NOVEMBER 7, 2010 LOVE AND THANK YOU

" Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learned here." -unknown


Enjoy the movie...from Ithaca with Love Rick Byrd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeFekNs-r-w


Where is here ? On Earth. On this planet. We are all born with love. It depends how we wish to express this love is how we will get through life. About eight months ago I met a group of individuals whom I feel were born with a lot of love. These individuals range from ages 22 - 50. I am the 50 year old. We all have one thing in common. The love of nature, especially plants and herbs. The professor/mentor is a unique man. He is his own man with his own beliefs and ideals. Born on Long Island in what I believe is the year 1957,1958 or 1959 he has changed the community of their beliefs of herbs. We share 'Heart' for people, and we both did not like Richard Nixon. I didn't feel that way in March 1994 when I attended former President Nixon in the Emergency Room in March 1994. When I walked up the dirt, windy path some months ago I didn't know if I would stay for the semester, nor would have anything in common with my other classmates. I was wrong. I have grown fond of everyone in the class for their uniqueness in life. From mother of three, to mother of two, to landscaper, to farmer, to massage therapist, to Planned Parenthood , to self learned reader of herbs, and to other careers and endeavors I only wished I had done when I was younger I became enamoured. I dedicate this blog to them:
Sharon, Nikki, Jackie,Leah,Lauren, Christian, Laura, Phoebe, Adrian and Paula
Thank you all for these fascinating classes, talks and sharing.
To the director, 7song: Until we meet again may your Higher Power hold you in the palm of his hands for all the good work you have done.



Let's discuss your immune system. Our whole body is geared toward immunity. You must realize that all cells must grow and what stops from making cell grow? I believe individuals can indistinctly know when their own cells have gone bad. These are caled the NK cells OR cytotoxic cells.
It is helpful to simplify immunity in order to allow you to understand it better. Immunity tries to kill what is not supposed to be there. Today more than the last 80 years we have more autoimmune diseases. There are no or few autoimmune diseases in third world countries, but more in developed countries. What is an autoimmune disease? Examples are lupus, hashimoto's, rheumatoid arthritis et al.
I often wonder how we all respond to the world and the environment around you?
Do you often wonder why you are getting sick alot ? do you have a slow immune system?
It is important instead of treating the symptoms to look at the person and ask questions. Is the individual thin or dry? Is he/she retaining water? Also I have to look at the individuals stress level. We all have stress. Some stress is more difficult to handle than other types of stress. Is there stress with your family, your loved one, your occupation, your health or is it just life. Remember it is life on life's terms. Some people love stress. These are the drama stress individuals. Stress will increase a hormone called cortisol which will then interfere with your immunity.
All autoimmune diseases have flares and remissions. As a practitioner, I feel other health care practitioners always use autoimmune diseases as a default meaning when the doctor cannot find an answer to your problem.
The conventional medical treatment for immune disorders is to suppress the immune system. In the case of autoimmune diseases, your own immune system is attacking itself.
First have your doctor try to identify triggers. For example allergies, especially food.
Second there are always constitutional symptoms. For example headache, myalgia, insomnia
Third, have your alternative health care practitioner try:
a. Gentle Liver Herbs as Yellow Dock, Dandelion, Neetles, Milk Thistle
b. Anti-inflammatory herbs as curcumin (tumeric), ginger and willow
c. Use immuno modualting herbs--

You will have to log on tomorrow

Until tomorrow...
Cut and paste the movie above. I have the most loving, compassionate partner. Watch It !

NOVEMBER 6, 2010 WHY LEAVES FALL TO THE GROUND

" Say what you mean and act how you feel, because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter." --Dr Seuss

Thanks Karen

Now how can you argue with Dr. Seuss!! I love Dr. Seuss. Today I am acting like a kid. Cutting branches in the mud, black boots (designer: Marc Jacobs )and the cold ,wet weather. I am having fun while learning. I have jeans covered in mud I don't mind -why should you ? Probably not a good example. An example: Acting silly and saying what's on my mind at a party shouldn't be a problem. For one I know I won't be drunk. If people mind what I am saying and acting silly, I know for those that mind what I am saying really--do not matter to me. In the freezer- he/she go.
Be who you want to be. It is your life. If you are acting or saying something to actively harm someone--check your motives.



