Recently my wife and I took a class together. The topic came up about what questions a patient should ask when being told to consider a treatment or procedure. The instructor talked about using the acronym BRAIN to formulate your questions. I liked the basic structure of the acronym but like any good nerd (I say this lovingly)...I decided to improve it and I changed the acronym to brains BRAINS. So here it goes....
A doctor walks into the room and says "I want you to take this pill"....before you say "OK"; follow this train of questions.
BrainS
B: What is the Benefit(s) of the Treatment or Procedure?
R: What is the Risk(s) of The Treatment or Procedure?
A: What Alternatives are available besides this treatment?
I: What is my Intuition telling me (or gut feeling) about doing the treatment or procedure? This you must ask yourself
N: What would happen if I do Nothing? Or Need Time before making a decision?
S: my addition. What happens if I suddenly stop treatment?
This is a solid framework so you feel empowered to make a good decision.
If you're my patient we should have this dialogue on each and everything I recommend, prescribe, or advise.
Here's to your empowered self.
One of my favorite all-time herbs is Urtica Dioica known as Nettle. I was introduced to this herb why doing a trail run in Marin County, Northern California when I turned a corner too fast and was stung by one of its infamous needles. Little did I know that this plant who I was "cursing" was one natures best medicines . When I started my training as a Naturopathic Medicine student, one of my mentors, the late Dr. Bill Mitchell talked about Nettle root extensively. He stated it has some of the best antihistamine properties of all the plants because it is rich in plant sterols, fatty acids, and lignans which basically act like a fire extinguisher for inflammation especially with seasonal allergies. If you suffer from grass or tree allergies, try some Nettle root tea from Traditional Medicinals. Or stop by Herban Wellness in Kirkland and ask for a tea to be made up. Enjoy a cup in the morning and again in the evening and let me know if you see a reduction in your allergy symp
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