ND Health Calls - Naturopathic Doctor

04/23/2026

This was worth sharing!

The coughing reflex is an important part of clearing the increased mucus brought on by illnesses, but sometimes it can persist after it’s needed. It can also keep us from sleeping during an illness.

Antitussives are herbs that suppress coughing. These herbs are useful for frequent unproductive coughs that don't become productive with demulcents and in the evening when you are coughing so much that you can’t sleep. The classic antitussive herb is wild cherry bark.

Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina) is a cooling/drying aromatic and astringent with a long history of use in cough remedies (ever wondered why so many cough remedies are cherry-flavored?) It is a cooling remedy that expels phlegm and soothes and dries out mucous membranes, making it helpful for a variety of respiratory and digestive system problems. It may also help normalize histamine reactions in allergies.

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is indicated when there is heart fire blazing, consisting of palpitations, mental restlessness, agitation, insomnia, rapid pulse, and a yellow-coated tongue with a red tip.

Parts used: Bark. Dosage: 10-40 drops of fresh tincture, 1-4 times per day. Syrup: Make a strong cold infusion and add 50% honey.

04/22/2026

A Google search about sleep affecting the microbiome!

03/02/2026

If you have been told your cholesterol is “borderline” or “slightly elevated,” that is not a reason for panic—but it is a reason for deeper evaluation.

And if you have lived under chronic stress for years, your heart deserves thoughtful attention—even if your numbers look “normal.”

Prevention is most powerful before symptoms begin.

If you are ready for a comprehensive, personalized look at your cardiovascular health, telehealth visits are available. Together, we can create a strategic plan focused not just on managing risk—but optimizing long-term heart resilience.

03/02/2026

🌿 Week 1 – Meet Plantain (Plantago): The Healer at Your Doorstep
Series Tag: Plantain Series · Week 1 of 4

If you have a patch of grass, a gravel driveway, or a well-worn path… you probably already have one of the best first-aid herbs growing under your feet.

I’m talking about Plantain (Plantago spp.) — often called common plantain or ribwort. This humble “weed” is one of my favorite everyday healers and a cornerstone in our home apothecary.

Herbalists often reach for Plantain to:

🌱 Soothe bug bites, stings & minor burns – cooling, calming, and comforting to irritated skin

🌱 Draw out splinters & “gunk” – a classic “drawing” herb for stuck debris & minor infections

🌱 Ease scrapes, cuts & chapped areas – thanks to its moistening yet gently astringent action

🌱 Support irritated mucous membranes – in the throat, lungs, or gut (usually as tea or syrup)

I like to think of Plantain as the “little paramedic” of the yard—never flashy, always nearby, and ready to help.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll walk more closely with this plant: exploring its history, simple preparations you can make at home, and how to grow and harvest your own supply.

💬 Tell me: Have you ever used a Plantain leaf on a bite or sting, or has it just looked like another “weed” until now?

👉 Watch for Week 2 of this Plantain series, where we’ll explore its historical uses and cultural significance.

Want to learn more about the herbs that heal, check out our books, https://rjhomestead.com/books

03/01/2026

Prevention Is a Long Game

Heart disease develops over decades—not overnight. The encouraging truth is that meaningful prevention also builds over time.

Small, consistent changes in:

Nutrition

Movement

Sleep

Stress regulation

Hydration

create measurable physiological improvements.

Your heart responds to patterns, not perfection.

02/28/2026

Where Telehealth Care Fits In

This is where comprehensive telehealth evaluation becomes valuable.

A visit with me includes:

Thorough review of personal and family cardiovascular risk

Detailed lifestyle and stress assessment

Evaluation of sleep patterns and metabolic trends

Ordering appropriate routine and functional laboratory testing

Personalized treatment planning focused on root contributors

We do not guess. We investigate strategically.

For some, the focus may be inflammation.
For others, stress physiology and cortisol regulation.
For others, blood sugar optimization or weight redistribution.

There is no one-size-fits-all protocol.

02/28/2026

A Functional Perspective on Heart Health

From a naturopathic and functional standpoint, we ask deeper questions:

What is driving inflammation?

Is blood sugar stable?

Is cortisol dysregulated?

Are nutrient deficiencies contributing to fatigue or poor recovery?

Is sleep fragmented?

Is lifestyle aligned with long-term resilience?

Heart health is not just about preventing disease. It is about optimizing function.

02/28/2026

Simple Daily Habits That Protect Your Heart

• Whole foods
• 30 minutes of movement 5 days/ week
• 7–8 hours of quality sleep
• Intentional stress reduction
• Adequate hydration

Small daily habits create measurable cardiovascular benefits over time.

Your heart keeps the score.

02/08/2026

What a visit with me, a naturopathic doctor, resemble!

02/06/2026

Menopause question
Have you lived a high stressed life and now or in the past experienced hot flashes?
type yes or no

01/31/2026