OCTOBER 31, 2010 HAPPY HALLO-PARSNIP DAY

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.”
--Helen Keller



Helen Keller was a woman beyond reproach who overcame many obstacles. Possibly this was her daring adventure. She was her own free spirit in the presence of fate. Other great women that come to mind are Madame Curie, Amelia Earhart, and Queen Elizabeth I. What is your own daring adventure? As stated above, always keep your face toward change. Change is good but does create fear. We must go beyond the fear.

I do not want my life to mean nothing when my journey ends. I want it to be my own special adventure. I want to know that I have changed someone's life in a positive way. It is simple: give to others as you give to yourself. You must create your own adventure.

Although today is the final day of October and celebrated as Halloween there are other names for today. Wiccans call it Samhain, meaning "End of Summer", and the third and final Harvest. The dark winter half of the year commences on this Sabbat. It is generally celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions prefer November 1st. It is one of the two "spirit-nights" each year, the other being Beltane. It is a magical interval when the mundane laws of time and space are temporarily suspended, and the Thin Veil between the worlds is lifted. Communicating with ancestors and departed loved ones is easy at this time, for they journey through this world on their way to the Summerlands.

Originally called the "Feast of the Dead" in Celtic countries it was celebrated by leaving food offerings on altars and doorsteps for the "wandering dead". Today a lot of individuals still carry out that tradition. Single candles were lit and left in a window to help guide the spirits of ancestors and loved ones home. Extra chairs were set around the table and the hearth for the unseen guest. Apples were buried along roadsides and paths for spirits who were lost or had no descendants to provide for them. We commonly think of carving pumpkins but instead turnips were hollowed out and carved to look like protective spirits, for this was a night of magic and chaos.


Being a spirited chaotic day/night 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.

After arugula is ready use a rectangular place, line up arugula. Carefully place all roasted vegetables on the platter.
Sprinkle lightly with vinegar if desired. Serves 4. Thanks to Martha and Rick

Top photograph: Although this pillow was made for a Christmas gift, for today she can be the Bostonian Witch!
Bottom photograph: Parsnips

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 30, 2010 GIVE A 'PUT' FOR GOOD HEALTH

“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”

“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.”


Do you give of yourself? If you have much, do you give of your wealth? It has been said, that when you give of yourself you truly give. Giving not receiving is the answer. The first quote is from Albert Einstein. Not everyone gives in this world. I have divided the world, or at least my world into givers and takers. I do know that I have never been a taker. I have tried to the best of my ability to be a giver.

Some individuals are not capable of giving. There are others who only know how to survive by taking. I have known both. I pray and meditate for those who are only takers. I feel they have missed an opportunity in their life to grow and change. Perhaps their childhood was difficult. Perhaps there was a dysfunctional family upbringing. Whose family is not dysfunctional? I have never met the perfect family. I know now that there is no perfect family.

I have finally learned to not only give to others which is important, but to give to myself. Giving to one's self is so important. On a daily basis I give to myself. I allow time to pray and meditate. I allow time to stitch a canvas (or 2, or 3, or 4). I allow time to be conscious of my breath. I allow time to read. And now I allow time to observe nature and its beauty--especially the plants. What to you allow time to do? Shift your mind so that you feel excited and eager to make the necessary changes in your life and...
transform your mood, confidence and sense of well being. Both are essential.


Plants shifted my mind and I become eager to make changes in my life. Studying about plants has transformed my mood, especially in a six week period when I have felt a void. It started when I heard a guest speaker, Rosita Arvido. She is a healer. A healer with love, appreciation and devotion to mankind. She learned through the healers of Belize Mexico and their forbearers. She learned from them to teach and spread the word on various plants and their remedies to future generations. I gravitated to the passion in her speech. We do know that technology has led to a greater loss of information (ethnobotanical information) on plants. I have learned about the history of Belize, about its people and the traditional uses of some plants.

I have learned more about a variety of plants. One of these is PUT. Yes, PUT. What is PUT? PUT is Mayan for Papaya. The scientific name is Carica papaya from the Family Caricaeeae. Papaya aids in healing of wounds and infections. The milky sap has been used to treat a variety of warts. The boiled root has been used for the treatment of venereal disease. The ripe fruit is helpful for constipation, congestion of the liver and as a diuretic. There are many studies on the effectiveness of Papaya for a variety of bacterial infections.


A Mayan tale: Planting a Papaya tree too close to a house will cause the man of the household to become lazy.

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 29, 2010 PEACE, ENERGY AND THE MIND

"Acceptance brings peace and contentment and joy and opens the door to growth, change, and moving forward."

Acceptance is the last "A" - there is awareness, acknowledgment and acceptance. Once you accept yourself you will find peace, joy and contentment. What is peace? How do we get peace? Do you have peace? There have been many famous quotes on peace.

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.” - Martin Luther King, Jr

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” - Buddha

“Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make, Something you do, Something you are, And something you give away.”

Of all the quotes above, I relate to the third quote the most. Perhaps a twelve step program of giving "it" away when I received the gift of sobriety is close to my heart. We all have to make peace from within. It is only then we can give it away. I certainly do not have peace every moment of my life. It is life on life's terms. I do not pray for peace. I have to earn peace. You will know when it happens. It is the quiet sound within. There is no chatter in the mind. You can sit with yourself--the quiet, the soft beating of your heart, and the deep breath during your meditation.

Once my Higher Power allowed me to accept this peace, contentment and joy, I was able to grow and change. This created fear. You can push through the fear. This has allowed me to move forward. On a daily basis I am in awe of the people I have met. I didn't do this alone. I had mentors, teachers, spiritual guides, a life-partner, and the God of my understanding to assist me. From the Nobel Prize winner to the 92 year old east side woman struggling to hold onto her rent stabilized apartment, from the actor in a television series to the man dying of asbestosis from his previous occupation, from the actor on the stage to the newly diagnosed diabetic--we are people, only people. We are all made up of energy. We are one in the same . This is the humbleness I have for life.

May each of you find some peace in your daily life.


Since we are made of energy, I want to discuss auras and chakras. Your main aura color reflects your personality type and traits. Lets go through all the colors of the aura.
1. Deep Red - physical, hardworking, powerful, vital, grounded, strong
2. Red - excitement, energetic, competitive, winner, will power
3. Orange - productive, physical and creative expression, business, enjoyment
4. Orange-Yellow- analytical, intellectual, detail-oriented, logical, structured
5. Yellow- playful, sunny, easy going, creative, intellectual, curious, active
6. Green - social, natural, content, harmonious, teacher, communicative, quick minded
7. Deep-Green - quick minded, goal oriented, social, material, organizer
8. Blue- caring, sensitive, loving, helpful, loyal, peaceful, desire to of service
9. Indigo-clarity, calm, deep inner feelings, loyal, introverted, artistic
10. Violet- intuitive, artistic, theorist, futuristic, visionary, innovative
11. Lavender- imaginative, mystical, fantasy, soft, fragile, sensitive, often spacey
12. White - transcendent, transformation, imaginative, quiet, higher dimension

The body has energy centers or chakras. There are seven chakras.

