JUNE 5, 2018 – RESVERATROL

Resveratrol is a plant compound that acts like an antioxidant. The top food sources include grapes, some berries, and peanuts. This compound tends to be concentrated mostly in the skins and seeds of grapes and berries. These parts of the grape are included in the fermentation of red wine, hence its particularly high concentration of resveratrol.

There are many benefits to this supplement. It protect brain function and lowers BP and cholesterol. It also supports healthy aging. One company has combined it with nicotinamide, quercitin, and betaine. This compound is ResveraCel. I have been an advocate of Thorne products for many years due to their dedication to promoting healthy lifestyle and research of the supplements they advocate for.

When combining with these other supplements their new product called ResveraCel can slow down the breakup of resveratrol, support homocysteine metabolism, and provide benefit for metabolism and healthy aging.

To order today, call Botanical Bounty (646) 723-1823.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 4, 2018 – WET SOCKS

I would never think I would be writing about wet socks, but then again, I guess I could see myself writing about this. 

Why would I write about wet socks? This is an ingenious way to increase lymphatic and blood flow to an area. I learned this from a naturopathic physician years ago. Get a pair of damp cotton socks and place them on the feet followed by a pair of thick wool socks placed over them.

The idea is that the wetness of the cotton socks encourages the body to improve blood flow in and around the foot and the whole body. Why the wool socks? To keep the feet warm and allow them to breathe. I always thought this was a great way to improve circulation.

This is ideal for inflammation and a stagnant lymph system. For lymphatic flow I use Cleavers (Galium acarine). 

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 2-3, 2018 – TRYPTOPHAN FOR SLEEP

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is a precursor to neurotransmitters serotonin, melatonin, and niacin. It is present in many foods such as bananas, dried nuts, cottage cheese, milk products, and even chocolate. It is also present in other foods such as meats. About 300 mg of this essential amino acid is in 3 ounces of lamb, beef, tuna and even peanuts.

In 1989, this essential amino acid was banned after there were deadly cases of a new autoimmune disease at that time, eosinophilia myalgia syndrome. This was from L-tryptophan produced in Japan. The ban was eventually lifted and now you can get 5-HTP – the direct precursor to serotonin.  It works very well for sleep.

When I combine 5-HTP with SAM-e ( S-adenosyl methionine) for depression, it is very effective. Please always tell your health care practitioner if you are trying new supplements, especially when on conventional  medication. 

My go to sleep remedy (if I have no CBD oil in my home) is 5-HTP before bed with a small amount of the adaptogen, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). 

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 1, 2018 – URINARY ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HERBS

Whether you have prostatitis or interstital cystitis, you may need an anti-inflammatory herb for the urinary tract. In the case of non bacterial prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome, you need something to calm down the urinary system.

There are prescription urinary anti-inflammatory agents and urinary analgesics. I have better options which do not require a prescription. Some of these herbs are Corn Silk (Zea mays), Couch Grass (Elytrigia repens), Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis), and Cleavers (Galium aparine).

I use every one of these herbs. I have written blogs about each of these herbs over the years. I am fond of Corn Silk, but do not use it as often as I should. Corn Silk is a soothing aquaretic that has antibacterial properties and acts as a demulcent for the bladder, urethra, and prostate. The dose I use is 3-5 ml 2-3 times a day.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 31, 2018 – CUSTOM TEA BLEND

I love herbs. I decided to study herbs more than 15 years ago. I created blends based on common ailments. A few of them include Gutsy (for gastrointestinal diseases, especially IBS), Sniffly (for cold/flus as well as allergies), Lovely (for heart disease and cardiac health).

Now, together with Botanical Bounty, I want to customize blends based on your needs. For the last week, we have been receiving orders from customers to create specialized herbal blends based on symptoms they submit when placing their order.

This is a unique way to get what you specifically need. Order your personalized blend today at www.botanicalbounty.org and feel well. Prepared specially for you by Botanical Bounty and Patrick Fratellone, MD RH FIM. What can be better?!

Until tomorrow....

MAY 30, 2018 – THE SMALLEST GARDEN

Exploring a different borough can lead to great things. This weekend, in addition to exploring Bushwick, I explored Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It's not far from Manhattan. I took the soon be gone L train got off at Bedford Avenue.

While visiting my friend, Christopher, we came across an artisan market. One of the first vendors, Urban Leaf, was plants growing from a variety of bottles. I noticed a mint herb growing from the bottle. The strapping Australian man caught my attention. "You can turn your apartment windowsill into an herbal oasis," he said. It is easy to bring a little green into your life. This is the most convenient and ingenious way.

I was in awe of hearing this man explain his company. I had never heard of it before. It is a simple and perfect way to bring green and urban gardening into your life. Plus you can use the herbs you grow in the kitchen.

Urban Leaf will not only thrill those that don't have green thumbs, but it supports a number of charities including Teens for Food Justice which provides urban farming education to food insecure children. 

When purchasing a box of "The World's Smallest Garden," you are helping a child produce a pound of healthy affordable produce for his or her community. I bought 5 boxes and will be growing Sweet Basil, Purple Basil and Lemon Balm.

Get a garden today! www.geturbanleaf.com

Until tomorrow...

MAY29, 2018 – REDLEAF EXOTICS

This weekend, I stepped into a unknown world of carnivorous plants. I visited the infamous, yet undiscovered, world of Redleaf Exotics on Moffat Street in Bushwick, Brooklyn with my friend, Christopher. I have admired the plants grown by Domonick Gravine for some time. We all know the Venus fly trap (Dionaea species), but I have never seen a variety of the Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes species). He has been collecting, growing, and sowing seeds of these plants for some time in a greenhouse in the back of his home.

Carnivorous plants enjoy a worldwide distribution and are grown best in either greenhouses or in sunlight with a spraying mist. These are typically bog plants – his are grown on sphagnum moss. I have never seen such a variety of plant species nor have I seen them grown in the wild. There were North American pitcher plants (Sarracenia), but mostly the tropical pitcher plant (Nepenthes). I could see why Domonick grows these plants – they are the monarchs of the carnivorous world. 

I admire his zeal and enthusiasm as his knowledge of these plants were beyond reproach. These plants represent the extremes of evolution. As I become more intrigued, I have read the few books on carnivorous plants. I read that there are lower and upper pitcher plants; the largest single pitcher plant held 3 1/2 quarts of water. 

Domonick is living his dream. He will soon move Redleaf Exotics to Tennessee on his 14 acres. You can always order them on his website: www.redleafexotics.com

This visit was beyond my wildest dreams. I am blessed and grateful to have experienced it.

Until tomorrow...

MAY 28, 2018 – A COOL SUMMER DRINK

Last summer, while sitting on my garden terrace, I wanted a cool drink to enjoy. I started to review some books for the best cold and refreshing drink. Of course I prefer any herbal iced tea – especially from the mint family. 

I found a recipe for coconut water lemonade. It is refreshing and very easy to make. It involves 4 cups of coconut water, a few sprigs of fresh mint, 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of unrefined brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water kefir grains.

Directions:

1. Combine 2 cups of coconut water, the sugar, and the mint in one pot. Heat for 3 minutes.
2. Add the remaining 2 cups of coconut water and kefir grains.
3. Pour into a mason jar and cover with a lid. Place in a closet (or dark area) for 2 days.
4. Strain it after 2 days, add your lemon juice, recover tightly, and let side for 1 day.
5. Uncover and add some sugar if not sweet enough. I usually add stevia (or truvia).

This recipe is better explained in David Perlmutter's Brain Maker.

Until tomorrow...