APRIL 10, 2024 MALE HERBS

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a herb with a wide variety of effects on the body. It does increase the blood flow to the genitals. You must take it daily. However, since most individuals take a baby aspirin or omega 3 oils, there must be caution. The combination of ginkgo with blood thinners can cause bleeding. Muira puama ( Ptychopetalum olacoides) is often discussed in association with the Peruvian Indians. This herb was studied 25 years ago by Dr. Jacques Waynberg in Paris. 51% of men with erectile dysfunction had improvement after ingesting 1.5 grams within two weeks. Does that mean all men should start taking Muira? The answer is no. Most people know this herb as Potency Wood. Perhaps that is where the term "woody" came along!


The most talked about sexual stimulant is Yohimbine, which is also known as Yocon. The bark of this tree can be eaten, smoked, made into a tea and even sniffed. Certainly sounds like cocaine with the exception of the tea properties. The FDA does consider this herb to be unsafe as you cannot regulate the dose. Yohimbine will lower your blood pressure thus dilating your genital organs. It does help men get erections, but those that use it feel so lousy they are incapable of having sex. It sounds like the first time a patient described the feeling of using viagra. Viagra, levitra and cialis are dose-controlled, whereas Yohimbine is not. The side effects of diarrhea, nausea, skin flushing and dizziness make it impractical to use.

There are two herbs that I know of that their effects are strictly superstitious--or what myths and legends are made from:

These two are Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) and Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 9, 2024 ANTI -INFLAMMATORY FOODS

Inflammation is a natural response of the body to protect itself against harm, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. We do know there are inflammatory foods for each blood type- - Type O - gluten, cow’s dairy, avocados, peanuts and pork; Type A - red meat, cow’s dairy; Type B - chicken ;

There are many anti-inflammatory foods. One is Kale. Kale stands out as a superfood, primarily due to its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients, especially vitamins K, A, and C, contribute significantly to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the presence of glucosinolates in kale helps in detoxifying the body, further reducing inflammation.

The other are blueberries. Blueberries are not only delicious but also a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory properties, mainly due to their high antioxidant content. These antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, give blueberries their distinctive color and reduce inflammation. Regular consumption of blueberries has been linked to a decrease in the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions I proportion my intake as blueberries contain calcium oxalate which are responsible for kidney stones

Another one are almonds. Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients and a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are particularly rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps combat inflammation and stress in the body. Almonds also contain healthy monounsaturated fats, which are known to reduce inflammation and promote heart health

I try to ask my patients to incorporate these foods into their dietary lifestyle.

Until tomorrow..

APRIL 8, 2024 MIGRAINES

Many individuals suffer from migraines. It is more common than you think Migraines are characterized by severe and throbbing head pain, often occurring only on one side of the head. In some people, warning signs like aura will occur before the pain. An aura is a visual disturbance like flashes of light or blind spots. A tingling of the arm or leg, and even difficulty speaking may also happen before the migraine sets in.

Migraine stems from different causes such as:

• Hormonal problems
• Stress and emotional triggers
• Hunger and dehydration
• Poor diet and nutrition
• Prolonged screen time
• Low blood sugar
• Environmental triggers (light & noise)
• Certain food products

Even stress and anxiety can cause migraines. There are many conventional medications used for migraines. Some are successful and some are not. Some have side effects which are unpleasant.

There are over the counter supplements for migraines as Migranol which can be used. I prefer to use the herbs, Jamaican Dog Wood and Butterbur

Ginher, Pepperment, Chamomille, Lavender and Cloves have been also used. I try to use a mixture of herbs in a tincture or a tea that I prepare in my office for the patient.

Check out www.botanicalbounty.org

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 4 2024 GINGER

Ginger, a widely recognized spice known for its distinct aroma and flavor, holds a plethora of health benefits not just for humans but also for dogs. 

From enhancing digestive health to offering anti-inflammatory properties and boosting cardiovascular health, ginger emerges as a beneficial addition to canine wellness routines.

I use Ginger quite frequently for my patients Why not use it for dogs ! The use of ginger for dogs is not merely a modern trend but is backed by centuries of application in herbal medicine. Veterinarians and pet owners alike have observed its benefits, ranging from improved digestion to reduced inflammation in dogs suffering from chronic conditions.

Ginger is enriched with a spectrum of nutrients, including vitamins B6 and C, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and folate, which collectively contribute to its health-promoting properties. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a dog’s health, supporting everything from immune function to muscle health. Moreover, ginger contains bioactive compounds, such as gingerols, which are credited with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect

So consider using ginger…

APRIL 3, 2024 WATERMELON

Watermelon is a fruit that most people overlook. It's mostly a summer fruit, and people don't think to eat it during the winter.

Watermelon has several health benefits. One of these is that watermelon can help protect your joints because watermelon contains a compound called citrulline, which turns into arginine in the body. Arginine is an amino acid that helps build protein and maintain healthy tissue. In addition, arginine has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and pain in the joints. In addition arginine is a vasodilator - it releases nitrous oxide which dilates blood vessels.

It is also a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that can help lower heart disease rates. Lycopene helps to reduce inflammation and keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries. Additionally, watermelon is a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. I use lycopene to reduce the size of the prostate in benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)

Just one cup of watermelon provides 10% of the recommended daily intake for potassium

So reach for watermelon in the grocery store even during the winter.

