Juniper Family Health

Juniper Family Health Juniper Family Health is a premier naturopathic medical clinic in the heart of Victoria, BC.

Our physicians are experts in the field of integrative family medicine, and are trained to combine natural treatments with standard medical diagnosis and prescriptive medications. We provide patient-centered, holistic care, and strive to find the root cause of your health concerns. Your health is our top priority, and our doctors value working in collaboration with your entire healthcare team. Along with naturopathic medicine, Juniper Family Health offers chiropractic care, acupuncture, and holistic nutrition to complement the clinic's model of integrative healthcare. Clinic Owners:

Dr. Carla Cashin, ND
https://www.facebook.com/DrCarlaCashinND/

Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND
https://www.facebook.com/DrVanD
https://twitter.com/drvand
http://www.drmeghanvandrimmelen.com/

Understanding your nutrient status can play an important role in preparing your body for conception and supporting a hea...
04/06/2026

Understanding your nutrient status can play an important role in preparing your body for conception and supporting a healthy pregnancy. 💚

As part of our series on key nutrients to test when preparing for pregnancy, we’re highlighting another important nutrient involved in fertility and early pregnancy.

Today, we’re diving into Vitamin B12 🌟

Vitamin B12 is involved in DNA methylation, which is required for normal embryonic gene expression. Synthesis, repair, and methylation of DNA are also crucial for gametogenesis, fertilization and pregnancy.

Deficiencies in vitamin B12 have been associated with neural tube defects along with deficiencies in folic acid. Hypomethylation of DNA due to vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with a buildup of homocysteine which can lead to oxidative stress and poorer fertility outcomes.

In women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF, higher serum vitamin B12 levels have been associated with higher quality embryos, and a higher probability of live birth rates. ✨

Wherever you are in your fertility journey, make sure to ask your naturopathic doctor about nutrient testing.

Whether you just started to plan for a family, or you have been trying to conceive for some time, working with a license...
04/01/2026

Whether you just started to plan for a family, or you have been trying to conceive for some time, working with a licensed naturopathic doctor can help guide you towards better health, and by doing so may help to improve your fertility outcomes. 💚

When you see a naturopathic doctor for preconception and fertility support, you will be offered a laboratory panel that looks at baseline hormone and nutrient levels.

Reviewing these baseline numbers can help guide supplement recommendations and get you started on the right path.

This week, we’ll be reviewing the top 3 nutrients we recommend testing to support your reproductive health.

🌟 First up: Iron 🌟

Iron requirements during pregnancy increase dramatically as the mother’s blood volume expands and the baby is growing and developing. Iron helps transport oxygen to all areas of the mother’s body, and to the baby, so ensuring that you have optimal iron levels is key for supporting a healthy pregnancy.

Iron may also play a role in improving fertility outcomes, as supplementing with iron, and consuming non heme iron through other sources reduce the risk of anovulatory infertility.

Stay tuned this week as we dive into the next two key nutrients we recommend testing to support your reproductive health. ✨

🌡🤰Determining Your Fertile Window: Basal Body Temperature Tracking (BBTs)Basal body temperature tracking (BBTs) involves...
03/30/2026

🌡🤰Determining Your Fertile Window: Basal Body Temperature Tracking (BBTs)

Basal body temperature tracking (BBTs) involves measuring your body temperature every morning before getting out of bed. Ovulation causes a slight rise in body temperature due to increased progesterone levels. By tracking your BBT over a few months, patterns can emerge to help predict ovulation.

✅ Step 1: Get a basal body temperature thermometer, which is more sensitive and accurate than a regular thermometer. You can purchase a BBT thermometer at your local pharmacy or online.

✅ Step 2: Take your temperature every morning at the same time, before doing any physical activity.

✅ Step 3: Plot your temperatures on a chart and look for a consistent rise in temperature.

✅ Step 4: Ovulation usually occurs on the day before the temperature rise, indicating the end of your fertile window.

✅ Step 5: Your fertile window starts 6 days before the temperature rise.

BBT tracking requires consistency and commitment as it may take a few months to identify the patterns accurately.

Determining your fertile window is key to maximizing your chances of conceiving. Remember, the fertile window lasts for approximately five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.

If you are interested in learning more about your reproductive health, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 778-265-8340 or info@juniperfamilyhealth.com. We are here to help! 🙌

🗓️ Determining Your Fertile Window: Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) are a more precise me...
03/27/2026

🗓️ Determining Your Fertile Window: Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)

Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) are a more precise method to determine your fertile window. These kits detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs just before ovulation.

