Physician, Heal Thyself!

by Jocelyn Strand, ND
Biocidin Botanicals’ Director of Clinical Education and Research

Why did you choose to become a healer? 

For most of us, it is because we followed a calling. To be of service to others, to correct imbalances in the current model, to restore natural solutions as a part of health care, to find answers for our loved ones or for ourselves. 

So we invested our time, money, minds, and hearts into the rigorous study of natural health. We went in with wide eyes and high ideals.

Studying Health is No Joke

The journey from student to practitioner takes perseverance, and it takes a toll if we’re not conscious of our own health and needs in the process. 

Through the stress of medical school, I watched classmates persist through cancer, Lyme disease, chronic viral infections, full body eczema, mental health crises, fibromyalgia, and more. 

These unanticipated challenges nudge (or sometimes shove) us into deep learning, and, ultimately, expertise. It becomes part of our story, and a gift we bring to medicine and our patients.

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire

Medical school is just one example of a time when it was necessary to deny the body, mind, and spirit. It was what had to be done to cross the finish line. When illness came, it was often after a series of “smoke signals” from the body. Fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, mood, digestive issues, joint pain, and other signs warned us something was up. 

But what about now? We know that stress level is a significant predictor of health. The last few years have seen heightened personal and global stress. 

For those of us in the functional and integrative medicine space, there has been an added and unique stressor. In the recent health crisis, many of our tools have been disregarded or even discouraged. Conversations about taking responsibility for our own health? Gasp! Even the most benign ideas have become controversial, if not contentious. The temptation to doubt ourselves creeps in, creating stress that cuts to the core of who we are as healers. 

We spend time educating our patients about how to counteract the effects of stress. Now is the time to take our own counsel – before we find ourselves in the midst of a full-blown fire! 

Have Confidence in the Wisdom You Bring to the Table

First of all, I urge you to resist the doubt. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I sink into the principles that appealed deeply to me when I applied for Medical school over 20 years ago. They still move and inspire me. They guide effective care – we know this to be true.

• Primum Non Nocere (First Do No Harm). We use the most natural, least invasive, least toxic effective therapies.Vis Medicatrix Naturae (The Healing Power of Nature). The body is wise and has innate healing power. There is value and healing to be harnessed in nature.
• Tolle Causam (Treat the Cause). Identify and remove underlying causes of illness, clearing the way for the body to heal itself.
• Docere (Doctor as Teacher). There is inherent value in the doctor-patient relationship. The doctor educates the patient on health and encourages self-responsibility.
• Treat the Whole Person. Consider the body, mind, and spirit and treat each where needed. Encourage individuals to pursue their own personal spiritual path.
• Prevention. Assess risk factors and make appropriate interventions to prevent illness and suffering.

As I review these principles, I feel deeply that this paradigm offers timeless, trustworthy guidance to the practitioner, and wisdom that is greatly needed today.

Include Yourself in the Care you Offer

We know stress suppresses our immune response, making us more susceptible to infectious illness. This is an easy and powerful therapeutic target. We offer this wisdom to our patients – and we must do the same for ourselves. 

• Find joy – whatever that is for you! Dancing, walking in nature, listening to music, etc.
• Nourish your body with healthy food and daily movement
• Ask for support, and reduce your stress load
• Slow down and be purposeful
• Set healthy boundaries
• Meditation – even 5 minutes a day
• Practice gratitude
• Sleep – make it a priority!

Most of all, in a time where fear and division are all around us,  choose the opposite. Take time to connect with your family and your community. Talk to other healthcare providers with the same value system. Intentionally nurture relationships, and focus on love. 

This is an invitation – from one healer to another –  to check in with yourself. As a healthcare provider, you are needed now more than ever. Are you prioritizing yourself? 

Staying healthy and balanced – body, mind, and spirit – is the best way to help others. You are important!

A Peek into My Supplement Toolkit

In addition to managing stress as a lifestyle choice, there are a few supplements that I lean on personally and professionally when I am seeking an extra immune boost.

• Biocidin® TS Throat Spray is the first thing I reach for with symptom onset. I also use it to stay healthy when I feel my exposure is high – like when I’m traveling or at a public event. A human clinical trial, performed on athletes, showed a 66% increase in SIgA within 60 minutes of using the Throat Spray. I always have it with me.
• Olivirex®, with its olive leaf and herbs to support detox/excretion, is unique with its immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties. When I feel I need that additional support, I take two capsules, three times a day until I feel symptoms subside.
• Elderberry has been one of my go-to products – especially for my kids. I use it alongside the Throat Spray at the first sign of feeling under the weather. It has shown inhibitory effects on the influenza virus, as well as having immunomodulatory effects.
• Vitamin C – we all know this one! Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immune support with loads of research.
• Zinc is easy for kids and adults alike and essential for immune function.

Restore your own immune health so you can restore others.

Learn more about seasonal wellness here in this resource for you and your patients.