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 2 2024 DIFFERENT CHOICES OF MILK

The landscape of milk alternatives has dramatically transformed, with a notable rise in the popularity of plant-based options. Among these alternatives, coconut milk and almond milk have emerged as two of the most favored choices for health-conscious consumers. When I was younger I had raw milk. We had milk delivered in glass bottles, not cartons.

The shift towards plant-based milks is not just a trend but a reflection of changing dietary preferences and growing health consciousness. Consumers are increasingly opting for dairy alternatives due to lactose intolerance, environmental concerns, and a desire for lower-calorie options. This shift is supported by a growing body of research highlighting the health benefits of plant-based diets, including reduced risk of heart disease and improved digestion. There is almond, coconut, hazel nut, flax seed and much more

Coconut milk, derived from the flesh of mature coconuts, is a creamy, tropical delight known for its rich texture and sweet, nutty flavor Nutritionally, coconut milk is high in calories and saturated fats, but these fats are mostly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently than other fats and may offer health benefits like improved metabolism. However, coconut milk’s high saturated fat content has raised some nutritional concerns As a Type O blood type, coconut doesn’t agree with me I prefer almond milk.

Almond milk, made from ground almonds and water, presents a stark contrast to coconut milk. It’s light, with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, and has gained immense popularity as a low-calorie, low-fat dairy alternative. Almond milk is a great source of vitamin E.

Explore the differences in nut milk. Find the one right for you

Until tomorrow…

APRIL 1, 2024 CABBAGE

We often overlook eating cabbage . We should not ! Cabbage is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals to offering a range of medicinal properties, cabbage is a versatile ingredient that can uplift your health in numerous ways

There are many reasons to eat cabbage It is chock full of vitamins. Cabbage is a nutrient-dense food that packs a punch when it comes to vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of Vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Additionally, it’s rich in Vitamin C, which is vital for skin health and immune function, and Vitamin B6, which plays a key role in brain development and function. The mineral content is equally impressive, boasting calcium for strong bones, potassium for blood pressure regulation, and magnesium for nerve function.

Cabbage is rich in a variety of antioxidants, including glucosinolates, polyphenols, and sulfur compounds. These antioxidants work in tandem to combat oxidative stress, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. The presence of these antioxidants also has anti-inflammatory properties. As part as digestion , cabbage is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, it aids in the digestive process by adding bulk to stools and promoting regular bowel movements. This makes cabbage a helpful food for conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

But the digestive benefits of cabbage don’t stop at fiber. Fermented forms of cabbage, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, are rich in probiotics

For all of the above reasons you should eat CABBAGE

Until tomorrow.

MARCH 28, 20924 THE SKIN

What is the largest organ in the human body? If you answered the colon or the liver , you are wrong. The largest organ in terms of surface area and weight is THE SKIN, which is the most overlooked. Our skin is a fluid barrier, a major source of sensory input, a temperature controller, ands a contributor in the immune system.
Do you take care of your skin? First of all hydration is the first key point. You must drink water every day - about 8 glasses of 8 oz of water/day. There are many stressors to the human skin. These are environmental. By this I mean the weather, the sun and the pollution. We live in a toxic world. Many illnesses first manifest their problem on the skin. This is especially true of some internal cancers. This is also apparaent when we discuss candida overgrowth. 
It is said but 1 in 5 Americans wil develop skin cancer. Is this due to lack of vitamin because of skin sun screeners or not enough and you are spending too much time in the sun. We do knwo that melanoma is on the rise in the last decade by 20-30%.
The fastest growing industry is the cosmetoic industry. This is not only for the women, but equally for the men. More cosmetic products for men are now on the shelves. Did you know that by age 50, the average female will spend at least 250,000 on hair and facial products. Look what some individuals pay for their hair color and hair cuts. It can be a bit outrageous, but we are a country of ' how we look on the outside.' If we ingest supplements/herbs and vitamins for the inner self, we should start helping the outer beauty with vitamins. So this is what the cosmetic industry is doing. Cosmeceuticals are products that have some medicinal benefits depending on what you put into the product. Organic and natural are different labels. The word natural follows no standard and has no regulatory agency, as the word , organic does.
Many skin products use the word anti-oxidants, or anti-aging. Be wary of these labels. What actually is in the product. One of the first doctors who made a skin care line was Dr. Perricone. I believe he was the first to add Vitamin C or asorbic acid to his products. It has been shown that skin products with asorbic acid revealed an increase in skin density, this having a protective effect. There are many cosmetic companies now using soy in their products as soy contains phytosterols which are potent anti - oxidants.

The one herb that has been recently added to skin products is Feverfew. This is most commonly asssociated with migraine prevention and arthritis. Feverfew does have anti-inflammatory and anti oxidant potential. It is effective in reducing the redness of the skin. Feverfew is part of the daisy family. One plant I always utilize in skin conditions is the pot marigold also known as Calendula.
One of the most studied and researched plants is Camella sinensis, also known as Green tea. tea is consumed only second to water in most countries. Today I am delighted that more Americans are consuming herbal teas, espeically Green, Oolong, White and Black tea. The polyphenoal in green tea, especially, EGCG inhibits colagenase activity and increases collagen formation.
Studies have shown that topical green tea applied to the face  inhibits ultraviolet-induced erythema and decreased DNA sun damage to the skin. You probably have seen green tea or EGCG added to the most expensive cosmetic products.
You also may start to see the following herbs added to some skin products. These include
Punica granatum, commonly known as Pomegranate, Coffea arabica, known as the Coffeeberry and Euterpe oleracea, known as the Acai berry.

Until tomorrow…