Curcumin is a potent anti-oxidant from tumeric ( Curcuma longa ) , a herb or traditional spice. It is often used in Middle Eastern cooking. Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory and chemoprotective activities. It is currently being studied by the National Institute of Health ( NIH) Numerous studies have shown that curcumin has strong NFkB inhibiting properties. This NFkB plays a crucial role on many chronic inflammatory conditions, especially the gastrointestinal conditions, as colitis, ulcerative colitis, andf Celiac Disease. The NFkB is strongly associated with cell death and including the expression of other mediators as COX-2 and i NOS. Curcumin does also inhibit growth factor beta and fibrogenisis,. These good benefits have shown to be positive markers and assist in help with Crohn's Disease.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2022 HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids can be particularly painful whether internal or external. Hemorrhoids are nothing more than a dilated vein. Studies show hemorrhoids are common, yet only 4 % will seek medical attention. Some rely on the over-the-counter medications as Preparation H for treatment. There are botanical treatment that are very useful. I have used Butcher’s Broom ( Ruscus aculeatus ) and Horse chestnut ( Aesculus hippocastanum ) for use for internal hemorrhoids. The benefit of both these herbs is in the fact each contain saponins. In the case of Horse Chestnut these are called escins or aescins. These plants also contain flavinoids and tannins. Both are great for inflammation. Most herbal preparations for hemorrhoids contain the ever common Witch Hazel ( Hammamelis virginiana ) The leaves and bark are wildcrafted for medicinal use. Both leaves and bark contain tannins as well as catechins. I know the average patient thinks of this herb as a topical treatment . It can be used as a decoction.
One herb I have never used for hemorrhoids is Stone Root ( Collisonia canadensis) I have seen it used by elder herbalists with more experience than myself. It is a nonaromatic mint family herb. Who knew ! It has been used when a patient has signs of congestion I couldn’t find research on stone root.
Until tomorrow…
SEPTEMBER 27, 2022 COUGH REMEDIES
As the Winter approaches we become increasingly aware of the cold and flu season accompanied by a cough. Many of my patients will get the traditional flu vaccine. I do not discourage its use especially if the patient has received the vaccine in the past. I have utilized a homoeopathic flu vaccine that I have administered in my office for the last 20 years. I have never received a flu vaccine . There are many herbs I also utilize for cold and flu with a cough. I do not typically use the standard herbs you might know as Echinacea. I use Elderberry but not as often as you might think. I do use Elecampagne and Horehound.
There is another herb which I use which is not commonly discussed. This is Coltsfoot ( Tussilago farfara) You start to see the flowers of this Daisy Family plant when the snow is barely melted. I have always found it useful as a cough medicine. The flowers and the leaves are used. It has been used with great benefit in emphysema ( COPD) and another condition called silicosis. These conditions do have a persistent cough. I use Coltsfoot in these cases as well as inhaled glutathione. The cough of these conditions is usually in the morning. I ask the patients to take this coltsfoot tea before breakfast. There has been controversary of using this tea as when used in small animals it was found to have carcinogenic properties. This never bothered me as the prescriber, because it has never caused any harm to humans
My belief is this —harmful substances can be found anywhere in nature and harmful effects also occur with conventional medicines.
Until tomorrow…
SEPTEMBER 26,2022PUMPKIN SEEDS
As the month of October approaches we start to think about pumpkins ( Cucurbita pepo )and the Halloween holiday. The seeds of the garden pumpkin are cultivated in many forms.The seed of the Far East has medicinal benefits. Where in the Far East these seeds are chewed there is a definite less incidence of prostate disease, The oil of this seed contains many active constituents as beta sitosterol, tocopherols and cucurbitacins.
It has been established through readings and research that only one variety of this pumpkin seed has medicinal value. It is known as Granufink in a preparation .The action consists of increased tonicity of the bladder muscles combined with relaxation of the sphincter. You get decongestion of the prostate and relief in prostatism. There are no known side effect to this preparation. You administers 1-2 tablespoons in cold foods . The same preparation is in another formula called Prosta Capsules. I use a ProstaTone tincture as well as nettle root tea combined with oatstraw and other herbs as saw palmetto. I have seen other herbalists use saw palmetto with echinacea.
There are many herbal treatments for prostate disease that are useful. I would seek out a formula that is right for you
Until tomorrow…
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 YOUR GENES APO E
The ApoE ( or apolipoprotein E) protein is found on chlymicrons and other lipoproteins particles. There are three different known varieties of the ApoE gene ( e2,e3,e4) and six combinations of expressions based on these two alleles. It is now known that the E3/E4 is associated with a higher incidence of atherosclerosis and the Apo E4/E4 is associated with a higher incidence of Alzheimer's Disease ( AD). Testing is straight forward if your doctor knows the right test to do. The test I have done when non covered and now covered by insurance is the Berkley Heart Laboratory Testing. The testing is straight forward - the following genotypes and their recommendations.
There are six possible Apo E genotypes
e2/e2
e3/e3
e4/e4
e2/e3
e3/e4
e2/e4
1. e3/e3 or e2/e4 e3 is considered normal with no associated risk factors
e3/e3 is the most common genotype (60% of the general population
2. e2/e2 or e2/e3 e2 carriers with high cholesterol and TG respond to 'statin' therapy
These carriers do not respond to a low fat diet
e2 carriers have a positive response to drinking alcohol
e2 carriers have a low LDL but a high TG(triglyceride)
e2/e2 more than likely with develop a type III hyperlipoproteinemia
type III hyperlipoproteinemia has yellow plaques - xanthomas
3. e3/e4 associated with high levels of LDL and TG
higher incidence of development of early cardiovascular disease -
may not respond to 'conventional' statin therapy
may do well with a low - fat diet
4. e4/e4 higher incidence for the development of Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia
So what does all this mean ? I would see our doctor , Thea Marx, naturopathic doctor and have your genes examined. Get a comprehensive look at your 23andme, or genomic insight It is a well worth appointment
She will analyze these tests , discuss a dietary lifestyle change based on your blood type . She studied with Dr Peter D’Adamo- Eat Right for Your Blood Type.
Until tomorrow
SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 WHY GREEN TEA
Green tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world and for good reason. It has a ton of health benefits that include reducing inflammation, cancer and diabetes support and improving brain function. For years I have discussed the benefits of green tea ( Camilla sinensis ) Americans do not drink nearly as much green tea as in other parts of the world.
There are bullet point statements about green tea that will make you want to start drinking 1- 3 cups per day.
Supports healthy weight loss
Support good blood glucose levels
Can reduce arthritis symptoms
Prevention of cancer
Can reduce inflammation of the body
Helps lower blood total cholesterol and bad cholesterol levels
Can improve cognition and support memory
Can help reduce anxiety