FEBRUARY 1-2, 2020 PLANTS FOR THE SENSES

One of the best mentors that I ever had is Tieraona LowDog, MD She inspired me as a student at the University of Arizona Fellowship of Integrative Medicine in Arizona. She guided me to the path of botanicals I began to study. It was at a time when I had recent cardiac surgery for valves. In her book, “ Life is Your Best Medicine’ she discusses a women’s guide to health and healing. I apply the lessons in this book to all individuals, both men and women. When she lists the plants for the senses I view these plants as plants or herbs for all

Rosemary is an herb from my childhood. The herb of remembrance reminds me of my Poppy cooking in his kitchen on a Sunday morning. Great flavor for his fresh tomato sauce

The gladdening herb of the Middle Ages is Melissa officinales which is Lemon Balm. This is from the mint family . I use it for unwarranted anxiety and stress reduction. I also use this herb to help the individual with hyperthyroidism ( overactive thyroid )

Yet the herb that I think of the most for my senses is Oregano. It was a staple for Poppy’s cooking. It is used for relieving cold and helps the sinus congestion.

I find it so ironic that the herbs my Poppy used in the kitchen as a staple for his cooking are in my Herbal Closet for healing.

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 31, 2020 RETINAL VEIN OCCULSION

This is a common vascular disorder of the retina affecting the veins. This is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. there are two types central and branch vessel. The branch type is more common. There are very few conventional treatment to unblock the occlusion Some drugs have been tried as ranibizujmab and bevacizumab. The major causes are l;ifestyle driven so I focus of changing lifestyle choices.

There are certain nutrients such as zeaxanthin, lutein, omega fatty acids, bilberry an d ginkgo that may help reserve vision.

The one I use most frequently is lutein in a dose of 6 - 20 mg . There is a lot of research done on this supplement to maintain a healthy retina. With respect to atherosclerosis ( hardening of the arteries- a cardiovascular disease) people that were given lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin reported more significantly improvement that in the controls. I use zeaxanthin the dose I use is 2mg up to 12 mg /day . I also have used nattokinase as a natural blood thinner. The dose of astaxanthin is usually from 6- 12 mg /day . There are other nutrients which are helpful as taurine, vitamin D and green tea. I love the website www.visionworksusa.com or www.naturaleyecare.com

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 29, 2020 SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN MEN

Well men… Expect that this might happen to you. It is due to part to prostatic enlargement in middle life. I am in the middle of my life actually over the 50 year mark by 10 years . It is part of the aging process. This happens when free testosterone starts to decline. There is a lot of controversary about testosterone. The prostate is stimulated by increasing levels of estradiol. DHEA, prolactin and SHBG ( sex hormone binding globulin.) To find exactly what you need I encourage a IGS. This is Integrated Genetic Solution. I can find out how much hormones you need without guessing by checking your blood leve3ls and your genetics. I can actually make your own individualized and personalized Rx. I tailor medicine to you I do this for most of not all my patients

Reducing the size of the prostate with herbs can help sexual dysfunction I sometimes use treatment for BPH by using conventional medicine. By who needs drugs when I have at my disposal- HERBS

There are great trials using Saw Palmetto ( the DBRPC trial) I also use Pygeum africanum and Urtica diocia , pygeum and stinging nettles bark respectively. These herbs in the trial were not inferior to conventional drugs

Selenium in men also plays a pivotal role

So get your appointment today to get a IGS blood test to find exactly what you need.

Until tomorrow…

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JANUARY 30, 2020 MARJORAM

In India this is regarded as a sacred herb. Its botanical name is Origanum vulgare Its name is derived from two Greek words - ‘oros’ for mountains and ‘ganos’ for joy. When this herb is seen to growing form the mountains and hills it does create a beautiful joyous hillside

It is used in ornamental wreaths. It does have a fragrant, balsamic odor to it. I have used majoram in headache formulas with feverfew and Jamaican dog wood. It is equally effective for nervous insomnia.
I have seen some herbalists use it in a gastrointestinal formula for indigestion

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 28, 2020 CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

We know chronic, sustained inflammation is linked to an increased risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. What you eat and drink can affect inflammation in the body. The American diet is infiltrated in processed foods and products with fructose corn syrup.

There are many herbs that you have in your kitchen or at your disposable that can decrease inflammation If eating different means decreased inflammation then you should eat different. If adding two herbs to your dietary regimen means less inflammation and less chronic disease, then you should do it .

Inflammation begins in the gut. The ‘ gut’ is the gateway for all inflammation You must have guessed that the herb, Curcuma longa also known as turmeric is one of the those herbs. A study combining curcumin and piperine was better than tumeric alone.Piperine, along with its isomer chavicine, is the alkaloid responsible for the pungency of black pepper and long pepper. This combination helps lower glucose levels, cholesterol levels and reduced total body weight

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 27, 2020 TRY VEGETARIAN

There are more patients deciding to try vegan or vegetarian diets . It is a very healthy way of eating for some individuals. There are many studies that this dietary lifestyle leads to a reduction in cancer, heart disease and even diabetes. We do know for years that a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle lacks vitamin B12. People who follow a vegan lifestyle should definitely supplement with B12. I would recommend a methylated B12 since 40 % of the population carries the gene MTHFR.

The nutrient Carnosine is found in animal derived food. Carnosine is very important for muscle function. We do know that beta alanine can increase carnosine Other supplements that need to be considered are taurine, DHA, Vitamin D3 ( although you can get from mushrooms) and the heme iron.

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 25-26, 2020 FRANKINSCENSE

You might have heard about Frankincense in Church or from a reading in Church. If you remember it was one of the three gifts from the kings presented to Mary and Joseph on the birth of Baby Jesus

Frankincense essential oil is obtained from the dried and distilled resin of the Frankincense tree, which is native to specific regions of Africa and the Middle East. It is a rather expensive essential oil. Frankincense oil gets its name from the term “franc encens,” which means “high-quality incense” in French.

It is a powerful astringent which can be applied in low doses or a few drops to the skin for acne and blemishes. I do ask cancer patients to put one drop on the roof of the mouth, especially if the patient has cancer spread to the brain. I find this a soothing herb to be applied to the bottom of the feet for a variety of conditions.

Frankinscense has the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone. I find it to be very anti inflammatory. I use Frankinscense by 3 companies: DoTerra, Young Living and Snow Lotus

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 24, 2020 FERTILITY

There are many causes of infertility. I am not an obstetrician nor a gynecologist. I get many referrals to help women of all ages get pregnant. The overall health needs of both partners need to tested, This includes testing for heavy metals, food allergies and autoimmune testing

I feel a change in dietary lifestyle is needed. I do recommend a dietary lifestyle low in carbohydrates and foods low in acidity . There should be low dairy and low glycemic fruits and vegetables. There could problems with female structures, failure of eggs to mature properly, endometriosis could be present and much more. On the male side there could be systemic disease present that need to be checked. For both men and women I need to balance the thyroid, the vitamin D levels and maintain a good balance of B12, B6 and folic acid. This might involve testing both male and female for any methylation gene.

I also discuss stress with both the woman and the man. Stress increases glucocorticosteroids which reduce testosterone in tests in men. In females the stress inhibits gonadotrophin releasing hormone in females.

A couple trying to have children need to sit with an Integrative Physician, or a Naturopathic Doctor to get the full spectrum of causes of infertility.

Until tomorrow…