NOVEMBER 2, 2022 PLANT INTOXICANTS

Vision producing plants is not what you think. These are NOT plants used to help eyesight or vision. These are plants that are hallucinogenic. For those who lived through the late 60's and 70's you know the kind of hallucigenics I am referring to. Well plants also can be hallucogenic. I am fascinated with a book called Plant Intoxicants. I have read it cover to cover. These hallucinogenic plants can be exciting and pleasurable but also terrifying. These types of plants are used in various cultures for sacred rituals throughout the world. Many of these plants are used by shamans who truly understand the effects of these plants.

I approach all plants with respect. I am also a person who appreciates trees for their dignity and strength. I approach 'vision producing plants' with the utmost respect. I believe since working with 7song I have entered into a relationship with plants unlike any other aspect of my career. It is the same relationship I have developed with honeybees. Both of these aspects of my life have broadened my spiritual self.

Some of the names for the hallucinogenic plants are fabulous--Holy Flower of the North Star, Tree of the Evil Eagle, Diviner's Sage, Turbina and Psilocybe (the sacred mushroom)

One herb that has become popular in the United States has been the Diviner's Sage (Salvia divinorum ). You would think that this would be burned as white sage before a ceremonial ritual. The leaves are used for divinity rites (thus its name). Some believe this plant is an incarnation of the Virgin Mary, thus it is also known as 'Herb of the Virgin'. This herb has been used by Mazatec shamans and it facilitates visionary states of consciousness during spiritual healing sessions. It is native to Mazateca of Oaxaca, Mexico. This herb remains legal in most states, although in the last three years states like Texas are trying to regulate its use or ban it. Other states have started calling for its prohibition.

I find it interesting that although discovered and written about in 1939, it was not until the 1990's that any articles appeared on its psychoactive component. I do not understand the other common name of the plant, 'Herb of the Sheppard less'. From my catholic upbringing I have never known the Virgin Mary as sheppard less so there must be another reason. The Mazatec shamans crushed the leaves and drank the extract leaf juice. I am sure you could make a tea concoction. Chewing and swallowing the leaves is another mode of ingestion. It has been written that the effect comes on more slowly and can last 10 - 30 minutes. As with most herbs, smoking is also an option. This would achieve the main hallucinogenic effects rather quickly. The active ingredient, salvinorin A is generally considered inactive when orally ingested as it is deactivated by the GI tract. A tincture could be made and taken with tea. Since tinctures are made with alcohol each tincture will vary based on who prepares the tincture.

I wouldn't party with this herb, but if you wish to gain an insightful spiritual experience you might have found your herb

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 1, 2022 BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS

Hypertension, also known as High Blood pressure, is a real problem in the United States, More and more individuals are being diagnosed. It is because the Joint Commission ) has lowered the definition. By this I mean that a diastolic blood pressure reading of 85 is now considered pre hypertensive. Therefore, more Americans are being treated with blood pressure medications

There are lifestyle changes that be discussed to lower blood pressure. These lifestyle changes include a change in dietary options and increasing exercise. I also discuss the patient’s addictions as well as meditation. Meditation and yoga have shown to be positive changes to decrease blood pressure. Acupuncture also has been cited to lower blood pressure. I also use many herbs and nutraceuticals to lower blood pressure. I am often asked when a patient should take his blood pressure medications. I tell them definitely at bedtime. It is within reason that a blood pressure medication taken at bedtime is better as it takes time for the drug to assimilate and be metabolized. By taking it at bedtime, the medication is allowed to reach its peak between 4 to 6 hours and break down metabolites by early morning This way the patient wakes a lower blood pressure in the morning

Always ask your health care professional when to take medications as well as supplements

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 31, 2022 VULNERARY HERBS

When you think of vulnerary herbs, what do you think of. These are herbs that heal damaged tissue and improve connective tissue integrity. I prefer to use these herbs in my practice as a rea or powder. I have favorite herbs and supplements to heal the gut. The two I use frequently are Slippery Elm and Meadowsweet. I do use others as Marshmallow and even Gota Cola. I do prefer Plantain for external wounds.

Much relief from these herbs can take place within days to weeks. I heal superficially with mucilage vulnerary herbs. Yet sometimes deeper tissue repair like SIBO ( small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and even hard cases of ‘ leaky gut can take months. Improvement happens over time. I talk to my patients about the 4 R’s

1. Remove the offending substance

2. Replace with healing foods

3. Repair with specific herbs and supplements

4. Restore with digestive enzymes

You must remember that every patient is different. There are different diseases but ultimately the ‘Gut ‘ is the pathway to all diseases. Heal the gut and you will heal the individual I use a tea blend called GUTSY which has proven to be an excellent blend to heal the gut

Call Botanical Bounty at 646 723 1823 for GUTSY TEA

Until tomorrow

OCTOBER 27, 2022 MUSHROOMS

There’s so much to say about Mushrooms. The study of Mycology is fascinating. There are many books on the different types of Mushrooms. I became involved in using mushrooms when I studied with the best mycologist in the world- Paul Stamets (located in Olympia WA). Paul has written many books on mushrooms. He has a company called Host Defense where he sells many species as well as other items. also have learned a lot from Christopher Hobbs, another well-known mycologist

