SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 METFORMIN

Metformin, class biguanide, is a synthetic derivative of French Lilac (Galega officinalis), a herbal plant traditionally employed in Europe for diabetes treatment In 1957 French diabetologist Jean Sterne first published the drug's properties and result of administration in humans for diabetes

Metformin is still used today though less often than the new drugs for diabetes. It was synthesized from a plant more than 60 years ago. If a plant has these properties, then other herbs also have properties against diabetes.

Some of these other herbs which are very useful for diabetes which I utilize are bitter melon, fenugreek, and cinnamon . There are vitamins/ vitamins that also have effect in lowering blood sugar. These are chromium, alpha lipoic acid, and vanadium . There are sometimes a need to start a drug for diabetes. I always prefer lifestyle changes as dietary changes and exercise first. Then I start herbs and supplements I do use diabetic conventional medications if the above two fail. Most of the time I have an integrative approach and combine all modalities.

Until tomorrow…

SEPTEMBER 27 2023 MULLEIN

Another plant that contains a lot of mucilage used in respiratory conditions is Mullein (Verbascum). In additon to mucilage, the mullein flower contains saponin and some volatile oils. I like mullein flowers because when collected and cultivated they can be used also as an expectorant. So it is a flower with two properties - muculent and expectorant. It is used in many cough preparations. I have seen it combined with ginger as well. Mullein is often referred to as Verbascum Thapsus, The family is Scrophulariaceae. This is the same family as foxglove (digitalis). Other names might include Aaron’s Rod, Lady’s Foxglove, Donkey’s Ears, Bunny’s Ears, Candlewick, Feltwort, Flannel Leaf, and Jacob’s Staff. To be honest I have only heard it used as either Lady's Foxglove or Donkey's Ears. I thought this herb would be mentioned in Duke's Handbook of Medicinal Plants of the Bible, but it did not appear.

Mullein is a biennial that grows upright to 6 feet tall. The furry leaves form rosettes that alternate and overlap each other. Mullein leaves are large, grayish-green, and lance shaped. Bright yellow flowers bloom along the single spike that comes from the center of the plant. Each flower has five petals. You have probably seen it along roadsides or construction areas. I first saw this plant on the roadsides in Ithaca, New York. Leaves are harvested in the late spring to summer. The uses of mullein are quite long. I have only used it for bronchitis, earaches, and as a cough expectorant. Its uses have been in anemia , arthritis, asthma, colds, earache, hay fever, hemorrhoids, tonsillitis and many other respiratory diseases. Mullein soothes, lubricates, and tones the respiratory system and aides in expectoration by stimulating fluid production. Mullein is sometimes used with other herbs such as white horehound, lobelia, elder, and red clover. The iridoid glycosides stimulate secretion of uric acid from the kidneys.

Mullein as seen below can be used as a tea, as an oil, as a compress and freshly chopped herb.

1. Mullein leaves and/or flowers for infusion tea for respiratory disorders

2. Mullein infused oil from flowers for ear infections, hemorrhoids, and skin disorders

3. Mullein leaf poultice applied to topical boils, sores, ulcers and tumors

4. Mullein tea from fresh chopped leaves filtered through a coffee filter provide a variety of vitamins and other nutrients.

5. Mullein compress to relieve swelling

You can even use mullein to clean your pet’s ears I use it on Boone, my Labradoddle. I used it in the past for my King Charles, Spencer I miss him

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 BOSWELLIA

This is a herb that use almost every day with my patients Boswellia serrata, known more commonly as frankincense, is a branching tree native to India and Pakistan. Its resin has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies, but it is more prized for its medicinal properties. I recall smelling different scents in church as a child during special religious ceremonies. Frankincense is one of the medical herbs from the bible. It is well researched in James Duke’s Medicinal Herbs from the Bible

In the ancient Indian healing tradition of Ayurveda, extracts of Boswellia were used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer. And modern researchers have confirmed its benefits as an antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory compound. Most interesting, however, may be its potential to act as an alternative to opioids and other addictive drugs in the area of pain relief.

Numerous studies have shown Boswellia to be an effective pain reliever, especially in cases of joint pain associated with arthritis. A 2020 research review published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies that evaluated seven randomized clinical trials involving 545 osteoarthritis (OA) patients found that the herb may help relieve pain and stiffness and improve joint function and concluded that “Boswellia and its extract may be an effective and safe treatment option for patients with OA.”

As an integrative physician I utilize herbs and supplements for many diseases with or without conventional medications. Herbs are just as effective. While more—and larger—clinical trials are needed to evaluate Boswellia before it can become a frontline treatment for pain

Until tomorrow…

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 PC - SPES

As a registered herbalist and integrative physician I have seen PC Spes used on patients with prostate cancer PC-SPES is an herbal formula containing 8 herbs: reishi mushroom, baikal skullcap, rabdosia, dyer’s woad, chrysanthemum, saw palmetto, Panax ginseng, and licorice.

There are botanical books that discuss the constituents. On a Sloan Kettering website it was written as “ No single botanical or chemical extract appears responsible for the overall effects of this product. Laboratory tests have analyzed the makeup of PC-SPES and have identified estrogen-like compounds that suppress growth and proliferation of human tumor cell lines on contact, including breast, colon, and hormone-dependent and -independent prostate cancers. PC-SPES appears to interfere with the process of tumor cell division and also causes tumor cell death “

I do not see it prescribed a lot any longer due to website like ‘ quakwatch’ and others. I feel some of the ingredients are useful against cancer as Reishi and saw palmetto. Some of my patients take the ingredients of PC Spes separately and have good results. I have never seen it harm a patient .

