APRIL 4, 2023 CHEMOTHERAPY DERIVED FROM PLANTS

I see many patients with cancer. I feel it is overwhelming at times. Much of chemotherapy is synthetic. Some chemotherapy is derived from plants. There are well known chemotherapy derived from the periwinkle plant. These chemotherapies derived from plants are called plant alkaloid

Navelbine belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs called plant alkaloids. Plant alkaloids are made from plants.  The vinca alkaloids are made from the periwinkle plant (catharanthus rosea). The taxanes are made from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree (taxus).  The vinca alkaloids and taxanes are also known as antimicrotubule agents. The podophyllotoxins are derived from the May apple plant. Camptothecan analogs are derived from the Asian "Happy Tree" (Camptotheca acuminata).  Podophyllotoxins and camptothecan analogs are also known as topoisomerase inhibitors.  The plant alkaloids are cell-cycle specific.  This means they attack the cells during various phases of division.

• Vinca alkaloids: Vincristine, Vinblastine and Navelbine

• Taxanes:  Paclitaxel and Docetaxel

• Podophyllotoxins:  Etoposide and Tenisopide

• Camptothecan analogs: Irinotecan and Topotecan

Mistletoe is one of the most widely studied CAM therapies for cancer. In certain European countries, the preparations made from European mistletoe (Viscum album, Loranthaceae) are among the most prescribed drugs offered to cancer patients.

Many plants have beneficial effect on killing cancer More plants need to be studied. Curcuma longa ( Tumeric) has been studied by the NIH in the last five years More plants need to be studied . Carnivora ( from the Venus fly trap ) has been studied in Europe

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 3, 2023 BLACK CUMIN

There are many herbs and supplements I use to manage sugar ( glucose ) Diabetes affects 9 million people worldwide. We know that diabetes and obesity are two epidemics in this country Both lead to Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by high blood glucose levels due to tissue insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production.

A systemic y was published in the American Botanical Council HerbalGram about black cumin Black cumin (Nigella sativa, Ranunculaceae [NS]), with its major bioactive component thymoquinone, exerts a protective effect against diabetes and its complications.

There are many studies published on herbs used in diabetes management. I have seen studies on fenugreek, cinnamon, gymnema, and bitter melon. This study concluded that black cumin showed a considerable decline in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels.

Black cumin was shown to enhance laboratory measures of hyperglycemia and diabetes control," the authors conclude. The findings suggest that NS could be effective when used as an adjuvant to treat and manage patients with T2DM and its complications.

In my practice I use an integrative approach- dietary liufstyle changes, exercise, herbs/ supplements and even some conventional medicine

Until tomorrow

MARCH 30, 2023 AWE

On my morning podcast Feel Better Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee I listened to his conversation with Dr Dacher Keltner. I am leaving for Chicago tonight and I needed a book to read on the plane. I have plenty of books at home . I listened to both men discuss Awe- those moments we might take for granted- Awe Moments

I listened them discuss Birth and Death and the chapters in Keltner’s book “ The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life- Awe is an emotion that’s all around us —waiting to be discovered. I know about AWE but I needed a reminder.Being sober almost 29 years I know how to recognize an AWE moment - cherish it , keep it and rediscover it at any time

Dachner defines AWE as our response to powerful things that are obsure, vast and mysterious. I listened to him discuss his brotjhers death . I then listened to Rangan discuss his mother’s health and her current changes. Tears flowed from my eyes. Rangan is a younger version of me. I feel I am a dinosaur in the field of Integrative Medicine as Drs Heyman, Bland, Weil and many others. I have been doing this type of medicine for nearly thirty years.

I have had many awe moments. I had one this past weekend with my grandson, Matthew and I in the museums of Washington DC. I realized I experience AWE everyday - some things are good things and some are bad- but not really bad. I am here to help people So what did I do… I bought the book to read on the plane

You will want to buy it too.. I hope one day to be a guest of Dr Chatterjee

Until tomorrow..

