JULY 5, 2022 LUNGWORT

This two-toned flower changes its color from pink into rose red , violet and blue as it matures, It is beautiful to see. Lungwort ( Pulmonaria officinalis) has dotted leaves which gives a fascinating polka dot look.

Becuase its latin name offcinalis it has medicinal use as well as culinary uses. It goes well in a salad and should be in your edible garden bed

Historically its use goes back to the Bulbonic Plaque in the 1300’s It weas used to treat asthma and respiratory concerns. It is stated in folklore that it can tell who a witch is. It is harvested in spring when the medicinal properties are strong. It is used as a whole died plant or tincture. I use it in a tea blend mixture for lung problems. Itg has been used for skin problems, an eyewash for dry eyes, hemorrhoids, palpitations, and digestiuve problems.

I combine it with elderberry , horehound and elecampane

Call Botanical Bounty for your bag of Lungwort at 646 723 1823

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 30, 2022 DIABETES AND HERBS

We have an obesity epidemic as well as a Diabetes epidemic. These both will lead to Cardiovascular Disease There are many herbs and supplements that can reduce your blood glucose levels. Dietary and exercise lifestyle changes must be implemented and adhered to by the patient if you want to reduce your glucose. In addition there are many herbs that have shown in clinical studies to reduce your glucose thus decreasing your needs for medication and reducing risk of Cardiovascular disease

There are many herbs and supplements that can help., Some of the herbs including cinnamon, fenugreek, bitter melon and gymnema. Some of the nutraceuticals include alpha lipoic acid, chromium, magnesium and vanadium * vanadyl sulfate ) .

Recently a published study looked at hydro alcoholic extract of Stevia rebaudiana and pentacyclic chemotype of Uncaria tomentosa These two herbs are formulated into the product GlucoMedix. Although a small patient group this combination as Glucomedix all six patients had a reduction in glucose.

This is another example although small that natural herbs can serve as an alternative to conventional medications.

I LOVE HERBS

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 29, 2022 KIDNEY STONES

Kidney stones (also called renal calculi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys.

Diet, excess body weight, some medical conditions, and certain supplements and medications are among the many causes of kidney stones. Kidney stones can affect any part of your urinary tract — from your kidneys to your bladder. Often, stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together.

Passing a kidney stone is one of the most unbearable pains ( per literature and my patients’ comments) I have never had a kidney stones. Most patients ask what the causes are. Symptoms vary The type of stones also vary. There was a recent study ( only 10 patients ) consuming black tea. There is a concern that drinking black tea can increase the risk of developing calcium oxalate kidney stones because black tea contains a large amount of oxalate So do some good foods as leafy greens and blueberries.

You must change your dietary lifestyle if you are at risk for stones

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 28, 2022 CHRONIC LYME

Untreated Lyme Disease can produce a wide variety of symptoms. I have many patients that were never treated for Lyme as they didn’t know they were bit. Also, there are another group of patients who were treated inadequately . Some got a negative test from a conventional lab which is actuality was positive

The symptoms for Lyme disease vary depending on the stage of infection. Treatment is generally more effective in early stages of the disease, so it’s critical to get the right diagnosis.

Both at Fratellone Medical Associates and Connecticut Integrative Medical Center I utilize the Stony Brook, IgenX and Vibrant Labs to make the correct diagnosis. I prefer Vibrant as I test for more species of Lyme

The treatment varies . We utilize herbal remedies, IV support bee venom therapy and Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy ( SOT) We have excellent results. You must remember that getting healthy is not solely about killing the bug. We discuss other factors as optimizing sleep, discussing mental and emotional issues, as well as optimizing hydration, nutritional and microbiome support.

Recovery from chronic Lyme takes a multidisciplinary approach New tools continue to emerge, and WE are on top of it.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 27, 2022 THE FORGOTTEN LIMA BEAN

The forgotten bean - You rarely see anything written about the lima bean It is the plant children first learn about in Biology in 6th or 7th grade.

There is nutritional value in lima beans as in other legumes. They are a good source for fiber, and virtually a fat free source of high-quality protein. Lima beans contain soluble fiber, which helps regulate the blood sugar levels, and even lowers cholesterol. Lima beans also prevents constipation and supports those individuals with irritable bowel disease. Lima beans are of great value due to their content of trace minerals. These minerals are molybdenum, manganese, iron, copper phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium. There is also thiamine and folate in lima beans. One cooked cup of lima beans is 216.00 calories with 14.6 grams of protein.

Unlike most other beans lima beans secrete an abundance of nectar. Therefore, honeybees love the lima bean flowers. The nectar is colorless and has a sugar concentration of 42 % - 59%. This is secreted freely the day the petals unfold and very enticing for the Honeybee. In 1949, Pellet wrote in The Hive and the Honey Bee called the honey white gold with a good flavor but granulates quickly. There is also another book, American Honey Plants described the honey as almost water white with fine flavor.

