Anything Worth Learning is Self Taught

MARCH 2, 2012 DO YOU HAVE A HOBBY ?

2012-03-02T04:40:00.007-08:00

" Holding on to regret is like dragging the weight of the past with us everywhere we go."

Who wants to hold on to the past ? Who wants to hold onto regret, resentment and anger ? Certainly not ME ! Today I know holding onto to the past and the regrets associated with my past will only lead to disease. I see this in many patients I encounter. I do not want to get a chronic disease. No one wants to. But it happens. It has been shown in studies that anger regrets and resentments lead to disease. Why hold on to it ? There are such unfortunates who cannot let it go. Patients ask me , " how do you let it go. ? " I pray and meditate on it. I do not dwell on the regrets, resentments and the anger. Life is too short. Every single day is a blessing. It sounds so Pollyanna , but it is true. Unfortunately I have to see patients suffer from disease. I do not want them to also suffer from their regrets. All happens for a reason. You must believe this !

There is one regret you never have to worry about. This is the choice of a simple hobby to boost your self esteem. This should be a fun creative hobby. These hobbies not only boost self esteem but fill the time you wasted on those addictions . The addictions I call energy thieves. Your energy thief could be sugar, television, your iphones or the family drama.

I have many hobbies. Most of my hobbies are creative - card making, knitting, needle point and stamping. Others have included coin collecting. A hobby that involves both Rick and I is Beekeeping. The question is what do we do for our hobby from November to April. Our girls are hibernating and keeping warm for the spring and summer ahead. So what do we do ? We read old and new bee books. We get ready to set up hives in schools int he New York City area. We educate ourselves more and spread the word everywhere. I even get to fit in a bee needle point now and then.

So are you ready to start beekeeping as your hobby ? You have some basic reading to do.

Here are just a few:

1. ABC and XYZ of Bee Culture

2. The Beekeeper's Handbook

3. The Backyard Beekeeper

4. Natural Beekeeping

5. Better Bee Keeping

Rick and I have found these educating, a simple read and so knowledgeable to get started. Of course, I went overboard and bought more and more. I started to collect first editions of bee keeping books for the glass encased library one day.

One book I thoroughly enjoyed is The Beekeeper's Lament. It tells the story of beekeeper John Miller and how one man and his half a billion bees feed America.

If you are thinking of becoming a beekeeper, take a course- http://www.honeybeelives.org/ or the beekeeping course at the NY Botanical Gardens ( http://www.nybg.org/) There is also your local - Beekeeping Society. This is your best resource for the area you might live in.

By the way for New York City residents - Bee Keeping is LEGAL to do in NYC.

Until tomorrow...

MARCH 1, 2012 IODINE

2012-03-01T04:40:00.012-08:00

"Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care."
-Theodore Roosevelt

I love this quote. I do care about a lot of people: patients, family and friends. As a physician it does not matter how much I know, it matters how I care for the patient. It is how I approach disease. It really is how I approach my patients. I have been chosen by G.O.D. for this profession. I really love what I do. I find it a little hard to believe that Teddy Roosevelt said the quote, although I am not totally surprised. He was an amazing man-Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919) was the 26th President of the United States of America (1901–1909). A statue of Teddy sits in front of the Museum of Natural History in NYC . In Part I of A Night at the Museum, Teddy depicted by Robin Williams comes alive at night. A great portrayal.

Iodine is a mineral which is discussed a lot. Since Teddy suffered from asthma he could have benefited from iodine. It was first discovered in kelp in 1812. It is given its name due to the violet color when extracted. It is important for the thyroid gland which lies in the neck. It is the location of the throat chakra. In the United States we are deficient in both iodine and Vitamin D.

Many individuals with low or under active thyroid would rather take iodine than thyroid hormones like nature, armour, or westhyroid, or even the conventional drug called synthroid or levothyroxine. Synthroid is only T4. There is another thyroid hormone called T3. I like to balance T4 first, and then balance T3 later if needed. More than 210 million people suffer from some type of iodine deficiency. In high doses iodine is toxic and I have seen this cause acne, and more importantly interfere with the thyroid gland regulation.

Cruciferous vegetables that we all should eat like cabbage, brussel sprouts, and broccoli contain substances which can cause hypothyroidism ( low thyroid) by interfering with iodine. If you eat plenty of these great greens then think about having your iodine level checked and supplement this mineral.

The best source of iodine is seafood and seaweed. It is better in sea salt than iodized salt (like Morton's). But there is a catch 22 as seafood contains lots of mercury. Have had your mercury level checked yet? Did your physician even discuss mercury? Iodine is a natural antiseptic, loosens mucous in the respiratory tract and protects the body against other toxic exposures. Check your iodine level today! I bet the level is low.

Do you remember Mercurochrome as a child when you scraped your knee or elbow?

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 29, 2012 BRUXISM

2012-02-27T12:45:00.012-08:00

"There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in" --Leonard Cohen

or "Never make a decision when you have to pee." -- Leonard Cohen ( Beautiful Losers)

or "As our eyes grow accustomed to sight they armour themselves against wonder."

- Leonard Cohen ( The Favorite Game)

Three very different quotes by the same man. This same man has written "Beautiful Losers," "Book of Longing," "The Favorite Game," and "Tree Huggers." Read at least one of his books. You have to admit that one of the three quotes grabbed you. I am in favor of the last one. I never get used to sight and sound. I also never take for granted my eyes, ears and my ability to speak. Try going through one day without either of those senses- sight and sound to start with. It will be an unforgettable day. Try it!

Near the eyes and the ears are the teeth. I have seen many people who have this condition called bruxism. It is usually performed unconsciously. It is the habitual grinding of the teeth. It is common in children and in the elderly and usually occurs during sleep. There are severe cases where the teeth get worn out. The enamel is stripped away. This can be linked to anxiety, depression and even alcohol dependence or heightened alcohol consumption.

Is there an actual treatment? Foremost you must see a dentist. Seeing a dentist creates fear in many people. Since this is linked to anxiety I try to ease the anxiety with some frequently used herbal remedies. I usually start this before he/she decides to see the dentist. Some of the useful herbs for anxiety and to alleviate bruxism are valerian and skullcap. I combine these together as a tea and ask patient to drink 2 - 3 cups/day. I also feel a great combination of essential oils by Snow Lotus are essential (no pun intended). There is a mixture called Stress Relief and Adrenal Support (http://www.snowlotus.com/) which I find very effective for anxiety and to support the already tired adrenal glands. One of my colleagues who practices Traditional Chinese Medicine has used Chinese angelica, ginseng and white peony to alleviate the tension and anxiety.

I would suggest seeing a dentist who is versed in bruxism and bite plates. The Gelb Center in NYC is one of the foremost centers for bruxism , sleep apnea, and bite plates. (http://www.gelbcenter.com/)

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 28, 2012 MEET THE NETTLE PLANTS

2012-02-27T08:20:00.024-08:00

"IMPOSSIBLE is a world only to be found in the dictionary of fools."

Nothing is impossible. Anything in this world is possible. It may not be on your time line and terms, but it is possible. Examples are gong back to school to take a course for credit or elective, doing a new hobby, or even starting to date . Better yet --getting married

I love the plant, Urtica dioica. It is known by many names . Some names are common nettles, stinging nettles, or greater nettle. These plants are weedy perennials and are common in North America, Europe Asia and even Africa. These plants are from the family Urticaceae. One of the courses I took at the New York Botanical Gardens after I finished my Botanical Medicine Program was Botanical Latin. In college I not only studied Latin, but was a teaching assistant for first and second year Latin students. When I think back I do not know how I did that, but it was NOT IMPOSSIBLE. I remember studying with my college friend, Marianne in her grandfather's house where she lived. Anyway, the 4 week botanical Latin course at the NY Botanical Gardens (http://www.nybg.org/) was great. The Latin word for nettle is urtica. The medical term for painful or intense hives is called Urticaria.

The tiny fine hairs on some of the nettle plants deliver a sting. Thus, the name Stinging Nettles. These hairs are like fine hypodermic needle injections. Ouch!!!

Two compounds that are delivered with its sting are tartaric acid and oxalic acid. Both are irritating to the skin. These compounds are also found in some fruits and vegetables. There is a tiny amount of formic acid which is found in bee and ant venom.

What I find odd is that the relief for the stings comes from the sap of the crushed leaves. In the United States we have it easy with the stinging nettles. One of the most potent nettle plants are the Tree Nettles from Australia and New Zealand. This plant also called Ongaonga, can cause blistering, a severe rash and intense stings. Animals that come in contact with this plant often die.

In our herbal closet at home Rick and I have a pound of stinging nettles. I use it regularly as a tea for environmental allergies, cough and upper respiratory tract infections. I think it tastes great as a tea. For those who are not used to herbal tea add some raspberry leaf tea and a bit of wild flower honey. Nettles is also used for urinary tract infections. I usually combine nettles with one drop of juniper essential oil. For those who do not like tea, stinging nettles is found in a product I use often during pre-allergy and allergy season. It is called Natural D-Hist. This is available at http://www.longevitynutritionals.com/

Until tomorrow..

FEBRUARY 27, 2012 GLUTEN INTOLERANCE

2012-02-27T04:38:00.013-08:00

"Adopt to circumstances in order to make progress."

When we adopt to changes in circumstances in order to move forward, this is called progress. How many of us are stuck in a situation? Many of us are in limbo or on cruise control. Whether this involves a relationship, a job, or an illness. Many of us are stuck in our old habits. I am one of those individuals. When I get resentful or feel hurt, I tend to shut down. I would rather say no to everything or not speak at all. This is not good. I do this because I am at a loss. I also do not want to say something that I may regret in the future. So I stay quiet. At least now in these quiet times, I pray and meditate to change. Change and progress do happen. I have to be willing.

Sometimes a change happens in conventional medicine that is mind blowing. For instance, just the other day in the Annals of Internal Medicine (http://www.annals.org/) under the Ideas and Opinions section there was an article entitled, "NonCeliac Gluten sensitivity: Sense or Sensibility." Sounds like the title of a movie. Perhaps those who only need statistics and double blind studies should be called the Iron Lady.

This is how the article opens... "Recent studies support the evidence of a new condition, nonceliac gluten sensitivity, which manifests as intestinal and extra intestinal symptoms that improve or disappear after gluten withdrawal in individuals with normal small bowel mucosa and negative results on serum transglutaminase and endomysial antibody testing."

A new condition... this must be a misprint. This has been known for a long long time. I doubt the writers of this article see many gluten sensitive patients if they think this is a new condition. The article then goes on to say, "Although the clinical value of this concept is under debate, the prevalence of of nonceliac gluten sensitivity in the general population is supposed to be many times higher than that of celiac disease."

Well of course it is. In the same way that insulin resistance and the pre diabetes population is a much larger group than the actual diabetics. This is called talking to the patient and studying your own practice group.

I believe that more than 80% of the population is nonceliac gluten sensitive. The symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and flatulence all disappear if you remove gluten. If the symptoms do not disappear, then remove milk/dairy and ask the patient how he/she feels. You do not need double blind studies. Remove the gluten from the patient's diet and watch them improve.

It is also not a disease limited to the gut. The first sign of gluten sensitivity could be a neurological one. There are more than 100 papers in well respected journals that discuss the extra intestinal symptoms such as arthritis, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, hepatitis and diabetes with gluten. Celiac has a genetic component whereas this new term nonceliac gluten sensitivity does not have a genetic HLA gene. Studies suggest celiac disease affects 1% of the general population. I believe nonceliac gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance prevalence is much higher.

I believe that gluten intolerance or nonceliac gluten sensitivity is characterized by the activation of an innate stress response unlike celiac's immune pathway.

Although I am a cardiologist, I am foremost an internist. I am an integrative internist who looks at the person as a whole, not by a system The doctor should be like The Artist. Medicine is a form of art.

Although the photographs are all men with bloating, women suffer from bloating. Men do not admit they are bloated whereas women do!

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 25 - 26, 2012 A PEA IS NOT ALWAYS A PEA

2012-02-24T16:10:00.011-08:00

"Find something that stirs your soul."

"Tell yourself you are excellent at what it is."

"You have reconciliation that you are achieving a life long dream in what you are doing."

"You must take daily action, not REACTION."

So this is my daily mantra. I love what I do. I do not know exactly what I do except that I give to the best of my ability to the people in my life. This is my G.O.D. given profession. I wonder why G.O.D. has placed poisonous plants on Earth Mother. It must be for a reason... not to kill humans but to do some sort of protection.

I am fascinated by plants. I am in awe of nature. I found this out when I was young, but today I am well read and astute about plants. I am one of many who love plants. There are many including my mentors who absolutely put my mind at peace and leave me speechless - these special people are Aviva Romm, 7 song, Tieraona Lowdog, David Winston, Chanchal Cabrera, Cascade Anderson Geller, Rosemary Gladstar and many others.

I must find a lecture or book on Poisonous plants. There are not many within the United States, but there are some. One poisonous plant, Abrus precatorius grows in Africa and Asia and even in subtropical areas of the world and has many different names. Some of the names it is known as include: Jequirity, Deadly Crab's eye, Rosary Pea, John Crow Bead, Indian Licorice, Ruti, Jumbie bea, Akar Saga, Giddee Giddee and the Precatory bean. The pea from this plant is called by other names in different countries of the world. The vine winds through tropical jungles and wraps around trees and shrubs.

I found something interesting about one of the names-- Weather Plant. Professor Joseph Nowack studied and believed this plant could tell us the weather. If the feathery leaves pointed upwards it would be a fine day. If the leaves pointed downward,there would be rain and thunderstorms. It was never proved, but its seeds by far are the deadliest of all. On the vine are the small but pale violet flowers from which pods emerge. Within the pods are these shiny jewel like seeds. The seeds are deadly. These seeds are used as beads for jewelry and even in percussion instruments, but when ingested they are deadly. Most of the seeds are red and black, but there are white varieties. In jewelry making a prick of the needle stringing the beans can be deadly. It is still known as a symbol of love in China where its name is xiang si dou.

The seeds contain the toxin abrin. The toxin is a dimer consisting of two protein subunits appropriately called A and B. The protein found in Castor beans called ricin is toxic, but abrin is more toxic . Ingesting the seed as a whole should cause no problems if it is not chewed . The whole seed will pass through the gastrointestinal tract. One chewed the pea will certainly kill a human. Diagnosis of ingestion is high fever, excessive salivation, colic, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Convulsive seizures will occur before death ensues.

Although the seeds are toxoc, there are benefits to drinking tea made from the leaves of this plant. The plant has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. The oil from the plant is claimed to be an aphrodisiac. The seeds after mitigation are used for a variety of illnesses in the Indian System of Medicine.

I find this "pea" fascinating. Further study is needed! The best way to study this pea is to study different cultures around the world.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 24, 2012 THE CATEPILLAR AND THE MUSHROOM

2012-02-24T05:13:00.011-08:00

"JUST BEING YOURSELF, BEING WHO YOU ARE , IS A SUCCESSFUL REBELLION.' - UNKNOWN

Just be who you are. You need not try to be someone else. Do not try to be someone else. It hard enough me just being you. Why would I want to be someone else. Well, to tell you the truth I would love the skills of Fred Astaire's dancing feet, the brains of Albert Einstein, and the looks of Charles Boyer, Leonardo DiCaprio and debonair as Louis Jordan. In reality I am ME. A little bit of my mother love, my Nanny's stories, my Aunt Katie's sewing skills and pranksters , my Poppy's cooking ( NOT) and my father's brashness. Again in reality I am just ME.

Can picking mushrooms in the Field or forest can be deadly ? Of course picking mushrooms without some knowledge can be deadly. The Roman Emperor, Claudius 41 - 54 BC died under mysterious situations . A modern day review of his symptoms, it was found that he died of muscarine, a deadly toxin found in mushrooms.

My favorite mushroom story is the poison caused by the polka dot mushroom found in Alice and Wonderland. The Caterpillar smoking a pipe on the mushrooms is my favorite. It appears as if he if high while sitting on that mushroom. This is called the Fly Mushroom. It is reddish orange with white spots. You have seen it in other fairy tales and even on some needlepoint canvases I have done. The way Alice felt as she nibbled on the mushroom are mild to those who eat a bit more. Dizziness, Delirium and intoxication followed by death and coma is eminent.

There are many other species of deadly mushrooms. The Magic Mushrooms from the Psilocybe group. Those individuals born in the 1960's might remember these. Then there is Inky Cap, False Morel, and Cortinarius

Have fun reading about Mushrooms

So this a great hobby is finding mushrooms in the field. This would be to identify them only. There should be a fun hobby, NOT a deadly one Sot here is no tasting

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 23, 2012 IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT

2012-02-22T14:03:00.009-08:00

"EACH DAY IS A NEW START. EACH MOMENT IS A BEGINNING."

For me it is 'a day at a time'. There was a point in my life when I first entered a twelve step program that I had to take 'a moment at a time'. It always reminds me of the song, It Only Takes a Moment from Hello Dolly. (Broadway - Carol Channing and film version Barbra Streisand). I start each day with a positive mantra or a reading from a Daily Reflection book. This is followed by meditation. It has changed my life. I used to start with counting breaths: 4-7-8 (deep breath in on a count of 4, hold the breath for a count of 7, and exhale the breath on a count of 8).

After so many years, I slowly began to go deeper into my meditation and spirituality and didn't need to count. I only return to counting if 'the committee' in my mind is running wild. This is rare now, but I am human so it does sometimes happen. As comfortable as I was with getting married to the man of my life I needed to count my breaths that day--not because I was nervous but because the committee was active in my mind.

SO YOU SPRAINED YOUR ANKLE... OR YOU HAVE A BRUISE.

It only takes a moment to get a Hamamelis virginia compress. What is that? This is a Witch Hazel compress. I feel witch hazel is under utilized today. It is known for the fragrant yellow flowers grown in the United States. Properties of this herb include: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent. I know my dad used it for sprains and soreness after driving his 18 wheeler to Albany for deliveries for Rabinowe and Company. Use it externally for cuts and bruises and as a compress for sprains, phlebitis, sunburn and hot swollen joints.

For a real preparation in the wilderness: put 25 grams of the bark in 1 pint of water. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and allow to cool. Dip a cloth in the cool decoction, wring and apply to area. It is a great soothing agent. Collection and use of the bark on this manner is called wild crafting.

Witch hazel has even been used in hemorrhoid preparations.

Until tomorrow..

FEBRUARY 22, 2012 FRIENDHSHIP

2012-02-21T10:01:00.002-08:00

"Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest... it's about who came and never left your side."

I feel this is your best friend. The person who has been there through all the good and bad times. The person who listens to your deepest emotions and your greatest triumphs. A best friend is the person you are closest to emotionally without romantic attachments. I definitely consider my husband my best friend but we have romantic attachments so my best friend is someone I have known for 17 years. We could spend the whole day together-- which hasn't happened in a long time due to our schedules. In the past we could get on the phone and talk about the day we had. I can laugh, cry, or yell with or at.

Not everyone has a best friend, nor should they. Best friend relationships cannot be forced, but need to come naturally as the result of two people who really bond. My best friend, Patrick and I became instantly bound to each other as we had a lot in common. Best friend relationships can last for a long time, or they can end. I know mine will not end as it has endured. He was the babysitter for my children for two summers. He taught them to dance, swim and even act.

Another best friend and referred to as man's best friend is your pet. Today is a special day as our King Charles named Spencer is celebrating his 5th birthday. He is a special dog. We are happy he is part of our family. We are also happy our family includes our 16 year old Maltese, Grant and 9 year old Amazon Green Parrot.

Another best friend could be one of your favorites herbs. One of my best friend herbs is Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). This is a common wild plant that you probably have seen growing in your lawn. You cut it because you thought is was a weed. Yarrow has many uses. I definitely would include Yarrow in your herbal first aid kit. It is great for early stages of fever, dust allergies, rhinitis, hay fever and sinusitis. I use yarrow before I use an antibiotic for sinusitis. It also is used for spontaneous bruising after a full hematological (blood) work up. It has been shown to prevent clots (thrombosis). Yarrow, Hawthorne and Linden combined are good for high blood pressure. Just a tip: I would rather use hibiscus and artichoke for high blood pressure.

Used in a warm bath, it can relieve aches and pains. I often add it with marshmellow, meadow sweet and catnip for digestive issues.

