JANUARY 23, 2023 PLANT INTOXICANTS
I have been reading Plant Intoxicants: A Classic Text on the Use of Mind-Altering Plants by Baron Ernst von Bibra (1806-1878) This book was published in German in 1855 and translated into English. In the book he summarized the current state of medical and plant knowledge of the most psychoactive plants used at that time. I am trying to read the chapters that stimulate my brain, introduce a plant that was obscure at that time, or discuss plants that remain more or less obscure today. Von Bibra wrote about coffee, tea, chocolate and tobacco-- all of which were already in widespread use in his time.
Did I read about those plants? Of course not. I wanted to read and research the various species of Datura. These are the sacred visionary plants. The names you might have heard in relation to these plants are Thornapple and Jimson Weed.
It is interesting to note that the Datura species are part of the nightshade family. The edible plants in this family are familiar to many of us. Examples are tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and potatoes. Historically for over 300 years, plants in the nightshade family were thought of as 'diabolic incarnations'. In von Bibra's time, the name for the fruit of Datura was "Mad apple" or "Devil's work". But if you encounter its flower, you would never think this plant produces such change if ingested. The flowers are large, fragrant and 'handsome'. I do not like the word 'pretty' to describe a flower anymore. I do not think flowers should always be feminine. I want to describe a flower as masculine, handsome, intelligent and debonair. The flower is succeeded by a large egg shaped capsule, green in color and full of thorns. So guess what? It is called the Thornapple.
What confuses me when I read about this plant is the different common names it has, depending on the region. In Jamestown, Virginia it is Jimson Weed. Others call it the 'Devil's Apple'. Since it was exploited in the famous flying ointments of the European witches, it should be known as the "Witches Apple". Maybe Walter Ellis Disney used the apple in Sleeping Beauty as a representative of the Thornapple.
It is said that the whole plant is poisonous, but the seeds are the most active. Nothing destroys the potency of the seeds--not drying nor boiling. More on this later
Until tomorrow…
JANUARY 19, 2023 HUMAN HEART, COSMIC HEART
This is one book that should be in your library- Human Heart, Cosmic Heart by Thomas Cowan MD Dr Cowan takes a fresh new look at the greatest asset we have- The Heart and pumping blood. Through his years of clinical work He views the heart as a hydraulic ram rather than a pump because it uses suction rather than force to build the momentum of blood.
You need to take a deep breath when you start reading his book. Take a fresh look at the human body. Yu will be pleasantly surprised. There are many antidotal stories throughout the book that make it easy to read and understand. It is one’s man quest to find the answers.
Afterall it is the number one killer. You must read this book
Until tomorrow…
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…