AUGUST 10, 2023 POISONED

Have you seen “ Poisoned” The Dirty Truth About Your Food ? It is a documentary on Netflix. I highly encourage it , but I warn you — You may not like what you see.

The CDC reports that 1 in 6 Americans (a whopping 48 million people) develop food poisoning each year. The facts in this documentary will surely awaken your senses and might even steer you away from certain foods . We all have read about E coli outbreaks of E Coli 0157.

The book is based on the book “ Poisoned “ Jeff Benedict's book, Poisoned: The True Story of the Deadly E. Coli Outbreak That Changed the Way Americans Eat, chronicled the 1993 E.coli outbreak that killed four children and sickened over 700 people who ate Jack In The Box hamburgers. The documentary then chronicles post hamburger E coli- the E coli outbreaks from Romaine lettuce, eggs, chicken and peanut butter

You will learn about regulations and then about no regulations from various government agencies. It was heart breaking to hear about families who lost loved ones— especially young children due to these outbreaks ( Some which could have been prevented ) I was glad to see ‘ some ‘ justice served.

You will now think twice before ingesting a salad after watching this documentary

Until tomorrow…

AUGUST 9, 2023 YOUNG FOREVER

I love to read. I especially enjoy listening to a podcast on my way to New York City I stitch a canvas while listening either to Dr Rangan Chatterjee - Feel Better, Live More or The Doctor’s Farmacy with Dr Mark Hyman. If I read on the train I cannot stitch I save reading for bedtime. I recently purchased Young Forever.: The Secrets to Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life by Mark Hyman

There is a lot of data out there about how to ive young forever. However this book dealt with other issues other than medicine that is linked to living a younger healthier life The book discusses mechanisms by which ur social relationships and connections can influence our gene expression and everything from inflammation to insulin resistance. So building relationships and community is very important and far more important than once thought. Possibly this is why herbalists are healthier and younger looking than conventional medical doctors ? Is this why I became an herbalist ! I do know that the commradery and relationships I have built with my fellow herbalists is deeper and more nuturing than most of my conventional colleague relationships.

The book discusses exercise in a different way Mark stated “ Exercise is probably the single most potent intervention there is, other than calorie restriction. “

Buy this book and enjoying reading it. It will give you a different perspective on life

Until tomorrow…

AUGUST 8, 2023 TEA

Do you love tea ? I know I do. Where do you buy your tea ? Do you buy your tea in mesh bags, or loose at a tea shop. Since I have loose tea at work sold by Botanical Bounty ( www.botanicalbounty.org ) I am lucky. As a matter of fact, with a recent new kitchen I have a tea rack where I store my tea. The tea rack has 3 shelves where i can fit 5 glass jars. Each jar had a single herbal tea or a blend. Each has been marked on the outside of the jar with a label.

I am telling you about this as mesh tea bags have found to contain 20- 30 % of microplastics and nano plastics, These substances are harmful to our human health. A recent study published in Journal of Environmental Science and Technology discussed microplastics. One standard tea bag made with plastic released 11.6 billion microplastics and 3 billion nanoplastics in one cup of tea

My solutin is safe. Buy loose teas. You can buy them from Botanical Bounty ( www.botanicalbounty.org ) and other tea companies. If you are lucky enough to have a tea shop in your town- suport them I steep all my loose tea with a variety of stainless steel strainers. Even organic teas may still have plastic int heir tea bag. Go with fresh fair trade organic loose teas that are stored in glass jars

Until tomorrow…

AUGUST 7, 2023 HERBS and the GUT

A recent journal article published last year i the Journal of Nutrition stated that herbs were the unsung heroes of gut health The study was small involving only 54 obese or overweight individuals aged 30- 75

Akk consumed the same American diet for one month ( 4 weeks ) with one of three daily doses of herbs -0.5 grams, 3.3 grams and 6.6 grams

The herbs were ginger, cumin, cinnamon, tumeric , rosemary , oregano, basil and thyme Fecal samples were collected after the end of each week

The results werre suprising Thoe individuals that consumed 3.3 and 6.6 grams had increased levels of Ruminococcaceae bacteria These bacteria are vital for gut health The highest levels of these bacteria werre fund in patients who consumed the highest levels of spices and herbs.

I found this to be interesting In fact this should lead more research to be done on each individual herb

Until tomorrow…

AUGUST 3, 2023 CABBAGE

Cabbage is a popular cultivar of the species Brassica oleracea Linne (Capitata Group) of the Family Brassicaceae (or Cruciferae) and is used as a leafy green vegetable.


