NOVEMBER 24, 2025 THE POWER OF HERBS

Plants possess remarkable compounds that can calm inflammation, ease pain, and restore your body’s natural balance. We live in a world that is toxic Most if not al of the diseases are due to chronic inflammation. There are a multitude of herbs which can herb Some you might grow in your garden in the summer.

You might think oregano is just an added spice for flavoring but Studies show oregano neutralizes the inflammatory compounds causing your joint pain and muscle soreness. The same can be said of Rosemary. Rosemary’s carnosic acid doesn’t just fight inflammation – it protects your brain cells and may even help prevent cognitive decline.

Then there is Holy Basil The properties of this herb, Holy Basil also known as Tulsi mimics ibuprofen and aspirin. This sacred herb doesn’t just mask symptoms. It addresses the root cause. Its compounds (eugenol and ursolic acid) actively lower the inflammatory cytokines ravaging your body, while calming your stress response at the same time.

So in the summer of 2026 think about growing these herbs in your garden It will not only add flavor to your foods but protect you against chronic inflammation

Until tomorrow….

NOVEMBER 18, 2025 ANNUAL BEE CONFERENCE

I just returned from the annual Charles Mraz Apitherapy conference sponsored by the American Apitherapy Society for which I am President. It was an informative conference with guest speakers from around the United States and the world./

Our Gala dinner speaker was the great grandson of Charles Mraz, Curtis Mraz who is a fourth generation beekeeper. His great grandfather opened Champlain Valley Apiaries in Vermont in 1931. Charles was an innovative pioneer who believed in the use of bee venom for arthritis and other chronic illness.

The AAS educates the public and other health care professionals on the medicinal use of apitherapy products from the hive. I presented Lyme Disease and Bee Venom Therapy. There were presentations of the medicinal use of Honey .

In our discussion panel we discussed the use of bee venom and triple negative breast cancer. The breakthrough is especially promising against triple-negative and HER2-enriched breast cancers, two of the hardest to treat with existing therapies. These results suggest melittin could form the basis of safer, natural treatment options with fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy or radiation, offering new hope to patients worldwide.

Scientists are now working on controlled ways to deliver melittin, including nanoparticles and synthetic versions designed for medical use. If successful, this bee-derived molecule could become a revolutionary cancer therapy, combining nature’s ingenuity with cutting-edge science.

Source: Honeybee Venom Cancer Research, 2020

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 14, 2025 MACA

Peruvian maca root is one of the best superfoods for supporting overall health and wellness. A cruciferous vegetable cultivated for its nutrient-dense root, maca has gained widespread popularity in recent years Lepidium meyenii, commonly known as maca root, Peruvian ginseng, or simply maca, belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and is one of the most celebrated superfoods today. It is the only cruciferous vegetable native to the Americas

According to research, maca contains high amounts of glucotropaeolin, a precursor to benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). This health-supporting phytonutrient boasts many beneficial properties, including potent antioxidant activity You get many nutrients as B vitamins, Calcium, Vitamin C, iodine , and much from 100 grams MACA

t is hard to find a good MACA There is some adulteration Another concern with maca products is possible contamination with heavy metals.

So I urge you to get the right clean MACA

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 12, 2025 HELP YOUR KIDNEYS

The kidneys are oone of the most important organs in the body Maintaining healthy kidneys is crucial for overall well-being, as they play a vital role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood. Diet significantly impacts kidney function, and consuming certain foods can lead to kidney damage or exacerbate existing conditions

We all must try to stop eating processed and ultra processed foods. You hear about the bad effects every day Processed foods are often laden with high levels of sodium, which can put a significant strain on your kidneys. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, a leading cause of kidney damage. Common processed foods such as chips, canned soups, and ready-to-eat meals are particularly high in sodium

There are healthier alternatives like fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade snacks. By making these changes, you can significantly decrease the risk of kidney damage

We all need more protein Red meat consumption has been linked to an increased risk of kidney disease due to its high protein content. While protein is essential for the body, excessive amounts can overwork the kidneys and lead to damage over time. Studies have shown that diets high in red meat can accelerate the progression of kidney disease

Exploring alternative protein sources like fish, poultry, and plant-based options can provide your body with the necessary nutrients without putting undue stress on your kidneys. Be wise Eat differently than you are !!!

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 10, 2025 HERBS / SPICES

There are any spices in your kitchen that have medicinal health benefits. Some individuals know of these spices and others do not.

The most studied spice in your kitchen is Tumeric ( Curcumin ) Its botanical name is Curcumin longa. Turmeric’s curcumin is so effective at fighting joint pain that studies show it rivals ibuprofen. But here’s the kicker: your body can barely absorb curcumin on its own. Enter black pepper Literally just a pinch boosts absorption by 2000 % Here is an experiment. Make yourself a cup of golden milk before bed. Warm up some milk (dairy or plant-based), stir in a teaspoon of turmeric, a hefty pinch of black pepper, a drizzle of honey, and maybe some cinnamon. You will not feel achy in the morning

The other spice in your kitchen that can aid in helping your immune system is Elderberry A 2019 analysis of multiple clinical trials found that elderberry significantly shortened cold and flu symptoms compared to doing nothing. If you take elderberry fir a cold or flu ? Those that did take elderberry had shorter, milder colds than those who didn’t. Pair that with echinacea’s ability to prime your immune defenses — you have a winning combination 

The next herb to discuss is Ginger Ginger’s been proven to eliminate nausea (yes, actual studies, it works for pregnancy nausea and motion sickness). Peppermint oil? A 2022 review found it significantly better than placebo for IBS symptoms. Together, they’re your digestive dream team: ginger warms and stimulates, peppermint cools and calms. Use it when: You’ve overindulged, you’re feeling queasy, or your stomach’s just off. Steep fresh ginger slices with peppermint leaves, add honey, and sip slowly.

