Hello Everyone,
We are in the thick of the spring allergy season and here in Colorado, the winds are picking up and dispersing the tree pollens far and wide.  As the season progresses, grass allergies will come into play as well.  Some of you may be experiencing foggy headedness, congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and difficulty breathing.  Your immune system mistakenly recognizes the allergen as a threat and makes chemicals such as histamines that cause the symptoms such as itchy eyes. 
How do we approach this problem in a natural way?  I recommend the following steps to reduce your overall reactivity to allergens: 
1.  Do a cleanse or follow a low allergen diet.  Those with environmental allergies also often have food allergies which contribute to the total load on the immune system, resulting in increased symptoms.  I recommend following a clean diet or testing for food allergies.  I’ll be discussing a spring cleanse in my newsletter next week so stay tuned! 
2.  Take a probiotic and eat naturally fermented foods.  Your gut bacteria play a large role in the health of your immune system.  Probiotics and naturally fermented foods such as yogurt, saurkraut, kimchi and miso can help modulate your immune system to make it less reactive to your environment.  
3.  Eat foods high in Vitamin C or take a Vitamin C supplement.  Vitamin C is a natural anti-histamine.  Foods rich in this nutrient include citrus fruit, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, brussels sprouts and potatoes.  
4.  Use a saline nasal spray daily to rinse out pollen, dust and smoke particles.
5.  Use an air purifier in your home.  
6.  Try the supplement Quercetin, a safe natural anti-histamine which also has anti-inflammatory qualities.  
7.  Try Aller Dx, a Chinese herbal formula which acts rapidly to help you breathe easier.  This non-drowsy, non-stimulant formula has been a lifesaver for many of my patients.
8.  Try Southwest Allersode, a homeopathic combination specifically formulated for those allergic to plants that grow in the Southwest such as cottonwood, juniper, pinion, sage, rabbitbrush.  

Let us know if you would like more help with allergies or are interested in trying any of the items listed above.  

I look forward to seeing you soon,

Abigail

Hello Everyone,
The office will be closed for the week of March 31st (from 3/31/25 to 4/4/25).  Athena and I will both be out of the office.  Please let us know right away if you would like to see me this week or need to refill supplements, tinctures or homeopathic remedies.  As always, you may also schedule appointments and refill most supplements via my website.  

I look forward to seeing you soon,

Abigail

Hello Everyone,
It’s that time of year again!  I am offering special prices on screening labs for the month of March to check blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid, liver and kidney function, prostate health, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and more.  This is a great opportunity to check your health status and monitor any changes so that we can preventatively address those using natural methods.  Let us know right away if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity as those early morning blood draw time slots fill up quickly.  I recommend that you fast for 12 hours prior to your appointment with water only so that the results are accurate. 

Let us know if you have any questions or would like to schedule a blood draw.

I look forward to seeing you soon,

Abigail

Hello Everyone,
I love using my castor oil pack in winter.  It feels like a warm hug on a cold winter night and provides the extra benefits of deep sleep, relief from bloating and constipation, improved bile flow which reduces gallbladder inflammation/stones, improved microbiome and biofilm breakdown and much more. 
For general detox, sleep and digestion benefits, I recommend pouring 2 Tbsp. of organic castor oil on the flannel side of the castor oil pack compress.  Apply the pack oil side facing the skin over the right upper part of the abdomen and tie the elastic ties around your abdomen to secure.  Put on an old t-shirt over this and go to bed.  You’ll wake up feeling refreshed with a flat stomach and regular bowel movements. 
The castor oil pack can also be applied over the center of the lower abdomen for ovarian cysts, endometriosis and uterine fibroids or the oil can be directly applied to the joints for joint pain. 

Let us know if you have questions about this ancient yet profound treatment or would like to purchase a compress from the office to get started!

Hello Everyone,
New Year, New Packages!  I am excited to share three new packages that I am offering in my practice this year. 
The New Patient Package includes a one hour new patient visit and two 30 minute follow up visits for $425. 
The Men’s General Health Package includes a one hour visit, screening labs including a CBC,CMP,Lipid Panel, TSH, PSA and Total Testosterone followed by a 30 minute lab review visit for $525. 
The Children’s Allergy Package includes a one hour visit, a blood test for IgG food sensitivities and a 30 minute follow up visit for $430. 

