October 16, 2010 IF I KNEW YOU WERE COMING I'D BAKE A PIE

" One of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is to listen to each other's stories." -Rebecca Falls

I do not think as human beings we listen enough to each other. Sometimes I think people turn others out. In a way I do that when listening to drama. I had enough drama this summer with a volunteer position, that I have had enough for a lifetime.
As a health care practitioner, I listen. More can be said of one's illness if you listen to the patient rather than examining the body. Patients tell me their diagnosis by listening to their stories. I love patient stories. I feel I can gain more knowledge of the patient as a person than any other way. I love to ask about their previous jobs. I ask about their childhood and growing up in their hometowns. I ask just about anything. Then I sit and listen. Sit and listen. Have you ever asked a question and just listened to the answer ? To sit and listen is empowering. Just to have the ability to sit and listen is an accomplishment. I must clear my mindof any thoughts and focus on the person that is talking. Do you find that difficult ? Medicine is an art. Listening is an artistic skill. I do not know how you learn it but it does take practice. Practice listening to another person and not moving, nor fidgeting, or speaking. You will see it is an art.


Today, Ithaca was cold, but not rainy. It is art to be a herbalist. To monitor and adjust formulas. How much and how often, respectively called frequency and quantity. While we walked with wildcrafting papers in hand, we got to taste edible wildflowers and wild plants. At tis point in the season there are few to taste, but I did taste a crab apple, which tasted sour and other berries. I do have 8 favorite edible wildflowers which I will share with you.
1. Elder (Sambucus canadensis)
2. Wild carrot , Queen Anne's lace ( Daucus carota )
3. Mint ( peppermint, spearmint ) ( Mentha spp. )
4. Dandelions ( Taraxacum officinale )
5. Hawthorn ( Crataegus spp)
6. Evening Primrose ( Oenotera biennis )
7. Garden Sorrel ( Oxalis spp )
8. Cattail ( Typha latifolia)

I love to learn. My happiest monments this summer have been in the woods of Ithaca collecting herbs. To make a tincture, or formulate one is an art. Sharing different frmulations with friends and colleagues is a great way of learning. Since we all are worrying about the flu, I want to share an herbal secret formulation.
It is combining 5 herbs:
1. Oregon graperoot
2. Yarrow
3. Marshmellow
4. Meadowsweet
5. Licorice
I have discussed 4 of the 5 herbs in this blog. I ave never discussed Oregon Graperoot. Oregon-grape, Mahonia aquifolium, Berberidaceae) is an evergreen shrub related to the barberry. Some authors place Mahonia in the barberry genus, Berberis.The alkaloid, berberine is the useful medicine in the plant.Oregon-grape root is commonly used medicinally as an effective alternative to the threatened goldenseal. Both plants similarly contain the alkaloid berberine, known as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial used in the treatment of infection. The Oregon-grape is not closely related to grapes, but gets its name from the purple clusters of berries whose color and slightly dusted appearance is reminiscent of grapes. It is sometimes called Tall Oregon-grape.

Herbalism is an art. Cooking is an art. Since I do not know a cooking dish I could make with Oregon grape, I decided to give you a recipe of another berry. Rick is the chef of the family.Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is to prevent and treat colds and flu.The elderberry flower contain rutin, quercetin and other bioflavinoids. These are important antioxidants.
ELDERBERRY -APPLE PIE
Ingredients:
2 cups elderberries
1 cup blackberries
2 cups cooking apples
3 tablespoons of brown sugar ( not for the diabetic)
1 egg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon almond flour ( FOR THE GLUTEN FREE )
3 tablespoons of butter
1 9-inc store bought gluten free shell

Mix the berries and apples, stir in the brown sugar. You can use maple syrup if desired. Add in the egg, nutmeg and cinnamon. Pour al the contents in the pie shell crust. Pinch in the flour and then pour the butter over the filling. Bake pie at 325 degrees for 45-55 minutes.
Hmmmmmm. Have with a cup of neetles tea.

