JULY 10, 2018 – FLOWERS

Since being an herbalist, I have tried to read many books on herbs, flowers, gardens, and much more. Flowers and Their Histories by Alice M. Coats was published in 1956.

I started to read this book recently and was overcome by the mere facts of many of the flowers discussed. Many flowers have common folklore history attached to hem. The book was clearly written as a labor of love. If you are a gardener, you will understand this. The pleasures of a gardener are inexhaustible.

Last year I acquired a rare root from Hawaii by a Shaman. I cared for this root as if it were gold. During the winter, I watered it and placed the pot under lights. This summer, I placed the pot outside in the sun. It is starting to grow. This is when I decided to read Alice's book.

I highly recommend finding a copy – especially if you enjoy reading the history of flowers.

Until tomorrow...

JULY 7-8, 2018 – MAGNESIUM

Under ideal circumstances, magnesium should come form a well balanced diet. Magnesium is involved in many biological processes that can range fm bone health to blood pressure control to protein synthesis. It is one of the supplements in my top ten list.

I can tell you that nearly half of Americans do not reach their minimum Magnesium requirement. It is 420 mg for men and 320 mg for women. You can have a serving of almonds, cashews, or spinach to get 20% of your daily needs. It should be supplemented. It is a vital nutrient.

Magnesium has many roles, but one not discussed is its role in better digestion. Magnesium can help relax the intestinal wall and draw water into the colon. This is why the magnesium form of magnesium citrate is in laxatives. 

Magnesium is also great for calmness and for sleep. It helps regulate the heart rhythm. 

Until tomorrow....

JULY 6, 2018 – NATURAL ANTIVIRAL TREATMENTS

Recently I read an article on natural antiretroviral treatments by Dietrich Klinghardt MD and Christine Schaffner, ND.

I was impressed by the fact that bee venom therapy is an established antiretroviral treatment and recommended in an article written by Dr. Klinghardt. I feel bee venom therapy has a wide variety of uses in treatment of parasites as well as spirochete infections such as Lyme.

Other natural antiretroviral treatments discussed were: the plant Cistus inacnus; the herb Scutallaria root; the herb St. John's Wort; the food broccoli sprouts; an old parasitic drug called Suramin. 

Suramin is a medication used to treat African sleeping sickness and river blindness. It is the treatment of choice for sleeping sickness without central nervous system involvement. It is given by injection into a vein. Suramin causes a fair number of side effects.

Until tomorrow...

JULY 5, 2018 – PANTOTHENIC ACID

There are many vitamins, but pantothenic acid is part of the B vitamin family. It helps maintain  normal growth and the health of the nervous system. I have used it a lot in the last decade because there are studies that report its effect to boost energy and improve the immune response. 

There are studies that this B vitamin – also called B5 – can lower total cholesterol and LDL (the bad cholesterol). It certainly has been used to reduce my stress over the years. This is why I highly recommend it with theanine (an amino acid). Although I do use the herb Skullcap quite a bit. 

B5 is a very important cofactor as it is needed to convert choline into acetylcholine – which is the active neurotransmitter necessary for brain function. I usually suggest a dose greater than 300 mg. It is present in these foods that I recommend: eggs and brown rice. It is also in wholegrain cereals which I do not recommend unless I know patient's allergy status.

Until tomorrow...

JULY 3, 2018 – APIS

Apis is a homeopathic remedy I use quite a bit in my practice. It is made from the honeybee, Apis mellifica or Apis mellifera (the honey bee).

The honey bee is known for its unique ability to make honey and to produce venom in a stinger. The use of bee products for medicinal use is called Apitherapy. In homeopathy, Apis is used to treat the stinging pain and inflammation, and itchy skin which is swollen after a bee sting. I use the homeopathic product, Apis mellifica 30 C in my office after giving a bee sting for bee venom therapy. The remedy is derived from the bodies and stingers of honey bees. 

In addition to insect bites from bees, Apis can be used for many insect bites. It is also used for painful urination, especially cystitis, and urinary retention. Apis is great for allergic reactions.

Always have Apis in your medicine closet.

Until tomorrow...

JULY 2, 2018 – RHEUM OFFICINALE

Chinese rhubarb (also called Turkey Rhubarb) has many uses. The edible rhubarb is a variety of this plant. I remember rhubarb pies as a child. It is an astringent, bitter tasting herb. It also has cooling properties. 

The uses range from a laxative to a remedy for gout. Traditionally, it is used in cancer. I have used this rhubarb for post menopausal symptoms. Most think of black cohash for menopause. I think of turkey rhubarb. The company Metagenics uses it in a product called Estrovera. It contains no estrogen.

It is available at Botanical Bounty by calling (646) 723-1823 or visiting the shop on 57th Street.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 30-JULY 1, 2018 – MOTILITY

With al the gastrointestinal problems that I see with patients, one never talks about intestinal motility. We need to optimize the intestinal motility.

I believe even the gastroenterologists overlook the basic intestinal motility issues. Peristalsis of movement through the colon is a requirement for all food to be passed from the beginning (entering the mouth) to the end (exiting the rectum). The purpose of motility is to support the excretion of undigested materials, and to prepare the stomach for the next meal. We do function in a sequence, but most of the time we as individuals are out of sequence.

We need to activate motility. One nutraceutical company has done this for practitioners. Integrative Therapeutics has a new product with two distinct herbs. The product is Motility Activator which contains both artichoke and ginger. It is not the typical artichoke that I have used in my practice. This artichoke is Cynara cardunculus. I use the variant scolymus for hypertension (blood pressure) as well as hyperlipidemia (high lipids).

There are clinically studied herbs, Globe Artichoke and Ginger, which can support gut restoration.

Call Botanical Bounty (646) 723-1823 for Motility Activator. 

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 29, 2018 – STOP KILLING BEES

The latest bee die-off numbers are terrifying. Toxic pesticides are killing bees at dangerous rates, putting our entire food system at risk.

The European Union acted to ban these dangerous chemicals. But despite constant advocacy from Friends of the Earth members like you, the Trump administration refuses to ban bee-killing pesticides.

Even you can do something. You should not use pesticides in your garden. Research which are the correct ones to use. Boycott buying from garden centers that use pesticides.

Join an advocacy group, like Friends of the Earth, your local Beekeepers Association or better (like me) do all of these and become a beekeeper.

If Rudolf Steiner is correct, bees will be extinct in the next 2 years. One third of all fruits and vegetables will be unable to be sold. Bees and other natural pollinators pollinate many of the food you consume.

Also do not forget the American Apitherapy Society ( www.apitherapy.org ) Our annual Charles Mraz Apitherapy course is coming this Fall to the East Coast 

Until tomorrow...