Tieraona Low Dog, MD

Dr. Low Dog with Flower Basket

Professional Profile

From a young age, Dr. Tieraona Low Dog has been deeply drawn to the natural world and the field of natural medicine. Her academic journey encompasses a diverse range of disciplines including massage therapy, martial arts, midwifery, and herbal medicine, before going to earn her medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.

Her career is characterized by her advocacy for health care that is not only compassionate and effective but also equitable and mindful of environmental sustainability. She is the Founding Director of the Medicine Lodge Academy, a school dedicated to the advancement of natural medicine through both online and in-person educational offerings offered for both clinicians and health enthusiasts alike.

As a pioneer in the field, Dr. Low Dog not only served as a founding member of the  American Board of Physician Specialties' American Board of Integrative Medicine; but she was also among the first cohort of physicians to be board certified in this newly emerging field.  Her leadership extends to her tenure as Director of the first Inter-professional Fellowship in Integrative Health and Medicine, Fellowship Director for the University of Arizona's Center for Integrative Medicine that was founded by Andrew Weil, MD, and Co-Founder and guiding teacher for the New York Zen Center’s Fellowship in Contemplative Medicine. She currently oversees the Fellowship of Integrative and Functional Medicine at the University of California-Irvine's Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute.

Dr. Low Dog's dedication to public service is exemplified by her appointments to significant positions, including her service on the White House Commission for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy by President Bill Clinton and her advisory role at the NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, being appointed by HHS Secretary Thompson under President George W. Bush. Her leadership has been instrumental in her long-standing role (25 years) as Chair for various dietary supplements and botanicals expert panels at the United States Pharmacopeia.

Recognized as a foremost authority in integrative medicine, women’s health, dietary supplements, and herbal medicine, her scholarly work encompasses over 54 peer-reviewed scientific articles, 25 chapters in medical textbooks, and numerous authoritative books on health and medicine. Dr. Low Dog's global influence is highlighted by her participation in over 600 medical and scientific conferences worldwide.

Throughout her career, Dr. Low Dog has received numerous accolades in recognition of her work and contributions to the field of integrative and complementary medicine. These honors include being named an “Innovator in Complementary and Alternative Medicine” by Time magazine, alongside awards from NPR's The People’s Pharmacy, the New York Zen Center, and the American Herbal Products Association, among others. Her commitment to excellence in research, education, and patient care continues to inspire and impact the field of integrative medicine globally.

HONORS OF DISTINCTION

United States Pharmacopeia (2023)
• Jacob Bigelow Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Standards by a USP Expert Volunteer

New Hope Network Community Purpose & Impact Awards (2022)
• Legends Award (Lifetime Achievement in field of Natural Medicine)

United States Pharmacopeia (2019)
• Thomas S. Foster Award for Outstanding Contribution as Chair of the Dietary Supplements and Botanicals Expert Panel

American Botanical Council (2018)
• Fredi Kronenberg Award for Excellence in Research and Education in Botanicals for Women’s Health – inaugural award for “dedicating her career to integrative medicine research and education; a passionate advocate of, and expert in, natural medicine for women’s health.”

Scripps Health (2017)
• Lifetime Achievement Award

Nutrition Business Journal (2017)
• Lifetime Achievement Award

Bastyr University (2016)
• Honorary Doctor of Natural Health Sciences – “in recognition of her manifold contributions in the natural health arena”

American Herbal Products Association (2015)
• Herbal Insight Award – for “her significant impact on furthering the knowledge and understanding of botanicals and their uses”

Integrative Healthcare Symposium (2014)
• Leadership Award—for lifetime of leadership in the field of Integrative Medicine

New York Zen Center (2013)
• Contemplative Care Award—for work in bringing whole person Integrative Medicine training to all healthcare professionals.

NPR People’s Pharmacy (2010)
• Excellence in Research and Communication for the Public Health—acknowledges extraordinary health care professionals.

Natural Products Association (2007)
• Burton Kallman Scientific Award—recognizes individuals who have made outstanding scientific contributions that have benefited the natural products industry. 

Time Magazine (2001)
• Innovator of the Year: Complementary Medicine

Bioneers (2001)
• Outstanding Contribution to Medicine Award

International Martina de la Cruz Award (1998)
• Award Work with Indigenous People & Their Medicines

BOOKS

  • Healing Heartburn Naturally. Tieraona Low Dog, MD.  Medicine Lodge Academy, 2021

  • Fortify Your Life. Tieraona Low Dog, MD. National Geographic, Washington DC, 2016.