It is a herbaceous, biennial, dicotyledonous flowering plant distinguished by a short stem upon which is crowded a mass of leaves, usually green but in some varieties red or purplish, which while immature form a characteristic compact, globular cluster (cabbagehead).

The plant is also called head cabbage or heading cabbage, and in Scotland a bowkail, from its rounded shape. The Scots call its stalk a castock, and the British occasionally call its head a loaf. It is in the same genus as the turnip – Brassica rapa. The cabbage leaves often have a delicate, powdery, waxy coating called bloom. The occasionally sharp or bitter taste of cabbage is due to glucosinolate(s). Cabbages are also a good source of riboflavin.


Did you ever look at cabbage? I never did. I really do not like cooked cabbage. I love it in its raw form. Cabbage is a leafy, green vegetable that resembles a head of lettuce. The leaves are a denser and lighter in color but cabbage are related to broccoli and cauliflower. There are 2 different types of cabbage, the lighter colored, mild flavored crinkly leafed Savoy and the heavier deep red burgundy colored red cabbage.

They all have the same beneficial cabbage nutrition.Besides the riboflavin cabbage has lots of minerals, vitamins, Vitamin C, niacin and B6. The B vitamins are needed to reduce the cardiac risk factor homocysteine which has been associated with stroke and heart attacks. Also, these vitamins can help break down fats and fatty acids to make them more digestible. They can also help cleanse the body and prevent kidney stones and regulate blood pressure.

There are other vitamins in cabbage including vitamin K, vitamin A, and Folates. There is not enough Vitamin K to interact with the conventional drug, coumadin but I wouldn't eat excess cabbage either. These vitamins are known to protect the heart, control cholesterol and help maintain insulin blood levels. This can help prevent diabetes. But perhaps one of the most important things these vitamins do is to prevent diseases like cancer. Any leafy green vegetable contains cancer fighting agents.

Omega 3 acids are also a part of cabbage nutrition. Many cultures who consume a lot of Omega 3 acids are known to have little or no cardiovascular diseases or high blood pressure. Younger children can also benefit from eating cabbage because it promotes healthy development of the nerves, brain and eyes. There was a blog in March 2010 about the benefits of Fish.

Cabbage is naturally low in fat. So if you want a nutritious snack with lots of potential for healing that is low in fat--CONSUME CABBAGE. It contains a large amount of fiber which is beneficial for digestive health to maintain a healthy weight. Everyone seems to be seeking sources of fiber--I usually use cabbage as a fiber in addition to to ther fruits and vegetables. Although it is low calorie, it also contains carbohydrates.What vegetable doesn't contain carbohydrates? The answer is none. All fruits and vegetables contain carbohydrates. But, it is a lot better than consuming bread, pasta, and cake. Since the calorie count is so low, the carbohydrates simply give the person more energy throughout the day. Women with extreme cases of post menstrual syndrome and menopause issues who eat cabbage on a daily bases can get relief from their symptoms. Cabbage has an amount of natural estrogen found in many vegetables. People who suffer from breathing difficulties or asthma seem to do better when they eat cabbage and even depressed people can be cured by eating it. The vitamins associated with cabbage naturally raise serotonin levels to make a person happier.

Eating cabbage everyday is a great way to get most of your daily vitamins in one small, low calorie serving.

Until tomorrow…

AUGUST 2, 2023 BASIL



The plants in this world are a gift from your Higher Power. Love, Pray, water and nourish the plants.

Ocimum minimum is a charming plant in the pots on my patio in Black Rock CT As it blows in the wind, I glance at the other plants in the gardens. When I water the pots it is fragrant of lemon and spice. It is one of the varieties of basil, dwarf basil to be exact. All of the types of basil are popular flavoring herb. I haven't found any medicinal use as I study this herb. The basils are some of the most delightful of all seasoning herbs. I prefer Rosemary and Thyme. It has been said that the Romans thought one should curse and use profanity when sowing the basil to insure its germination. There is a French phrase meaning 'using abuse' -"semer le basile". Pliny, whom I read in Latin class says it is an aphrodisiac and was given to horses at the mating season. In my heritage land of Italy, women are said to wear basil because of its supposed efficacy in engendering sympathy. Perhaps this is why the Itaians are so sensitive and sympathetic to certain things. Bacon said, "It is strange which is reported that basil too much exposed to the sun doth turn into wild thyme"