Until tomorrow...
Top photograph: Elderberry Pie
Middle photograph: Elderberry
Bottom photograph: Oregon-grape

October 15, 2010 HAIR, HORSES, HAIR AND MORE HORSES

" Mistakes give us experience. Without them going forward is almost impossible"

" I think we all wish we could erase some dark times in our lives. But all of life's experiences, bad and good, make you who you are. Erasing any of life's experiences would be a great mistake.” - Luis Miguel

Who hasn't made a mistake. I can think of many. I didn't think they were mistakes at the time but in retrospect, there were mistakes. I do not like to admit them but I must. The old skeletons or my mistakes must not be forgotten, because I wouldn't be where I am today if not for them. Can you think of your mistakes ? Where would you be without your mistakes? Would you be repeating the same behaviors? Learn from your mistakes. Can't you just hear your father or mother saying this to you. If you cannot think of your mistake, ask your closest friend or partner. I am sure he/she will remind you ! I used to view a mistake as a failure. It would depress me and further lower my self-esteem. I would be ashamed. Wow, life is so different today. I am blessed. I am sure you are blessed. Maybe you never thought of being blessed with your life and the mistakes you have made. The stepping stones of your life--Your Mistakes.

In discussing any topic before considering herbs, one must look at the dietary lifestyle. This is crucial. When thinning hair or hair loss strikes something is out of whack. Listen to your body. I have seen hair loss happen after delayed stress from an event(s) that are traumatic. Have you had a raumatic event ? Think about this-- loss of a loved one, a relationship ending, surgery and a physical or mental illness. You think it is your thyroid. You go to the doctor. He is very astute as he does all thyroid testing including Free T3, Free T4 as well as thyroid antibodies. It is not your thyroid. This is great news. I should tell you that hair loss due to stress is completely reversible. Perhaps you need stress reduction techniques as yoga, new meditation practices and any new hobby to your daily regimen. The main cuprit is what you are eating. Remember Marion Nestle's statement, " You Are What You Eat" You need a balanced diet rich in B vitamins for your hair especially biotin and folic acid. If you do not now by now what foods contain these B vitamins--read this: leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale. Feed your hungry hair with protein. It doesn't have to be animal protein. You can get protein from fish, eggs, beans, nuts and soy. Not peanuts ( as peauts are yeasty) Igf you want lean protein-- you can also do that. Protein builds keratin--which is the hair's outermost layer. You also need to build collagen. You do this by increasing your doses of Vitamin C. It helps splittng and breakage. Sugar feeds yeast. Yeast is a fungus. Many scalp fungal infections affect hair growth. Now once you cleaned the diet you can try essential oil scalp treatment with german chamomille and lavender. On a personal note, I have been using Horsetail ( Equestrium arvenese)in topical application as well as oral ingestion. I also have added Fennell seeds to my salad. I do as a routine take MSM at a dose greater than 3,000mg ( 3 grams) My own hair growth is amazing. I feel better and look younger with hair. I am letting it growth long.
I also test for heavy metals in the body when hair starts to fall out. I check the heavy metals by blood and a provocative urine challenge. You would surprised at the results int hose with hair thinning or loss.
Diet- First, Stress reduction- second, Third,- Supplements and Herbs, 4th- you do NOT have to visit Trichological Center
My idea of relaxing is riding through a field with my hair blowing in the wind.
Until tomorrow...

October 14, 2010 Antioxidant Use and Cancer

Human beings are made of body, mind and spirit.
Of these, spirit is primary,
for it connects us to the source of everything,
the eternal field of consciousness."

and that....
"Each of us is here to discover our true Self...
that essentially we are spiritual beings
who have taken manifestation in physical form...
that we're not human beings that have occasional spiritual experiences
that we're spiritual beings that have occasional human experiences. "...


I believe Chopra said it best. .So, knowing now that we are spirit incarnated on earth to discover our true Self through our physical form, and knowing that Spirit does not die, then we can understand that death is nothing to fear because it is then really only a transition and a 'return to home', A return to the God of his/her understanding. Do you ever think about dying? What do you think when a loved one is dying? Did he/she suffer ? Think about your life. How we live our lives here and how we think about ourselves and our life can be liberating and empowering. If you were to die tomorrow, can you say that you lived a full life and that you impacted positively on the lives of those around you? Has a parent impacted their children and how their children raise their own children? Would there be any regrets of things left unsaid or undone? Although I do not always like to discuss death with anyone let alone family--it is my occupation--my God chosen profession. If I am able to be of service to another human being in times of undue or untimely stress, then I shall be present. If I could comfort in any way to ease the pain, then I shall be present. If I could just be present without uttering a word, then I shall be present. Those that finally have the chance to end their suffering, we should rejoice and be rest assured he/she would not have wanted to live in misery, without the ability to speak, touch, see, hear nor converse . May the God of your understanding comfort you . Personally for years I held onto an image of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation of a parent and failed at my duty as a son and as a physician. This image haunted me for years. I had no one to discuss it with. It was my demon or skeleton in the closet. Years later, I had the insight as a sober man, son and physician to let this image go. It was very liberating and empowering. It allowed me to move forward , mentally, physically and spiritually. Time heals everything…


