SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 MAKING A FLOWER ESSENCE

"If wanting health you must cease to think sickness and fear. You must get in the habit of thinking harmony and health. There can be no sickness without fear." - The Mental Equivalent - Emmett Fox

From a friend --"A good friend is cheaper than therapy." --unknown

One way to be in touch with the natural world is by honoring a plant. I relate this to hugging a tree. I love to hug trees. It is paying tribute to an old friend. Another form of meditation for me is to sit in silence with my own body and mind next to a plant or tree. Recently at a wedding on Amelia Island off the coast of Florida I had the opportunity to be among trees covered with Spanish Moss. What a treat! How beautiful!

Today we will learn how to make a flower essence.

The tools you will need are--

1. cornmeal

2. a clear glass bowl (5" in diameter and 3 inches deep)

3. clean fresh water

4. two sharp stones (I prefer to use my crystals)

5. muslin cloth, 4-6 inch square

6. small funnel

7. grain alcohol- like gin or vodka; NO rubbing alcohol

8. small dark brown or cobalt blue bottles (1 or 2 oz. size) I obtain mine from http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

Choose the flower you want to work with--

1. What flower do you want to make an essence from?

2. What flower are you drawn to?

3. What flower to you want to become acquainted with?

I am drawn to the Mint Family- like bugle weed, lemon balm, peppermint...

4. Pick it from your garden or from along the road side as long as you are least two feet away from the road.

5. Give thanks and praise to the Earth Mother for the flower. One way to do this is to sprinkle some cornmeal on the plant/flower you choose. You may want to give thanks in another way which is fine. Just give thanks- never take without giving thanks to Earth Mother.

Capture the essence--

1. Fill glass bowl with water to about 1 inch from top

2. Place bowl on the ground near the plant you have chosen

3. Using the stones gently cut the bloom from the stem and allow it to fall onto the bowl of water

4. DO NOT touch the flower as this will disturb its purity

5. If the blossom is small, use several.

6. You may want to do this on the night of a full moon.

7. Allow to stand undisturbed three to four hours or overnight.

8. Pour water from the blossom bowl into small bottles half full of the alcohol, using muslin to strain.

The rest is your plant journey... an energizing experience with you and the plant blossom. The plant/flower has a verbal message. I didn't understand at first when I did this, but I certainly do now. When a mentor told me to ask the plant to receive its blessing--I didn't understand. You may not understand either, but always trust your intuition. If at any time this does not feel right, then stop.

It felt right for me so I continued. I remember one Oct 31st when I didn't feel right using stones to open the heavenly gates. This was part of energy medicine that I was studying using gemstones.

Once you feel it is ok, ask permission and start to breathe and meditate. Breathe 4-7-8 (in-hold-exhale). You will be amazed at where your mind will take you. You will be so relaxed.

Trust me- it will be an experience you will never forget and you will want to repeat it from time to time.

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 AS YOU GET OLDER - DEPRESSION

"ALWAYS REACH OUT FOR THE GOOD. CHOOSE THE BEST IN LIFE."

Why would you do anything else except reach for the good! You want to be the best person you are capable of being--so reach for the best. Just be careful not to always be the 'giver' in a relationship without giving to YOURSELF as well. Give what you feel you want to give from the heart, not because you need to do it to feel loved or feel good about yourself. We all have given too much in our lives. No, I take that back- some of us have given too much. There are those who are 'takers' in life. If you give--give without expectation so you will not be disappointed. Once in a while without expectations, you may be surprised.

Depression affects 6.7 % of all US adults and is classified as 'severe' in 30.4% of these cases. This is not a low number. Millions of Americans have depression. You could be one of those statistics.

More than 50 million Americans paid for mental health services last year. This number is astronomical when you think about that. The usual psychiatric and psychological sessions are not paid for by most insurances. Most of these doctors, Clinical Social Workers (CSW) and PhD psychologists do not take insurance. What happens to the older patients who get depressed? Often the elderly lack the financial means to see a psychiatrist or psychologist. Depression among the elderly is very common.

