expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Jennifer Poindexter

Naturopath

Dr. Jennifer Poindexter is a naturopathic physician practicing in Tualatin, OR. Dr. Poindexter specializes in proactive prevention and treatment. Dr. Poindexter combines holistic healing methods with traditional solutions to medical illness. Providing both individual and family care, the most common ailments treated are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, obesity, heart disease, fertility, menopause, cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Naturopathic Physicians place a strong emphasis on natural remedies that add to the broad spectrum of remedies available.
8 years Experience
Dr. Jennifer Poindexter
  • Silverton, OR
  • NCNM
  • Accepting new patients

Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

Muscle relaxers are a pharmaceutical and cannot be purchased over the counter. Sometimes Magnesium Glycinate can help act as a muscle relaxer, however is it is not as potent and READ MORE
Muscle relaxers are a pharmaceutical and cannot be purchased over the counter. Sometimes Magnesium Glycinate can help act as a muscle relaxer, however is it is not as potent and dosing is different between variety of patients.

Numbness

This could be a neurological issue and should be examined by a physician. Possible imaging may be needed to help diagnose what is occurring.

Where can you buy high-quality herbs?

There are several companies that offer high quality supplements and herbal therapies. I recommend discussing with a Naturopathic Doctor or Herbalist, however you may be able to READ MORE
There are several companies that offer high quality supplements and herbal therapies. I recommend discussing with a Naturopathic Doctor or Herbalist, however you may be able to find some things on Fullscript.

What are natural remedies to have after a c-section?

Vitamin E and A can help with tissue repair and regeneration. Collagen and peptides can also improve skin integrity. The body should heal and you can use over the counter scar READ MORE
Vitamin E and A can help with tissue repair and regeneration. Collagen and peptides can also improve skin integrity. The body should heal and you can use over the counter scar creams to help reduce appearance. It will take 1-2 years before the scar begins to fade.

How should I use essential oils?

Do not take orally unless instructed by physician. I recommend 10 drops in water and soak in a tub, or you can add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to some unscented READ MORE
Do not take orally unless instructed by physician. I recommend 10 drops in water and soak in a tub, or you can add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to some unscented cream and apply topically.

Are there natural ways to fight off fatigue?

Yes, but knowing the cause if far more successful at getting fatigue corrected. Fatigue is a general symptoms and because so many conditions can be caused by fatigue, it is important READ MORE
Yes, but knowing the cause if far more successful at getting fatigue corrected. Fatigue is a general symptoms and because so many conditions can be caused by fatigue, it is important to know what the cause is so that target tissue can be addressed. Some fatigue is caused by adrenal gland dysfunction, thyroid gland dysfunction, hormone imbalance, medications, diet, poor digestion, autoimmune conditions, mental health conditions, cancer, diabetes, etc. The list goes on and on. Routine testing can rule out many of the causes and you should follow up with your provider to make sure there is no underlying condition occurring. Adrenal support supplements, herbs like Ashwagandha and Eluthrococcus, mushroom/Cordyceps, vitamins like D and B12 and B Complex all battle fatigue. But these won't work unless you are tackling the root cause.

What is the best natural remedy for varicose veins?

There are many great herbal remedies that help increase circulation like Gingko, Ginseng, Buchure's Broom, Witch Hazel and Centella. But you would want to discuss with your provider READ MORE
There are many great herbal remedies that help increase circulation like Gingko, Ginseng, Buchure's Broom, Witch Hazel and Centella. But you would want to discuss with your provider to verify these do not interact with any medications or medical conditions you are on or have. Varicose veins are caused when the valves in the vein is weak and essentially begins to "sag." It causes back flow of blood into lower levels of the vein. There are some options like sclerotherapy to help with small spider-like veins, but the larger varicose veins need daily use of compression stockings and potentially surgical interventions if the veins are at that level of attention. Vascular specialist can run testing to determine the degree of impairment. You would always want to rule out blood clots or potential for blood clots, heart disease, lymphedema and other known causes for varicosities.

What are some safe natural ways to treat acid reflux?

Acid reflux can be caused from certain foods (spicy and acidic), stress, overeating, digestive impairments, decreased digestive enzymes and bacteria like H. Pylori. Depending READ MORE
Acid reflux can be caused from certain foods (spicy and acidic), stress, overeating, digestive impairments, decreased digestive enzymes and bacteria like H. Pylori. Depending on the cause and the length of occurrence, you may have success with apple cider vinegar or deglycerolized licorice. If you have an infection or an ulcer, these options are generally not going to work well. You should consult with your provider or a gastroenterologist to determine the cause.