  • Integrative Women's Health. Victoria Maizes and Tieraona Low Dog (Eds) Oxford University Press, London 2015 2nd edition

  • Healthy at Home. Tieraona Low Dog, MD. National Geographic, Washington DC, 2014.

  • Life is Your Best Medicine. Tieraona Low Dog, MD. National Geographic, Washington DC, 2012.

  • National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs:  The World’s Most Effective Healing Plants. Tieraona Low Dog, Rebecca Johnson, Steven Foster, David Kiefer. National Geographic, Washington DC, 2012.

  • Integrative Women's Health. Victoria Maizes and Tieraona Low Dog (Eds) Oxford University Press, London 2010.

  • Women’s Health in Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Tieraona Low Dog, Elsevier Publishing, 2004.

  • Gifts of the Earth. Tieraona Low Dog, Herbal Press, 1987.

CHAPTERS IN TEXTBOOKS

  1. Low Dog, T. The Role of Botanicals in Cardiovascular Disease. In: Nutritional and Integrative Strategies in Cardiovascular Medicine 2nd Edition. Eds. Stephen Sinatra, MD and Mark Houston, MD. CRC Press, 2022

  2. Low Dog, T. The Role of Botanicals in Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease. In: Personalized and Precision Integrative Cardiovascular Medicine. Mark Houston (Ed) Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2019.

  3. Low Dog, T. Integrative Approaches to Premenstrual Syndrome. In:  Integrative Medicine: Complementary Therapeutics in Medical Practice 5th Edition. David Rakel (Editor) Elsevier Science, 2018.

  4. Low Dog, T, Kiefer D. Dietary Supplements in Men’s Health. In: Integrative Approaches to Men’s Health. Myles Spar, George Munoz: Editors. Oxford University Press, New York 2014.

  5. Low Dog, T.  Biologically Based Treatment. In: Menopause Practice: A Clinician's Guide 5th Edition, North American Menopause Society 2014.

  6. Low Dog, T, Markham MJ. Dietary Supplements in Hematology.  In:  Consultative Hemostasis and Thrombosis3rd Edition. Craig Kitchens, Barbara Alving, and Craig Kessler (Editors). Elsevier Sciences Health Science Div, 2013.

  7. Low Dog, T.  The Role of Botanical Medicine in Gastroenterology.  In:  Integrative Approaches to the Gastrointestinal System. Gerald Mullen, Editor. Oxford University Press, NY, 2012.

  8. Low Dog, T. The Role of Botanical Medicine in Cardiology, In: Integrative  Cardiology. Steve Devries and James Dalen (Eds). Oxford University Press, New York, November 2010.

  9. Low Dog, T.  Botanicals in the Management of Rheumatologic Disorders.  In: Integrative Rheumatology. Randy Horwitz, Daniel Muller (Ed). Oxford University Press, New York, 2010.

  10. Low Dog, T.  Supplements in Special Populations: Pregnancy and Lactation.  In: Herbal Guide for Clinicians.Robert Bonakdar Editor. Lippincott Publishers, New York, 2010.

  11. Low Dog, T. Chaste Tree Extract in Women’s Health: A Critical Review. In: Botanical Medicine: From Bench to Bedside.  Ray Cooper and Fredi Kronenberg, Editors. Mary Ann Liebert Publishers, New York, 2009.

  12. Gardiner P, Low Dog T.  Prescribing Botanicals in Children and Adolescents. In: Integrative Pediatrics. Timothy Culbert and Karen Olness (Editors). Oxford University Press, NY. 2008.

  13. Low Dog, T.  Botanical Management of Pain. In: Contemporary Pain Medicine: Integrative Pain Medicine.  J.F. Audette and A. Bailey (Editors) Humana Press Inc, Totwa, NJ. 2008.

  14. Low Dog, T.  Dietary Supplements in Hematology. In:  Consultative Hemostasis and Thrombosis 2nd Edition. Craig Kitchens, Barbara Alving, and Craig Kessler (Editors). Elsevier Sciences Health Science Div, 2007.

  15. Low Dog, T. Integrative Approaches to Pre-Menstrual Syndrome. In:  Integrative Medicine: Complementary Therapeutics in Medical Practice 2nd Edition. David Rakel (Editor) Elsevier Science, 2007.

