JULY 1, 2011 BEEKEEPING AS A HOBBY

"ANY IDEA HELD IN THE MIND THAT IS EITHER FEARED OR REVERED, WILL BEGIN AT ONCE TO CLOTHE ITSELF IN THE MOST CONVENIENT AND APPROPRIATE PHYSICAL FORMS AVAILABLE.

---Andrew Carnegie

The mind is very powerful. It is always said, "Be careful for what you wish for." Be careful of the idea of fear in your mind. You worst fears can loop in your mind. These fears might never come true, however the fears can manifest as physical ailments. I am not only talking about depression and anxiety but also pain. The physical area that usually suffers is the back. Many people deal with back pain. The full medical work-up can be totally negative, but the patient feels pain. Dr John Sarno has written many books on psychological back pain. This is real pain. You might get a migraine/headache which is coming from the thought of confrontation with your life partner. The nauseous feeling might be anxiety over talking to your boss about a raise.

Remember the mind is powerful.

Beekeeping is a very simple process once you know all the parts. Rick and I are new beekeepers. It is more than a hobby. It is my passion. I want to help the environment. In 2005 there was a loss of more than 50% of honeybees. This was due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). It was related to pesticides and varroa mites. There are probably many other causes. From my reading I learned about the wax moth that plagued beekeepers early on in the beekeeping industry. There also was a bacterial disease called American foulbrood which killed the young larva and was highly infectious in the hives.

I am not the only doctor who loves bees. CC Miller was a trained physician who took up beekeeeping as a hobby in 1861. In 1878 he closed his medical practice and turned full-time to the bees. This is my kind of guy. He wrote the book, Fifty Years Among the Bees, a Memoir and Practical Guide to being successful as a maker of honey. I recently found a copy of the book online and am now awaiting its arrival.

Not only will you find bees fascinating but the history of beekeeping is equally intriguing. You can read about Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth (LLL) who was born in 1810. At age 23 he took up beekeeping as a hobby. Prior to that he studied another insect, the ant. The trouble that LLL found is that to get the honey and comb out you had to destroy the beehive. In 1851 he imagined a new type of beehive. Since bees are so precise (I wish I could be that exact) he had to find the distance needed between frames for bees to move up and down inside the hive. He found this distance to be 3/8 of an inch. He filed a patent. The basic Langstroth hive is the same one I have placed in my garden. In 1853 he published a book (if anyone finds an original copy, please promptly mail it to me- I have an updated copy) called The Hive and the Honeybee. He described the benefits of the hive and good bee management.

My favorite book on Beekeeping today is The Backyard Beekeeper. Yes there are a lot of books to read- but all worth it. Some are The Honey Bee, The Beekeeper's Lament and Bee Democracy.

I have joined two beekeeping associations, the New York Bee Association as well as the Long Island Bee Association. Rick and I took courses with Chris Harp.(http://www.honeybeelives.org/) He and Grai are beekeepers in New Paltz, New York. Earlier this year they had workshops which we attended. Take a look at their schedule for this weekend and next.

As beekeeper John Miller states, "This calling feels good." John Miller is from a family of beekeepers. I believe he is the great, great, (possibly 3rd great) grandson of NE Miller, the pioneer man of beekeeping. After reading I have come to the conclusion that LLL, NE Miller and now John are the highest quality beekeepers. Unlike some of the traveling beekeepers we may see today, these men care about bees beyond the service of pollination they provide. NE Miller beekeeping business survived the downs and twists and even the Depression after the 1929 crash.

For the most part I am satisfied with my G.O.D chosen calling. However I have been looking for something different in the field of medicine for some time. There are many modalities that heal people-physically, emotionally and psychologically. My calling is expanding-- now including my work as a beekeeper and using Earth Mother for sources of healing.

LLL wrote that the beekeeper must be sure, "...he fully understands and punctually discharges the appropriate duties of each month, neglecting nothing and procrastinating nothing to a more convenient season; for bees do not require a large amount of attention, in proportion to the profits yielded by them, they must have it at the proper time and in the right way."

I have been fortunate in my life. Last weekend while in Norton, MA I decided I would go into Boston earlier on Sunday to meet with my son, Gregory. Together we traveled to the The Boston Fine Arts Museum to see a film of wonder and delight: The Queen of the Sun. For anyone who wants to see a film of the utmost importance about bees and beekeeping, it is a must to see this film! (http://www.queenofthesun.com/)

It is an eloquent confirmation that my sober life and the people in it are temporary joys, but the time I spend enjoying them is never lost. If I conquer my fears which include even facing the end of my live and leaving behind those I love --I can conquer anything.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 30, 2011 PART III: LYME WARS

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." Mark Twain

How profound is that statement! I have used this statement on medical rounds with students when entering a patients room who has unconscious, had a stroke or terminal cancer. You must talk to the patient knowing in your heart that she/he can hear and see you even if physically they cannot. I usually hold the patients hand as I talk about the case. I say statements which are uplifting, hopeful and happy. It is the right way to handle yourself. The patient who is unconscious or dying of a terminal illness is a human being and should always be treated with respect, love and kindness. Kindness goes a long way.

Yesterday I was talking to a patient who lost her husband. Her husband was also my patient. As she spoke, tears swelled in her eyes. My eyes became moist and my heart saddened after she said, "You were so kind to my husband even at the darkest hours." I miss his jovial smile and laughter. The world still has him through his many famous photographs. I am grateful to have met him. I kissed her good bye as she will be traveling to a place they had been together many times.

It is called Kindness. Never forget that!

A plant that is used for Lyme Disease with success is Fallopia japonica. it has another name Polygonum cuspidatum. This is native to Asia, Japan, China and Korea. This plant is commonly known as the Japanese Knotweed. Other names for this plant are monkeyweed, elephant ears, and even donkey rhubarb.

Many of us take a form of Japanese Knotweed and do not even know it. It is plant which has a large concentrated of resveratrol. The main use of Japanese knotweed in Lyme is for the CNS effects. This plant can cross the blood brain barrier. For those who have Lyme cerebritis or any neurological manifestation of Lyme it is a great herb.

It is also good the the cardiac manifestations of Lyme Disease (chest pain, palpitations and arrhythmias). As a cardiologist, I see many patients with bradycardia ( slow heart rate) and heart blocks related to Lyme Disease. This herb is thus used for the 3rd stage of Lyme. It is unique that it stops the inflammatory pathways. For those with ocular (eye) manifestations of Lyme it stimulates blood flow to the eye. In Healing Lyme by Buhner this herb is used with another herb, Stephania. Knotweed contains more reveratrol than any other plant.

The spreading of the plant has curiously followed the same path of the spread of Lyme across the Northeast. Is this a coincidence? Or is the plant trying to tell us something about its use?

Much of this research can be found in Buhner's Healing Lyme, Dr. Joseph Burrascano's book, Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines of Lyme and other Ticks and Wolfe's Healing Lyme Disease Naturally-Most conventional doctors dealing with Lyme do not know about these herbs. I feel our attack on this epidemic could be better served if all healers (conventional and integrative) started to embark on a collaborative treatment.

I must mention the honeybees. The Japanese knotweed is valued by beekeepers as it is an important source of nectar. The plant flowers when no other plants are flowering so it is important to the bees and the beekeeper. The flower yields a Monofloral honey called Bamboo Honey.

I have never tasted bamboo honey. I have asked some beekeepers about its taste. One friend said it taste like a milder version of Buckwheat honey. I smiled and said thank you. This doesn't help me because as a new beekeeper I have NOT even tasted buckwheat honey. I have had the pleasure of tasting dark cacao honey and even spearmint honey, but no buckwheat or bamboo yet.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 29, 2011 PART II: LYME WARS

"Success doesn't come to you... you go it."

Nothing in life should come easy. You might think it does, but think again. You have worked hard

to get where you are. This success must be sought after. You must go to it and make it your own. Working hard does reap awards. The awards may not necessarily be monetary. Usually the success is not. It might be success in having a healthy life. Success in achieving serenity and peace. I have been successful, yet I always yearn for more. Did you ever feel there is more that life has to offer? I have felt that way. Yes, I am an over achiever. Perhaps it is the Gemini quality in me. My serenity/peace started when I decided that enough was enough, I was tired of being sick and tired and entered a 12 step program. It is a journey which I am still on. It has been a process with progress that has led me where I am today. I am among my friends-the plants. I was intended to heal. I am in a GOD chosen healing profession using every modality that Mother Earth has bestowed upon us. I am grateful.

There is so much to learn and not enough time. I wish I had more time. Since I have realized that conventional medicine has its limits, side effects and cost, I opted to learn, teach and lecture about other modalities of healing. One of these modalities is as close to my heart as it is close to the ground: plants/herbs.

At the International Herbal Symposium last weekend, I had yet another opportunity for which I am very grateful. I attended informative lectures on herbs for Lyme. This only reinforced my use of herbs and shed light on other herbs as well as supplements to use. As we have been in the midst of a Lyme Disease epidemic it is important to know that antibiotics do not always work. I have seen this year after year, and the longer we use the same antibiotics we will get resistance.

There are six areas in humans affected by the spirochete.

1. Neuroborreliosis - affects the brain, spinal cord, causes brain damage and brain atrophy

2.Lyme arthritis - self explanatory wide range of joints affected

3. Lyme carditis - heart complications as chest pain and palpitations; slow arrhythmias

4. Ocular-borreliosis - eye and ear; floaters

5. Mental/emotional- can be anxiety or depression; deep thought provocative questions

6. Other collateral diseases, such as thyroid, adrenal, yeast sensitivity, heavy metal intoxication and most important coexisting co-infections like babeiosis, bartonella, ehrlichiosis

If you get bit by a tick you should do the following

1. Contact your health care professional

2. Make appointment for blood testing; have the doctor test all coinfections. Since western blot testing by CDC is not always accurate, ask doctor to use Igenix Lab in California.

3. Try to remove the tick if possible. Or call your doctor or go to the ER.

4. Start treatment: antibiotics for 3 days if just bit or 28 day courses. Or a course of 'herbal antibiotics' if your doctor has experience with these.


Remember: THERE IS NO VACCINE AGAINST LYME

Before discussing herbs, I want the patient to start a number of antioxidants. These may be given intravenously or orally. When I see and record 'leaky gut syndrome' or irritable bowel in Lyme patients I prefer intravenous administration. These include the B vitamins, Vitamin C and trace minerals especially selenium, zinc and copper. I also want to support the Gastrointestinal tract with glutamine, a probiotic and herbs to strengthen the liver like milk thistle. I sometimes add nervines for anxiety especially skullcap and passion flower.

Photograph credit: Me; Taken at the IHS in Norton Massachusetts at Wheaton College. I made two new friends- Squire and White Oak. I hugged my friend, White Oak. Seriously I wrapped my arms around him and thanked him. It was refreshing...

More herbs... specifically for Lyme

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 28, 2011 International Herbal Symposium

"The way we think about ourselves determines how we behave and who we become."

In the past, when I was not in a 12step program I did not think that highly of myself. When I got sober my self image began to shift but I didn't have the support I needed in a relationship. Today, life is so different. When you receive encouragement, love and support in your endeavors it changes how you feel about yourself. Not only has the love and support from a life partner changed how I feel, but I began to behave differently. My behavior and my outlook on the future have changed. My professional work has been inspirational and an enriching experience. Last week at the International Herbal Symposium (IHS) I got to meet, discuss, and lecture with the finest international herbalists. I was among some of the world's most respected and honored herbal healers. These men and women shared their wisdom, love and knowledge of the plant world. I am a most grateful man.

There is a need for planetary consciousness among all people now more than ever. I have found that as an herbalist I, like many others have a unique connection to the healing consciousness using plant medicines of the Earth. I have met herbalists from all walks of life. It is surely an eclectic group of individuals who represent all aspects of green.

Learn to love the green.

At IHS I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Rocio Alarcon from Ecuador. I listened to her tell of the ancient healing ceremonies as part of treatment in Ecuador and other South American countries. Every culture has different processes for healing. Being ill impacts our entire body: physical, emotional and energetic.

Rocio Alcaron is truly a shaman. She is a healer. I couldn't tell you what a shaman was 20 years ago. Through reading, attending seminars and meeting a shaman I can tell you this. I now have an understanding that a shaman is a bridge between the natural and supernatural. Another way to express this is between the 'mundane' and the spirits of nature. The shaman uses a variety of techniques in healing.

Rick and I had the experience of meeting a shaman in Havana, Cuba. This shaman used tobacco smoke to clean and purify my body. This shaman prayed while she blew the smoke around my body. It was quite an experience.

Some shamans bathe with plants, clean the body with plants, clean the body with candles and even drink beverages from 'sacred plants'. I want you to have respect for the plants, the water, and the air. I want all to have respect for the environment. Not only was IHS an amazing learning experience but the proceeds support the United Plant Savers. This organization is dedicated to preserving at risk native medicinal plants and ensuring an abundant renewable supply of herbs through organic cultivation.

Become a member of United Plant Savers.

Despite all the technological advances in medicine, we are still falling short. The answers are out there in our own environment, especially in the plants. We must start to accept the validity of ancient and folk medicine, especially in herbal studies as these practices developed millenniums ago from different cultures.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 27, 2011 PART I: LYME WARS

"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." Frank Clark

I do not know any individual who hasn't had some obstacle in their life. Even as I make progress living life on life's terms, there are still many obstacles. Navigating these obstacles led me to where I am today. We all need obstacles to improve our lives. Some of my obstacles were due to addictions and entering a 12 step program, some related to personal relationship and others related to work. Prayer and meditation help me with my obstacles.

With the ever changing medical system in the United States I am frustrated with how 'others' want physicians to practice medicine. I know individuals have to see other health care professionals to get to their answers. Why is this? It is because there is not enough time for any single practitioner to communicate fully with the patient. Although I understand this, I took it personal. I had to get 'straightened out'. Unlike years ago, many patients are well informed now due to the Internet and the extensive research opportunities it provides. I feel when I do not see a patient for a long time that I have failed. A great friend and health care professional said, "Even if the patient is exploring their options, they really never stop thinking of you as one of their doctors." I knew that! My stinking thinking got in the way. I have been taking things too personally these days. When this happens I know that more meditating, praying and speaking to the right people needs to take place. General life has been getting in the way.

One of the obstacles that conventional medicine is not overcoming very well right now is Lyme Disease. Unfortunately conventional or Allopathic doctors do NOT believe in Chronic Lyme Disease. This is a major problem since antibiotics are not enough. Whatever you heard about Lyme Disease I would forget right now.

I have been dealing with Lyme patients for more than 15 years. It not a rare disease. It is an epidemic of unbelievable proportions. We all think that the deer tick is the only way Lyme is transmitted. But this is NOT AT ALL TRUE.

Lyme can be transmitted by other insects including flea, mosquitoes and mites. This needs to be communicated to the small communities on Fire Island, New York. It can also be spread by human to human contact. I have stated before the CDC recognized labs that are used for detection of Lyme are INACCURATE. I send blood specimens to many insurance covered laboratories . I never know if a negative test is truly negative. I usually send the blood specimens to Igenix Labs in Palo Alto, California. The only problem is that insurances will not cover the cost of this lab. Another fallacy is that you must have a bull's eye rash after you get bitten. This is also NOT TRUE. In a third of the patients there is NO rash. The spirochete Borrelia has been detected in urine, breast milk, tears, and even semen. The question is, Can Lyme be a sexually transmitted disease? The Borrelia spirochetes have been known to attach themselves to more than 300 different species.

In addition to humans, be careful with your pets especially dogs, cats and horses. Borrelia burgdorfi was named after its discovery in 1982 by researcher Willy Burgdorfer. This a complex organism. It hides in tissues in its cyst phase. It is a spirochete like the greatest spirochete, Treponema pallidum- which causes syphilis (aka the Great Masquerader). Another name which I heard herbalist Timothy Scott use is 'Master of Elusiveness'. It is elusive because it is invisible to the immune response when in the cyst form.

Forgetting about the multiple antibiotics used, I want to focus on using herbs to heal Lyme.

There are many conventional books on Lyme Disease. One of the best books on Lyme is Healing Lyme by Stephen Harrod Buhner. Some of his other books worth reading are Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Drug Resistant Bacteria and Sacred Plant Medicine.

Photographs:

Invasive Plant Medicine by Timothy Scott

Timothy Scott

Healing Lyme by Stephen Harod Buhner

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 26, 2011 COLLECTING AS A HOBBY

"Our relationships give our lives shape and meaning, leaving us feeling chosen and validated."


I do know my relationship has shaped my life and I have become the man I always wanted to be. I feel more validated today than I ever have in my whole life. It not only has to do with the same sex marriage victory in New York, but I love my life. I am one of many who have been chosen to heal. I feel validated in the different modalities I use to heal. I was reminded by a friend/colleague that my message is golden and I channel a light that can also re-energize me if I let it. I sometimes let life on life's terms get in the way in addition to the itty bitty committee in my head that talks to much. I am a grateful human being !

A collecting hobby can also shape our lives and tell others who we are.

If you are a person who fixates on material things maybe you are a collector of sorts. Collecting is a hobby which can become an addiction. I have collections. I am not always willing to admit this but I do collect too many things. Collecting can be for the person who loves history. It is also an independent activity. Collecting encompasses an extremely broad range of other hobbies and preoccupations. Collection simply means acquiring multiple objects of the same kind. An example is a coin collection, a stamp collection or in my case, a collection of Swarovski crystal birds. Yes, birds. Others may be even more specific with their collections of items such as dolls or toys from the Civil War era.

Examples of collections from patients I have encountered are interesting. Some have included buttons, clocks, fishing lures, glassware, bottles, baskets, dice, cookie jars, baseball cards and marbles. Now that is quite diverse. I collect needle point canvas to eventually do. That has taken up too much room according to Rick. I always say I will not buy anymore but I do. I have never met a stitcher who doesn't have more than 5 canvases hidden somewhere.

Getting started can be the most challenging because the choices are infinite. I would choose something you are fascinated by, or obsessed with, or something you want to own multiples of.

I would visit an auction or go to the Pier Show in New York City to familiarize yourself with some of the collectibles. Perhaps you want to collect something your mother had started many years ago. You may want to build on her collection. Look at the market value of your possible new collection. You can check out eBay to see if what you are collecting is valuable. There are many books on different collections such as Disney, Glassware, Baseball cards and many more.

You can rummage for collectibles at flea markets, estate sales, yard or tag sales and even collectors conventions. I know that as a child, my brother and I had yard sales. I do not see many yard sales these days. I recently read that Liza Minnelli had a tag sale at one of her homes. Good for her--everyone should have a yard sale to clean house.

In my younger days I collected autographs and cinema posters. Later in life I had the privilege to meet some people of distinction. I was given their autographs, and these hang proudly on my walls.

Perhaps my most sentimental collection includes memorabilia from the 1939 New York World's Fair. My great uncle worked with Robert Moses on the Trylon and Perisphere. I have been fascinated with the NYWF 1939 . My mother saved many of the items either given out or sold at this fair. I continued to build on that collection. There is the Heinz 57 pickle pin, Blue Wedgewood pieces (Jasperware), Lenox vases, Tiffany and Will Rogers spoon collections and an unbelievable amount of paper goods. I even have an intact sugar cube from the Fair and my mother's admission tickets to the Fair from her Corona PS# school in the curio.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 25, 2011 HONEY AND CINNAMON CURES

"Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional and mental status."

-Carol Welch

What is movement? Does this mean exercise? I think it can mean exactly what you want it to mean. It could mean walking, running, yoga, pilates, and even chanting. It is one's perception. We all do some type of movement. I have met many individuals who have routines of movement. Stretching in the morning, jogging in place and walking with strap on weights on their ankles. Movement creates change. If you haven't thought about your movement--think of it right now. It does heal you physically, emotionally and psychologically. Possibly your movement is one of your self-esteem hobbies.

The grass roots movement of herbs was started in the 1970's and is more present today than ever before. The gay rights movement started in June 1969 and is more present today than ever before. Last night, same sex marriage became legal in New York. It is about time.

Find the movement in you today.

Facts you might not know:

Honey is the only food on Mother Earth that will not spoil or rot.

Honey will always be honey.

In a cool place it will crystalize.

Never boil honey.

If you boil honey you will kill all the enzymes that make honey beneficial.

I received an article from a friend that was written January 17, 1995. It listed the many diseases that honey and cinnamon can be used for. The list reminded me of a book my father had called The Vinegar Book. This was a yellow paperback book on the many conditions vinegar can cure. In the spirit of The Vinegar Book, below are some uses of honey and cinnamon... the "Honey and Cinnamon" book.

Honey and Cinnamon can be used to treat:

1. Heart Disease - a honey and cinnamon paste can be used on bread instead of jelly. It reduces cholesterol. Regular use of the above relieves shortness of breath (dyspnea).

2. Arthritis - use one cup of hot water with 2 teaspons of honey and one tsp of cinnamon powder to relieve chronic arthritis. A small study of 200 patients who did the above revealed that 73 individuals felt no arthritic pain after 10 days.

3. Bladder Infections - ingest 2 tablespoons of cinnamon powder with 1 teaspoon of honey to kill bacteria in the bladder.

4. Stomach Aches - honey with cinnamon powders cures a belly ache.

5. Colds/Flu - I have used this remedy. One tablespoon of lukewarm honey (remember not boiled), 1/4 spoon of cinnamon powder daily for three days will cure the common cold. Great for sinuses- although I always add stinging nettles.

6. Acne - mix 3 tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder into a paste. Apply to acne before sleeping and wash off next morning. Remarkable.

7. Skin infections such as eczema - use equal parts of honey and cinnamon applied to skin.

I know that since 1995 there have been more scientific studies on honey and cinnamon. I have used both to treat illnesses with success. I pride myself in using Mother Nature's gifts to heal. It goes back to the basics...I love going back to the basics.



Photo credit: The Bear Returns: Paul Fratellone

So Yogi returns to the yard looking for honey. He cannot find the hive so he sits and rests for a while. Still looking around he cannot smell the honey, he gets up and leaves the yard without honey.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 24, 2011 PART II: WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE ?

"Like a tree our growth depends upon our ability to soften, loosen and shed boundaries and defenses we NO LONGER NEED!"

We all must get real. Why do you have defenses? We all build up walls or natural defenses. We do this to protect ourselves. Have you been hurt or disappointed in the past? The answer is Yes. I know I have. We build up walls around our heart to protect us from getting hurt a second or third time. Sometimes we cannot or will not allow a person to break those walls for fear of being hurt. We all have fears. You get hurt in a relationship. You build a wall that represents your fear of intimacy and trust. Your growth depends on awareness, acknowledgement and acceptance. You must accept the fact that you have walls. Once you accept the fact that you have these defenses, then and only then can these defenses come down. It takes work. It takes work. It takes spirituality and meditation. It takes you wanting to. It depends on your will to work on yourself from the inside, not the outside.

The decline in bees was noticed by many beekeepers in 2005. A name was not applied until later--it was called CCD - Colony Collapse Disorder. With more than a 50% drop in the number of managed honey bee colonies throughout North America , there is a real threat to the agricultural industry. This threat is growing every year. This global phenomenon is known as the POLLINATION CRISIS.

If you do not know about this, it is about time you started to read more and try to get involved-- not only in saving the bees, but saving disappearing moth, bat and wildflower populations as well. Take a beekeeping course for knowledge at http://www.honeybeelives.org/ Without bees you will NOT have apples, pears and berries as these are entirely dependent on pollinators for fruit development. The United States agriculture industry has a large scale operation to import honeybees to pollinate almonds and alfalfa. Beekeepers are paid to ship their bees to fields in California to pollinate the almonds, alfalfa and other important foods. Without a solution to CCD 80% of fruits and vegetables that require pollination might never make it to market. This is stressful for the bees as well as the beekeepers.

The beekeeper must always make sure his hives are free of the varroa mite. The varroa mite infestation has been associated with an increased incidence of viral disease in bees. Since 2006, the Varroa mite strategies and understanding of bee dynamics has helped control the mites, thus reducing loss in bee colonies. The varroa mite, pesticides and other factors compromises the bees immune system. Possibly it is the shipping of bees to all over the United States. Maybe there is something other than the varroa mite. Maybe a new viral strain. The situation has improved a bit since it was first recognized.

For those of you who do not know about pollination and bees, here it goes....Flower nectar is one of the two food sources used by honeybees. The other is pollen, which the worker (female) bees gather daily on their foraging flights to the flowers. As these honeybees forage for nectar, pollen sticks to their bodies. Some of this pollen rubs off on the next flower the bee visits. This pollen transport results in fertilization which leads to fruit production.

The pollen that does not fall on the next flower is carried back to the hive. In the hive it is stored in the honeycomb as a protein rich food source for the bees at other times, especially the winter. The comb is used to store pollen, make honey, hatch and raise the newborn bees. It is all so amazing! What a great community. I cannot imagine any human community, straight or gay, working like that. I have little hope for the few small gay communities I have seen to function at the bee level. Why? There is too much envy and jealously.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 23, 2011 PART I: WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?

"PAIN IS INEVITABLE, SUFFERING IS OPTIONAL"

All of us at one time or another in our lives will have pain. Pain from any injury or even emotional pain from a loss of a loved one. I expect to have pain in my life. What I do about the pain is up to me. For a pain from injury, I will try every modality that I know to help relieve it. This can be medications (doubtful for me), herbs (more likely), acupuncture, prolotherapy, massage, dietary changes and even exercise changes.

As far as emotional pain- I also have been there. I have learned to deal with emotional pain. I do this by discussing the emotional pain with friends, a therapist and my own doctor. I also happen to be fortunate to have open communication with my life partner. Along with my prayer and meditation, this is one of the gifts from being in a 12 step program. I do not have to suffer today. I have a choice not to suffer. I do not have to be on the pity pot as in the past. I opt for a better life.

When you read, "Where Have All the flowers gone?" What do you think of? I guess it depends on how old you are. For me it reminds me of my childhood. I remember that song as if it were yesterday. I can still hear Pete Seeger singing it on stage. He wrote the first three verses. It was written in 1961.

The first verse:

Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the flowers gone?
Girls have picked them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

The third verse:

Where have all the young men gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the young men gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the young men gone?
Gone for soldiers every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?

So many artists have recorded this song. For me the version I love is sung by Marlene Dietrich. She performed the song in English, French and German. She first performed the song in French in a 1962 Unicef concert.

Due to climate changes and human use of natural habitats, natural ecosystems are changing. There is a fall off in wildflowers at mid season. Therefore there is little food for the honeybees. The bees and the hummingbirds need the flowers, and the flowers also need the bees and the hummingbirds. In this mutual relationship, bees and hummingbirds get food from the flowers the flowers are pollinated by the visiting bees and hummingbirds. Without pollination, plants cannot reproduce.

David Inouye from the University of Michigan stated, "Shifts in flowers in mountain meadows could in turn affect the resources available to pollinators like bees."

Some have thought to create Bee Pastures. This sounds great. USDA entomologist, James Cane stated, "Let us create a pesticide-free pastures- maybe a half an acre." This would be a way to propagate more bees. Just plant pastures of bee-friendly wildflowers. An example in this article would be planting wildflowers to increase the number of blue orchard bees, Osmia lignaria.

The agricultural industry depends on the bees to pollinate the crops, especially the California almonds.

Get involved - take a bee course at http://www.honeybeelives.com/

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 22, 2011 NUTMEG

"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing."

Do you love what you do? Are you fulfilled? Do you like or even love your job? I love helping people. I love talking to people. I love educating people.

This G.O.D. chosen profession was chosen for me. I did not make the decision to be a doctor. It just happened. Sure I aspired to be a doctor. I did not want to go into medicine as it is today. I want to be a healer. My British friend, Rup calls me the country doctor. I like that. I want to practice medicine the way it was intended to be practiced. Not with bureaucratic red tape and insurance and pharmaceutical rules and regulations. Can you imagine trying to pre-certify a test for a patient, and being denied the request? I am denied not by a health professional but by an individual who knows nothing about medicine. The system is ridiculous.

I am having fun at what I am doing because I use natural medicine to heal in addition to conventional medications if needed. If I had to rely on all conventional modalities, I would never have lasted this long.

My dream: To practice as a country doctor with his farm, herbs, and bees.

I was fortunate to travel and study on Spice Island, also known as Grenada. I also did my clinicals at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados, St. Vincent and Petit, St. Vincent. Most of my clinical training was done in London, England.

When I read about Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) I automatically think of Grenada. Fresh nutmeg. The Grenadians whisper about nutmeg as the fruit is known as an intoxicating sexual stimulant. The nut occurs inside a fleshy pericarp. It is very similar to the English Walnut. I love the wrap-like red lace around the nut called Mace. The seeds are ground into the spice and used in a variety of cereals especially oatmeal and porridge.

The traditional use of nutmeg has been for gastrointestinal diseases. Nutmeg can be used as an antiemetic (effective against vomiting and nausea). I have also seen it written as treatment for anxiety and depression.

Do not forget your nutmeg in your next cup of tea..oh and the honey also

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 21, 2011 WHAT ARE HERBAL BALLS ?

"A day hemmed in prayer is less likely to unravel."

I wish I could say the above for my knitting, but I have the answer in a simple plastic twist. I also have most of the answer in a simple prayer. When I was a child I always said a prayer before I went to bed: Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, And if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to keep." I do not recall when I learned that prayer. I pray/meditate quietly and silently on the terrace when I get up each morning. I say good morning, "G.O.D." And I say thank you before I lay my head to sleep. It is a ritual. The ritual started after I entered a 12 step program. It was a slow start, but prayer/meditation - the 11th step finally entered my life. I couldn't imagine a life without the 11th step. At seventeen years in a 12 step program today--it is beyond my wildest dreams.

You never know what you are going to learn when you listen to a lecture by Rosemary Gladstar. For sure it will be innovative, educational, invigorating and different. What do you think of when you hear the word 'herbal'? I used to think of tinctures and teas. I never thought of herbs as food nor food as medicine until I read Adele Davis, Carlton Fredericks, Marion Nestle, Andrew Weil and many others. Medicinal herbs can be made into soups, sprinkled on salads, and even drank as a 'Green Shake'. When I was a child the fennel was brought to the table to settle the stomach in between meal courses at our usual 20 person Sunday meal. I love fennel.

I learned from Rosemary how to make HERBAL BALLS. At first it didn't sound appealing or inviting. She uses them for children as well as the elderly. In reality, the elderly person who is chronically ill can behave like a child. Rosemary has HERBAL BALLS galore!

Here is the formula from her lecture 'Medicine can be a Ball' at the Medicine from the Earth Conference 2010 in the Black Mountains, North Carolina--

HERBAL THROAT BALLS

The following are approximations, she suggests to adjust the flavor to your own personal taste or your child's taste.

1. 1/2 tsp. of goldenseal powder

2. 1/2 tsp of echinacea powder

3. 1/2 tsp. of myrrth powder

4. 1/2 tsp of chaparral powder and comfrey root powder - enough to thicken into paste

5. Carob powder for flavor (if you like the taste of carob)

6. Honey to flavor (I naturally would prefer raw, unfiltered honey from your region)

7. Peppermint oil to flavor (I still prefer honey)

8. Water

Mix the first 3 powders together. Add enough water to make a paste. Add the flavor of your choice - I prefer honey -do you get the point? Add the comfrey or slippery elm to thicken. For those who bake they will get this part - Knead the 'herbal mix' as if it were dough. Thicken to your liking by adding more comfrey and/or slippery elm.

Roll into marble size balls. These are your Herbal Throat Balls. Keep in the refrigerator. The taste will be a little peppermint and soothing your throat

Thank you Rosemary ....

Have fun making your balls---I did !

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 20 2011 MANAGING AND ENHANCING FERTILITY

At least 15% of heterosexual couples have difficulty in conceiving children. Some estimate that 1/3 of the time it is the man, 1/3 of the time it is the woman, and 1/3 of the time it is a combination of the two. When I sit with a couple who come to me for other causes of infertility I give them realistic hope in the way of other possible causes and other treatments. Although ovulatory dysfunction is the cause of infertility in 45% of the cases, I persist to test other causes.

The causes of infertility that I have seen in my practice are the following:

1. Low Vitamin D 25

2. Hypothyroid - subclinical; Positive symptoms but normal thyroid function

3. Heavy metals in the body

4. Food allergies - most common are dairy and gluten--basically their DIET

In addition to not smoking, reducing caffeine and alcohol and the above (especially heavy metals from ingestion of tuna or sushi) I focus on the woman who is underweight. Underweight women need to gain some weight in order to conceive.

I am not a fertility specialist, and by no means a gynecologist, but I have seen many woman who just cannot get pregnant.

Two supplements that I encourage are L-arginine and PABA. Studies have shown that 100mg of PABA, four times a day and L-arginine (an amino acid) at 16 grams per day improve fertilization rates in women.

Do you think there are any herbs to help with fertility ? The answer is a certified - YES.

The following herbal/botanical supplements have been used:

1. Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus castus)

2. Black Cohash (Cimicifuga racemosa)

3. Rhodiola - this herb enhances thyroid function without causing hyperthyroidism. I would not take if health care practitioner already started natural thyroid supplementation.

4. Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)

5. Cramp bark (Vibermum opulus)

6. Both types of unicorn (true and false)

I have personally never used cramp bark or true unicorn. I have used False Unicorn in helping to reduce the size of fibroids that have caused heavy bleeding.

I forgot to mention that I always use an adaptogen for women trying to conceive. The one I use regularly is Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthrococcus)

There needs to be a systematic approach to determine the cause of infertility. In this situation I use the data from the conventional approach combined with the nutritional and botanical approach. The herbs selected have a track record that is indisputable with much safety.

My approach along with other modalities such as acupuncture, meditation and yoga ultimately has resulted in the birth of a normal baby for patients who were chosen by their Higher Power to have children. I cannot say this approach yields a result 90% of the time, but I will say that I am proud that many of my tough fertility cases have resulted in pregnancy and delivery. I wonder why no one has named their child--Patrick Michael? Guess all the babies were female.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 19, 2011 POLLINATOR WEEK June 20-27

In 2006, the United States Senate unanimously approved and designed June 20 - June 27 as National Pollinator Week.

Many of our native pollinator populations are on the decline. For one, there is the decline in the honeybees. There is a decline in bats, birds and even butterflies. All natural pollinators are vital to our ecosystem, and the agricultural industry we rely on for our food.

Go to the natural food store and buy almonds. Did you ever think how almonds come to be? The honeybees have to pollinate the almond trees in California. It is the same with other fruits and vegetables. This is why we need beekeepers! It is a good thing that we have National Pollinator Week. It shows concern by the United States Government. Even the White House has a beehive. I hope to arrange a visit to their beehive in late August.

Lately I have decide on government candidates by how much he/she is preserving our Mother Earth. I feel this is the most important issue.

The growing concern for pollinators is a sign of definite progress. We need to continue to talk about it and get more people involved. Even if you DO NOT want to raise bees and have a beehive, you can still join your local beekeeping society. Please pass this message to everyone you know.

Are you planting this year? Do you need to add more plants to your garden? Find out what plants will attract certain pollinators. In 1997, Pollinator Partnership was formed. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the health, protection and conservation of pollinating animals. It promotes the health of these pollinators through conversation education and research. Check out http://www.pollinator.org/

I also recommend the book, Attracting Native Pollinators, with forward by Dr. Marla Spivak. It is a fascinating look at why these native pollinators are so crucial to our ecosystem and the continuation of agricultural industry. Another book I enjoyed reading was Bringing Nature Home.

For my birthday last week I received two precious gifts - one is the 1901 first edition of Life of a Bee. Rick knew it would add a smile to my face. It also made me think how well he knows me. I also received The Bee Keeper's Lament and Honeybee Democracy. They came from Amazon but I didn't order anything. It was from my dear friend/'mom' Barbara. I had the pleasure of talking about bees last week at her house over dinner. I am a most grateful man!

Until tomorrow...

To all those who have had the privilege and honor of being a father and to those fathers who are no longer here physically, but always spiritually- Happy Fathers Day.

JUNE 18, 2011 PETS RULE, HERBS RULE

"WE CAN DO ANYTHING WE WANT TO DO IF WE STICK TO IT LONG ENOUGH."

- Helen Keller

I have come to realize that anything is possible if I work at it. It sounds so 'pollyanna' but it is so true. Just think of any hobby you have decided to do. You start off slow, you make mistakes and little by little, day by day, you get better. This is the case with my knitting. I had to pull out my knits and purls many times before I perfected the dance of the needles and the yarn.

I never gave up. There are many situations in the past when I have given up. Today, giving up is not an option. I will ask for assistance in any form before I decide to quit. This is something I never did before. I am humble. I am only human after all.

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of treatment known and used by all races of people. In 1998 (13 years ago ) the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that botanical medicines were used by 70% of the world population. In clinical practice I can only assume from observations that this percentage now exceeds 85-90%. It is also no surprise that these same people have used these plant medicines not only for themselves, but for their pets. I am one of those individuals. I would want herbal medicine to remain holistic and purest as well as empiricist and not attempt to change the ideals and philosophy of herbalists. This is hard to do when modern medicine tries to incorporate herbs as drugs.

The regulatory status and quality control of herbs worldwide is as diverse as the countries these herbs hail from. There is a wide range of products ranging from crude herbs to standardized. In most countries herbs are regarded as food supplements and no therapeutic claims can be made. There is now an incentive for countries to export their native herbs to other countries. For veterinary herbal products the regulatory requirements are even less developed than that for the human herbal products. I am at odds with myself on this. I do know we need regulations but I do not want the same regulations for drugs (FDA) to rule herbal medicine. Two excellent places to get pure organically grown herbs in bulk are Mountain Rose Herbs and Frontier Herbs.

The writing is on the wall. If 62% of American households own a pet, there is a need for herbal veterinary medicine. In old veterinary textbooks until the 1960's herbs were regarded as a standard treatment of care. It wasn't until 1994 when the DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health Education Act) became law that individuals started to look closely at regulations.

The FDA took a position that the above act does not apply to animals.

Reading all these regulations from 1994 to date would make anyone confused and anxious.

This is the point: If you want to treat your pet with herbs and supplements- you may do so. Consult your veterinarian for more information or be proactive for your animal and start researching herbs and supplements for your pet.

Your pet is part of your family.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 17, 2011 KNOTTING AS A HOBBY

WHO WOULD CONSIDER KNOTTING A HOBBY? Certainly not the boy scout, the hunter or the fisherman. Knotting is part of their routine. In China knotting dates back to 700 B.C. I enjoyed knotting in Boy Scouts. I even think you could earn a Merit Badge in Knotting.

Knotting is the act of interlocking rope or string. I do knotting everyday when I needlepoint but I never thought of it as a hobby until I started some research. Other crafts such as macrame and jewelry making use knotting. Sports such as fly fishing and rock climbing also use knotting. I was taught to do a necktie by my dad. He did it on himself first and then showed me. It was a memorable time. I cannot remember if I taught my own son to do neckties or if he perfected it himself. I know I bought him clip on neckties as my mother had done with my brother and I to make it easier. I truly have never learned to tie a bow tie. Rick perfected tying a bow tie for our black tie events. I find there are more varieties available when you buy bow ties to tie yourself!

There are hundreds of different knots, just as there are hundreds of different stitches in needlepoint, Bargello and cross-stitch. We all know the noose, but there is also the breast plate, the figure eight and the timber hitch.

My father and my Uncle Joe were great at knotting as both were sailors in WW II. Both served on the USS Monterey. While at sea or in port sailors had some free time. They spent hours learning how to tie knots for functional purposes on the ship as well as decorative knots for fun. I am sure my father and uncle learned from older sailors. In the Navy, knotting was an intergenerational hobby passed on from older sailors to younger sailors and so on. Sailors used knots to determine the measure of sailing speed by counting the distance between knots. I am sure this is used in sailing as well.

The simple technique of tying shoe laces is knotting. Learning how to tie a shoe is an important rite of passage for most children. If it is tied correctly the bow should last throughout the day without ever tying it again. I guess I never liked tying my shoelaces. As an adult I prefer slip on shoes (and even Ed Hardy slip on sneakers).

If you think you would enjoy reading about the history of knotting grab the 1944 Edition of The Ashley Book of Knots by Clifford Ashley or check out the website http://www.realknots.com/

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 16, 2011 ACKNOWLEDGING LIFE

My wish for you:

COMFORT on difficult days, SMILES when sadness intrudes, RAINBOWS to follow the clouds, LAUGHTER to kiss your lips, SUNSETS to warm your heart, HUGS when spirits sag (get three hugs a day), BEAUTY for your eyes to see, FRIENDSHIP to brighten your being, FAITH so that you can believe, CONFIDENCE for when you doubt, COURAGE to know yourself, PATIENCE to accept the truth, LOVE to complete your life.

Why do I use herbs and botanicals? The simple answer is that it makes sense to me. The same answer is applied when individuals ask why do I love bees and beekeeping? It makes sense to me. I see botanicals and bees as some of Earth's gifts to man. Herbal medicine represents a synthesis of so many fields. Some of these fields are Botany, History, Ethnomedicine and Pharmacology. I am trying to educate colleagues about plants-- not as toxins, but for their medicinal uses. Most if not all of our medicines today come from PLANTS.

There are many ways to treat a patient with a disease. There is a very large toolbox of Allopathic or conventional medicines, procedures and treatments. There is a larger toolbox of herbs known and an even larger one of herbs and plants not yet known to work for certain diseases.

I know that herbs offer a different approach to treating chronic disease. My personal belief is that herbs work better than some traditional treatments. I know not every conventional doctor feels this way about treating their patients with herbs.

But would that same doctor treat his beloved dog with an herb instead of using a toxic conventional medicine? The answer is probably yes. Your pets are your children (especially when your own are in college or applying to veterinary school). Our pets are part of the family. Grant, Spencer, Jack and Gracie are our children. Gracie might be the only one who speaks back, but the tongue lashing from Grant (Gums), Spencer's wagging tail and Jack's cuddling are precious modes of communication too. I am delighted to know that there are veterinarians who use herbs. There relationship between animals and plants continues to evolve.

Our Native Americans depended on their domestic animals. They had a greater understanding and knowledge of plant medicine, too.

I want to have that knowledge also.

So as I get a year older today, I want to acknowledge my ancestors and thank my Higher Power for allowing me the privilege to rediscover plants, love, family, children, and LIFE.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 15, 2011 APIUM GRAVEOLENS

"Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it." --Buddha

We all have good intentions. Perhaps you are not where you thought you would be at this time in your life. With each passing year I reflect on 'my world'. My world is complete. Maybe yours is too or you would say, "My plate is full." I have discovered my world. I have not discovered all the world has to offer. I do not think anyone can. My G.O.D. given profession is my work, except I have discovered more than what I was taught in a classroom. I have gone beyond. I have developed a unique understanding of other modalities of healing. In this blog and in my office I attempt to share with you all I have discovered and 'given my heart to'.

In The Earthwise Herbal: The Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants, I have learned fascinating aspects of different herbs. Mr Wood has used his clinical experience with Materia medica to compile several useful books. I also love to find out which are considered old world or new world herbs. I assumed Celery would be an old world medicinal and it is. The Latin name for celery is Apium graveolens.

It is a culinary herb as well as a medicinal herb. Your grandmother used it often if you recall. I might give celery seed to my congestive heart failure patients as it contains a lot of sodium. Celery also contains calcium, essential fatty acids, phenols and the cooling limonene.