In general, Basil (Ocimum basilicum) of the family Lamiaceae (mints), is a tender low-growing herb. Remember Lemon Balm, peppermint and spearmint are also in the Mint Family. As most of us know, Basil is a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in the Southeast Asian cuisines of Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The plant tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, sweet smell. Besides the dwarf basil, there hare many varieties of basil. That which is used in Italian food is typically called sweet basil, as opposed to Thai basil, lemon basil and holy basil, which are used in Asia. While most common varieties of basil are treated as annuals, some are perennial in warm, tropical climates, including African Blue and Holy Thai basil.I thought basil was native to Italy. Of course I did, I am Italian. It is not! Basil is originally native to Iran, India and other tropical regions of Asia.

Until tomorrow…

AUGUST 1, 2023 MANDRAKE

I wanted to discuss a plant that is Holy. The Mandrake--the opposite of Holy --Mandragora officinarum. There are many legends with this plant. It is poisonous and should not be be considered in any form. The roots are thought to have hallucinogenic properties. I am discussing it because it is mentioned in the Bible. The mandrake is from the Family Solonaceae. The flowers are clusters of white to pale purple bell shaped flowers. I will never see a mandrake here. It is found in the southeastern Mediterranean.

From the Bible:
"The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved." Song of Solomon 7:13(KJW)

These plants are loaded with poisonous alkaloids. It is said that the flavor is sickeningly sweet, but will produce dizziness, madness and death if eaten. The Mandrake root is large, brown and rugged. Some say it resembles the human body. It is said to be used in love potions and incarnations. I cannot understand this if the plant kills. Well, maybe you do want to kill your lover. Or perhaps the lover of your partner.

Evil is said to fall upon anyone who digs up the root of a mandrake. The Jews tied their dogs to the root to pull out of the plant from the ground. This way bad luck would fall upon the dog and not the Master. How clever.

Do you remember seeing Mandrakes in Harry Potter

Even my beloved Shakespeare wrote about mandrake in Antony and Cleopatra:
Give me to drink mandragora
That I may sleep out this great gap of time
My Antony is away.

Until tomorrow…

JULY 31, 2023 LET'S GET WELL

I saw Let’s Get Well on my bookshelf at home I want to acknowledge Adele Davis.

Daisie Adelle Davis (25 February 1904 - 31 May 1974), popularly known as Adelle Davis, was an American author and nutritionist who became well known as an advocate for specific nutritional stances such as unprocessed food and vitamin supplementation. She gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with widespread media attention and became the most recognized nutritionist in the country.


Have   you ever eaten too much for dinner and  then had trouble falling asleep? You felt bloated  You couldn't fall asleep until 3 AM. This is sometimes the story I hear over and over again
You feel bloated . Then the acid reflux starts


Why did this happen in the first place ? Well you ate too late. As famous nutritionist, Adele Davis ( Lets Get Well) stated- You must eat breakfast like a king/queen, lunch like a price/princess and dinner like a pauper.
You might remember hearing about Mylanta - but that is a band aid to your problem. You need to change your dietary lifestyle . This starts the vicious cycle of cannot sleep, cannot concentrate and have headaches. You will start to see many specialists to treat these individual problems, which in reality is from the way you are eating. Do you want to get well ? Do you want to remain miserable every time you eat?


You need to make a change !

I would try the following recommendations for at least one week
1. Drink only water with your dinner
2. Eat slowly and chew carefully
3. Eat the foods you want, except carbohydrates and stop when you are full
4. Finish your meal at least a couple hours before bedtime . This seems like common sense but every one needs a little reminder now and then

Here are five rulers which I find important
1. Do not combine fruit with any other food eat fruit alone
2. Do not combine protein with a simple starch
3. Do not combine a breads, which is a simple carbohydrate with a protein
4. Drink only water with your dinner
5. After dinner do not eat anything until the next morning

 I feel the hardest part of this is the combination of protein and simple starch and protein with bread. Lets break it down into simpler terms This means no eat, fish, chicken or beans with white potatoes, pasta. Instead have these meats with freshly stemmed vegetables

So the next time you have this 3 am wake up feeling remember how you combined your foods. Food combining is very important. As Marion Nestle  " You Are What You Eat ."
I suggest you rotate your foods. This means what you eat on Monday you can also eat on Thursday, Tuesday choices will the same on Friday, and Wednesday meals will be the same on Saturday. This is a safe rotation dietary change

Until tomorrow…