  16. Gardner P, Low Dog T.  Prescribing Botanicals: A Guide for Professionals. In:  Integrative Medicine: Complementary Therapeutics in Medical Practice 2nd Edition.  David Rakel (Editor) Elsevier Science, 2007.

  17. Low Dog, T.  Botanical Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease.  In:  Complementary and Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine.  Richard A. Stein and Mehmet C. Oz (Editors) Humana Press, Totawa NJ, 2004.

  18. Low Dog, T.  Ginger. In: Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. Paul Coates (Editor).  Marcel Dekker, 2004.

  19. Low Dog, T.  The Role of Herbs in Integrative Medicine. In: Ecological Medicine: Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves Kenny Ausubel (Editor) San Francisco: Sierra Club Books; Berkeley:  Distributed by University of California Press, 2004.

  20. Low Dog, T.  Determining Efficacy of Herbal Preparations. In:  The Handbook of Clinically Tested Herbal Remedies. Marilyn Barrett (Editor). The Haworth Herbal Press, 2004.

  21. Low Dog, T.  Integrative Approach to Endocrinology. In:  Integrative Medicine: Principles for Practice. Ben Kligler and Roberta Lee (Editors) McGraw-Hill, 2003.

  22. Low Dog, T.  Integrative Approaches to Pre-Menstrual Syndrome. In:  Integrative Medicine: Complementary Therapeutics in Medical Practice. David Rakel (Editor) Elsevier Science, 2002.

  23. Low Dog, T. Phytomedicine. In: Essentials of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.Wayne B. Jonas, Jeffrey S. Levin (Editors) June 1999.

PEER REVIEWED SCHOLARLY ARTICLES

  1. Kennard A, Low Dog T, Clinkenbeard J, Pachman D, Iozzi D. Contemplative medicine: A practical approach to "Well-Being 2.0" in medicine. Explore (NY). 2023 Nov 10:S1550-8307(23)00260-4

  2. Stefan MW, Gundermann DM, Sharp MH, Jennings BA, Gheith RH, Lowery RP, Low Dog T, Ghatak SB, Barbosa J, Wilson JM. Assessment of the Efficacy of a Low-Dose Iron Supplement in Restoring Iron Levels to Normal Range among Healthy Premenopausal Women with Iron Deficiency without Anemia. Nutrients. 2023 Jun 3;15(11):2620. 

  3. Regan L. Bailey, Tieraona Low Dog, Abbie E. Smith-Ryan, et al. Sex Differences Across the Life Course: A Focus on Unique Nutritional and Health Considerations among Women. The Journal of Nutrition 2022 Jul 6;152(7):1597-1610.

  4. Graziose R, Collins D, Low Dog T, Weil A, Schnittger S, Lee W, Green S, Pernodet N. LB738 Anti-inflammatory activity of traditionally used, bioactive mushrooms in skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2021; 141(9): https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(21)01590-6/fulltext

  5. Oketch-Rabah HA, Roe AL, Rider CV, Bonkovsky HL, Giancaspro GI, Navarro V, Paine MF, Betz JM, Marles RJ, Casper S, Gurley B, Jordan SA, He K, Kapoor MP, Rao TP, Sherker AH, Fontana RJ, Rossi S, Vuppalanchi R, Seeff LB, Stolz A, Ahmad J, Koh C, Serrano J, Low Dog T, Ko R. United States Pharmacopeia (USP) comprehensive review of the hepatotoxicity of green tea extracts. Toxicol Rep 2020 Feb 15;7:386-402.

  6. Oketch-Rabah HA, Marles RJ, Jordan SA, Low Dog T. United States Pharmacopeia Safety Review of Willow Bark. Planta Med 2019 Nov;85(16):1192-1202.

  7. Marsman D, Belsky DW, Gregori D, Johnson MA, Low Dog T, Meydani S, Pigat S, Sadana R, Shao A, Griffiths JC. Healthy ageing: the natural consequences of good nutrition-a conference report. Eur J Nutr 2018 Jun;57(Suppl 2):15-34.

  8. Brooks JR, Oketch-Rabah H, Low Dog T, et al. Safety and performance benefits of arginine supplements for military personnel: a systematic review. Nutr Rev. 2016 Nov;74(11):708-721. Review.

  9. Budzynska K, Filippelli AC, Sadikova E, Low Dog T, Gardiner P. Use and Factors Associated with Herbal/Botanical and Nonvitamin/Nonmineral Dietary Supplements Among Women of Reproductive Age: An Analysis of the Infant Feeding Practices Study II. J Midwifery Women’s Health. 2016 Jul;61(4):419-26. doi: 10.1111/jmwh.12482.

