JANUARY 11, 2022 THREE SHOTS OR MORE

If you took three flu shots in less than one year and STILL got the flu, would you start to have serious doubts about the shot’s efficacy?  Would your doubts be justified? 

Why, then, is the COVID shot any different?

People are starting to get restless about should they get a third shot and what if I get mandated to get a fourth shot. There are many unanswered questions

A recent letter from the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet raised this very question by pointing out the apparent lack of effectiveness of the COVID-19 injections. I do not think you could argue with this point. First it was stated and reinforced that getting the vaccine would stop the spread of this pandemic. Currently and certainly that statement is not true. Now – at best – the shot may reduce your risk of severe hospitalization and death with COVID-19, but it won’t stop you from getting it. You can get it with even after having a booster injection. Of course, this brings up an important question: “What is my risk of getting severely sick and hospitalized with COVID-19 anyway, even without the shot?” This risk level is widely different for different people, depending on factors like age and co-morbidities. It depends on the age of the patient as well as co morbidities as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and much more.

A disturbing statement by a group of scientists was issued in Lancet in July 2021 stating that Big Pharma presents the statistics carefully to make the shots seem much more effective than they actually are.

How effective are these vaccines ?

The Lancet wrote this “Vaccine efficacy is generally reported as a relative risk reduction (RRR) . “ The reported relative risk reductions of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID shots as 94% and 91%, respectively.  Sounds impressive.  “However,” the team continues, “RRR should be seen against the background risk of being infected and becoming ill with COVID-19, which varies between populations and over time.  Although the RRR considers only participants who could benefit from the vaccine, the absolute risk reduction (ARR), which is the difference between attack rates with and without a vaccine, considers the whole population”

In other words, absolute risk reduction is how much YOUR personal risk of COVID-19 goes down as a result of the vax (or any other variable in question).  In contrast, relative risk reduction only compares the risk in two different groups of people (e.g., vax vs. unvaxxed).

So I ask again

HOW EFFECTIVE ARE THESE VACCINES ?

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 10, 2022 DANELION

You might think of this herb as it invades your lawn , but it has been used traditionally to treat gastric disorders, hepatic ailments, diabetes and cancer. Its official name is Taraxacum officinale. Its use has led it to be a powerhouse of healing various diseases. There are limited human studies on the use of the herb. When I read this I am a bit offended, as it has been used for centuries. The German E Commission has approved dandelion for its use in those with loss of appetite, dyspepsia and diuresis.

Dandelion has been shown to lower lipids levels and has antioxidant properties. The root has its use as a choleretic, anti-rheumatism, a digestive stimulant, and cholagogue properties.

I have success using this herb for hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. I use it in patients that have liver disorders as hepatitis, fatty liver, and stagnant liver diseases.

So stop thinking of this herb as a weed or a nuisance in your garden Treat it with respect

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 6, 2022 NOVAVAX ? WHERE IS THIS VACCINE

After many patients inquiring about Novavax and reading this article this week I decided to re post it. We are not who I thought we were. I feel vaccines that should be approved like Novovax are not being approved quickly and effectively. Is this because other companies have a monopoly on the vaccine ?

YOU WILL FIND THIS ARTICLE INTERESTING

But what about Novavax's "tried and true" protein subunit vaccine?

Early this year, public health experts told MedPage Today that Novavax -- whose vaccine strategy is used in other vaccines on the market today -- could provide another option to reach the vaccine hesitant.

The recombinant nanoparticle technology used in Novavax's protein subunit vaccine candidate (known as NVX-CoV2373) generates full spike protein, and the vaccine is formulated with an adjuvant to enhance immune response and stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies, according to the company.

The technology is the same as that used in the Flublok influenza vaccine, and is similar to other vaccines that have been around for a long time, like the hepatitis B vaccine.

However, nearly a year later, the Novavax vaccine still isn't available in the U.S. In August, Novavax announced that it was delaying submission of an emergency use authorization (EUA) to the FDA until the fourth quarter.

On December 15, full results from PREVENT-19, Novavax's pivotal phase III trial of its vaccine, were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The company said in an announcement that the trial achieved its primary endpoint of preventing infection at least 7 days after the second dose. Overall efficacy was 90.4% and efficacy against moderate-to-severe disease was 100%. Adverse events were mostly mild to moderate and transient. Severe reactions were infrequent, and there were no safety concerns related to vaccination.

Novavax did not immediately make a member of leadership available for an interview following the publication of the study. However, a spokesperson told MedPage Today in an email that it expects to submit its complete chemistry, manufacturing, and controls data package to the FDA by the end of 2021.

"We still anticipate a significant market need in the U.S. and globally," the spokesperson said.

At the same time, with the mRNA vaccines already saturating the market, it's not entirely clear how the Novavax vaccine will be rolled out or how it will resonate with consumers in the U.S., should it be granted an EUA from the FDA.