MARCH 29, 2023 LETTUCE

Lettuce is one of the world’s most widely eaten vegetables. Who doesn’t love a good salad ? In the real world, of course, many people love their salads; a good one can be a tasty, crunchy way of getting lots of veggies, especially leafy greens

Economically, lettuce is one of the world’s most significant leafy vegetable crops. And as production spreads to more communities, consumers are now able to enjoy many varieties other than iceberg lettuce. As a child I ate a lot of iceberg lettuce. Other types of lettuce werree not readily available in the 1960’s

Today I enjoy all types of lettuce. There are 4 types of lettuce —romaine, loose-leaf, crisphead, and butterhead. Of these four types, you can further differentiate by color, with green leaf and red/purple leaf varieties in each of the four main categories.

Are you thinking this - Is lettuce nutritional for me We know . the darker the color, the more nutrition and antioxidants the lettuce contains. These nutrients typically include vitamins A, C, and K1, as well as select B vitamins (like folate). Lettuce leaves also often contain polyphenols, carotenoids, and flavonols. Green lettuce types contain more chlorophyll, while red varieties provide more anthocyanins.

Eat salad There is no reason not to like lettuce. Be adventurous eat all types of lettuce .. and add flowers to your salad with nuts, pomegranate seeds and other fruit

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 28, 2023 EATING FLOWERS

look forward to Spring and Summer due to the amount of flowers in my garden Some of them have been grown in my greenhouse and when warmer I transplant them to my garden I grow many species of flowers . For me spending time in the gardens with my bees is most serene and peaceful Some flowers can even be eaten

One such flower is the Marigold ( Tagetes erecta) It is s9milar to Calendula ( Calendula officinales ) Both these flowers are edible Calendula’s flowers, especially the petals, are edible with a slightly peppery taste. Calendula is used in many herbal preparations for the skin

Both of these flowers have culinary use. I add some to my salad in the summer Its pigment is so potent that it is used as a coloring and a substitute for saffron. Its fresh and young buds can be eaten and added to various salads.

Dandelion and Red clover can also be eaten Many people know about this. One flower that is edible is in my fresh pond every year It is the Lotus Flower ( Nelumbo nucifera ) is an edible plant from its roots , stem, flower , leaves and seeds . These parts are often chopped and cooked into stir fries and soups. Ground lotus petals are steeped into tea to relieve fever while its root extract is traditionally used for treating lung diseases. 

So read about Edible Fowers and start growing and tasting the flowers in your garden

Until tomorrow

MARCH 27, 2023 INFUSING HERBS

I want today's hobby to involve herbs, so I could only think of Olive Oil Infusions. In ancient times, olive oil was called Liquid Gold for a number of reasons. The best reason is that olive oil is one of the healthiest oils to consume. It also tastes better than most oils. Now I want you to make it taste even better. I want you to create an intoxicating and enticing concoction that will add even more flavor to anything you cook. It is an easy hobby, satisfying and does not cost a lot of money.

This is what you will need:

1. Extra virgin olive oil

2. A bottle with cork or airtight lid

3. Funnel

4. Fresh herbs or spices

5. Mortar and pestle

I prefer to infuse my olive oils with herbs, but I have seen others infuse it with fruit, peppers and spices. The process is remarkably easy. First make sure you have all the ingredients. Obtain the herb you wish to infuse. I get all my herbs from http://www.mountainroseherbs.com If you do not like ordering from a computer or you do not have a computer, but live in New York City and want an herb, I have a suggestion. Visit FlowerPower on east 9th Street and 1st Avenue. This store has been there for many years and never had a bad batch of any herb. I was there last weekend purchasing some Bladderwrack, Marshmellow, Meadowsweet and Catnip. If you want to infuse fresh garlic, then chop the garlic. If you want to infuse an herb, grind very fine. I use the white marble mortar and pestle my friend Linda and Valerio gave me Add the herb to the oil, and let the mixture sit for a couple of weeks. Then it is ready for salads, fish, meats, and for the bread dipping individuals. How delighted would you be when you see your herb infused oil on the shelf in your local gourmet market someday?