1. Base Chakra - located at end of spine which corresponds to life energy, emotional strength will power and sexuality
2. Navel Chakra - below the navel; corresponds to creative, productive and emotional expression
3. Solar Plexus Chakra - located at the solar plexus; corresponds to personal power, creative and intellectual thoughts
4. Heart Chakra - located around the heart and corresponds to communication, speech and social abilities
5. Throat Chakra - located around the throat and corresponds to speech, social , and verbal abilities
6. Third Eye Chakra - located between the eyes and corresponds to intuition, vision, artistic and creative thoughts
7. Crown Chakra - located at the top of the head and corresponds to intuition, spirituality and enlightenment

The body can heal through energy. There are studies, some conventional and some alternative to indicate that energy can heal the body. Most doctors and health professionals do not know about energy medicine and healing. Most do not know about chakras and auras. Every aspect of medicine is important in the healing process. This does include the field of Energy Medicine. This ever growing field is gaining the interest of a wide range of individuals.

Individuals can be Left Dominant or Heart Dominant. The left 'female' side of your body has a higher energy level than your right active masculine side. Some questions that might be asked include: a. are you experiencing physical ailments on your left side? b. is your left side more sensitive?

When your heart dominates you might be asked the following. a. do you have friends and family you can share feelings with? b. do you have strong intense emotions in your heart at that moment.
Energy Medicine can not taught by books. You must experience the work of an energy healing practitioner.
Be opened minded, explore!!

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 28, 2010 ITS NOT WINTER--

"No man is your enemy, no man is your friend, every man is your teacher."

Thanks Rick

"The most difficult times for many of us are the ones we give ourselves." Thanks Karen

How earth shattering is the second quote. I have found that we are our worst enemies. Do you sabotage yourself? Who hasn't . We start to listen to the committee in our heads. We have expectations and then we get disappointed. Have you heard that before? Life does not have to be that difficult. Life is simple if we want it to be. Some of us seem to function better in chaos and drama . I used to be one of those individuals. Now, chaos creates havoc in my life. It threatens my existence. It threatens my peacefulness and serenity. I want only peace. Family drama and relationship drama for any person can create chaos. Communication is the key. You may have to distance yourself. Remember the first quote--no one is your enemy, no one is your friend --all (even those you may see as enemies) are your teachers. You learn from everyone if you allow yourself to do that.


One of the earliest plants that I became familiar with was foxglove. When I was young my brother and I were limited to a 'lot' of trees and plants at the end of our street. It wasn't a big area, less than a 1/2 mile long. No one except the neighborhood kids went there. We used to build forts. I remember building a thick wall of bushes (brier to be exact). My brother Paul, David, Richie and I made pretend camps --all make believe. I used to dig up plants from "the lot" and put them in milk containers. I would transport them back to my backyard and replant them.

One of those plants had an intoxicating smell. If the leaf was torn or scraped and I took in a deep breath--it had a distinct smell. I didn't know what it was but I knew my Poppy would know. He did --it was wintergreen. 'Wintergreen' once commonly referred to plants that continue photosynthesis (remain green) throughout the winter. The term evergreen is now more commonly used for this characteristic. My Poppy asked where we got it. I told him and he asked me to bring some more, but not take them all. For years later, we had wintergreen with their berries in our backyard. I do know that he made flavored ice tea with the leaves.

The medicinal uses of wintergreen are related to the oils found in the wintergreen leaf. It contains the chemical methyl salicylate, which is related to aspirin. So it can be used as pain relief medicine. It does make a great mouthwash and has a soothing effect on the gums.


A good formula for arthritis/rheumatism
To be taken internally...
1. Oregon grape root - 6 parts
2. parsley root- 6 parts
3. Sassafras - 3 parts
4. Prickly ash bark - 3 parts
5. Black cohosh - 3 parts
6. Ginger root - 2 parts

Make a tea using one ounce of herbs to a pint of water, simmered for thirty minutes.
One to two cups per day.


Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 27, 2010 JOY OF EMU

"Real joy comes NOT from ease or riches or from the praise of others, BUT from doing something worthwhile"

“Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though t'were his own.”

“Joy is the feeling of grinning inside.”


I try to do something worthwhile everyday. I want to bring joy to others as well as myself. Last night I finished my VanGogh needlepoint. I value the merits of others. I am happy for those who do good in this world.

What brings you JOY? Are you joyful ? If you think joy comes from riches or from the praise of others you are mistaken. I do not do worthwhile things to get praise or accolades. I do it because I want to--without expectations. I feel my heart swell when I am joyful. My hobbies bring me joy and increase my self esteem. Who doesn't want a higher self -esteem.


We know that foods cannot cure disease, but the right foods can help. This is the case for ARTHRITIS. Better choices of food can make you feel better. As we get older we all have cracks, aches and pops. Sounds like the Snap, Crackle, Pop cereal when I was growing up. But simple small changes in your diet will yield big rewards in how you feel.


A good choice of protein that will make you feel better is fatty fish. I would chose fish that are low in mercury such as Pacific Salmon and Sardines. I prefer to get my fish from www.vitalchoice.com. These fish contain high amounts of omega 3. Omega 3 is also found in Emu. There are emu farms across the United States now. Those who do not east fish can eat emu, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and soy beans (if you are not hypothyroid) for omega 3. What is an emu? LOOK above.

I have been using Vitamin D3 is high doses for many years. It is only recognized today that high dose Vitamin D3 is beneficial. I usually recommend 5,000mg/day and sometimes up to 15,000mg/day but this does depend on the individual patient's blood levels. Olive oil contains oleocanthal, which blocks enzymes involved in inflammation. I prefer olive oil to any oil.

Consume foods especially fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C. A Canadian study of 1,317 men found that those who got 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C through food or supplements daily had a 45% lower risk of gout (a painful condition also known as gouty arthritis) than those who consumed less than 250 milligrams a day. But don’t shoot for such high doses if you have osteoarthritis. Duke University researchers found that animals who took high doses of vitamin C – the equivalent of 1,500-2,500 milligrams a day in humans – over eight months suffered worse knee osteoarthritis. So moderation is key. I would rather you get Vitamin C from food than high doses of supplements because unmonitored it can pose a problem.