✅ Step 1: Purchase an OPK kit from your local pharmacy or online.

✅ Step 2: Start testing your urine with the kit a few days before you expect ovulation to occur.

✅ Step 3: Once the kit detects a surge in LH, it indicates that ovulation is likely to happen within the next 24 to 36 hours.

Using OPKs can help you pinpoint your most fertile days more accurately, increasing your chances of conception.

🤰🗓️ Determining Your Fertile Window: Calendar MethodThe calendar method is the most basic way to determine your fertile ...
03/25/2026

🤰🗓️ Determining Your Fertile Window: Calendar Method

The calendar method is the most basic way to determine your fertile window. It involves tracking your menstrual cycle over a few months to identify patterns and predict when ovulation is likely to occur.

✅ Step 1: Start by recording the length of your menstrual cycles for a few months.�
✅ Step 2: Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before your period. Subtract 14 from the average cycle length to determine the last day of your fertile window.�
✅ Step 3: Because you are fertile for 5 days leading up to ovulation as well as the day of ovulation, subtract 19 from your average cycle length to determine the first day of your fertile window.�
It is important to note that this method provides a rough estimate and may not be accurate for women with irregular cycles.

Stay tuned to learn more about determining your fertile window.

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an injection-free, natural treatment that addresses the underlying cause of environme...
03/23/2026

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an injection-free, natural treatment that addresses the underlying cause of environmental allergies. 🌱

The therapy involves exposing a patient to small doses of an allergen(s), which is taken under the tongue (sublingually). 👅 This small exposure helps to re-train the immune system to become less reactive, a process called desensitization. The therapy can be used to treat hay fever and asthma in adults and children over 3 years of age.

Sublingual immunotherapy has endorsement from the World Health Organization, the World Allergy Organization, and the Cochrane Collaborations.

Research has shown that sublingual immunotherapy is both safe and effective, and when compared to conventional allergy shots, is less expensive, more convenient, and requires fewer office visits! 🌟

Book an appointment with our knowledgeable naturopathic doctors to learn more. 🌿

https://juniperfamilyhealth.com

At Juniper Family Health, our Naturopaths offer skin prick testing and blood testing for common environmental allergies....
03/20/2026

At Juniper Family Health, our Naturopaths offer skin prick testing and blood testing for common environmental allergies. 🌿

💉 Skin prick testing is usually the method of choice because it is a quick and easy test that can be done in-office. A small amount of allergen solution is placed on the forearm, and the skin is gently pricked with a sterile needle in this area. If you are reactive to the allergen, the skin will redden and swell, and a small hive will form.

In cases of chronic inflammatory skin disease (where a clear patch of skin cannot be found), or in people who are prone to severe anaphylaxis, a blood test is the preferred method. 🩸

Once your allergies are identified, our naturopathic doctors will offer a customized natural treatment plan tailored specifically for you. 🌱

Common treatments for allergies include dietary interventions, vitamin therapy, herbal medicine, prescriptive medications, and sublingual immunotherapy. 🥘🥗

Book an appointment today to identify your allergies and find a natural treatment plan that works for you! 💚

Top 5 Naturopath Approved Supplements for Endometriosis 🌿1️⃣ N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)�NAC is an amino acid with powerful a...
03/13/2026

Top 5 Naturopath Approved Supplements for Endometriosis 🌿

1️⃣ N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)�
NAC is an amino acid with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In a study designed to look at the effects of NAC on the progression of endometriomas (ovarian cysts related to endometriosis), it was found that the NAC reduced the size of endometriomas in comparison to the control group. They also found that the NAC treated group had reduced pain, and a higher number of pregnancies in comparison to the untreated group. 🌱

2️⃣ Resveratrol�
Found in red wine, grapes, and berries, resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and may prevent the progression of endometriosis. In women trying to conceive, resveratrol’s fertility benefits lie with its ability to protect the ovaries and eggs from oxidative stress. However, research has also shown that resveratrol may negatively impact embryo implantation, so supplementation is only recommended in the first half of the menstrual cycle for those trying to conceive. 🍇

3️⃣ Vitamin D�
Vitamin D is an important regulator in the gene expression and inflammatory pathways related to endometriosis. 🌞

4️⃣ Probiotics�
Studies suggest that women with endometriosis may have an imbalance of gut and genitourinary bacteria, which can lead to inflammation and other gastrointestinal symptoms. A clinical trial of women with endometriosis found that taking probiotics reduced systemic inflammation and relieved pain symptoms. 🦠