I want to tell you a secret. This summer I know you will make me proud and start an herbal garden. Fresh is better than dried herbs for your olive oil concoction. If you are collecting fresh herbs harvest the aerial parts after their flower buds have formed but before they are in full bloom. You want the fresh herb since it does lose flavor as it dries. You can freeze your herbs instead of drying.

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 23, 2023 SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Be green and in the light today. Green is a sign that Spring is HERE

Citrus anurantifolia ( Lime ) belongs to the family Rutaceae and is related to the other well known citrus fruits--oranges, grapefruits and lemons. To prevent scurvy, a deficiency in vitamin C, English sailors used limes.

The health benefits of lime include weight loss, skin care, good digestion, relief from constipation, eye care, and treatment of scurvy, piles, peptic ulcer, respiratory disorders, gout, gums, urinary disorders, etc.

The first fruit that comes to our minds when it comes to medicinal uses is perhaps the good old lime. I felt it was the first fruit my Nanny grabbed if we had a cut, bad digestion or gum/tooth problems. I used to love to suck on a lime when I was a child.

This sour citrus fruit can do what many specialist medicines cannot. Lime has been used for ages for treatment of various ailments. Lime is consumed throughout the world in sorbets, beverages, refreshing drinks, pickles, jams, jellies, snacks, candies, sugar boiled confectioneries and many other culinary creations. The oil extracted from its peel or skin is extensively used in soft drink concentrates, body oils, cosmetics, hair oils, tooth pastes, toilet and beauty soaps, disinfectants, mouth washes, deodorants and innumerable other products. There are many varieties of lime found all over the world, particularly in the tropical and the Mediterranean climates.

Perhaps the best use is to drink either lime or lemon juice squeezed in room temperature glass of water in the morning. It is as great way to start the day.

So what is it about the limes. Limes have similar nutritional and health benefits as lemons. They provide an excellent source of vitamin C. They also offer a good source of folic acid, vitamin B6, potassium, flavinoids, and the important phytochemical limonene. Limes contain phytochemicals that are high in antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Until tomorrow…

MARCH 22, 2023 BEE POLLEN

As an herbalist / apitherapist / beekeeper I highly recommend bee pollen. It is full of nutrition. I am thrilled that every product of a beehive can be used medicially I even make bees wax candles from our own bee's wax. What fun!
Bee pollen contains vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, lipids, and protein. It comes from the pollen that collects on the bodies of bees. Bee pollen may also include bee saliva.
It's important to avoid confusing bee pollen with natural honey, honeycomb, bee venom, or royal jelly. These products do not contain bee pollen.

Bee pollen is available at many health food stores. You may find bee pollen in other natural dietary supplements as well as in skin softening products used for diaper rash or eczema.

You may also hear recommendations for using bee pollen for alcoholism, asthma, allergies, health maintenance, or gastrointestinal problems, as bloating, gas and indigestion. But before you take any natural product for a health condition, check with your doctor.

Bee pollen is also recommended by some herbalists to enhance athletic performance, reduce side effects of chemotherapy, and improve allergies and asthma.

Bee venom is used for many autoimmune diseases, especially multiple sclerosis.

At this point, medical research has not shown bee pollen to be effective for any of these health concerns. I feel more research needs to be done on pee pollen.

Bee pollen appears to be safe, at least when taken for a short time. But if you have pollen allergies you may get more than you bargained for. Bee pollen can cause a serious allergic reaction like difficulty breathing. This can result in anaphylaxsis where the throat completely closes.

In the coming years I hope more herbalists get involved with bee keeping. I also hope more city dwellers get involved with bee keeping.

You can attend the 2023 Wonderful World of Apitherapy Conference sponsored by the American Ap[itherapy Society for which I am President It is being held in Parsippany NJ May 19-21, 2023 www.apitherapy.org

A Great Mid Morning Snack

1. Add 4 teaspoons of bee pollen to a bowl of Natural Goat's Yogurt. Add some Orthobiotic Probiotic powder / or Klare Labs packet Add blueberries, walnuts and raspberries. Sprinkle on some cinnamon.

Until tomorrow.