Low selenium may also be linked to rheumatoid arthritis. The mineral helps antioxidants clear out cell-damaging free radicals, aids the regulation of the thyroid gland and may prevent cancer. It is found in Brazil nuts. You might have to take a multi-mineral formula to get selnium.


Onions and leeks contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may inhibit inflammatory chemicals, much like aspirin and ibuprofen do. Onions are in the Garlic family- Allium. I recently have been reading a book on Allium, which I have found fascinating.

I love the herb White Willow Bark from the Salix family. This herb is the active ingredient found in aspirin without the salicyclic acid.


I also encourage you to decrease the acidic or high glycemic (high sugars) fruits and replace with berries. The magic ingredient is anthocyanins, the pigments that give cherries – and grapes, black raspberries and eggplant – their vibrancy. They’re also powerful antioxidants that cut inflammation.


I do recommend decaffeinated green tea. It contains a most powerful antioxidant, EGCG. Studies show that certain antioxidant compounds in the brew lessen the incidence and severity of rheumatoid arthritis. One University of Michigan study found that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) lowers production of inflammation-causing substances in the body that cause joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. I studied and researched Camilla (green tea) three years ago. The beneficial amount is 24-30 cups. No one I know can consume that much tea. I suggest a high potent green tea. It should be made with 90-05% of the polyphenols. See www.longevitynutritionals.com as I personally formulated a green tea with ginger and grape seed extract. “Green tea won’t take all your pain away,” but it can help reduce inflammation.

SUGAR is bad for arthritis and any disease. Some studies suggest that sugar may increase inflammation. Although it offers a quick energy boost, the high doesn’t last, which can be a drag for arthritis sufferers who already suffer from fatigue.


Sugar is also high in calories, which leads to weight gain and added pressure on your joints.

Start eating better!!!
Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 26, 2010 RED YEAST RICE- TRUE OR FALSE

"Life is not a race but an experience; it is not an exercise but an adventure."

Thanks Karen.

I wish I had read this quote years ago. I felt while in college that I was in a race. I was a horse with blinders. I studied, read, studied, and read. It was an experience, but a grueling one. In residency, we didn't have laws we have today. As young physicians after medical school we were expected to sometimes work 48 hours straight without sleep. There were even 72 hr shifts. Not today. As I get odler I trying to balance. I want to balance my life. I need equal time for taking care of myself. I was once told by a famous actress, "GOD gave you two hands--one to help your patients and the other to help yourself." Today I try to help myself at every opportunity. The 12 promises of a 12 step program have come true. Beyond my wildest dreams, but equally these promises have slipped away, and they return if I work at it. Life is not an exercise, it is an adventure and each of must ride the roller coaster of life. No one said it would be easy.
Do you enjoy your life? If the answer is not a solid yes--then try to change.



There is much talk about red yeast rice in lowering cholesterol. Let's clean up the story a bit. There are many statin type drugs on the market today such as Mevacor, Lipitor, Crestor and Zocor. These reduce two risk factors for cardiovascular disease: inflammation and high cholesterol levels. Statins lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is needed to produce cholesterol in the liver.

It’s less clear how statins reduce inflammation, but research suggests that this once-overlooked property may be as much or more responsible for these drugs’ apparent – if oversold – cardiovascular benefits. Inflammation is the key more than just lowering the number. It is not about a number. It is about particle size of both the LDL (bad) and the HDL (good) choelsterol.

You must realize that statins are simply synthetic, patentable versions of the active compounds in red yeast rice … a traditional Chinese remedy that dates back to the Tang Dynasty, circa 800 A.D. Red yeast rice is not to be confused with yeast. Red yeast rice is a plant. If you are following a yeast-free diet you can take red yeast rice to lower your cholesterol. I have used red yeast rice for years in my practice. I find it very effective with fewer side effects than statins. Remember some of the major statin side effect are increased liver enzymes on a blood test, muscle aches, cramps, fatigue, insomnia and decreased sex drive.

Red yeast rice (RYR) contains several compounds collectively known as monacolins, known to reduce cholesterol synthesis in the liver by inhibiting the same enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that statins interfere with. When Japanese scientists discovered that red yeast rice lowers cholesterol very effectively, western drug companies rushed to patent synthetic versions of its monacolins, which became known as “statins”. So again, pharmaceutical companies jumped on the band wagon of natural plant therapies.

Red yeast rice extract has been sold as a natural cholesterol-lowering agent in over the counter supplements, such as Cholestin™. Originally the pharmaceuitcl company that made Mevacor had a legal suit against the red yeast rice companies. Red yeast rice was not sold for some years, but now it is available again. Conventional doctors sometimes recommend it to patients who can't tolerate statin drugs, and some people see red yeast rice extract as a safer natural alternative to statins. Has your doctor recommemded red yeast rice? There has been a battle with the FDA over the legal status of red yeast rice (drug or dietary supplement?), and the producers of pharmaceutical statins have sued to halt sales of red yeast rice supplements.

The researchers began their report by affirming that red yeast rice can be an effective alternative to statin drugs, in terms of lowering blood levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol: “Several studies have shown that specific formulations of red yeast rice reduce LDL cholesterol significantly compared with placebo. This is likely related to the effects of monacolin K and the 13 other monacolins in the supplement, which … lower the production of cholesterol in the liver.” (Gordon RY et al. 2010) So why not try red yeast rice (Monecus purpurus)?

As always, which is the best red yeast rice product? Are there difference in vitamins bought at GNC, WallMart or CVS? Yes there is! Tests showed very wide variations in the levels of monacolins found in various red yeast rice supplements.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and www.ConsumerLab.com measured monacolin levels in 12 commercial red yeast rice supplements. The checked for the presence of citrinin, a fungal toxin that can harm the kidneys.

Across the 12 products, levels of total monacolins ranged from 0.31mg to 11.15mg per capsule … a 36-fold difference. So you see there is a difference. I do prefer quality vitamin companies. For this reason I have combined red yeast rice with guggulipids and plant sterols in my own formula. I call this Cardio L Forte. I highly recommend this web site www.longevitynutritionals.com.

The levels of monacolin K varied – the most potent monacolin, which is patented and sold by prescription as lovastatin (Mevacor) – ranged from 0.10 milligrams to 10.09 milligrams per capsule … a 100-fold variance. There was also variable amounts of citrinin in the formulations. Four of the formulations had “elevated” levels of citrinin, though probably not high enough to pose an actual health threat.

These variations in the quality have led to a bad conclusion. “Although RYR may have potential as an alternative lipid-lowering agent, our findings suggest the need for improved standardization of RYR products and product labeling.”

