Sambucus spp., elderberry or elder, can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest. It is recognizable by its large leaves that are divided into 5-7 leaflets and its white foul-smelling flowers that grow in a cluster. In the summer bright red to dark berries, depending on species, form. Medicinally both the berry and the flower are [...]

Hypothyroidism is a common thyroid disorder caused by deficient production and secretion of thyroid hormones. Because the thyroid plays an integral role in metabolism in nearly every cell in the body, multiple systems can be affected by a hypothyroid condition. Hypothyroidism is more common among women, caucasians, and the elderly.  Some common signs and symptoms to [...]

The majority of our immune system is located in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and specialized tissues known as Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT) produce and store immune cells. This is one of our first lines of defense against infection. Along with GALT, our GI is full of trillions of healthy bacteria. This bacteria plays many [...]