Origanum vulgare (the scientific name of oregano) has been studied in depth due to a number of interesting and exciting potential clinical uses. There is also an ongoing interest in a number of industries to replace synthetic chemicals with natural products that have similar properties. Many bioactive compounds can be found in aromatic plants, and there are a number of different ways they can be extracted.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer), with 1 in 8 Canadian men expected to develop the disease in his lifetime, and 1 in 28 expected to die from it.^[1] In Canada, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is 96%; however, despite this promising statistic, every day an average of 65 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 11 will die from it.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is mainly made within the body by the liver but also comes from food. Cholesterol is important for optimal health, as it is needed to make cell walls, tissues, vitamin D, hormones, and bile acid. Atherosclerosis refers to the narrowing of the arteries due to excess cholesterol forming plaques within the arteries, which leads to compromised blood flow.

In order to effectively optimize your digestive health, it is imperative that you approach this systematically to ensure long-term results. My four-tiered approach to optimal health is to Remove any possible triggers causing the digestive disturbance in the first place, Repair the intestinal lining, challenge the digestive tract by Reintroducing different food groups and observing the body’s reaction to identify possible food sensitivities, and Reinoculate the healthy bacteria in order to support the body’s immune system and maintain digestive function.

As naturopathic doctors, we look at all aspects of an individual’s health. We consider their current health status and look at how they can improve their health. We also investigate risk factors that could affect their current level of health. We know of some of these risk factors: a diet high in processed foods, lack of exercise, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, just to name a few.

Without question, receiving a cancer diagnosis is life altering, and may bring with it more fear than any other diagnosis. Patients may fear for their life, fear telling their family, friends and coworkers, and fear what the treatment will be like. This has a huge psychological impact, and stress levels are drastically increased.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy complication defined as impaired blood sugar regulation beginning in pregnancy, and is no longer present after delivery. Although prevalence varies, a recent study by the CDC reports that as many as 9.2% of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes.

Pyelonephritis is the result of a progressive urinary tract infection, when a lower urinary infection travels upward into the upper urinary system. The lower urinary infections originate in the bladder and urethra, while the upper urinary infections involve the ureters and the kidneys. The kidneys filter the blood, so pyelonephritis can be potentially dangerous because an infection could then spread into the bloodstream.

If you have taken an active interest in your own health-care treatment, then you have likely heard about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness. But do you really know why regular meditation is so beneficial? Common self-reported benefits include reduced levels of anxiety, depression and pain; data which have been reinforced through many clinical trials.

Vertigo is the feeling that your surroundings are moving when in reality they are still. Symptoms include feeling off-balance or feeling like the room is spinning. If it’s severe, there may be nausea and vomiting associated with it, and there could be an increased risk of falling. Vertigo can last for a few minutes or even days. Vertigo needs to be differentiated from feeling light-headed, which is usually due to a lack of circulation to the brain or due to low blood pressure. Feeling light-headed can also cause dizziness, but it is treated differently (it is suggested you lie down, that way you help the blood get back to your brain).

Tinnitus is the medical term used to describe “ringing in the ears.” Tinnitus is defined as the conscious perception of an auditory sensation in the absence of an external stimulus. Tinnitus is a rather common symptom that can be quite persistent and therefore disruptive to daily activities and quality of life. The extent of debility, however, can vary from one person to the next.

Cervical dysplasia refers to abnormal cells found on the surface of the cervix, that are considered to be premalignant and can progress to cancer.^[1] Cervical dysplasia is primarily caused by a sexually transmitted infection with different strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, different strains can be involved in both benign and malignant lesions; therefore, the progression of the disease appears to depend on individual factors. Studies suggest that HPV exposure is the initiating event that can lead to the development of cervical dysplasia, often termed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Depression is the second most common medical condition seen in general medical practice after hypertension and is seen as twice in women compared to men.^[1] It is known to be caused by altered levels of the dominant neurotransmitters in our central nervous system. These neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine and they affect us in many different ways. They are responsible for vigilance, motivation, energy levels, sex drive, anxiety, irritability and appetite.

Our society is always looking for the weight management silver bullet; that magic diet, pill, or fitness machine that will shed excess fat and lead to a fit and firm body. Over the years, a multitude of services and products have hit this multi-billion dollar industry, yet we continue to see obesity rates rise, along with its associated co-morbidities. When it comes to weight management, focusing on the fundamental constituents of healthy living, rather than fads and gimmicks, is always the best bet. However, these common approaches do not always lead to the attainment of desired results.

Concussions are the most common form of traumatic brain injury. Thousands of young people under the age of 19 are treated every year in hospital emergency rooms for concussions related to sports or other leisure activities. Concussions are most commonly caused by blows to the head, including car and bike accidents, or falls. Effects of concussions are usually temporary, but can include bothersome symptoms like headaches, problems concentrating, forgetfulness, and can also impact functions of balance and coordination.