JUNE 15, 2022 YOUR SKIN

What is the largest organ in the human body? If you answered the colon or the liver , you are wrong. The largest organ in terms of surface area and weight is THE SKIN, which is the most overlooked. Our skin is a fluid barrier, a major source of sensory input, a temperature controller, ands a contributor in the immune system.
Do you take care of your skin? First of all hydration is the first key point. You must drink water every day - about 8 glasses of 8 oz of water/day. There are many stressors to the human skin. These ar environmental . By this I mean the weather, the sun and the pollution. We live in a toxic world. Many illnesses first manifest their problem on the skin. This is especially true of some internal cancers. This is also apparent when we discuss candida overgrowth.
It is said but 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer. Is this due to lack of vitamin because of skin sun screeners or not enough and you are spending too much time in the sun. We do know that melanoma is on the rise in the last decade by 20-30%.
The fastest growing industry is the cosmetic industry. This is not only for the women, but equally for the men. More cosmetic products for men are now on the shelves. Did you know that by age 50, the average female will spend at least 250,000 on hair and facial products? Look what some individuals pay for their hair color and haircuts. It can be a bit outrageous, but we are a country of ' how we look on the outside.' If we ingest supplements/herbs and vitamins for the inner self, we should start helping the outer beauty with vitamins. So this is what the cosmetic industry is doing. Cosmeceuticals are products that have some medicinal benefits depending on what you put into the product. Organic and natural are different labels. The word natural follows no standard ands has no regulatory agency, as the word , organic does.
Many skin products use the word anti-oxidants, or anti aging. Be wary of these labels. What actually is in the product. One of the first doctors who made a skin care line was Dr. Perricone. I believe he was the first to add Vitamin C or ascorbic acid to his products. It has been shown that skin products with absorbic acid revealed an increase in skin density, this having a protective effect. There are many cosmetic companies now using soy in their products as soy contains phytosterols which are potent anti - oxidants.

The one herb that has been recently added to skin products is Feverfew. This is most commonly associated with migraine prevention and arthritis. Feverfew does have anti-inflammatory and anti oxidant potential. It is effective in reducing the redness of the skin. Feverfew is part of the daisy family. One plant I always utilize in skin conditions is the pot marigold also known as Calendula.

One of the most studied and researched plants is Camella sinensis, also known as Green tea. tea is consumed only second to water in most countries. Today I am delighted that more Americans are consuming herbal teas, especially Green, Oolong, White and Black tea. The polyphenol in green tea, especially, EGCG inhibits collagenase activity and increases collagen formation.
Studies have shown that topical green tea applied to the face inhibits ultraviolet-induced erythema and decreased DNA sun damage to the skin. You probably have seen green tea or EGCG added to the most expensive cosmetic products.

You also may start to see the following herbs added to some skin products. These include
Punica granatum, commonly known as Pomegranate, Coffea arabica, known as the Coffeeberry and Euterpe oleracea, known as the Acai berry.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 14, 2022 BANANAS

Most Americans consume a banana at least once a week and some consume bananas every day. In the 1600’s the Spainards grow banans in south Florida, but it is not until Carolus Linnaeus , the father of taxonmy dubbs it the wise fruit otherwise known as its botanical name, Musa sapentium

The health benefits of a daily banana cannot be underestimated There is lots of potassium. Eating one banana a day is good for balancing the sodium and potassium in the body thus helping the heart function. This balances your blood pressure

The potassium in bananas has been stated to prevent kidney stones. Suppressing calcium excretion in your urine prevents stones from forming. Therefore this calcium can be used to preserve your bones. A banana does contain sugar so it can be used as a form of energy . Consuming a banana before a work out can be beneficial Great 3 pm snack with peanut butter ( Hint !)

Due to its fiber content it aids ( like other fruits with fiber) in digestion Bananas also contain prebiotic oligosaccharides which is the food for the good bacteria in your gut ( microbiome ) Also by eating a banana a day you get your daily requirement of B6 It is said that bananas act as a barrier for HCl production which can indigestion and ulcers.