Get a tincture and leave in the medicine cabinet.

Until tomorrow...

Happy Birthday Spencer

FEBRUARY 21, 2012 TURN A PAGE, CLOSE A BOOK-- TREAT A BURN

2012-02-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

"There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book"

With the turn of every page, there is a new beginning. With every closing of a book or a chapter in your life, there is a new beginning. The natural ups and downs of life can either generate greater personal growth or create personal fears. In the past for me, it created personal fears. Today, it is all about personal growth. If you live with a lot of fear you will not like change. My whole philosophy in medicine is change, but I know that change often creates more fear. We all must grow up and face the fear. Some of the fear is painful.

As a physician, I try to address both the medical and psychosocial side of the problem. This is my g.o.d. chosen profession. I have turned the pages and closed the book on old friends and family. I am not a recluse. Sometimes life is just life. I moved on spiritually. I have realized that I cannot control people, places and things. Life is not a struggle but an experience. If you feel life is a struggle then you must let go of the control and stop fighting with everybody. Let life just happen. I can only live life fully by not attempting to control it. Life is continuously changing. I go with the flow. Yes there are ups and downs, and defeats and triumphs. For the last decade I have been doing it with another - now my husband. I am blessed in this lifetime to have someone who cares about me as much as I care about him. Life is good...

A burn is an injury to the tissue of the body caused by a chemical, radiation or electricity., Serous burns must always be seen by a doctor. Minor burns can be seen by a nurse or can be treated without medical attention.

There are many treatments some of which you never heard of. I love the folklore remedies like crushed blueberries, honey, or a raw potato applied directly to the burn for instant relief. The most common is to immerse the area in cool water for 10 minutes. You then can use drops of St. John's wort.

The herbs that can be used include aloe vera, marigold tincture (which is calendula) and even echinacea tincture. Some essential oils that may be used are lavender and geranium oil in a liter of cooled water that was first boiled. The homeopathic remedies have the #1 product that most people are used to. This is arnica. Urtica and hypericum and even aconite can be used. The one Bach remedy that should be used to calm the nerves is Rescue Remedy.

I was recently sent an email about using egg whites for burns. In my research I have never seen this in the scientific literature. For me it doesn't have to be in scientific literature, but I found it in no herbal, homeopathic or flower essence textbook either. The directions are to spread the egg white over the burned area after it has been cooled in cold (not freezing) water. This was due to the collagen in the egg whites.

I would rather do the other remedies which I am comfortable with and not try egg whites just yet.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 20, 2012 TAKE DOWN THE WALLS

2012-02-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

"Knowing we have relationships/marriages we truly care about and we are accepted as we are is a remarkable reward."

At some point in my growth it began to get quieter inside. I began to take a deeper seat within myself and it just happened. What I am describing is taking down the walls. These are the defense mechanisms we use to hide the emotions within ourselves. These defense mechanisms are within all of us. I was aware of them, yet I was completely overwhelmed by the constant barrage of people, places, things, the committee and life happenings. First thing is I got sober. That alone is not the answer. The answer is working a program. I know many individuals who also have gotten sober, but have not worked the twelve steps. I do not dwell on this as it is none of my business. I only pray for them.

I began to sit in the witness box of my consciousness. As I sat there I began to realize that I am completely independent of what I was witnessing. There was a way through: To work on myself in every aspect I have ever known. You can call this enlightenment or divine intervention. I call it a progress within a life process that is continually changing. I gradually became accustomed to living safely within the confines of my body and state of mind. Slowly, I began to see myself with someone who loves me as much as I love him. "I 've Grown Accustomed to His Face." I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this man. I want equality for all. Marriage doesn't change the love but a different level of consciousness is now achieved. I am happily married.

When there are cracks, we work to patch them up. Communication is the key. We have always decorated our walls and our home with the memories of our past experiences, when single and when together, and always with our dreams for the future. In other words we are decorating our home with thoughts.

Light in our home is the utmost importance. Do you have light in your home?

We love candles, but today that is not the only light. Our light shines from within each of us. We are not living in darkness, fear and doubt. Darkness only takes a toll on our health, both physically and mentally. The very thought of morning sunshine through all the windows is so overwhelming. Rick and I have used the sunshine in our hobbies - he is a flower designer (one of many talents), me growing herbs and together we are beekeepers. So fresh flowers (by my personal floral designer) and plants are very important.

Find the light within yourself!

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 17-18, 2012 MEDITATION, TREES AND BETTE DAVIS

2012-02-16T10:23:00.004-08:00

The following is from Jon Kabat-Zinn's Whener You Go, There You Are...

"Standing meditation is best learned from trees. Stand close to one, or better still, in a stand of trees and just peer out in one direction. Feel your feet developing roots into the ground. Feel your body sway gently, as it always will, just as trees do in a breeze. Staying put, in touch with your breathing, drink in what is in front of you, or keep your eyes closed and sense your surroundings. Sense the tree closest to you. Listen to it, feel its presence, touch it with your mind and body. Use your breath to help you to stay in the moment…feeling your own body standing, breathing, being, moment by moment." I probably would hug the tree knowing me!

Try standing like this wherever you find yourself, in the woods, in the mountains, by a river, in your living room, or just waiting for the bus. When you are alone, you might try opening your palms to the sky and holding your arms out in various positions, like branches and leaves, accessible, open, receptive, patient.

Thank you Tami

Perhaps Bette Davis stood by a tree and meditated. Perhaps since she was a Northerner she even hugged a tree. Ruth Elizabeth Davis was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on April 5, 1908, the eldest daughter of Harlow Morrell Davis, a lawyer, and Ruth Favor Davis. She was called Bette as a child and kept the name throughout her career. After her parents divorced in 1916, she and her sister, Barbara moved frequently throughout New England (among the trees) with their mother who was pursuing a photography career. Both girls attended boarding school in the Berkshires and went to high school in Newton, Massachusetts. Bette started acting in plays and taking drama classes while she was in school. She graduated from Cushing Academy, in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, with an idea that she might try acting. But she received little encouragement, as she was not considered very beautiful. She had made up her mind, though, and she headed for New York City.

Tree hugging : TIME REQUIRED 10 - 20 MINUTES (or an hour if you like)

Find yourself a quiet park, forest, or woodland area.
Walk among the trees until you feel comfortable in their presence.
Feel the different bark textures with the palms of your hands.
Smell the scent of the various woods.
Absorb their life energies as you look upwards to the sprawling branches overhead.
Find the perfect tree that fits your mood. You will know which one is right for you.
Vertical Tree Hug: Encircle it with your arms while gently pressing your cheek to the trunk being careful not to scratch your face. Squeeze tightly. Sigh deeply.

Full Body Tree Hug: Sit upon the ground wrapping your legs around the base of the tree and at the same time embracing it with your arms.
Up in the Air Tree Hug: Climb a tree. Sit upon a strong limb and straddle it with your legs. Bend forward and place your belly against it while wrapping your arms about it.

TREE HUGGING DAY 2012 IS MARCH 19, 2012 (EVE OF THE SPRING EQUINOX)

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 17, 2012 HOUSE PLANTS

2012-02-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

"Each day is a new start. Each moment is a new beginning."

This is so true. So why not make a new start by finding a hobby. It will certainly boost your self esteem. Make it rewarding. Make it fun. Do it alone. Last night, Rick was changing a plant in the terrarium. The glass enclosure is doing so well. I am pretty sure he would avoid putting poisonous plants in the terrariums. But I did notice he planted the carnivorous pitcher plants that were given to us.

Be careful of this next hobby or your family's house plants...

Do you have house plants? Do you grow a specific species of plants? I know someone in Rhode island who is fascinated and grows Bonsai. Caring for a bonsai is an all -consuming hobby in its own right, but it is a true art form. The same could be said for those who grow orchids. I was a member of the Manhattan Orchid Society when it was on W58 th Street some years ago.

Did you ever think you could have a dangerous or poisonous house plant within your House or apartment? Think again. During the Christmas holiday we are all fascinated by the Poinsettia. When I was a child my mother always cautioned us to watch the dogs as the plant was poisonous. The sap of the plant is mildly irritating.

A House plant that I and many others grow is the Peace Lily. It is a South American plant with simple white flowers. It resembles the Calla lilies. Remember: "The calla lilies are in bloom again."

In 2005 and 2007 more people called poison control about the hazards of this plant. Can you imagine that! The plant, like others contains calcium oxalate crystals that can bring on skin irritation, burning of the mouth, nausea and difficulty swallowing. I can't imagine an adult going over to the plant and taking a bite of a leaf. But there are children and animals that might. The other plant that contain calcium oxalates is the Philodendron. Ingestion of the leaves could lead to severe abdominals pain.

Other plants I find interesting which can lead to medical emergencies are the following:

1. Dumb Cane

2. Pencil Cactus

3. Ficus Tree

4. Christmas Cherry

The idea of any hobby is truly getting to know your hobby. I want your hobby to be happy, joyous and free. I never want it to be harmful or deadly.
Left to right photographs: Dumb Cane, Peace Lily, Poinsetta, and Philodendron.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 16, 2012 COLLOIDAL SILVER

2012-02-14T14:47:00.001-08:00

"Feelings change, --memories don't." - Joel Alexander

As I go through life, my feelings change through the years. I believe all of us have a change in feelings as time goes on. Memories are there forever. They are captured on video, photographs, letters, but most of all they are captured and kept in our hearts always. I have fond memories of my childhood, track meets at Lincoln High School, countries I have visited, my parents and grandparents and much more. I have new memories of my first date with Rick. I remember taking my children to the Central Park Zoo, their first Broadway play and playing board games. Remember board games? My feelings are my feelings. Some of my feelings range from happiness to sadness, to grief, to anger, to peace, and to serenity. Feel your feelings. Where in your body do you feel your feelings? Write down some of your fondest memories. These are Golden or Platinum or Silver memories ...

All living things exist in a colloidal state. An important concept for medicine used as the body must convert it from crystalline form to colloidal form. Have you ever heard of colloidal silver? The chances are good that you haven't. I never heard it discussed in my medical school basic core curriculum nor in any residency including Infectious Disease training. Surely not in Cardiology.

Silver is a powerful antibiotic which has been used for thousands of years. There has never been a harmful side effect, except using too much colloidal silver can change the color of your skin. You might start looking like the Tin Man from the 1939 Wizard of Oz. The ancient Greeks and Romans knew that if their plates, drinking vessels are utensils were made of silver there was a less chance of acquiring an infection. Those individuals that used silver during the 14th century bubonic plague had a higher chance of survival. Thus, the phrase, "Born with a silver spoon in your mouth" was used.

Prior to antibiotic discovery, colloidal silver used used to treat many infections. There are reports of its use on the battlefield during the Civil War. The colloidal silver works as a catalyst disabling the enzyme of oxygen metabolism for all viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Once the discovery of antibiotics came along, colloidal silver use diminished and almost disappeared from use. I started to use oral colloidal silver when working the late Robert Atkins, MD for the atypical bacteria. Dr. Atkins and others at that time referred to these bacteria as 'sleath bacteria.' I used it frequently for infections with the mycoplasma, chlamydia and legionella 'atypical' bacteria.

I have used and continue to use colloidal silver for many infections including parasites, sinus infections, rashes, shingles, Lyme disease, other spirochete disease. HIV and even cancer. It is not the cure all, but neither are antibiotics. We have many resistant strains due to overuse and abuse of the more powerful antibiotics. There are also herbal antibiotics like garlic, honey, ginger , yarrow and many more.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 15, 2012 PLENTY - A GOOD READ

2012-02-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

"The WORLD is the place of soul making."

---John Keats

I have learned respect through my life. I respect my elders. I respect the children. I respect all. I respect the G.O.D. of my understanding out of all forms of existence. I know that the G.O.D. of my understanding has created both animate and inanimate objects as stated by George Washington Carver. During my prayer and meditation I can communicate with the G.O.D. of my understanding. I also can converse with the trees, plants, insects and the animals. I can! I truly can because I respect nature. Burbank stated that nature is the manuscript of G.O.D. (good orderly direction)

I respect adventurists. Rick and I would love to go on an adventure. When Alisa Smith and JB MacKinnon were stranded in the Canadian wilderness, they used what they had to survive and make a feast. They truly lived on the land around them. Although their book, PLENTY was published in 2007, I decided to reread it over the last three weeks. You may ask why I would reread a book ? I reread the book as I couldn't appreciate the adventure in the wilderness the first time I read it. I hadn't finished my botanical medicine training. It reminded me of Michael Pollan's book, Omnivore's Dilemma.

What amazed me is that they did very well living on the planet. These two stepped outside the box of the dreary supermarket, the processed foods, and the industry of food. Their 100 mile diet turned out to be fun.

We all want fun out of life. Maybe your fun is nothing like what you will read, but I bet you would change your mind if you actually did something like they did. PLENTY is about eating locally and thinking globally.

The line under the title, PLENTY states:

ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN AND A RAUCOUS YEAR OF EATING LOCALLY.

What more could you ask for

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 14, 2012 THE HERB OF WISDOM

2012-02-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

"Wisdom...requires patience, persistence, curiosity and hard work. These are precisely the same requisites for growing ginseng."

Bob Beyfuss, American Ginseng Production in the 21st Century

What is wisdom? The definition is a deep understanding and realization of people, places and things, which results in an ability to apply perception, judgements and actions in keeping with this understanding. What does this mean? We all have wisdom. It involves the control of one's emotions. This is the hard part. Our emotions are philosophically also called passions. We all have emotions. Emotional states are anger, greed and lust. Some call these the deadly sins.

Wisdom can be measured using the following criteria:

1. A wise person has self knowledge

2. A wise person is sincere and direct with others

3. Others ask wise people for advice

4. A wise person's actions are consistent with his/her beliefs

The benefits of ginseng are known worldwide. Ginseng is used to treat many diseases. There are different types of ginseng - Siberian, Korean, American and Panax (Asian ginseng). The ginseng root can lower blood pressure, and sugar. This can help an individual avoid having heart failure and complications of diabetes. I love Panax ginseng in a formula to help with adrenal fatigue. I also love to add Rhodiola to the formula. The best way to take ginseng is through ingestion of tea . When I am tired I feel ginseng helps with my stamina. I know gym rats who use it-- it does enhance the endurance during training.

If you do not know ginseng is a very popular herb as is green tea. The problem is that the source is limited. A lot more limited than green tea. If more and more people begin to take ginseng, the source might just run out.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 13, 2012 THE GUT AND THE HEART

2012-02-13T06:59:00.000-08:00

"True spiritual growth and deep personal transformation is coming to peace with pain."

No one likes to change. It causes fear which can be related in the body as pain. No expansion or evolution can take place without change. Let's face it-- periods of change are not always comfortable. I have faced my disturbances, and I have come to realize there is a layer of pain deep in the core of my heart. I spent the first 30 years avoiding that deep seated pain. In the last 17 1/2 years I have learned and I am still learning to change. Your entire personality is built upon your ways of thinking, acting, and believing. These were developed to avoid the pain.

Today since I think, act and believe differently I have come to terms with much of my inner core pain. Do you have inner pain that is deep seated? Of course you do. We all do! When you finally deal with the pain at its deepest level, this is where real growth takes place. Since the pain is at the core of the heart, it radiates outwards and affects everything you do. It come out as physical pain but in actuality it is the emotional pain deep seated and hidden by our thoughts and emotions. This is the pain I have come to terms with and continue to work through it on a daily basis.

The above can be summed up by this quote :

"The intellect is powerless to express thought without the aid of the of the heart." - Henry David Thoreau

As a cardiologist I am concerned with diseases of the heart. I want to prevent the occurrence of the #1 cause of death in the United States. I am also concerned with the emotional heart. The heart is a muscle. The heart is also an extremely sensitive sensory organ whose domain is that of feeling. All emotions affect the heart. The basic emotions like sadness and happiness form other complex emotional states such as jealousy, love and anger .

The heart has its own electrical circuits. These natural oscillators respond to stimuli. The three most important biological oscillators are the heart, gastrointestinal tract and the brain. I always discuss the "gut". The gut is the small intestines. There is a major connection between the "gut" and the brain and the"gut" and the heart. In order to have a healthy body you must have a clean colon. I am NOT talking about the large intestines, but in reality the small intestines- The functions of the small intestines are:

1. absorption

2. make Vitamin D3

3. make 90% of the "happy" neurotransmitter called serotonin

More tomorrow...

Photograph: #1 A large gluten free , dairy free, sugar free and soy free cupcake with 50 smaller cupcakes. Made by http://www.jennifersway.org/ for our wedding February 11, 2012

FEBRUARY 11, 2012 I'M GETTING MARRIED TODAY

2012-02-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

"The highest spiritual path is life itself." PMF

Today I know how to live a daily life. It is a fresh liberating experience. We all have many choices. I have only one choice in life to make: To be happy or not to be happy. That is my choice each day, each hour. It is not a choice about my career, or who I may marry. It is not even about if I want to seek the g.o.d. of my understanding. I have made a choice to be happy and now life has become clear. I am happy within.

But today I will make a choice that is very easy for me. I want to get married to Frederick E Byrd, Jr (known as Rick). It is simple really. Now that I can get legally married - why not? I have decided that I am going to be happy, and from today on I will be a happy married man, not a single man. It will be for the rest of my life. I am now enlightened. This is unconditional happiness combined with unconditional love.

Same sex marriage became legal in New York on July 24, 2011 under the Marriage Equality Act. It does not have a residency restriction, as some other states, but does allow religious organizations to decline to officiate same sex wedding ceremonies. So we are not getting married in a church or place of worship. Does it really matter? NO. The bill passed the senate vote by 33-29. There are five other states that currently permit same-sex marriage: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont as well as the District of Columbia. Now New York is #6, and it looks like California will be #7.

In 1964 My Fair Lady graced the screen with Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. With music by Frederick Loewe and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, included the song "Get Me to The Church on Time."

Here is my version

Patrick and Rick

There's just a few more hours left
That's all the time we got
A few more hours
Before we tie the knot (8pm exactly)

We're getting married in the evening
Ding Dong, The bells are gonna chime
Pull out the stopper
Let's have a whopper
But get us to the hall on time

I got ta be there in the evening
Spruced up and lookin' in my prime
Friends and family, come and kiss us
Show how you'll love me
But get us to the hall on time.

Until tomorrow...

Photograph: Christmas 2011. The couple on the left (Rick and Patrick) will be married today, while the couple on the right (Donald and Evan) were married late in 2011.. Note the happiness!

FEBRUARY 9, 2012 HERBS FOR THE SKIN

2012-02-08T16:53:00.000-08:00

"Lift up thine eyes and look from the place where you are." Genesis 13:14, 15

People ask what is my belief and how does G.O.D fit into my beliefs. This is a personal question, but I will tell you this. Prayer and meditation are wonderful and have enlightened my life a hundred times. I do not pray for material things. I pray for peace, serenity, health and happiness. I am not a victim. I am a survivor. I try to the best of my ability to keep myself in good company. I do not want to be surrounded by negative energy. I want to remain positive every day to the best of my ability. I am rich in spirits. I do not care about the words rich or poor. I am rich in life. Are you rich in life?

I recently saw a patient with eczema. I started by asking the patient about her dietary lifestyle. In most individuals a skin problem like eczema is allergy related. Most of the time it is an environmental allergen like detergent, certain clothes, and body sprays. I jump right in and start to ask about their breakfast, lunch and dinner menus as well as their snacks.

Are your snacks high in sugar? Do you 'pick' between meals? Do you eat a lot of carbohydrates like pasta, crackers and bread?

I would suggest an Ig G Food test for delayed hypersensitivity. This may be paid for by your insurance and even if not, I would suggest getting the test. Many laboratories do this test, especially Neuroscience and Metametrix. It is difficult to stop eating these foods if it is not seen in writing that the patient may be allergic or sensitive to the food. Once the allergens are stopped you will be surprised how the eczema lessens.

I also try some herbs which I consider traditional for skin ailments as burdock, calendula, yellow dock, sarsaparilla and dandelion. All except calendula are also liver detoxifiers. I also rely on dermatologists to help me find the exact skin condition. Is it psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis ? I do know that a change in dietary lifestyle will alleviate any of those conditions. The problem is most other doctros would give a steroid for a skin condition. I do not !

