OCTOBER 24, 2022 MARIGOLD

Marigold is a popular flower identifiable by its overpowering smell and lustrous golden bloom. This flower graces the beauty of autumn, but it is also abundant throughout spring and summer. I love to plant Marigold in my gardens

Marigold is a prolific spreader that can grow easily from its papery seeds. It is a low-maintenance plant, which makes it a good option for planting in gardens

It does have medicinal properties. I use it as a lymphagogue. It helps drain lymph and edema I use it with cleavers. Recently this weekend I discussed using it with another lymphagogue that I have never used before- violet.

Marigold has many uses. It can be used for Digestive complains as well as intestinal worms
Other uses include

• Respiratory illness
• Mumps
• Fluid retention
• Sore eyes, cataracts, and macular degeneration
• Menstrual disorder
• Sore breast
• Kidney problems and urinary infection
• Bacterial infection
• Rheumatism
• Toothache
• Earache

• Bleeding disorders

After attending and speaking at the 3 rd American Herbal Guild Symposium I urge all naturopaths and herbalists who are not members - to join. Also join the United Plant Savers. I am proud to be a AHG professional member.

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 20, 2022 CURVED PENIS

If you are man with a curved penis, it is difficult to get peaceful, especially during sexual activity. This abnormal curvature of the penis is called Peyronie's disease. The cause is fibrous scar tissue that develops under the skin of the penis. It is not unlike the thick cord that develops across one or both palms of the hands. That condition is called Duputren's contracture. Very few people who have Dupuytren's contracture also develop curvature of the penis.

Research states that Peyronie's disease (PD) is uncommon and affects men between the ages of 40-60. In my practice I find this disease fairly common and I have seen it in younger men as well.

The scar tissue (plaque) makes it painful especially during erections, and thus during intercourse. There is no one specific treatment for Peyroine's although I have used several in my years of clinical practice.

Some of the treatments I have used are:

1. Enzyme formulas especially containing rutin and papain

2. Acetyl L - carnitine - restore male sexual energy function

3. L- arginine - another amino acid that releases nitric oxide, thus vaso dilating the penile vessels. This will still be painful, so I always use #4 with this.

4. EDTA- a chelator, to remove plaque. A chelator is derived from the Greek word chelate which means crab or "to grab onto." I recommend using a rectal suppository weekly to bi weekly for 15 weeks.

5. DMSO -Dimethyl Sulfoxide - this is a transdermal product with anti inflammatory properties that affect the tissue underneath.

6. Gotu kola ( Centella asiatica) - this is an herbal remedy. I have used this red flowered herb that grows in hot swampy areas of Southeast Asia and India more often for children with autism, but I have used it occasionally for PD.It is often called the brain herb. After years of studying herbs, I am not a one herb/one disease practitioner. There are very few herbs I use only in the treatment of a single disease.

7. Cialis 5 mg is a conventional medication that is used on a daily basis

8. Baby aspirin 81 mg is also used daily by urologists

Eric Yarnell, ND from Bastyr University in Washington State. Eric is a a great educator. He is the author many books, and his 2nd edition of Clinical Botanical Medicine is one of my favorites. Eric has used Gotu kola in a cream applied topically to the area of scar tissue with some good results. I believe this works by stimulating the development of blood vessels in connective tissue on the penis. If you improve the condition of the site of injury, blood flow will be enhanced and there will be a reduction in scar or fibrous tissue. According to Eric, results can be seen after 6 - 8 weeks of treatment.

Until tomorrow

OCTOBER 19, 2022 PARSNIPS

The parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a root vegetable related to the carrot. Parsnips resemble carrots, but are paler than most carrots and have a sweeter flavor.The parsnip is richer in vitamins and minerals than its close relative, the carrot. It is particularly rich in potassium with 600 mg per 100 g. Those patients on certain cardiac medications must be careful in eating too many parsnips. If on a 'water pill' or diuretic, the parsnip can be a good source of the potassium you are losing when taking the diuretic. The parsnip is also a good source of dietary fiber.

