APRIL 3-5, 2020 SELF QUARANTINE DURING COVID 19

We all in self - quarantine .I worry about managing over eating and avoiding weight gain during this period. It all depends on what you are eating. People are consuming snacks. I would eat 2 citrus fruits per day, celery sticks, carrot snacks and a limited amount of nuts and seeds

You need to strengthen your immune system There are ways to do that. First of all this is a good time to catch up on sleep. A study showed that sleeping more than 6 hours per night can strengthen your immune system. It helps the body fight off infection. If you have trouble sleeping there are natural remedies as melatonin ( not for everyone), theanine, rescue remedy by Bach, and good nervine teas. Limit the blue light from phone use and TV before going to sleep

The second tip is eat more plant healthy foods and more healthy fats. This is why I suggested fruits and a limited handful of nuts. A good gut microme biome can support a healthy immune system to fight infections. Fruits and vegetables are high in Vitamin C. Use of olive oil in your cooking is anti inflammatory . Use omega 3 fish oils if you are not eating enough of fish

Try during this quarantine time to change your diet by eating better

Stay healthy Until tomorrow…

APRIL 2, 2020 TREATMENT FOR COVID

Individuals who COVID are surviving. We hear so much about the deaths, but there are some that have survived. There are new results from a French study revealed last week shows that a combination of hydroxychloroquine ( Plaquenil) and azithromycin successfully treated 80 patients.

Plaquenil is not a new medicine. It has been used for malaria and severe arthritis patients Azithromycn is an antibiotic that is commonly prescribed by physicians.

The first preliminary trial involved 36 patients. It was done by the reowned French doctor Dr Didier Raoult. The US and it agencies like the FDA are stil cautious about this trial. I can understand that the study population is small. They published a larger trial with 80 patients ( also small)

There are studies about giving patients intravenous Vitamin C. The amount used was small 3 grams IV twice a day. I have used vitamin C with many patients over the years for many conditions with much success. I have used 25 grams ( 25,000 mg) and much more

After reading the study , their combination is an effective cure of COVID 19 and should be implemented here . Thousands are ill and by the end of this more than 250,00 Americans will die.

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 1, 2020 HERBS FOR COVID

Last night I listened to a webnar sponsored by the American Herbal Guild given by Thomas Avery Garran, PhD/TCM I am very grateful for the opportunity to listen to Dr Garran who was speaking from China. I am also grateful to be a professional member of the American Herbal Guild.

As he spoke on COVID and the herbal treatments I couldn’t help to think that the US cases have surpassed China. We are far away from the first case diagnosed in the state of Washington on January 20,2020. In NYC we are in the throws of a serious pandemic with its apex not even here.

I am NOT proficient in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr Garran discussed the many TCM formulations that be used for an infection that affects the lungs, the digestion and eventually deeper into the lung. He discussed how herbs can help the first two stages of lung and digestion By the time the individual has what I think is the third stage- intubation and a ventilator might be needed. The course of the COVID can change rapidly and patients must be watched closely

There are many herbs that can be used for the cough seen in COVID. Some of the more common ones would be elecampane, mulberry leaf and grindelia ( gum weed) I have used only elecampane. I would use Lobelia and Horehound. He discussed using Hyssop as a tea in large doses which I found very interesting.

For protection he mentioned 3 good herbs: Paeonia lactflora, Scropholaria, and Glycyrrhizia. The most common to the layperson is the last one which is Licorice Root.

I am a herbalist who loves echinaceae.

There is more time for me to listen to webnars during this quarantine. If I learn something new every day I feel accomplished and knowledgeable

Stay safe and healthy

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 31, 2020 PANDEMIC

There is so much to read . We all have to be more rigorous with our own rituals at this time. Be careful at this time. Each of us are guilty of talking too much, hate too often and love too little. This is a time of reflection of our own lives and of the community or population at large on Mother Earth. There are many theories as to why this happened. You can say it was a man made virus, you can say it is a contaminant in our own flu vaccine and much more. No matter what —people are dying. We will survive all of this together.

