Share the Love – Referral Incentive Program

January 31, 2017 by elisha

Share the Love – Referral Incentive Program

During the month of February, Dr. Elisha Cook ND is giving

10% off all of her Teas and Supplements!

All you have to do is refer a friend to see Dr. Elisha Cook ND (and have them book an appointment and follow-thru)!

Program starts February 1, 2017 and goes until February 28, 2017.

Call 519-537-7058 to book your appointment!

For more information you can visit my website at www.naturopathicdoctorwoodstock.ca, or visit my page on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DrElishaCookND/

Appointments have to be booked with the clinic during the month of February 2017, but do not need to be scheduled until later on (eg called the clinic Feb 15/17 and have an appointment to see Dr. Cook ND for March 21/17). Discount will apply following the referred friend’s initial appointment, and the referred friend must give your name under “referred by” in their intake forms (or mention it to Dr. Elisha Cook ND). The 10% off will apply for one transaction only (one 10% discount transaction per referred friend). This offer is only available for current patients of Dr. Elisha Cook ND.

Botanical Medicine: What is it and How can it Help

November 22, 2016 by elisha

Botanical Medicine has been used for thousands of years in so many different forms. Many people think that this is a primitive form of medicine, when in fact it can be quite comparable to some pharmaceutical drugs in some cases. This article looks at what botanical medicine is, how it can be used, and what for.

What is Botanical Medicine?

Botanical medicine involves the use of plants or herbs to achieve therapeutic outcomes. Specific plants or herbs are chosen based off of their medicinal effects in order to aid the individual in question. Botanicals can have multiple effects on multiple organ systems making them quite effective in the sense that they may be able to help with more than one problem. For example, Chamomile can be quite calming on the stomach and promote digestion, but can also be calming on the nervous system, making it potentially beneficial for indigestion and anxiety.

In addition, when more than one herb is combined to achieve a therapeutic goal, they can often have a synergistic effect. What this means is they both possess potent capabilities on their own, but when combined, the effect far exceeds that of them simply being added together. For example, if herb A is 2 and herb b is 2, when added together, you would assume that it would be 4, but it is actually more like 10!

How is Botanical Medicine used?

As alluded to above, herbs can be used on their own or in combination, and can be used in several different forms. They can be made into tinctures, teas, poultices, and salves. Tinctures are alcohol extractions of herbs, often containing a higher dose of herbs in small quantities. Teas are dried herbs that have medicinal properties extracted through hot water. Poultices involve applying herbs topically (externally to the skin). Salves are a combination of herbs in various forms with an ointment.

No form of herbs is necessarily right, but really depends on the patient’s particular case. For example, a poultice may be more appropriate for skin issues than a tincture.

What can botanical medicine be used for?

Botanical Medicine can be used for a variety of concerns. In my practice, I primarily use teas and poultices. I find that both of these forms can be beneficial in quite a few concerns including those listed below.

Adrenal Fatigue
Allergies
Anxiety
Arthritis
Burn out
Colds and flus
Constipation
Coughs
Depression
Detoxification
Diarrhea
Diabetes
Digestive Concerns
Eczema
Fatigue
Fertility
Fevers
Fungal Infections
Headaches
Heartburn/GERD
Hemorrhoids
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
IBS
Infections
Insomnia
Menstrual issues
Migraines
Pain
Psoriasis
Stress
Weight loss

If you would like a custom tea made specific for you and your health concerns, please contact myself, Dr. Elisha Cook ND via the contact portion of my page and book your appointment today!

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

Ways to Increase your Water Intake

April 19, 2016 by elisha

Water is vital for so many different processes in the body, which would makes sense seen as how we are made of mostly water. When not adequately hydrated, one can experience such “side effects” as muscle cramps, headaches, low blood pressure, dizziness, constipation, poor concentration, etc. On average, an individual should consume 2 liters per day of water. This can be challenging for those on the go or with busy schedules. There are many great apps available to help individuals keep motivated to increase water intake, but in addition to those apps, this blog might have some tips and tricks to help you increase your water intake.

Start every day with a large glass of water.

When you very first wake up, have a bottle/glass of water waiting for you. When you go to sleep, you make be depriving yourself of water for 6-8 hours per night. By hydrating yourself when you first get up, you can help your body to bounce back from this deficit and come closer to reaching your daily water intake goal.

Have a glass of water before each meal.

For certain individuals with particular medical conditions, this may not be the best idea. However, for some this can provide a great way to increase your water intake and to help you feel fuller and decrease your portions at meal – time.

Following having a coffee, alcoholic beverage, or caffeinated tea, have a glass of water.

All of these beverages can dehydrate the body, so by consuming water with them, it is hoped that this would balance out the dehydrating effects of them.

Carry a reusable water bottle with you – at work and play.

Making water more readily available can help to encourage adequate water intake, and make water more readily available.

Have a drink of water every time you have a break or get up from your desk.

Having water at these various occasions and making a habit of it can help you get closer to your goal and help you to regain your concentration for the next bout of work that you have in store for the day.

When in doubt, set a reminder on your phone.

For some, a lot of these tactics do not work, and so, setting an alarm on your phone, computer, etc. to remind you to drink water ever hour or so can be a helpful tool to achieve adequate water intake.

What if you do not like water?

Of course not everyone is a big fan of water and may require some time to get used to the taste of it. If that is the case, some of the options below may help ease the process of switching to water for some.

Try adding fruits/vegetables to your water

Some water bottles have infusion baskets making this very easy, but otherwise you can simply cut up wedges of fruits such as strawberries, lemons, limes, oranges, or melons and add them to your water. You can even try adding such vegetables and items as cucumbers and mint leaves.

Drink herbal teas

Herbal teas can contribute to water intake as long as they are caffeine free. Such teas that could help increase your water intake include peppermint, chamomile, lemon, Echinacea, etc.

Drink coconut water

Coconut water can provide some individuals with a taste that they can tolerate as well as increase water intake.

Dilute your drinks with water

When all else fails, gradually adding more water to your already made drinks can provide a way to adjust to the taste of water in a tolerable way.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.