OCTOBER 31, - NOVEMBER 1, 2025 HEMLOCK AND PARSNIP

BEING A SPIRITUAL WEEKEND I want to discuss a poisonous plant we have heard of in great literature. The purple spotted stem of this large plant with white flowers can be confused with carrots, parsnips and wild anise. It is the Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum). You would think it has no medicinal properties, but it does. It was used in ancient times by the Greeks and Romans for arthritis. I find this hard to believe, however there is a fine line between its therapeutic use and toxic levels. Poison hemlock has been used as a sedative and for its antispasmodic properties. Overdoses can produce paralysis and loss of speech, followed by depression of the respiratory function, and then death. All former Latin students know that the famed philosopher, Socrates died by hemlock. After being condemned to death for impiety in 399 BC, Socrates was given a potent infusion of the hemlock plant. Plato described Socrates' death in the Phaedo

"The man … laid his hands on him and after a while examined his feet and legs, then pinched his foot hard and asked if he felt it. He said ‘No’; then after that, his thighs; and passing upwards in this way he showed us that he was growing cold and rigid..."

The parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a root vegetable related to the carrot. Parsnips resemble carrots, but are paler than most carrots and have a sweeter flavor.The parsnip is richer in vitamins and minerals than its close relative, the carrot. It is particularly rich in potassium with 600 mg per 100 g. Those patients on certain cardiac medications must be careful in eating too many parsnips. If on a 'water pill' or diuretic, the parsnip can be a good source of the potassium you are losing when taking the diuretic. The parsnip is also a good source of dietary fiber.

RECIPE
The taste of warm roasted vegetables makes a great Fall Salad per Martha. She uses roasted shallots, parsnips, carrots and beets, but you can use butternut squash and turnips. Since Wiccans carved turnips for Halloween-use them

For roasted vegetables:
1. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2. 8 baby red or golden beets, peeled and cut in half
3. 8 shallots
4. 4 medium parsnips ( about 1 pound) - peeled cut into 3-inch lengths
5. 6 long carrots ( scrub them good, peel and cut lengthwise)
6. 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary leaves
7. Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Drizzle beets with olive oil. Then bake them at 450 degrees. Let them stand and cool. Cut them in halves. Put the roasted shallots, parsnips and carrots
in a large bowl with remaining oil. Add salt and pepper. Sprinkle with rosemary. You need arugula. Clean well. Dry well. Place in refrigerator for that crispy feeling.

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 29, 2025 MORINDA ROOT

The idea of using restoring tonics is not new. It is centuries old. If you start to look at old medicine bottles from old pharmacies of the 1900's you will read the word ' tonic' on the bottle. Today, a tonic for an herbalist is an adaptogen. There is no one better than herbalist, David Winston who knows about adaptogens. He even wrote a book about Adaptogens.

The Chinese and Tibetans have used adaptogens for centuries. So have the North American Native Indians, The more common ones are Panax ginseng, Ashwaganda, Siberian Ginseng and Rhodiola.
I have many of these herbs when constituting a formula for a patient. I also use adaptogenic herbs in tablet and capsule form. I also use adaptogens as herbal tea infusions.

I have been intrigued by the Alma fruit as a possible adaptogen and Morinda root. I only came across Morinda root when I started to have low back pain, and I went to Chinatown. I was given the formula,
 Ba Ji Tian. Knowing more about Chinese Medicine now than in the past, this root is used for deficient kidney Yang patients.

This root is used for lack of libido, low back pain, male and female infertility problems and urinary frequency. I have much use for this herb in my daily patient population of men and women. I have now used it for asthma patients.

As a tea ( which I love making teas) 1-2 tsp of dried root in 10 oz of water, steep 45 min and take 4oz of the tea three times a day. When you are ingesting any  home-made herbal teas, you do not worry about the taste. You can always add a little wild flower honey ( 1/8 to 1/4 tsp) to the cup

Until tomorrow…

OCT0BER 28, 2025 # 1 FRUIT

I love fruits. I eat fruits every morning for breakfast- sometimes with granola and yogurt My fruit includes different types of berries, apple, kiwi , banana and grapes. One of the above has been named the # 1 FRUIT When it comes down to getting an adequate amount of nutrients and minerals per day, fruits play an essential role in meeting these goals. But according to new research published by the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, there’s one standout fruit that promotes a healthier brain, heart, and gut: GRAPES

Grapes should be a "superfood" classification is due to their high levels of phytonutrients—specifically polyphenols. “Polyphenols are a large class of phytonutrients that are known for their antioxidant properties. The types of polyphenols found in grapes include phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and stilbenes. Many of the health benefits of grapes are attributed to the impact of these compounds on the body, particularly their anti-inflammatory properties

I put red grapes in my fruit mix., Between red, purple, and green grapes, however, you may be wondering which color packs the most nutrients. “Most of the polyphenols and antioxidants in purple and red grapes are found in the skin

The variety of antioxidants found in grapes may protect neurons and promote healthy brain function,” Routhenstein says. “Some research suggests that regular grape consumption may improve cognitive function and potentially lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.” It is great for the gastrointestinal system Grapes are an anti-inflammatory powerhouse, properties which play a vital role in maintaining the gut microbiome. “Polyphenols from grapes have been found to improve gut microbiome balance by increasing the quantity and quality of the digestive ecosystem

So add grapes to your fruit mix every day

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 27, 2025 FROZEN VEGETABLES

There are some vegetables that you should buy frozen as per clinical nutritionist and some doctors. Nutritionist and sports medicine expert Dr. Peter Brukner often gets asked about frozen foods, and how we can incorporate them into our diets. While many vegetables can be a positive addition to your freezer, Dr. Brukner notes that some veggies are actually better for freezing than others

The first vegetable to buy frozen is broccoli Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber, says Dr. Brukner. Frozen broccoli keeps its crunchiness and bright green color well and can be enjoyed as a side dish or an addition to a stir-fry.

