AUGUST 29, 2023 BITTERS
Putting the skin aside, the liver is the largest organ in the body. It approximately can weigh about 3 lbs. The size of the liver reflects how much work it performs. The liver unlike other organs has the ability to regenerate , and can re grow its cell population after injury or even surgery. The liver is the major detoxification organ. The livers clears all the toxins out of the body.
In my medical training years I have never heard of the role of bitters. I know my European colleagues heard about bitters from their family upbringing in either England ( where I trained ) or Scotland. Bitters have been historically used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, especially when they pertain to the digestive system. Bitter plants are still part of the treatment modality for liver ailments. The bitters stimulates secretions, notably bile and increases the breakdown and absorption of fats. Bitters have the ability to increase liver cell stimulation . Bitters are not for everyone.
Herbs used for the liver and digestive tracts can be divided into categories. This categorization was unheard of when I studied medicines. I feel it is a better way to breakdown the role of the liver and the medicines or plants that can be used. This classification was used when I learned Botanical Medicine. The six categories are:
1. Aromatic bitters
2. Cholagogues
3. General liver tonic
4. Constitutional tonics
5. Liver 'purgatives'
6. Simple bitters
Credit for my learning goes to 7Song from Ithica NY I have his teaching of hepatic herbs very useful in my medical practice. There are many symptoms of liver ailments. I can apply my knowledge of different herbs in these categories to the individual’s particular ailment. For example, for the alcoholic or drug addict who has abused their liver for so many years, I would consider milk thistle, artichoke, turmeric and chicory. These are the herbs I think of for detoxifying.
When the liver really needs to purge toxins and needs a good 'kickstart' I would use Mayapple or Poke, but would use caution as I have seen some of these remedies ' back fire'
The more knowledge you have about your patient, both medically, socially ,psychologically and financially - the better the choice can be made. It always helps me in choosing the specific herb. I am intuitive about this.
Until tomorrow
AUGUST , 28 2023 MALE ISSUES
There are many male health issues. Some men worry about some more than others. In the younger male, there is acne; in the teenage/young adult years there is possible a hydrocele, herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases. In ages 30-40 there is possibly testicular carcinoma, hair loss, and erection difficulties. As men age there is prostate issues, impotence, ejaculatory problems, incontinence and vitality issues.
I do not think these change whether you are gay or straight, but I will say that in general gay men take care of themselves a lot better when it comes to the general appearance.
There are many medications to be used therapeutically . There are also many herbs that can be used. Some of these categories include adaptogens, antimicrobial, aphrodisiacs, diuretics, detoxifying, nervines and stimulants.
What intrigued me over the years is the many more applications there are in herbals versus conventional medicines. . In herbal medicine there are compresses, hair rinses, salves, teas, and tinctures. In conventional medicine, there only seems to be the 'pill' or tablet. How many times have you gone to your doctor and you received a Rx or prescription ? I bet, countless times. How many times have you gone to your doctor and received a poultice, syrup of essential oil remedy ? Probably not too often.
Here are some general tips which I find important for the male patient:
1. Know the male anatomy and how it works
2. Find a health care provider you are comfortable with
3. Practice dietary and exercise lifestyle changes
4. Know how to release daily pressures/
5. Avoid anger and resentment which only will lead to disease
6. Get better sleep
7. Improve communication skills with your partner
8. Always keep the sexual practices new and inventive
9. Relax when urinating or defecating
10 Get a hobby
One tea blend I often recommend for the male from ages 40 - 60 with anxiety issues is a combination of oat straw, lemon balm, skullcap and blue vervain. I sometimes use chamomile but since it is used in a lot of anxiety/nervine teas i want to be new , creative and different.
Now that I over 60, I made a tea for my prostate which contains raspberry, oat straw, nettles, and dandelion.
Until tomorrow....
AUGUST 24, 2023 ANGELICA
How some herbs get their names is quite unusual. An example is the herb Angelica (Angelica archangelica, Angelica atropurpurea). Angelica has been used a food and medicine for centuries. If you are a historian or know someone who is, the herb, angelica is usually associated with the bubonic plague. Some herbalists recount the story that a monk had a dream in which the arch angel St Michael appeared. Her told the monk what herb to use during the plague decimating Europe. Today modern studies have revealed that angelica is an immune booster as well as an anti bacterial, viral and fungal agent. Since this herb is also associated with Mary the Virgin, many herbalists use this herb for gynecological problems. What troubles me is that I do not see it in Duke's Medicinal Plants of the Bible.
I love how some herbalists describe angelica as a flower. They discuss her poise, her stance and her fragrance. You get the feeling that she--Angelica is an actual human being. She is alive in the plant world. Angelica does remind me of the fragrant Convallaria - Lily of the Valley. I do use it to reconnect the patient with their spiritual side. Sometimes the spiritual side of a patient has been lost due to illness, death of a family member, or loss of a job. I think everyone should have angelica in their home.
Until tomorrow…
Until tomorrow...