Are there ways to bring down blood pressure naturally?

Yes there are several supplemental products that can help lower blood pressure naturally. Depending on the severity of the blood pressure, they are not always a substitute for READ MORE
Yes there are several supplemental products that can help lower blood pressure naturally. Depending on the severity of the blood pressure, they are not always a substitute for medication. Supplement companies out there have great formulas for hypertension. Magnesium, Fish Oil, CoQ10 and L-Arginine have all been shown to improve blood pressure and circulation. Among other benefits. Dosing and supplement brands should be discussed with your provider.

Is a water fast safe or healthy?

I would not recommend a water fast for weight loss. Water is so important and studies do show that dehydration causes stagnation in weight loss. Intermittent fasting is a better READ MORE
I would not recommend a water fast for weight loss. Water is so important and studies do show that dehydration causes stagnation in weight loss. Intermittent fasting is a better option, but there is no quick answer for rapid weight loss that is sustainable. Diet and exercise are always recommended, but that is not all the options available. Talk with your provider about weight loss medications, nutrient and liposomal injections like MIC and other methods. I also recommend talking with a nutritionist as changing one's diet can improve weight loss durability, efficacy and sustainability by 80% whereas exercise alone only accounts for about 10-20% of weight loss success.

What pressure point relieves stomach pain?

Pressure points or reflexology can be a great tool to help with aches and pains. There are some providers that specialize in pressure points, however acupuncture may be a good READ MORE
Pressure points or reflexology can be a great tool to help with aches and pains. There are some providers that specialize in pressure points, however acupuncture may be a good tool to seek out to help with pressure points. It really depends where in the stomach there is pain as well. Acupressure or reflexology can help, but there are specific points on feet, hands, ears, etc, so it is best to know exactly where you are experiencing pain.

Are there any natural ways to strengthen my liver?

Yes there are many "natural" ways to help with liver detoxification and regeneration of tissues. There are many herbal therapies, detoxification cleanses and support to help. READ MORE
Yes there are many "natural" ways to help with liver detoxification and regeneration of tissues. There are many herbal therapies, detoxification cleanses and support to help. Many liver support supplements can work great, however some liver support herbs and supplements can also be toxic with high dose and/or long term use, so discussing with a provider that is well versed with herbal therapies and liver support is recommended.

Would you recommend naturopathy treatment for severe diabetes?

Diabetes can be a complicated condition to treat. Naturopaths are trained as primary care providers and is some states, can treat diabetes with pharmaceuticals, supplemental support, READ MORE
Diabetes can be a complicated condition to treat. Naturopaths are trained as primary care providers and is some states, can treat diabetes with pharmaceuticals, supplemental support, herbs, vitamins, diet, exercise, etc. With uncontrolled diabetes, I would recommend working with an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist in addition to any naturopathic doctor support. The two therapies can be complimentary with each other, however it is always a good idea to have multiple providers work together on the patient so that they are exposed to a variety of support.

Can skin fungal infections be treated without medications?

Fungal infections are rather stubborn infections. Using essential oils and herbs can help promote some anti fungal support, but they tend to take a very long time to correct. READ MORE
Fungal infections are rather stubborn infections. Using essential oils and herbs can help promote some anti fungal support, but they tend to take a very long time to correct. Especially if fungal infection move into the nail beds-those can take potentially years to treat without medications. Keep skin clean and dry is very important because fungus grows best with moisture like the folds of the body.

Are there any natural methods to fix ear infections?

Yes! There are a few options. Depending on the severity of the ear infection, there are some great herbal therapies that can promote an antibacterial and antiviral property to READ MORE
Yes! There are a few options. Depending on the severity of the ear infection, there are some great herbal therapies that can promote an antibacterial and antiviral property to the infection. I do warn because ear infections can spread quickly and move closer to brain tissue which can then lead to a more serious infection. However for mild cases of ear infections, over the counter herbal tinctures can work well.

How can I treat chronic fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is a complicated condition to treat. It really depends on the stage of fatigue you are in. I generally have my patients take a salivary 24 hour cortisol test READ MORE
Chronic fatigue is a complicated condition to treat. It really depends on the stage of fatigue you are in. I generally have my patients take a salivary 24 hour cortisol test to see what the adrenal function is doing. Once there is a map of the function, I can then determine what stage of chronic fatigue the patient is in and treat accordingly. There are great adaptogenic herbs for fatigue, however some stimulate and some suppress cortisol, so you really should know what your cortisol is doing. Some supplements can make the symptoms far worse.