Did you know the Blackberry has health benefits?

Not only do blackberries grow abundantly in the Pacific Northwest and taste good, the berries are great for your health!

• The berries contain high amounts of vitamin C, tannins similar to green tea, and flavonoid antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give the berries their color

• These constituents have been shown to have anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

• The Anthocyanins are great for connective tissue, for example, to prevent varicose veins and are helpful in treating diabetic conditions

• Blackberries have 1.15 gram of anthocyanins per one kilogram of berries (as high or higher than blueberries or a glass of red wine)

• Historically the root and leaves have been used to treat diarrhea and sore throats

• The ancient Greeks used blackberry extract as a remedy for gout.

The Colors of Nature

When we think about autumn, we think about the way the leave turn color and fall slowly to the ground, and then we can take walks in the woods and hear the crunch, crunch of the leaves as we step on them. Those leaves are showing the true colors of the carotenoids and flavonoids such as anthocyanidins. Anthocyanidins are responsible for the reddish and magenta colors we can see in autumn leaves, and the reddish colors in vegetables (beets)and berries (cranberries, blueberries, blackberries). Anthocyanidins are being hailed as incredible antioxidants, and since they are found in many types of yummy foods, can be added to the diet very easily. With Thanksgiving coming up, don't forget to add some homemade cranberry sauce to your plate!

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day (AOM day)

Observed nationally and in other parts of the world every October 24^th since the early 2002, AOM Day is a time to learn and experience acupuncture and other forms of Oriental medicine. Many people, approximately 60% of us in fact, are unsatisfied with conventional Western medicine and are seeking alternatives. And what a great medicine to learn about - Acupuncture has been around for a millennia!

If you would like to experience acupuncture and are in the Kirkland, Washington area, please contact me for a discounted session (you can also contact the Marina Park Health Clinic) Anybody who mentions this website by name when making an appointment until November 7^th, 2007 is eligible. And while many people are fearful of the acupuncture needles, the needles are as small as a human hair and virtually painless.

Old time herbal tonics.

About the author

Dr. Lorinda Sorensen started studying natural medicine because of her strong desire to understand the beauty of nature and plants. She began by studying herbs, eventually going to Bastyr University, where she received both a doctor of Naturopathic medicine (ND), and a Master’s of Science in Acupuncture (MSA). Dr. Sorensen has had a private practice in Omaha, Nebraska, and she regularly volunteered at the local AIDS clinic. She has also lived overseas in New Zealand, where she was a consultant for the health products industry and head of the naturopathy department at one of New Zealand's naturopathy programs. Dr. Sorensen focuses women’s health and the treatment of chronic disease, using naturopathic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Personally, Dr. Sorensen has a strong interest in gardening, cooking whole foods, yoga and art, and has a strong goal of helping people achieve wellness. Visits with Dr. Sorensen focus on listening to you, a gentle and through examination and treatment, and encouraging you to be a part of your own wellness plan. She truly believes in medicine that supports the whole person. Dr. Sorensen currently practices at Marina Park Health Clinic in Kirkland, Washington state.

Welcome to the Tonic room

Have you ever felt a little unwell, down or just plain under the weather? Then you need a tonic! A tonic is defined as:

1.	a medicine that invigorates or strengthens: a tonic of sarsaparilla and molasses.

2.	anything invigorating physically, mentally, or morally: His cheerful greeting was a real tonic.

Tonification is part of the art and beauty of natural medicine. Not all people need tonification, but we do need natural medicine. If you feel like the world of modern medicine has gone past you and your individuality, please bookmark this page and return to read comments about recent medical news, information about health conditions and natural treatments, and wellness. Comments are appreciated, and all questions will be answered. Feel free to email me at tonicnewsletter@googlegroups.com and ask about specific health topics.