In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast, host Daina Parent, ND, chats with first-time guest Marisa Marciano, ND, RH, about her experience as both naturopathic doctor and Registered Herbalist, including scope of practice, qualifications, education, and training.

Leaky gut syndrome, also known as intestinal hyperpermeability, occurs when the lining of the small intestine is impaired, allowing larger molecules to bypass the gut barrier and into the bloodstream. These molecules may be components of ingested food particles, bacteria, and foreign substances.1

Understanding how herbs work means understanding the wide range of actions they can have in the body, and learning some specific terminology can be helpful to define a plant’s physiological and pharmacological effects as well as its key medicinal uses. It is important to keep in mind that a single herb can have numerous actions, and often, herbs’ actions may overlap or synchronize to work together in a way that will benefit the body on multiple levels. This article will explore some helpful herb terms, clarify their meaning, and give key herbal examples and indications for ease of learning and prescribing purposes.

Most people are told from a young age that proactive dental health is important for preventing cavities, gum disease, and maintaining strong teeth. But going beyond brushing and flossing can make all the difference. Dental health and nutrition go hand-in-hand, and there are many factors that work synergistically to impact overall health when it comes to dental status and certain aspects of nutrition.

Skin health reflects whole body health. Its appearance can have profound effects on one’s psychological well-being while also serving as an indicator of the body’s internal health status and physiological resiliency. Skin complaints such as acne, aging, eczema, and rosacea are some of the most common and recurring presentations in clinical practice, and in 2013 an estimated 85 million Americans (or 1 in 4 individuals of all ages) were seen by a physician for at least one skin disease.1 Most conventional approaches to skin health involve the use of topical and/or oral medications, which offer temporary relief from symptoms quite successfully; however, exacerbations and recurrence upon their withdrawal can often occur. In these cases, and many others, a holistic, preventative approach to skin health and healthy aging can help minimize the need for more invasive therapies and/or potentially harmful interventions while serving the health of the body as a whole.

In the sixth and final episode of Plant Power, the fourth season of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series, hosts Sara Le Brun Blashka, MS, Meghan Hamrock, MS, MPH, and Kara Credle discuss the realistic application of plant power in practice and in life. Paired with a final clinical commentary from Dave Hogsed, DOM, AP, this episode ties together the concepts of the whole food matrix, nutrient availability, plant genetics, organic farming, phytonutrients and the colors of food to deliver a message vital for practitioners and nutrition enthusiasts alike: a diverse diet of colorful, plant-based foods supports a healthy life.

Knowing the numbers with health assessments has never been so important in a clinical setting. With regular well visits, a healthcare practitioner may list blood biomarker results, blood pressure readings, and weight to name a few metrics. The omega-3 index and microbiome gut tests are two measures that are not quite regularly used, though. However, they are available and equally important to add to the lineup as overall markers of health quality.