JUNE 8-9, 2019 CAYENNE

As a cardiologist this is a very useful herb/spice. It helps blood to clot both internally and externally. It is a very warming herb, and most hear about it for it as a digestive aid. It also does support the immune system because it is rich in vitamins and minerals.

It is a supportive herb for cold and flu . It can be used as a tincture and given several times during the day to ease the sore throat. There are many herbs that I use instead, but cayenne has miraculous results

For those patients that suffer from cold hands and feet either due to thyroid issues or Raynaud’s I suggest using Cayenne . It increases the circulation I have seen an old man, age 88 sprinkle cayenne pepper in his socks ( the toes of the socks) for warming in the winter months

There are excellent remedies for Cayenne Pepper. The BEST book for remedies just released is “ The Lost Book of Remedies” by Claude Davis

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 7, 2019 DOGWOOD

I love dogwood . It signifies for me the starting of the spring. It also reminds me of the state of Virginia which holds many memories for me. The flowers bloom at this time of the year- May and June I find the tree majestic , beautiful , and steeped in history . It is said that the cross for Jesus cruxification was made of dogwood. I found a poem about dogwood

~ Unknown

In Jesus time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.

'Twas strong & firm it's branches interwoven
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.

Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:

"Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so

Slender & twisted, it shall be

With blossoms like the cross for all to see.

As blood stains the petals marked in brown
The blossom's center wears a thorny crown.

All who see it will remember me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.

Cherished and protected this tree shall be

A reminder to all of my agony."

A poultice of dogwood is used for sore muscles and sore joints. It has been used in ancient times for recurring fevers especially in malaria The leaves can be crushed for burns and cuts

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 6, 2019 BERRIES , BERRIES AND MOR BERRIES

There are many edible berries in the world. Some like blueberries are much more eaten than wolfberries or even chokeberries. The botanical name for chokeberry is Prunus virginiana. Its fruit and seeds can be eaten. I think many don’t as the berry is acidic and high astringent I have eaten the berry and I feel it had a good flavor. It is not used as much as a cough syrup as it used to be since many use Elderberry.

I have seen chokeberry used for many gastrointestinal ailments as diarrhea, bloating and even stomach ulcers. It does get rid of toxins from the body and I have seen it used when the kidney chi is sluggish

Herbalists who wildcraft make infusions of both the berry and the bark

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 5, 2019 FLAX

We underestimate the benefits for flax . I have never seen it in the wild with its beautiful purple flowers, This is the time to look for its in large fields. I use if as an oil or as seeds to increase alpha linoleic acid which it vital to the body.

It is toxic in larger amounts. Flax seed oil is beneficial to lowering cholesterol levels. I know many herbalists who prescribe it for cough, sore throat and even congestion

I have read that it can be used with false unicorn to treat gonorrhea.

Probably the best known use of flax seed is for constipation which I prescribe 2 teaspoons every morning

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 4, 2019 SPANISH TEA MOSS

This is not a common herb that I have used. I have seen it hanging from trees when visiting an island off the coast of Florida. Its botanical name is Tilandsia usneiodes. It does grow on large trees. I read that it flowers but I have never seen it flower, nor have I used it.

One of my diabetic patients started to use it as a tea to decrease her blood sugar levels. There are many plants that do lower blood sugar as gymnema, bitter melon, and even cinnamon. This patient used it combined with prickly pear and had a reduction in her blood sugar. I would not use it alone but in combination with other herbs as above,

I also use supplements a chromium, vanadium and alpha lipoic acid to decrease glucose levels. After reading about Spanish Tea Moss I saw many articles relating this herb to helping rheumatism and joint pain/inflammation

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 3, 2019 JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE

It has many names - you might even confuse it with a Sunflower because it is a species of the Sunflower It is also called sunroot or sunchoke. Its botanical name is Helianthus tuberosus. Some individuals eat the root as a vegetable. It has many traditional folklore uses. Reported to be an aphrodisiac, cholagogue, diuretic, spermatogenetic, stomachic, and tonic, Jerusalem artichoke is a folk remedy for diabetes and rheumatism.

It is has a high concentration of inulin which helps regulate blood sugar levels. DO NOT CONFUSE with INSULIN Inulin is converted to frustose which gives the tuber or root of he artichoke its sweet taste

I use this herb for its immune enhancing effects. It helps defend the body against viruses and bacteria . I do cause some people as it can cause excessive gas and bloating. I think this is due to the high content of inulin at 76 %

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 1-2, 2019 VAPING

As with anything there are pros and cons. This is no exception. Vaping is at its highest. It might be good and help people stop using nicotine found in regular cigarettes. But is it that good ?

Vaping may raise the risk of developing a heart attack or stroke because of the flavoring of the e - cig Scientists who tested the flavoring found they damage the cells Electronic cigs are a less risk than regular cigarettes but both contain nicotine( which constricts blood vessels)

Researchers found in addition to the nicotine , the flavorings cause DNA damage, cell death and then inflammation. Up until this point, we had no idea how these liquids affect endothelial function

Although once thought to be better, e cigs are not a safe alternative. More studies need to be done

Until tomorrow…

MAY 31, 2019 GOTU KOLA

This herb known as Centella asiatica is known for treatment for a variety of conditions. The class of theses herbs is known as Adaptogenic Herbs. When you think of these types herbs you limit its uses. Traditionally used for stressful conditions and managing adrenal fatigue

Studies have confirmed that oral or topical administration promotes wound healing , including surgical. It has bene used for years for venous insufficiency

The two components, oleanolic and ursolic acid have ant tumor effects in vivo. There is a component or the oleanolic acid used as a pharmaceutical anti tumor agent in Japan in treating non-lymphatic leukemia

Many of the adaptogenic agents have been used for treatment of cancer.

Until tomorrow…