You can buy 2 ounces of a skin salve. You can get it from Flower Power on East 9th in NYC or on any of the great herbal sites like http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ or http://www.gaiaherbs.com/

Now add the following to the salve:

1. 1/2 teaspoon of these herbal tinctures:

Pau d' arco

Goldenseal

Barberry

2. 8 drops of the following essential oils

Chamomille

Tea Tree Oil

Stir all together into the salve. It will be semi-liquid and apply throughout the day.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY10, 2012 FISH KEEPING

2012-02-07T12:16:00.001-08:00

"The earth which is spread out like a map around me is but the lining of my inmost soul exposed." - Henry David Thoreau

In The Secret Teachings of Plants, by Stephen Harrod Buhner (who also wrote Healing Lyme) you will find some of the greatest poems and quotes concerning nature. In Chapter 14, 'Reading the Text of the World, ' I got the feeling that the G.O.D. of my understanding is found in all forms of existence. I have always known this. Open your eyes and take a look around. The trees, plants, animals, and lets not forget the bees. Luther Burbank summed it up in this one sentence, "Nature is the manuscript of God."

This is a journey. A journey I have been awaiting my entire life. I want to be one with nature. We all have this bond within us. Meditate and pray. You will find your connection with nature. That connection is then with your higher power. You can call your higher power anything you wish. Eighteen years ago, when I first entered a twelve step program, I called Central Park my Higher Power. I used to sit, watch, listen and meditate in the Park by the lake. I watched turtles, frogs, fish and even saw an eagle while sitting there. It was a reflective time for me. I do not have the time to do this today, but I still meditate outdoors. I meditate with my back to the west facing east. I do not know why I do it , but I feel it is right for me. Find your place among the outdoors.

I have had an aquarium of fish since I was 10 years old. Fish, unlike cats, dogs and hamsters are self sufficient. Well, my Gracie, my Amazon Green Parrot is also self sufficient. I have kept fresh water fish, salt water fish and brackish water fish. Today most modern aquariums come with the necessary filtration system to keep the fish alive. This is a hobby that is animal-loving, meticulous, meditative, independent and even nurturing.

Keeping fish is not new to this century. In ancient times about 2000 years ago the Chinese kept karp and koi. Amazing ponds were filled with koi. It wasn't until Robert Warrington in 1805 discovered the cycling of water necessary to keep fish alive. The Great Exposition of London in 1851 displayed fish in cast iron framed aquariums. This is a hobby that needs patience. You can set up the aquarium in 24 hours, but cannot put the fish in until the pH and the needs of all fish or plants are in balance. I have had as small as 5 gallon aquariums to 110 gallon aquariums.

Fish are soothing for the peaceful mind. In my office, I have a 55 gallon aquarium behind me. The patients can sit in my office for hours ( although insurance does not allow that) It is calming for the nerves. I have a tank of Parrot Fish. There is an old book which is quite helpful in setting up an aquarium. It is Stuart Thraves' " Setting Up a Tropical Aquarium " I would suggest starting with a small 10 gallon aquarium. I used to start with guppies which are easy to keep. These guppies are also easy to breed ( which is another hobby- breeding fish.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 8, 2012 HAS YOUR ALUMINUM LEVEL BEEN CHECKED LATELY?

2012-02-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

"One should view their spiritual work as learning to live without stress, problems, fears or drama " - P Fratellone MD RH

I feel following a spiritual growth path is the highest path for an individual to take. It is not an easy path. It is life on life's terms. I feel that stress only happens when you resist life's events. I roll with the punches. Life is like a roller coaster - with ups and downs. You must create no resistance- which means neither pushing life away nor pulling it toward you. I live in the present. I am simply present. I now witness life and experience the events that life has to offer. I have learned not to resist the amazing force we call 'LIFE'. I no longer let the tension build. I do not want it to affect my mind, body and spiritual heart.

Almost all store-bought deodorants are laced with aluminum. While aluminum is not a heavy metal, it has been found to be toxic. Because aluminum permeates our air,water, and soil, small amounts are present in our food, the average person consumes between three and ten milligrams of aluminum a day. Only recently has research revealed that aluminum is absorbed and accumulated in the body. Aluminum is a popular metal used to make cookware, cooking utensils, and foil. I have also found aluminum in the coils of coffee makers. Excessive use of antacids is the most common cause of aluminum toxicity along with deodorants. Mylanta, Maalox, Amphojel, and many others have a high aluminum hydroxide content. Many over-the-counter drugs used for inflammation and pain contain aluminum, including Arthritis Pain Formula and Bufferin

Several douche preparations, including Massengil and Summer's Eve, contain aluminum. It is also an additive in most baking powders and is sometimes evident in drinking water. Have your water checked today. (http://www.e-watertest.com/)

Many symptoms of aluminum toxicity are similar to those of Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. Aluminum toxicity can lead to colic, rickets, gastro-intestinal disturbances, poor calcium metabolism, extreme nervousness, anemia, headache, decreased liver and kidney function, forgetfulness, speech disturbances,and memory loss, softening of the bones, and weak, aching muscles. Research suggests that a chronic calcium deficiency may change the way in which the body uses minerals. Bone loss and increased intestinal absorption of aluminum and silicon combine to form compounds that accumulate in the cerebral cortex of the brain. These compounds prevent impulses from being carried to or from the brain.

An accumulation of aluminum salts in the brain has been implicated in seizures and reduced mental faculties. Autopsies performed on Alzheimer's victims revealed that four times the normal amount of aluminum had accumulated in the nerve cells in the brain. This suggests that long-term accumulation of aluminum in the brain may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease as well as some reports for Parkinson's disease.

Because aluminum is excreted by the kidneys, toxic amount of aluminum may impair kidney function. Working in aluminum smelting plants for long periods can lead to dizziness, impaired coordination, and losses of balance and energy.

Accumulations of aluminum in the brain was cited as a possible cause for these symptoms as well. Aluminum is also used in food processing (pickles and relishes, in particular) , beer (especially when in aluminum cans), bleached flour, table salt, tobacco smoke, cram of tartar, Parmesan and grated cheeses, aluminum salts, and canned goods. I do a serum ( blood) test level for aluminum as well as a 6 hour provocative metal challenge from Doctor's Data. (http://www.doctorsdata.com/)

So let's face the music. We live in a toxic world. We cannot change everything we do to avoid aluminum. You can change your deodorant, but you do not want to smell. I have an answer for perspiration. I do not sweat a lot, so I am not worried if I use the natural deodorants like Tom's and Crystal. Sweat is odorless but the smell occurs when it comes in contact with bacteria. Use chamomile or coriander for the bacteria overgrowth problem.

I have a better solution. Below is the formula for a natural deodorant.

Natural deodorant:

1. 2 ounces of witch hazel

2. 5 drops of each of the following: sage, lavender and coriander essential oils

Combine #1 and #2 together. Place in a spray bottle. Shake well before spraying under your arms. It works...

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 7, 2012 FUNGAL TREATMENT

2012-02-06T06:59:00.001-08:00

"He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything." - Arabian Proverb

Hope - In the real essence of the word it means to me going beyond. Beyond what? Going beyond past where you are right now. Yes you should always be in the moment or in your current state. But going beyond yourself means there are no limitations. No more boundaries. I have learned to go beyond my boundaries, restrictions and limitations. I have done this with prayer and meditation. "Beyond hope" is infinite in all directions - east, west, north and south.

Go beyond your own limits. This will require change. Change is fearful to many but worth it in every sense of the word. Don't analyze everything. I used to do that always. Now, I just let it happen. When it comes to health I am not only talking about physical health. I am talking about emotional, mental and psychological health. This is very important. The psychosocial aspects of one's life play just as important a role as the medical aspects. All are intertwined.

The fungal nail and skin infections are difficult to treat and extremely annoying. The first step is changing your dietary lifestyle. This means trying to the best of your ability to stop breads and cow's dairy. In reality it is a yeast free diet which can be difficult for some individuals. The fungus that causes ringworm can affect scalp, hands, feet et al. On the feet it is called Athlete's Foot. There are many types of fungal infections.

Of course there are conventional medications for fungal infections. These medications can be toxic to the liver, so unless absolutely needed I avoid this class of drugs. I would rather use herbs.

Some of the best antifungal herbs are jewelweed, yellow dock, lichen usnea, black walnut and pau d'arco.

The herbs that are high in essential oils are also anti fungals. You probably have heard of tea tree oil. Others that are beneficial are oregano, eucalyptus, lavender and myrrh. I also find it beneficial to add peppermint oil for the itching associated with the fungal infections.

Even though a yeast free diet includes avoiding the ingestion of vinegar products, I am suggesting an herbal salve with herbal vinegar and/or a bentonite clay dusting powder to dry out the moist environment. The moist environment allows the fungal infection to thrive. If your foot is raw from the fungal infections, the herbal vinegar will sting, so you might mix it with the oil of lavender

Recipe for Anti fungal Vinegar

1. 4 ounces of herbal vinegar ( example: oregano vinegar)

2. 2 tablespoons of pau d'arco

3. 1/4 teaspoon of lavender essential oil or tea tree oil

4. 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint essential oil

Combine the ingredients and apply daily to the area with cotton balls or compressed soaks

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 CEDARWOOD OIL

2012-02-06T04:21:00.000-08:00

"The essential requirements for true spiritual growth and deep personal transformation is coming to peace with pain."

It sounds horrible to make that statement but it is so true. No expansion of oneself can take place without change. These periods of change are not always comfortable. Change involves always challenging what is familiar to us. I always want to question my traditional needs for safety, comfort and control. This is sometimes painful but I get through it. We all get through it. To become familiar with this pain is part of the growth process. Don't you want to grow to be a better person? Everyone must sit quietly inside and face their own pain and see the source from which it comes. Sometimes this pain is so uncomfortable and so destructive that you spend your entire life avoiding it. Each of us have done this to some degree. Some have avoided it for their entire life going through day after day without exploring the part beyond the first layer of skin. The real growth takes place when you finally decide to deal with the deep seated pain. This is spiritual growth.

There is an aromatic oil from the evergreen cedar tree that was one of the first essential oils to be used in rituals. For me, I always loved that the Tibetan monks used it with incense burnt during meditation. It is derived by steam distillation from wood chips. It has a rich, woody masculine scent that is warming, physically cleansing and emotionally grounding. It is used in marriage ceremonies when two individuals want to get closer to each other emotionally and spiritually.

It is also an antiseptic with mild astringent properties. It is great for oily skin eruptions and can be combined with any shampoo for dandruff. It also has a mild diuretic effect and can be used for those aggravating kidney stones. Best of all I use it with juniper for interstitial cystitis. For centuries it has been used for the catarrhal problems of stuffy nose, and cough. It has expectorant properties.

For the spiritual one on a different emotional plane, it can dispel the doom and gloom of the scattered thoughts, anxiety, fear and obsessions.

Maybe this should be put in the drinking water of America especially at these economic times.

For the hair:

1. 6 drops of cedar essential oil

2. 6 drops of rosemary essential oil

3. 4 drops of cypress essential oil.

Massage into the scalp and shampoo throughly.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 4-5, 2012 BERBERINE

2012-02-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

"Life's too short. Don't waste it being angry. Live in JOY"- Karen Miletic

How true! Why live in anger? Actually the anger is really fear. Who wants to be fearful? Not I.

Anger and resentment will only lead to disease. There have been studies linking anger/resentments to a variety of cancers and even heart disease. I truly believe that. I see patients every day. Those who are angry and cannot let it go often develop a disease. Why do we hold on to anger? There are some that love the drama connected to some of their anger. Some cannot let go of the past. You must who in the moment. Not in the past nor in the future. Learn to meditate to let go of the anger and resentment.

One of the best plant alkaloids is berberine. I have been using berberine for many health conditions for years. You might have encountered berberine in the wild. I remember building a fort with my brother and friends in "the Lot". The lot was an empty area at the end of our street. There were many weeds in this area. One day I broke off a stem of a plant and there was a yellow liquid. This was berberine. I used it on a cut/laceration. I intuitively knew it would work. It did!

There are three well known herbs that contain berberine. These are Oregon grape, Barberry and Goldenseal. In addition to fighting infection and boosting immune health, there are studies that have used berberine for heart disease and diabetes. I love the herbs I use for diabetes. These are Rosemary, Cinnamon, Bitter Melon, and Fenugreek. Now I add Berberine. It acts like the well known conventional drug, Metformin (also known as glucophage).

You want to find out the source of the berberine. It should be organic. Which plant/herb is it derived from? What country is it coming from? I recommend the following herbal sources: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/, http://www.frontierherbs.com/ and http://www.gaiaherbs.com/

Berberine found in goldenseal is sometimes used for prophylaxis for malaria. I recently saw a patient who had to take anti malarial drugs as he was going to South Africa. He did not tolerate the malarone well. Malarone is a combination of two drugs which must be taken 2 days before the trip, during the trip and 7 days after returning. Next time we will use goldenseal as the berberine can be used as a prophylaxis against malaria. The side effects of malarone can ruin your trip!

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 3 2012 DO YOU FILE TAXES ON YOUR HOBBY?

2012-02-03T04:48:00.000-08:00

"GIVING IS THE DIRECT PATHWAY TO HAPPINESS."

This may be true, however I would rather say the following, "Giving is the direct way to happiness if you also give to yourself." I will admit that I am a giver. It almost destroyed my life years ago. I gave and gave with expectations. I only got disappointed. I even got disappointed when I gave as a volunteer not so long ago. I have learned through prayer, meditation and self honestly that I am most content when I give to whom I wish --without expectations.

I happen to be reading my American Bee Journal this month when I saw the article entitled, "Are you hobby or a business?" The question was interesting. I am a beekeeper. I do not make my main living out of beekeeping, so it is not my business. I do not have to file Sole Proprietorship (Schedule C), Partnership (1065) or even Corporation (1120)

I do not sell my honey. It is for my own consumption. I give it away. As I read I found out that if I have a sideline or hobbyist activity with income, then I have the choice to file as a small business or a hobby. I never even thought of this. If I ever wanted to be like CC Miller, MD who left medicine to become a beekeeper it would be different. In his 1915 book, " Fifty Years Among the Bees" it didn't mention filing any forms. Rick acquired the original text (not paperback) for me. He had sales of honey from his home, from the local farmers market and he even rented hives for pollination. He was not a major beekeeper as the other Miller bee family. He was a diverse doctor, not unlike myself who enjoyed the activity of bees.

I did read that if I file as a hobby (since I might sell my honey in the future but I doubt it), I would be in the 25% bracket and I do not itemize. So if my profit from honey sales was $5,000 per year and my expenses were $1,000 I would have to pay taxes on the net profit of $4,000. This would include federal tax, state tax and social security tax. All together I think I would be paying 45% of my sales in taxes. I did not actually figure the number out but I think it is right.

So, I have made it easy. I am a hobbyist at heart. I do not want to sell my honey from my girls at this point in my life. What the future holds may be different. No expectations, so no disappointments. I love my girls. I am worried about them this winter. So far it seems like a mild winter, but one never knows. It is not like I can ferry over to Fire island at any time. There are ferry schedules which are sparse in the winter. I will be happy when Rick and I begin setting up our hives in the NYC schools. We can then watch our girls throughout he winter more closely. The placement of the hives on Fire Island was a gamble we will not know the outcome of until April.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 2, 2012 TENDONITIS OR TENDINITIS - EITHER IS CORRECT

2012-02-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

"If you protect perfectly, you will never grow."

This might not make any sense, but being perfect is not the answer. You need to be imperfect and have progress in your life. We all have habits and idiosyncrasies but some must change in order for you to grow. No one wants to change as this creates fear. Remember growing up when things might have not been discussed... Neil Simon's play, Lost in Yonkers is an example of this. The big "C" word was not discussed --it was whispered. "Your aunt is not feeling well, she has c-a-n-c-e-r." (as it is whispered in your ear)

I know some individuals who go from day to day without anything being wrong. You know this is not possible in today's economic times. Living with fear and whispers creates a very unhealthy environment for you when you are young. You grow up not ever knowing if you were happy or sad as a child. I have learned if you really want to grow you must do the opposite. The real spiritual growth happens from the inside when the committee in your head is not active. REST the committee in your mind. Everything you see and hear inside your brain is really just inside your brain. Keep in there and try not to react--take action not reaction.

If you hurt yourself while exercising you must rest that part of the body. Repetitive activity or exercise like running, playing tennis and even knitting can result in tendinitis. I get knitter's tendinitis or needlepoint tendinitis. Just like there is tennis elbow, there is knitter's elbow. Many would say that it is not as common, but is that true? You probably just do not hear about it. But I assure you in the male knitting circle at Lion Yarn on Thursday- there are complaints. Any tendinitis is inflammation of the tendon . A tendon is a tough white fibrous tissue that connects the muscle to the bone. If a tendon becomes inflamed it is usually from a strain--either an overexertion, tearing, stretching or twisting. It creates soreness and impaired motion.

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa . The bursa is a sac filled with lubricating fluid that surrounds and protects the joints. Some common causes of bursitis are trauma, infection, arthritis and even strain. In times gone by, women scrubbed the floors on their knees commonly getting bursitis or even tendinitis - called House Maid's Knee.

Ever hear of the RICE techniques for an injured area? It is simple...

RICE = REST - ICE - COMPRESS- ELEVATE

After you do this (which should be recommended by your doctor) you need to heal. Healing can occur with some conventional medications, but I prefer the natural approach. Some of the natural remedies include Vitamin C, MSM, bioflavinoids and bromelin. As you know I love herbs-- so soothing herbs for inflammation include peppermint, white willow bark and calendula.

Never work through the pain. I love other supplements like Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, and Beta carotene.

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 1, 2012 HEART'S DELIGHT

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

"If you believe you cannot do something, you'll never do it. Believe you CAN, however, and you've all but done it. "

One of the greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright said, "The things always happen that you believe in. And belief is the thing that makes them happen. I think nothing will happen until you thoroughly and deeply believe in it." This is coming from the man who had the vision to build Fallingwater in Bear Run, PA.. the most architecturally amazing home.

I believe and know I can help make a difference in the life of an individual. It sometimes happens quickly and sometimes it is a little slower. I never give up. I strive to do this to the best of my ability. The secret is no secret at all. I believe in myself. There was a time - I didn't. Meditation and prayer have sure made a change in my life in regard to believing in myself.

For centuries , the herb Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) has been used medicinally. I have grown this herb every year in pots on the terrace. I received a plant of Lemon Balm from a patient, Diane P. about 3 years ago, and have grown it ever since. It grows wild in some areas. The plant is in Mint Family. Its leaves look like spearmint or peppermint. If you rub the leaves together you get the scent of lemon, which is so refreshing. The plant yields very little essential oil. So if you find it - it is expensive. Most of the commercial Melissa oil is mixed with other lemon oils.

Lemon Balm has been used for a variety of conditions. Lemon balm has traditionally been used orally to treat insomnia, anxiety, gastric conditions, hypertension and even hyperthyroidism (Grave's Disease) I have used both lemon balm and bugle weed for the hyperactive thyroid. I use tincture of lemon balm to treat mouth ulcers also known as canker sores. I remember my mother used to put gentian violet on my canker sores when I was a child. I didn't mind the taste, but I didn't like the tooth staining and gum staining. I do not think it is still used for canker sores, since there are other herbal alternatives. Studies have combined dandelion, St John's wort and Calendula for colitis with some success.

To calm the nerves I would suggest a soothing bath with the following:

1. 3 drops of melissa

2. 2 drops of chamomille

3. 2 drops of bergamot

Put all three in 1 teaspoon ( 5ml) of sweet almond oil. Add this to your bath and relax

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 31, 2012 YIN AND YANG

2012-01-30T09:32:00.000-08:00

"Where there is life, there is hope."

The quote is not from the Chinese but it does sound like the Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). One of the eight guarding principles and the most ancient is the concept of Yin and Yang. I speak to many TCM practitioners who believe that yang becomes yin and yin becomes yang. Everything in the universe is in a constant state of change. Well, that ancient principle will always hold true.

If yin and yang are not balanced, an imbalance occurs. This is reflected in the human body by a variety of body systems. Yin descriptions are as inhibition, deterioration, quietness, and gloominess. I know many of these personality traits in people. Deficiency syndromes like cold are categorized as Yin. Such deficiencies can result in dull aches, pain, chills and even fatigue. The organs that are affected are the heart, lung, liver and kidneys.

