MARCH 17-18, 2018 HERBS FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

There are few herbs that I discuss for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. These days I discuss the benefits of bee venom.  There was a twelve month study using Andrographis ( Andrographis paniculata) on relapse rate and fatigue in relapsing remitting MS patients receiving interferon beta.

This herb has shown to be anti inflammatory and neuro protective in animal models. It also has an anti fatigue effects in other autoimmune diseases.

It is a small study group.  Compared to the placebo group those with andrographis and interferon showed a 44 % reduction in fatigue in a 12 month period. This shows great potential

More studies must be done.

Until tomorrow...

MARCH 16, 2018 TITANIUM OXIDE

Many food products contain titanium oxide. A study at the University of Arizona concluded that 89 common food products  contain titanium oxide. This is bad for you. It does not allow the small intestines to absorb. This is another reason you may have ' leaky gut' There are many reasons for leaky gut. Some of the common ones I encounter are lack of food rotation, heavy metals, chronic infection, and yeast . 

Titanium oxide is another cause of leaky gut interfering with the small intestine's ability to absorb.. It is postulated that the titanium decrease the microvilli on the surface of the intestinal cells slowing down absorption. While you lower absorption to interfere  especially with the absorption of zinc,  iron and fatty acids

All leads to inflammation. Inflammation is the cause of chronic disease.

Until tomorrow...

MARCH 15, 2018 DMAE

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a substance naturally produced in small amounts in the brain I learned about this supplement when working with the late Robert Atkins, MD He mentioned this supplement in his book " Vitanutrient Solution " He was known as a diet doctor, yet you must remember he was a cardiologist. This book is unique.

DMAE supplements are promoted to boost brainpower, improve memory, and slow aging. The idea that DMAE can improve memory stems from research suggesting it may increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is believed to play an important role in learning and memory

I utilize this supplement as a 250 mg capsule twice a day. I have found it effective in removing brown age spots if used as a cream. Yet this data has not been substantiated. 

If you don't want to take the supplement, you can get DMAE in anchoves and sardines. 

Until tomorrow...

MARCH 14, 2018 HERBAL STEAMS

 This simple self-care practice is a wonderful addition to any skin care routine.

Facial steaming opens up your pores and using herbs and flowers in the water nourishes and tones your skin. Adding the plants to the hot water releases their nutrient-rich aromatic oils you haven't tried a herbal steam you have missed the benefits of something wonderful

I have two new products, Herbal Steams  by Botanical Bounty - BREATHE and SERENE

The Breathe Steam contains herbs like Nettle Leaf ( Urtica dioica) and Eucalyptis  while SERENE contains Skullcap ( Scutellaria) and Lemon Balm ( Melissa ) and other herbs

BENEFITS OF HERBAL STEAMS: 

STEAMS hydrate. Steam is hydrating for your skin and great for increasing permeability. The moist heat revives tired skin and supports the absorption of moisture from your skin care products, increasing your skin's suppleness.

STEAMS  cleanse. Warm steam softens the surface of your skin to remove impurities, bacteria and dirt from your pores. It also draws out buildup, softening blackhead and whitehead plugs so they gently release from the skin.

STEAMS promote healthy circulation. Increasing your perspiration helps your skin's blood vessels to dilate, improving blood flow. The blood feeds and oxygenates the skin. Good circulation is key to a healthy complexion.

STEAMS calm. Steaming instantly connects you to your breath, and the aromatherapy is relaxing and soothing to body and mind.

STEAMS  will give you a glow. The boost in circulation and blast of hydration to the surface of your skin will leave you with a beautiful, healthy glow.

Call Botanical Bounty today at 646 723 1823 to order your refreshing Herbal Steam

Until tomorrow...

MARCH 13, 2018 PLANTAR FASCITIS

- If the bottom of your foot hurts when you walk, you may have a condition called plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain on the bottom of the heel. It occurs when the band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot becomes inflamed. Many people with plantar fasciitis have heel spurs, but heel spurs are not the cause of plantar fasciitis pain

This more of a common disease than you think . There are many remedies to heal the inflammation from ginger to curcumin. There are many treatments available as guided by a physical therapist including taping,  acupuncture,  bee venom, and to cooling or soothing creams.

There are exercises as rolling a cold water bottle along the sole of the foot to stretch the tight tendon This is very effective. You could get deep reflexology treatment  of the area

I found a sock that actually works. It is called www.drsocksoothers.com This sock increases blood circulation, prevent ankles twists and turns and helps recovery after work ups. I have bought these socks for my plantar fasciitis.

I feel these are useful

Until tomorrow...

MARCH 12, 2018 THE HERBALIST

" WHY USE CHEMICAL DRUGS when nature in her wisdom and beneficence has provided, in her great vegetable laboratories--the fields and forest---relief for the more common and simple life of mankind . ? " - Joseph E Meyer 1934. 

Last year I was given a gift from a special woman- Diane  She is the owner of Red Head Heron  Antiques in Mystic CT.  With so much going on at the time I didn't have the opportunity to really read this book and ponder its wonder She had found I believe a special book called The Herbalist- by Joseph E Meyer 1934. . It is smaller than pocket size published by The Hammond Book Company  Hammond, Indiana. 

The books discusses botany in its first pages but then has an incredible Materia Medica for its time. Mr Meyer like me collected old books. He collected many books on Herbalism. In one of these books he found a unique hair tonic  as well as many unique formulas. He sold these formulas in 1934 for 35 cents per box. 

Until tomorrow...

MARCH 10-11, 2018 HERBAL HONEY

We all have different ways to enjoy herbs. You make use them in your cooking, you may make a cup of herbal tea every night, or you use a tincture. One of my favorite ways has incorporated two things I love- Honeybees and Planting Herbs. 

To make a herbal honey you must use fresh plants.  The fresh leaves and the flowers work the best .  I love growing all plants from the Mint Family- These include, Mint, Spearmint, Lemon Balm, Motherwort and Bugleweed. 

Chop them with a knife immediately before using. Get a large casserole bowl and pour your Local honey over the fresh plants.  I have estimated that 2-3 cups of fresh herb requires about 6-8 cups of honey.  I allow this to steep overnight covered. I then place over a warm flame  and warm till the honey is clear and runny

Strain into jars. I prefer small mason jars with tight fitting caps. I do this as the end of summer approaches. These become Christmas gifts for friends and family. 

Always store at room temperature. Go to your local Farmer's Market and support your local beekeeper to buy his honey . Also buy fresh herbs while you are there if you are not inclined to grow your own. 

Until tomorrow...

MARCH 9, 2018 BREAST MILK PRODUCTION

Today many females are engaging in breast feeding. It is beneficial to the baby. I have some patients that are still breast feeding when there child is 2 years old or more.  There is a word that describes this The word is galactagogue or lactagogue. 

A galactagogue, or galactogogue, (from Greek: γάλα [γαλακτ-], milk, + ἀγωγός, leading) is a substance that promotes lactation in humans and other animals. It may be synthetic, plant-derived, or endogenous. They may be used to treat low milk supply.

Successful breast feeding depends if the mother is relaxed and getting enough rest. It all comes down to sleep.  I encourage females top ingest a cup of chamomile tea to help relax.  To promote rest you can place some loose leaves of chamomile, lavender and hops inside your pillowcase. Sometimes not easily found.  You could use the essential oils of these herbs to place in a bath or ingest ( if applicable ) 

There are three herbs that promote milk production. Consult your health care professional ( most likely a naturopathic doctor, herbalist or mid wife ) 

These herbs are :

1. Aniseed ( Pimpinella anisum )

2. Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare)

3. Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Until tomorrow...