Crescent Natural Health

A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine received a lot of attention in the popular press as it concluded that lavender and tea tree oils may have feminizing effects. Three cases of growth of breast tissue were reported in young boys using lavender or tea tree oil products. Later lab studies showed female hormone-stimulating effects on cancer cells. The EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products may decide to ban the oils, as they can be irritating to the skin.

While this study reports important case studies, it does not conclusively say that tea tree leads to growth of breasts in young boys. Many mainstream articles on this study refer only to tea tree oil, but only one of the three boys was using tea tree. There are no other such reports among the millions of users of tea tree oil or lavender. The researchers used breast cancer cell lines to test the straight oil and found estrogenic (female hormone) and anti-androgenic (male hormone) effects. This study warrants repeat, and should perhaps be performed on healthy cell lines. A study has also found that a component from tea tree inhibits skin cancer cells. This study holds no more or less weight than the one currently in question. The boys are exposed to hormones in meats and dairy products as well as estrogen-like compounds in plastics and this may be a consideration. It is important to note that while the symptoms did resolve after discontinuing the products, months passed before symptoms fully resolved. Blood hormone levels were not affected.

Herbs and their oils can cause allergic and skin reactions. Essential oils can be toxic in high doses. I do not think that these facts alone warrant a banning of the oils or the products. We use toxic products daily- with caution and advice. Tea tree is antimicrobial. Like almost all of our antibiotics, it can lead to bacterial resistance when used repeatedly. This is not a reason to stop using antibiotics altogether.

As always, I caution against ever drawing a conclusion based on one study. In order to form a conclusion, one should look at all the research done thus far (or at reviews of the literature) and take into account areas which call for further study.

Guardian UK article
The original New England Journal of Medicine article

A reprint from the British Medical Journal, different abstract

On January 23, 2007, the naturopathic community suffered a deep loss with the passing of Bill Mitchell, ND.

“Our dear co-founder and deeply beloved teacher, leader, friend, mentor, and inspiration, Bill (William A.) Mitchell Jr., ND passed away suddenly, following the death of his beloved son Noah Mitchell (27), who died suddenly that morning. Both Bill and Noah died of myocardial infarctions. He is survived by his parents William and Rachel Mitchell Sr., his brothers Thomas and Michael Mitchell, his sister Laurell Macura, his daughters Rachel Colburn and Leah Mitchell ND, his son Saul Mitchell, his son in law Richard Colburn, the mother of his children Roberta Mitchell, and his grandchildren David Mitchell and Regan Colburn.

For those who wish to make donations on Bill’s or the family’s behalf, a special account has been set up by the community for this purpose. Donations to the William A. Mitchell Jr., ND Fund can be made at any Bank of America to the William A. Mitchell Jr., ND Fund; account # 31165251, or by sending a check to the Fund at
518 1st Avenue N., Suite 28, Seattle, Wa 98109.

Personal cards and commemorations can be sent to the Office of the President at Bastyr University, who will forward them immediately to the family.
Office of the President
Bastyr University
14500 Juanita Drive NE
Kenmore WA 98028 ”

~Tim Callahan, PhD
VP for Research and Collaboration
Bastyr University

“Bill was a teacher, mentor, healer, and philosopher. He was a co-founder of the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, now known as Bastyr University. He was an internationally renowned expert in botanical medicine, and played a significant role in the understanding of the profound healing interactions between plants and other living organisms. His loss will leave a gaping void.”

~Jane Guiltinan, ND
president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Clinical professor at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health

The Sugar Balance: Preventing & Treating Diabetes Naturally
Monday, January 22, 10:45AM – 12:00PM

What causes pre-diabetes and diabetes? What can I do to prevent it? Can it be treated with natural medicine? Can I use my medications and natural medicine together?

Learn about insulin resistance, self care, preventing, and treating diabetes at Alki Community Center. Get tips on diet, alternative sweeteners, exercise, and natural treatments. We will also talk about preventing complications such as eye, kidney, and skin problems.

Alki Community Center is located at 5817 SW Stevens.
Take the West Seattle Bridge, exit at Admiral Way.
Follow Admiral Way to 59th Ave SW
Right on 59th, one block on the right hand side is the Alki Elementary School and the Community Center.
The parking is street-only.