It is Fall. Do you feel depressed? Is the weather dismal? What is beautiful about this time of the year. The silhouettes of trees are beuatiful. This is when all the leaves are off the trees. Look outside your window. Do you see a silhouette of the trees. I am learning to identify trees. It seemed difficult at first, but the more and more we learn and 'key' out trees the easier it gets. It is new for me and exciting. I never thought I would say identifying trees is exciting, but it is.
All plants lose their leaves. Even the wind blowing the leaves off trees is beautiful. Nature is amazing. I found out that the Ginkgo tree loses all its leaves in one day. I find that fascinating. Did you ever wonder why leaves fall off trees? It is NOT the cold, as cold is reasonable for most plant. Leaves fall off drys to prevent dessication. To prevent drying out.
Around this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, as the days grow shorter and colder, those changes trigger a hormone in leaf-dropping trees that sends a chemical message to every leaf that says, in essence, "Time to go! " It is time to drop to the ground"
Once the message is received, little cells appear at the place where the leaf stem meets the branch. They are called "abscission" cells. They have the same root as the word scissors, meaning they are designed, like scissors, to make a cut.
These cell layter is waxy. The leaves and branches also fall off to prevent breakage when the leaves get ice and snow. It is because of the weight. Leaves know this so it is better to fall now rather than when the weather gets too bad. Some trees hold onto their leaves all winter long. These are oaks and beach trees. The Ash tree has its leaves last to grow on and the last to fall off. The easiest way to differentiate trees is grouping them by opposite leaves and branches opposed to alternative leaves and branches. Those that are opposite are the Maple, the Ash, the Dogwood, the Elders, and the Horse Chestnut. The rest on the Northeast would be alternate leaves and branches. This would be the Beech and Oak.
In the book, Extreme Weather, the deep freeze of 1935-6 caused the elimination of growing Hops in Upstate New York. It as more than 5 days of weather below 20 degrees that wiped out the Hops Agricultural Industry.

Can youi tell that I am having a good, serene time.
Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 5, 2010 MAKE YOUR OWN LINIMENT

" As we walk thru life, we are building our own reference material. Make the most of it by making it mean something"


All of us have had different experiences in our lives. These are your individualized building blocks which can be used for future reference. You can always reflect on this reference material. Sometimes you do not remember these references and make the same mistakes again and again. I have been there. Have you been there and made the same mistakes ? Today I make the most of my reference material from my experiences. This Summer I definitely built a lot of reference material for the future. I have no regrets on my summer volunteer services and the donations raised. I would do it again for a different organization with different individuals. I can always use that experience for the future. My reference material is varied as should yours be. As I walk thru life we also meet different people, some become friends, and some become our extended family. I can make build reference material from these meetings and encounters. I must always remember that I am only accountable and responsible for me. I cannot control any one's behaviors or easily said, " What he /she will do?" I may not be happy or distressed on hearing something that someone will do, but in order to continue --I must let it go. What do you have to let go of. I can also do the same with 'true' family members through years of spending time with them or not spending enough time with them.


Are you feeling an ache in your back? Are your knees bothering you ? I am among the the plants and trees this weekend. It is cold, rainy and with light snow showers. I want to discuss liniments. A Liniment (or embrocation), from the Latin linere, to anoint, is a medicated topical preparation for application to the skin. Preparations of this type are also called balm. Liniments are of a similar viscosity to lotions (being significantly less viscous than an ointment or cream) but unlike a lotion a liniment is applied with friction; that is, a liniment is always rubbed in.

Liniments are typically sold to relieve pain and stiffness, such as from sore muscles or from arthritis. These liniments typically are formulated from alcohol, acetone, or similar quickly evaporating solvents. Some liniments contain counter irritant aromatic chemical compounds such as methyl salicilate, benzoin resin or capsaicin.

How much do you pay for a liniment ? Probably too much. You can make it yourself. This would be self esteem able and it will work. If you have been reading the blogs, you will know some of the herbs that are used for arthritis and muscle aches. These liniments might even make a good gift for someone. These herbal liniments are driven deeper into the skin. Some of the advantages of liniments over other herbal preparations as salves, oils, and lotions is that liniments are cleaner. No mess !
No grease. Liniments are herbs/plants in isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is three times more toxic than alcohol. It must not be drunk. Isopropyl alcohol is regular rubbing alcohol. So instead of buying witch hazel , make your own witch hazel liniment.

