DECEMBER 15, 2022 NECK PAIN

The neck is particularly vulnerable to problems which can include but are not limited to cervical osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, neck rigidity, locked or stiff neck and neck swelling.

I do see many older patients with degenerative arthritis of the spine especially the neck and lower back . In the younger patient I usually see a locked neck which is over strain of ligaments or muscle spasms caused by an awkward or sudden movement. It can be caused by an unusual position while sleeping

Some of us can take an aspirin, anti inflammatory, or a pain killers for the pain. Local heat does help tense muscles. If the pain is associated with nerves I usually ask the patient to drink celery juice. If I use an essential oil to be massaged into the area to ease the discomfort, I recommend rosemary.

There is one herb you may not think of using for pain as it has been associated with depression. This is St. Johns Wort . I feel this herb has been given a 'bad rap'. It has sedative and painkilling properties and can be drunk as an infusion or even applied to the area. To reduce inflammation I love ginger, white willow and vervain.

My homeopathic friends/colleagues usually recommend the fresh black root from the plant Cimicifuga racemosa. (see photo above)

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 14, 2022 YOUR LUNGS

There are many useful nutrients for the lungs. The most useful are the omega 3 fatty acids. These can be derived from food sources as fish, flax, eggs, walnuts, cod liver oil and chia seeds. You must have your veggies and fruits to get ascorbic acid or Vitamin C.Get plenty of Vitamin A ( beta carotene and beta carotene) from carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, spinach, papaya and peppers.

As far as herbs for the lungs. One of my favorite herbs for lung health is Lungwort. There are many herbs for cough/flu as elderberry, horehound and elecampane

If you do not like spinach for the folate ( folic acid) then eat some other dark leafy greens. You can also have asparagus, broccoli, beets, cauliflower, and lima beans
The vitamin of the last decade is Vitamin D. You need to get fish oils in the diet if you do not like fish.
You must also have a good quality fish without mercury.

I would suggest  www.vitalchoice.com 

 Eat sardines, mackerel and herring
As we age we need more dietary calcium from leafy greens, peas, beans, brazil nuts, hazelnuts and sesame seeds.

The only food source for bromelain is the pineapple

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 13, 2022 TUMERIC

" To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die;  a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted"    --King Solomon

Not everyone will like the taste of a herbal tea blend. The herbal tastes can be bitter, sour, sweet and salty. Examples of bitter herbs are bayberry, sweet bay, fenugreek, thyme vervain horehound and lobelia. Examples of sour herbs are rose hips and many other sour fruits; The examples of sweet herbs are anise, slippery elm, fennel and angelica. The salty herbs are chickweed, okra, mullein, plantain and marsh mellow.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has done extensive studies and research on Curcumin. This is the active component in tumeric. The herb is Curcuma longa. The oral absorption of curcumin is generally poor due to its low solubility and instability in the intestinal environment.
There are many herbs I would use to help regulate the inflammatory response mechanisms and the detoxification enzymes. Both play a crucial role in supporting the cardiovascular , immune, neurological, joint and connective tissue functions.

I use the following the following herbs to maintain a natural balance of the cyclo oxygenase enzymes ( COX 1 and COX 2). I want the body to be in harmony. I want the herbs to scavenge free radicals and save the body.

In addition to Curcumin I would use

1. Rosemary ( Rosmarnus officinalis)
2. Holy Basil ( Ocimum tenuuiflorum)
3. Green tea ( Camellia sinensis )
4. Gunger ( Zingiber officinalis)
5. Barberry ( Berberis vulgaris)
6. Japanese knotwood ( Polygonum cuspidatum)

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 12, 2022

Found in fatty fish and certain nuts and seeds, omega-3 fatty acids help protect your heart. Studies show they help maintain brain function. Experts are also looking at how well omega-3 fatty acids can protect against age-related mental decline, eye diseases, arthritis, and others conditions.
Some experts think omega-3s may help protect against cancer. "Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to reduce inflammation in the body. And a variety of cancers have been linked to chronic inflammation," says Sarah Rafat, RD, a senior dietitian at MD Anderson Cancer Center. I utilize mroe than 4 grams ( 4,000 mg ) of EPA for most patients.

Cancers with a link to inflammation include:
1. Colorectal
2. Liver
3. Lung
4. Prostate

Omega-3s also seem to restrict tumor cell growth, and may cause cancer cells to self-destruct.  Diet and cancer studies show mixed results. Some suggest that a diet that's rich in omega-3s can protect you against certain cancers. Other studies show no benefit.

There's not enough proof to conclude that loading up on fatty fish or taking fish oil capsules will slow down or reverse your condition if you already have cancer. But several studies do suggest that a diet rich in omega-3s helps some cancer patients tolerate chemotherapy better. Fatty acids from fish may also help patients maintain weight and muscle mass. Expert suggestions: The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fatty fish a week. If you don't eat fish, you can get omega-3s from canola oil and flax. Talk to your doctor before you start taking supplements. There is a link between high levels of omega-3s in the blood and an aggressive form of prostate cancer, according to scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Many fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are rich in antioxidants lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, some eye diseases, and various forms of cancer. Getting a single antioxidant from a pill, such as vitamin C or beta carotene, isn’t as protective. Supplements don't seem to protect against cancer or help fight it. Some antioxidants may even increase the risk of certain cancers. Experts also worry that high doses of antioxidants may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Until tomorrow….

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