RECIPE
The taste of warm roasted vegetables makes a great Fall Salad per Martha. She uses roasted shallots, parsnips, carrots and beets, but you can use butternut squash and turnips. Since Wiccans carved turnips for Halloween-use them

For roasted vegetables:
1. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2. 8 baby red or golden beets, peeled and cut in half
3. 8 shallots
4. 4 medium parsnips ( about 1 pound) - peeled cut into 3-inch lengths
5. 6 long carrots ( scrub them good, peel and cut lengthwise)
6. 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary leaves
7. Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Drizzle beets with olive oil. Then bake them at 450 degrees. Let them stand and cool. Cut them in halves. Put the roasted shallots, parsnips and carrots
in a large bowl with remaining oil. Add salt and pepper. Sprinkle with rosemary. You need arugula. Clean well. Dry well. Place in refrigerator for that crispy feeling.

After arugula is ready use a rectangular place, line up arugula. Carefully place all roasted vegetables on the platter.
Sprinkle lightly with vinegar if desired.

Thank you Martha S

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 18, 2022 SAFFRON

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a plant that produces the most expensive gourmet spice known to man. Owe it to its many uses, health benefits, and mostly for its labor-intensive production. The plant was used as a dye since the prehistoric era and later used as a herbal remedy and in making magical potions. The saffron spice comes from the crimson stigma of the flower, sparsely harvested for its culinary value It was used a pigment dye. The Romans, Persians, Greeks ,and Egyptian used this spice

Saffron is often sold as a spice. Have you ever used it in cooking ? I know I haven’t but have tasted food plates with saffron It does add flavor and color to the food

In addition to its culinary benefits, it has many health benefits

Saffron can also treat respiratory and digestive problems and has a host of benefits such as:

• Supporting proper eyesight

• Supporting patients with cancer
• Menstrual relief

It is used to treat sleep disorders. I have used it in patients with heart disease especially high blood pressure. I find its use in digestive and respiratory ailments to be the most beneficial. I have seen it improve libido in both men and women.

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 17, 2022 BURNOUT

This morning while on the train ride to New York City I listened to a podcast entitled How to Overcome Burnout

I found this podcast to be informative on ways to identify it, and how you can help yourself. Also, it discussed how to avoid the negative effects of burnout

With the last 2 years of COVID there has been burnout among health care professionals. During the time I volunteered you could see on the faces of fellow nurses and doctors- the word burnout. Burnout is not a medical diagnosis per Dr Cristina Maslach. She discussed ways your employer can help its employees. I know it was difficult during March 2020 until the Fall 2020 to help the overworked employees at the hospital.

In my own office I as the employer tried to help my staff We decreased the work week from 5 days to 4 days. I feel this was instrumental, I gave employees off to see other practitioners as therapists, acupuncturists, and chiropractors. I offered each to get an intravenous vitamin drip to help their own immune system.

If you own a business, I feel it is our job to protect our employees from the stress of this toxic environment

Until tomorrow

OCTOBER 13, 2022 ESTROGENS

ESTROGEN is a steroid hormone synthesized from a cholesterol precursor. Cholesterol is the parent molecule for many hormones. This is critical for those taking cholesterol reducing drugs called statins. These statins block HMG co reductase so cholesterol is not made. Cholesterol is needed to make progesterone, pregnenolone, DHEA , testosterone and many other hormones.

If you are a man you should continue to read this as estrogen is important for men and women. Estrogen is critical for women for growth and development, reproduction, sex characteristics, fat distribution and libido.

In men testosterone is converted to estrogen via an aromatase enzyme. Thus the more fat a male has may indicate high estrogen levels. Men can use natural aromatase enzyme blockers as chyrsin, pomegranate and quercitin to block this enzyme. This will result in higher natural testosterone levels and less estrogen levels, thus less male fat ( the side fat - all men have no matter how much exercise)

In both sexes, estrogen is important to maintain normal bone mineralization. This will be important so post menopausal women and even men do not develop osteopenia or osteoporosis.

