Yes this is a very hot and controversial topic. My aim is to learn and share as much as I can in my time on Mother Earth. I know what you are thinking? Do I only use raw milk? The answer is no but I am sure I use more than the average person. I am one of those thoughtful committed citizens.
NOVEMBER 7 2022 NATURAL ANTIBIOTICS
We live in a world where conventional antibiotics are used too much There are natural antibiotics found in plants, fruits and even vegetables. The antioxidants in these natural foods help prevent cell damage, and inflammation. Many the damage is caused by bacteria viruses, and fungi. I will never doubt that conventional antibiotics have saved lives. These are effective But you should know there are other ways
These natural agents do NOT require a prescription. You might even have them in your kitchen or cupboard. You can certainly obtain from the neighborhgood health fopod store. You should be familar with these four
One is Garlic ( Allium sativum ) This is a great herb to fight against bacteria and reduce inflammation It is relatively safe. You always read about bleeding effects if garlic is taken too much. I have never seen this side effect
Thje next one is Honey ( for which I am wll versed as a beekeeper)There are many types of honey. The one discussed for wound healing is Manuka honey. All honey can be used for treatment of wounds and burns.
The next two we all have tried for infections These are Oregano and Ginger. Both are herbs. I use ginger for arthritis, and muscle pain It is also great for nausea in pregnancy. Ginger is the best for all types of inflammation. I nice cup of fresh ginger, lemon and honey tea carries a powerful punch
Have these in your kitchen at all times !!
Until tomorrow…
NOVEMBER 3 2022 OLIVE OIL
Did you have your olive oil today? I was probably bathed in olive oil as a child. The vegetable oils that predominantly monounsatured lead to a less cardiovascular risk than polyunsaturated. It was long ago that physicians did recommend those polyunsaturated oils to protect your heart. But as it turns out- That was WRONG. Margarine took the place of butter at that time. That was a big mistake. From research we know better today.
Do they still sell margarine ? I hope not.
The following oils do not pose a threat to the cardiovascular system
1. OLIVE
2. CANOLA
3. PEANUT
4. AVOCADO
There are differences in all four, and the one I prefer and highly recommend above all is OLIVE OIL.
By replacing saturated fat in the diet with olive oil will reduce your LDL ( bad cholesterol). Who can argue with an oil that has been around for thousands of years. Our Italian olive oil from our tree is Extra-virgin.
This is extracted with gentle pressure rather than with heat or solvents.
No matter what you decide , Olive Oil has the best correlation with health. The populations that use olive oil solely and mainly as their cooking fat oil have lower reductions in degenerative disease, cancer and cardiovascular disease. I would encourage you to read Extra Virginity : The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil by Tom Mueller
If you replace butter ( and for those unfortunate that still use margarine) with olive oil you are making the first step to a healthier lifestyle.
So imagine this: combine olive oil in your diet daily with omega 3 fatty acids from good quality fish--and you will have longevity
Until tomorrow
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
Remove the offending substance
Replace with healing foods
Repair with specific herbs and supplements
Restore with digestive enzymes