Mayank Mamtani, MSc, a senior biotech analyst and head of healthcare research at B. Riley Securities, told MedPage Today that the way to think about the vaccine is as an alternative to the mRNA vaccines. It is a "very strong vaccine," and while it may come late in the game, it has been differentiated, he noted.

"This is a very attractive option to have," he added.

In a December 16 research note, Mamtani wrote that NVX-CoV2373 is "well-suited for COVID's likely evolution into a relatively benign flu-like paradigm," adding that prior NEJM publications included datasets clinically validating that the Novavax platform "maintain[ed] high efficacy despite antigenic drifts, including via the adjuvant-specific effect."

"We view tolerability profile of a vaccine candidate to be a key consideration for use in a post-pandemic environment, where [Novavax] continues to stand out as the least reactogenic vaccine," he wrote.

The Novavax vaccine has made significant strides in other countries.

On December 20, the company announced that the European Commission had granted the vaccine conditional marketing authorization in people 18 and older. They noted that it had recently received an EUA in Indonesia and the Philippines, where it will be commercialized under the trade name Covovax. Covovax also received an emergency use listing from the WHO.

One day later, Novavax said it had initiated a booster study.

The vaccine's extended stability and simple storage requirements of up to 6 months at refrigerator temperatures make it "well suited for global deployment," according to the authors of the NEJM study.

"The efficacy of NVX-CoV2373 in preventing moderate-to-severe COVID-19 as well as any symptomatic COVID-19 in people at high risk for acquisition and complications of COVID-19 will make this vaccine a valuable tool in controlling the pandemic and its most serious health and economic consequences," they wrote.

Even with the trial's promising results, the question remains as to whether the Novavax vaccine will reach more of the vaccine hesitant in the U.S.

JANUARY 5, 2022 COLD AND FLU SEASON: SINUSITIS

Cold and flu season seems to occur all year round these days. Perhaps climate or weather changes are creating more sinus infections. The other possibility is the overuse of antibiotics.
SINUSITIS IS INFLAMMATION OF THE SINUSES. The sinuses are the air filled cavities located in the bones around the nose. When this does occur the sinus swells. This causes a blockage in the channel than drains them. There is a build up of mucous which then discharges through the nose. It creates intense pressure buildup in the sinus areas. It is a usual complication of a virus such as the flu, but can also develop due to tobacco ( even second hand smoke) and air pollution. The sinuses usually involved are the frontal, maxilary and sphenoid sinuses. Maxillary sinusitis can be result of swimming in contaminated water such as a lake. Headache usually occurs if the sinusitis is in the frontal or ethmoid sinuses.

Most of the time the physician will give the patient an antibiotic. Usually today, physicians start with the 'big gun' antibiotics as levaquin or a Z - pack (5 days).

Are there alternatives other than antibiotics? Of course there are. Do not forget that many sinus infections are caused by food allergies especially cow's dairy and wheat. Other possible food allergens can be vinegar and/or vinegar products such as green olives, pickles, and dried fruit. Oh let's not forget peanuts.

There are many Chinese herbal treatments. I prefer Western herbs. I love essential oils infused (one to two drops) in a steam . Remember the vaporizer your mom used when you had a cold? She likely used Vick's vapor rub. I have other herbs that are just as effective. It is better to use a cool mist steamer which prevents mold buildup. These are also not that expensive. Find one that is easily maintainable. I would add one to two drops of one of the following:

1. Tea tree oil

2. Lavender

3. Eucalyptus

4. Peppermint

5. Thyme

A cheaper effective method is add a handful of sage to simmering water on the stove. It fills the air with sage constituents which are antimicrobial. A strong tea of Goldenseal is also helpful. Try one of the following above. If this sinusitis persists and fevers occur, then try an antibiotic. Remember you must take probiotics (the good bacteria) to prevent a yeast infection.

We also tincture my own propolis as Throat Spray. The propolis is from my beehives. We also have a loose herb tea blend called Sickly, as well an ViralTone

All are available at Botanical Bounty Call 646 723 1823 for your tinctures and teas TODAY

Until tomorrow…

JANUARY 4, 2022 ERGOT

Ergot is a fungus that is parasitic on cereal grains, especially rye. The special aspect of this fungus is that it has medicinal properties. Ergot contains many alkaloid substances which have been known to promote contractions in the smooth muscle. Ergot has a historical significance. In the past, if rye bread with the fungus was ingested, this resulted in a poisoning known as Ergotism. This was also known as St. Anthony's Fire. The victims had systemic convulsions and burning pains in both of their limbs. This is depicted in many historical medical texts as well as literature. In 1834 Fuchs found early references to ergotism in Annales Xantenses for the year 857 stating "a great plague of swollen blisters consumed the people by a loathsome rot (gangrene) so that their limbs were loosened and fell off."

Ergot is used in the obstetrical practice. It was initially used in China which quickly spread throughout Europe. Ergot is hemostatic. Ergonovine is administered in post-partum hemorrhage. Ergotamine is also administered with caffeine and used for treatment of migraines.

Until tomorrow..,

JANUARY 3, 2022 YIN AND YANG

"Where there is life, there is hope."