As they said, “Until this occurs, physicians should be cautious in recommending RYR to their patients for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.” (Gordon RY et al. 2010)

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 25, 2010 PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS--- IS IT BITTERSWEET

" In your quest or pursuit of happiness, pause to relax and be happy."
Thanks Karen

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence”


In conjunction with contentment is happiness. These are quite different. You can be content but not happy. You can be happy and not content. The best is to be content and happy.
Success does NOT bring you happiness. Wealth does NOT bring you happiness. Happiness comes from within. There are always moments in life when we can become unhappy. These are situational. Most often the death of a loved on brings us unhappiness. This is understandable. You must also look beyond and think what a relief for the individual or family if he/she was suffereing. I encounter death more often than I wish. This has made me a bit jaded. A bit unemotional. Possibly because I have seen death in my own family. It brings me joy when death comes quickly to anyone. I do not like to see suffering. It is not only the suffering of the individual involved, but the loving family. To read quotes onm death and dying can be sad but also inspirational. Here is one I seem to find solice in:

You live on earth only for a few short years
which you call an incarnation,
and then you leave your body as an outworn dress
and go for refreshment to your true home in the spirit of God."

From the Broadway play, Mack and Mabel-- a Jerry Herman musical comes a song that can sum of feelings. " Time Heals Everything"

Wild Plants as a food source become even more important and better for one's overall health. I know we as Americans eat too many processed food. We are saturating our bodies with far to many chemicals. I do not think the food industry even realiuzes the dangerous effects of these chemicals. The natural health food centers and organic foods are one option, but not always affordable in today's economic climate. Right outside your door step are the small farmers who grow organically but cannot afford an organic license. There is also the food co-op in yoiur area. I have talked about food co cops int he past. If you live outside the city, growing in your yard are the wild planmts. Become familar with the wild plants as these can be a great food source.

One of the 'backyard' plantrs useful for the teratment of arthritis is Dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ) As discussed previously it is a emmber of the Daisy Family. It is one of the oldest medicinal herbs. It does have diuertic properties like the conventional drug, lasix or furosemide. It is one of the best known plants for treatment of chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Dandelion works on the interstital tissue. For my arthritis patients, I prescribe dandelion tea starting in the spring. If you prefer you can get dandelion juices . I prefer the tea as the juice is sweetened with sugar. You repeat this process in the fall. So twice a year ( Spring and Fall ) with a summer and winter of better mobility, less stiffness and decreased tendency for other joints to get sore.

Another herb which I have personally not used is Bittersweet ( Solanum dulcamara ) It is so uncommonly written about that is difficult to find citations of its use. If it is not in the Mosby's Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements, then I know it is not used commonly. When you go from Bilberry to Blackberry in any book--Bittersweet is overlooked. It is not Bitter Melon nor Bitter Orange. It is Bittersweet. Other names for Bittersweet include Bitter Nightshade, Felonwort, and Violet-bloom. It is a vine like perennial herb that has long trailing or climbing stems reaching up to ten feet in length each.
The species name of the bittersweet herb - dulcamara, is a reference to the taste of the berries. The berries initially have a bitter taste and then become unpleasantly sweet as they ripen. This is why it is called Bittersweet. Bittersweet is a native European species, it has been naturalized in America. It has many uses other than arthritis. The bittersweet is very effective when consumed to treat different kinds of skin problems like long term eczema, persistent itchiness on the skin, disorders such as psoriasis, as well as warts. In addition to the other beneficial properties mentioned above, the bittersweet herb has a mildly narcotic effect; it also possesses a diuretic effect. Small doses of the bittersweet remedy are useful in treating problems like dyspnoea, cough, and pain in the chest produced by exposure to cold weather. Bittersweet remedies are also useful in relieving catarrhal headache induced by acute colds, and this remedy is also helpful in treating nasal catarrh. Bittersweet contains steroidal alkaloids (including solasodine and soldulcamaridine), steroidal saponins, and about 10% tannins.


Until tomorrow...
Top photograph: Bittersweet
Bottom photograph: Dandelion

OCTOBER 24, 2010 C-O-N-T-E-N-T-M-E-N-T

" A truly happy person enjoys the scenery on a detour. Contentment comes from making the most of what we have and going with it. "

How many times driving have you gotten lost and truly didn't fret, but enjoyed the view ? Or did you get aggravated with your partner because you got lost ? It is so much easier to enjoy life when you are fulfilled and happy, rather than angry and miserable. At the beginning of the weekend , I drifted into a place of despair. I heard news about the summer's events which did sting a bit. Remember I cannot control other's behavior. Neither can you ! I do not have to particpate in drama. I am doing a 90 in 90 of drama free. Thank goodness ! I sought contentment. I have contentment. The things that us content varies from individual to individual. For me: Reading a good book, creating holiday cards,being with your life-partner, having life conversations with your children, helping people, walking among the trees/ plants or a stitch or two does allow a contentment to wash over my body. It is like a wave crashing among my body. What makes you content? I have learned being content with another individual, a group of friends or family is not the same. Contentment with yourself allows for growth. For the morning meditation, I concentrated on my own contentment. Sort of like having a date with myself.


In life, what do you really want ? Do you want what princesses wanted. Sovereignty over your own life as if in the Court of Henry VIII. I have thought about this for some time. I want control over my health. I want vitality. I want youth. I want beauty. I want peace and serenity. Is that too much to ask for ? All of us go through stages or phases in life. Each stage of our life may have its own influences.
I think women more than men want beauty and attractivenss. I think women take care of themselves better than men. This is an observation from years of practice. If I asked you to tell me what is the number one health issues among women of all ages--what would you say. 33% of women polled answered breast cancer. Not correct. Another 1/3 answered Alzheimer's Disease. Not correct. The last third answered heart disease. Heart disease is the number one health issue accounting for about 26% of the top ten health issues. For those chronic health conditions among the population 65 years and older--the two chronic diseases are hypertension and arthritis. Both affect women more than men. As women get older their own health concerns in their fourth and fifth decade of life include breast health, perimenopause, cognitive decline , weight management, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. For men, their health concerns are limited to prostate health and sexual performance or libido.