There is no downside to eating a banana now and then. I don’t think you should sing “ There are no bananas today” This was an actual song written in 1923 by Irving Cohen and Frank Silver. The song was popularized by Eddie Cantor

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 8, 2022 A TOXIC WORLD

Over the years I have learned a lot. I do the right things- a good dietary lifestyle, a mild to moderate exercise regimen, take the appropriate supplements and herbs and mind my own business ( sometimes) But then something totally out of my control could possibly step in and cause a catastrophe. The catastrophe could be an illness, a divorce, and even a death . The recovery from the catastrophe is hard, but can be rewarding. Recovery from the catastrophe might have its own repercussions. The recovery is multifaceted.

On top of all that recovery there are toxins in our bodies which need to be removed. This involves another life -style problems. It is not as easy as removing the toxic people in your life. Detoxification involves the removal of harmful toxins that build up in your body over time in the liver, kidneys, colon and lymphatic system. This involves getting testing for heavy metals, mold, and toxic chemicals. Once these toxins are identified I then must cleanse my body and rid my body of these using different intravenous therapies.

To detoxify these toxins I have many different intravenous therapies as IV chelation therapy, IV phosphatidyl choline and IV vitamin C. Since I specialize in Integrative Medicine I have done each of these therepies over the years. The most consistent one has been intravenous glutathioine.

The striving for the removal of these toxins was a necessary step towards good health. In addition, I use bee venom. On a weekly basis I have my son sting my spinal nerves on my back * in acupuncture points ) with live bees. I receive anywhere between 8-18 stings. Why do I do this ? Bee venom is anti inflammatory and an anti oxidant containing many beneficial substances to improve my health. In addition most beekeepers ( for which I am ) live into their late 90’s and older

Until tomorrow…

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

1. Getting sick all the time is a sign of deficiency. Your immune system is low

2. When you are fatigued all the time

3. Your muscles always feel sore

4. You are losing hair

5. You bone density ( Dexa scan ) is low

6. You feel melancholy, ‘ blue’ or depressed

After checking levels I am a proponent of starting a vitamin D regimen I typically use 5,000 per day. I know it seems a lot but studies warrant the use especially when low vitamin D levels are linked to risk of heart disease. I usually prescribe Vitamin D with Vitamin K in liquid or emulsion form

Have your Vitamin D checked today

Until tomorrow

MAY 31, 2022 MARIJUANA

~ A little wine sometimes, that's all. Spirits are bad. Alcohol wrong. Herb does grow. ~

~ Herb is the healing of a nation, alcohol is the destruction. ~

~ When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself. ~

All three quotes on the 'herb' are from Bob Marley. From the three I get the feeling that Mr. Marley was not a drinker but a smoker. I feel that every baby boomer has tried marijuana at least once. Every one gets a different effect from this herb. I know individuals who still smoke marijuana daily. I know people who haven't smoked since their college years. I know people in their late 80' and 90's who enjoy puffing a joint for their glaucoma. Is marijuana as addictive as alcohol or cocaine ? Does it help with the introverted personality? Do people ever get paranoid after smoking? What about the munchies? Today we live in a different world. It is legal in over 20 states within the USA There are medical benefits to using THC


Cannabis, also known as marijuana (sometimes spelled "marihuana" ) among many other names, refers to any number of preparations of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug. The major psychoactive chemical compoundin cannabis is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly abbreviated as THC). Cannabis contains more than 400 different chemical compounds, including at least 66 other cannabinoids (cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), etc.) which can result in different effects from those of THC alone.

Cannabis is one of the earliest cultivated plants. Cannabis has much versatility. It has been used as food, fuel, fiber, medicine and as a religious sacrament. Today, cannabis is used by inhalation. All other routes of administration have been used from anal to oromucosal delivery. Historically, cannabis has been used in various ways. There are three main forms and named by their Indian names

1. Bhang - seeded mix of flower tops
2. Ganja - seedless unfertilized female flower tops
3. Charas - resin from sifted flowers ( also known as hashish)

Cannabis used medically does have several well-documented beneficial effects. Among these are: the amelioration of nausea and vomiting, stimulation of hunger in chemotherapy and AIDS patients, lowered intraocular eye pressure (shown to be effective for treating glaucoma), as well as general analgesic effects (pain reliever). There are other studies to document medicinal use. One study on cannabis discussed improvement in night blindness after ingestion of cannabis while another study cited effective improvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis. We do know that cannabis smoking is detrimental to periodontal health.

Until tomorrow…