AUGUST 31, 2023 LION'S MANE
Age-related hearing impairment (ARHI) impacts quality of life, leading to feelings of frustration, social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline. People with hearing loss experience difficulties with verbal communication. ARHI is prevalent amount senior citizens. The etiology includes genetic defects, environmental influences, and other factors including noise, ototoxic overexposure, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia.
Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been shown to slow the degeneration of SGNs ( spinal ganglion neurons ) . Lion’s mane (HE; Hericium erinaceus, Hericiaceae) is a culinary mushroom that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and hepatopreotective effects
The authors conclude that HE mycelia treatment may prevent hearing loss, especially for high frequencies and speech recognition. Additionally, HE may increase serum concentrations of NGF. Changes were only observed in patients diagnosed with hearing impairment aged ≥ 65 years.
Lion’s Mane has been used in treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease with excellent results and has published studies This is the first study I read about this mushroom for hearing loss I utilize Paul Stametts’s Lion Mane from Host Defense
The study was published in the American Botanical Council Herbalgram
Chan YC, Lin TC, Chen CC, et al. Effects of erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus on elderly hearing-impaired patients: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Funct Foods. October 2022;97:105220. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105220.
Until tomorrow…
AUGUST 30, 2023 HERBS FOR THE THYROID
Most herbalists discuss remedies for the under active thyroid . The fatigue, low body temperature, weight gain, depression, heat or cold intolerance (usually cold), and hair loss are symptoms of a thyroid which is under active (an under active thyroid has thyroid stimulating hormone ( TSH ) levels greater than 4.0)
With an overactive thyroid, the most important clinical aspect is to control the cardiovascular signs and symptoms such as an overactive heart rate (pulse rate) and an elevated blood pressure. Unfortunately not many herbalists deal with hyperthyroid conditions. I get many patients who have been told by other doctors dealing with their overactive thyroid, "You have two options- radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid or surgical remove the thyroid, thus you will be on medications for the rest of your life."
Although these are two conventional methods still used today, the use of some natural herbs in high doses can reverse and/or cool down the hyperactive thyroid.
I have seen patients respond within a few months, some within a year and rarely beyond two years unless the presenting hyperthyroidism is very severe. Harvey W. Felter, ecletic physician, wrote this about bugleweed, "...used for vascular excitement with rapid, tumultuous action of the heart, but lacking power." I love to read old uses of herbs. I especially enjoy Culpepper and Sauer
Lycopus virginicus (Bugleweed) can be used for both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid. It has been shown to reduce thyroid levels in hyperthyroid animals. The dose is high - about 150 drops of a 1:3 extract. The aerial parts of the plant are used. Bugleweed is specific for the over-active thyroid where the symptoms include tightness of breath, shaking and palpitations. For the wild crafter it should be collected just before the buds open. It is a great nervine and I have used it with valerian. I also have used this herb with other cardio tonic herbs for slowing down the heart rate. The other cardio herbs for an overactive thyroid is Motherwort
Another herb, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) helps in decreasing anxiety and calming an overactive thyroid. I use both lemon balm and bugleweed together. In animal studies, lemon balm has been shown to reduce or normalize the TSH levels. It is given at 45 drops of a 1:3 extract. I love the plant family that lemon balm belongs to --Lamiaceae . This is the same family for the all the mint plants. There is no history for use of lemon balm in thyroid diseases, but I have seen other herbalists use it, and I have also used it with good success. Other than its thyroid use, lemon balm is antiviral especially herpes simplex. It is also used for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Until tomorrow
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...