Yang is characterized by excitation, restlessness, optimism, and hyperactivity. I know many individuals who could be described as Yang. An excess of yang energy is described as "hot". This results in acute pain, spasm, and headaches. Usually the organs affected are the intestines, both small and large, stomach and the bladder.

Since yin and yang are in a constant state of change, it has been said to have a healthier life- emotionally, physically and spiritually, one needs to be able to always be flexible. A rigid life will not get you far. There is much more to TCM. There are excesses and emotions of the body. I feel that traditional Chinese medicine is the most interesting and complex. I continually read about TCM. I do not practice acupuncture, nor use Chinese Herbs. Some of the Chinese herbs my colleagues use contain some western herbs that I am familiar with. I am learning more about Chinese herbs day by day.

Remember it is a day at a time. No perfection only progress.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 30, 2012 CLAVICEPS PURPUREA

2012-01-30T05:48:00.000-08:00

"BE content content with enough instead of grasping for more."

"What part of NO didn't you understand."

I am content with what I have in life. I am not talking about the materialistic items, but rather the emotional, physical, and mental aspects. Of course, there was a time I wanted more and more - who doesn't want more! Today I am content. I need not grasp for anything except a more constant with the G.O.D. of my understanding.

"NO" is a complete sentence. There are many individuals who cannot say no. I was one of those individuals. I always said YES to everything. Today, I know to say NO to protect myself. I also have to help myself as I help others. Try to say NO especially if you have already carved the time out for yourself.

Ergot is a fungus that is parasitic on cereal grains, especially rye. The special aspect of this fungus is that it has medicinal properties . Ergot contains many alkaloid substances which have been known to promote contractions in the smooth muscle. Ergot has a historical significance. In the past, if rye bread with the fungus was ingested, this resulted in a poisoning known as Ergotism. This was also known as St. Anthony's Fire. The victims had systemic convulsions and burning pains in both of their limbs. This is depicted in many historical medical texts as well as literature. In 1834 Fuchs found early references to ergotism in Annales Xantenses for the year 857 stating "a great plague of swollen blisters consumed the people by a loathsome rot (gangrene) so that their limbs were loosened and fell off."

Ergot is used in the obstetrical practice. It was initially used in China which quickly spread throughout Europe. Ergot is a hemostatic. Ergonovine is administered in post partum hemorrhage. Ergotamine is also administered with caffeine and used for treatment of migraines.

Bottom Photograph: This was a needlepoint pillow I made for my son when he went to college. It now sits on his bed in his Boston Apartment. Both my children always appreciate the pillows I have made them through the years.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 27, 2012 BUILDING A TERRARIUM

2012-01-27T07:10:00.000-08:00

" I have not thought it beneath me to converse with Root and Indian Doctors, and everyone who has professed to possess any valuable remedy." - Wooster Beach ( The American Practice. 1833,10) -

The quote is great. I have no problem with conversing with anyone who can help me assist in healing. This quote appeared in the Introduction of Matthew Wood's The Earthwise Herbal ) New World Medicinal Plants) I am drawn today to any aspect of healing, especially if it involves plants. So today with much thought, respect and vision I want to tell you about a hobby that I watched someone else do. The someone else is Rick. We both love plants and have an affinity to the energy of the plant. He - more with flowers, me more with plants.
I wanted to buy a special gift this year. So I went to http://www.onekingslane.com/ and found an old style terrarium with numbers paneled glass #1 and #2. It arrived after Christmas ( naturally) but it arrived in one piece.

The journey of terrarium planting started 2-3 weeks later in the Flower District of New York City. We had to buy small terrarium plants. I also had some assistance from a patient, Ruth, in sending me baby Pitcher Plants ( there are carnivorous eating plants like Venus Fly Traps ) which will be planted in the terrarium. This is a great hobby. The thought of creating a small, fascinating world in a glass enclosure is fascinating to me. I always marveled in seeing terrariums in movies that depict the life of the 19th century. Usually people chose a terrarium as they cannot grow outdoors. Rick and I have the ability to grow plants outdoors as well as indoors. We just added a different dimension to plants in our life. So we selected plants that will thrive. We had to consider the light quality. Of course south and west facing windows would be the best. We do not want the plants to grow larger than the terrarium but who knows. This is the fun of it. We want no pests ( bugs) in our terrarium. Of course if we always kept it closed I would have every sort of amphibian or reptile in the terrarium.

As usual Rick read an article about terrariums. He bought the charcoal, the rocks, the 'right' soil and the sphagnum moss. I watched him create. It did layers then 2 - 3" of soil in waves of height and depth to create this tiny small plant kingdom. He added driftwood and an air plant. Occasional watering, maybe some trimming, and light is all that is required when finished.

Of course, he added love. I added a prayer and energy.

I found a book on line by Tovah Martin called The New Terrarium. I peeked inside- there are great terrarium resources, imagination and great photographs. You can find a lot of information on line. Find the right terrarium. Our next one will be a larger one to sit on the floor in the shape of a large bell jar.

Photograph Credit: Rick Byrd , Our Terrarium

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 26, 2012 BREAST HEALTH

2012-01-26T04:56:00.000-08:00

"There is no short cut to longevity; to achieve it is the work of a lifetime."

- James Crichton Browne

We all have habits to unlearn, and many new lifestyle changes to make. We all do! For me it is a life long process of progress not perfection. I am learning the good and forgetting the bad. I know some people that are virtuous all at once. That is not me. I have learned it a day at a time. Sometimes it was even a minute at a time. I may not have always acknowledged my mistakes in the past but today I do. Eyes are in front for a reason, not to look at the past with depth, but to look at the future in front of me. Yet, there should be no expectations of the future.

I FEEL MORE WOMEN TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES THAN MEN.

Cancer although not the #1 killer in the United States is still a health concern. I hear of more and more breast cancer cases every day. I know many women who have breast cancer that either live in Long Island (especially Suffolk County) or Staten Island. Could this due to the chemicals and the environment?

Since we haven't been careful with our waste products, Mother Earth has many chemicals that affect us. These are dioxins, pesticides, radiation, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and even chlorinated water. These chemicals have been created by us. There is an estimation that 80% of all cancers are environmentally linked. That is scary. What we do know for sure is that tobacco use, poor nutritional status and alcohol are linked to cancer.

The type of fat consumed by an individual can be a risk factor although this changes with whomever you read. Use fats that are certified organic. Use olive oil, flax seed oil, cod liver oil and even borage and primrose oil. These oils are nourishing and protective. A good amount of protein is essential but it does not necessarily need to be animal protein. Protein should be at every meal. You should know that sugar is what I call "white death." This does not even include the pink, blue and yellow packets. Use wild flower honey as a choice instead of refined sugar. Eat more leafy green vegetables. Eat more fruits and vegetables that are high in flavinoids and other antioxidants You can never go wrong with the wide variety of berries.

Many women use Red Root (Ceanothus spp) and Violet (Viola odorata) for breast health. These are specific for certain breast issues/diseases. I have seen many women use Violet for breast cancer. Both are used by slow or stagnant lymphatic tissues. I use Red Root for women with pelvic congestion.

Let's beat breast cancer today.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 25, 2012 OILY SKIN NO MORE

2012-01-25T04:51:00.001-08:00

"Clear your slate so you may be free to LOVE and be LOVED"

Who doesn't want to love and be loved? So for the 1928 musical Good Boy the song 'I wanna be loved by you' was written. As an old soul, I have many associations with this song. It was first performed in 1928 by Helen Kane (whom Betty Boop was modeled after in 1930).

However, most of you know it as one of Marilyn Monroe's musical performance from the classic film Some Like it Hot filmed at the Hotel Coronado in San Diego, California.

"I wanna to be loved by you,

just you and nobody else but you

I wanna to be loved by you....alone

Boo Boo bee do

Oily skin ...Do you have oily skin? I used to. Probably it is the Italian blood in me, but it was affecting my appearance. I am definitely sure that my skin, especially my facial area looks better today due to one woman, Tracie Martyn (http://www.traciemartyn.com/ )It was not acne, for which I would have used essential oils, and vitamins on my skin. Those supplements I recommend for oily skin are Vitamin A, B, C, pantothenic, selenium and zinc. Yet there are several herbs that have a drying affect and reduce the amount of excess oil. I would recommend making any the following below as a strong tea to apply to the face after cleansing

These herbs are

1. Salvia scarea (Clary sage)

2. Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)

3. Rosmarius officinalis (Rosemary)

4. Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)

5. Fragaria ssp (Strawberry leaves)

Until tomorrow...

Happy Duck Duck Birthday, Gregory

JANUARY 24, 2012 MEDICINE TODAY

2012-01-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

"LIVE AS IF YOU WERE TO DIE TOMORROW. LEARN AS IF YOU WERE TO LIVE FORVER." - gandhi

This quote reminds me of the 5 golden virtues - enthusiasm, belief, love, forgiveness and perseverance. The first one Enthusiasm is the virtue that tells you how to act at all a times.

Belief is the virtue that instructs you how to look at yourself; I always believe in myself wholeheartedly no matter how i feel or look. Love is the double virtue; a tricky one this is - love for others and self love. If you live with love you will always find continued delight in your life.

Forgiveness is also a double virtue; by forgiving others you immediately without knowing or wanting to have freed yourself from the burden of carrying on hatred and hurt. If you have the first four virtues, these will add up for the strength, courage and determination for the fifth -

Perseverance. You can persevere in your enthusiasm, belief, love and forgiveness.

Try to never give in to anger, guilt, fear and self doubt. I always meditate to tell my soul and spirit to lead me toward a better life.

I discuss bloating a lot when I discuss Irratible Bowel Disease often called 'Leaky Gut'

Medicine is too bloated, too burdensome and too unrewarding these days. Let's not even talk about the financial burden. Who do we blame? I cannot even begin to discuss who to blame. I blame years of mismanagement by Congress and their Presidential leader at that time. It started with Richard Nixon, peaked with Ronald Reagan, and continues to be a major problem even today in 2012.

Medicine is bankrupt, and will bring this country to its knees if something doesn't happen soon. As I was interviewing 4th year medical students for positions at the hospital today, I felt two emotions. Happy for them to come into the fine institution in which I work at but also sad as by the time he/she finishes medicine will be of another dimension. Even when America was at its worst after the Depression people bonded and got through. People planted gardens with herbs and vegetables to be used all year long. We relied on Earth Mother. I do not think that Earth Mother will help us out of the medicine crisis as we have not helped Earth Mother with her problems - environment, changing weather and its diverse people. The days of doctors and drugs all being paid by Medicare is of no more. There is a financial necessity to change. If not we are doomed.

In preparation for this you can do three simple tasks:

1. Have a better dietary lifestyle with less refined carbohydrates

2. Have a better exercise lifestyle; incorporate it into your existing activites.

3. Take phytonutrients supplementation

Until tomorrow....

JANUARY 21-22, 2012 LIFE UPON LIFE'S TERMS

2012-01-22T06:19:00.000-08:00

"Passion is the element in which we live; without it, we hardly vegetate."Lord Byron

What does this mean? Everything sounded fine until 'we hardly vegetate'. Possibly it means we should focus on the passion of life instead of the stresses of day to day living. We should focus on the inner self instead of always looking at the outside of ourselves--our personal weight and how we look. I feel it is important to focus on the inner self. Years ago, I focused on the materialistic aspects of life: how I looked, what I wore and which designer I was wearing that day. There was one aspect I did change.It was my mouth. I took care of my dental health. I never focused on my weight as I never had a weight issue.

As the New Year has already begun where are you? Did you start those silly New Year's Resolutions? If not or if you already failed do not worry. Noting you do is a mistake-it is a learning experience. You can always start your day over right from NOW.

It is safe to say that we all suffer from stress. If you think you do not suffer from stress of some kind then look again. Is it short or long term stress is the question. Short term stress is stress that allows your body to recover the next day. Chronic stress caused by many issues as chronic disease stays with you day after day. This kind of stress is more important as it has a negative impact on your health.

Chronic stress affects your immune system, heart, brain, mental outlook and digestion. Sure it also affects how we sleep, and how we feel when we wake up. Do you wake up tired every morning and drag yourself out of bed? Or do you wake up with energy? Those who wake up tired and get better through the day and then peak at 7pm and cannot go to sleep at normal hours have a condition called Adrenal Fatigue. I believe we all have some aspect of adrenal fatigue. I certainly do and it was worse years ago. I could literally stay up till 2 or 3 am and get up at 6am. I cannot do this anymore. I work hard and I need to sleep hard (not play hard) in order to rejuvenate my body's cells.

I attribute this to using a group of herbs called adaptogens. David Winston RH wrote a great book called Adaptogens I suggest reading it. Adaptogens are non specific herbs that increase the whole resistance of the body. The best known adaptogens are the ginsengs- Panax (American and Asian). I use Eleutherococcus (Siberian Ginseng). But the adaptogens I use the most is Withania (Ashwaganda) and Centella (Gota kola). There are many others you can read about including holy basil, rhodiola, schisandra and reishi.

As an herbalist I look at many compounds. Some I use together by mixing them as a tea for the patient. Sometimes I use as single agents, either by products from Herbal Vitality, Chemist and Alchemist, Gaya, and HerbPharm. I always pick as a tincture so it is easily absorbed by the body. Some herbalists use schisandrea berry and reishi as these are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I often pick by my intuition sitting with the patient. It works for me. Lately I have been using Snow Lotus Essential Oils to help ny patient, along with herbs. There is a great Snow Lotus product called Stress Relief. I love essential oils.

For sure- I love anything derived from plants!

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 23, 2012 WHAT OUR PETS TEACH US

2012-01-21T17:19:00.001-08:00

" Our task must be to free ourselves... by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty ." - albert einstein

Every morning while on my way to work I am reminded of this quote. I pass You Gotta Have It on East 57th street with a painting of Albert Einstein in the window. One day I would like to own that portrait , not because of its beauty but because of the many life quotes Mr. Einstein has given the world. Truly a genius.

I have been a pet owner since I was 11 years old. My first dog, Jacques was bought with my first holy communion money . Jacques lived a really long time. I would bet that I did my Holy Communion when I was nine. I know for the fact that Jacques lived two years after my mom died in 1982. Therefore Jacques lived from 1969-1984. I always acquired pets-snakes, stray cats, lizards, birds, and even insects. My cousin, Dr, Jim brought a Mynah Bird for a gift one year . I named him Charlie. I even had a turtle go to an upstate University as my Aunt Mary facilitated that.

A pet has to become part of your life. They teach us true unconditional love. This love is not conditional upon materialistic items. Your pet will always be there to greet you no matter how rough your life may be.

I found having a pet at a young age I was taught responsibility. If are thinking about getting a pet for your family, you should not be the one responsible for always walking it. Your son or daughter wanted a pet. This is a big responsibility. Children will quickly find out that having a pet is a huge responsibility. The third lesson is compassion. There are movies and books about pets and their owners. Rick and I have lost two dogs in our lives together. We lost a white Maltese named Cary ( Grant, his twin is above) and the old soul Yorkshire terrier, Jack only recently Both dogs died at home and we did have to use euthanasia. We both agreed if it got really bad and he was suffering we would have done euthanasia. Each died very peaceful in our home. Although I have focused on dogs -- all pets teach us unconditional love, responsibility and compassion. Your pet might be a feline cat, a turtle or even a bird. I have an affinity to birds and always have. We have a Green Amazon Parrot named Gracie. Although Gracie has a small brain her capacity for human like behavior is amazing. She loves to talk, imitate and sing. Yes, at 6am when the sun rises is a problem when she squawks, but she is my Gracie. Gracie and I are alike. We are both living creatures. Regardless if my brain is larger than hers, we both have emotions.

Remember that all animals have emotions

From your pets learn this : 1. sleep more, 2. play and have more fun 3. eat properly 4. drink enough water. These are just a few tips.

St Francis of Assisi surrounded by all animals said this " If you have men who will exclude God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men. "

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 20, 2012 WEAVING

2012-01-19T16:57:00.001-08:00

"The best way out is always through." Robert Frost

Always challenge yourself to make it through the bad times. As Nietrzche said, "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger."

I didn't think that I would find another hobby within the needle crafting or wool crafting that would make me happy. So this Christmas I received a gift certificate to a Weaving Class. There is needlepoint, cross stitching, knitting quilting, sewing and even loom knitting. I do all of these as a collective hobby.

The knitting loom family is a fun project for all ages. But now there is weaving for the whole family. I thought it would be difficult to use a machine loom. I started to think about weaving when my patient Ruth, a 90 year old white female born on the same day and year as my father brought in a table loom for weaving to me as a gift (see top left picture). She showed me how to use the table loom and I worked on her project that was started more than 30 years ago.

Then the gift certificate came and I explored the weaving courses within Manhattan. I found Loop of the Loom (http://www.loopoftheloom.com/) This unique studio is the only private weaving course in NYC. It uses Saorizen techniques which create diverse and creative projects. You must check out the studio and sign up. It will be a most delightful day. Usually my hobbies are my own. I usually do not share with Rick as he has his own - floral arrangement, (recent graduate of the New York School of Floral Design) terrarium set ups, piano and photography . As much as we are co-dependent we are definitely independent. When he asked if he could join me in the Weaving Program I was thrilled and excited. We each had a unique experience. His project is now displayed on one of the apartment walls, while mine is under a unique piece of art "The Heart" from Cuba. Both can be seen in photographs above. Go to the Loop of the Loom on East 87th Street-tell them Patrick and Rick sent you.

Guess who signed up for the dates for the next class- NOT me, but Rick.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 19,2011 CHOLESTEROL MYTHS

2012-01-18T20:58:00.000-08:00

"The grace of humility is a precious gift."

"Strive for the impossible."

"Laughter is the music of life."

All three quotes are from what I consider the most esteemed and distinguished physician in the history of medicine - Sir William Osler. His influence in regard to clinical and educational literary was global and to this day his legacy remains strong.

Born on July 12, 1849 he became one of the Big Four at John Hopkins along with William Welch, future dean in Pathology, William S Halsted in Surgery and Howard A Kelly in Gynecology. I do not think there is any physician today who could come close to the ethos of the man called Osler. He left us a body of works encompassing all aspects of medicine, and philosophy of life. He included both his personal and professional life. He had a presence and a personality that brought him friendship, devotion and disciplines. Yesterday I interviewed a medical student for their first year at the hospital. Later that day I received a gracious and thankful letter concerning the interview. It made me proud. If I could be 1/10 of this man called Osler I would feel honored and die happily.

I recently read the myths of CHOLESTEROL:

1. The main cause of high cholesterol is eating foods high in cholesterol FALSE

2. You only should be concerned about high cholesterol if you are overweight FALSE

3. Some foods contain the good cholesterol (HDL) FALSE

4. High cholesterol is only a problem for men over 45 FALSE

5. Low total cholesterol is not a problem FALSE

6. High triglycerides on a cholesterol panel is good for the patient FALSE

7. If your bad cholesterol (LDL) is less than 100 you are not at risk for heart disease FALSE

8. Healthy cholesterol is the same for everyone FALSE

9. A high good cholesterol (HDL) always protects you against heart disease FALSE

10. Exercise increases the bad cholesterol ( LDL) FALSE

These are the most common ten myths about cholesterol, It is not about the number any longer. It does not matter the # or level of your total, low density (bad) cholesterol and your high (good) density lipoprotein. It is all about the particle size of the bad and good cholesterol. A bad particle is always small and dense and causes heart disease. A good particle is always large, fluffy and protects you against heart disease.

So it is about the particle size, not the number. For example an LDL of 100 which has bad particles will cause heart disease where as a LDL of 125 with good particles will protect you against heart disease. The same is true of the good cholesterol A good cholesterol with a good particle protects you because this particle is large, fluffy and floats through the arteries

This lipid fraction blood test is a covered insurance test. Years ago it was called the Berkley Heart Lab test. In certain labs this test is called the VAP, ACT and NMR lipid fraction test.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 18, 2012 SINUSITIS

2012-01-17T05:23:00.000-08:00

"Love alone, dominates fear ." - Zohar, Exodus 216a

What are you really afraid of? Fear is the antithesis of love. I believe that fear is the reason most of us suffer from the lack of self esteem. We have fear - this makes it so difficult to love others.