" It is actually our imperfections that connect us to one another as human beings and make us who we are."Rarely do I ever put an article on my blog. However the topic on antioxidant use and cancer still remains controversial today. There are risks and benefits. I want patients to be informed. I do know that a patient should make his/her own decisions but all the 'cards' should be laid out on the table. There are numerous studies to the benefits of accupucture, meditation, energy medicine, herbs, supplements, the correct diet, exercise and yoga in supporting cancer. This article is from the American Botanical Council.


Date: 10-15-2010 HC#051046-410

Re: The Controversial Benefits and Risks of Antioxidant Use during Cancer Treatment

Ladas E, Kelly KM. The antioxidant debate. Explore. March-April 2010;6(2):75-85.

There is a vigorous debate in oncology over the use of antioxidants concomitantly with chemotherapy and/or radiation. Estimates of patients who use antioxidants to enhance anti-cancer activity of conventional therapy or to minimize adverse side effects range from 13%-87%, yet there is little information on effects of such supplementation and an apparently significant potential for harm in some situations, according to the authors.
One issue is that some types of chemotherapy (e.g., anthracyclines, platinum-containing complexes, and alkylating agents), as well as radiation therapy, exert anti-cancer effects at least in part through generation of free radicals, intended to attack cancer cells. If antioxidants protect cancerous cells as well as normal ones from free radicals, they could reduce treatment efficacy.
On the other hand, antioxidants have many different mechanisms of action which may result in varying risks. Similarly, not all chemotherapy agents rely on free radicals, thus may be less susceptible to antioxidant interference. Plasma antioxidant levels are lowered in both chemotherapy and radiation therapy and in conditioning regimens prior to stem cell transplants. Some studies suggest that an antioxidant-poor diet underlies many diseases, including cancer. Adjunctively, antioxidants may protect normal cells and allow lower doses of chemotherapy drugs to be used. Antioxidants used properly during cancer treatment may themselves exert anti-cancer effects, as well as mitigate unwanted side effects.
Of the two main types of antioxidants, enzymatic and non-enzymatic, most non-enzymatic compounds are obtained orally. Normal dietary levels of antioxidants should not interfere with cancer therapy. Bioavailability of antioxidants varies with source, mode of administration, and form. Genetic variation in humans also complicates studies of antioxidant use during cancer therapy, as well as the success of free radical-reliant therapies.
Few clinical trials have addressed antioxidants as anti-cancer agents. A systematic review found six studies of antioxidants’ effect on cancer reoccurrence and survival rates. Two reported a survival benefit with antioxidant use; one reported short-term, but no long-term, benefit. Three found no benefit. Of single antioxidant supplements studied, oral vitamin C produced no survival benefit in two double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs); however, more recent studies found that levels toxic to some cancer cell lines can be achieved with intravenous vitamin C. Adjunctively, intravenous vitamin C was found useful in a phase II study of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Melatonin, an endogenous antioxidant hormone, stimulates apoptosis, reduces tumor growth factors and endothelial growth factor, and is anti-inflammatory. A systematic review suggests that melatonin may improve survival in solid tumor cases. Adjunctively, adding melatonin to interferon in 22 patients with progressive metastatic renal cell carcinoma was associated with remission in seven and stable disease in nine more. Positive results were also seen when melatonin was added to irinotecan in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Combinations of antioxidants have been examined in some studies. While no RCTs have reported significant benefits to date from any combination, a study is underway in women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, using vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene, and vitamin A, exploring reports of prolonged remission with this combination.
Several studies, but few RCTs, have examined use of antioxidants for supportive care. Cachexia is often seen in cancer treatment, associated with depleted intracellular glutathione (GSH) and increased oxidative stress. Supplementation with a GSH-repleting agent or precursor, or with antioxidants, may prevent or relieve this cancer-related wasting condition. Cardiomyopathy, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity leading to hearing loss are adverse side effects of particular chemotherapies that may be alleviated with antioxidant supplementation; however, studies so far are inconclusive. In women being treated for ovarian cancer, antioxidant supplementation produced higher neutrophil counts and fewer adverse side effects. Vitamins C and E improved plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels in women with resectable breast cancer.
There are now a few antioxidant pharmaceuticals specifically protective against chemotherapeutic damage. These agents benefit from the evidence of preclinical studies and clinical trials that have not yet been performed on most antioxidant supplements.
Even in radiation, which produces its anti-cancer effects largely by generating free radicals, antioxidants may play a positive role. Small trials have examined supplementation to prevent proctitis, tissue induration, and mucositis associated with radiation, with mixed, but encouraging, results. In female childhood cancer survivors who had received pelvic radiation, supplementation reduced fibroatrophic uterine lesions. A survival benefit was found with vitamin E and pentoxifylline supplementation in patients with stage IIIB non-small cell lung cancer. However, in a large study of head and neck cancer patients receiving radiation, supplementation with vitamin E and β-carotene was associated with less severe acute adverse side effects, but increased risk of lung cancer, leading to the early discontinuation of β-carotene.
The authors conclude that the combination of vitamin E and β-carotene should not be used with radiation therapy, and that antioxidants should be used only with caution with chemotherapy, pending additional research. They critique the lack of cohesion or comparability of studies so far and suggest a focused antioxidant-cancer treatment research agenda.