  10. Riley DS, Anderson R, Blair JC, Crouch S, Meeker W, Shannon S, Sudak N, Thornton L, Low Dog T. The Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine and the Evolution of Integrative Medicine Practice, Education, and Fellowships. Integr Med 2016 Mar;15(1):38-41.

  11. Low Dog, T. Tieraona Low Dog, MD: The Many Aspects of Greening Medicine. Altern Ther Health Med. 2015 Sep-Oct;21(5):88-91.

  12. Ring M, Brodsky M, Low Dog T, Sierpina V, et al. Developing and implementing core competencies for integrative medicine fellowships. Acad Med 2014; Mar;89(3):421.

  13. Shifren JL, Gass ML; NAMS Recommendations for Clinical Care of Midlife Women Working Group. The North American Menopause Society recommendations for clinical care of midlife women. Menopause 2014 Oct;21(10):1038-6.

  14. Ko R, Low Dog T, Gorecki DK, et al. Evidence-based evaluation of potential benefits and safety of beta-alanine supplementation for military personnel. Nutr Rev 2014; Feb 22. doi: 10.1111/nure.12087.

  15. Ring M, Brodsky M, Low Dog T, Sierpina V, et al.  Core competencies for integrative medicine fellowship training programs. J Altern Complement Med. 2014 May;20(5):A97-8.

  16. Budzynska K, Gardner ZE, Low Dog T, Gardiner P. Complementary, holistic, and integrative medicine: advice for clinicians on herbs and breastfeeding. Pediatr Rev. 2013 Aug;34(8):343-53

  17. Glick RM, Desai KM, Lovett E, Farrah R, Low Dog T. Integrative medicine. Oncology: focus on breast cancer. FP Essent. 2013 Mar;406:29-40; quiz 41-6.

  18. Glick RM, Desai KM, Lovett E, Farrah R, Low Dog T. Integrative medicine. Cardiovascular health. FP Essent.2013 Mar;406:23-8, 34-40

  19. Glick RM, Desai KM, Lovett E, Farrah R, Low Dog T. Integrative medicine. Common chronic pain conditions. FP Essent. 2013 Mar;406:18-22, 34-40; quiz 41-6.

  20. Glick RM, Desai KM, Lovett E, Farrah R, Low Dog T. Integrative medicine. Depression. FP Essent. 2013 Mar;406:13-7, 34-40; quiz 41-6.

  21. Lebensohn P, Kligler B, Dodds S, Schneider C, Sroka S, Benn R, Cook P, Guerrera M, Low Dog T, Sierpina V, Teets R, Waxman D, Woytowicz J, Weil A, Maizes V. Integrative medicine in residency education: developing competency through online curriculum training J Grad Med Educ. 2012 Mar;4(1):76-82.

  22. Huntley AL, de Valois B, Low Dog T, Borrelli F. Complementary and alternative medicine, and cancer survivorship. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2012:850429.

  23. Budzynska K, Gardner ZE, Duguoa JJ, Low Dog T, Gardiner P. Systematic review of breastfeeding and herbs. Breastfeed Med. 2012 Dec;7(6):489-503.

  24. Mahady G, Low Dog T, Sarma ND, Griffiths J, Giancaspro GI. Black cohosh: Response to Teschke. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2012 Mar;21(3):339-40.

  25. Marles RJ, Barrett ML, Barnes J, Chavez ML, Gardiner P, Ko R, Mahady GB, Low Dog T, Sarma ND, Giancaspro GI, Sharaf M, Griffiths J. United States Pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulina. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Aug;51(7):593-604.

  26. Gardiner P, Stargrove MB, Low Dog, T. Concomitant use of prescription medications and  dietary supplements in menopausal women: an approach to provider preparedness. Maturitas. 2011 Mar;68(3):251-5.

  27. Mahady G, Low Dog T, Sarma ND, Giancaspro GI, Griffiths J. The causal relationship between the use of black cohosh-containing products and hepatotoxicity. Menopause. 2010 Sep-Oct;17(5):1088-9.

  28. Low Dog T, Marles R, Mahady G, et al. Assessing safety of herbal products for menopausal complaints: an international perspective. Maturitas 2010; Aug;66(4):355-62.