When I had a low self esteem years ago, everything caused fear in me - I was out of what I call my comfort zone and I was always tense. We are afraid to try something new and we are scared not to try to try something new. It is almost like the fear of success and the fear of failure combined in one individual. This must change. There is some fear that is necessary . Fear by 'fright or flight' response where you are jumped from behind, or walking down a dark alley, or even watching a horror flick is one kind of fear. Then there are all the negative thoughts.

Of course there is also guilt. As a Catholic/Italian I am well aware of guilt. I sometimes believe that guilt can be the flip side of fear. Fear is a future tense feeling. Most fear is about the future. I do not understand that- the future should be a happy thought. I would have no expectations of the future otherwise you will get disappointed most of the time. I see too many people who are afraid of things that will or will not happen.

THE ANSWER: Live in the now.

Cold and flu season seems to occur all year round these days. Perhaps climate or weather changes are creating more sinus infections. The other possibility is the overuse of antibiotics.
SINUSITIS IS INFLAMMATION OF THE SINUSES. The sinuses are the air filled cavities located in the bones around the nose. When this does occur the sinus swells. This causes a blockage in the channel than drains them. There is a build up of mucous which then discharges through the nose. It creates intense pressure buildup in the sinus areas. It is a usual complication of a virus such as the flu, but can also develop due to tobacco ( even second hand smoke) and air pollution. The sinuses usually involved are the frontal, maxilary and sphenoid sinuses. Maxillary sinusitis can be result of swimming in contaminated water such as a lake. Headache usually occurs if the sinusitis is in the frontal or ethmoid sinuses.

Most of the time the physician will give the patient an antibiotic. Usually today, physicians start with the 'big gun' antibiotics as levaquin or a Z - pack (5 days).

Are there alternatives other than antibiotics? Of course there are. Do not forget that many sinus infections are caused by food allergies especially cow's dairy and wheat. Other possible food allergens can be vinegar and/or vinegar products such as green olives, pickles, and dried fruit. Oh let's not forget peanuts.

There are many Chinese herbal treatments. I prefer Western herbs. I love essential oils infused (one to two drops) in a steam . Remember the vaporizer your mom used when you had a cold? She likely used Vick's vapor rub. I have other herbs that are just as effective. It is better to use a cool mist steamer which prevents mold buildup. These are also not that expensive. Find one that is easily maintainable. I would add one to two drops of one of the following:

1. Tea tree oil

2. Lavender

3. Eucalyptus

4. Peppermint

5. Thyme

A cheaper effective method is add a handful of sage to simmering water on the stove. It fills the air with sage constituents which are antimicrobial. A strong tea of Goldenseal is also helpful. Try one of the following above. If this sinusitis persists and fevers occur, then try an antibiotic. Remember you must take probiotics (the good bacteria) to prevent a yeast infection.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 17, 2012 NATTO

2012-01-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

"DIE, MY DEAR DOCTOR,--THAT'S THE LAST THING I SHALL DO." - lord palmerston

Who was Lord Palmerston? Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, KG, GCB, PC (20 October 1784 – 18 October 1865), known popularly as Lord Palmerston, was a British statesman who served twice as Prime Minister in the mid-19th century. Popularly nicknamed "Pam", he was in government office almost continuously from 1807 until his death in 1865, beginning his parliamentary career as a Tory and concluding it as a Liberal. He was also known for his quotes, one which appears above. Others include, "We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests it is our duty to follow."

Two weeks ago, my oldest patient, Mary died at age 104. She would have been 105 in February. I also thought of the Lord Palmerston quote when I spoke to her or her son on the phone from Florida. She followed a dietary and exericse lifestyle as well as taking her vitamin.supplements and herbs. She will be missed!

What food do you think can clean the blood and keep your bones strong? You probably have never heard of it, but it is called Natto. Natto is Japanese. It is the accounterment to rice made of fermented soybeans. It is the rage, at least in New York City. The word actually means "meat of the farm". I will tell you this: the protein in natto is higher than that found in eggs and its cholesterol content is almost zero. I am not opposed to whole eggs (yolk and white) as long as you do not eat bread nor potatoes with it. Once you add carbohydrates with eggs your cholesterol will go up.

Back to natto... I would rather you use natto which uses the whole soybean rather than processed tofu. I do not recommend tofu. You get a lot of fiber from natto --another plus for your diet. Natto is made by packing the soybeans into straw. The bacteria in the straw ferment the soybeans. The bacteria from natto is a good friendly bacteria as it increases lactic acid bacteria in the human small intestines. Yeah --this helps to resolve slow bowel movements. Derived from natto is the enzyme nattokinase which has been studied to clean the blood. It acts as a blood thinner. There are many Japanese studies documenting this aspect of the enzyme. It has also been found that nattokinase activates another enzyme, urokinase that melts clots. By having thinner blood you are preventing strokes, heart attacks, atherosclerosis and diabetes.

I consume nattokinase as a capsule every day (about 50 - 100 units). Another vitamin called Vitamin K2 is created by fermentation and has been shown to strengthen bones. Most of the nattokinase products contain Vitamin K2. You can get more vitamin K2 by eating natto 3 - 5 times per week or more. At first I did not like the smell of natto as a food source. I was told not to heat it as it will deactivate the enzyme I want - the nattokinase. Make it into a fried dumpling. By this method you will not lose the effects of the nattokinase nor the Vitamin K. I never eat natto alone . I combine it with yams, onions and Japanese pickles. You may ask - why Japanese pickles ? These pickles also contain lactic acid bacteria--more benefit to the GI tract. If you are one of those individual who take coumadin (warfarin) be careful as this conventional drug weakness the effect of Vitamin K2 which is needed for the healthy bones.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 16, 2012 IPOMOEAS BATATAS

2012-01-16T05:59:00.000-08:00

"To err is human, to forgive is divine." Alexander Pope

Ipomoeas batatas is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is the Sweet Potato. Its large starchy sweet tasting tuberous roots are a very important vegetable. The young leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten as Greens. There are more than 100 species in this family, yet I. batatas is the only crop plant of major importance.

It is major importance to me as I love sweet potatoes. Forget about the candied sweet potato, and discover the delicious taste of the plain sweet potato. This is what I consider the most universally hypoallergenic food there is, or least comes as close to fitting the bill.

What you didn't know is that the genus Ipomoea contains the sweet potato but includes several garden flowers that you sometimes see called Morning Glories. Some grow Ipomoea as ornamental plants, but very few. The plant is a vine with alternate heart shaped leaves or sometimes palmate lobed leaves. The edible root is long and tapered.

I learned that China is the largest grower of sweet potatoes, providing 80% of the world's supply. Most are grown for human consumption but some are now grown for pig consumption. I know friends that feed their dog, Max sweet potatoes all the time. I can understand why--they are rich in complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, beta carotene, Vitamin C and vitamin B6. The sweet potatoes with the dark orange flesh have more beta carotene (precursor to Vitamin A) than those with light colored flesh.

Do not let the term sweet potato deter you from eating it. For diabetics it is far better than a white potato which has more sugar and is a simple carbohydrate.

It is easy to prepare sweet potatoes. Choose solid potatoes without any soft spots. The skin should be firm and tight. If you are cooing them together find ones that are the same size. Scrub the potatoes with a brush. Cut out the bad parts.

If baking, these potatoes leak juice when they bake, so put them on a cookie sheet or pie pan. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or 400 degrees for 45 minutes. Slit and eat right out of the skins. I prefer to eat the skins of a sweet potato.

You can also steam sweet potato and make a mash out of them. You can also slice raw, unpeeled potatoes, 3/4 inch thick and arrange int her steamer basket and steam for 15 minutes. Diners remove the skin as they eat them --not me ( I love the skins)

Discover the sweet potato and its numerous recipes.

Until tomorrow....

JANUARY 14-15, 2012 YARROW

2012-01-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

"Love is a fruit in all seasons, and within the reach of every hand." - Mother Theresa

I admire this quote - "Love is a fruit of all seasons..." There is never the wrong or right time for love. It is when you want it to be. Love this weekend was getting plants ready for a new hobby. Love was playing with Gracie, my Amazon Green Parrot, cuddling in bed and meditating. As an individual I have come to realize that plants contain healing powers. The herbs I learn about and discuss are a source of wisdom.

One of the herbs discussed in old herbal literature is Archilea millefolium (Yarrow). It is a familiar wildflower you have probably seen in open fields, by the roadside and even waste areas. You may have thought- that is an ugly weed. I used to think the same thing until my experience in the open fields and in botanical school. I find Yarrow to be delicate little leaves arising into yellow or white umbrellas .

I use Yarrow for a variety of conditions. The simples cuts and bruises, the flu, a bad cold, to cleanse the kidneys and to detoxify the liver. Then I read in folklore literature it is a fever remedy, so I am not far off in my use of the plant. I have seen Yarrow used in the worst of injuries and the simplest. It is definitely an herb I want in my herbal first aid kit. I do not think herbalists talk about it enough.

When reading about Yarrow in Sauer's Herbal Cures, one gets a different perspective. He discusses its use as a tea to prevent early deliveries for pregnant females, pain and relief from hemorrhoids, dissolving blood clots, killing tapeworms and healing scurvy of the gums and in the throat.

Perhaps this is why I love plants/herbs. There are many great folklore stories, many uses depending on the source and an abundance of information from every century.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 13, 2012 HONEY HOBBY TASTING

2012-01-13T05:23:00.000-08:00

"Be Open. Stand in our truth. Trust what you know."

I have learned to trust my instincts more and more every day. I am open to the good and bad that may flow my way. It is the only way to be. I trust that whether good or bad I am protected. I pray and meditate for protection every single day. Honesty in every sense of the word is the right way. I will admit I have not always been honest in years gone by. I know I was wrong, and didn't properly admit it. I had to make amends to those people I harmed. Today, I can say I am honest to the best of my ability (which is not perfect).

Truthfulness will allow you to stand tall and proud.

Today I would suggest doing something magical and mystical. It would be to taste as many different types of honey as you can. This can be a rewarding hobby. For Rick and I it is a hobby within a hobby. Our beekeeping affords us the luxury, privilege and honor of tasting our own honey from our hives as well as from other hobbyists and then the creme de le creme honey from around the world.

There are many books on beekeeping and honey. Many sit on our shelves next to the bed. I love Backyard Beekeeping and The Classroom. There are other books which have helped us deal with problems in beekeeping and honey production. For example, never underestimate the "Dummies" series. Beekeeping for Dummies and ABC and XYZ of Beekeeping have been excellent resources for us.

Our honey crystallizes which we do not see or haven't noticed on the shelves of commercial honey sold in stores. We have had it appear orange, and sometimes the delicious creme. I have never seen crystallized honey on the shelves of Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and other gourmet stores. The supermarket honey is always liquid, without a hint of crystallization. You should be also be aware that corn syrup is added to the commercial honey. It might not be a lot but for me, 10% is too much. This is done to keep the honey liquid. Corn syrup? It is destroying our food industry in the United States. Why start affecting the delicate lives of the bees. Some beekeepers tell me the corn syrup is added for the color so it can be sold for a higher price. Without the corn syrup I am told that honey is cheap.

Honey bees make honey from plant nectar. They evaporate much of the moisture and add enzymes that change the composition of the nectar to give honey its unique taste. When the moisture content of the honey is at about 17%, the bees store it in cells of the comb. They then seal the cells with a white beeswax capping. When we opened our hives during the summer, it was breathtaking. There is no other way to describe the work of honeybees!

When bees have access to large areas of one kind of flower such as clover, basswood, goldenrod, or buckwheat, they produce honey with a flavor and color typical of that particular plant. Bees blend honey naturally by combining the nectar from many different flowers in areas where no one flower predominates. Honeys also are blended during packing to create a specific taste.

Honey Categories:

Comb Honey (honeycomb)

Direct from the hive honey-filled beeswax comb as stored naturally by the bees.

Liquid Honey (extracted): Prepared by cutting off the wax cappings and whirling the comb in a honey extractor, where centrifugal force moves the honey out of the cells.

Creamed Honey (granulated): Made by blending one part finely granulated honey with nine parts liquid honey. The mixture is stored at about 57 degrees until it becomes firm.

Chunk Honey: Comb honey in a jar with liquid honey poured around it.

HONEY COLOR AND FLAVOR

The color and flavor of honeys differ depending on the nectar source (the blossoms) visited by the honeybees. In fact, there are more than 300 unique types of honey available in the United States, each originating from a different floral source. Honey color ranges from nearly colorless to dark brown, and its flavor varies from delectably mild to distinctively bold, depending on where the honey bees buzzed. As a general rule, light-colored honey is milder in taste and dark-colored honey is stronger.

Honey is produced in every state, but depending on floral source location, certain types of honey are produced only in a few regions. Honey is also produced in most countries of the world. Following is a look at some of the most common U.S. honey floral varieties. To learn more about available types of honey in your area, contact a local beekeeper, beekeeping association or honey packer. In the Northeast this year, many keepers were selling honey late int he season. We give ours away. The demand for local honey remains excellent. Rick and I hope our 'girls' have enough honey stores. We made sure they did, but we have no idea what the winter holds.

ALFALFA
Alfalfa honey, produced extensively throughout Canada and the United States from the purple blossoms, is light in color with a pleasingly mild flavor and aroma.

BLUEBERRY
Taken from the tiny white flowers of the blueberry bush, the nectar makes a honey which is typically light amber in color and with a full, well-rounded flavor. Blueberry honey is produced in New England and in Michigan.

BUCKWHEAT
Buckwheat honey is dark and full-bodied. It is produced in Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as well as in eastern Canada. Buckwheat honey has been found to contain more antioxidant compounds than some lighter honeys.

CLOVER
Clover honey has a pleasing, mild taste. Clovers contribute more to honey production in the United States than any other group of plants. Red clover, Alsike clover and the white and yellow sweet clovers are most important for honey production. Depending on the location and type of source clover, clover honey varies in color from water white to light amber to amber.

MANUKA
Manuka honey, primarily produced in New Zealand, is used as a natural product both internally and topically on the skin. The bees gather nectar from the flowers of the Manuka bush, which is indigenous only to New Zealand. The honey making process is enriched by the pollution free environment of New Zealand.

ORANGE BLOSSOM
Orange blossom honey, often a combination of citrus sources, is usually light in color and mild in flavor with a fresh scent and light citrus taste. Orange blossom honey is produced in Florida, Southern California and parts of Texas.

SAGE
Sage honey, primarily produced in California, is light in color, heavy bodied and has a mild but delightful flavor. It is extremely slow to granulate, making it a favorite among honey packers for blending with other honeys to slow down granulation.

TUPELO
Tupelo honey is a premium honey produced in northwest Florida. It is heavy bodied and is usually light golden amber with a greenish cast and has a mild, distinctive taste. Because of the high fructose content in Tupelo honey, it granulates very slowly. Read the Beekeeper's Lament which is about a local Floridian and his Tupelo honey.

WILDFLOWER
Wildflower honey is often used to describe honey from miscellaneous and undefined flower sources.

So, make it a ritual; to taste at least one different honey per month. I think we need The Honey of the Month Club.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 12, 2012 G-L-U-T-E-N

2012-01-11T19:31:00.000-08:00

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." - Proverb

I believe this is true that where there is no vision of joy, the inner spirit begins to wither and die. There is no perfection. Our world is not all good nor all bad. Life is a mixture of different colored yarns. As anyone starts to examine their life there are the positives and the negatives. You need to examine the negatives, decide how to deal with them, and put them on the shelf until you can deal with them one at a time. I didn't say ignore them. Your main goal is to concentrate on life's joys because it is from that joy that you will draw your spirituality and wisdom.

One of my favorite movie quotes, "Life's a banquet but most poor bastards are starving"

Is it Mame Dennis (Rosaline Russell from Mame/Lucille Ball from Aunt Mame) or Dolly Levy
(Barbara Streisand or Carol Channing from Hello Dolly.)

Gluten is a hot topic. Practically every store now has a gluten free section. The common gluten grains are in the majority of today's food. The ones that you may know are Barley, Rye, Oats and Wheat (B-R-O-W). Many fast food restaurants use these in addition to corn syrup and spelt. There are many other gluten grains.

There are many challenges about grains especially with an overcrowded gluten free market. What is gluten? It is a term that gets thrown around too easily today. It is a mixture of particular protein's found in all grains but primarily wheat. The studies about gluten are found in every major journal. Gluten sensitivity has been linked to many autoimmune disorders as Hashimoto's thyroidits, systemic lupus, scleroderma, myasthenia gravis, and of course the obvious Celiac Disease.

'The View' discusses gluten a lot these days as one of their 'tribe' has Celiac disease. It is great to discuss this hot topic but you should be well versed in all aspects especially the other linked disorders.

Even if you are not gluten free you should decrease the total amount of grains you consume. I know that these grains whether sensitive or not overwhelm the small intestine causing an interruption in the production of Vitamin D as well as the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Also under scrutiny is the use of genetically modified grains, and the processing that must take place to make grains have a longer shelf life. Also if you are gluten sensitive or not, you should try to consume as little as possible of gluten free processed products. I know the ginger snap gluten free cookies taste good, but each cookie is loaded with sugar.

I have seen many a gluten free patient start to develop high serum blood sugar levels as well as insulin resistance/pre-diabetes due to the amount of processed gluten free products he/she is consuming.

I would suggest trying a 'Reduced Grain' or gluten free New Year. I know this is a smart idea. You might even try to consume less cow's dairy. Your weight loss resistance, stubbornness, skin problems, water retention, sinusitis, chronic fatigue, and even muscle aches will be reduced. What is more amazing is that the bloating , gas and change in bowels will slowly disappear.

Be wise and gluten free !

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 11, 2012 IS TRAVELING ENDANGERING YOUR HEALTH?

2012-01-11T04:59:00.000-08:00

"Allow love to flood into your life today and if you give love, you will receive love."

L.O.V.E. is the most used 4 letter word. Many of us say it too much. Regardless, accept love into your life on every level. Accept love from the blue sky, the cold air, and the leafless trees. Put yourself out there and give love. You will do this so you will be able to accept and receive love.

Without giving from the heart, there is no receiving.

You are leaving on your honeymoon, a planned family holiday or a quick getaway. Are you endangering your health by flying? I never have been fond of flying , but I do what I must do. I fly not only for pleasure (which has been a long time) but for speaking engagements and medical/herbal conferences. I tend to go to the herbal conferences these days.

Nothing in life is guaranteed, even with flying. We do what we have to do. Yet, you can decrease the risk of health conditions when you fly by following these simple steps.

1. You need to get rest. Three days before flying try to get as much sleep as you can.

2. You need to be well hydrated, with at least 64 fluid ounces of water. Try to avoid caffeine as much as you can prior to your flight, as caffeine tends to dehydrate you. Also, try to avoid alcohol as it also dehydrates you.

3. It is critical to get up and move around while flying, especially on long flights. I know the airline staff does not like this, but you must move your legs. Blood tends to pool in the legs and can cause blood clots. Depending on the flight, get up at least once every hour to stretch. Also move your legs while in your seat. If there is a problem, get a note from your doctor that you must get up at least once per hour for long flights.

4. I also recommend building up some anti-oxidants three to four weeks before traveling. I recommend an intravenous anti oxidant drip or high dose resveratrol or alpha lipoic acid. I would do this at least three weeks prior to travel for flights up to 5 hours. If the flight is longer I would suggest starting this 6 weeks in advance.

5. I recommend also going to either Brookstone, or Shaper Image to purchase your own air purifier . This device goes around the neck and you get to breathe your own air. Clever device...

Until tomorrow...

JANAURY 10, 2012 WINTER SQUASH

2012-01-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

"WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE I'VE HAD. I ONLY WISH I HAD REALIZED IT SOONER." - colette

I have a wonderful life. So do you if you think about it. It is not the materialistic items, but the love, peace and serenity you have in your life that counts. I wish I had realized all of what I know now--then. By then, I mean years ago before I followed a twelve step program. I have also taken very seriously the prayer and meditation in my life. I believe this more than anything has helped me move forward spiritually and emotionally.