—Mariann Garner-Wizard

Until tomorrow...

OCTOBER 13, 2010 TOGETHER WITH MYRRH AND THYME

" Our lives unfold in small measures, just as small as they need to be for our personal comfort."

Thanks Karen

Our lives are always unfolding. If we let our lives unfold in large measures it becomes overwhelming. Pray and meditation is needed at all times. Prayer. Now there is a word not seen in most of our vocabulary. Who do we pray to? What do we pray for?
When praying we can be selfish and fall intop temptation for oneself. In throws of an trauma, addiction or problem, we usually pray to God to get "us out of this and we will never do it again." Sometimes he heard because those in 12 step program are still here. I have been taught to pray for others. Yes, even my enemies. I say to myself, " This one ought to be cured of his fatal malady." or " This one ought to be relieved of his/her emotional pain.' I pray for those who still have addictions, and those that might be sitting next to me . Being sober of any addiction does not release you from the -isms or the personality traits. There are some that are only sober from their vice. These prayers are fundamentally good acts. I will always pray for God's will to be done foremost for others and then for myself. My personal comfort should be small, and I want my life to unfold in tony small measures. It makes me appreciate it even more? I pray for those that are medically suffering from a disease. I pray that God spare them and their family of such suffering. Soemtimes I have to make decisions , sometimes suggestions that are difficult. In these times I pray and meditate that I am doing the best to my ability and Do No Harm.


Did you know that studies suggest that antibiotics rarely change the course of a sore throat ? If we treat every sore throat it is an open door for the patient to return for every small minor problem. I believe patients should listen to their bodies. There are many things a patient can do for themselves at home with herbs and supplements. Most sore throats are cuased by viruses. The common cold is a virus. Antibiotics are for bacterial infectiosn, not viral illnesses.

There are natural treatments with herbs and supplements for the common cold. Things that you can do:
1. Importance to rest
2. Avoid refined sugar
3. Drink as much water as possible
4. Gargle with tea made from herb, even rinse mouth
5. Use a soothing anti inflammatory tea for pain

In the past we have discussed Goldenseal ( Hydrastis canadensis ) which contains both berberine and hydrastine. Both have strong antibiotic activity. I have even found some zinc lozengers that contain goldenseal. I have also talked about Barberry ( Berberis vulgaris ). One herb I have not discussed is Myrrh ( Commiphora ssp). I like myrrh because is has both anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties. I was in awe when reading Duke's Handbook for Medicinal Plants fo the Bible. Myrrh is mentioned in various texts of the bible, but which type of myrrh. I didn't know there are African myrrh, and Abyssinian Myrrh. I hinestly do not know how James Duke picked which myrrh was being taked about in the text.
For example: You robes are all fragrant with myrrh, and aloes and cassia. From Psalms 45:8 (RSV) This is under Abssiian myrrh

or My beloved put in his hand to the latch, and my heart was thrilled within me. I arose to open to my beloved and my hands dripped with myrrh, upon the handles of the bolt. From Song of Solomon 5:4-5 (RSV). This is under Myrrh.