I know my Poppy (grandfather) loved celery. He said it helped his aching bones (arthritis). That was correct. It is used for irritability of the tissues. Great for rheumatism, gout, diuresis (urinating) and blood pressure. However, it is not my favorite antihypertensive (blood pressure ) herb.

Herbs are not just good for one disease but cross boundaries in helping other conditions. Some find celery useful in aiding in digestion, flatulence, halitosis and vomiting. I might add it to a Gastrointestinal Blend with others herbs like marshmallow or slippery elm. I primarily use celery for arthritis, gout and sciatica.

I also was under the impression that all old world medicinal herbs would be cited in the Bible. I was wrong as celery is not cited in Duke's Medicinal Plants from the Bible.

WT Fernie (1914) said this,"A diet of celery made rheumatism impossible." I would have written, "A diet composed of celery makes arthritis and other conditions possible to deal with."

The diuretic effect of celery is to eliminate the inflammatory by-products. This is also a common trend with Yarrow and Boneset.

Eat your celery if you have arthritis, but watch for the salt content.

Until tomorrow...

JUNE 14, 2011 OSTEOPOROSIS

"Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning."

Love is just a 4 letter word. For me, I used the word too loosely in the past. When that someone came along, and I knew it was for real- I began to say the word LOVE and really mean it. Sure I love my family, friends and my patients, but I truly 'love love' another person. I am in love and truly express it, and more importantly live it."

Do you have love?

In the news again is Vitamin D supplementation. How much do they recommend? Well it is 800 mg - I think that is way too low. I give a lot more and have never seen vitamin D intoxication or abnormalities in the liver enzymes. You may ask - why the liver? Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and high levels can affect the liver enzymes.

We do know that sound nutritional advice is essential for normal growth and development of bones. Dietary calcium is the key nutrient for attaining peak bone mass. This prevents the deadly osteoporosis, a major risk factor for fractures.

Osteoporosis was once though to be a disease of post menopausal females. I see and treat many men with osteoporosis, especially those with irritable bowel (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis or other malabsorption issues). Young men can develop bone disease.

Do you know any risk factors for developing osteoporosis ?

Here is a short list:

1. High sugar diets

2. Refined grains and flours, especially white flour

3. Caffeine

4. Soda or Pop

5. Smoking

6. Alcohol

7. Other heavy metal intoxication; for example, aluminum toxicity

Since calcium is the essential element for prevention, let me tell you about what foods contain calcium:

These are:

1. Dark green leafy vegetables

2. Dairy products (do not forget many individuals are allergic to cow's dairy)

3. Sesame seeds

4. Calcium fortified drinks

5. Soy foods

6. Tofu

The daily recommendation for calcium is 1200mg - 1500mg per day. I usually go a little higher than that. To get 600mg of calcium you will get

1. the first 300mg from dairy (source from food)

2. the second 300mg from non-dairy foods

3. an additional 600mg from calcium supplements

Total: 1200 mg

The most readily absorbed form of calcium is calcium citrate.

The reason you need vitamin D is because it enhances intestinal calcium absorption. The combination of calcium and Vitamin D is the key.

There are other key supplements I add to a patient's regimen. I want a good bone formula like Osteobalance ( http://www.longevitynutritionals.com/ ) I always want the trace minerals - for example manganese, copper, and zinc. All three are essential. I like to add the B vitamins especially folic acid and B6. Vitamin K is a requirement for the production of osteocalcin. Osteocalcin attracts calcium to bone tissue. Vitamin K is essential in formation, remodeling and repair of bone.

And lastly, but never forgotten is Vitamin C. Some federal agencies and insurance carriers have banned Vitamin C intravenously. Check out http://www.vitamincfoundation.com/

Vitamin C promotes cross linking for the structural proteins in bone.

So keep your healthy bones -Healthy

Until tomorrow

JUNE 13, 2011 A SENSE OF BELONGING

"By building relations we create a source of love and personal pride and belonging that makes living in a chaotic world easier." -Susan Lieberman

Who doesn't want to feel a sense of belonging? I certainly wanted to belong from an early age. I never felt that sense of belonging while growing up. I was not the sports minded kid, so when I got home from school I studied and did my homework first, then went out to play. I wasn't a good athlete. I could ice skate well, but not much else. I tried to fit in to every group. I was in the nerd group in middle and high school. I joined the clubs that dealt with writing and science. I still felt I didn't belong.

The first real educational experience I felt part of was my Integrative Medicine Fellowship at University of Arizona. The second was with my fellow students at the Northeast School of Botanical Medicine, and the third with fellow herbalists at our conferences. Aside from education, I have the greatest sense of belonging in my twelve step program. I wouldn't have anything in my life if not for that.

I started to feel part of the gay community as a writer for a national gay magazine and volunteering my medical services in a gay community. The latter has dwindled since I gave up this volunteer experience, and my respect for gay comradery in this community is almost extinct. People, places and things have changed. But the one and most important belonging is to one individual whom I love so dearly-F.E.B.

Recently I was allowed to experience a new sense of belonging to a group of individuals I hardly know. On June 5, 2011, I was initiated into the Green Temple of the Holy Clovers. It is not to be confused with The Green Man: Wiccian Studies. Green Temple of the Holy Clovers is a gathering of people of healing around a campfire. This year due to rain we gathered on the porch of the Robert E. Lee Hall at the oldest YMCA- Blue Ridge Assembly, also the home for the Black Mountain College.

The leader was Cascade Anderson Geller, a unique woman and herbalist. She told a story about having tea in Marshfeld, VT with friend, Rosemary Gladstar. Both were invited to Adele Dawson's home to have tea. Adele was a renowned herbal elder and wise woman living in the hills. She wrote a book, Herbs: Partners in Life. She continued the story telling that Adele died in her nineties and wanted a church or temple of the Green to be formed.

For years both Rosemary and Cascade sat on the idea. According to Cascade, at the Medicine of the Earth conference 4 -5 years ago she started the tradition of herbal sharing around the fire. She called it (temporarily), The Green Temple of the Holy Clovers. She said that Adele's wish still needs to carried out. I was initiated with water and witch hazel and received a greeting from the group. I told my own herbal healing story. I feel a sense of belonging when I am with natural healers. I feel different inside. I always feel so good when among herbalists.