I do not know enough about winter squash, so I did some reading. The gourd family is a large clan of vegetables. I thought I knew a lot of them, but after reading I know very few. Winter squash have hard shells, inedible skins and large seeds. You know some of them--pumpkin, butternut and acorn. Some you might not know are kabocha , spaghetti squash, golden nugget and turban squash. You must choose squash that are firm, heavy for their size and have dull skins as opposed to shiny ones. They should be hard without cracks or soft spots. You can store the uncut squash in a dark cool place. You can keep one for up to 3-4 months.

Once you cut the squash, you can keep it for one week. A paring knife can be used for thin shelled winter squash like acorn , but a larger knife will be needed for the hard skinned ones.

A recipe:

1. Select any squash above

2. Scrub with a brush

3. Drain or pat dry

4. Cut large pieces in chunks. I would peel them, Put the chunks in a steamer basket and steam until tender ( about 12-15 minutes)

5. You can serve as they are and sprinkle some spices and oil on them

You can always bake the squash on a cookie sheet for about 50 -75 minutes depending on the size.

Now to be unique what about stuffing a whole squash. Cut the top off and remove the large seeds. Also you have to remove the strings. Stuff with something like quinoa, brown rice or even buckwheat. I have tasted squash stuffed with chicken and quinoa. You can stuff with other vegetables if you wish.

Bake for 30 - 40 minutes

A great winter dish! Try it!

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 9, 2012 AMARANTH SODA BREAD

2012-01-08T13:32:00.001-08:00

"It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of LOVE that is put into them that matters." - Mother Teresa

Today, I make sure my actions are for the right reasons. Not to get people to like me, not for my own selfish reasons, but I do what I do for who I want to, when I want to do it, and for the right reasons. In my many hobbies, especially needle crafting and knitting, the magnitude of work that it takes means nothing to me. It is the amount of LOVE that I put into my hobbies. The LOVE is because I always try to give the finished crafts away.

Remember this: Your self image and your self love determines what is possible and impossible in your life.

So, you are avoiding grains these days, especially the gluten grains. The basic gluten grains are Barley, Rye, Oats and Wheat (B-R-O-W) There are many other gluten grains. I wanted to share a recipe with you that I think is easy. I say easy because I could do it and I AM NOT A COOK, nor a BAKER. I know I sometimes want to eat a piece of bread, but I can't because I avoid gluten. So here is a recipe for gluten free AMARANTH SODA BREAD.

Ingredients:

1. 3/4 cup warm water or coconut milk

2. 3/4 tsp of unbuffered Vitamin C crystals, also corn free

3. 2 3/4 cups of amaranth flour

4. 3/4 tsp arrowroot powder

5. 1/2 packet of ginger crystals (available at http://www.longevitynutritionals.com/ )

6. 1 tablespoon of crushed fennel seeds

7. 2 tablespoons of boiling water

8. 2 teaspoons baking soda

9. 2-3 tablespoons of oil (your choice - I like almond oil)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine water and Vitamin C /and ginger crystals. Stir and let dissolve. Add flour and fennel seeds and whisk together. Add oil to mixture. With remaining flour pour on wax paper. Dissolve baking soda in boiling water, add to the dough and stir. Now put the dough on the wax paper. Roll the dough with flour. Kneed for 2-4 minutes. Gather it in a ball and put on floured baking sheet. Make a 8 inch smooth ball. Put an 'x' on top of the dough ball you have just made. Put in oven reduce to 325 degrees

Bake for 55 minutes. You must make sure you know that uncooked dough is darker in color. Continue to bake until uniformly pale tan

Your bread is done

CONGRATULATIONS!

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 7-8, 2012 A PAIN IN THE SIDE

2012-01-07T06:12:00.000-08:00

"PEACE STARTS WITHIN US- WE CANNOT BRING TO THE WORLD WHAT WE DO NOT HAVE TO OFFER."

Peace. Serenity. Happiness. Silence. We are not all at peace with every one we know or have met in our lives. Some of us are not at peace with ourselves. Are you at peace with yourself for today? Just for today. Think about that! I have come to realize that peace is always within me whenever I want to have it. Lately, I want inner peace all the time. I try to make the time to have inner peace. Prayer and meditation are KEY to PEACE.

There is one disease entity which will not allow you to be at peace- it is the passing of a kidney stone. If you have had one you know what I am talking about. It is about the worst pain there is, with the exception of childbirth. It is estimated that about 10% of men and 3% of women in the US have kidney stones. There are many types of stones. The most common is made up of crystals of calcium oxalate or uric acid. 80% of the stones are mainly made of calcium. You can prevent recurrent stones by analyzing the stone and tailoring your new lifestyle so as not to form stones. This means changing your dietary lifestyle and using other disciplines of medicine, especially herbal, homeopathic and aromatic therapies.

Dehydration alone will not form a kidney stone. There is usually another cause such as recurrent urinary tract infections, foods high in oxalate, certain drugs (like the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide) and bodily disturbance.

The passing of a stone usually requires medical intervention. This usually involves a pain killer like morphine as the stone passing is unbearable. I personally have never had a kidney stone but have treated many a 'stone' in my clinical years. An old folklore remedy is drinking 2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil every day. Another one is fresh lemon juice in lukewarm water every morning. I recommend this for everyone regardless if you have a stone or not, as this remedy alkalizes the body. The Chinese use ginseng and plantain to alleviate formation of stones.

As an herbalist I have been using celery seed, parsley and gravel root. The latter is not that tasty, but I always say the worst the herb tastes the better it is. For acute passage of a stone I use lots and lots of yarrow. The essential oils I have been using for patients with a history of kidney stones are fennel, juniper and of course, lemon. I ask massage therapists to use this during massage in the area of the bladder and flanks of the body where the kidneys are located.

Yes, it is painful to pass a stone, but these remedies can help. The most important aspect is plenty of water and any necessary changes in dietary lifestyle. A diet rich in animal meat can form uric acid stones. Get a list of foods that are high in oxalate. Some of these foods are beneficial, like berries and greens but contain high amounts of oxalate.

Learn to eat better.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 6, 2012 AN EDIBLE EVERGREEN : NEW HOBBY

2012-01-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

"When you are content to BE simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everyone will respect you.' - Lao Tzu

I strive on a daily basis to be completely myself - happy, joyous and free. I stopped comparing myself to others - years ago. Sure I would like to have been on Oprah, but it just never happened. I was on other shows,and loved my talk in radio shows for the years I did it. I look back on those days and say, "...wow, I have the life today I always wanted to have." I asked myself, "Am I competitive?" I know I love to win at Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit. Other than that, I am just me. I am not quiet, but not loud. I am not meek but sometimes I now know when to be quiet. I am just ME. I used to just like me, but now I love me.

I am a healer. For me to be a healer is as demanding as knowing all the plants/herbs. Any healer must have a firm foundation of the basic truths common to all man. This is a tough harsh statement but I have found it true .

This hobby of finding, studying and collecting Edible Plants can be challenging. Some examples of wild edible plants that you might know would be Amaranth, Chicory, Mulberry, Plantain and Yucca. I think these are fairly common to most people. Other common ones would be elderberry, mint and mustard.

To identify a plant or tree in the wild, on a city block or in a field is quite exciting. I am in awe that as we drive out to Long Island I can name trees and plants. The Sunken Forest (a National Preservation on Fire island) is an excellent place to start. Some of the trees, bushes and plants have names on them to help you identify them.

Between the various Fire Island communities, the woods and fields have many species that are known to the area from years gone by. The area between the Pines and Cherry Grove is a combination of woodlands, fields, dunes and swamp/bog.There have been various names given to this area like The Judy Garland Memorial Park and the Meat Rack. I do not know what is harder to avoid, the poison ivy or free spirited nudists among nature. (That is a nice way of saying men having outdoor sex).

Regardless, find an area to discover trees and plants as a hobby. So to pick a plant/tree that I have found in the wild that could be interesting to you is difficult, but I have thought of two. The first one is Gaultheria procumbens. This plants grows in poor soil it the woods. Leaves are oval, a little toothed. It is an evergreen with tiny white flowers that dangle. This is WINTERGREEN. I love wintergreen. I love this plant for its uses in medicine, and to nourish our bodies. It stays close to the ground. I have an affinity for plants that stay close to the ground. I feel these are Earth Mother's tiny children. Wintergreen tea is delicious and you need not use a lot. When I see individuals make tea, I am always in awe of how much they use. You need not use a lot of wintergreen at all. The berries are edible. The new leaves are edible in salads.

This herb is great for headaches, aches and pains of the body as well as oral cavity (mouth) ulcers and gum ailments. You can make a strong cold tea and use it as a mouthwash. It is better than some of the chemical ones the drug stores.

So, to start- pick a plant/tree or bush you want to identify this spring. Research it now and set a date to find your plant. It will be rewarding I promise...

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 5, 2012 EYE STYE

2012-01-04T06:24:00.000-08:00

"STOP RESISTING WHAT IS. EITHER CHANGE IT OR FIND A WAY TO MOVE WITH THE FLOW." - Oprah Winfrey

My father's version would be, "SH*t or get off the pot." Not exactly elegant, but to the point. As my G.O.D given profession allows me I sit and listen to patients. I listen attentively before making any comments. I feel some patients are straddled across a stream with one foot on each bank not knowing what to do. You can straddle only for so much time and then a decision must be made. Jump in the water and take a chance. Life is a chance. If you never take a chance in life you will never know what lies ahead. I have taken chances in life. I decided at a much later age to do another medicine fellowship. This one in Arizona with Dr. Andrew Weil. It was a challenge as it occurred near an operation , but I continued to finish that goal. There are goals in life which we ponder. Should I start my own business? Do I do a start-up? Can I manage alone?

Take the chance !

Yesterday I saw a patient with a stye. A stye is an abscess occurring around the root of an eyelash. It is an infection usually caused by a staphylococcal species. You will see a characteristic small head of yellow pus. They usually last about 7 days and usually require no intervention. However I have seen a stye spread to other hair follicles. Do not "POP" the pimple as you might pop other acne pimples. For one, it hurts and secondly you probably will spread infection.

There is a simple treatment for my patient with the stye. An old folklore remedy is a warm bread poultice applied directly to the stye. I am not fond of a 'bread ball' on an eye.

Since styes are usually present when the immune system is low I might start some astrgalus tincture as well as echinacea. These both will boost the immune system. A great remedy is a tea bag (made by yourself with linen tea bags) filled with chamomille and calendula (pot marigold) Both of these herbs are soothing and stop the swelling.

There is an essential oil remedy of one drop of lavender on a cotton swab to dab the base of the follicle. I wouldn't do this by yourself.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 4, 2012 THE CARING BRUISE

2012-01-03T09:54:00.001-08:00

" CARE ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK AND YOU WILL BE THEIR PRISONER."

--Lao Tzu

I used to care what people thought of me. I used to "buy" people/friends and partners. Today I do neither. I have learned that I respect myself too much to care what other people think of me. It also helps to have a loving, supporting and caring partner in life. I am a healer to the best of my ability. We all have baggage. Some more than others. I used to have baggage, but I have cleaned my closet. How do you clean your closet? You begin by writing lists of those acquaintances, friends, and those who think they are your friend. People come in and go out of your life. Cleaning the closet is synonymous to cleaning house. I will not be a prisoner of anyone any longer. I am me. Respect yourself.

Did you ever hit yourself against a table and develop a bruise? I know I have at one time in my life. Bruising or ecchymosis results from release of blood from the capillaries to under the skin. This characteristic bruise is bluish black which eventually fades to a yellowish tinge and then eventually all the blood is absorbed. For some, this bruising might occur for other reasons other than just bumping into an object. Bruising can be spontaneous, can be the result of an allergic reaction or more seriously be the first sign of an underlying blood disorder such as a leukemia.

If bruising occurs without any obvious cause, it requires immediate medical attention and investigation. It could be the first sign of an underlying serious condition.

Today most people know of Arnica (Arnica montana) which can be applied to a bruise. Other less common names for this herb are leopard's bane or mountain tobacco. The whole fresh plant is used when in flower. Externally used for sprains, and bruises, but I have seen it written to be used internally for systemic shock of the body. I feel arnica should be in every first aid kit.

Now if you listened to your Nanny ( your grandmother) as I did you will have learned some old folklore medicines that are still used today. First, my Nanny believed that cabbage leaves could heal anything. Either the leaves were cut into tiny pieces and applied or heated first before application. I recently used a cabbage leaf to draw out pus from a boil on a patient's thigh.

A black pepper (Piper negrum ) oil or mustard (Braccia nigra) poultice can draw blood away from a bruise. One of the best remedies came out of a book in the 1970's called The Vinegar Book My grandmother ordered it and brought home copies from the local market, Food Fair. The vinegar compress was used for bruises, arthritis and 'old maid's knee'. My Nanny had everyone using vinegar for every ache and pain. A cool compress of witch hazel or wintergreen was always applied in my house to a sore back.

The one herb that I love for healing that I learned in these years is Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) There is much written about comfrey. I have learned most about comfrey from reading Matthew Wood's description in The Earthwise Herbal: Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants. This weekend I was pleased to see a copy of his books in NYC's herbal store called Flower Power on East 9th Street ( off 1st Avenue) If you have never been to Flower Power, it deserves a visit and a 'buy' of your favorite organic tea.

The one trace mineral that is often overlooked for bruising is Zinc. Zinc restores capillary fragility. I always include serum (blood) testing for zinc copper and selenium.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 3, 2012 THE LINEN PLANT

2012-01-03T04:48:00.000-08:00

"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves." ----Dali Lama

It is profound. Inner peace is something I search for everyday. There are some days when I have inner peace and then there are other days when I do not. For me in this G.O.D. given profession it is difficult to hear problems, complaints , and social issues everyday and then to find my own inner peace. Meditation and prayer before coming to work (early in the morning is a practice I use) helps make it easier. Is inner peace the misgivings and sorrows of yesteryear? Is this inner peace total silence and ignorance of the world at large? For me inner peace is being comfortable with who and what I am! I know who I am and honestly I stop dealing on what people think of me. For me, this is a great improvement in who I am.

When I think of inner peace I think of a field of flowers. Not every flower. A field of wheat when thinking of the song America the Beautiful or for me a field of flax. Flax is a group of both annual and perennial plants from the Linaceae family. There are several species . The one that comes to mind is the one from which fiber is obtained: L. ustatissimum. Some species are grown for their seeds. This is the source of linseed oil. In Hippocrates time, flax seed tea was used to treat sore throats and lung issues.

Some of the other uses for flax are:

1. a laxative

2. an analgesic

3. an anti spasmodic

4. tonic for the kidneys

5. encourages healing

6. excellent for female issues

7. reduces inflammation for strains and sprains

Sprinkle some flax seeds on your morning gluten free cereal or on your evening salad. You will begin to enjoy the taste and the benefits.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 2, 2012 A SMILE MIGHT PREVENT HEADACHES

2012-01-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

"WHAT SUNSHINE IS TO FLOWERS, SMILES ARE TO HUMANITY." - joseph addison

"WHEN YOU SEE SOMEONE WITHOUT A SMILE, GIVE HIM ONE OF YOURS."

"IF YOU DIDN'T START OUT THE DAY WITH A SMILE, IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO START PRACTICING FOR TOMORROW---OR STARTING YOUR DAY OVER WITH A SMILE IS A GOOD IDEA."

A smile costs you absolutely nothing. Anatomically it takes 17 muscles to smile whereas it takes 43 muscles to frown. Which makes better sense? A smile takes a moment but leaves a lasting impression and memory that will last forever. A smile will create happiness in the home and foster good will in any business. It is the countersign of friendship.

A smile brings rest to the weary, good cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad and definitely without a doubt it is nature's best antidote for trouble. There is something I love about smiling - it is my own - My smile cannot be bought, borrowed, stolen or given away . It is my smile and only my smile. I love to smile. If I see that someone is down, I will try to give them one of my white teeth smiles.

What makes you smile?

After reading this blog, make a smile.

I do know if a patient has a headache he/she cannot smile. Headaches are overlooked by some internists. I am grateful never to have a headache. I cannot personally relate, but I feel the headache when one of my patients has one. There are many types of headaches - cluster, tension, and migraines to name a few.

In my clinical years I have seen some odd remedies that I would never dream would work. One is using Cayenne pepper. A dry cayenne is allowed to settle and applied to the nostrils for relief of the headache. Some use tincture of cayenne pepper. Another patient uses a mustard foot bath for his headaches. I find this odd but it works for him. The trick is having the feet in the warm mustard powder bath while applying ice to the neck.

The remedies differ depending on the type of headache. I feel that any time there is a headache irregardless of the the type an anti inflammatory herb will work. Sure there are the Over The Counter (OTC) remedies as well as the conventional pain killers, but have you ever tried the following herbs for your headache?

This is where the salicylate enriched herbs lend a hand. These are three trees- the willow, the aspen and the birch. The most common is the Salix species or the Willow. I find Wilow effective in the prevention and decrease of a headache but not effective for the recurring type that some patients get.

There is one herb that I have seen patients use for headache on a regular basis: Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). I have recommended Feverfew because there are studies and research to back its use. It differs on the number of fresh flowers. The dose for the freeze dried encapsulated lead is 500-1000 mg three times a day. I have never recommended above 2000 mg per day. There is another trial which uses Feverfew and Wilow, 300 mg of each twice a day. There is another study with Feverfew with a B vitamin, riboflavin and magnesium at 300 mg.

I often use Ginger and ginkgo for headaches sufferers. A headache should not be ignored in any patient. If the source of the headache cannot be found, I usually refer the patient to a local Headache clinic as well as a neurologist.

In 1982, my mother had the worst headache of her life. It resulted in her death from a ruptured aneurysm (a sub arachnoid bleed into the brain). Today, this type of headache might have been avoided with CT or MRI of the brain and surgery. When a patient states it is the worst headache of their life, I take it very seriously as it might be an aneurysm.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 1, 2012 NEW YEAR, NEW SOUL

2012-01-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

"The spiritual journey is a constant transformation."

"Let peace and love run your life. When you are comfortable with pain passing through you, you will be free. Try to pass beyond the layers of life's pains and you will be free from the binds of your mind." - Dr. Patrick Fratellone

In order for me to grow, I had to give up the struggle to remain the same. I didn't want want to remain the same. I have learned to embrace change all the time. What I didn't like is that in order to change I had to recognize my personal problems. Imagine a thorn in my side. This thorn can be pulled out or remain where it is. I had to work around the thorn. The thorn is one of my character defects or personality traits. We all have many thorns - good or bad. A better example of your thorn is your sense of self loneliness or isolation. How many of you have felt inner loneliness?

Inner loneliness prevents you from being loved. It is difficult to get close to other people in your life especially at work . Loneliness then projects rejection about everything in our lives. I spend time thinking about how to get rid of this loneliness or this character defect. Then I worry if I get rid of loneliness will I have to start a relationship or friendship with someone? That creates another problem: fear. One problem often will lead to another problem. Stop fixing yourself. Let it just happen. Things will work themselves out. Remember this since your consciousness is separate and aware of these character defects, you can free yourself. I did. I became free. Yes, Joyous, Free and Happy. It lasts as long as I want it to last, and remember it is not perfection. It is just progress that I made from one day to the next. As this new year begins this process of progress is a life long commitment.

A patient called and said she didn't feel good. I immediately said, "Try and get some Goldenseal." I know the patient very well for years and I intuitively felt that would be a good old Indian plant for her. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) in older herbal texts used to be called Goldenthread. Truthfully I like that name better. So you do not think I just pick plants from my mind, (or maybe I do) goldenseal has an active antibiotic called Berberine.

I believe Goldenseal is on the Endangered Plant List from the United Plant Savers. There is very little Goldenseal in the wild.

Goldenseal can be used as a tonic for many organ systems.

1. Intestinal Mucosa and Digestion

2. Heart - improves circulation and pumping action of the heart

3. External remedy for herpes (especially if the herpes is in moist places, like the genital area)

4. External ulcerations

5. To stop bleeding in a clean wound

Most people know the combination Echinacea-Goldenseal. I do not have anything bad to say about this combination or tonic, but personally I have seen Goldenseal work better and more effectively when used alone for infections. Also realize as a MD RH, if the infection does get worse and spreads, I will easily reach for my prescription pad. I use the herbal Rx pad first in most situations. Remember: A bacterial infection with fever and inflammation may respond to Goldenseal.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 31, 2011 REAWAKEN YOUR SPIRIT

2011-12-31T08:16:00.000-08:00

As the year closes I am reminded of two Yehuda Berg quote's-

"Stop worrying about tomorrow, Be HERE and HEAR." and

"We all fall. The challenge is picking ourselves up."