It is known as the “Mushroom of Immortality”- Reishi ( Ganoderma lucidem ) this infamous mushroom has been revered for its healing, balancing & vitalizing properties for at least the last 2,000 years! The medicinal properties of this mushroom as well as other species is outstanding. It has well known chemical constituents. These are beta glucans, polyphenols, polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, triterpenoids, terpenes ganoderic acids and lucidenic acid. The beta glucans are antimicrobial as well as helpful at stimulating immune function, enhancing macrophages and natural killer cell function. There are many properties of Reishi mushroom. It is a secondary adaptogen. David Winston RH discusses this mushroom in his book on Adaptogens as well as Donny Yance in his book on Adaptogens

Reishi can promote rest and relaxation means it can broadly benefit the cardiovascular system by reducing excess adrenaline, cortisol, high blood pressure and tension. More specifically it can help ease palpitations, balance blood sugar and its ability to support liver function can help control unhealthy cholesterol levels. The beta-glucans and triterpenoids in reishi help to lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels which can be helpful to diabetics while reducing the risk of heart disease for anyone. Antioxidant rich foods help to reduce the cellular damage of free radicals (a waste product in the body) which helps to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of inflammation related diseases (including cardiovascular diseases).

If there is one mushroom to take daily It is Reishi . You can even try Reishi coffee ( especially if you want to decrease your caffeine load )

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 26, 2022 VITAMIN E

Unfortunately, many people don't get enough of this important nutrient in their diets. I recall my father taking Vitamin E from Puritan Pride every day. It is a vitamin that most of my patients do take. There are signs and symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency.

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.

There are some diseases that are linked to a deficiency in Vitamin D These are anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, and vision problems. In severe cases, it can even lead to neurological problems and death I always prefer patients tro get a vitamin from a food source. Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E. Almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds are all excellent choices. In addition, some vegetables also contain high levels of vitamin E. These include spinach, kale, and Swiss char

Suggested doses include about 400 IU per day. Most of my patients take 200 IU. There is controversy on the amount to take if you have heart disease. To prevent a deficiency, have a good diet with lots of Vitamin E

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 25, 2022 WILD PLANTS

Wild Plants as a food source become even more important and better for one's overall health. I know we as Americans eat too many processed foods. We are saturating our bodies with far too many chemicals. I do not think the food industry even realizes the dangerous effects of these chemicals. The natural health food centers and organic foods are one option, but not always affordable in today's economic climate. Right outside your doorstep are the small farmers who grow organically but cannot afford an organic license. There is also the food co-op in your area. I have talked about food co-ops in the past. If you live outside the city, growing in your yard are the wild plants. Become familiar with the wild plants as these can be a great food source.

One of the 'backyard' plants useful for the treatment of arthritis is Dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ) As discussed previously it is a member of the Daisy Family. It is one of the oldest medicinal herbs. It does have diuretic properties like the conventional drug, lasix or furosemide. It is one of the best known plants for treatment of chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Dandelion works on the interstitial tissue. For my arthritis patients, I prescribe dandelion tea starting in the spring. If you prefer you can get dandelion juices. I prefer the tea as the juice is sweetened with sugar. You repeat this process in the fall. So twice a year ( Spring and Fall ) with a summer and winter of better mobility, less stiffness and decreased tendency for other joints to get sore.

Another herb which I have personally not used is Bittersweet ( Solanum dulcamara ) It is so uncommonly written about that is difficult to find citations of its use. If it is not in the Mosby's Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements, then I know it is not used commonly. When you go from Bilberry to Blackberry in any book--Bittersweet is overlooked. It is not Bitter Melon nor Bitter Orange. It is Bittersweet. Other names for Bittersweet include Bitter Nightshade, Felonwort, and Violet-bloom. It is a vine like perennial herb that has long trailing or climbing stems reaching up to ten feet in length each.
The species name of the bittersweet herb - dulcamara, is a reference to the taste of the berries. The berries initially have a bitter taste and then become unpleasantly sweet as they ripen. This is why it is called Bittersweet. Bittersweet is a native European species; it has been naturalized in America. It has many uses other than arthritis. The bittersweet is very effective when consumed to treat different kinds of skin problems like long term eczema, persistent itchiness on the skin, disorders such as psoriasis, as well as warts. In addition to the other beneficial properties mentioned above, the bittersweet herb has a mildly narcotic effect; it also possesses a diuretic effect. Small doses of the bittersweet remedy are useful in treating problems like dyspnea, cough, and pain in the chest produced by exposure to cold weather. Bittersweet remedies are also useful in relieving catarrhal headache induced by acute colds, and this remedy is also helpful in treating nasal catarrh. Bittersweet contains steroidal alkaloids (including solasodine and soldulcamaridine), steroidal saponins, and about 10% tannins.


Until tomorrow...

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