15 May 2026 Dear friends, colleagues and supporters, It has been a busy few months since I last had the opportunity to setup a commentary or forward some of the interesting current links from the English-language journals and research. But, busy it has been. One of my major projects since OIRF.com went live last September has been completed (for now). The newly revised, reformatted and updated version of the Praxis2Practice website has now also gone live. As you look over this month’s translated articles and information, I invite you [...]

Diseases of Civilization Gout Alarm The Best Therapies Against the Endemic Disease Gout – a term that sounds to many like a disease from past centuries. But the reality is different: More and more people in modern societies are affected. Gout is now considered a disease of civilization – triggered by excess, lack of exercise and an unbalanced diet. What is behind this painful joint disease, and how can naturopathy help? This article gives an overview of causes, symptoms and holistic therapeutic approaches for gout. [...]

Infectious Diseases Lyme Disease – The Invisible Danger How Ticks Challenge Our Immune System Lyme disease – a diagnosis that often causes uncertainty and concern among patients and practitioners alike. The infectious disease transmitted by ticks has become a real challenge for the healthcare system. More and more people are reporting fatigue, joint pain and neurological deficits, which are often only associated with Lyme disease at a late stage. While the tick is the focus as a carrier, the disease remains [...]

In Memoriam Peter Mandel 1941 – 2026 We say goodbye to Peter Mandel, an extraordinary person who shaped naturopathy for decades: Born in Breslau in 1941, his path led him early into the healing professions: in 1959 he began his training as a nurse, followed by qualifications as a medical lifeguard, chiropractor, acupuncturist and reflexology therapist. In 1970 he passed the naturopathic examination – a step that laid the foundation for a life's work that radiates far beyond the boundaries of the profession. With inexhaustible curiosity, a spirit of [...]

Energy Vampires In Practice How To Preserve Your Energy in Everyday Practice In everyday life, we repeatedly encounter situations and people that rob us of energy. Whether in the office, in meetings or in the private sphere – "energy vampires" cost us strength, concentration and a good mood. But how do you recognize the energy guzzlers in everyday practice, why do they seem so exhausting and what can we do about them? In this article, I shed light on typical energy vampires, show practical examples [...]

Skin and Eye Health Naturopathic Therapy Concepts for Eye Diseases The eyes are subject to numerous internal and external influences – from metabolic processes to UV radiation and even psychological stress. Diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and COVID-associated vision disorders are continuously increasing with rising life expectancy and new health challenges. Macular Degeneration (AMD) AMD is a chronic disease of both eyes that is based on a metabolic disorder and affects the site of sharpest vision, the macula. However, [...]

Expert Forum Painful Blisters Herpes Zoster in Traditional European Naturopathy For those in a hurry Herpes zoster is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in a weakened immune system. In addition to anti-viral therapy, naturopathy focuses on strengthening the lymphatic system, constitution and milieu. The goal is to accompany acute processes and prevent post-herpetic neuralgia. Herpes zoster is more than just a painful rash: the resurgence of the varicella-zoster virus can cause long-lasting nerve pain. Friedemann Garvelmann explains the naturopathic connections and therapy [...]

Accountability? 16 March 2026 Dear friends, colleagues and supporters, As winter lasts, and lasts there are finally at least glimmers of spring to come. Activities and conferences are once again winding up and there are a flurry events coming up as the days lengthen and warm up. Here are the links for this month’s articles, translations and commentaries with reminders of a few recent ones as well: New: HPV – Human Papillomaviruses; Main Cause of Cervical Cancer, by Sandra Riesenhuber, RN. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are among the most important [...]

Main Focus Off the Track Treating Lipid Metabolism Disorder Naturopathically For those in a hurry The causes of lipid metabolism disorders range from genetic factors to diseases and even to lifestyle. The naturopathic treatment options include a change in diet, naturopathic detoxification procedures, micronutrients as well as omega-3 fatty acids and medicinal plants. Too high cholesterol levels are not only the effects of calorie bombs on holidays, but rather lipid metabolism disorders are also part of a fairly common problem in naturopathy. Naturopathy offers various [...]

Gynecology HPV - Human Papillomaviruses Main Cause of Cervical Cancer Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are among the most important pathogens in gynecological oncology. Worldwide, they are the main cause of the development of cervical cancer. The aim of this article is to present the current status of HPV in gynecology, to shed light on prevention and diagnostic strategies and to point out gaps in care. Women's Health and Gynecology Women's health encompasses much more than the treatment of gynecological diseases – it [...]