Buy a bottle of isopropyl alcohol.
Buy some witch hazel or arnica herb from www.mountainroseherbs.com
( Remember arnica is a genus with about 30 perennial, herbaceous species, belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae)
Cover all the herb with isopropyl alcohol.
Put in a dark closet. Every day turn the bottle upside down twice.
After two weeks, pur of into a nice square or round jar.
You now have made either arnica or witch hazel liniment.

Other herbs you can sue for liniments are cayenne, goldenseal and wintergreen.
Remember if you have dry skin, a liniment will make it dryer. The reason is that alcohol is not good for dry skin.

More medicine making tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 4, 2010 COURAGE

" COURAGE IS WHAT IT TAKES TO STAND UP AND SPEAK. COURAGE IS ALSO WHAT IT TAKES TO SIT DOWN AND LISTEN." - Winston Churchill

Courage. When I think of that word, I can't help but think of Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion from the 1939 Wizard of Oz. The lyrics are memorable.

Courage! What makes a King out of a slave?
Courage! What makes the flag on the mast to wave?
Courage! What makes the elephant charge his tusk, in the misty mist or the dusky dusk?
What makes the muskrat guard his musk?
Courage! What makes the sphinx the seventh wonder?
Courage! What makes the dawn come up like thunder?
Courage! What makes the Hottentot so hot? What puts the "ape" in apricot?


What have they got that I ain't got?
Courage is what I lacked growing up . I never would speak up on MY behalf. I always took a sitting role. Today is certainly different. I know to speak up on my behalf not only to just be heard. I speak up for my beliefs. I speak up if something is right or wrong. I speak up on advocating patient rights. I speak up on Herbal Medicine and other modalities of Medicine. I speak up if I do not like what a friend/family member is doing. Whether I change their mind, why hold back. If those I speak up to decide not to communicate with me any longer--well then so be it. I must have 'stung a nerve' or 'pushed a button." I do not maliciously speak up to hurt anybody. If you speaking up to hurt someone, then you are doing it for the wrong reason. ! I am only going to build a resentment and get angry for the future. The difference is I do not like drama, so I know when to sit down, breathe and relax. Do you have courage? Do you speak up on your behalf? Do you know when to sit down and listen? Take the cotton out of your ears and place it in your mouth and listen. The point is are you a good listener?


Do you have the courage to do Pilates?

Invented more than 80 years ago by Joseph Pilates, this series if exercises place intense concentration on your abdominal muscles. So besides having a beautiful flat stomach ( which we all want, including me) these strong abdominal muscles will improve your balance and coordination.
I am writing this as much for you as for me. I am going to try to do this for the New Year, It will allow you to do better at other exercise
Pilates works the deepest layer of your abdominal muscles to completely reshape and realign your body. I like the concept that Pilates works your body as a unit starting with the core and strengthening upward and outward. I also like the idea that during these pilate moves, I will be working my muscles through a fuller range of motion.
I must tell you about anatomy. Here is today’s Anatomical Lesson 101

1. Four (4) muscles make up the abdomen

a. rectus abdominus
b. transverse abdominus
c. internal obliques
d. external obliques

The Pilates exercise also strengthen the area below the navel which is weakest part of the rectus, despite the fact you might do crunches and weight lift.

Nine Principles of Pilates:
1. Concentration
2. Breathing
3. Control
4. Center focus
5. Fluidity
6. Precision
7. Imagination
8. Intuition
9. Integration --- the basis of my life is to integrate all disciples of medicine
BODY, MIND and SPIRIT

Benefits of Pilates:

1. A healthy supple spine
2. Better balance
3. More coordination
4. Less pain and stiffness
5. Gentle way to condition
6. Improved mental outlook
7. Increased motivation

And finally…. The Better Looking Me and You
Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 3, 2010 ACCOUNTABILITY

“ By remaining accountable for our actions, WE become masters of our own destiny “ – Yehuda Berg

"We are accountable for our decisions in our personal life
so why shouldn't we be just as accountable in our work life."
Catherine Pulsifer

"We are accountable only to ourselves for what happens to us in our lives."
Mildred Newman

Accountability breeds response-ability."
Stephen R. Covey




These actions for which we are accountable are not limited to your work life, but also your personal life. You are responsible for everything you do in life. I am responsible for the lives of people. I take this very seriously. Regardless whether your occupation is dealing with other people or not, you should be accountable , if nothing else then for yourself. You are accountable to yourself no matter what. This you should take seriously. The last quote sums it all up.

