After a remarkably warm winter, many of us are already noticing subtle shifts — lighter mornings, changing energy, and for some, the first hints of allergy season.

Spring is a time of activation.

Light exposure increases. Cortisol shifts. Thyroid signaling adjusts. Reproductive hormones respond. The immune system wakes up. And when systems aren’t communicating well, symptoms often follow.

Rather than waiting for flare-ups, March is the perfect time to get ahead of the season.

With a warmer winter behind us, we may see an earlier — and potentially more intense — pollen season.

Allergies are not just about sneezing. Histamine influences:

• Sleep

• Anxiety

• Skin

• Digestion

• Inflammation

• Hormone signaling

For many patients, rising histamine can worsen PMS, amplify perimenopausal symptoms, and increase joint pain or headaches. Starting care before peak pollen can significantly reduce symptom severity.

We encourage patients who struggle with seasonal allergies — adults and children — to book focused visits now to:

• Strengthen immune modulation

• Support gut-immune balance

• Lower inflammatory load

• Begin botanical protocols early

• Discuss hydrotherapy or ozone support if appropriate

Proactive care works better than reactive care.

So much of what we experience as “chronic illness” is really the body asking for better communication between systems:

• Hormones talking to connective tissue

• The gut talking to the immune system

• Stress chemistry shaping how we heal (or don’t)

That’s the lens I bring to my work.

I’m grateful to be working in alongside a beautiful collaborative team at Deep Roots Family Medicine, founded by my NUNM classmate, Dr. Luke Gonzales. 

If you’ve been living with a chronic condition and want a thoughtful, systems-based approach—this is an open invitation to come explore what support could look like for you.

Healing isn’t about chasing symptoms.

It’s about restoring communication, nourishment, rhythm, and resilience—so your body can do what it already knows how to do.

If you’re curious, stuck, or simply ready for a more connected approach to your health, I would truly love the opportunity to work with you.

Hormones & Hypermobility International Spotlight

We’re also proud to share that Dr. Amanda is speaking at the Female Health Summit hosted by the UK-based The Ehlers-Danlos Society on March 7.

Her topic: Hormones and Hypermobility — and why proper hormone understanding matters more for flexible bodies.

Low pain tolerance? Joint instability? Flares around your cycle? It’s not “just hormones”… and it’s not in your head.

Hello Tea Friends,

Happy almost Spring to all my Tea Lovers! These warmer sunny days that are sneaking in are making me feel excited for the warmer weather. Spring has a way of waking everything up — the trees, the light, our energy… and sometimes our histamine.

Many of us are noticing that allergy season seems to be arriving early, despite the cold weather. What’s fascinating (and often overlooked) is how closely our immune system and our hormones communicate. When histamine rises, it can influence sleep, mood, cycles, headaches, and inflammation.

This time of year, I lean into herbs that support both gentle detoxification and balanced immune response — without pushing the body too hard.

🌼 Allergy Relief Tea

When pollen levels climb, this blend becomes a daily ritual for me.

Mullein and eyebright offer soothing respiratory support, while peppermint brings clarity and cooling comfort. Catnip helps calm tension, and local bee pollen adds a touch of sweetness while encouraging seasonal resilience.

Instead of waiting until symptoms flare, I like to start sipping early — supporting the body before it feels overwhelmed.

Think of it as steadying the system rather than chasing the sneeze.

🌿 Simple Detox Tea

Spring is also a beautiful time to support the body’s natural elimination pathways — especially after a winter of heavier foods and slower rhythms.

Simple Detox features dandelion root and burdock to gently encourage liver and kidney function, milk thistle to support detox pathways, and calendula for lymphatic and skin support.

This isn’t about extreme cleansing — it’s about restoring flow.

I love this blend warm in the morning as a grounding ritual, or iced in the afternoon when the days start stretching longer.

🌸 Spring Community Special! Mention this newsletter and receive $2 off Allergy Relief or Simple Detox through March 31tst.

*All Deep Roots Herbals teas are lovingly crafted with organic and/or wild harvested herbs.

**All Deep Roots Herbal teas are naturally caffeine free

***These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Desiree Lever Gonzales, LMT is a licensed massage therapist and herbalist. She works at both our Salem and Covallis office and specializes in Arvigo Massage.