What is the benefit of buying a package?  Those who purchase a package are receiving 20% off regular office visit prices.  Additionally, I find that those who chose a package are more likely to reach their health goals due to the personal commitment and the benefit of regular sessions to address the problem step by step.
It is ideal for the first visit to be held in person, however follow up visits can be conducted by phone or telemedicine. 
Let us know if you have any questions or are interested in purchasing a package for the new year!

Hello Everyone,
I have one more new package for you.  The Established Patient Package includes three 30 minute visits for $325.  This is a great option for those who want to make sure to stay on top of their health this year or have some new concerns that they would like to work on.

What is the benefit of buying a package?  Those who purchase a package are receiving 20% off regular office visit prices.  Additionally, I find that those who chose a package are more likely to reach their health goals due to the personal commitment and the benefit of regular sessions to address the problem step by step.
It is ideal for the first visit to be held in person, however follow up visits can be conducted by phone or telemedicine. 
Let us know if you have any questions or are interested in purchasing a package for the new year!

Hello Everyone, 
The office will be closed from December 20th to January 1st.  We will re-open on January 2nd.  Please let us know right away if you would like to get in to see me this week or if you need to refill any tinctures or homeopathic remedies.  As always you may schedule appointments and refill most supplements via my website.  

I wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday season,

Abigail

Hello Everyone, 
My online store Fullscript is holding a Black Friday/Cyber Monday supplement sale from November 28th at 10:00 PM until December 4th at 12:59 AM for a total savings of 15% off all products in the store.  This is a great time to stock up on your usual supplements or try something new including body care products.
Let us know if you need help placing your order. 

Enjoy your holiday!

Hello Everyone,
I will be out of the office from November 25th to the 29th.  Athena will be at the front desk on November 25th, 26th and 27th from 9am to noon to assist you with scheduling appointments, refilling supplements and anything else that you need.  We will re-open for normal business hours on December 2nd.  As always, you may schedule appointments and refill most supplements via my website.  Let us know right away if you would like to get in to see me this week. 

Mark your calendars!  My online store Fullscript is holding a Black Friday/Cyber Monday supplement sale from November 28th at 10:00 PM until December 4th at 12:59 AM for a total savings of 15% off all products in the store. I’ll send out another reminder closer to the date.  Let us know if you need help placing your order. 

I look forward to seeing you soon! 

Abigail

The office will be closed Monday October 14th and then I will be out of the office from October 21st to the 24th.  Athena will be at the front desk from 9 am to noon on the 21st – 23rd to assist you with scheduling appointments, refilling supplements or anything else you need.  The office is closed on the 24th.  If you would like to see me before the 21st, let us know right away so that we can get you on the schedule.  As always, you may also schedule appointments and refill most supplements via my website.

I look forward to seeing you soon,

Abigail

Hello Everyone, 
Even though it still feels like summer in the middle of the day here in Southwest Colorado, the seasons are changing and it is time to start cooking and eating accordingly!  This type of soup is the perfect thing to do with that butternut squash sitting on your kitchen counter.  

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

• 1 Tbsp coconut or avocado oil
• 2 medium shallots (thinly diced)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 6 cups peeled & chopped butternut squash (1 small butternut squash yields ~6 cups)
• 1 pinch each sea salt + black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp curry powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 14-ounce can light coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth 
• 1-3 Tbsp maple syrup 
• 1-2 tsp chili garlic paste (optional)
• Heat a large pot over medium heat.
• Once hot, add oil, shallots, and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add butternut squash and season with salt, pepper, curry powder, and ground cinnamon. Stir to coat. Then cover and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add coconut milk, vegetable broth, maple syrup and chili garlic paste (optional – for heat).
• Bring to a low boil over medium heat and then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until butternut squash is fork tender.
• Use an immersion blender, or transfer soup to a blender, and purée on high until creamy and smooth. If using a blender, return soup back to pot.
• Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more curry powder, salt, or sweetener as needed. Continue cooking for a few more minutes over medium heat.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Best when fresh. 
• Courtesy of Minimalistbaker.com