The second is spinach Although I like a fresh organic spinach salad, you should buy frozen. There also have been contaminated spinach in the last few years Frozen spinach is chock-full of iron and a multitude of vitamins. Whether used in smoothies, soups, or pasta, frozen spinach is an easy way to add extra nutrients to any meal.

And the last is cauliflower Cauliflower is a great source of fiber, and it cooks well when frozen. This vegetable can also be used as a low carbohydrate replacement for rice, says Dr. Brukner. Don’t forget about peas either Better frozen

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 22, 2025 SAY 'YESD' OR ' NO' TO RED MEAT

For decades, we've been told to cut back on red meat to protect our hearts. Now, a major scientific review suggests the real health risks may lie in our overall lifestyle, not the meat itself.

This comprehensive review, which analyzed the combined evidence from numerous studies, investigated the link between meat and cardiovascular health. The conclusion was a surprising one for many: there is no statistically significant link between eating unprocessed red meat and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, or heart failure.

So, why the long-held belief? The review highlights that in many older studies, once lifestyle factors like poor overall diet, smoking, and lack of exercise were accounted for, the weak association with heart problems disappeared.

For those committed to a healthy lifestyle built on whole, natural foods, this is a crucial distinction. It suggests that a high-quality, unprocessed steak or roast, when part of a balanced and active life, is not the dietary villain it has been portrayed to be. The focus should be on overall lifestyle habits, not on singling out one natural food.

For those who want to see the science, the review is published in the journal Nutrients.

Source: Klurfeld, D. M. (2021). "Intake of Unprocessed and Processed Meat and the Association with Cardiovascular Disease: An Overview of Systematic Reviews." Nutrients, 13(10), 3649.

OCTOBER 21, 2025 USES FOR HONEY

Here are some great ways to use your honey:

Wound Care Ointment:

Mix together - 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of Aquaphor and put it into a jar. Simple but effective ointment! Honey has antibacterial effects and the Aquaphor helps bind the honey.

Honey Aloe Drink for Digestive Issues:

Great probiotic!

Directions: 

1. Peel/remove skin from Aloe and cut into 1inch cubes 

2. In a 1quart jar, add aloe chunks and 1lb of honey 

3. Squeeze 2 limes/lemons into quart jar 

4. Close with lid and shake until blended 

5. Leave on the kitchen counter for 3 days with the lid slightly ajar. Tighten the lid and shake 2 or 3 times during a day for 3 days. (Remember to leave the lid slightly ajar.)

6. After 3 days, tighten the lid and store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. (You can strain or leave the aloe in.)

7. Drink a small glass of honey/aloe juice at least once a day or before each meal. 

These are just some of the great ways to use honey. Besides being delightfully delicious, honey can be used to promote human health. So…eat more honey!

 This is written by Elaine Storm- Board member of the American Apitherapy Society( AAS) Thank you Elaine

If you want to join us in Las Vegas NV and hear more about honeybees- Come to the CMACC annual conference November 14-16, 2025 at the Rio Grande www.apitherapy.org

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 14, 2025 LEMON WATER

What do you first grab when you get up in the morning? Most individuals get their cup of coffee. I get something else. I get lemon water. Lemon water offers a refreshing alternative with powerful health benefits. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential minerals, lemons can enhance digestion, hydration, and overall well-being. This simple habit can strengthen the immune system, support weight management, and even promote clearer skin

Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning replenishes lost fluids after hours of sleep. The mild acidity of lemon helps the body absorb water more efficiently, ensuring optimal hydration. Proper hydration is essential for bodily functions such as circulation, joint lubrication, and maintaining energy levels

Lemon water stimulates digestive enzymes and encourages the production of stomach acid, which helps break down food more efficiently. This natural digestive boost can prevent bloating, discomfort, and sluggish digestion that often occurs after meals. The citric acid in lemons also promotes bile production, which is essential for breaking down fats and absorbing nutrients properly

In addition to aiding digestion, lemon water can help regulate bowel movements and reduce constipation. The combination of hydration and natural acidity encourages intestinal movement

This is a habit you must get used to It offers a wide range of benefits. Once you start it you may never stop

Until tomorrow…

OCTOBER 6, 2025 JICAMA

Jicama — pronounced hic-kah-muh in English and hee-kah-muh in Spanish is the odd-looking love child of a giant water chestnut and a potato — with the crispness of an apple.

Jicama has a mild, slightly sweet, and refreshing taste. Its crisp, juicy texture pairs well with savory and sweet dishes, making it a versatile ingredient in salads, slaws, and snacks. Though unremarkable in appearance, this vegetable offers a unique taste, a stellar nutritional profile, and several potential health benefits that make it worth trying. The jicama plant’s leaves, seeds, and flowers are toxic and are not edible. Only the roots of the plant are sold in grocery stores and markets.

This plant has gastrointestinal benefits. In animal studies (our view on animals in medical research is here), jicama has shown potential in modifying gut microbiota by increasing beneficial strains like Lactobacillus reuteri and inhibiting pathogens like Mucispirillum sp. There are benefits in diabetes It does have a sweet taste. jicama boasts a low glycemic load. The fiber in jicama not only slows down digestion but also aids in weight loss, primarily by increasing satiety

As a cardiologist I am extremely interested in its cardiac potential of reducing blood pressure. In a 2016 study, healthy adults who consumed 500 ml of jicama juice reduced their risk of developing blood clots compared to a control group who drank guava juice and water. Jicama juice produces nitric oxide in the body, an important compound that helps arteries relax, reduces blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

so Try It You might like it

Until tomorrow…