There are many activities or uses for myrhh and in Duke's Handbook indicated for many conditions. I have a friend who dissolves myrrh in coffee for flavor. As a tincture I have used it or recommended to a dentist for the pain of gingivitis.

One herb grown in pots on the terrace is thyme ( Thymus vulgaris). The extracts from thyme especially the volatile oil, thymol has been used against bacteria. I think it should be added to wild flower honey to make a tasty, delicious cough syrup. Wild flower honey, not clove honey has antibiotic properties. Some herbalists use Slippery Elm. Two herbs which are used for inflammation in abundance are tumeric (Curcuma longa) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale ).


For Rick, Alyssa and Gregory with prayers of love in times of strife.

TOGETHER, WHEREVER WE GO
Lyrics by :Stephen Sondheim
From the play: Gypsy


Wherever we go, whatever we do,
we're gonna go through it together.
We may not go far, but sure as a star,
wherever we are, it's together.

Wherever I go I know he goes.
Wherever I go I know she goes.
No fits, no fights, no feuds
and no egos, Amigos, together!

Through thick and through thin,
all out or all in.
And whether it's win, place or show.
With you for me and me for you,
we'll muddle through whatever we do.
Together, wherever we go.

Rick/Patrick: Wherever we go, whatever we do,
we're gonna go through it together.
Patrick: Wherever we sleep, if prices are steep,
Rick:We'll always sleep cheaper together.

Patirck: Whatever the boat I row, you row.
Rick: A duo
Patrick: Whatever the row I hoe, you hoe.
Gregory: A trio.
Patrick: And any I. O. U., I owe you-oh's?
Rick: Who, me-oh? No, you-oh.
Alyssa: No, we-oh.
All: Together!

We all take the bow
Patrick: Including the cow,
All: though business is lousy and slow.
Patrick: With Herbie's vim, Louise's verve,
Rick and Gregory: Now all we need is someone with nerve.
Patrick: Together
Rick and Alyssa: Together
Patrick: Wherever
Rick and Gregory: Wherever
Patrick: Together, wherever,
All: Together, wherever we go.

Patrick: We go in a group,
All: We tour in a troupe.
We land in the soup, but we know
the things we do, we do by threes.
A perfect team.
Patrick: No, this way, Louise!
Together
Rick and Alyssa: Together
Rose: Wherever
Rick and Gregory: Wherever
All: Together, wherever we go!

Oct 12, 2010 STEPPING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

"When you see the value of continued growth, the circumstances around you become stepping stones." - Clyde M Narrimore

Thank you, Karen

I find it difficult to see my own growth. I usually cannot see the changes that I have made in my life. Perhaps I was blinded or in denial at that time. Often when I talk to fellow 12 steppers, they comment on their changes and progress. Sometimes I do realize my growth, but I would rather be humble and not discuss it. It is so true that all of the circumstances that have come up in the last 16 years have been stepping stones. It is like I have been guided by God along this beautiful lake as pictured above. Each time I am ready to take a step there is a stone on the lake for me to stand on. The stone is my support. The stones will be there if I do the work.

Have you done the work to step on a new stone and move forward? Some of these stepping stones have been difficult. The stepping stone of letting go has been more like a ragged cliff to get up and past than a stone to step on. The letting go of loved ones who are suffering is a difficult challenge. It shows growth but at a real expense to my heart and soul. I have to deal with death and dying on a daily basis. I never get good at it. I do not want anyone to suffer. So in my own way, I let go of these loved ones physically, but never emotionally or spiritually.

This Albert Einstein quote not only appeals to me, but I believe it. I want to continually challenge myself. I want to learn more and more as I get older.
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
Albert Einstein

Mr Holmes is correct, it doesn't matter where we stand in life, but where we are going. Is the growth in the right direction.
“The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes

And finally, who could argue with Benjamin Franklin? Growth must be a process, a continuing process. He is really saying, " Progress not Perfection"

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”
Benjamin Franklin


When was the last time you took an antibiotic? Modern medicine has seen many advances during the last thirty years. Many of these advances have been technological which have led to gains in diagnosing illnesses earlier. I will tell you that integrative or alternative medicine in this country has an ever growing presence. Is it a grassroots movement? I used to ask myself this question. But at this point who cares if it is or is not. There is strong scientific basis for herbal medicine.

I have been talking for months about lifestyle changes. There is no magic pill or cure, nor one remedy to compensate for an unhealthy lifestyle. My goal is get you healthy.