The National Cancer Institute has this on their website “ There is evidence from both laboratory and animal studies to suggest that PC-SPES had some effect in inhibiting prostate cancer cell growth and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression, but it is not known whether these results were caused by adulterants such as diethylstilbestrol, which is an estrogenic compound, the herbs in PC-SPES, or their combination.There is some evidence to suggest that PC-SPES has some anticancer effects that are not related to estrogen-like activity.

Yet it is no longer made . Why ? The manufacturer is no longer in operation, and PC-SPES is no longer being made. Although there are products that claim to be substitutes for PC-SPES, they are not the patented original formulation.

All of this information is for you to think about

Until tomorrow…

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects the brain. It is the most common form of dementia, resulting in memory loss and cognitive decline. At this time, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, making it even more critical to identify potential causes so that treatments can be developed.

Some potential causes overlooked in conventional medicine are infectious as chronic Lyme , mold toxicity and heavy metal toxicity. Ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin from the Aspergillus mold has been associated with the development of AD as well as Parkinson’s Disease We utilize certain labs to do mold testing as well as glyphosate testing Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide that can kill certain weeds and grasses These chemicals have been linked to many diseases.

I utilize many supplements / herbs for the treatment of AD. Although there is no cure I do know these supplements slow the progression. I utilize Lion’s Mane, Bacopa, a vinca alkaloid, and much more. I do intravenous phosphatidyl choline and glutathione which has been studied by Patricia Kane Ph D

Until tomorrow

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 GLUTEN

I have been discussing gluten for years. I even worked in my friend’s Jennifer Esposito’s Gluten free bakery, Jennifer’s Way in the East Village NYC.

Gluten, a protein predominantly found in wheat, barley, and rye, has been a staple in many diets worldwide. However, in recent years, the choice to go gluten-free has gained immense popularity. This isn’t merely a fad; there are genuine health reasons behind such decisions. For many, eliminating gluten becomes a path to a more comfortable, energetic, and healthy life. While it’s not a universal remedy, understanding the potential benefits of a gluten-free diet can help one make informed decisions about dietary choices
In regards to the skin ,  gluten can be an unsuspecting culprit behind several skin conditions. Inflammation, triggered by gluten intake, can lead to outbreaks of acne, exacerbate rosacea, and even spur eczema episodes.

For Energy , some individuals, especially those with gluten sensitivities, consuming products with gluten can result in a feeling of lethargy

For the gastrointestinal tract, Gluten can disrupt the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and even constipation in some cases. For individuals with celiac disease, the ingestion of gluten triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to nutrient malabsorption

For weight , gluten-rich foods, often dense in carbohydrates and added sugars, can contribute to an excessive caloric intake thus gaining weight 

For cognition, gluten sensitivity can manifest in ways beyond digestive distress, with cognitive impairments. This is sometimes called Brain Fog in my medical communities. Brain fog can be caused by many diseases, but gluten should never be overlooked 

Please stop eating gluten for these reasons.

Until tomorrow

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 PROSTATE HEALTH

Prostate health is of concern of every male patient, particular over the age of 50. iIt is extremely important for me with a family history of prostate cancer The standard test is the PSA (probably over utilized) followed up by a trans rectal ultrasound of the prostate. or a MRI of the prostate The three basic prostate conditions are prostatitis, benign prostate hypertrophy and prostate cancer.
One point to remember is that PSA screening  results in little or no reduction in prostate cancer specific mortality and may be associated with problems  related to subsequent evaluation and treatments

There are excellent supplements, minerals and herbs for prostate support. Some of the herbs as saw palmetto has been studied by the National Institute of Health ( NIH) There are also excellent food sources for prostate health. Other than saw palmetto the two herbs I utilize are stinging nettles ( Urtica dioica) and Pygeum africanum. The stinging nettles is the root not the leaf I do utilize a product by Prostate Supreme and a Prostate Tonic that I have formulated. It is sold at Botanical Bounty

Is there a way to promote prostate health using foods ? Yes, there is.
1. Eat sardines, salmon mackerel and trout for Omega 3s
2. Consume almonds and walnuts ( good oils) Pumpkin seeds are useful for the prostate
3. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables especially berries, spinach and bell peppers ( all are high in their anti oxidant potential)
4. Obtain resveratrol from red wine and grapes ( use in small doses as both increase blood sugar levels)
5, Lycopene containing foods include tomato juice, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Watermelon is an excellent source of lycopene ( but watermelons have a high glycemic index - or high sugar levels)
6. Ti get selenium eat Brazil nuts, brown rice and fresh fish
7. Eat avocados, nuts , pumpkin seeds and peas for Vitamin E
8. For trace elements as zinc, manganese, and copper eat leafy green vegetables
9. Drink green tea

It is not always necessary to take vitamins and supplements if you eat a well balanced diet

Until tomorrow

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 SKIN

Lately I have been seeing many young men and women with skin conditions. Many want to try Accutane. There are many precautions to consider before taking Accutane, especially for women of child bearing age. For men it is less toxic, however obtaining the drug requires the physician to join a special web site for distribution, as well as close monitoring of each patient.

I sometimes would rather use herbs to help the skin. There are so many to choose from.

1. Burdock seed (Arctium lappa) for dry scaly skin and recurrent boils.

2. Blue flag (Iris verscolor) - for chronic skin problems

3. Oregon Grape Root - (Berberis aquafolium) - I made a salve preparation while in Northeast Botanical Medicine program with 7song. I use this herb for infection far more than other herbs. I love making different salve preparations with Oregon Grape Root. It is great for the pustular eruptions of the skin , especially the face.

Dermatologists are great at what they do. Most dermatologists practice cosmetics. There is NO herb replacement for cosmetic surgery, however there is green tea, calendula and many other herbs that can prevent the need for surgery.

There are many herbal options. Seek one....

Until tomorrow...