APRIL 8, 2021 SKULLCAP

Scutellaria is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin scutella, meaning "a small dish, tray or platter. There are two types of Skullcap- American and Chinese. The American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) are used for different types of conditions. I mainly use the Amnerican Skullcap as a herbal nervine fort anxiety, stress , and relaxation.

Chinese skullcap ( SB) was part of a study prublishe din 2019 in a peer review journal. The purpose of this double-blind, randomized clinical study was to investigate whether the combination of Chinese skullcap ( SB) and metformin influenced intestinal microbiota in patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus

The study was published in the HerbalGram of the American Botanical Council.

Shin NR, Gu N, Choi HS, Kim H. Combined effects of Scutellaria baicalensis with metformin on glucose tolerance of patients with type 2 diabetes via gut microbiota modulation. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. January 1, 2020;318(1):E52-E61. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00221.2019.

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first double-blind, randomized clinical trial evaluating the combined effects of SB and metformin in patients with T2DM. SB treatment was demonstrated to ameliorate glucose intolerance, in part through the modulation of the gut microbiota composition. However, there were no differences in other clinical markers

There are many herbs that can used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Some include cinnamon, bitter melon, and gymnema. Chinese skullcap is another example of a herbal treatment that cna be used in diabetes.

More studies need to be done

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 7, 2021 DO YOU EAT KALE ?

There are super foods you should consume. Kale is considered the king of superfoods . If you didn’t already know it is a member of the Cabbage Family. It is a cruciferous vegetable like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens and Brussels sprouts.

Kale has many antioxidant as beta caritene and Vitamin C . It also contains bioflavinoid and polphenols. Antioxidants are substrances that counteract free radical int he body. These free radicals can cause aginbg as well as chronic disease and even cancer.

Many individuals consume more spinach than kale. Yet kale is known to have 5 x more vitamin C than spinach. So Popeye was wrong - consume Kale. As a cardiologist I advocate mnroe eatinbg more Kale. Kale actually contains bile acid sequestrants, which can lower cholesterol levels. This might lead to a reduced risk of heart disease over time.

One study found that drinking kale juice every day for 12 weeks increased HDL (the “good”) cholesterol by 27% and lowered LDL levels by 10%, while also improving antioxidant status.

Lastly consuming Kale could be anti caner vegetable. One of its substances or compounds is sulforaphane This is a substance that has been shown to help fight the formation of cancer at the molecular level. Kale also contains indole 3 carbinol also kniown as DIM which is used in patients cancer especially breast cancer.

There is no reason not to conmsume kale.

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 6, 2021 LUMBROKINASE

There are natural alternatives to allow the blood to become thinner. Of course there is a role for wafaron and anti platelet drugs in the field of medicine. All medications although are beneficial can have side effects and complications

For years I have recommended nattokinase fromt he fermented plant as well as garlic, ginkgo, and omega 3 fatty acis.

Lumbrokinase, a combo of six enzymes sourced from earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus ) , is known for its ability to support healthy blood flow, and heart and brain health. There are many enzyme in the body that are not just for digestion. I do recommend digestive enzymes as well as Creon .

Fibrinolytic enzymes also help remove fibrin, a clotting material that your body makes that can restrict blood flow in your arteries and connective or muscle tissue.

Fibrin can affect your heart and muscle health, and as you’ll soon see, the general well-being of your entire body.

While there are no guidelines for the appropriate use of lumbrokinase, most manufacturers recommend taking between one to two capsules daily; the dose can vary by brand, ranging from 20 to 40 milligrams (mg) on average.

Consult your health care practitioners about taking this supplement. It should not be taken with any other anti platelet drug or warfarin until consulting your doctor.

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 5, 2021 A NEW WORLD

The topic of conversation these days is “ Did you get vaccinated ?” or “ Which vaccine did you get “

Many private companies are also considering limiting their services to vaccinated-only patrons. We have not heard about travel restrictions yet. Currently you must get a COVID test 3 days prior to travel to most areas internationally, This is also true flying domestically. Airlines have not decided on restrictions yet. I say “ yet” as I feel there will be mroe and more restrictions. These restrictions will be for non vaccinated individuals.