5️⃣ Melatonin�
Not just for sleep! Melatonin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can reduce pain and improve sleep quality for women with endometriosis. A study conducted on women with endometriosis found that melatonin significantly reduced daily pain scores, dysmenorrhea, dysuria, and dyschezia. 🌙

Before starting any supplement regimen, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure that these supplements are safe for you and do not interact with your existing medications. If you are interested in exploring whether natural supplementation would be appropriate for you, please don’t hesitate to contact Juniper Family Health. 🌱

While there are a variety of treatment options available to ease symptoms of endometriosis, recent research suggests tha...
03/11/2026

While there are a variety of treatment options available to ease symptoms of endometriosis, recent research suggests that dietary interventions may have a role in the prevention and management of this condition. 🥗

One of the key factors in the development of endometriosis is estrogen, an important hormone involved in the growth of endometrial tissue. 💪🍃 Dietary choices can influence estrogen levels in the body, which may have implications for the progression of endometriosis.

Swipe through to see important nutritional considerations for preventing and managing endometriosis! 👉

If you would like to learn more about dietary and nutritional supports for endometriosis, please don’t hesitate to book in with one of our knowledgeable naturopathic doctors at Juniper Family Health. We are here to help! 💚

Endometriosis: Beyond the Pain ✨ Conventional treatments for this challenging condition focus on:�💊 Medical therapies: P...
03/09/2026

Endometriosis: Beyond the Pain ✨

Conventional treatments for this challenging condition focus on:
�💊 Medical therapies: Pain relief & hormone modulation (ie. birth control pills, progestin-only IUD, other hormonal medications)
�🏥 Surgical interventions: Laparoscopic excision
�🔄 Combination approaches: Tailored to individual needs�
🌟 Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ie. IVF) for those struggling with infertility

While not a cure-all, these strategies offer hope for management and improved quality of life. Remember, personalized care is key in navigating this chronic condition.�
Book an appointment with our knowledgeable naturopathic doctors to learn more. 🌿

https://juniperfamilyhealth.com

Did you know that diagnosing endometriosis involves more than just a single test? It’s a complex process combining:📝 Pat...
03/06/2026

Did you know that diagnosing endometriosis involves more than just a single test?

It’s a complex process combining:

📝 Patient history
🩺 Symptom assessment
👩‍⚕️ Physical examination
🖼️ Imaging techniques (ultrasound)
🔬 Laparoscopy

Key symptoms to watch for:
�〰️ Painful periods�〰️ Heavy periods�〰️ Chronic pelvic pain
〰️ Pain during intercourse�〰️ Cyclical digestive symptoms�〰️ Pain with urination or stooling�〰️ Fatigue�〰️ Infertility

Understanding these diagnostic methods is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Let’s raise awareness and support those affected by endometriosis! 🙌
�Book an appointment with our knowledgeable naturopathic doctors to learn more. 🌿

https://juniperfamilyhealth.com/contact

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month 💛Did you know that endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet often goes undiagnose...
03/04/2026

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month 💛

Did you know that endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet often goes undiagnosed for years? 😔

Key facts:

• Diagnosis can take 4-7 years from initial symptoms ⏳

• Common symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful and heavy periods, pain with s*x, pain with urination or stooling, cyclical digestive symptoms, and fatigue 💥

• Can lead to infertility and significantly impact quality of life 💔

Early diagnosis and proper management can make a world of difference for those affected. 🌍

Let’s break the silence around endometriosis. Share this post to spread awareness and support the millions of women silently battling this condition every day.

Book an appointment with our knowledgeable naturopathic doctors to learn more. 🩺

Address

#314 1175 Cook Street
Victoria, BC
V8V4A1

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 7pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 7pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 7pm
Thursday 8:30am - 7pm
Friday 8:30am - 7pm

Telephone

+17782658340

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Juniper Family Health is a premier naturopathic medical clinic in the heart of Victoria, BC. Our physicians are experts in the field of integrative family medicine, and are trained to combine natural treatments with standard medical diagnosis and prescriptive medications. We provide patient-centered, holistic care, and strive to find the root cause of your health concerns. Your health is our top priority, and our doctors value working in collaboration with your entire healthcare team. Clinic Owners: Dr. Carla Cashin, ND https://www.facebook.com/DrCarlaCashinND/ Dr. Meghan van Drimmelen, ND https://www.facebook.com/DrVanD https://twitter.com/drvand http://www.drmeghanvandrimmelen.com/