Another concern affecting women more than men are autoimmune diseases, as lupus, thyroid, and diabetes. These diseases strike or affect women three times more than men. An astonishing fact is that of the 50 million Americans living with autoimmunity, 30 million are women.
Are you getting the idea? These autoimmune diseases represent the fourth largest cause of disability among women in the United States.
When dealing with autoimmune disease in both sexes, the underlying INFLAMMATION must be addressed. This inflammation is usually in the small intestines which hence forward can affect other organs and systems. You just remove some of the offenders. These offenders are often dairy and wheat. Together these are yeast. Always remember GLUTEN is yeast ( Barley , Rye , Oats, and Wheat ) Other offenders are heavy metal intoxication and chronic infection. Once these offenders are removed, you must utilize anti-inflammatory nutrients to rebuild. These are usually a protein powder which is not dairy ( examples are brown rice and hemp) with adequate supplementation, the good bacteria-probiotics, an amino acid, glutamine , anti-inflammatory herbs, as ginger and tumeric. Other anti-inflammatory nutrients include fish oils and Vitamin D. For women,it is imperative to examine is the estrogen metabolits are in or out of balance. These estrogen metabolites can be balanced with diet and nutrition. It always comes back to a DIETARY LIFESTYLE. I would also state that it always comes back to Mother Earth--the plants.

OCTOBER 23, 2010 C-H-A-N-G-E

WHAT DO THE TOP TWO PHOTOGRAPHS HAVE IN COMMON ?








C H A N G E = Choosing Honesty Allows New Growth Every Day

Who with that definition wouldn’t want change. I want new growth every day. I get it with my hair –so why not with my life. Honestly sometimes hurts. Sometimes I am brutally too honest. It must be a trait from my Dad. If my Dad saw you and you gained a little weight , he would tell you. It is hard to believe five years have gone by so quickly without picking up the phone and speaking to him, or him dropping by the office to bring us lunch. You never forget loved ones; I wil always have memories. It is never a good time to vent feelings, but it sometimes due to circumstances -- it just happens. I rather let it out then hold onto anger and resentments. Anger/resentments have gotten me no where in the past. Has anger and resentments ever helped you in a situation ? Being honest with one self and telling others how you feel is cathartic for one's soul. It shows growth. I want to grow each day. My hobbies have allowed me to grow. My botanical life has allowed me to grow. Rick has allowed me to grow--actually he made me grow. Fatherhood has allowed me to grow. So change does not have to be fear. It should be Chosing Honestly Allows New Grwoth Every Day. Consider this new definition of CHANGE.



Debilitating at any age –Arthitis. ‘it is’ means inflammation. This is inflammation of the joints. With new advances in medicine there are many new drugs in the last ten years to treat different types of arthritis. The one problem – the side effects of the medicines can be more devastating than the arthritis itself. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease in which the response is gradual and varies from individual to individual. This is important especially when using herbs for treatment. In my clinical observation, I have seen some individuals respond while others do not.
Most patients with RA are treated with prednisone or some form of steroids. Steroids DO work, but at what expense to our bodies. Steroids when stopped can cause patients to go back into pain and out of remission. Steroid use increases blood pressure, sugar levels, increased suspectibility to infection and cause osteoporosis. If steroids fail to help the patient, other drugs—more toxic can help. Some of these are gold and chemotherapeutic agents, as methotrexate and chloroquine.
Herbs that already have been discussed for their use in arthritis are dandelion, neetles, and burdock.
J.W. Oliver of England wrote : A most valuable food remedy is Blackstrap Molasses, one teaspoonful in three-fourths of a cup of hot water to be drunk before each meal, and in bad cases on rising and retiring each day. He goes on to say , “ perseverance along the lines indicated, however severe the case, will invariably score a victory in the end.”
There are three grades of molasses: mild or barbados, also known as first molasses; dark, or second molasses; and blackstrap. These grades may be sulphured or unsulphured.
To make molasses, the sugar cane plant is harvested and stripped of its leaves. Its juice is extracted from the canes, usually by crushing or mashing; it can also be removed by cutting. The juice is boiled to concentrate it, which promotes the crystallization of the sugar The result of this first boiling and of the sugar crystals is first molasses, which has the highest sugar content because comparatively little sugar has been extracted from the source. Second molasses is created from a second boiling and sugar extraction, and has a slight bitter tinge to its taste. The third boiling of the sugar syrup makes blackstrap molasses. There are many culinary uses of molasses. It has been used to treat iron deficiency anemia as well as arthritis. Other herbs and plants to treat arthritis from the 1940-1960’s included chapparal, potato, cabbage and alfalfa. I remember my father used vinegar to wrap his joints as well as magnetic therapy. He had ordered a book from the TV Guide called “ The Vinegar Book.” He used vinegar to treat every ailment his body .
In a Master Cleanse program, BlackStrap Molasses is used with lemon, water, and cayenne pepper. Have you ever tried this program. It is difficult, but cleansing for the entire body.


The top two photographs: Credit Rick Byrd: What do they have in common ? Both the men and the turles are in a line. Both the men and the turtles are in harmony. And third, I love both the photographs.

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 22, 2010 YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WALK ALONE

If you look for the truth outside yourself,
It gets farther and farther away.
Today walking alone, I meet it everywhere I step.
It is the same as me, yet I am not it.
Only if you understand it in this way
Will you merge with the way things are.
- Tung-Shan


I had to read this twice before I understood the meaning. Perhaps I read too quickly. I had awakened to the understanding of this quote and others. Not only because I read slower to grasp the understanding, but because I have become the 'butterfly' or 'moth' I always wanted to be. I hatched from a deep sleep. I feel I have emeerged. I am the man I always wanted to be. Do I have faults ? Do you have faults ? Who doesn't have faults, character defects and imperfections. Remember there is no perfection in this lifetime. This life time is a preparation for what is to come in a new life. It is life on life's terms. It is sometimes unfair. Life has its good and bad days. We all have had these times. If you feel you do not, then you haven't gone deep within yourself. Reflection of one's life for me happens usually at the date of my sober anniversary, when a loved ones dies or on a daily basis while meditating. I have been meditating longer these last four weeks. I feel there must be a message that I have not heard yet. I can be surpirsed as I have no expectations of the message. In the past I would have looked at my life and what I do not have. Today I look at what I have. I have gratitude for what my higher power has bestowed on me. I have a full life. I am not concerned with the riches and the wealth. I have a two handfuls, maybe three of gifted individuals who enrich my life on a daily basis. I am never bored, nor do I desire anything more. With all life has to offer, in nature alone one should nto be bored. See life to its fullest extent. For today: Take a breath of fresh air, and smell the last of the flowers till spring !