I need to hear both of these this morning as the day continues. Once again I must pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again- and do it the Frank Sinatra way. I also have to be in the now --NOT the Past and not the Future. It is hard not to be in the past as midnight approaches. I reflect of years gone by. I never went out on the Eve. I always wanted to. From age 18 to now there seemed to be a reason to return home to be with my grandparents and/or father. I never wanted to leave my grandparents as they had lost all their children and I never wanted them to be alone. The immediate family is no longer physically there. There were years I was in London during this night. For the last decade I have been right beside Rick and our family--children or parents. Today we are with family and friends that have become our family.

For years Nature has filled my life, never more so than in the last 5 years. In my childhood I was fascinated by animals, insects and even plants. I have looked raccoons, skunks and possums in the face. I have watched hawks and eagles fly overhead in Central Park. I always tell people to get back to nature. Very few say that to me. I am really asking for individuals to get in touch with Earth as when he/she was a child. As children most of us spent more time outside, playing in the dirt, setting up forts and building tree houses and running in the fields. Today, children seem to stay indoors - with their Ninendo, Xbox, computer, iPhone or iPAD. If you are an adult who does this,- DO NOT feel guilty. We have never been out of touch with the Earth. As you begin to start a relationship with nature intimate aspects of your self will be revealed to you. Nature... animals, plants and the elements of the Earth are not meant to be just studied scientifically or statistically.

When you are watching a Nature Show especially with animals, don't you watch in awe and wonderment? I have been doing that my entire life. The animal world has much to teach us. Do you remember Rex Harrison as Dr. Doolittle? Do you remember the song Talk to the Animals?

I talk to animals. Yes, it sounds absurd and a little like crazy talk. I hear and I listen to animals and nature itself. I believe and know that every animal is the gateway to a world unknown to many of us in disbelief. Within this world is the gateway to our human spirit. I know it is the gateway to MY own soul.

Think about this: watching a tiger on Animal Planet shows us true majesty, while some animals restore forgotten childlike wonder at the world, and when seeing nature and animals it reawakens our lost belief in dreams, magic and the ever wondering possibilities.

This is what I dreamed last night. I had to share it. This summer I had an opportunity to be among millions of honeybees on a farm. I walked over to the stables and stood, talked and softly touched a horse. I began to have flashbacks of childhood with horses. We lived across from a Racetrack and I had the opportunity to enter the stables, ride the horses and talk to jockeys. It was a magical time. I knew then as I know now my affinity to animals. Rick and I had at one time in one swelling - five dogs, 2 parrots, 14 lovebirds, and 4 large lizards.

Chief Dan George said..

If you talk to the animals

they will talk to you

If you DO NOT talk to them

you will not know them,

And what you do not know

you will fear

What one fears one destroys.

So when I take my last breath, I know I will saying - Is That All there Is?

As I traditionally break a plate tonight at midnight, I wish you all happiness, peace, serenity, and love.

- Red Star

Until tomorrow --oh no next year....

DECEMBER 30, 2011 ARCHITECTURE: A NEW HOBBY

2011-12-29T05:13:00.000-08:00

"I believe in God, only I spell it Nature."

"Freedom is from within."

"Buildings, too, are children of Earth and Sun"

The first quote is my favorite of all three. God = Nature in my mind. Nature is fascinating as was the man who stated all three quotes. The last quote tells you the writer of these quotes is an architect. His name was Frank Lloyd Wright.

Architects design houses, buildings, landscapes and even cities. Do you know any architects? I do. Today to become an architect you have national exams and you must earn a college degree. Was it that way 70 years ago?

I love architecture. The Upper West Side of NYC offers some of the most architecturally distinguished buildings. Some of them are residential buildings. The most beloved romantic skyline of the city is the twin-towered San Remo, the Majestic and the El Dorado apartments. Let's not forget the triple towered Beresford apartments. Or the Dakota. The Dakota was one of the city's foremost large spacious apartment buildings built in 1884. In that same year NYC changed the name of 8th Avenue above 59th street to Central Park West. What architecture lies on that street. The Dakota unfortunately was made famous by the slaying of John Lennon in front of the building and the filming of "Rosemary's Baby". There are many stories about the buildings of the Upper West Side. There are other NYC neighborhoods that offer great buildings. I would suggest exploring the buildings of architectural interest as a hobby. It could be a great weekend project.

About 6 years ago I was introduced to the architect of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright. Much has been written about Mr. Wright. The name Frank Lloyd Wright is as famous as Garbo or FDR. He was born on June 8, 1867. There are many Frank Lloyd Wright architectural houses throughout the United States. Some are the Prairie Houses built in 1901 in Oak Park, Illinois. Yet, his most famous and greatest achievement is Fallingwater in Bear Run, PA. The city doesn't exist on a map. Husband, father of five children and architectural genius is worth a new hobby - Discovering the work of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Through the generosity of dear friends (who we consider our family), Rick and I had the pleasure in August 2005 of intimately visiting Fallingwater. I cannot describe the excitement and exhilaration of that visit.

I would start with looking at the buildings of New York City or your hometown in a different way from now on. Then visit Fallingwater.

Top Photograph: The Dakota in New York City
Middle Photograph: Fallingwater

Bottom Photograph: Cross-Stitch/Needlecraft of Fallingwater by PF (me)

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 29, 2011 DAIRY - DO OR DO NOT

2011-12-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

"Shed peace, not discord wherever you go."

It sounds so easy to do, but at times it is difficult. Who doesn't want to share peace and harmony with everyone? I know I want to, but at times it is difficult when there are those who only want to shed discord. I have found that in these economic times, some people are not just happy. Did you ever meet an unhappy person? I have! This past summer I met many unhappy individuals. I do not know if it is because they are physically ill or mentally ill. The longer I remain in a small community for the summer the more unhappy people I seem to meet. The more I think of these past summer the more I pray for those who cause harm to others. I would rather pray for their harmony as good karma is the only choice in life!

There are many reasons people consume fewer dairy products or avoid them altogether. Most of the time the individual doesn't relate their bloating, flatulence and changes in stool to their dairy consumption. The younger generation consumes more soda or pop by 300% over the past 50 years. Some avoid dairy because of the advice from their health care practitioner, or because of a history of kidney stones, calcium deposits in joints or bothersome skin conditions that can be related to dairy. Dairy as it exists today is very inflammatory. Some have to avoid dairy due to lactose intolerance. Lactose is the sugar found in milk that gets broken down in the small intestine into two simple sugars (glucose and galactose) which are then absorbed by the brush border of the small intestines. There is a normal physiologic decline in the absorption of milk as we get older. This is a lactase (the enzyme which breaks down lactose) deficiency, called lactase non-persistence. There is a difference in lactose intolerance and lactase non-persistence.

If you avoid dairy you must make sure you get the proper supplementation of minerals that are found in dairy. You need to still get the adequate calcium and magnesium levels, and do not forget the trace minerals as manganese, zinc, selenium and copper. Calcium is critical to bone health.

I agree with avoiding dairy as it exists today. Make sure you eat spinach for calcium, bananas and avocados for potassium, eggs for vitamin A (organic eggs), canned sardines and salmon (from http://www.vitalchoice.com/) for B12 and Vitamin D, almonds for riboflavin and (if not allergic) cooked soybeans for magnesium. There are alternatives to milk in the way of other foods.

You can eat other dairy as in sheep or goat. I would also suggest raw dairy. To be informed about raw dairy join http://www.westonaprice.org/

THE QUESTION IS - TO BE OR NOT TO BE A DAIRY CONSUMER

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 28, 2011 RESCUE REMEDY: A BACH REMEDY

2011-12-27T06:51:00.000-08:00

"We are set free if we set others free, for it is only by example we can teach."

Dr. Edward Bach, 1932

Dr. Bach had the right idea. How are we as healers supposed to set people free if we cannot free ourselves? I can only teach by example. I can only teach and heal by giving personal examples. This is why I write this daily blog. I feel I am free when I use myself as an example. Honesty is the best policy. You have heard that many times before.

The term Bach means nothing to most people, but to a homeopath and myself it means a lot. There is a multitude of Bach remedies available. The one most people know about is Rescue Remedy. There actually was a Dr. Bach. Each of his 38 remedies is directed at a particular characteristic or emotional state. Some of the examples are:

Aspen - fear of unknown things

Gorse- hopelessness and despair

Holly - hatred envy and jealousy

Honeysuckle- living in the past

Rock Rose - terror and fright

and 33 others. The Bach centre continues the work of Dr Edward Bach. The site is run from Mount Vernon which was the home and workplace of this visionary man. He completed research into his flower remedy system. The Bach centre is the world hub for education and information on Dr. Bach's work

I wish I had known about the Bach centre when I studied medicine in England as I could have visited Oxfordshire.

Rescue Remedy is a combination of 5 Bach flower essences- These are Cherry Plum (for feelings of desperation), Rock Rose -(to ease terror), Impatiens - (to soothe irritability) , Clematis - (to counteract the tendency to drift away from the present), Star of Bethlehem (to address the mental and physical symptoms of shock)

Together these flower essences can make a safe sanctuary for your mental state. It should be taken when you feel a need to be rescued or you are unsettled. Instead of using a clonezepam or an ativan, try rescue remedy. It can be used after an argument with a life partner, friend or family member. It can be used after a loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or loss of self.

Upon reading I have found that Rescue remedy is the only Bach Flower Remedy that is usually taken neat, straight from the stock bottle. Put 4 drops directly under the tongue. repeat dosage if needed. If you do not want it directly on your tongue you can put in a water bottle and sip for the entire day. I find it great for soothing pets if they are anxious or nervous. It is safe for children.

There are even creams that have rescue remedy in them. These are used for sunburns, cuts bruises and scrapes. It can be added to a skin wash, and some homeopaths add it to a poultice.

Try Rescue Remedy...It works

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 27, 2011 CHIVALRY AND SEX HERBS

2011-12-26T09:19:00.000-08:00

"SHED PEACE, NOT DISCORD, WHERE EVER YOU GO."

It sounds so good, but it seems not to be for today. So much has changed since I was growing up or even since I was dating. There used to a be a time when a man would fall head over heels in love with someone because that person glanced their way. It was sort of like "One Enchanted Evening". One would go above and beyond to try to woo the person of their desire, courting them with romantic dinners and plays and even sending flowers. You would hope that both individuals involved would create a picturesque image of chivalry. Whatever happened to chivalry? Or better as stated in Chicago, "What ever happened to Class?" It seems dead especially in a city like New York City. Every person has a computer or an iPAD. Just look at how many cards you receive by BlueMountain or another website. There is nothing wrong with that but what happened to card and letter writing?

I have seen many in the gay community not date in person anymore but date on Adam4Adam,

Grinder, Scruff and other websites. Is it about dating anymore? Or just about hooking up? I talk to many young patients , including my own children and dating has changed drastically. When I was dating I imagined a perfect life; a nice apartment/house, dogs, and children. For me what sounded like a perfect life STILL is a perfect life. Well there is no such thing as perfection. Dating is difficult.

If your dating life is not perfect, there is one common attempt to cure it: the anti depressant or the anti anxiety medication. These psychological medications can really throw off a great date when they affect sexual function. I see this especially in the male population. Factors like alcohol, the wrong foods, caffeine and definitely illicit drugs can also affect your sex drive.

For the male individual there are certain herbal remedies to ward off the problem. DO NOT stop your medications without talking to your doctor and doing it properly. It would be great if men would take the time to read, research and brew a cup of Damiana tea, but in today's ever popular quick fix world this will not happen. If a man cannot take the time to really date what makes him likely to boil water for a cup of tea? The quick fix is in a herbal pill like:

1. Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) - this herb has been used in Asia for thousands of years with great success. It boosts libido, and even treats erectile dysfunction. Is is easier to get cialis or Viagra? Sure it is but look at the side effect profile and the cost! Horny goat weed dilates blood vessels, increases sensitivity in nerve ending (of the penile vessels) and raises adrenaline levels. This is what one needs. A natural approach...

There are others like

Tribulus, Panax Ginseng, and Damiana.

There is also Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) - this herb is named for the Malaysian god known for sexual prowess. In this culture it is used as a daily tonic and for longevity. Maybe you should find some...

So when you find the person of your dreams, go have a cup of tea (not necessarily the above herbs) and take a stroll in the park. Tell him/her you love him/her Respect him/her.

For me, I aim to spend every day for the rest of my life falling in love all over again with the same man... and I do.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 26, 2011 STAR OF BETHLEHEM

2011-12-26T06:28:00.000-08:00

"Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts."

-Janice Maeditere

I love opening gifts. There is something about carefully untying the ribbon (I save the ribbon) and tearing the paper (I do not save the paper anymore) that is exciting. This year was about family and friends. I wanted all the my immediate family to be together. Whether it was Christmas Eve or the Day, we were all there. It meant a lot to me. It warmed my heart. I had the love, support, and guidance of my partner, Rick who made sure everything was as perfect as it could be. Bless his heart.

In bloom in late spring are these delicate white flowers related to the Lily family...

They have six pointed stars - It is called Ornithogalam umbellatum, also known as the Star of Bethlehem. I have only seen these flower once while studying in England in the 1980's. I had a friend, Kate at the local hospital in Kingswinford who showed me the Stars in bloom in her garden.

Kate said to me that this flower is used for peace and comfort. Her mother used it when the children had fallen and were in a crying shock. It is basically used for the shock of bad news, of loss, of an accident and sometimes even of being born. (although I do not quite get the last use)

It is in a common Bach remedy which I have used called Rescue Remedy. When my white Maltese, Cary and Grant were puppies I used it on them as they crossed the Bay on the Ferry to the Pines. I didn't want either dog to get upset. They didn't and slept the whole 20 minutes.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 24, 2011 ULMUS FULVA

2011-12-23T15:03:00.001-08:00

"Enjoy the journey , you are here for a reason."

The journey has been rewarding. Sometimes not as happy as I would like, but it is not me controlling the situation. In the last seventeen years of sobriety at times I have felt like I was on a roller coaster. I have been challenged . Or is life but a ball of twisted yarn?

I know the reason I am here on Mother Earth. I am here as a messenger of the healing arts. I am healer, more than a doctor. I am Red Star Man. Thank you, Amanda. More to come on this topic. I believe in the old fashioned way of healing. Not only the blood work, the prescriptions, and modern scans, but the holding of a patent's hand. The intimate touch when a patient starts to cry. The discussion of their children and grandchildren and their life thirty or forty years ago. This is medicine.

So my journey has been very rewarding.

The inner bark of a small tree is a extremely useful remedy for most inflammation especially the digestive tract. It is usually sold as a powder. It is Ulmus fulva, known as Slippery Elm. I usually combine is with other digestive teas as chamomilla, meadowsweet, and catnip. I use it for indigestion, stomach ulcers, food allergies, bloating, and diarrhea. You can use slippery elm combined with a powdered probiotic in water. I would not suggest putting slippery elm and the probiotic in milk or juice.

It is a soothing herb with mucilagious properties. I would use 1 teaspoon in water three times a day for digestive issue. If in the city, go to Flower Power on East 9th street or order it online at http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 23, 2011 THE STUDY OF BUTTERFLIES

2011-12-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

"The quality, not the longevity, of one' s life is what is important."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

I am prepared to die. The quality of my life in the last ten years and beyond have been amazing. I may have at one time had quantity of abundance- money, clothes, and other material items

but today I have abundance of love, sincerity, friendship, support, kindness and generosity. Oh, yes I have trust.

This is what is important to me today.

A butterfly is a mainly day flying insect of the order Lepidoptera which includes butterflies and moths. How could you not love a butterfly? A butterfly represents freedom to me. I was sad when my next door neighbor collected butterflies and mounted them on cardboard by pinning their wings. I felt sad for the butterfly. Not many individuals collect moths as most moths are not as pretty as butterflies.

There are three super families of butterflies- true butterflies, skippers and the moth-butterflies. The earliest known butterfly dates back to 40-50 million years ago.

What prompted me to write about butterflies are the beautiful photos above. These are from colleague/mentor, 7song while on his herbal trip to Nicaragua The knowledge that this one man has is beyond reproach. His love for nature is exhilarating.

A great hobby is getting to know the butterflies of your area. I would not advise collecting them as some butterflies are becoming extinct. This is due to pesticides and environmental changes. There is great polymorphism among the same species, each showing differences in appearance. I am only beginning to learn about butterflies and I find them fascinating.
Remember butterflies are like honeybees--they pollinate (some moths do also)

Thanks to 7song:

Left top photograph: Banded Peacock

Right top photograph: Glass winged butterfly

Left bottom photograph: Great Spangled

Right bottom photograph: Dot-colored Skipper

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 22, 2011 - A PAIN IN THE NECK...

2011-12-20T15:44:00.000-08:00

"Challenges arise to make us aware of our inner purpose." Deepak Chopra

As I sit here I am reflecting on the challenges I had to face when I was younger. I knew I always wanted to be a healer. I wanted to heal animals, but when faced with a challenge I sought to heal the human being- physically. I came to the realization that I cannot heal physically, without healing both emotionally and mentally. I had to incorporate more than one healing modality into my practice. I actually incorporate many in the care of one patient.

Only when life became sober, not only in abstinence but in honesty did I truly begin to heal myself and others. I had other challenges within myself that I had to deal with. Those were frightening at that time, and unfortunately I could have done a better job, but I learned life's lessons. Today I welcome a challenge. I love challenges in cases within the medical field. I also know I have my limitations in many of the conventional modalities. Therefore I use other modalities. Any challenge I face today further awakens and strengthens my inner purpose in life. These are the challenges I stress to younger individuals in my life whether my son, daughter, family, friends and younger patients within my practice. I always pray for challenges.

The neck is particularly vulnerable to problems which can include but are not limited to cervical osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, neck rigidity, locked or stiff neck and neck swelling.

I do see many older patients with degenerative arthritis of the spine especially the neck and lower back . In the younger patient I usually see a locked neck which is over strain of ligaments or muscle spasms caused by an awkward or sudden movement. It can be caused by an unusual position while sleeping

Some of us can take an aspirin, anti inflammatory, or a pain killers for the pain. Local heat does help tense muscles. If the pain is associated with nerves I usually ask the patient to drink celery juice. If I use an essential oil to be massaged into the area to ease the discomfort, I recommend rosemary.

There is one herb you may not think of using for pain as it has been associated with depression. This is St. Johns Wort . I feel this herb has been given a 'bad rap'. It has sedative and painkilling properties and can be drunk as an infusion or even applied to the area. To reduce inflammation I love ginger, white willow and vervain.

My homeopathic friends/colleagues usually recommend the fresh black root from the plant Cimicifuga racemosa. (see photo above)

Search for these remedies as a 'pill' is NOT always the answer.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 21, 2011 POMANDER FOR THE ELDERLY

2011-12-20T06:14:00.000-08:00

"WE are always given exactly what WE need at the moment."

It is not in my time or your time. Things happen when they happen. I wish I could sometimes have things in my time or at least at a faster rate, but I cannot. I have come to the realization that life is on life's terms. I know in my heart I am always given what I need at that moment. It just happens that way! I believe it is my daily meditation practice that enhances this spirituality.

Many elderly people feel a sense of worthlessness as they age. I believe it is the younger generation that needs to help them NOW, not later. Older people feel that they no longer matter to others . This is absolutely not true for me. I cherish old people. I have learned a lot from old people. If you start a conversation with them, you will find that older individuals certainly have purpose and/or usefulness.

Do you know any old people? I know plenty (I sound like Liza Minnelli from one of her albums). But truthfully I love old people. I can discuss history, the movies, AND the 1939 Worlds Fair. You never want an older person to feel a sense of isolation. Have them participate in as many chores as they can. My grandfather (Poppy) worked until his late 80's traveling to NYC from Westchester taking the subway from the Bronx. He had a purpose to live despite the fact that he no longer had any children alive. He had his tomatoes, his work and he had us.