The quote is not from the Chinese but it does sound like the Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). One of the eight guarding principles and the most ancient is the concept of Yin and Yang. I speak to many TCM practitioners who believe that yang becomes yin and yin becomes yang. Everything in the universe is in a constant state of change. Well, that ancient principle will always hold true.

If yin and yang are not balanced, an imbalance occurs. This is reflected in the human body by a variety of body systems. Yin descriptions are as inhibition, deterioration, quietness, and gloominess. I know many of these personality traits in people. Deficiency syndromes like cold are categorized as Yin. Such deficiencies can result in dull aches, pain, chills and even fatigue. The organs that are affected are the heart, lung, liver and kidneys.

Yang is characterized by excitation, restlessness, optimism, and hyperactivity. I know many individuals who could be described as Yang. An excess of yang energy is described as "hot". This results in acute pain, spasm, and headaches. Usually the organs affected are the intestines, both small and large, stomach and the bladder.

Since yin and yang are in a constant state of change, it has been said to have a healthier life- emotionally, physically and spiritually, one needs to be able to always be flexible. A rigid life will not get you far. There is much more to TCM. There are excesses and emotions of the body. I feel that traditional Chinese medicine is the most interesting and complex. I continually read about TCM. I do not practice acupuncture, nor use Chinese Herbs. I use Western Herbs. Some of the Chinese herbs my colleagues use contain some western herbs that I am familiar with. I am learning more about Chinese herbs day by day.

Remember it is a day at a time. No perfection only progress.

Until tomorrow

DECEMBER 29, 2021 ANTI INFLAMMATORY FOODS

Chronic inflammation can lead to many health issues. Low activity ( or not enough exercise), stress and inflammatory foods make this risk even greater. There are many foods that can fight inflammation. We do know some herbs are anti inflammatory as ginger, garlic, green tea, and turmeric.

Berries are anti-inflammatory. Berries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins. We know that berries on a daily basis can increase your number of natural killer cells. Strawberries given to overweight individuals had lower inflammatory markers.

Cruciferous vegetables as broccoli, kale and Brussel sprouts can be anti-inflammatory. Eating these vegetables decrease your risk of heart disease. Broccoli is rich in sulforaphane, an anti-oxidant that fights inflammation by reducing your levels of cytokines and NF-kB which drive inflammation.

Lastly, Bell peppers and chili peppers are loaded with vitamin C and other anti-oxidants that render them anti-inflammatory foods. Bell peppers contain an antioxidant called quercetin while chili peppers contain sinapic and ferulic acid ( which are anti-inflammatory ).

Consume these anti-inflammatory foods in the New Year

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 28, 2021 CURB YOUR CARBS

It Amazes Me how much we eat during the Holidays. Yes, I said we because I did also eat too much during the Holidays. After all it is Christmas and I deserve... You have heard this before. New diet pills will keep coming off the assembly line one after another. Dropping out of programs like Weight Watchers or NutriSystem is so common. For a better path we might look at those success stories who have succeeded in keeping fit, NO MATTER which nutritional track they found to suit them.

I will tell you that those success stories are those individuals who have treated their path as a new dietary lifestyle. Why take an appetite suppressants when there are natural appetite suppressants These natural appetite suppressants, as ginger encourage a healthy communication between cells, thus between organs and thus between systems of the body. I love Ginger ( Zingaber officinalis). It soothes the gastrointestinal tract and helps with nausea. It does slow the gastric emptying so it allows you to feel fuller for a longer period of time, thus suppressing your appetite. Ginger tea reduces blood fats even after eating a meal rich in fat. This is a herb. Sip some ginger tea hot or cold during a meal and see how you feel.

Another herb, Hoodia gordonii has been tauted as the premier appetite suppressant. I have used it with some success. I find it doesn't suppress every one's appetite. It is a genus of 13 species in the flowering plant family Apocynaceae, under the subfamily Asclepiadoideae. It has large flowers and a distinctive smell/
Many Hoodia species are protected plants. Some stopped harvesting Hoodia for two reasons: one as a protected plant ( even if not this species) and the other because our clinical studies revealed that products using hoodia would not meet our strict standards of safety and efficacy.
Only ten years ago, the Botanic Gardens Conservation International stated that "400 medicinal plants are at risk of extinction, from over-collection and deforestation, threatening the discovery of future cures for disease." These included Yew trees, Magnolia trees and the Hoodia species. I heard one herbalist state that there is not enough Hoodia in Africa for the amount of Hoodia on the United States shelves. One can conclude “ are you truly getting Hoodia in your product? “

TIPS/SUGGESTIONS
You could use steel cut oatmeal ( gluten free) which has some protein and fiber to keep you fuller. Using this oatmeal, Bulgar or quinoa which are cooked cereals does lower BMI over time.

Avoid diet soda as they can make you crave

Water is your best friend (of course your pet is your best friend)

Sweet potatoes can lower blood sugar

No one should be on a DIET, instead a Dietary Lifestyle.