I have believed that if a Higher Power puts a disease on this Mother Earth, he also put a plant that is here that can cure it. Medicine has looked beyond the plants. I am grateful for technology and medicinal advances but man has lost touch with this inborn or inherited plant knowledge. As those who have worked with plants their entire life leave this Earth, they take with them an abudance of knowledge. It is my hope that more individuals start to record these older herbalists and healers. If I could do soem thigns over -- I woudl seek out an elder in a commubnity and learn what they have to teach me. Modern medicine hasn't scraped the surface of plant knowledge. Never underestimate the Power of Plants.
As you have read, I think you know now that the food value of wild plants, in my experience is far better than anything you wil find in a common sueprmarket. maybe not better the Co-Op in Brooklyn, New York on Union or in Itaca, New York.
You know you or your family has eaten too many processed foods in the last twenty years. There is still time to change that.
I am a healer. I am a beliefver in life. I have become to understand that Mother Earth is never alone. We are all united. It sounds religious, but this is spiritual. I am not a religious individual at this point in my life. I am a devout Spiritualist. I try to seek out peace, love and joy in everything I do.
Last night among an Italian family, I started to look aroudn the room. I could tell who eats better, who exercises and who takes too much sun. I started to think about what my grandparents ate and what my children were fed by their grandparents, Nonna and Nonno. My Poppy always prided himself in his fresh grown tomatoes, squash, chickory, basil and peppers. I remember the chickory flowers as if I could smell them. I did smell them last night. I remember a vivid blue color. What surpirsed me is that I haven't seen a chickory flower in more than a decade. I ate chickory as a child in all of my salad because it was there. I never knew the medicinal value of the plant. I was raised that you eat what is served on your plate. It is much different than today. I hear parents make different foods for everyone at the table. No so when I was a kid.
So I decided on Chickory. Chickory ( Cichorium intybus )
Common chicory, Cichorium intybus, is a bushy perennial herbaceous plant with blue, lavender, or occasionally white flowers. Various varieties are cultivated for salad leaves, chicons (blanched buds), or for roots (var. sativum), which are baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute and additive. Contents [hide]

Common chicory is also known as blue sailors, succory, and coffeeweed. It is also called cornflower. You might know it as Red Endive. The leaves are stalked, lanceolate and unlobed. The flowers are unmistable. I feel they look like Blue Dandelions. The flower heads are 2 to 4 centimetres (0.79 to 1.6 in) wide, and bright blue. There are two rows of involucral bracts - the inner are longer and erect, the outer are shorter and spreading. It flowers from July until October.

Wild chicory leaves are usually bitter. By cooking and discarding the water the bitterness is reduced, after which the chicory leaves may be sauteed with garlic, anchovies and other ingredients.

Root chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sativum) has been in cultivation in Europe as a coffee substitute.The medicinal use of Root chicory contains volatile oils similar to those found in plants in the related genus Tanacetum which includes Tansy, and is similarly effective at eliminating intestinal worms. I have seen the odler population consume chickory after an extensive travelling.
Chicory is well known for its toxicity to internal parasites. Other herbs that might be used for parasites include Wormwood ( Artesmeia ) , Black Walnut and Cloves. It is variously used as a tonic and as a treatment for gallstones, gastro-enteritis, sinus problems and cuts and bruises.
Try chickory--you might like it. I prefer to eat it steamed and staurated with allium. Allium is garlic for those that do not know.

Until tomorrow...

For Gregory and Alyssa

When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark

At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark

Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone

When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark

At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark

Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk

OCTOBER 21, 2010 INNER PEACE

" Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have."

"When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others."

"Acceptance of others, their looks, their behaviors, their beliefs, bring you an inner peace and tranquillity -- instead of anger and resentment."

"To attain inner peace you must actually give your life, not just your possessions. When you at last give your life - bringing into alignment your beliefs and the way you live then, and only then, can you begin to find inner peace.

"He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe."
- Marcus Aurelius

"Possession of material riches, without inner peace, is like dying of thirst while bathing in a lake."

The first quote sums up the next five quotes. I love quotes about inner peace. Most of us do not live with inner peace nor harmony. Have you made peace with who you are? I do know from life experience that if you do not make peace with yourself and accept yourself, you will never be content with what you have. There are just some things you cannot change. Family and relationships are the most difficult. Try to accept others as this acceptance in all their character defects will bring you tranquility. Even if you do not agree with their faults, accept them as this will allow you to move forward and have peace. If you cannot accept others, maybe you do not want to move on with your own life. Perhaps you prefer to remain crippled, perhaps you love the drama, maybe you love the self-pity, or better yet stated --"You love the pity pot--poor me " You can have all the riches in the world, but what good is being wealthy if you do not have inner peace. Last night, I was in awe and serene as I watched SwanLake. The talent was unreproachable. I do not why I held back tears, but I did. Eyes moist, I struggled to stop the tear from coming down my face. As I rode the subway I thought of those images of beauty in dance, and the tears flowed. I have in my life reached inner peace. It is not always peaceful on the outside, but my inside mind is serene. A new concept for me. I wish you inner peace in your new lifestyle change.


Does stress influence your health? You should have anserwed Yes. From reading the blogs, yiou have learned how to deal with stress on various levels. What things put you at risk for a lowered immunity ? Can you think of any from reading the blogs ?
The following environmental factors, physical conditions and lifestyle choices can predispose you to a compromised immune system. Count the numebr that apply to you.

1. Excessive intestinal growth of yeast
2. Excessive alcohol use
3. Excessive sugar intake
4. Exposure to air pollution and toxins
5. Exposure to heavy metals
6. Food intolerance/allergies
7. Lack of exercise
8. Lack of sleep
9. Low thyroid function
10. Poor hygiene
11. Low self esteem
12. Unresolved stress
13. Smoking
14. Nutritional deficiencies
15. Intestinal parasites

I could write ten more, but these are the main offenders. More than 5 ( about 1/3 ) you will have to consider some changes. I suggest some changes.
Last night I had a decision to make. Which herbal tea would help me sleep. I wanted to read and sip a cup of tea. I decided on Wild Oat ( Avena sativa) Wild oat is a tall grass that grows wild. You might have seen it on the roadside while driving upstate. Historically it has been used a nervous system restorative. I do not know what exactly that means except it will restore you to normal stress . It helps with psychological exhaustion. It does have a mild sedative action, so I used it to assist me in sleeping.


Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 20, 2010 BEAUTIFUL DREAMER

Dreaming is an act of pure imagination, attesting in all men a creative power, which if it were available in waking, would make every man a Dante or Shakespeare. ~H.F. Hedge

Dreams are answers to questions we haven't yet figured out how to ask. ~X-Files

Dreams are only thoughts you didn't have time to think about during the day. ~Author Unknown

Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you. ~Marsha Norman

Dreaming permits each and every one of us to be quietly and safely insane every night of our lives. ~William Dement


A dream. Your dream. Your desire or your wish. How many dreams or aspirations have you had in your lifetime? Doesn't every boy dream to be one day the President of the United States ? Maybe he/she dreams to be a police officer ? Not every boy dreams to be President. Perhaps he dreams about becoming a New York City Fashion Designer or a Broadway Dancer. Unfortunately for some of those boys who dream to be something 'different' have had their lives shortened by mean-spirited, intentional cruel human beings. Acts of violence or bullying have shortened their lives. How unfair ! How sad ! How unfortunate for those parents of a child who wanted to be different and accepted in a society that has difficulty in acceptance. It is not an easy road for those that choose an alternative 'gay' lifestyle.
In 1994, life changed for me. I started a sober lifestyle and I saw Love, Valour , Compassion. Love! Valour! Compassion! is a play by Terrence McNally, directed by Joe Mantello. Its off-Broadway premiere was at the Manhattan Theatre Club on October 11, 1994 where it staged 72 performances. It changed my life. It started to make me think about my dreams. It made me think of having a conventional lfie in an unconventional way. The story ---The setting is at a lakeside summer vacation house in Dutchess County, two hours north of New York City where eight gay friends spend the three major holiday weekends of one summer together for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. It sounded wonderful. It is probably like Fire Island without the drama. The movie version was equally engaging, but nothing is like a Broadway Production. The movie soundtrack features many songs, one being ' Beauitful Dreamer' The production ends with a wacky dress rehearsal of SwanLake - all men in drag.
My evening will end tonight with Matthew Bourne's SwanLake at City Center. I was reminded last week that October 20 is a Day of Rememberance--in honor of those teenagers who had an alternate lifestyle and committed suicide. I wear purple today in honor of those boys.

Do not stop dreaming.

I guess I should discuss a purple edible flower. That would make logical sense in keeping with the purple theme. An edible wild flower plant is the Violet ( Viola spp)Did you know that you could consume violets. Do not consume the late season plants without the flowers. There are many species . Violets do contain anthocyanin.Anthocyanins are versatile and plentiful flavonoid pigments found in red/purplish fruits and vegetables, including purple cabbage, beets, blueberries, cherries, raspberries and purple grapes. Within the plant they serve as key antioxidants and pigments contributing to the coloration of flowers. I enjoy putting violets over Salmon dishes as as garnish and color contrast to the pink that is inviting to eat. Anthocyanin also provides protection against bacteria, E. coli.
It is known that the roots of the violet species consumed in large amounts are emetic and purgative. In reading about violets, the Chinese use one species specifically, V. diffusa to treat blood cancers ( leukemia, aplastic anemia)
In areas endemic with poisonous snakes, the violets are consumed for snake bites. The actual plant can be used as a poultice over skin abrasions.

Until tomorrow...

October 19, 2010 HEAVENS BEE

" To make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity." Wlliam Ward

WE are all human. We all make mistakes. We often make the same mistake until we get it wright. Everyone stumbles. Some stumble through life more than others. Alcoholic stumble through life all the time. Those that are secure with themseves are the only ones that can truly laugh at oneself. This is a sign of maturity. I was not able to laugh at myself and my mistakes until I was clean, honest and sober. I used to laugh at myself in the distant distant past, but I was laughing at myself as a sign of low self esteem. Now, I laugh at myself, because I am secure of who and what I am doing in my life. When was the last time you laughed at yourself, just not in jest ? Maturity ios being able to sit down and using crayons and build with lego without a flinch. For me, using a loom to make yarn flowerettes is maturity. We all easily slip back into immaturity , but at least I can catch myself when these times happen. When did youi last color with a crayon ? Try it tonight - I promsie it will be fun !


I always knew growing up that I would help animals, insects or human being. I loved science. I loved mending a broken wing of a sparrow. Saving the spider. I loved growing a herbal garden with my Poppy, especially his tomatoes, eggplants and peppers. I was born to help living things. Remember plants are living. We often forget that. Until Rick, I didn't think I could offer anything to anyone. That tells you about my self esteem. Now I am on a steam locomotive going at high spped. I feel I do not have enough time to do anything.
I feel more comfortable among the plants and my new botanical life. I need to turn my attention to the Bees. Yes, BEES !I want to be a beekeeper. I have this yearn to do this. I have asked patients about beekeeping. I happen to ask the right person who has directly me. You think it may not be practical in NYC. However there is the New York City Bee Association. Governor Patterson has passed a law that NYC residents can have hives. We need bees to keep flowers pollinated but if beekeepers go bankrupt , certain sectors of argiculture will be in real trouble. Honey bees today pollinate more than ninety flowring crops int he United States with most of these crops being dependent on the species, Apis for fruit, vegetable and nut formation. The dwarf honey bee or the red dwarf honey bee, Apis florea, is one of two species of small, wild honey bees of southern and southeastern Asia. It has a much wider distribution than its sister species, Apis andreniformis. Honey cannot be for sale, as we have a shortage. It is getting better each day thanks to beekeepers. I want to be one of those beekeepers giving not selling my honey to friends and family. In the early 2000's we started to have colony collapse disorder. (CCD) Two years ago, 35 states had CCD. California has been hit the hardest. NY is no exception. I could go on and on. I am only learning about this from my vast reading in the last one month. Did you know there is a book called, " Beekeeping for Dummies." Who do you think bought it? Me. There are others factors affecting the disappearance of the honey bee.
Th photographers are actually of a beekeepers hive in Suffolk, VA. While his father was visting an old friend to buy flowers, he found out that this coiuple no longer were growing flowers, but had changed profession. Guess what the new profession is?

BEEKEEPING.

One day Rick and I will be beekeepers. Until then I will dream , hope and inspire to help the bees --and indirectly the flowers and the agriculture industry.

Until tomorrow...

October 18, 2010 Feast of St. Luke's / 'Flaking off' Memories

“Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.”
Kevin Arnold

“The heart that truly loves never forgets.”

“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams.”
Jeremy Irons

“A moment lasts all of a second, but the memory lives on forever.”