Sure there are anti depressants for the elderly. I prefer to treat the elderly with other disciplines of medicines like chinese herbalism, aromatherapy, homoeopathy, western herbs, flower essences and vitamins and minerals. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT MEDICINE IS TAUGHT AT THE BEDSIDE NOT IN THE CLASSROOM WHEN IT COMES TO THE ELDERLY PATIENT. This translates that doctors should talk to the patient.

I always make sure that the older person has an adequate diet every day. I make sure he/she has enough B12 and folic acid. I check magnesium, potassium and calcium in their diet. I encourage plenty of antioxidants which can help delay some of the effects of aging.

I rely on two flower essences for comfort in the elderly. One is Cherry Plum and the other is Sweet Chestnut. The former is for "fear of the mind being over strained" while the other is for the "person who is anguished and stretched beyond endurance." In the field of homeopathy I prefer Ignatia for depression from a loss. I have seen many older individuals who have lost their spouse and more upsetting is the loss of a child. I know some homeopathic remedies and utilize them as often as I can.

The amount of herbs I use for depression and anxiety vary from individual to individual. I love the nervines in this regard. I use lemon balm (Melissa officiales) borage, limeflower, rosemary and vervain.

Ginseng is an herb I use for depression. It is useful for memory and confusion as well. I am careful not to use too much ginseng in the elderly as I have seen my reverse reactions.

Two remedies I learned from an elderly herbalist include using sage and cloves for lifting the mood. Both can be used as teas or can be added to food. As far as sage, I like the taste. When it comes to drinking clove tea, I usually add some chamomile, wild flower honey and even peppermint to help the taste. I am not fond of plain clove tea.

A gift for an elderly friend: A FRAGRANT POMANDER

1. Push cloves into an Orange or grapefruit

2. Attach a piece of ribbon and hang up for them when you visit.

3. It will freshen anyone's home and senses.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 20, 2011 JUNIPERIS AND HAIR

2011-12-20T04:43:00.000-08:00

"Seek to see the good in everything that happens."

When something happens I used to see the bad side of the event. The poor me! Why me! Now I seek to see the good in everything that happens-- or at least I try to see the good. Sometimes in tragedies, death, and murder I cannot seek the good. Try to seek the good. It makes all the difference.

Juniperis communis was used in ancient Greece and Egypt to combat the spread of disease. The common name is Juniper. It is an evergreen shrub with bluish green stiff needles. Even the French used it in WW II for the same purpose of combating the spread of disease. Today I use juniper for those men with prostatitis and women with interstitial cystitis.

For three years I have been using a variety of remedies for strengthening and growing hair. My favorites are Horsetail with Fennel. I have had too many hairstyles in the last 40 years. I was reminded of this when a video was shown at my 50th birthday party. I didn't even recognize myself in some of those photos.

Here is a great hair and scalp tonic using rosemary, cedar wood and juniper.
Use10 drops of juniper essential oil, 8 drops of rosemary and 7 drops of cedarwood added to 1 1/2 fluid ounces (50 ml) or 9 teaspoons of olive oil.
Massage into the scalp before you wash it. Wrap the head in a warm towel for about two hours. Yes, 2 hours.
Wash out with a mild shampoo massaging the shampoo into the hair before you wet it to remove all the oil.
You will be amazed, refreshed and lively when you come out of the shower.

I also use rosemary and cedar wood with cypress oil for those adults and/or children with dandruff. I use 6 drops of rosemary, 6 drops of cedar wood and 4 drops of cypress oil in 50ml olive oil. Massage in and leave overnight. For the children I use half the amount of essential oils.

One thing to remember: Never use juniper for pregnant women.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 19, 2011 ARMORACIA

2011-12-19T06:17:00.000-08:00

"Blessings are the wages of your spiritual work."

If you do some spiritual work--whether meditating or praying you will reap the awards. These rewards will come in a way of blessings when you least expect it. I would suggest meditation as a lifestyle change.

Armoracia rusticana, also known as Horseradish is a member of the mustard family. Horseradish has been used for centuries in folklore medicine. I can recall my Nanny using horseradish on any rash...similar to the father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding using Windex for every cut and bruise.

I am not fond of horseradish as a spice. I find it too hot for me. Rick happens to love 'hot foods' . So does my daughter Alyssa who had a monetary bet that she could eat a teaspoon of horseradish. She did and won the bet.

Horseradish is particularly useful to clear the sinuses. It is also a powerful diuretic. Others uses of horseradish: stimulates blood flow, is an antiseptic

Some of the folklore uses which work are:

1. Apply horseradish to skin eruptions, including boils to draw out infection

2. Add small amounts of horseradish to your toothpaste for effective cleaning and cleansing of bacteria

3. For sinus relief, eat small amounts of horseradish mixed with lemon juice for effective sinus clearing

4. For edema or fluid retention eat fresh grated horseradish. This can be useful during PMS with associated edema of legs

There are some precautions if you overdue horseradish. It can cause night sweats, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

Try it.. You might like it !

Until tomorrow....

DECEMBER 18, 2011 LIVING LONGER

2011-12-18T04:29:00.000-08:00

"The Art of Living lies not in eliminating but in growing with troubles."

We all have troubles except in the Kit Kat Klub.-Joel Grey and Alan Cumming stated, "...we have no troubles here. Here life is beautiful, the girls are beautiful, even the orchestra is beautiful."

It seems that trouble must exist if you are to live. How you deal with your troubles can vary, but you still must live. When wounds are allowed to heal,the troubles get less. Time does heal everything. Growing with the troubles has made me a better man, despite the pain one must go through. I do not like having any troubles, but I am human. Remember there is no perfection only progress.

This past week my oldest patient died at age 104. Her name was Mary M. She lived in Florida with her son. Mary was a believer in complimentary health care. She took her vitamins, ate very well and exercised. Although from age 98 she didn't exercise as much she continued to read the newspaper, watch her favorite television shows (even if they had to be repeated on
DVD) and listen to the radio. She always took her vitamins. I also have many patients ages 95-99, 2 at age 100 and one at 102.

This past week a European health study was published entitled Patients of Complementary Medicine Physicians in the Netherlands Have Lower Costs and Live Longer by Kooreman, P. and Baars, EW.

Below is a summary of the study as printed by David Levine of the American Botanical Council. It was reassuring to me that I am practicing the medicine I want to practice and that WORKS.
You should reconsider always seeking a second opinion, and consider using other medical therapies.

Although there have been many studies on the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), there is very little information on whether or not it is cost-effective. In an age where cutting healthcare costs has become a priority, data on CAM's cost-effectiveness are essential. However, the authors of this study say that CAM has been an area of little interest to health economists.

To determine if CAM is cost-effective, the authors compared data on general practitioners (GPs) who had completed certified additional training in CAM after obtaining their medical degrees (GP-CAMs) with those who did not have training in CAM.

The comparisons were based on data provided by the Dutch health insurer Azivo. The database contained dates of quarterly information collected by Azivo on the cost of GP care, hospital care, pharmaceutical care, and paramedic care for 151,952 patients from 2006-2009. Data from 1,913 conventional GPs were compared with data from 79 GP-CAMs: 25 in acupuncture, 28 in homeopathy, and 26 in anthroposophic. The only outcome measure provided by the insurance company was mortality.

The authors found that patients who went to a GP-CAM had between 0-30% lower healthcare costs and mortality rates. The reason for the range was dependent on age and the training of the GP-CAM. For example, the costs were 66 Euros lower per quarter for patients aged 25-49 years whose GP-CAM was trained in acupuncture, but patients who were 75 years of age or older who saw a GP-CAM trained in anthroposophic medicine spent 405 Euros less per quarter. The lower costs for all the groups visiting GP-CAMs were primarily due to fewer hospital stays and fewer prescription drugs.

The data analysis showed that the lower costs of CAM were gender-based and socioeconomic status-dependent. For example, GP-CAMs had a larger percentage of female patients than conventional GPs and fewer patients from disadvantaged neighborhoods.

The authors state that there are several explanations for the lower costs of CAM. These include self-selection of CAMs by people who did not want aggressive treatment, undertreatment, and/or higher out-of-pocket expenses, as well as the focus on prevention and promotion of better health practices by GP-CAMs. Significantly lower mortality rates with CAM (P values not given) suggest that under treatment is not a reasonable explanation for lower costs.

The authors note that this study has important limitations which make it impossible to offer definitive conclusions on the cost-effectiveness of CAM. These limitations include the fact that all the data were from one insurer in a homogeneous Dutch region, the small number of GPs on which the authors had data, and the lack of data on costs such as out-of-pocket expenses, morbidity, work absence, subjective health, and patient satisfaction.

The authors state that further studies need to be done to determine the true cost-effectiveness of CAM. They cite three areas needing further research: "First, replication studies based on similar data sets are needed to confirm the present results. Secondly, further research is needed to determine to what extent selection on unobservable and causal effects explain the lower costs and lower mortality rates of patients with a GP-CAM. Thirdly, more research is needed with regard to the cost-effectiveness of CAM for specific diagnostic categories."

More studies need to be done. Did anyone ever consider spending more money on CAM Therapies versus increasing health care deductibles, taking care of the elderly less and less, and ever rising health care costs ???

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 16, 2011 A RADKO HOBBY

2011-12-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

"Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body." - Proverbs 16:24

Who doesn't want to hear pleasant words? We all do. I know I do. Two other beekeepers, S and J sent us this quote which I love. Beekeeping as a Hobby has been a pleasure. It is now more than a hobby. I consider it part of our lives. Rick and I read on all aspects of bee life. I have 1st edition books on Bees.

Every year we have a special chore. The chore is magical. It is in the spirit of the Holidays. It is putting up the tree with all its splendor. The splendor comes from another hobby. The hobby of Christmas Ornament collecting.

As the legend goes, the Christopher Radko Company started with the falling of Christopher’s family tree. After more than 1,000 vintage mouth-blown glass ornaments were broken to bits, Christopher tried to replace them by looking far and wide in the United States and by scouring Polish glassware markets. His quest did not produce even one replacement ornament that met his requirements, and he soon came to realize that his only option was to start completely from scratch. Armed only with his memories of his family’s ornaments, Christopher enlisted a Polish glass blower and together they went to work, trying to recreate his family’s lost heirlooms. It went so well that by 1985, Christopher was in business. Sixty unique designs debuted that year and the rest, as they say, is history.

I have been a Christopher Radko Christmas ornament collector since 1988, when my daughter Alyssa was born. Every year I add more and more Christmas Ornaments. I have a favorite- the Penguins.

Today, the Christopher Radko Company has produced more than fifteen million fine European glass ornaments and grown to encompass several additional lines of holiday décor, including Home for the Holidays—a beautiful collection of decorative holiday tabletop items and trim, including snow globes, ceramic cookie jars, tree skirts and stockings.

Despite this fantastic growth, the company’s original passion for and pride in carrying on the noble tradition of producing only the finest holiday treasures remains 100% intact: Christopher Radko Fine European Glass Ornaments are produced in Europe by a seasoned team of artists and craftsmen, many of whom have been with the company since its very inception. Each piece is meticulously crafted by hand, using Renaissance-era carving, molding, glass blowing, silver lining, hand painting and finishing processes that require both unparalleled skill and several weeks to complete. This Christmas 2011, Rick and I counted about 40 Radko's which now adorn our Martha Stewart Christmas Tree. We did add four new Radko's to the tree last night.

It has been a Holiday Hobby.

Some of our collection are now retired bulbs. I know Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Elizabeth Taylor and Love are all retired. These magical heirlooms produced by the Christopher Radko Company have brought joy and happiness to everyone who sees our tree. We will pass the collection on to younger members of the family as the years go by.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 15, 2011 FOLK REMEDIES FOR THE KITCHEN

2011-12-14T05:30:00.001-08:00

"What is difficult alone is always eased in a partnership."

I cannot describe how I would feel doing what I do everyday without the loving, compassionate and truthful support of a life partner. My days vary every single moment. The days can be filled with laughter, tears, sorrow, anger and sadness. It depends on what I have to discuss with a patient. The years in practice never prepare one for telling another individual that he/she may have a life-threatening disease. I get to vent out my frustrations at home with someone who listens attentively. He might comment now and then. I have to learn to listen more attentively when he tells me something. It sometimes takes me an hour before my head can clear. The knitting or needlepoint usually calms my thoughts on the day. I wish a loving partner for all!

Some of us want to have antibiotics in the medicine cabinet--just in case. I feel everyone should have a home healing medicine cabinet. There can be an Ayurvedic medicine cabinet, a Chinese herbal medicine cabinet, an aromatherapy medicine cabinet and finally, my expertise, a western herbal medicine cabinet. There are two shelves in my hall closet filled with tinctures and dried herbs. My herbal closet has the following herbs (and a lot more):

1. Elder - for cough/sore throats

2. Meadowsweet - for indigestion

3. Stinging nettles - for sinus congestion

4. Valerian - for stress

5. Skullcap - for tension

6. Echinacea - for cold/flu and congestion

7. Chamomile - for nervous stomach and sleep

There is another type of medicine cabinet that has passed on from generation to generation even within your family. This is the traditional home or Folklore Remedy Medicine cabinet or "Kitchen cabinet"

1. Garlic - fresh garlic should be in every household. This is great for intestinal infections

2. Wild flower honey - As a beekeeper I find this essential. It is great for the flu. Great for sore throats, and can be applied to cuts and scrapes.

3. Celery - For those individuals with always feeling he/she has to go to urinate. This is called cystitis. You can use fresh celery or celery seeds. A colleague uses celery for headaches.

4. Cabbage leaves - great to apply to infected hair follicles, boils or carbuncles. The cabbage draws out the infection. Place a gauze pad over the fresh cabbage leaves over the wound. Cabbage can be crushed and applied as poultice to a hot swollen joint. Useful for the gouty joints too.

5. Cinnamon sticks - It is very useful for the patient with an unstable blood sugar . It is also used for colds and indigestion.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 14, 2011 YOU ARE A CORN IN MY SIDE

2011-12-13T06:59:00.000-08:00

"Living without HOPE is like burying oneself." - Buddhist quote

Hope is essential. We all need to have hope. Hope that the world will get clean. Hope that this financial crisis and economy will change. Hope that you will get better. What is the world without hope? I do not think having hope is bad. I think that it is healthy. Your hope must be realistic!

Have hope!

Have you ever had a callus or corn on your big toe? Most calluses occur on the hands and feet. Construction workers have an increased incidence of callused hands. Dancers have calluses on their feet especially by the big toe (hallux). A callus or hardened and thickened area of skin occurs as a result of constant friction. The skin cells respond to friction by reproducing-- which results in the hardened skin. A callus on the toe joint of a dancer or on you from a new pair of shoes is very painful. The pain is caused by the pressure on the nerve endings. I have seen soft corns appear between the toes but these are not as painful. Women who wear high heels often get calluses.

Of course, there are more women who get pedicures than men, but men should have pedicures just as often if they are prone to calluses. A traditional home remedy for the corn or callus is painting it with fresh lemon juice. Lemon is a blood purifier, helps the body to expel toxins and is very useful for skin calluses. I find fresh lemon and juice especially useful for infections, insect bites, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, mouth ulcers, gallstones and restless leg syndrome. I find fresh lemon juice excellent for halting skin infections. I forgot to mention for bladder and kidney infections. I have also tried vinegar on calluses with some success.

To ease nerve pain I find the essential oil of tea tree to be beneficial. You can also increase your intake of Vitamins A and E. My colleagues find it comforting to bathe in 4 tablespoons of mustard seeds. In ayurvedic practices mustard reduces pitta and kapha, with a neural effect on vatha. Many use mustard seeds (Brasscia nigra) rectified with alcohol as a lotion for arthritic joints. The mustard foot bath will also clear blood congestion in the head (great for headaches and migraines) . It also lowers fevers in the start of any infection.

Get a pedicure today...I had mine last night

Know your pedicurist...

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 13, 2011 EJACUALTION

2011-12-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

The success of love is in the loving--it is not in the result of loving -

Mother Theresa

We all should know more about the 4 letter word - love. We all have said it too many times in life. Maybe when we shouldn't have always said it when we did and maybe we have not said it enough at other times. It is how you love that counts! Is your love compassionate? Does it involve discussion? Does it involve touch? Think about when you use the word ' LOVE'... Think it over.

For men, an orgasm is usually accompanied by ejaculation. As men get older the ejaculate becomes less if at all. It is not as thick as it used to be. It almost can be like water. How many sperm do you think is in a single ejaculate ? The answer is 300 million. Of course the amount of sperm gets less as you get older.

Ejaculation is a two step process. I 'love' saying that! In the emission phase, the seminal fluid accumulates in the bulb of the prostate. Depending on the type of sex men are having this can be felt as a swelling of the prostate. The the expulsion phase the neck of the urinary bladder closes to ensure that no urine will mix with the semen. At the same time the muscles of the penis and penile urethra contract to force the semen out. This phase can be quite 'verbal' for the man depending on the force of the ejaculation (and the age of the man).

As you get older you might experience a dry ejaculation where you feel as though you are having an organism, but no semen is forced out. This can be due to medications, stress and illness. This is commonly observed in my practice in patients on anti-depressants especially celexa, zoloft and paxil.

Most of the cases of ejaculatory problems are psycho-social in origin. Usually there is no physical problem. The psycho social problem is that the man could feel sexual failure with his partner, male or female, but has no problem with another sexual partner. This is commonly the case with gay men. Sometimes after years of being together, the sex is too stagnant. I sometimes deal with men that have premature ejaculation. This often happens when there is initial penetration or very soon after.

The question is would you prefer a dry ejaculation or a premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is usually the sign of performance anxiety. I commonly see this in younger men. There are rare occurrences of no ejaculation. This can occur in men who overindulge (constant or daily masturbation), inadequate stimulation of the penis or age.

Remedies can be varied. I believe that a psychologist should be involved. The male should try to avoid caffeine or stimulants in any form. There should be an increase in the intake of B vitamins. I usually suggest a B50 or B100 multivitamin. Eat oatmeal (always steel cut) as all oatmeal contains thiamine, an essential B vitamin. For the male who loves aromatherapy - mix bergamot in sweet almond oil and refresh the air with a vaporizer. There are three herbs which I recommend to drink two to there times a day. There should be a blend of Valerian, lime blossom, and skullcap. These are the herbs which will calm the nerves. For the men with premature ejaculation, there is a flower essence called Gentian which I find useful for those with a sense of failure.

Until tomorrow...

DECEMBER 12, 2011 INSECURITY

2011-12-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

"One day at a time, WE walk out of the darkness into the LIGHT."

No this is not a quote from Poltergeist. We all have problems in our own way. Some are more difficult than others. Some of us have been in the darkness for so long that we do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. It will happen one day. The light or 'life' will happen but not on your terms. Nothing is on our terms. We have to let go of that. It is when it is right for us to accept what is right for us. Some of us have lived in a fantasy world. Are you in the dark because you are insecure or have a low self esteem? There are solutions!

Insecurity is a feeling that affects each one of us at one time or another. It can be triggered by physical, social, or emotional factors. In today's time, financial insecurity is most prevalent. This insecurity induces anxiety. There was a time years ago when I felt insecure. My entire perception of my own competence and self worth were thrown off and I questioned everything. Today I do not question my ability in medicine, nor the intuitive sense I have for healing. This is my G.O.D. chosen profession. Every day is not perfect, but it is a process of progress through the years. This insecurity lasted for a while and I turned to a variety of things to alleviate the low self esteem. Those 'other things' got me in trouble. I knew I needed to change. I did not want the chronic low self esteem to cause depression or lack of confidence. There are many remedies excluding synthetic drugs. There are twelve step programs, psychotherapy, exercise, meditation and yoga. There are uplifting herbs for the body. These include rosemary, lavender, damiana, and valerian. If you are not taking conventional medications I urge you to drink this infusion three times a day.

I feel a vaporizer in the room at night with jasmine and marjoram will lift the mood. I have seen it improve mental outlook and clarity and even boost self image. But this alone will not suffice. You need to completely change your dietary and exercise lifestyle.

I have seen one of my homeopathic colleagues use Ignatia for insecurity which is stemming from a cause. An example would be a loss- from either death, ending a relationship or even a job. Pulsatilla is great for those who are tearful.

Suggestion: Vaporize marjoram to cheer you up. I also like a little peppermint to lift my spirits.

Until tomorrow...