practice. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, affects not only reproductive health and fertility, but also cardiovascular health.
Definition and Clinical Consequences
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a label referring to a complex and broad health picture. PCOS is diagnosed by presence of two of the following three things: (i) irregular ovulation or absence of ovulation, (ii) clinical and/or biochemical signs of high testosterone, and/or (iii) polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound. While presentation varies, the most common clinical manifestations are infertility, male pattern hair growth, obesity, and absent or infrequent menses. However, these concerns represent only the tip of the iceberg with respect to the PCOS picture. Less obvious consequence of PCOS lie below the surface. Women and transgendered men who have PCOS are at risk for hypertension, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, type II diabetes, and abnormalities in blood lipids such as elevated triglycerides and oxidized cholesterol. Additional complications include increased risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer, an altered (increased) stress response, and difficulty maintaining or attaining desired body weight compared to people who do not have PCOS. Finally, there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
You are pregnant – congratulations! Pregnancy is a time of great transition and a myriad of potential emotions as you adjust to the idea of a new family constellation. It can also be a difficult time physically as your body adapts to the needs of your growing baby. For some women, the first trimester is dominated by nausea, extreme fatigue, and great confusion over conflicting prenatal advice or warnings. Later in pregnancy, it may be concerns about high blood pressure, diabetes, or the baby’s position. But, there is no need to worry while you wait for the months to pass!
Join Drs Tanya Smith, TCM, and Mahalia Freed, ND to learn how to address the following concerns, naturally:
- optimal pregnancy nutrition & supplementation
- nausea
- fatigue
- high blood pressure
- high blood sugar
- low thyroid function
- heartburn, constipation
- hemorrhoid prevention
- breech position
- pain: back, pubic, gastrointestinal
Please Preregister via Whole Foods to Reserve your Spot: 416-944-0500
Optimizing Nutrition and Addressing Fatigue, Nausea, and other Common Concerns of Pregnancy
You are pregnant! Congratulations! The first trimester is a time of great transition and a myriad of potential emotions as you adjust to the idea of a new family constellation. It can also be a difficult time physically, with profound physiological changes as your body adapts to the needs of the growing fetus. For some women, the first trimester is dominated by nausea, extreme fatigue, and great confusion over conflicting prenatal advice or warnings. But, there is no need to suffer while you wait for the months to pass! Continue reading →
Hay fever (also known as seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis) is estimated to affect 10-20 % of the population in developed countries. Hay fever occurs when your immune system overreacts to airborne particles, most commonly the pollens of trees, grass, and ragweed. The unfortunately familiar list of symptoms includes runny & itchy nose, itchy, red, watery eyes, sneezing and congestion. People who suffer from seasonal allergies are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections, and other complications. Interestingly, there is also new research suggesting a link between seasonal allergies and depression. Naturopathic medicine offers a variety of treatments that can effectively manage symptoms and bring resolution, with individual plans drawing on nutrition, herbal medicine, constitutional homeopathy and acupuncture. One of my personal favorite herbs is a star in treating allergies, and it is profiled below. Continue reading →
Yes, there is a connection between hormonal balance and exposure to pesticides and certain plastics. That connection is xenoestrogens, an ever-expanding group of synthetic chemicals similar enough to our own estrogens that our bodies respond to them, but foreign enough that we cannot adequately get rid of them. They can build up in our bodies, stimulating estrogen-sensitive tissues and throwing off our delicate hormone balance. Xenoestrogens are linked to breast growth in prepubescent girls, gynecological concerns such as PMS, hot flashes, endometriosis and fibroids, and have clearly been shown to enhance the growth of breast cancer tumors. Studies also suggest that xenoestrogens decrease sperm counts in men, contribute to increased rates of testicular cancer and affect developing reproductive systems in utero. Thus, effective treatment & resolution of any of the above concerns must address this class of chemicals.
A Pap test – the primary reason women are encouraged to have gynecological exams – is an evaluation of the health of your cervical cells, and a screening test for cervical cancer and precancerous changes. What does this mean? The cervix is the lower portion, or opening, of the uterus, through which blood, sperm and babies pass. You can feel it with your finger at the end of the vaginal canal: while the vaginal walls are muscular and soft, the cervix feels like the tip of the nose, with the opening palpable as a little indent. For those of you who like pictures, see www.beautifulcervix.com for a great selection of photos.
Abnormal Paps, Cervical Dysplasia and HPV