Healing House Natural Wellness

08/04/2026

✨ Pulsatilla (Anemone pulsatilla): Fresh vs. Dried Extracts and the Exciting World of Cancer Research ✨

For generations, Anemone pulsatilla has held a special place in traditional herbal medicine. Interestingly, many herbalists prefer working with the fresh plant extract, as the drying process can alter some of the plant’s delicate constituents and energetic properties.

Modern research is now turning its attention to one of Pulsatilla’s most fascinating compounds: Pulsatilla saponin D (PSD). Laboratory studies have demonstrated that this naturally occurring triterpenoid saponin may influence several pathways involved in cancer biology, including cellular apoptosis (programmed cell death), cell-cycle regulation, angiogenesis, and cellular signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR. Researchers are also exploring its potential role in inhibiting cancer cell migration and supporting immune surveillance. (Frontiers⁠)

More recent investigations have examined Pulsatilla saponin D in models of osteosarcoma and triple-negative breast cancer, where researchers observed effects on tumor cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. While these findings are incredibly exciting, it is important to remember that the majority of this research remains in the laboratory and animal stages and should not be interpreted as evidence that Pulsatilla can treat or cure cancer in humans. (ScienceDirect⁠)

The future of herbal medicine lies at the intersection of traditional wisdom and modern science, and plants like Pulsatilla continue to remind us just how much there is left to discover. 🌿

Always consult a qualified practitioner before using Pulsatilla, as it is a potent herb that requires careful dosing and is not appropriate for everyone.

07/20/2026

🌿 Barberry Root (Berberis vulgaris): An Ancient Herb with Modern Scientific Interest

For centuries, Barberry root (Berberis vulgaris) has been valued in traditional herbal medicine for supporting digestive health, liver function, and resilience during illness. Today, research has identified berberine as one of its primary active constituents, revealing fascinating potential in the fields of immune health, inflammation, and chronic disease.

✨ Immune Support
Barberry contains compounds that may help regulate immune activity rather than simply “stimulating” the immune system. Research suggests berberine can influence inflammatory signaling pathways such as NF-κB and AMPK, helping support a healthy, balanced immune response.

🌱 Autoimmune Support
Many autoimmune conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Experimental studies suggest berberine may help modulate inflammatory cytokines and support immune balance. While this research is promising, herbal care should always be individualized, as the needs of someone with rheumatoid arthritis differ greatly from someone living with multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

🎗️ Cancer Support
One of the most exciting areas of research surrounding barberry is its potential role in integrative oncology. Laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated that berberine may:
• Support healthy inflammatory regulation.
• Help influence abnormal cell growth and programmed cell death (apoptosis).
• Affect cellular metabolism.
• Complement conventional cancer therapies in certain experimental models.

It is important to understand that this does not mean barberry is a treatment or cure for cancer. Human research is still evolving, and it should only be considered as part of a comprehensive, evidence-informed integrative care plan.

07/15/2026

🌿 Plant-Based Iodine vs. Standardized Iodine: Is There a Difference?

When we think about iodine, most people focus on how much they’re taking. But equally important is where that iodine comes from.

Plant-based sources of iodine, such as kelp, bladderwrack, dulse, and other iodine-rich seaweeds, provide iodine within a complex natural matrix of minerals, polysaccharides, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. This whole-food matrix may influence how iodine is absorbed, utilized, and tolerated by the body compared with isolated forms of supplemental iodine.

Research has shown that iodine from seaweeds is bioavailable, meaning it can be effectively absorbed and utilized by the body, although the exact amount varies depending on the species, preparation, and individual digestive function. Rather than delivering iodine in isolation, these plants provide a spectrum of compounds that may offer additional health-supportive properties.

🌱 The beauty of herbal medicine is that we don’t just receive the iodine—we receive the plant.

For example:

🌊 Seaweeds provide iodine alongside minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and trace elements, as well as unique compounds like fucoidans and polyphenols that have been studied for their antioxidant, immune-supportive, and anti-inflammatory activities.

🌳 Black walnut (Juglans nigra) has traditionally been valued not only as a source of naturally occurring iodine but also for its rich tannins, juglone, and other phytochemicals that have historically been used to support digestive health and maintain a healthy microbial balance.

This is one of the reasons I often prefer plant-based approaches whenever appropriate. Herbs are far more than a single isolated constituent—they are intricate chemical symphonies, containing hundreds of naturally occurring compounds that work together in ways we are still discovering.