Antibiotics have a place in medicine. Antibiotics have saved lives. The problem is when doctors misuse them, or use stronger antibiotics when less expensive ones can be more effective. Thus overuse creates "bug" resistance. Today we have methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, called MRSA. We also have resistant strains in treating malaria. Can an herb be used instead of an antibiotic? Under the right circumstance- YES. There are a few infections for which I would NOT consider the use of herbs as primary treatment. These include endocarditis (infection of the heart valves), meningitis (infection of the meninges of the brain), septicemia/bacteria (infections of the blood) and appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix). I am sure there are more, but these are the few that come to my mind.

For the next few days I will discuss specific conditions where herbs might have some benefit. However, as always, consult your health care practitioner.

So, let's start with a simple earache. More antibiotics are prescribed for this condition than any other. We all have had one or two as a child. Your mother calls the doctor and by nightfall you are swallowing a spoonful of a pink liquid - Amoxicillin. Your doctor has treated your otitis media. Are antibioitcs really needed in treating otitis media? The parent is scared. He/she fears for his/her child's hearing and language skills. I am not a pediatrician, but according to my colleagues, there are a lot of cases of otitis today. They contribute this to day care centers and second hand smoking. Due to large numbers of cases being present, there is an increase in antibioitc resistant bacteria. I also feel that patients expect a prescription after they see the doctor. My friends even have told me that some parents demand them and will not leave until they have Rx in hand. If you do get an Rx from the MD ask if it is a narrow spectrum or broad spectrum antibioitc. The use of a narrow spectrum antibiotic when appropriate will help reduce the evolution of resistant strains of bacteria.

Are there other choices?

1. Chewing gum relieves earaches (patient must be over 5 years old). Studies suggest gum sweetened with xylitol might reduce earaches. It is sold as Spry Gum--many flavors.
2. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) a demulcent
3. Garlic (Allium sativum)- both antibacterial and anti viral properties
4. St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has antibacterial properties, but personally I have never used for ear infections
5. Mint herbs- I love the mint family for their decongestant properties. This is why I grow peppermint, spearmint and mint all summer long. A good friend of mine uses catnip (Nepeta cataria)

In the end some infections will require antibiotics. And then there are some that DO NOT require antibiotics. Be informed. Be accepting.

Until tomorrow...

October 11, 2010 THE WORLD ACCORDING TO CHRIS

"The last of human freedoms is to choose one's attitudes." - Victor Frankl

So Choose the best attitudes to ENJOY the journey.

Life is a journey preparing us for what follows. Whether you think that will be heaven, reincarnation or a 'new life ' it doesn't matter. I am not hear to discuss belief. All that I write are suggestions. I am on a journey. My recovery journey began in 1994 and to this day still amazes me. I am still on my journey. It is a process. I am free of the demons of yesteryear. Freedoms come and go in this world. The freedoms we had when our forefathers founded this country seem better than today according to some people. Being the day belongs to Christopher Columbus, here is a quote by him:

"By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination."

Do you view your life as one big obstacle? I hope not. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns as each of us sometimes learn --wow it rhymes. I always want to be in the best mood as I tackle my journey every day. It is a life time journey. A journey that has allowed me to grow. I am fortunate to be in a twelve step program. Yes fortunate to be in recovery. It has taught me so much about myself. Some of these things I didn't want to know, but when confronted--you must deal with situations. As Columbus stated, "prevailing over distractions, one may arrive at his chosen goal or destination." What have you prevailed over recently? Do you feel you have reached your destination?


So, in your efforts to reach your destination you are sometimes moving quickly. Sometimes too quickly. Sometimes without looking. You run for the subway --YOU FALL. The art of wound healing dates back centuries. If you let the wound heal naturally you might get better results. Application of ointments or compresses actually stops or halts the healing process. No matter what anyone will say, Arnica is still the leader in my book.

Arnica (Arnica montana) from the Family Compositae also known as the Mountain Daisy holds its brilliant single yellow flower on a long stalk.

Who would ever think that this beautiful flower yields an important medical compound. It has long been valued as the herb that heals the bruises. There are many species within the family that have similar properties. It is a bitter herb that has been used in both heart and immune system diseases. Naturopathic physicians have used Arnica to treat epilepsy, traumas and throat infections.

Let's use some arnica. Go to the pharmacy or a health food store. Buy Arnica tincture in a small bottle. