DECEMBER 8, 2022 OPUNTIA

Harry and David, a company that sends fruit send fruit throughout the year. I always get baskets of fruit - mainly apples and pears at this time of the year. This fruit is referred to as 'nopal" in Mexico. In South America this fruit is known as 'tuna" ( not the fish) It is cultivated and domesticated for the fruit, known as Prickly Pear ( Opuntia )
At this time of the year you might have a species of Opuntia in your house. Yes, in your house. The species is called Opuntia leptocaulis. It is the Christmas Cactus. My mother loved Christmas Cactus. After my mom died my father always had one around the holiday time. I have two in my Connecticut home

For the adventurous, Opuntia can be made into jam and jellies. Italy also produces a after dinner liqueur from Opuntia.

It was not mentioned in James Duke Handbook of Medicinal Plants of the Bible. Some cultures eat the cactus pads especially when the plant is young. I personally have never tried eating the pads. So another 'yet' is added to my wish list.
All plants have some chemical constituent that may or may not be medicinal. In Opuntia it is betaines and flavonoids. These are two of the finest anti-oxidants. Beta carotene and lutein (used for eye problems) are also found in Opuntia. Minerals, amino acids and sterols are also found in these plants.

For those that drink and suffer from hangovers and 'kiss the porcelin' sometimes, you will happy to know that old folklore claims that Opuntia is the hangover cure.

If you haven't noticed while walking in both New York City and other cities throughout the United States, We are in the midst of two great epidemics, Diabetes and Obesity. These twin peaks will lead to heart disease. There are millions of Americans walking around with pre-diabetes. This is also known as Syndrome X, Insulin Resistance or Metabolic Syndrome. The pathology in Metabolic syndrome involves elevations in all lipids, especially the triglyceride level (TG) and glucose ( sugar) plus a resistance to insulin (high 1 hour and 2-hour insulin level)

Opuntia does exert his metabolic effects on Insulin Resistance. Other countries market Opuntia by other names. The French studied Opuntia with results stating that within 14 days there will be a decrease in total cholesterol (TC), Low density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides (TG).

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 7, 2022 ESSENTIAL OILS

Since the beginning of time man has used scented products in bathing, massaging religious ceremonies and well as personal grooming for hair and skin. Physicians int he 10th century learned to distill oils from plants and thus we have Aromatherapy. This particular field has made an enormous leap into the consciousness of mainstream allopathic medicine as well as the mainstream consumer market. It does depend where you shop. It is a booming business of greater than $300 million, and I could see easily quadruple in the next ten years. Essential oils can be extracted from a variety of plants, including and not limited to citrus fruits, herbs, spices and shrubs. Most people think these oils can sedate and relax. This is true. I have used some that refresh and even stimulate my body. These oils have healing powers when used correctly. The definition of an essential oils are natural volatile substances that evaporate easily releasing aroma into the air. The easy method to fragrance a room is by means of a vaporizer or oil burner. There are 3 important things everyone should know about essential oils.

1. Never take the essential oil INTERNALLY ( There are some companies where you can as DoTerra and Young Living )
2. Always use the oil DILUTED
3. Do not use the same oil a lot : ROTATE

THE USES OF ESSENTIAL OILS:
 Air freshening
 Bathing | Amount of essential oils to use in bath
 Compresses
 Foot and hand baths
 Hair care | Amount of essential oils to use in shampoo
 Jacuzzis
 Massage | Amount of essential oils to use in massage blend
 Saunas
 Showers
 Sitz bath
 Skin care | Amount of essential oils to use in creams
 Steam inhalations
 Vaporization

Most know the tree oils better than any other category. The tree oils consist of the popular, Eucalptus, Cedarwood, Tea tree, Pine and Sandalwood.
The herb and spice oils are Peppermint, Nutmeg, Ginger, Clary Sage and Majoram.
The shrub and vine oils are the popular Lavendar, Juniper, Geranium, Rose and Rosemary. I prefer Jasmine oil as it can lift the mood as well as relax.
Jasmine oil is extracted from Jasminum officinale Although expensive, Jasmine essential oil does more than just smelling exquisite - it deeply relaxes, lifts depression and boost confidence. It has been used to ease childbirth, helps with sexual problems, sooths coughing and tones and improves skin elasticity.

The self-esteem task for today is to get a massage by a therapist who uses essential oils.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 6, 2022 THE NUTS

So before the cheese dishes and before the main entree you might put a bowl of nuts before your guests. Which types of nuts do you use ? Do you think it makes a difference? Well, there should be no peanuts. Nuts are an excellent source of B complex vitamins and Vitamin E. Although Vitamin E can be controversial, it is a very potent anti oxidant. Nuts are also a useful source of protein, but can be high is calories. This means you cannot eat a bagful or handful(s) in one sitting.
Here are some nut facts:
1. Brazil nuts - high in saturated fat, but low in cholesterol. Rich source of selenium
2. Chestnuts - usually seen at this time of the year- Holidays; very little fat but high in potassium.
3. Pecan nuts - high in fat; I prefer you do not eat a lot
4. Walnuts - great source of omega 3 fatty acids ( better than almonds) They are also useful for inflammation especially of the joints. Walnuts are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc , copper and selenium

In my childhood after the main dinner came the nut and fruit platters. The nut crackers were put on the table. Then the espresso pot went on the stove and the pastries. It was a wonderful time of my life when 30 people gathered around the table. I miss those days
NEVER eat a rancid nut as they are linked to formation of free radicals.

DECEMBER 5, 2022 NATURAL MEDICINE CABINET

Some of us want to have antibiotics in the medicine cabinet--just in case. I feel everyone should have a home healing medicine cabinet. There can be an Ayurvedic medicine cabinet, a Chinese herbal medicine cabinet, an aromatherapy medicine cabinet and finally, my expertise, a western herbal medicine cabinet. There are two shelves in my hall closet filled with tinctures and dried herbs. My herbal closet has the following herbs (and a lot more):

1. Elder - for cough/sore throats

2. Meadowsweet - for indigestion

3. Stinging nettles - for sinus congestion

4. Valerian - for stress

5. Skullcap - for tension

6. Echinacea - for cold/flu and congestion

7. Chamomile - for nervous stomach and sleep

There is another type of medicine cabinet that has passed on from generation to generation even within your family. This is the traditional home or Folklore Remedy Medicine cabinet or "Kitchen cabinet"

1. Garlic - fresh garlic should be in every household. This is great for intestinal infections

2. Wild flower honey - As a beekeeper I find this essential. It is great for the flu. Great for sore throats, and can be applied to cuts and scrapes.

3. Celery - For those individuals with always feeling he/she has to go to urinate. This is called cystitis. You can use fresh celery or celery seeds. A colleague uses celery for headaches.

4. Cabbage leaves - great to apply to infected hair follicles, boils or carbuncles. The cabbage draws out the infection. Place a gauze pad over the fresh cabbage leaves over the wound. Cabbage can be crushed and applied as poultice to a hot swollen joint. Useful for the gouty joints too.

5. Cinnamon sticks - It is very useful for the patient with an unstable blood sugar . It is also used for colds and indigestion.

Until tomorrow

DECEMBER 1, 2022 POMEGRANATE JUICE

Was it an apple or the pomegranate in the Garden of Eden ? There is much debate over this. Pomegranate (Punica granatum, Lythraceae) fruit contains various bioactive compounds that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may improve biomarkers of CVD. I use pomegranate seeds as a natural aromatase inhibitor helping men increase their testosterone levels. Cardiovascular disease is still the numebr one killer in the United States. I try and read many different articles to help my patients in the best way I can.

A r study was published two years ago in the HerbalGram of The American Botanical Council. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a persistent abnormality in kidney structure, function, or both for at least three months. The disease, commonly attributed to type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, is classified by the degree of renal dysfunction as measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). End-stage renal disease (ESRD) or renal failure is the final stage of CKD, which can be fatal in the absence of renal transplant or hemodialysis (HD). The disease process of CKD increases inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, putting patients at significant risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). I found the article informative, useful and knowledgable.

Based on their findings, the authors conclude that eight weeks of PJ consumption may have beneficial effects on blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL-C in patients receiving HD. Moreover, PJ consumption elicited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as evidenced by increased TAC and decreased MDA and IL-6 in these patients.

There were good outcomes and data obtained.

Until tomorrow… Eat a pomegranate

NOVEMBER 30, 2022 GALLERI MULTI CANCER EARLY DETECTION

The Galleri multi- cancer early detection test is recommended for adult patients at an elevated risk for cancer, such as those ages 50 and above. Cancer screenings as for , cervix and colon are very important because the earlier the cancer is detected the greater the chance that we can successfully treat it

Galleri is indicated for ages 50 years and older. This test should be used in addition to recommended cancer screenings above

The Galleri tests that can identify a cancer signal across more than 50 types. It is done through a routine blood draw. I would add the Galleri test to your routine cancer screenings. The test is supported by large scale clinical studies However it should be noted as with other screening tests, false positives and false negatives can occur.

What can you expect from this test ? Either a cancer signal is NOT detected, or a Cancer signal is DETECTED When detected this means there is a suspicion of cancer. The practitioner then should do a workup depending on the type of cancer signal detected. This could include diagnostic testing

This is NOT a genetic test This tests current signs of cancer in your blood. The test does cost $949. I will tell l you the company offers payment plans for those that do not have the initial up-front cost It is not covered by insurance at this time It is new to the market, but I have been talking about it for more than 1.5 years.

Get your Galleri test today. Be Proactive Be Preventative

Call out office to schedule your test 212 421 3202

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 29, 2022 RESVERATROL

One of the most important welldiscussed anti-aging nutrients is resveratrol. It is found in red wine, the skin of unripe young red grapes, grape seeds and even in peanuts. It is also found in two herbs, one, is Polygonum cuspidatum and the other is Senna quinquangulata. These are Chinese and South American, respectively. Polygonum cuspidatum, is also known as Japanese knot weed The flowers are valued by some beekeepers as an important source of nectar for honeybees, at a time of year when little else is flowering. Japanese knot weed yields a mono floral honey, usually called bamboo honey by northeastern U.S. beekeepers, like a mild-flavored version of buckwheat honey . See everything comes back to the bees.
The young stems of knot weed are edible as a spring vegetable, with a flavor similar to mild rhubarb.If you a history of kidney stones I would caution you since this plant contains oxalates. Oxalates can be a cause of your kidney stones. This plant can also aggravate rheumatism, arthritis, gout, or hyperacidity.
Is your resveratrol from grapes or knotweed. Check the label. Both Japanese knot weed and giant knot weed are important concentrated sources of resveratrol, replacing grape byproducts. I use lots of Japanese knotweed for treatment against Lyme disease Many large supplement sources of resveratrol now use Japanese knot weed and use its scientific name in the supplement labels. The other source is Senna quinquangulata. Senna is a genus of flowering plants containing at least 260 species, although only about 50 species are commercially important. Most species are native to tropical regions of the world, but a few grow in temperate regions. Herbalists most often prescribe senna leaf tea as a laxative. S. quinquagulata is the another source of resveratrol. The various research studies on resveratrol are impressive. It is a powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and some have used it against some cancers. Resveratrol even has an anti-platelet effect. I have seen other doctors use resveratrol for cholesterol lowering effects. I use plant sterols, guggulipids, policosanol, green tea and red rice yeast for their cholesterol lowering effects. New studies indicate that resveratrol reduces the risk of colorectal cancer . Other studies state resveratrol can slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. More studies need to be completed. What is the correct dose for resveratrol ? Who knows. I suggest doses greater than 250 mg.

Stop aging. Follow the anti aging tips and take one resveratrol per day.

Until tomorrow…

NOVEMBER 23, 2022 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES

From WEB MD

“ Nov. 21, 2022 -- Lab-created monoclonal antibodies, once a leading way of protecting people against COVID-19, are being sidelined because they don’t work against a growing number of coronavirus variants.

"Monoclonals had their day, like the Model T or the biplane," Carl Dieffenbach, director of the Division of AIDS at the National Institutes of Health and lead of the NIH's Antiviral Program for Pandemics, told NPR. "Now it's time to move on."

More than 3.5 million infusions of monoclonal antibodies have been given in the United States since first being authorized in 2020 before COVID vaccines were available, NPR reported. 

Monoclonal antibodies are created in a laboratory and work like the natural antibodies your body makes to fight illness. For COVID-19, they’re designed to bind to spike protein on the virus’s surface, stopping the virus from invading human cells. 

But the monoclonal antibodies designed for one strain of COVID may not bind to the spike proteins of other strains. Many companies stopped making monoclonal antibodies because they don’t want to spend millions creating a product that will be quickly scrapped, NPR said.

This is a problem for millions of people with weakened immune systems who may not respond well to COVID vaccines, The Washington Post reported. Those people need antibody therapies for protection.

Last January the FDA revised its emergency use authorization for two monoclonal antibody combinations to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19, because they are not effective against the dominant Omicron variant. The drugs were for bamlanivimab combined with etesevimab from Eli Lilly and casirivimab with imdevimab from Regeneron. “

Most have had COVID or been vaccinated or been vaccinated and had COVID. I feel we should have a good immune system I advocate patients taking daily Vitamin D, methylated B12, zinc, N acetyl cysteine or reduced gluthathione, and liposomal Vitamin C to prevent COVID. If you get COVIUD while on these supplements, the illness will not be as bad. Consult your health care practitioner

Until tomorrow