So try these herbs

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 3, 2025 FRUIT

There are many reasons t eat fruit. Fruits that include protein and fiber easily satiate hunger. Many fruits contain antioxidants anti inflammatory compounds and eve vitamins to support collagen production . Fruits also contain water which keep us hydrated. The question aways s what is the best fruits to eat

. Fruits are healthy snacks. I love avocados ( yes it is a fruit ) As a cardiologist ejoy eating avocados as they are potassium-rich foods which can help decrease the effects of sodium. I eat blueberries every day . A one-cup serving of blueberries provides four grams of beneficial fiber, alongside essential nutrients like manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin K, as well as anthocyanins. Anthicyanins are anti oxidant and have anti cancer properties. A new study published in Food & Function found that enjoying the equivalent of one cup of fresh blueberries a day may improve endothelial function.

An apple day keeps the doctor away is a true statement, Everyne soud eat an apple. Today there are so many genetically modified apples. The ‘ true’ apples that Michael Pollan wrote about in his book, “Botany of Desire” planted by Johnny Appleseed don’t exist anymore. I do not like apple that taste sweet . Green Delicious and MacIntosh are my favorites. Apples are high in fiber and beneficial polyphenols, which research shows may help lower cholesterol3 and support a healthy heart.

Lastly I start my day with filtered water and lemon juice Lemon is an excellent choice for boosting health and immunity,” Guan says. “Start your day with this vitamin C-rich juice that won't impact your blood sugar. Known as a cleansing fruit, lemon reduces inflammation and supplies many benefits, including stimulating digestion

There are many other fruit with health benefits as bananas, raspberries and watermelon

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 31, - NOVEMBER 1, 2025 HEMLOCK AND PARSNIP

BEING A SPIRITUAL WEEKEND I want to discuss a poisonous plant we have heard of in great literature. The purple spotted stem of this large plant with white flowers can be confused with carrots, parsnips and wild anise. It is the Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum). You would think it has no medicinal properties, but it does. It was used in ancient times by the Greeks and Romans for arthritis. I find this hard to believe, however there is a fine line between its therapeutic use and toxic levels. Poison hemlock has been used as a sedative and for its antispasmodic properties. Overdoses can produce paralysis and loss of speech, followed by depression of the respiratory function, and then death. All former Latin students know that the famed philosopher, Socrates died by hemlock. After being condemned to death for impiety in 399 BC, Socrates was given a potent infusion of the hemlock plant. Plato described Socrates' death in the Phaedo

"The man … laid his hands on him and after a while examined his feet and legs, then pinched his foot hard and asked if he felt it. He said ‘No’; then after that, his thighs; and passing upwards in this way he showed us that he was growing cold and rigid..."

The parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a root vegetable related to the carrot. Parsnips resemble carrots, but are paler than most carrots and have a sweeter flavor.The parsnip is richer in vitamins and minerals than its close relative, the carrot. It is particularly rich in potassium with 600 mg per 100 g. Those patients on certain cardiac medications must be careful in eating too many parsnips. If on a 'water pill' or diuretic, the parsnip can be a good source of the potassium you are losing when taking the diuretic. The parsnip is also a good source of dietary fiber.

RECIPE
The taste of warm roasted vegetables makes a great Fall Salad per Martha. She uses roasted shallots, parsnips, carrots and beets, but you can use butternut squash and turnips. Since Wiccans carved turnips for Halloween-use them

For roasted vegetables:
1. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2. 8 baby red or golden beets, peeled and cut in half
3. 8 shallots
4. 4 medium parsnips ( about 1 pound) - peeled cut into 3-inch lengths
5. 6 long carrots ( scrub them good, peel and cut lengthwise)
6. 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary leaves
7. Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Drizzle beets with olive oil. Then bake them at 450 degrees. Let them stand and cool. Cut them in halves. Put the roasted shallots, parsnips and carrots
in a large bowl with remaining oil. Add salt and pepper. Sprinkle with rosemary. You need arugula. Clean well. Dry well. Place in refrigerator for that crispy feeling.

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 29, 2025 MORINDA ROOT

The idea of using restoring tonics is not new. It is centuries old. If you start to look at old medicine bottles from old pharmacies of the 1900's you will read the word ' tonic' on the bottle. Today, a tonic for an herbalist is an adaptogen. There is no one better than herbalist, David Winston who knows about adaptogens. He even wrote a book about Adaptogens.

The Chinese and Tibetans have used adaptogens for centuries. So have the North American Native Indians, The more common ones are Panax ginseng, Ashwaganda, Siberian Ginseng and Rhodiola.
I have many of these herbs when constituting a formula for a patient. I also use adaptogenic herbs in tablet and capsule form. I also use adaptogens as herbal tea infusions.

I have been intrigued by the Alma fruit as a possible adaptogen and Morinda root. I only came across Morinda root when I started to have low back pain, and I went to Chinatown. I was given the formula,
 Ba Ji Tian. Knowing more about Chinese Medicine now than in the past, this root is used for deficient kidney Yang patients.

This root is used for lack of libido, low back pain, male and female infertility problems and urinary frequency. I have much use for this herb in my daily patient population of men and women. I have now used it for asthma patients.

As a tea ( which I love making teas) 1-2 tsp of dried root in 10 oz of water, steep 45 min and take 4oz of the tea three times a day. When you are ingesting any  home-made herbal teas, you do not worry about the taste. You can always add a little wild flower honey ( 1/8 to 1/4 tsp) to the cup

Until tomorrow…