That said, iodine supplementation is not one-size-fits-all. Too little iodine can impair thyroid hormone production, while excessive iodine intake may worsen thyroid dysfunction in susceptible individuals. Individual needs vary depending on diet, thyroid health, medications, and underlying medical

07/14/2026

07/10/2026

There are moments in life when a cancer diagnosis changes everything. In those moments, people don’t just need treatment—they need hope, guidance, compassion, and to know they are not walking this path alone.

That is the heart of the Annie Appleseed Project.

The Annie Appleseed Project is a North America-based not-for-profit organization with a global reach, dedicated to supporting individuals and families seeking holistic, integrative cancer care. Its mission is to empower those navigating cancer with evidence-based options that bridge the gap between conventional oncology and integrative medicine.

Cancer care is about so much more than chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. It is about supporting the whole person. Through science, nutrition, herbal medicine, mind-body healing, lifestyle practices, movement, emotional wellbeing, and compassionate care, the Annie Appleseed Project helps people discover resources that complement their medical treatment and honour every aspect of healing.

One of the most beautiful parts of this organization is that individuals are thoughtfully connected with practitioners whose knowledge and philosophy align with their unique needs. No two cancer journeys are the same, and every person deserves care that recognizes their individuality.

As a global partner of the Annie Appleseed Project, I have the privilege of witnessing the profound impact this organization has on people searching for answers, support, and hope during one of the most difficult chapters of their lives. If you are inspired to donate to this incredible not for profit please go to www.annieappleseedproject.org

07/09/2026

🚨 Your Access to Personalized Herbal Medicine Is at Risk 🚨

There are proposed changes being considered by Health Canada that could significantly impact the ability of qualified herbal practitioners to provide individually compounded herbal formulations for their clients.

If these changes move forward as proposed, many Canadians may lose access to customized herbal preparations that are carefully formulated to meet their unique health needs. Instead, individuals may be limited to purchasing pre-manufactured products off the shelf—products that cannot account for the complexity of a person’s health history, constitution, medications, or therapeutic goals.

As a Clinical Herbal Therapist, I see every day how important individualized formulations are. No two people are the same. Whether someone is navigating chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease, cancer support, digestive disorders, or other complex health concerns, personalized herbal medicine allows us to tailor care to the individual—not the average consumer. The link in my bio contains pre-written letters prepared by the British Columbia Herbalists Association that can be sent directly to decision-makers.
Please take a few minutes to:
🌿 Download the letter.
🌿 Add your name or personalize it if you wish.
🌿 Send it.

07/08/2026

Clove: A Tiny Spice with Remarkable Traditional Medicinal Value 🌿

When most people think of clove (Syzygium aromaticum), they think of baking or holiday spices. In herbal medicine, however, clove has been valued for centuries as a powerful botanical ally for digestive health, microbial balance, and traditional parasite support.

One of clove’s primary active constituents, eugenol, has been extensively studied for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-supportive properties. Laboratory research has also demonstrated activity against a variety of intestinal parasites and helminths (worms), although much of this evidence comes from in vitro and animal studies, with human clinical research still emerging.

In clinical practice, I often include clove as one component of a comprehensive herbal protocol when supporting individuals living with chronic inflammatory conditions, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. Why?

Because one of the most overlooked contributors to persistent inflammation can be subclinical parasitic or microbial burdens. These infections may not always produce dramatic gastrointestinal symptoms, yet they can contribute to immune activation, altered gut permeability, nutrient depletion, and chronic inflammatory signaling in susceptible individuals.

07/02/2026

There is something profoundly humbling about walking through the mountains of the Pacific Northwest with a basket in hand, gathering medicine that has grown exactly where it was meant to be.

Every step through the forest reminds me that these plants are more than ingredients—they are living beings, part of an intricate ecosystem that has sustained people, wildlife, and the land for countless generations. To kneel beside them, to harvest only what is needed, and to do so with gratitude and respect is a privilege I never take for granted.

The mountains have become one of my greatest teachers. They remind me to slow down, to observe, and to listen. They teach patience, resilience, and reciprocity. The herbs I bring back to the apothecary carry with them not only remarkable medicinal properties, but also the story of the place they came from—the fresh mountain air, the flowing streams, the ancient forests, and the quiet wisdom of the wild.