MARCH 18, 2021 CAMELLIA S

I am not talking about an episode on The Crown or Bridgerton nor Prince Charle’s wife. I am discussing the widely studied herb, Camellia sinensis otherwise known as green tea. Years ago I published a paper in an Integrative Journal with Robert Pastore. It discussed the many uses and clinical research of green tea, Since that time, it continues to be studied and I continue to publish about green tea as well as television segment on tea consumption.

Its active component is a catechin called EGCG, otherwise a polyphenols. These catechins are present in white and black tea as well. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of green tea for many diseases. These include cardiac diseases, auto immune diseaess and even cancer.

Some of the current research has been the neuroprotective benefits, It has shown to improve brain performance, cognitive improvement in Alzheimer’s and dementia and in Parkinson’s disease

I used to discuss the consumption of 20 to 24 cups of green tea for these benefits, Studies have now discussed 6-8 cups ( which can be done ). If you do not like green tea then buy a green tea in capsule form with high amounts of EGCG ( greater than 75 % ) The rate of cognitive disorders was 36 % lower in patients that consumed greenb tea versus those that did not.

I am a tea drinker so this is no struggle for me. Be a tea drinker yourself

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 17, 2021 TAURINE

I have beenb discussing supplements and herbs for the cardiovacsular system for many years. I taut d-ribose, co enzyme Q 10, taurine, L- carnitine, magnesium, and herbs , like hawthorn, hibiscus, and globe artrichoke.

I have written many magazine articles on the right cardiac supplements to take. I utilize L-taurine as a cardiac supplement due to its ability to act as a diuretic. Through the years I have used taurine with diuretics as hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide ( lasix) with good results.

I have used L taurine in patients with a history of seizures. New research has found that taurine can promote new cell formation in the area of the brain associated with learning and memory. This is exciting news. More research needs to be done but the studies already published are promising.

Until tomnorrow…

MARCH 16, 2021 MAGNESIUM

What do you think of when an individual tells you he/she takes magnesium? Some think of this mineral as needed when you take calcium. Some think of it as part of their multi vitamin. We know most Americans are deficient in magnesium in their diets/ It has been estimated that about 48 % of Americans from all age groups are below the estimated average requirement. This does not surprise me at all. This is just one of the major nutrients that are missing in the typical American diet.

Many use different forms of Magnesium for constipation. Some use it with an amino acid, theanine for the calmness he /she can achieve. I use magnesium in my practice for high blood pressure ( hypertension) and control of arrhythmias ( palpitations)

Low levels of magnesium have been linked to cardiovascular diseases as stroke, coronary artery disease leading to stroke, arrhythmias, and even death

Consult your health care practitioner if magnesium is right for you

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 15, 2021 AUTOPHAGY

Autophagy is the body’s self cleaning process that removes damaged by products from inside cells that have accumulated from normal metabolic or biologic processes.

We hear only on death from COVID and vaccination

Insufficient autophagy is a driver of the aging process. Can you imagine if we can reverse the aging process ? There is a drug rapamycin that is being study in animal models and human trials The NIH has funded 23 million dog study including the use of rapamycin in the Drug Aging Project.

A new fad is the use of intermittent fasting where you avoid food from the night before for 12 hours up to 18 hours. Intermittent fasting is a way of cleansing the individuals cells. This in a way is autophagy.

An alkaloid from a pepper fruit called piperlongumne has demonstrated in animals with brain damage the ability to recovery with motor deficits, This is amazing life altering news, This could be a hope for a number of patients who have motor deficits from a variety of diseases. There was even another plant alkaloid and anti cancer potential called luteolin. This plant alkaloid is found in celery, thyme, parsley , and green peppers. It was shown that luteolin activated a marker of autophagy by 25 % This is another exciting news.

The company Life Extension has done incredible journal reporting through the years. This months magazine discuss Autophagy. I am proud to be on their Medical Advisory Board for many years.

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 11, 2021 STARFLOWER

Last summer I planted starflower seeds. It has a beautiful blue flower. It is more commonly known as Borage. The blue leaves shine among the other flowers int he garden. It is a herb mentioned multiple times in the Bible. The official name is Borage officinalis.

Traditionally, Borago officinalis has been used ingastrointetsinal, respiratory and cardiac r disorders In the GI system it is used for colic, cramps and diarrhea. In the respiratoyr system I use it for asthma patients and patinets with infection of the brochioles.It is seen used as a diuretic. I combine it with other herbs for high blood pressure ( hypertension)

I have heard gardeners planbt borage near tomato plants as it can encourage its growth You will not be disappointed with this herb

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 10, 2021 ROCKS, STONES, AND GEMS

As a boy I was fascinated by rocks, stones and gems. My first visit the the Museum of Natural History of West 81 st as part of PS#4 school trip was what started me. I bought my first box of rocks, and minerals in the gift shop. I was enthralled by my collection. Since then I have always included stones, rocks, minerals and gemstones as part of my learning process. It has been progress not perfection that keeps me reading about these topics as well as the rare opportunity to attend a gem show in Arizona. At one of these shows years ago I bought unique stones/gems/rocks which I still possess. There is one in every room of my home, as well as some near my beehives and near my pond,

“ A precious stone is a small, rare , hard stone which has inherited from Nature the name of beautiful “

This so elegantly describes a precious stone. It should be a mineral formed spontaneously in nature without human intervention. There are many modern artificial stones which are highly prized, and some quite expensive . I realize today that beauty is essentially a subjective concept and very individualized and therefore personal.

Once a jeweler told me “ Rarity is a criterion which has more to do with the beholder than the beheld. “

Quartz crystals have fascinated me through the years. The use of crystals, rocks, stones, minerals and gems are more part of health and healing than you might think. Certain of these have medicinal and physical properties and have been used in healing I didn’t realize my chemistry and physics courses throughout my education would help me understand these minerals et al. What am I trying to stay or stray…

Learning about minerals, stones, rocks, minerals and gems can enhance your life

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 9, 2021 THE LIFE ENHANCER

It is called the Life Enhancer or in Chinese- Yin Guo. It can be called the hill apricot for the color of its fruit . It is Ginkgo. It is a tree from 200 million ears ago during the age of the dinosaurs. This tree has remarkable properties that have been used medicinally for centuries.

It has been used in allergies, circulatory problems as stroke and heart issues and memory.

There is lots of research on this herb. I suggest if you ever want to research articles that have been written about an herb— look at the American Botanical Council. Become a member. Their library is full of research and articles in their monthly HerbalGram

Ginkgo can relive symptoms of memory loss, disorientation, anxiety, tinnitus and headaches. The ginkgolides ( its alkaloids found within the plant ) stimulate circulation to the brain and the extremities which often accompany aging. The reduced blood flow can lead to balance problems, memory and concentration issues and even vision problems

Talk to your health care professional today about starting this herb

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 8, 2021 BOTANICAL BOUNTY TEAS

There are many premeasured blends of herbal yeas on the market. They can be found in health food stores, convenience stores, Whole Foods, and even some pharmacies. These blends may contain two to five blends and even more. I like simpler blends with fewer ingredients. I find it easier to research on my end.

It is essential to know the nature of each herb in a blend. For this reason i formulated simple blend for the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and muscular/skeletal system. I did one for the Cardiac system. These are called Gutsy, Sickly, Achey and Lovely respectively.

In addition I can prepare a personal blend from answering some simple questions on www.botanicalbounty.org I find being a registered herbalist an honor and priveledge that I take very seriously.

I feel when you research an herb for yourself, you will be left with no doubt about your selection. Look at our blends… Make a selection today

CALL 646 723 1823

Until tomorrow…