Contact at Alki Comminity Center- Mary Dalzell:
206-935-2162
Mary.Dalzell@seattle.gov

The annual Lake Washington Technical College Wellness Fair, presented by the LWTC Fitness Specialist program, will be held on Wednesday, November 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Exhibits, vendor booths and more will be available in the East Building of the college with over 50 vendors representing a variety of wellness organizations ranging from alternative healing to fitness specialists. There will be a number of wellness screenings available such as blood pressure and body composition measurements. I will be providing nutritional assessments and information on diabetes and other health issues. I will also be speaking on natural approaches to diabetes. Check back for the time!

Keynote speaker Dr. Cedric Bryant:

Hear special guest speaker Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., chief exercise physiologist and vice president of educational services for the American Council on Exercise (ACE), speak on “Working Out the Facts: Answers to Your Health & Fitness Questions” from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the West Building auditorium (W404). Prior to joining ACE in 2001, Dr. Bryant served as a senior vice president for StairMaster Health and Fitness Products Inc. Dr. Bryant lectures nationally and internationally on many topics related to exercise, fitness, and nutrition.

The Wellness Fair is a free event open to the public. There are minimal costs associated with several of the screenings.

There is plenty of parking available.

The Wellness Fair is in the East Building mall of the Kirkland campus:
Lake Washington Technical College
11605 132nd Avenue NE
Kirkland, WA 98034-8506
(425) 739-8100

Coming from Seattle:

Map of LWTC

On Monday, October 16th, I will be speaking at the Alki Community Center from 10:45 to noon.

Allergies just driving you batty? Think you’ll never be free? Learn how allergies occur, how to reduce allergic reactions, and even become allergy free! Receive practical tips and learn about natural allergy treatments.

Alki Community Center is located at 5817 SW Stevens.
Take the West Seattle Bridge, exit at Admiral Way.
Follow Admiral Way to 57th Ave SW
Take a Right on 57th, one block on the right hand side is the Alki Elementary School and the Community Center.
The parking is street-only.

Questions about the talk? Contact Mary Dalzell:
Mary.Dalzell@seattle.gov

The Sugar Balance: Preventing & Treating Diabetes Naturally

What causes pre-diabetes and diabetes? What can I do to prevent it? Can it be treated with natural medicine? Can I use my medications and natural medicine together?

Learn about insulin resistance, self care, preventing, and treating diabetes at Rainbow Natural Remedies. Get tips on how to eat, alternative sweeteners, how to exercise, and natural treatments. We will also talk about preventing complications such as eye, kidney, and skin problems.

Thursday, October 12th, 6:30-7:45pm
Rainbow Natural Remedies
409 15th Ave. E. (between Harrison and Republican in Capitol Hill)
Google map
206-329-8979

Rainbow Natural Remedies site

Hello All!

On Saturday, September 16th, Rainbow Natural Remedies on 15th Ave in Capitol Hill is having a health fair from 11 AM to 5 PM. You will get to meet local health care practitioners, hear about what they do, learn about health issues, and ask questions. They will also have free supplement and bodycare samples.

I will be there most of the day, and manning a table from 3-5 pm.

Rainbow Natural Remedies
409 15th Ave. E. (between Harrison and Republican)
Google map
206-329-8979

Rainbow Natural Remedies site

I will also be teaching a class on diabetes there on Thursday October 12th!

On Monday, October 16th, I will be speaking at the Alki Community Center from 10:45 to noon.

Allergies just driving you batty? Think you’ll never be free? Learn how allergies occur, how to reduce allergic reactions, and even become allergy free! Receive practical tips and learn about natural allergy treatments.

Alki Community Center is located at 5817 SW Stevens.
Take the West Seattle Bridge, exit at Admiral Way.
Follow Admiral Way to 57th Ave SW
Take a Right on 57th, one block on the right hand side is the Alki Elementary School and the Community Center.
The parking is street-only.

Questions about the talk? Contact Mary Dalzell:
Mary.Dalzell@seattle.gov

On Tuesday August 8th at 10 AM, I will be speaking about preventing cancer naturally at the Garfield Community Center.

Learn how to prevent cancer and recognize early signs. Learn some natural ways to prevent the spread and recurrence of cancer as well.

2323 East Cherry St. (near 23rd and Cherry in Capitol Hill)
Garfield Community Center page

For more information, please call Cheryl Brown at 206-233-7255

On Wednesday June 7th at 10 AM, I will be speaking about preventing and treating allergies at the Garfield Community Center.
Learn how to reduce allergic reactions and even become allergy free!

2323 East Cherry St. (near 23rd and Cherry in Capitol Hill)
Garfield Community Center page

For more information, please call Cheryl Brown at 206-233-7255

August 8th at Garfield Community Center:
Preventing Cancer Naturally