" It's surprising how much of memory is built around things unnoticed at the time”
Barbara Kingsolver

“I've never tried to block out the memories of the past, even though some are painful. I don't understand people who hide from their past. Everything you live through helps to make you the person you are now.”
Sophia Loren


On October 18, 1925, James Calamis married Josephine Mendola. I am part of that heritage. I am the grandson of their family tree. Every quote on memories rings a bell for me. I was fortunate along with my brother, Paul to be able to have those memories. Our Nanny and Poppy were our permanent baby sitters. They lived with us our entire lives. My Nanny was the world to me. I love her stories. I listened to her stories, and to this day can recite them with the same inflection and diction she used. At 15 years old I witnessed the renewing of their vows along with the family at St. Patrick's Cathedral in January 1975. The next day my Poppy opened up the Daily News on the way to work in New York City and their photo was spread across the page. He bought 15 copies of the paper that day. My mother gave them a 55th anniversary party. Neither of their children would live to see them celebrate their 60th Diamond Wedding Anniversary. My father, Paul and I had a quiet intimate family celebration. If you ask my Poppy , "How did you stay married all these years ?" He replied it is a Danish proverb, "The blind wife and the deaf husband. " My Nanny died in 1988, shy of their 63rd Wedding Anniversary. My Poppy died in his sleep . He was 93 years old. Thanks for the Memories...
Another memory is from last month. Rick, Alyssa, Gregory and I went to Little Italy for the Feast of Saint Gennaro. At the beginning of the feast we went to pin money of the saint. Rick bought each of us a special saint pendant. Both children got their name saints. I decided to get the patron saint of Physicians- St. Luke.
St. Luke the Evangelist was author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. He is the patron saint of physicians, surgeons, students, butchers, and artists. The Feast of St. Luke is celebrated today the 18th October. Perhaps it is no coincidence that St Luke's -Roosevelt Hospital is one of my admitting hospitals in New York City.
What memories do you have ? Think of some. They will make you smile as well as cry. Crying is good.

The prayer to St. Luke's:

Most charming and saintly Physician, you were animated by the heavenly Spirit of love. In faithfully detailing the humanity of Jesus, you also showed his divinity and his genuine compassion for all human beings. Inspire our physicians with your professionalism. And with divine compassion for their patients, enable them to cure the ills of both body and spirit that afflict so many of our day. Amen

May you welcome Elena into heaven as she has been a loving , compassionate woman of divine faith for her entire life.
Also, health to all families, especially a speedy recovery for Nancy Byrd and Meami


A condition we never consier to talk about is seborrheic dermatitis. This is plain old Dandruff. I remember I had dandruff as a teenager. I was told to do Selsun Blue shampoo for its high content of selenium. Usually the dandruff is affected with a yeast or fungus. Usually it is the species of Tinea. Dandruff appears as flaking scales of skin and redness of the scalp. It can occur on the upper shoulders, face and back. It is a chronic inflammation that can last a lifetime.
I love organic shampoos that contain selenium, zinc and pyrithione. Historically the Chicksaw Indians used corn oil on the scalp. I prefer flax seed oil or primrose oil instead of corn oil.
I had some success with diluting Tea Tree Pol in almond oil and rub on the scalp before bedtime. There are a handful of anti-fungal essential oils which include eucalptus, myrrh, marigold, tumeric and cedarwood.

There are 4 appropiate herbs for making the antidandruff hair rinse. The order is my order of use and preference.
1. Rosemary ( Rosemary officinalis)
2. Sage ( Salvia officinalis)
3. Myrrh ( Commiphora spp)
4. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Two photographs of St. Luke's, Patron Saint of Physician's
One Photograph: My Nanny and Poppy on their 50th Wedding Anniversary (1975)

October 17, 2010 Accept the Nervines and a Cattail Breakfast

" Acceptance does not mean that I have to agree. I do not have to approve nor even like it. I just have to accept."

Thanks Karen

Acceptance is the key. It is the 3rd "A". Th first is awareness. The second is the acknowledgement and the third is acceptance. It is difficult to accept things . You do not have to approve nor like it. Just accept it. Accept your character defects. Accept the fact that you have no cotrol over others. You do not control others, nor do you have to accept what he/she believes or doesn't believe. I used to find this difficult, but now I go with the flow. I had to accept that I belonged in a twelve step program. By far it has been one of my greatest accomplishments to accept that fact. It has made me a better physician, father, son, friend and life partner. Have you accepted a fact about yourself that isn't so pleasant ? What do you need to accept the fact that you are a carbohydrate or sugar addict ? Perhaps you have to accept the fact that you love drama, especially relationship drama ? I have recently heard that someone with long time sobriety went back 'out' due to relationship drama. Perhaps this is a chatracter defect or personality trait that he/she wasn't willing to look in the mirror. Be kinder to yourself--accept your flaws. We all have
have them !

I didn't thinlk I would discuss the nervine herbs again. I discussed the nervine herbs in mid September. A relaxing nervine for me has been my acceptance that I love plants. It has been the acceptance that I love herbs and should continue to use them in my life for patients and myself.
The three 'worrywort' herbs for the 'ever worrying person include:
1. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflores)
2. Blue verain ( Verbena hastata)
3. Passionflower ( Passiflora incarnata )

Of the three only skullcap is a skeletal muscle relaxant. Allk three are used for the Anxious Depressive individual. Those that feel overstimulated. The person feels consumed by the world around them. Their personality affect is flat. All three also do not affect mental ability, or the impairment of memory and ability to focus. I am constantly learning. Another weekend of learning has excited me even more about plants. It validates what I always believed and what I have been practicing. The dose of skullcap is dose dependent, yet all three ( skullcap, blue vervain and passionflower) can be given as 1/2 dropperful to 2 dropperful 1(one) to 5(five) times a day. As discussed not being able to "let go' of any resentment or anger can have deleterious affects on the body and spirit. Blue vervain besides being a 'worry wort plant' is the 'letting go plant' There is always a high rate of the patients drinking the tea or using the tincture want more. I believe this is a good sign that the herb is working its magic. Does it work on everyone ? Absolutely not. I have seen all three work on some individuals and some work on 50% of the users.
Before leaving Ithaca as usual I stopped in the Green Star market. I had to replenish my blue vervain, neetles and wild oat teas. I wanted something to eat . I saw cattail (Typha latifolia ) I couldn't think if I had Cattail before until I remembered being served a waffle with Cattail pollen. It wasn't any waffle. It was called a Nutrition Waffle. So here it goes.

Nutrition Waffles
Ingredients:
1. Low fat Bisquick
2. 1 cup of buckwheat (gluten free) flour
3. Handful of chopped almonds
4. 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of Cattail pollen
5. 3 tablespoons of ground flax seeds ( must be ground fine)
6. 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa cereal
7. 1/2 cup of goat or almond milk
8. 1/2 cup of anby berry in season ( or organic: try www.vitalchoice.com )
9. 1 organic egg
10. one lemon

Break the egg, squeeze half a lemon and pour 1/2 cup of goat or almond milk in a bowl. Pour in the bowl the paleolithic waffle mix you have above. Spray the skillet with some canola . Now start to make your 4-5 waffles. This energy rich, high fiber, and protein rich waffles are the best breakfast you have had in a long time.

ABove are Cattails. You all have seen them at one time in your life.

Until tomorrow...