The conventional medications for depression are also not usually covered under most insurance pharmacy plans. This makes it difficult for the average elderly New Yorker to pay for these medications. It is always the newer more effective medications that are not paid for under the general Part D medicare pharmacy plan.

The first step is for the elderly senior to see a doctor. A good history and physical are important. Certain blood tests that should be done include a vitamin B12, folate level as well as a thyroid panel. An underactive thyroid is associated with depression. I always have believed that an overview of dietary and exercise lifestyle must be discussed especially with the elderly. Both of these can affect depression.

Sometimes a medication might be prescribed but I feel a good discussion with the patient is the first place to start. Possibly there has been the loss of a loved one, a spouse or even a child. In Senior centers in New York City, Tai Chi is offered to help with depression. Studies have shown a weekly class and discussion of depression can improve the overall picture of depression in the elderly. Those who engage in outdoor activities reduce feelings of stress, confusion, anger and depression. I encourage elderly individuals to join the local garden club, or planting club. There is also Horticulture Therapy. In most cases, anyone participating in an outdoor activity or a real connection will nature will improve their overall general health. For me the connection with nature is plants and bees.

Then there is something which I had never even heard of - Bright Light Therapy. Recently a study with 89 patients concluded that bright light therapy improved mood, enhanced sleep and even increased melatonin levels in elderly patients with major depressive disorders. This was published in January 2011 in Archives of General Psychiatry. Life for me is a continuation of the learning process.

A simple remedy is the intake of omega 3 fatty acids. Multiple studies have shown the efficacy of oils for a multitude of diseases including depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. The dose studied was only 1.67 grams of EPA and 0.8 grams of DHA. This is small dose compared to the dosages I utilize. I use at a minimum 3 grams and as high as 6-8 grams.

The herbs/plants used are Passion Flower, St. John's Wart, California Poppy, Valerian and Chamomile . Oh yes and Kava kava. I would suggest the involvement of a health care practitioner as some of these herbs can interact with conventional drug therapy.

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 RELIEVE THE BLUES

"The better part of one's life consists of friendships" Abraham Lincoln

For some of us, our family is our friends. Yes we all have family, but as years go on--it dwindles.

Also who is to say that our families or our children are always there? Children grow up, children change.

There are true friendships that last forever and then there are those that dwindle. Possibly these friendships that dwindle are best described as acquaintances. For me my true friendships are part of my extended family. I am a grateful man.

Be grateful for what you have.

Did you know that depression can be a normal response for those dealing with a chronic illness? I have many patients who are depressed and dealing with a chronic illness like Hepatitis C or diabetes. If you know anyone with depression and Hepatitis C, I can tell you that the treatment might be a cause of the depression. Depression is a common side effect for those receiving the newer Hepatitis C drugs.

Feeling down or sad can be a natural reaction to an event in your life. I am still mourning the loss of dear Fire Island friend whom I have known for more than twenty years. Intense feelings might be short lived, but the memory lasts forever. If feelings of loss last longer, or something 'blue' in your life persists-- then you should seek medical attention for it could be something more serious.




You should know that Depression is an Illness. It is no different that heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and even alcohol addiction. Depression is a real disease. The feelings of emptiness, sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness about the future are important symptoms of the disease. Is there anger or resentment? Do you forgive easily or not at all? Are there feelings of guilt and worthlessness? All of these can be considered clinical depression according to psychiatrists. I think while it is fine for internists to write prescriptions, some individuals may need psychiatrists and psychologists.

There are many things to do about depression. There are conventional medicines and there are herbal medications. You must understand most psychiatric illnesses get much better with conventional therapies.

Ten suggestions:

1. get more sleep

2. talk to your health care provider

3. find a support network

4. go for a walk or do some exercise

5. get outside

6. focus on the positive

7. don' t take on too much

8. avoid alcohol and try to decrease caffeine

9. eat well and drink plenty of fluids

10 find a hobby that you will enjoy

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 ME AND MY HONEY

"Never Never explain yourself. Your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe it."

Belgicia Howell

How many of you eat your vegetables? Do not disappoint your mother who always said, "Eat your vegetables." I always liked green vegetables, but was never fond of green peas as a child. Now I really do not mind any vegetable. That is not true-- I do not like okra.

What is the decline in pollinator populations doing to our nutritional status?

I am sure you have never thought of the declining bee, bat and butterfly populations affecting our nutritional status. Well of course, it does. As the domestic and wild bee populations decline, we will get less fruit and vegetable production and thus less nutrition. The produce (vegetables and fruits) with the highest concentration of Vitamin C will be affected by the decline in the bee population. This will affect 90% of the vitamin C we consume. It will affect 50% of the calcium we consume. Most sources of vitamins A and E come from pollinator dependent crops, so with no bees, no source of these vitamins. The almond crops in California which are totally dependent on the February 14th pollination will be greatly affected. Some may say so what we have the wind and the rain to self pollinate these crops. No so. It is estimated while the wind and rain can do some pollination, there will a 40% loss in crops (vegetables/fruits) without bees. Despite current efforts bee populations are still declining.

Recent studies provide more information for the government to step in and help beekeepers raise bees. I do not understand why our government is not lending money to beekeepers to save the domesticated and wild honey bees. If the government lets the produce down because there is no support, there will be increases in heart disease and cancer. You may ask why... If there are no tomatoes, carrots, squash and other vegetables there will be a decrease in the antioxidants and carotenoids in our diets that these vegetable supply.

If you cannot raise bees yourself, then support a friend who does in a number of ways. You can take a beekeeping course (http://www.honeybeelives.org/ or http://www.nycbeekeeping.com/) You can read about planting seeds and buying plants that will attract honeybees. Learn the facts about honeybees before passing judgement or making comments about honeybees. Be proactive in your garden. If you do not like honeybees for whatever reason, then help the hummingbirds and butterflies. Both are also pollinators.

For interesting articles and history of Beekeeping, http://www.americanbeejournal.com/

Until tomorrow...

Good thoughts/prayers for my honey--speedy surgical recovery

SEPTEMBER 26, 2011 HAPPINESS AND DAMIANA

"Worry doesn't help tomorrow's troubles, but it does ruin today's happiness."

"The surest way to happiness is to lose yourself in a cause greater than yourself."

"In the pursuit of happiness, the difficulty lies in knowing when you have caught up."
Greenville

Who doesn't want happiness? We all want a little happiness in our lives. To lose yourself in a cause greater than yourself will ensure something but I am not sure I agree it will bring total happiness. Happiness comes from within. I have lost myself in my hobbies especially my honey bees, but I make my own happiness. It comes from within, not from anything on the outside. Surely not material items. I went through that phase a long time ago. No pair of shoes, especially my favorite- Prada could ever bring me happiness.

One of the most important medicinal herbs of the Ancient Mayan culture is Damiana. The Mayan healers saw a connection between asthma, a respiratory illness and impotency or sexual desire. Damiana helps the respiratory system and increases blood flow to the lower abdomen, swelling sexual desire. How the herb Damiana was actually named is part of the story of twin brothers Damian and Cosmas from Aegean in Cilicia. The story finally ends in the beheading of the twins. They are elevated to Christian sainthood.

Interestingly, Cosmas became the patron saint of physicians while Damian is the patron saint of pharmacists (and hairdressers-don't ask me why). Of note, Damiana is one of the herbs that can also be smoked. I believe this is from the Indian cultures. It does produce a mucus loosening type effect. If you think about this there are many other aphrodisiac teas that can be smoked. Other examples would be the poppy and marijuana.

Herbs are a gift of nature that save human life. There are many diseases which can’t be cured by allopathic treatment that herbal treatments can cure. These medicines cost very little and often work with little or no side effects. Damiana is such an herb. Scientifically Damiana is known as Turnera diffusa. In addition to the sexual benefits and benefits to the respiratory system, it can also control depression, bed wetting, nervous dyspepsia and constipation.

The dosage of Damiana is 2 to 4 ml three times every day. For capsules, use 3 per day. If you want to take it with tea then mix 5 gm with 150 ml water three times a day.

The side effects of Damiana are possible headache, insomnia, hallucinations, liver injury and irritation of urethral mucous membrane. I have never seen this herb cause liver toxicity.

Damiana can be a great medicine if you use it in proper amounts. It will save you from many diseases if you take it regularly. If you try it you will thank yourself for the great change in your health.

Try a cup of Damiana.

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 24-25, 2011 A SKIN FRIENDSHIP

"Friendship is the only cement that will hold the world together." Woodrow Wilson

Is this actually true? I do not know how I feel about friendship these days, let alone Woodrow Wilson. I know I have one true friend with whom I spend my days and nights--that is my life partner. I have other friends but are they the cement of my life? I do not know. I am beginning to question life in general with the ever changing economy, political views and the state of the world. Friends are important--just choose wisely!

Friendship among eclectic physicians formed the basic foundations for herbalism as we know it today. John Milton Scudder resurrected Eclectic Medicine. The great physicians like I.J.M. Goss, John King, Harvey Felter, Rolla Thomas, Eli Jones and many others continued this system of medicine. With the death of these great leaders and friends, Eclectic Medicine had no future in the 20th century. Today, it is what I read in books. Today, it is in the lectures of David Winston, Michael Moore, and James Duke that the words of eclectic physicians are again brought to life.

Today is a memorial service for a dear friend, Michael. My heart is still saddened by his loss. He was a compassionate human being with a deep connection to nature, especially plants. He will be missed... he will be among the trees, bees, plants, flowers and the earth forever!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 HAIR AND MORE HAIR

Different styles for different folks!

HAIR, HAIR, AND MORE HAIR

DO YOU HAVE BEAUTIFUL HAIR? Kate does.

I do!

Hair, Hair and then more hair. We are obsessed with hair and hair styles. I know I am! I find the individuals who have straight hair-want curly hair, and those with curly hair want straight hair. In the last 11 years I have had every hair style and cut imaginable. Today I do not want to cut my hair. Why? Because I now have hair to cut based on changes in my dietary and herb lifestyle. Do not fall into the trap that shampoos and conditioners will keep your hair healthy. In the early 1970's I had a curly perm in high school. In the 1980's I kept my hair short while in medical School. In 1990's I bleached my hair whitish blond and also shaved it. Since 2000, I have had short, shaved, military, long with bangs and now, just medium length. The point is that I love different hairstyles, but more importantly--I have my hair back.

I caution all to beware of what you hear about certain dietary supplements that will thicken your hair and make it grow much faster. Not all that you read is true!

There are however healthy foods to eat for maintaining healthy hair. Everyone and I mean everyone should take omega 3 fatty acids. I get mine from fish. This is needed to support the scalp health. If you are a vegetarian you can have flax seeds on your salads or cereals. Why do you need leafy greens for your hair? The leafy green s produce your own oil, sebum. This acts as a natural conditioner.

We all need protein for maintenance of healthy hair . If you are a vegetarian eat nuts and seeds. Beans are also a great source of protein for shiny, sleek hair . Protein contains trace minerals biotin, zinc, selenium, and copper that are essential for the hair. Oh yes, do not forget iron. The best source of selenium is Brazil nuts. Walnuts are also excellent as these contain alpha linolenic acid (an omega 3 oil). I do NOT encourage peanuts. They are not nuts, but legumes which are grown in the soil. There is fungus in the soil and on most peanuts. The foods that contain zinc include beef, lamb, whole grains and oysters. I prefer you get zinc from grains and occasional oysters. If you want to have beautiful hair and a sex drive, eat oysters which are abundant in zinc. Zinc is a very powerful antioxidant.

The easiest source of protein for me is eggs.

I have researched and continue to use Horsetail for my hair. In older herbal texts as Culpepper and Sauer, there is a mention of horsetail for stimulating hair growth. This is due to the abundance of silica in this herb. I apply some to my scalp as well as ingest the tincture.

So the list of nutrients for the hair are:

1. Selenium

2. Zinc

3. Biotin

4. B12

5. Omega 3 fatty acids

6. Vitamin A

7. Calcium

8. Flax seeds

9. MSM

10. Horsetail

I utilize Cosmedix from Longevity Nutritionals as a product that contains many of these supplements.

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011 IODINE AND HYPOTHYROIDISM

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. " Winston Churchill

For the last seventeen years I have lived by the motto, Gratitude not Attitude. Maybe Mr. Churchill meant to say Gratitude . My quote has saved me in many situations. Life is about gratitude. You just have to realize it. If you think about it, it will make sense. What are you grateful for? I never liked rain and wearing a yellow slicker raincoat as a child. Today I love the rain. It feeds the plants. Today I love to wear chic raincoats (never the color yellow). I am grateful for life in general. I never used to see the beauty in a day.

Why do you have an attitude? Perhaps it goes deeper than your present attitude. Think about it!

The thyroid is an H shaped gland within the neck area. It lies over the second to fourth tracheal rings. It is regulated by the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. It is highly vascular and a major player in an important biofeedback mechanism.

The hypothalamus secretes TRH (thyroid releasing hormone) which in turn causes the anterior pituitary to secrete TSH. This TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) causes the the thyroid to secrete two thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. The amount of hormones released depends on the amount of TSH.

This is important to understand. The normal TSH level is .27 - 4.0. If the TSH is less than 0.2 you would think lower means hypo, BUT a TSH less than 0.2 is HYPERTHYROIDISM OR OVERACTIVE THYROID.

If the TSH is greater than 4.0 you might think higher means hyper BUT a TSH greater than 4.0 is HYPOTHYROIDISM OR UNDERACTIVE THYROID.

Why is the thyroid so important? The thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) secreted from the thyroid control the body's metabolic rate, rate of oxygen consumption as well as energy expenditure under resting conditions. These hormones also contribute to growth (especially T3) and overall calorigenic effect. So yes... these are very important.

The symptoms of low thyroid function can come from any of 3 sources: 1. thyroid gland failure; 2. A deficieincy of TRH and/or TSH; and 3. Inadequate supply of iodine. The multi-system effect of decreased thyroid function is numerous. Hypothyroidism affects every single system of the body. There are metabolic effects (fatigue, depression), nervous system effects (chronic headaches), skin problems (dry skin, cold intolerance), immune system effects (immune depression) and other systems. Some of the other symptoms include miscarriage, menstrual irregularities, food sensitivities, low body temperatures, slow wound healing, hair loss and difficulty concentrating. These are just a few.

Perhaps after reading this you might think you have a sluggish thyroid gland (hypothyroid).

Although this has been discussed before, hearing it again is always beneficial. We need iodine. Most Americans are low in iodine ( just as we are low in Vitamin D3). It is essential to have iodine for the thyroid. Some individuals have remedied the low iodine by adding iodized salt to their food. I do not particularly like this remedy.

Do this: 1. Eat some Kelp. I am not a kelp lover but there is a variety of kelp out there: Icelandic kelp, Norwegian kelp, Giant Pacific Kelp and Hijki . I know that kelp can improve many symptoms of a low thyroid. It will definitely decrease inflammation and arthritic pain. Some studies suggest that kelp reduces heart damage (atherosclerosis).

I like the brown seaweed especially a Fucus species, Bladderwrack. As a Registered Herbologist I have formulated an herbal tincture with bladderwrack, called herbal SLIM tea, http://www.herbalslimtea.com/

The dose of iodine needed for the human body is 150-300 mg. For those who do not want to ingest seaweed you can always find kelp tablets or capsules and start that way. Start slowly with the kelp capsules and even the seaweed. Some kelp has a higher iodine content than others. Icelandic kelp has a greater amount of iodine (8000 ppm) than most other kelp.

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 21, 2011 BAREFOOT TECHNIQUE: CUPPING

"G. O. D. helps those who help themselves." - Benjamin Franklin

I was sure my mother was the writer of this quote. I never knew she quoted Ben Franklin. How funny is that! He/she who helps him/her self is better off than those that do nothing for themselves. I know both types of individuals. In the health care profession I see 50% of each group. Those who constantly complain are those who need to start helping themselves. The 'poor me' saga will continue. Some love the drama. Those who help themselves will certainly reap the rewards. They will be an inspiration to others. I have many patients over the age of 90 in very fine physical, emotional and mental states. This is due to the fact that they have helped themselves through the years.

There are some professional members of the mainstream medical profession who consider the application of herbs and many other eastern techniques to be unscientific. Some of these techniques such as acupuncture, massage and even chiropractic services were once considered alternative, yet today they are part of the mainstream. One day I hope to see that botanical medicine/herbology is part of mainstream medicine.

There are many techniques (such as various Chinese techniques) used by native healers and shamans. One of these techniques is called cupping. Cupping was used in my family to rid the body of infection and 'the sweats'. I had cupping performed on me by a health care practitioner (actually a physician's assistant who is now a medical doctor) for bronchitis while at the Atkins Center. These types of techniques along with others are called 'Barefoot Doctor' healing techniques. Instinctually I know how to use some of these techniques but have never used them in my current practice. Many cultures use these folk remedies and practice what I call 'folk medicine'. These techniques are not only effective but convenient if you can find a practitioner.

Cupping is the treatment of disease by using suction of the skin surface. A vacuum is created in small jars that are they attached to the body surface. I remember one of my mother's cousins putting a penny on my dad's left shoulder after the penny was heated in a fire or with a candle. Then she quickly put a cup over the penny. (Upon reading I find this 'penny' technique is used in the Indian cupping method.) This vacuum caused the underlying tissues to pull into the cup. Thus pulling the inner congestion. It is a job well done. You must tell the patient about the redness and bruising of the skin it will cause. I remember I was bruised for a week after my session. My lung congestion immediately lessened and I felt relieved. I didn't have to take the antibiotic that was prescribed.

In my childhood my mother used Welchs jelly glasses. Today you can get small votives or glass jars online. Cups remain on the body from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the strength of the suction. If a cup with good suction falls off- it means there was no inflammation in that area. I have seen incredible results from cupping, especially for infection.

Have you ever seen the movie Zorba the Greek with Anthony Quinn? Cupping is done in one scene of that movie. The health care practitioner, who is known as the Barefoot Doctor was Stephen Russell. You can also read the book, Every Month was May by Evelyn Eaton. She experienced cupping during her stay in France in the 1940's.

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 S.H.A.R.E.

"Our entire life consists ultimately in accepting ourselves as WE are." - Jean Anouilh

Ultimately that is what I had to do to be happy and have self-love. By having my own self love I am able to love others. I accept who I am today with all my imperfections. I feel alive. I do not have to hide anymore. I am me! I am who I am! I was searching for something and the answer was right there all the time. It is sort of like Dorothy Gale from Kansas trying to find the answers and all the answers are right at home. Right at home is within yourself. You cannot imagine the relief. You cannot imagine the burden being lifted ONCE you accept YOU.

Turtle, turtle, where have you gone and where do you go now?

Butterfly, butterfly where have you gone, and where do you go now?

Bee, Bee where have you gone, and where do you go now?

We all have dreams. One of my dreams is for Rick and I to own land. We want to grow wild flowers, plant trees, and have ponds for the wildlife. We want to go into my Secret Garden and sit, meditate and pray. The magazines that arrive at our home are now Horticulture, American Bee Journal, and Needlepoint Now. I now have all my conventional and integrative medical journals on line or delivered to the office. I want some composure of a life.

Did you ever feel you live and breathe your occupation?

Realize this: The moths, honeybees, humming birds and beetles that visit your flowering plants in your garden for nectar and pollen are invaluable to our lives. I know some of you do not think like this.

You know what you are missing? You are missing a connection with nature... Mother Earth. Each of you must thank the pollinators, especially the honeybees because one out of every three bites of food we take is dependent on the insect, bird and bat pollinators.

Share your garden with those pollinators. Do you ever plant wild flowers within your garden of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and herbs?

While reading Horticulture this month, I was enlightened by the theme, S.H.A.R.E.

S.H.A.R.E. means Simply Have Areas Reserved for the Environment

Rick and I have reserved space for the honeybees in Cherry Grove, Fire Island by introducing them into a wild overgrown area. You and pollinators must be in communication. The success for the future of pollinators especially Apis mellifera is in YOUR HANDS!

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 A FIRST AID HERB

"Quality means doing it right when no one is looking ." - Henry Ford

We all should try to do it right whether someone is looking or not. Maybe he was referring to one of his model T cars on the assembly line and his workers. Taking this a step further, always doing the right thing will never get you in trouble. I have learned the hard way, and I am sure you have also had moments of clarity about this in your life.

Two herbs I want to have in my first aid herbal kit would be Achillea millefolium and Symphytum officinale. While studying Botanical Latin this year with the New York Botanical Gardens, I learned that officinale means 'medicinal'. So if you see 'officinale' in an herb name you will know that herb has medicinal properties. These herbs are Yarrow and Comfrey, respectively.

I use both for bruising and inflammation. Many patients use Arnica for bruising which is also an excellent choice.

Depending on what herbal book you are reading, the herb Comfrey has had its share of misgivings. It is perhaps one of the most famous medicinal herbs in history. Because it contains certain alkaloids that have toxic effects on the liver, some countries have banned its use. Many sources say that it is illegal to use the roots internally, but I know some patients and herbalists who DO ingest comfrey.

Why use comfrey in bruising or inflammation versus other herbs? One of its components is allantoin which causes cell growth. This accounts for its remarkable healing properties. Comfrey has the ability to stimulate growth when the system has been traumatized. If you think about this statement, it is a rejuvenating herb. Did you ever taste comfrey? Well, I have and it is slightly bitter tasting and mildly astringent (which makes it good for an external tonic).

The most astonishing specific indication is comfrey's use in facilitating bone repair when there is difficult reunion. I wonder how many orthopedic surgeons know about comfrey ?

Initially I was cautious using this herb, but now I feel very comfortable. I think it would be great as a salve with Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) and Plantain (Plantago major).

I think Rick and I will have a comfrey salve party in the Fall! Who wants to make herbs with us?

Above: Four photographs of comfrey

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 17-18, 2011 MY HERBAL CLOSET

"THE DOOR OF THE SOUL OPENS INWARD."

This is the law. Relax mentally, draw away you problem spiritually, and the action of G.O.D. (the god of your understanding) will open the door for you to be free. This excerpt is from Emmet Fox's The Mental Equivalent.

I find the above a valuable lesson. I always ask my higher power to allow me to remember the truth every time I pray or meditate. What does the phrase, "The door of the soul opens inward" mean to you? To me, it means the harder you push against it the tighter you close it. If you press or hurl yourself against it you will only close it on yourself. When you relax and draw back, you give it a chance to open.

For me at this moment in my life it means Do Nothing- wait and see. This is extremely difficult for me when this involves family and friends. I know this is when I need it the most. Have you ever been told something by a close family member that hurts so deeply you can hardly catch your breath? Have you ever been reprimanded in person, by mail or now the ever so 'cold' email? We all have. I only have this advice. Relax, meditate and draw back. Wait without expectations. If you are expecting an apology -- let that go, because that can only lead to disappointment. Pray and meditate. And do your hobby. For me stitch, stitch, knit one purl two.

I went to the herbal dental hygienist yesterday. Yes I said the herbal/integrative dental hygienist. Prior to this weekend I was having upper right quadrant teeth pain. I do not floss, I only waterpik. I believe this teeth pain, inflammation and gingivitis is being caused by a piece of food underneath a laminated back tooth.

I waterpike and brush daily. Prior to the toothbrush, herbs like licorice, marshmallow and alfalfa were used to brush the teeth. I use an herbal toothpaste that contains Myrrh and Echinacea. I also put MSM solution in my waterpik to decrease the inflammation. I love Myrrh for infection.

This use of Myrrh made me think... what herbs should I have in my herbal closet? I say closet because the 20 or so herbs I do have DO NOT fit in the medicine chest, but instead a closet. Rick calls it our 'herbal witch closet'. I would recommend keeping the following herbs on hand. This is not the same herbs found in the Herbal First Aid Kit. I am waiting for my professor/mentor, 7 song to finish the book on that!

Our herbal closet has (either in dried or tincture form) the following:

1. Aniseed

2. Burdock Root

3. Cayenne

4. Celery Seed

5. Chamomile

6. Dandelion

7. Echinacea

8. Elder

9. Marshmallow

10. Meadowsweet

11. Nettles

12. Peppermint

13. Skullcap

14. Thyme

15. Valerian

16. Yarrow

17. Mullein,

18. Comfrey

19. Ginger

20. Myrrh



Photographs at top, left to right: Nettle, Yarrow and Skullcap

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 16, 2011 NEEDLEWORK AS QUILTED PATTERNS

"Educating the mind without educating the heart is NO education at all." - Aristotle

There is a definite distinction between fine art and decorative arts. You may even have some fine art in your home. This could include paintings as well as sculptures. These are said to delight the eyes. Rick and I have a sculpture of a human heart (appropriate) that we purchased in Cuba, as well as some Art Deco Bronze sculptures from New Hope, PA.

Then there is decorative art. These decorative arts stem from a desire to make items you need look more attractive. In early America and Europe these decorative arts were used until they wore out. Most decorative arts done by women at that time appeared as the textile arts of embroidery and tapestry. Both of these were important artistic outlets. Needlepoint and embroidery are timeless lasting accomplishments. I thoroughly enjoy making pillows and framed needle art for friends and family. I know that after I am gone, my artwork will remain, and hopefully will be passed on to others. I love making pillows because these are foremost functional items that can allow us to sit a little more comfortably.

Whether you do embroidery/tapestry/bargello or quilting there are a few things you need to know.

1. The canvas can be stitched with or without a round hoop. I do it both ways. The canvas should be stretched taut.

2. The gauge is the size of the canvas. For example a #14 canvas has 14 threads per inch.

3. Always leave 1 1/2 inches of unworked canvas on all four sides.

4. Mark or dirty the canvas as little as possible. This is always hard for me as I carry the canvas I am working on in my backpack. I stitch on the tram, subway, and in meetings.

5. Wool, silk or cotton floss may be used. I sometimes use all three on one canvas to give the canvas dimension and interest.

Just another hobby to boost your self esteem....

Until tomorrow...

SEPTEMBER 15, 2011 A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH

"People are embedded in social networks and...the health and well being of one person affects the health and well being of others " - Fowler and Christakis (2008)

"A man is born gentle and weak. At his death he is hard and stiff. Green plants are tender and filled with sap. At their death they are withered and dry. Therefore the stiff and unbending is the discipline of death. The gentle and the yielding is THE DISCIPLINE OF LIFE ."

The consumption of 'medicine', whether conventional or herbal or vitamins is one aspect of medical treatment. I have learned through clinical years with patients that this is not all. The attitudes and behaviors might lead to a better well being and enhanced self care. The one aspect that determines the difference is talking to the patient. I feel the doctor -patient relationship allows both to move to a better place with a deeper meaning of the word 'health'. It also allows the patient a better mechanism of coping and resilience. Can you read this in any book? The answer is probably not, but there always exceptional books. I feel you have to use all your clinical experience as well as be a healer. To the best of my ability, I try to be a healer.

Many factors affect one' s health, disease and illness

Some of these factors include:

1. Their own parents

2. Education

3. Socioeconomic factors

4. Environmental factors- exposure to chemicals, intake of fish, the water you drink

5. Nutrition

6. Social interaction

7. Political influences

8. Personal beliefs and behavior

Until tomorrow...