Hello Everyone,
I wanted to remind you that the packages that I offered at the beginning of the year to celebrate my 20th year in practice are still available at the same prices until the end of 2024.  The package includes a one hour visit and two 30 minute visits.  The price is $400 for new patients and $360 for established patients.  This is 20% off my regular visit prices!  The package is a great option for new patients and for those who haven’t seen me recently or have a new concern that they would like help with.  The visits should be used within one year of purchase.  Let us know if you are interested and we can get you started. 

Hello Everyone, 
My online store Fullscript is having a sale starting at 10 am today (September 16th) through midnight September 19th.  You will receive 15% off all items in the store.  This is a great time to stock up on your regular supplements or try something new.  In addition to dietary supplements, Fullscript carries non-toxic body care products, sunscreen, toothpaste, herbal teas and more. 
Let us know if you need help finding something or if you would like us to place your order for you.  The items will be shipped directly to your address.  

Hello Everyone,
Changes to the hair in perimenopause and menopause are one of the most common and distressing concerns that I hear from my patients at this time of life.  Hair can become very thin, dry, brittle and slow to grow.  During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels naturally drop, causing hair to grow more slowly and become thinner.  Testosterone can become the dominant hormone, which makes the hair follicles smaller.  Hair loss can also occur due to severe stress, illness, nutrient deficiencies and certain medications.  Below are my top foundational recommendations for these concerns: 
1.  Eat a nutrient dense diet:  Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, Zinc, Selenium, Iron, Biotin, Protein and Essential Fatty Acids are the most important nutrients for healthy hair growth and these can largely be obtained from the diet.  Include dark leafy greens, berries, sweet potatoes, eggs, avocado, olive oil, fatty fish, nuts and seeds, whole grains, beans and lentils.  
2.  Get your Vitamin D and Iron levels checked:  Vitamin D is a very common nutrient deficiency and is harder to get from the diet.  Iron deficiency can contribute to hair loss but iron should not be taken as a dietary supplement unless blood levels are low.  This is more common in menstruating women. 
3.  Reduce the frequency of hair washing.  All shampoos, even mild ones, are drying to the hair.  Your natural scalp oils are needed to moisturize hair.  
4.  Apply a hair oil 1-2 times per week.  For deep moisture, apply a hair oil to the hair and scalp, massaging it in.  Let it sit for a minimum of 30 minutes up to overnight, and then shampoo and condition.  
5.  Minimize hair processing and styling treatments that damage the hair.  Bleaching, perms, relaxers, hair dyes and heat styling can cause brittle, dry hair.  Ask your hair stylist how to limit damage to your hair. 
6.  Drink mineral rich herbal teas such as nettle leaf, horsetail, red raspberry leaf and oat straw.
7.  Consider taking Biotin 5,000 to 8,000 mcg daily.  Biotin is one of the B vitamins and can help with hair growth if you have a deficiency.  In one study, 39% of women with hair loss had a biotin deficiency.  It is a safe nutrient to try for most types of hair loss and I carry it in my office and in my online store Fullscript. 
8.  See me to get your hormones checked and discuss how to balance hormones to set the stage for hair growth.  There are great options for those already on hormone replacement therapy and those who are not. 

I look forward to seeing you soon!

Hello Everyone, 
I now have the capability to rapidly diagnose vaginal yeast, bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas infections in the office for a reasonable cost.  Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea will still require sending a sample to the lab. 
For those who are prone to vaginal yeast, bacterial vaginosis or urinary tract infections, I want to highlight a product that is newer to my office.  Thorne Women’s Daily Probiotic is a great ally in restoring balance to the microorganisms in the genital tract and reducing pathogens by correcting the pH.  It is shelf stable and perfect for travel when you might be more susceptible to infections.  It is available in the office or from my online store Fullscript. 
Let us know if you have any questions!