George Ayers in the American Bee Journal many years ago wrote a fine article about The Lima Bean which inspired me to write about lima beans. It also brought back memories of my childhood. His conclusion which is striking and relevant is that if honey bees are important in the pollination of lima beans, why is there very few articles on lima beans.

Until tomorrow

JUNE 23, 2022 SPICE IN YOUR LIFE

As men we need to know our testosterone levels, It is not about your maleness or your sexual libido. It is about that lower free testosterone is a risk factor for heart disease. Recently a reputable heart journal dispelled the myth that the low total testosterone is the risk factor for heart disease. It is the free testosterone that is the risk factor.

So ask your doctor to check your total and free testosterone as well as your prostate specific antigen. The later is important if you a candidate to start hormonal therapy. I am on the fence about testosterone. I do know that anabolic steroids have been abused . There are serious side effects as enlargement of the prostate, prostate cancer, and anger/ agitation . Yet testosterone is needed if the man is depressed and has a low libido ( or sex drive ) It doesn't always to be given in intramuscular shots. It can be given orally or administered by rubbing cream ( androgel or compounded testosterone) into the skin.

There is also another answer. The answer is to block the aromatase enzyme that converts your testosterone to the female hormones as estrone, progesterone and luteinizing hormone. Some of these natural aromatase inhibitors include chrysin and quercetin ( both of which are bio-flavonoids) and pomegranate seeds.

All in all, testosterone is an incredibly important hormone for health, longevity, and vitality – in both men and women. Leading a Primal life, free of excessive stress and peppered with smart, intense workouts, full of healthy animal fats and plenty of vitamin D, should be enough to promote adequate amounts of testosterone coursing through your veins-

NOW we offer the DUO- the low intensity shock wave therapy can increase your circulation to your genital area for both men and women It’s simple- not invasive- The transducer is applied to 5 areas in men and 3 in females for a total of 300 pulses in men per area ( total 1500) and 500 pulse waves to 3 areas ( total 1500) for the session. Each session is about 15 You will need 2 sessions per week for a total of 3 weeks. The success is about 85 % If you are interested we will send a brochure and discuss this treatment option.

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 22, 2022 VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is a supplement that is rarely discussed It has been controversial through the years in regard to heart disease health. It is typically in a multi vitamin and very rarely do I prescribe it. Over the last several years I have read more studies on Vitamin E and have been prescribing for my patients.

Vitamin E is essential for human health, but unfortunately, many people are deficient in this important nutrient. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. It plays a vital role in supporting the immune system, protecting against cell damage, and maintaining healthy skin and eyes. A vitamin E deficiency can cause a number of health problems, including anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, and vision problems.

Patients always ask me I don’t want to take vitamin E but I will use my food as a source of vitamins supplements and minerals The best way to ensure adequate vitamin E intake is to eat a varied diet that includes plenty of leafy greens, nuts, and seeds

There are a few signs of vitamin E deficiency Most are overlooked. One of the most common signs of vitamin E deficiency is dry, flaky skin.

A vitamin E deficiency is rare There are some that are more at risk.

For example, those who have trouble absorbing fat from their diet are more likely to be deficient in vitamin E. This includes people with certain digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.

I would add vitamin E 200 units if you do not have it in your multi vitamin or you don’t eat leafy greens and nuts

Until tomorrow…

JUNE 21, 2022 HAZELNUT

The hazelnut is from the Birch family and its botanical name is Corylus avellana The nuts from these nuts have been cultivated for 2000 years and its origin traces to Asia. The French give the hazel nut a different name—The Filbert Nut

I love hazelnuts for heart health. these nuts contain monounsaturated fats which will help lower your bad cholesterol, LDL and increase the good cholesterol ( HDL) They also contain lots of magnesium which helps potassium and calcium balance. This corrected balance helps with blood pressure and palpitations. By helpng magnesium, you are now helped manage sugar ( glucose) I use lots of hazelnuts in patients with diabetes

As with most nuts—there are lots of antioxidants. Hazelnuts contain manganese which helps all the reactions needed in the body and then better absorption of the antioxidants. I can’t say enough about the benefits of hazelnuts for anemia and even memory

I was always intrigued by hazelnut as it is used in the Italian liqueurs Frangelico and Fratello ( which is part of my surname, Fratellone) and mixed with other spices as vanilla and chocolate. The flavors are extracted in a mixture of alcohol and water. I remember tasting both liqueurs as a child for a Holiday dinner.

I won’t have the opportunity again since todays celebrates 28 years of continuous sobriety. I am a very grateful, blessed and humble human being

Until tomorrow…