JUNE 7, 2022 MOTHERWORT
When its woody pink to white blossoms appear in July it is a favorite for honeybees. For this reason, I plant Motherwort ( Leonurus cardiaca) Motherwort is biennial plant that is part of the mint family. The mint family is one of my favorite plant families for many reasons.
It soothes nervous tensions ( especially in new mothers , thus the name ) It is a relaxing herb. For me as a cardiologist I use motherwort to ease palpitations ( or extra heart beats) It is great for sinus tachycardia or any heart rhythm that is fast.
I use the herb as a tincture and sometimes a tea. The plant has a pungent odor and a very bitter taste.
The herb is also used for tachycardia in a patient with a overactive thyroid ( hyperthyroid) In conventional medicines there are pharmaceuticals ) that slow down thyroid ( and its concurrent palpitations ) Motherwort combined with bugleweed and lemon balm can slow down the overactive thyroid
It is great to put this herb into a oil and use for massages.
Until tomorrow…
JUNE 6 2022 MEADOWSWEET
This an aromatic perennial shrub that can grow 3-6 feet tall. The flowers are present by June which flowers are a cream to yellow umbel. I wildcraft the flowers in June when the plant is dry. I find Meadowsweet ( Filipoendula ulmaria) to be one of the most useful gastrointestinal herbs.
I usually combine it with other gastrointestinal herbs as lemon balm, or marshmallow. I sometimes use Slippery Elm Over the years I have made different combinations. The one that I find the best is what I call Gutsy Tea available exclusively at Botanical Bounty. It is an anti-inflammatory herb .
It can be useful in musculoskeletal injuries and does ease rheumatoid and arthritis pain. For its anti inflammatory effects I combine with turmeric, goldenrod , devil’s claw and even clove
I have a good little secret Grind up the meadowsweet flowers and mix with Epsom salt for a relaxing bath
Call Botanical Bounty at 646 723 1823 for your GUTSY TEA
Until tomorrow…
JUNE 2, 2022 PROPOLIS
Propolis is just one of the products produced by bees. Propolis is medicinal and has been studies for the last century. There were two studies published in the last two years about propolis and COVID as well as other viruses/ Recently I saw an article about propolis in the HerbalGram by the American Botanical Council. For the last 4 years I have tinctured my own propolis from my beehives. I would suggest supporting your local beekeeper as well as the American Apitherapy Society ( www.apitherapy.org )
Propolis is a resinous substance made by the honeybee to protect the hive. Propolis has known antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Propolis contains iron and zinc, which have been shown to promote the synthesis of collagen during the wound healing process.
Periodontal disease is important as it can be an indicator for the development of coronary artery disease There are many studies to support this clinical association between periodontal disease and the heart .
The authors conclude that propolis mouthwash is effective in reducing bacterial proliferation in patients with PD. Further, the authors conclude that propolis toothpaste is a "viable alternative for socket healing after dental extraction and was more effective in controlling the inflammatory process. There were limitations as the small study size
Lisbona-González MJ, Muñoz-Soto E, Lisbona-González C, Vallecillo-Rivas M, Diaz-Castro J, Moreno-Fernandez J. Effect of propolis paste and mouthwash formulation on healing after teeth extraction in periodontal disease. Plants. August 2021;10(8):1603. doi: 10.3390/plants10081603
Until tomorrow…
JUNE 1, 2022 ARE YOU VITAMIN D DEFICIENT
There's a good chance you're vitamin D deficient, especially if you're like most people and spend most of your time indoors. The other reason you may be deficient is because you have ‘ leaky gut’ An insult to the gut as food allergies, chronic infections, candida, or metals can cause intestinal malabsorption If your doctor didn’t check your vitamin D levels —here are some signs that might indicate you are deficient
Getting sick all the time is a sign of deficiency. Your immune system is low
When you are fatigued all the time
Your muscles always feel sore
You are losing hair
You bone density ( Dexa scan ) is low
You feel melancholy, ‘ blue’ or depressed