We all should support healthy estrogen balance by optimal gastrointestinal health and balance, taking indole 3 carbinol and exercise. These three can minimize the risks associated with too much estrogen as cancers. I utilize the DUTCH test for hormone levels, I akso use natural hormonal replacement therapy comnpounded from a pharmacy for optimal health

Until tomorrow

OCTOBER 12, 2022 SLEEP

Sleep is an important aspect of your life. We all need to get more sleep, including me. Sleep problems are the hallmark symptom of hypothalamus-pituitary dysfunction. Yes it comes from the brain. Chronic stress affects the usual rhythm of cortisol and melatonin and we develop problems in getting quality sleep.

Sleep is divided into two categories: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. There are four stages of sleep. While we are sleeping we cycle between REM and NREM sleep throughout the night. Usually individuals begin with a cycle of NREM followed by a very short cycle of REM. Your dreams only occur in the REM stages.You must go through the four stages of non REM before entering a cycle of REM sleep is attained and then the cycle begin all over again. I find this very interesting. I am not going to describe all four stages.

I do want to discuss hormonal issues during sleep. It is during the deep stages (III and IV) of NREM sleep that the pituitary gland secretes growth hormone and the body performs the highest degree of metabolic repair. Human growth hormone stimulates the repair and regeneration of tissues, helps with absorption of minerals and muscles and builds bones. So you need your sleep.

The following conditions can result from loss of sleep:

1. Rise in cortisol levels and increased insulin resistance (after just six days of reduced sleep)

2. It will effect the release of thyroid stimulating hormone (this is the hormone that controls metabolism, body temperature, and hair growth)

3. Growth hormone release is reduced and prolonged

To find out why you have poor sleep you can see your doctor. However I am also confident that he/she will prescribe a sleeping agent, as ambien, trazadone or clonezepam.

I start looking at cortisol levels (baseline bloods) as well as saliva testing. In addition, hormonal testing especially progesterone and I also view the melatonin output and timing. These are done by certain labs and provide excellent input for your doctor to assist you in sleeping better. If I do need a sleep agent prior to getting these results I always prescribe a nervine herb or a homeopathic remedy - I prefer a cup of Skullcap or Lemon Balm tea

There is a great Podcast on sleep - How to Sleep for Peak Mental Performance with Dr Shane Credo. It was informative and easy to listen to I suggest this podcast for you

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 11, 2022 HOMEOPATHIC FLU SHOT

DID YOU GET YOUR FLU SHOT THIS YEAR ? I did, but not the regular flu shot you might consider. I have been getting a homeopathic flu shot every year for more than 20 years.

You an still get sick and the flu, with the regular shot if the strains were not matched well with this years strains that result in the flu. I prefer the homeopathic flu shot as it covers more than the strains in the regular flu shot

The CDC ( Center of Disease Control) does ADMIT that the antibody response is lower in populations over 60, thus reducing the shot's effectiveness. This is what the CDC stated yet we push the older population over 60 years old to get the regular flu shot. Why ?

Recent studies show that obese individuals can't count of the flu shot as there is a significant higher decline in influenza antibodies compared to healthy weight individuals.

In absolute terms, it is estimated that the regular flu shot actually only prevents the flu in 1.5 adults out of a 100.

Since the shot does admit to have neurotoxins and carcinogens ( as mercury and formaldehyde) there is potential for long term accumulation and health consequence.

There is great research that shows that vitamin D supplementation can potentially cut the flu risk by 40%. Are you taking your Vitamin D ? You should be taking higher doses on Vitamin D from the Fall to March. I usually recommend 4,000 - 6,000 mg per day. Sometimes I even use much higher doses.

Until tomorrow...