October's 2nd Tuesday Program
Maximizing Your Bone Health
(It's about more than calcium, hormones & being 50+!)

The BEST way to maximize your bone health is to begin that work as a teenager.  However, since most of us have missed that boat, what do we do now?  In October's 2nd Tuesday program, we'll review how living bone tissue works, consider risk factors for bone loss and fracture, learn the best techniques for preserving and improving the bone you have and how you can monitor your progress.  Contrary to popular belief, men also benefit from maintaining good bone health and they and teenagers are welcome to attend! 

This has been a long time coming!  Some of you know that computers and I are not always on the best of terms...and there were many days of frustration in trying to build a simple site on my own.  As someone who went through medical school still taking over half of her notes by hand, I finally wised up and engaged the assistance of a professional.  Enter my internet angel, Deeva Massey of DDR Media Services in Midland.  She was patient and kind with my lack of computer savvy, creative and insightful with the framework I needed and was just a pleasure to work with all around. 
        I hope you will enjoy taking a look at the site.  A calendar feature will keep track of 2nd Tuesday programs and other events.  A link to enable patients to buy certain supplements on-line is being considered, as well as the ability to download patient forms. 
       Spreading the word about naturopathic medicine is vital to its continued growth and acceptance into the arena of good health and wellness care. It is my hope that this website will help you understand naturopathic medicine a little better and help you help others to understand it as well. 

For October our "Of the Month" feature is an Herb of the Month.  Actually, you get a 2 for 1, as Mentha piperita and Mentha spicata are so closely related, we'll talk about them both!  Actually, Mentha piperita (peppermint) is a hybrid of Mentha spicata (spearmint) and Mentha aquatica (water mint).  These plants, and many others, are members of the Lamiaceae (mint) family and for a bit of trivia - all members of the mint family have square stems.  You can see this with the naked eye, but it's really fun to look at them with a loupe if you have one.  (A loupe is a special, small magnifying glass.) 
Mentha History.  Mentha has been cultivated around the world for centuries.  The Ancient Greeks and Romans used mints as crowns and table sprays at feasts.  It is listed in the Icelandic Pharmacopoeias of the 13th century and has a rich history in Europe, coming into general use in the mid-18th century.  Spearmint is mentioned by the Pilgrims as being brought to North America from England.  Closer to home, peppermint was brought into cultivation in Michigan in 1855.  A small distillery was built in Wayne County to extract the volatile oils used for both medicinal and culinary purposes.
Mentha Uses.  The mints have long been known for their use for ailments of the digestive tract, both as an anti-spasmolytic (prevents spasms in smooth or skeletal muscle) and as a carminative (helps remove gas from intestines).  The anti-spasmolytic action may also be effective in the respiratory tract in conditions like asthma.  Additionally, when used topically, the mints can be an anodyne (relieves pain) and anti-pruritic (relieves itching).  Volatile oils in the mints are the primarily active ingredients - menthol in peppermint and carvone in spearmint. 
Mentha Cautions.  Use of the mint leaves has no significant side effects or contraindications for most people.  Use of the volatile oil or high dose of an extraction taken internally should be done with care.  People with acid reflux or hiatal hernias may find worsening of symptoms due to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.  Europe's Commission E suggests peppermint not be used in those with gallstones or severe liver disease.  Essential oils should not be used topically without dilution and extreme care taken around the face, especially in infants.  The actions of peppermint and spearmint are quite similar, but peppermint is the stronger acting of the two and, therefore, may be too much for children or those with sensitive stomachs.  Spearmint may be substituted in these cases with confidence. 
Using Mentha at Home.  The easiest way to use the mints is in a tea.  Many mint teas are available commercially, or you can make your own from the mints in your garden!  (Provided you don't use pesticide sprays.)  Pick the mint leaves in the morning after the dew dries.  You may use them fresh, or dry them for use through the year.  Pour boiling water over the fresh or dried leaves.  You can play with the amount to your taste, but 3-5 grams of dried leaf to 1 cup of water is a good starting place.  Use the tea as needed for upset stomachs, nausea, cramping, gas and bloating. 
For use with tension headaches, dilute peppermint essential oil in alcohol or another carrier oil (like almond, jojoba, grapeseed) and massage into forehead and temples.  (In one study when this was repeated after 15 and 30 minutes, the peppermint was more effective than placebo and the same as acetaminophen.  Hmmm... cheaper AND easier on your liver!) 
As a steam inhalation, peppermint may be used to help clear nasal passages and sinuses.  Peppermint also has the ability to clear the mind and increase mental alertness. 
It has also been said that most pests (ants, rats, etc.) do not like the smell of peppermint and may be discouraged from an area by its presence.  No placebo controlled, double-blind study on that one tho!