  29. Low Dog, T. The role of nutrition in mental health. Altern Ther Health Med. 2010 Mar-Apr;16(2):42-6. Review.

  30. Low Dog, T., Maizes V. The role of integrative medicine in women's health.  Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2010 Jan-Feb; 16(1):16-7. 

  31. Mahady G, Low Dog T, Sarma DN, Giancaspro GI. Suspected black cohosh hepatotoxicity – causality versus safety signal. Maturitas. 2009; 64(2):139-40.

  32. Low Dog T. The use of botanicals during pregnancy and lactation. Altern Ther Health Med. 2009 Jan-Feb;15(1):54-8. Review.

  33. Low Dog, T.  The Herbal Pharmacy Marketplace. The Permanente Journal, 2008:12(3):54-55.

  34. Low Dog, T. Smart Talk on Supplements and Botanicals. Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 2008:14 (4): 161-3.   

  35. Gardiner P, Sarma D, Low Dog, T, et al. The state of dietary supplement adverse event reporting in the United States. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Safety. 2008 Jul 9.

  36. Mahady GB, Low Dog T, Sarma D. Barrett ML, Chavez ML, Gardiner P, Ko R, Marles RJ, Pellicore LS. Giancaspro GI.  Review of Case Reports Concerning Hepatotoxicity and Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa).  Menopause. 2008 Jul-Aug;15(4 Pt 1):628-38.

  37. Low Dog, T. Toward optimal health: menopause as a rite of passage. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2008 May;17(4):509-14.

  38. Sarma DN, Barrett ML, Chavez ML, Gardiner P, Ko R, Mahady GB, Marles RJ, Pellicore LS. Giancaspro GI, Low Dog T.  Safety Review of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Extracts. Drug Safety. 2008; 31(6):469-84. 

  39. Low Dog, T. The role of complementary and alternative medicine during the menopausal transition. Menopause.2007 May-Jun; 14(3 Pt 1):347-9.

  40. Low Dog, T.  A Woman’s Heart. Woman Dentist Journal. 2007; 5(6): 132-4.

  41. Low Dog, T. A reason to season: the therapeutic benefits of culinary herbs and spices.  Explore. 2006; 2(5)446-9.

  42. Low Dog, T.  Menopause:  a review of botanical dietary supplements.  American Journal of Medicine. 2005 118(12B): 98S-108S.

  43. Low Dog, T. The wonder of plants. Interview by Bonnie J Horrigan. Explore (NY). 2005 Jul;1(4):292-8. 

  44. Low Dog, T. Tieraona Low Dog, MD educator, scientist, and herbal medicine expert. Interview by Karolyn Gazella. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2005 Jan-Feb;11(1):84-91.

  45. Low Dog, T, Powell KL, Weisman SM.  Critical Evaluation of the Safety of Cimicifuga racemosa in Menopausal Symptom Relief Menopause. 2003; 10(4): 299-313.

  46. Zeilmann CA, Dole EJ, Skipper BJ, McCabe M, Low Dog T, Rhyne RL. Use of herbal medicine by elderly Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients. Pharmacotherapy. 2003;23(4):526-32. 

  47. Low Dog T, Riley D. Management of hyperlipidemia. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003 May-Jun;9(3):28-40. 

  48. Fugh Berman A, Low Dog T.  Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss.  Alternative Therapies in Women’s Health. 2002 Nov; 4(11): 81-88. 

  49. Low Dog, T.  Integrative Treatments for Premenstrual Syndrome. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2001; 7(5): 32-40. 

  50. Low Dog, T.  An Integrative Approach to Menopause.  Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2001; 7(4): 45-57.

  51. Low Dog, T, Riley D, Carter T. Traditional and Alternative Therapies for Breast Cancer. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2001; 7(3): 36-47. 

  52. Dole EJ, Rhyne RL, Zeilmann CA, Skipper BJ, McCabe ML, Low Dog T. The influence of ethnicity on use of herbal remedies in elderly Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites.  Journal of the American Pharmacist Association. 2000; 40(3): 339-51.  

  53. Low Dog T. Conventional and alternative treatments for endometriosis. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2001 Nov-Dec;7(6):50-6.

  54. Low Dog, T.  Quality of Herbal Products.  Alternative Therapies Women’s Health 2000; 2:12-13.  

  55. Low Dog, T. Herbs and Anticoagulant Medication.  Alternative Therapies Women’s Health 1999; 1: 46-47.

    REVIEWER

    Botanical Safety Handbook (Ed: Z. Gardner, M. McGuffin) American Herbal Products Association, 2ndEd