For months I have discussed lifestyle changes, herbs/plants and various medical topics. The next step in healing is exercise. Exercise is essential. It stimulates the repair mechanisms of the body. Nutrition and dietary lifestyle changes nourish and lubricate the body. You have to start moving it. You will accomplish this by exercise. In the last decade much has been written about exercise. It is the second lifestyle change in MY pyramid. This is followed by addictions, meditation, self esteem, anger/resentment and self love. The remaining 5 lifestyle changes have been discussed throughout the blog, but I will focus on each of the remaining in later days. I believe everyone should exercise. It has been shown that 30 minutes of walking on a flat surface will decrease your cardiovascular mortality risk by 37%. The problem is that more than 50% of individuals do NOT exercise.
There are many types of exercise. Any type of exercise whether it is aerobic to walking to stretching offers key benefits. These benefits range from helping your eye to combating depression. The older you get, exercise lessens. This is party due to your vision, your coordination and a busy life. I believe exercises will restore your confidence and sense of safety as you continue your normal exercise routine. I have many patients whom still run marathons. Some of these individuals are above the age of 75. We rely on vision when we exercise. There have been studies to document that some individuals rely on other sense as smell, hearing and kinestetic sense. Kinestetic means the sensation of bodily positions, presence and movement resulting mainly from the stimulation of nerve endings. I find it amazing when someone can move through or run through a dark forest or a unlit road at night without any injury. I know this person ahs used other body senses that guide them. It is almost as if that person running through the forest is blind. Can you imagine running without hesitation if you are blind? Try moving about your surroundings blind folded. Feel , touch, and smell where you are .Start to develop a new relationship with your body. What do you feel when you are walking blindfolded? Are you anxious? Are you sad? Are you happy? Eliminate the sense of vision and try to use or learn to use your other senses.

Photo Credit: Rick Byrd - Suffolk, VA - his hometown

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 2, 2010 HAPPINESS FOR YOUR SOUL

Happiness does not come from having much, but from being attached to little”



It seems that the last few days have been about happiness. Even though I pray and communicate with my beloved departed family members, today is a special day -All Souls' Day- Not only do I remember my immediate family gone- Mother, Father, Nanny and Poppy, but those family/friends that had an everlasting impression or influence in my life. Today commemorates all the faithful departed. Thoughts to Gaga, Uncle Joe, Uncle Sonny, Uncle Gep, Aunt Katie, Mrs D, Rudy B, Bruce S, Katherine M, Roy D, Dominick D, Jerry S, and Jules B.
It is celebrated today on November 2nd. In Western Christianity, this day is observed principally in the Catholic Church, although some churches of the Anglican Communion and the Old Catholic Churches also celebrate it. The Eastern Orthodox churches observe several All Souls' Days during the year. The Roman Catholic celebration is associated with the doctrine that the souls of the faithful who at death have not been cleansed from the temporal punishment due to venial sins and from attachment to mortal sins cannot immediately attain the beatific vision in heaven. In my world and life, everyone goes to a place of beauty whether or not he/she has been cleansed. If I believe the CC, then my own soul would not go to heaven for my lifestyle is not accepted. That is rubbish. I am here and directed by GOD, my Higher Power, to help my fellow man in any way I can till my Higher Power decides I am no longer needed on Earth.
Light a candle for someone today...