George Carlin wrote this…

1. Remember to spend some time with your loived ones, because they are not going to be around forever

2. Remember say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon wil grow up and leave your side

3. Remember to give a warm hug to one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and doesn’t cost a cent

4. Remember to say ‘ I Love You ‘ to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you

5. Give time to love, give time to speak. And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind

6. And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away

7. For me, - Try not to text someone- Pick up the phone and send an old fashioned hand written note to someone you know ( even if someone from the past) It could make all of the difference

8. Always know YOU ARE NOT ALONE

   Until tomorrow…

MARCH 30, 2020 ANTI VIRAL HERB

You might have this herb growing in your garden. It is a member of the mint family and perennial . It produces long stems and tends to ramble on and on. The bushy leaves emit a pleasant lemon scent and adorable white flowers. Rub two leaves together in your fingers and smell the scent

This is Lemon Balm (Melissa officinales) I do not know what astrological planet corresponds to this herb according to Culpepper. I would hope Venus would control this herb. It is a favorite herbs among the honeybees.

Lemon Balm in addition to being an astringent and high in antioxidants , it is an antiviral herb. I feel it is essential to infuse two or three antiviral herbs and make a tea. Sip warm liquids throughout this time of COVID 19.

Drink Lemon Balm . It is also good to calm the nerves and stress that WE all have right now

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 28 - 29, 2020 HERBS TO SUPPORT IMMUNE SYSTEM

You can support your immune system through herbs and supplements. Some of these herbs are right in your kitchen. Some of the common kitchen herbs that can be used are Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary and Tumeric

Add these to your soups, broths and to your favorite tea ( even if Earl Grey)

Kitchen herbalism was practiced by your mother and more likely your grandmother. Look in the cabinet where you keep your spices. Start using them NOW.

For the respiratory ailments you can mix these three herbs for the cough. Use Wild Cherry Bark, Lobelia, Lungwort and Horehound. If you can’t find Horehound you can use a forgotten herb, Elecampane. Add some Slippery Elm to get up the mucous.

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 27, 2020 CORONA AND HEART DISEASE

As a cardiologist I have an older patient population. These individuals are at risk for COVID- 19. Unfortunately it is with a heavy heart that I have lost some patients. I am urging patients to keep their immune system strong with food, exercise and supplements

Patients with cardiovascular disease diagnosed with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are urged to continue taking their (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor angiotensin and angiotension receptor blocking medications (ARB) as prescribed, according to a statement jointly published by the American Heart Association (AHA), the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), and the American College of Cardiology (ACC)

There were reports of benefits using these medications for COVID 19 Cardiovascular disease patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19 should be fully evaluated before adding or removing any treatments, and any changes to their treatment should be based on the latest scientific evidence and shared-decision making with their physician and healthcare team,” the press announcement stated.  According to the joint statement, there have been no experimental or clinical data to support claims related to benefit or harm related to ACEi or ARB use in COVID-19 patients. The associations urged that modifications to ACEi or ARB treatment should only be made after a full evaluation of the individual patient is completed by a physician.

Please consult your health care practitioner before starting or stopping any medication during this pandemic

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 26, 2020 YOUR THOUGHTS

People with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) often have intrusive recurring thoughts that include fears of getting sick or of harm coming to a family member or loved one. With a global epidemic looming large, it can exacerbate feelings of STRESS and ANXIETY. And those compulsive behaviors that interfere with your everyday life can become even more time-consuming and more disruptive.

For those with OCD, take a deep breath. There are clear cut guidelines on the Center for Disease Control website- Do’s and Don’ts. Be smart

If you need to social distance follow the recommendations. I would suggest a good book to read and avoid reading the news or watching the news. Yes, it is real news and can get upsetting at times. Don’t overreact in times like this.

I know it easier said than actually doing or worrying. Follow your own routines that you have been doing except with more caution about contact with other individuals.

WE all will get through this— I promise.

Until tomorrow…