DECEMBER 3, 2020 SNOWDROPS
Snowdrops are one of the first flowers to open each year. There are white bell shaped as well as yellow bell shaped ones. There is an intricate beauty of these flowers. When you see a field of thousands of snowdrops is when you appreciate their beauty. I appreciate their beauty and their splendor The first botanical drawing of a snowdrop was in 1542. Their botanical name has been changed over the years. There are many uncommon species written about since their first drawing appeared. Snowdrop earrings have appeared in many famous paintings as Johannes Vermeer’s “ Girl with a Pearl Earring”
How did I come to know about Snowdrops. There is a Reaktion Book in the Botanical Series entitled ‘ Snowdrop” It is written so beautifully and gracefully by Gail Harland.
There are 25 books in this Botanical Series. I own at least 18 of these marvelous books. It makes a great gift for anyone that loves plants , herbs and flowers
Until tomorrow…
DECEMBER 2, 2010 ADDING ASPIRIN
I have finished Cardiovascular Fellowship in 1994. I have been practicing medicine for over 25 years. I have seen many medications initiated and many have survived the last 25 years. Some have not. Adding aspirin as an antiplatelet therapy after angiplasty /stent began 30 years ago. I was there. Two studies in that era, the CREDO and CURE trials showed the benefits of adding clopidogrel ( plavix) to aspirin versus aspirin alone after stent or myocardial infarction ( heart attack) forming what we know now as dual platelet therapy. Some later studies revealed some ischemic events after discontinuation of ant platelet therapy. This then favored the use of platelet therapy for at least twelve months, This 12 month therapy is reflected in the guidelines. I am not opposed to such therapy
To decide which anti platelet drugs to use is by the discretion of the physician and his/her comfortability with the drugs. Whether it is Eliquis, Brillanta, Xarelto, Plavix or other drugs. It is always decided what to add to aspirin. I tell you all this as it isn’t easy for the physician to make this decision.
Recently an article in the American Journal of Cardiology entitled “ Optimizing Monotherapy Selection, Aspirin versus P2Y12 inhibitors following Percutaneous Intervention was published. I found the artocle to be useful at selection of which therapy.
There are also many herbs and supplements that can thin blood. Many of these have not been studied in double blind clinical trials. Many of my patients ask about these therapies. These are omega 3 oils, ginkgo, garlic, nattokinase and many more.
Until tomorrow…
DECEMBER 1, 2020 POMEGRANATE JUICE
Was it an apple or the pomegranate in the Garden of Eden ? There is much debate over this. Pomegranate (Punica granatum, Lythraceae) fruit contains various bioactive compounds that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may improve biomarkers of CVD. I use pomegranate seeds as a natural aromatase inhibitor helping men increase their testosterone levels. Cardiovascular disease is still the numebr one killer in the United States. I try and read many different articles to help my patients in the best way I can.
A recent study was published in the HerbalGram of The American Botanical Council. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a persistent abnormality in kidney structure, function, or both for at least three months. The disease, commonly attributed to type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, is classified by the degree of renal dysfunction as measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). End-stage renal disease (ESRD) or renal failure is the final stage of CKD, which can be fatal in the absence of renal transplant or hemodialysis (HD). The disease process of CKD increases inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, putting patients at significant risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). I found the article informative, useful and knowledgable.
Based on their findings, the authors conclude that eight weeks of PJ consumption may have beneficial effects on blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL-C in patients receiving HD. Moreover, PJ consumption elicited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as evidenced by increased TAC and decreased MDA and IL-6 in these patients.
There were good outcomes and data obtained.
Until tomorrow…
NOVEMBER 30, 2020 PROSTATITIS
As men age some of us can get prostatitis. Prostatitis (swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland) is a significant health concern among men and characterized by painful or difficult urination. It can be caused by infection, injury, or an immune system disorder. There are conventional medications that can help depending on what caused the prostatitis. You do NOT always have to take a medication.
A recent study looked at the use of Boswellia and Propolis for treatment of prostatitis. Boswellia (Boswellia serrata, Burseraceae) resin has reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Propolis is a resin produced by honey bees mixing pollen, tree bark, and other plant components. It also has reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity
I am never amazed at the use of herbs for illness. Nor am I disappointed n the products of the beehive.
The study was published in the HerbalGram of the American Botanical Council. I teach at the Naturopathic College at the University of Bridgeport and the ArborVitae School of Medical Herbalism. I always encourage my students to join the American Botanical Council.
The authors conclude the boswellia/propolis suppository can safely reduce genitourinary pain and improve quality-of-life of men with symptomatic prostatitis.
Until tomorrow…
NOVEMBER 25, 2020 PEPTIDES
It is cutting age medicine. Peptides are in use in the United States There are more than 60 medicinal peptides used in clinical medicine These are used to repair, regenerate, support and improve the structure of certain parts of the body. Natural occurring peptides that are well known are growth hormone and thyroid hormone.
There is a difference between pharmaceutical drugs and medicinal peptides.
I have seen peptides used for :
decreased body fat and weight loss.
deeper better sleep
sexual drive
increased bone density
anti aging and regeneration
cellular energy produ8ction
Alzheimer’s disease
post stroke recovery
depression and much much more
Medicinal peptides should only be obtained from FDA certified compounding pharmacies that provide 9o9.8 % purity and chemical integrity. Be careful who is prescribing these peptides and certification
Until tomorrow…