OCTOBER 8, 2018 THEANINE

The amino acid, L- theanine is found in green tea ( Camellia sinensis) at 1-2 % of dry weight of tea leaves. Green tea is the most studied herb with large amounts of research to its health benefits. The amino acid, theanine is known to relax the body. I try to reach this state of relaxation and calmness through prayer and meditation ( the 11th Step prayer in a 12 step program )

It has been shown that after 1 hour administration of this amino acid it generates a relaxed state of mind and focus

Too many physicians rely on drugs as benzodiazapines as Xanax, clonazepam ,valium and many antidepressants. More of theanine and the nervine herbs need to be used

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 6 -7, 2018 PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE

Phosphatidylserine is known to support cognitive function. Research has suggested that PS supports a healthy stress response by maintaining cortisol levels

We all know that cortisol is the stress hormone produced by the adrenal cortex

By taking this supplement , PS it has been shown to reduce ACTH and cortisol levels. It even lowers salivary cortisol levels PS blunts the effects of physical stress by decerasiung blood levels of ACTH and cortisol as well as epinephrine and norepinephrine

Until tomorrow…

OCT0BER 5, 2018 KHAT

Celatrus edulis also known as Khat is a herb that is not commonly discussed. It is from a thorn-less tree with green branches. It grows in Arabia. I have never seen Khat tree although on my bucket list. Imagine I have a bucket list to see plants and trees. The Arabs have used the leaves for thousands of years making tea and even chewing on the leaves

It is stated that those that take Khat become cheerful and talkative. It also has an effect of causing pleasant dreams. Its effect are said to mimic high dose coffee

The leaves are picked and sun dried, and can be used fresh. So this could be a better tea than drinking other teas and even coffee

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 4, 2018 C. PSITTACI

I probably have had this infection antibodies in my blood for the last 27 years. I know 27 years as I have had my pet parrot, Gracie for this amount of time. Infection runs from about 30- 96 % in staff from wild life centers that care for birds and in pet owners like myself. These bacteria are shed in feces but can be either inhaled or breathed which is the reason I probably have this organism

These bacteria ( I call this group the sleath bacteria - which have features of viruses and bacteria ) Others in this class include Mycoplasma and Legionella. They generally affect the lungs and can cause respiratory distress. These can also lead to a more serious disease MALT - mucosa associayted lymphoid tissue

More interesting is C psittaci and its association with hashimoto’s and sjorgens syndrome Precursor lesions in both have been shown to contain this bacteria. Now it makes sense of my having hashimoto’s I have had pet birds since I was nine years old

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 3, 2018 JAPANESE KNOTWEED

Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) is one of the world's most invasive plants nicknamed  "Godzilla weed," Believe it or not it is form the Buckwheat Family and introduced from Japan to the West in the 1800’s.

Knotweed is used for bronchitis, cough, gum disease (gingivitis), and sore mouth and throat. It is also used for lung diseases, skin disorders, and fluid retention. Some people use it to reduce sweating associated with tuberculosis and to stop bleeding.

I feel it has gained much more popularity as a herb to treat Lyme Disease. It is a safe herb but I will say that less than 1% of patients experience loss of taste. I have had complaints of dry mouth and bitter taste in the mouth. Useful for Lyme is that it breaks up biofilms and inhibits biofilm formation. It is bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal.

I would encourage if you have Lyme Disease please read ‘ Healing Lyme’ by the foremost herbalist for Lyme, Stephen Harrod Buhner. Also try to see Sacred Science: Remedies Episode 5

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 2, 2018 HEALTHY AGING

There are many supplements I recommend for living a longer life. Much of this can be discussed in your dietary lifestyle. Eating less refined sugar is the key

I do recommend any of the naturally occurring plant pigments called carotenoids. These function as potent antioxidants. A lot of these can be found in foods such as vegetables and fruits. The percentage of carotenoid plays a major role in the length of a healthy life span

I usually recommend astaxanthin which is much stronger than beta carotene. Another is lycopene which is present in tomatoes ( the highest concentration found in tomato paste, and grilled tomatoes)

Eat your carotenoids today

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 1, 2018 EMOTIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS

There are many nutrients required in regulating our emotions. We do know that 90-95 % of serotonin is found in the gut. You must have a normal functioning gut.

There are many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids that are needed for the hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and epinephrine.

Absorption of all these nutrients needs a good probiotic, and good food combination

YOUR GUT needs to be healthy. You need to heal your gut with herbs as meadowsweet, marshmallow, raspberry and slippery elm in addition to glutamine and other supplements

Until tomorrow..

SEPTEMBER 29-30, 2018 AYAHUASCA

Ayahuasca is made from two plants native to the Amazon jungle. It has been used for centuries by native peoples for healing and religious ceremonies, and has been gaining more attention from the rest of the world in recent years. Many more people have been trying this plant in ceremony with shamans on trips to Peru, Costa Rica and other places.

What we have known for years is the positive benefits from those using ayahuasca. Those who ritually take the brew have lower levels of depression, anxiety, hostility, paranoid ideation, phobias, worry, shyness, fatigability and weakness. Subjects who use ayahuasca also scored better on self-transcendence, spiritual orientation, transpersonal identification, self-forgetfulness, sacredness of life, altruism, subjective well-being and mission in life. This was compared to the control group that did not use ayahuasca.

Ayahuasca is NOT for everyone. I believe you should discuss its use and possibility of doling it with others who have used it and be open with your health care practitioner. No judgement should be placed on anyone who uses this plant for a variety of reasons. I believe more research needs to be done with this plant and other psychedelic plants

Until tomorrow…