MAY 14, 2018 – BEE VENOM THERAPY

From the standpoint of the hive, bees will sting people when they feel the hive is threatened. In other words, a bee sting can be thought of as a loud, collective, “No!” from the hive. There is some of this “no” energy that is retained in bee venom therapy as it is often a treatment of last resort for difficult illnesses. Historically, BVT is best known for treating arthritis and rheumatism as it greatly improves local circulation. Today, it is used to treat MS, pain, scar tissue, cancer, and a vast number of other conditions, though much of this pioneering work is being done outside the United States. Bee venom is anti-inflammatory, an immuno-stimulant, and overall supporter of life. It dredges toxins from the body and increases cortisol production. Systemically, it is an “energy medicine” that acts on both the physical and subtle bodies. Important for its neuro-transmitters, it supports memory and, ultimately, affects consciousness. Beekeepers have a statistically low rate of cancer. Approximately half the venom is made up of mellitin, though at least forty constituents have been identified in it so far. To minimize reactions, BVT is best done after one has followed a 100 percent organic diet for several months in order to cleanse and strengthen the system, along with using the other hive products.

BVT should only be done by knowledgeable practitioners who are fully prepared to handle a life-threatening reaction and are trained in using an EpiPen. With proper respect for this potent modality and an understanding of medical conditions, BVT may provide miraculous healing and support for the most challenging of illnesses. BVT is commonly done on acupuncture points, though “stinging where it hurts” is a common folk medicine practice. The apitherapy websites offer stinging protocols, charts, videos, and books

This post is from the Journal of the American Apitherapy Society.

I am avid beekeeper and apitherapist. I am also a Board member of the American Apitherapy Society.

In order to get the journal, become a member of the AAS at www.apitherapy.org

MAY 12-13, 2018 – HOW TO PREVENT TICK BITES

In my practice, I see at least 3 new patients per day with Lyme. More than 50% of individuals recall ever seeing a tick on their body. Less than 45% even get a rash on their body. I feel we have reached epidemic status with Lyme. There are 25,000 or more cases per month.

Did you know that one tick can transmit more than 15 different diseases? This is scary. Protection is the new word for the average person to prevent Lyme. 

There are many little tidbits of information that can used. Here are some suggestions

1. Wear loose clothing and not dense fabric.
2. Once done with the hike or in the garden, check for new brown spots which can be ticks.
3. Do not bring the clothes you were wearing in the house – leave them in the laundry room.
4. Toss the clothes in the dryer on a hot temperature for 10-15 minutes.
5. Do a tick check every time you come inside. It must be a through check!

Until tomorrow...

MAY 11, 2018 – NITRIC OXIDE

Three scientists accepted the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1998 for the discovery of Nitric oxide in the human body. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator. It is useful in its effect of blood pressure and circulation.

Nitric oxide helps expand blood vessels by relaxation and supports a strong immune system.

The precursor for nitric oxide is the amino acid called L-arginine. L-arginine is converted into nitric oxide, which helps dilate your blood vessels. We do know that, as we age, our body produces less and less arginine. These levels start to drop off by age 30.

I have been disappointed with the arginine supplements of the market. There was a new sustained release form of arginine called Ventricore. Dr. Chauncey Crandall formuated this product which was the right blend of vitamins ands nutrients for atrial health. This product is 3 grams of sustained release L-arginine.

I use the precursor L-citrulline. It is available from Orthomolecular. It is called CitroNOX. 

Until tomorrow...

MAY 10, 2018 – ENDOTHELIAL PROTECTION

There are many nutraceutical companies that produce supplements. One company – Life Extension – is an excellent source for a variety of supplements. All of their products are backed by articles and research. There is also an impressive advisory board for this company of which I am a part.

Arterial Protect is a scientifically validated formula of Pycnogenol French Maritime Bark and the leaf of Centella asiatica (Gotu kola). Both of these support endothelial health and promote arterial blood flow.

Pycnogenol significantly reduces oxidative stress. It also helps modulate inflammation and inhibit platelet aggregation. Combined with Centella – which modulates production of collagen – Gotu kola creates free radical defense mechanisms as well as supports healthy inflammation levels.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 9, 2018 – SILICA

We all need silica. Everyone discusses calcium as the most important mineral, but it is silica. Silica has bone building and bone protecting properties. I utilize it in a bone formula in my practice. It can improve bone density and bone flexibility. It can improve patients with osteoporosis, osteopenia, and age related bone loss

Silica is also needed for your teeth. It can also support joints, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue.

Silica strengthens connective tissues of the brain, nerve cells, and spinal cord. Something I didn't realize is that silica stabilizes the pancreas's release of insulin. I find silica to be essential for hair, skin, and nails. The one herb that has a high content of silica is Horsetail.

Other herbs that have good silica content are oat straw, rose hips, and nettle leaf. I have found that Anthony William's book, Life Changing Foods, is very informative.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 8, 2018 – HAIR LOSS SUPPLEMENTS

There are many hair loss supplements on the market. These vary from minerals to herbs.

The first thing I recommend to all patients with hair loss is to make sure to get enough omega 3 fatty acids. These can come from supplements in capsule or liquid form as well as fish. The best way to increase omegas with fish are to eat salmon, sardines, herring, or even mackerel two to three times a week. Always be aware of mercury content though!

I think all patients should supplement with GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in the form of black currant oil or evening primrose oil. I usually recommend 500mg twice a day for 6 weeks. I then evaluate the patient's hair growth.

Primrose oil is an excellent supplement for hair loss. Sometimes a woman is losing too much hair due to hormonal issues. She might have excessive conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) at the level of the hair follicle. Evening primrose oil is an inhibitor of this conversion.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 7, 2018 – ADRENAL FATIGUE

Biotin is a common supplement sold in most stores. It can help the thyroid as well as the adrenal glands. Many integrative physicians discuss adrenal fatigue too loosely. Some of the symptoms include insomnia, chronic pain, headaches, low libido, anxiety, weight gain, inflammation, addictions, and cardiac issues such as blood pressure and heart disease.

These symptoms can also sound like hypothyroidism. Many people with adrenal fatigue have hypothyroidism. The adrenals are not often tested. 

I feel it is not even recognized in most of the literature. You must ask your doctor to do testing of cortisol levels. This is best accomplished through saliva testing (which is not available in all states). The advantage of saliva testing is that it takes cortisol levels at different times of the day and shows how cortisol levels vary.

Adrenal fatigue can be treated with adaptogenic herbs. Some of these herbs include Ashwaghanda, Rhodiola, Holy Basil, and Schisandra.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 5-6, 2018 – ADDICTIONS

"You might even say we, as a society, are addicted to addiction." -Alan Cumming, Foreword for A Doctor's Confession.

The overwhelming craving for or a dependence on a substance is an addiction. There are a lot of symptoms if the substance is alcohol, nicotine, or drugs. These symptoms can be mood swings, red eyes, trembling hands, etc.

It all depends on the substance. Have you ever thought that an addiction is an energy thief? I have been discussing this with patients for years. These energy thieves can be addictions to technology, to family drama, to the internet, to your health, to lack of relationship – the list goes on and on.

Some are addicted to perfectionism. There are great herbs to calm the nervous system: oats, skullcap, and valerian. Bergamot – I use it for high cholesterol – can be used for addiction to food.  Homeopathically I use Nux vomica. I have found that flower essences by a good practitioner can be used. These include Crab Apple, Gorse, or Mustard.

You need guidance by a medical professional if you are addicted to a substance such as alcohol, drugs, or even prescribed medications. I find that a clinical therapist has always been helpful. Try a 12 step program – it can change your life.

Until tomorrow...