As of March 22, 2021, Krispy Kreme shops around the U.S. will dole out free doughnuts to patrons who can prove they’ve received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. This is ridiculous . Let’s try NOT to promote diabetes and obesity which these free donuts will do.

it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be asked to prove your vaccination status in order to carry on with your daily life, and you should be thankful there are big tech geniuses out there who can ensure maximum efficiency and ease of use of such a system. There is such a system in place . There is an App - NYS Wallet. Once you put in your name and date of birth you gat a card on your phone ( for those that have been vaccinated ) I am sure you will have to show this instead of carrying your paper vaccination card with you.

Possibly this NYS Wallet App will allow people to be scanned before entering certain buildings etc. Will it be used to get into a Broadway show ? Who knows. The world has changed. COVID was the reset button of many more rules and regulations to come

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 2, 2021 EYE CARE

On the cover of The Townsend Letter this month is my friend/colleague Dr Marc Grossman He has been in the integrative field for more than 35 years. His web site, www.naturaleyecare.com and www.visionworksusa.com has been instrumental in helping patients deal with their common eye ailments/conditions.

His Natural Eye Care, Your Guide to healthy vision and Healing is a 800 page landmark guide empowers you as the individual at any age to take better care of your eyes and protect your vision. He has certainly helped me throughout he years .

I love Dr Grossman because he always thinking outside the box. He will discuss glaucoma or any eye condition in relation to supplements/herbs as well as conventional treatments. He will discuss managing stress, using chinese medicine modalities as well as acupuncture. He gives insights into homeopathy and microcurrent stimulation for glaucoma.

I urge you to get his book. Look at his website and learn about your eyes

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 1, 2021 THE NATURAL APPROACHES

As i am very familar with conventional medical treatments I am equally able to discuss natural approaches and remedies. For example while many practitioners use antibiotics, inhalers, etc for the common flu, allergies and sinuses, I use herbs, essential oils , homeoathy and suggest acupuncture.

I utilize essential oils for many individuals with allergies and sinus conditions. I love essential oil of eucalpytus or cloves. I persoanlly use lemongrass . Many practitioners have used Thieves oil which is a combination of six essential oils, with cinnamon and rosemary being included in the 6. Lemon essential oil is used as an anti viral and anti bacterial . Rosemary oil is good for the respiratpory tract

For alergies I usually recommend nettle leaf tea and a bioflavinoid called quercitin. I always do allergy testing for both environmental and food . I use Ig E for environmental and Ig G for food allergies. For cough I use elecampe and hore hound. Many think of elederberry. I included it in a tea but it is usually not the main ingredient

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 31, 2021 MILK THISTLE

I think most people think of Milk thistle as an herb just for the liver. There are numerous studies on the benefits of this herb. One of the twin epidemics, diabetes can be helped with milk thistle It does support healthy sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.

Millions of consumers use this herb to support their liver, especially if consuming alcohol. It supports liver health. One of the most common uses of milk thistle is to treat liver problems.

Other uses include:

  • Promotes skin health. ...

  • Reduces cholesterol. ...

  • Supports weight loss. ...

  • Reduces insulin resistance. ...

  • Improves allergic asthma symptoms. ...

  • Limits the spread of cancer. ...

  • Supports bone health.

    Until tomorrow…

MARCH 30, 2021 IT IS NOT OVER YET

Dont be so quick to take your mask off—the pandemic is not over yet. The numbers are rising. There still is a vulnerable group not vaccinated — those that are less than 50 years in age and those that do not want to get vaccinated. There is an expected surge in cases as state officials lessen the restrictions. I think this is a bad idea

There are 4 vaccines on the market There are side effects and reported deaths . In the United States we have not had the Astra Zeneca vaccine. This is available in Europe and in other countries It has been reported that this vaccine is responsible for 77 % more adverse effects and 25 % mroe deaths. This was reported by 19 European countries- There have been reports of deadly blod clots. It reminds me of the deaths in individuals in the emergency room at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. At an Oslo Sweden Hospital the death of 3 individuals from blood clots has been reported caused by the Astra Seneca vaccine WE do not have Astra Seneca approved int he United States. There needs to be clarification about this vaccine as more is revealed

I feel it is ineviatable that no matter what age ( exception children and infants ) — you will get vaccinnated. Currently it is your choice. I do not know how long that will last. Being vaccinated and then actiing iresponsibly by not wearing a mask is WRONG. From my readings and resdearch there is another virulent strain sweeping across the United States This will be the fourth surge to cause deaths. Be Responsible

Until tomrorow…