In healing yourself, you heal organs of your body. Every single step you make takes you or moves you close to a healthier lifestyle. When you are healthier, you feel stronger. You might a serious condition as cancer, heart disease et al but you do not have to tackle everything at once. The first step is lifestyle modification regarding dietary and exercise changes. Try the slow and steady approach. You may be a beginner at improving your diet, but do it slow.
Step 1: Lifestyle Modification
a. Dietary
b. Exercise
c. Stress Management
Step 2: Self Care
a. Supplements
b. Herbs
One good way to empower yourself is to share this blog with a friend If everyone sent this blog to someone they know we could have more than 100 followers.. Choose someone who will discuss the blog with you or talk about what is discussed. It might even be your significant other. If you send the blog to someone who does not believe in the power of self or who have heard of the options of herbs and supplements , then discussing with he/she will create more frustration and anxiety. This is not good for stress management. You need a support person in your life. He or she can keep you on track and motivate you as your continue or re start this new lifestyle.

Some important

1. Find a source for organic produce
a. despite organic please wash all fruits/vegetables with a vegetable wash/apple cider vinegar and then rinse with water. WATER by itself is not enough
2. Visit a local health food store

a. take notes
b. ask questions
c. purchase vitamins
3. Cook and eat a new vegetable each week for two months
a. now you have tasted and sampled 8 new vegetables
b. it is about variety
4. Find a healthful cook you like
a. this is the action which increases your self-esteem
5. Decrease carbohydrates
a. the simple ones like the ' white'ones
6. Reduce sugar intake

a. avoid the pink, blue and yellow packets
b. try agave
c. try wild flower honey
7. Buy local honey from your local beekeeper
8. Decrease caffeine intake
9. Improve your digestion
10.Find a health care practitioner who listens to you

Photo credit: Caitlin Bump : My name of the photograph: Night Vision

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 1, 2010 ALL SAINTS DAY

" The pleasure you get from your life is equal to the attitude you put into it."


It is gratitude not attitude. Your attitude does determine how much pleasure you get from your life. Francesca Reigler said, " Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same." Why would you work so hard to make yourself miserable ? I would rather work and make myself happy. What is happiness? Is it the first morning rain of the first spring day ? Happiness is individualistic. ! For everyone happiness is different. What gives you pleasure? It is isolating or being with people? Happiness for me last night was sitting quietly and learning to knit a hat. The dogs huddled close to me on the couch, the music softly in the background and the wind hallowed. I didn't finish the hat, but there is about 50 days left till Christmas. As you know I have admired Winston Churchill who put it best--" Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." How does your pleasure of your mind make you healthier. If you are in a good frame of mind it does keep one in the picture of health. Not wealth--more importantly health.

As a Catholic , today is a Holy Day of Obligation. It is mandatory day of prayer usually in Church. I meditated this morning and thought of all the names of the saints. My Nanny was always in Church on this Day lighting candles by all the Saint statues. I have had an affinity to St Patrick. In the years growing up- it was St. Francis of Assisi. I couldn't forget St. Luke , patron saint of Physicians. I was always drawn to the movie, " The Song of Bernadette" starring Jennifer Jones.
See if there is a saint with your name.



A plant that appears in the Bible, and that shows up on ancient edifices is the White Lily. ( Lilium candidum l.) It is a symbol of beauty, fertility and fruitfulness. It is often seen at Easter time. It is the church symbol for holliness, and resurrection. There are many paitings of Mary calling it the " Madonna Lily"

...to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. --Song Of Solomon 6:2(KJV)

There are books on the meaning of flowers. The white lily as stated above is a flower of Purity, modesty, virginity, majesty, and it's heavenly to be with you. In mythology, the white lily is linked to Juno, the queen of the gods in Roman mythology, by the story that while nursing her son Hercules, some excess milk fell from the sky creating the group of stars we call the Milky Way, and lilies were created from what milk fell to the earth.
Various cultures have used parts of the White Lily for treatment of various diseases. The pollen and the roots for the treatment of epilepsy. A tinctre of the crushed petals for bruises. For earaches , while I prefer Mullein, some suggest mashed petals with almond oil for earaches.


The Song of Bernadette is a 1943 drama film which tells the story of Saint Bernadette Soubirous, who, from February to July 1858 in Lourdes, France, reported 18visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Jennifer Jones wins an Academy Award. First time ever nominated . This has happened to Judy Holiday, Shirtley Booth and more recently
Marion Cotillard as Piaf.