JANUARY 18, 2023 PITCHER PLANTS
I am immediately drawn to Pitcher Plants and other Carnivorous Plants. I have read most books on Carnivorous Plants as Reaktion’s Botanical Series by Dan Torre. He also authored the Reaktion’s book on Cactus. There are few books on Pitcher Plants. There is a nursery in Morrison TN called Red Leaf Exotics where its owner Dominick Gravine specializes in pitcher plants, Nepenthes. I met Dominick while he was growing and started his nursery in Brooklyn NY. I will never forget the day we met and I went into his greenhouse.
One such pitcher plant was touted as a natural treatment for smallpox. In the nineteenth century , smallpox ravaged throughout the United States. More recently in 2022, another pox virus has been seen. This is Monkeypox. Unfortunately like HIV, this virus has been said to be a Gay Virus. It is common among gay and bisexual men but can be seen in heterosexuals.
A study discussed the anti-viral activity of a pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea against vaccinia virus, monkeypox and the variola virus. It was shown to be an effective inhibitor of the pox replication at the level of early viral transcription.
These extracts are also effective against the herpes infection
Until tomorrow…
JANUARY 17, 2023 CO ENZYME Q 10
When I hear Coenzyme Q 10 I immediately think of three men in the field of Integrative Medicine. There is no order when I conjure the names of three late greats- Robert Atkins, MD , Steven Sinatra, MD and Bill Judy PhD. Perhaps the least well known is Bill Judy PhD who passed away in October 2022. Karl Folkers introduced Bill to Coenzyme Q 10 in 1968. Since that time Bill Judy spent his entire life devoted to this unique supplement.
Over several decades Dr Judy conducted numerous trials for the use of Coenzyme Q 10 in a wide range of different diseases. He tehn went on to publish ground breaking studies on the absorption and bioavailability of Coenzyme Q 10
To me , he was the leading authority of Coenzyme Q 10. He wrote a book entitled The Substrance that Powers Life: Co Enzyme Q 10, An Insider’s Guide. I suggest you get this unique informative book. Spread the word about Coenzyme Q 10 and Dr Bill Judy I wrote to him over the years always asking questions about Co Enzyme Q 10 and cardiomyopathy. I even asked questions about Coenzyme Q 10 and Parkinson’s Disease. He was always gracious in his answers and his explanations.
Until tomorrow…
JANUARY 16, 2023 CAT'S CLAW
Uncaria tormentosa is an herb that have been used for centuries The Incas of Southg Americaused this herb for well-being and spiritual wellness. This woody vine has been used by herbalists for many other conditions. I know that most individuals associate this herb with the treatment of Lyme Disease. It’s yellow lily like flowers are shaped like trumpets.
It is a revered herb among the Amazonian tribes. It has many uses. In addition to its amazing anti-infective properties against viruses and bacteria I have used it for Herpes I and Ii (with Lemon Balm), for digestive issue as Crohn’s disease (with Slippery Elm and Marshmallow)
I have seen Cat’s Claw boost immunity and improve circulatory and brain function.
Until tomorrow
JANUARY 11, 2023 HABITS
We all have habits. Sme are good and some are bad . I feel it is time to quit the habits that do not serve us any good. These might include eating the wrong foods, having too many drinks or even watching too much television
The morning podcast I listened to helped me clarity , adjust and even change some bad habits. I listen every morning to Dr Chaterjee’s FEEL BETTER, LIVE MORE. On this morning podcast while taking the train to New York City was a conversation Dr Chaterjee had with author James Clear. James Clear is the author of the bestselling book, “ Atomic Habits “ He discussed on the show successful behavioral changes. In my years as a sober individual, I have learned and put into practice good habits. I eat well, exercise, and meditate on a regular basis I need a refresher and this talk was what I needed. There are 10 things that this book will teach you
Break your bad habits and stick to good ones.
Avoid the common mistakes most people make when changing habits.
Overcome a lack of motivation and willpower.
Develop a stronger identity and believe in yourself.
Make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy).
Design your environment to make success easier.
Make tiny, easy changes that deliver big results.
Get back on track when you get off course.
And most importantly, how to put these ideas into practice in real life.
Build a system for getting 1 % better each day
So after the podcast, I bought the book. I will listen to the podcast again, but I cannot wait to read his book.
Until tomorrow…
JANUARY 10, 2023 HEAVY METALS in DARK CHOCLATE
During my thirty years in clinical practice I have seen heavy metals cause disease. I have always been a proponent for testing through blood, hair analysis in Connecticut, and provocative urine testing . The last two tests are done through Doctors Data in Chicago. I have written about the sources of various heavy metals. On www.consumerreports.org a recent article appeared the that heavy metals, lead and cadmium could be in your dark chocolate One of my dear friends, Jennifer Esposito author of Jennifer’s Way and Jennifer’s Way Cookbook sent me the article.
I have always tauted the health benefits of dark chocolate. But now there’s a dark side to this healthier chocolate. Thew consumer reports tested a variety of brands of dark chocolate Of the 23 brands tested eating one ounce a day would put an adult over the level that the public health authorities. In addition, the consumer reports ( which I take very seriously) stated these may be harmful for at least one of these heavy metals. This is serious
Lead can cause nervous system problems, impaired Vitamin D metabolism, aplastic anemia, kidney damage and reproductive issues. This is why I test heavy metals in all females who are contemplating pregnancy Lead and cadmium are not only found in dark chocolate but can be found in healthier foods as sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots. For example after reading the report, I noticed that Ghirardelli chocolate 86 % had 36 % lead and 39 % cadmium whereas Beyond Good 70 % had 42 % lead and 112 % cadmium
Looking at various brands which I have consumed made me wonder this — Is the food industry trying to make us ill ? We do know that more than 95 % of all chronic illnesses are environmental— the air, water and food we consume is TOXIC
Look at this Consumer Report and make your own decision
Until tomorrow…
JANUARY 3, 2023 IMPAIRED GLUCOSE AND OYSTER MUSHROOMS
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is characterized by insulin resistance leading to postprandial hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Patients with IGT are commonly overweight or obese and are at significant risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
There are many herbs that have been used and some even clinically studied. These include bitter melon, cinnamon and fenugreek. A double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover trial aimed to investigate the effects of β-glucan supplementation from whole oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotaceae) fruiting bodies on postprandial glucose, lipids, GI hormones, and appetite. This was published in the HerbalGram of the American Botanical Council
The authors conclude that meal fortification with oyster mushroom powder may help attenuate repeated postprandial metabolic deterioration and reduce the associated long-term consequences. Factors such as β-glucans/available CHO ratio, dosage, and preparation, should be a focus in future trials. The authors report no conflicts of interest.
Until tomorrow…
Dicks L, Jakobs L, Sari M, et al. Fortifying a meal with oyster mushroom powder beneficially affects postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1, non-esterified free fatty acids and huger sensation in adults with impaired glucose tolerance: A double-blind randomized controlled crossover trial. Eur J Nutr. Mar 2022;61(2):687-701. doi: 10.1007/s00394-021-02674-1.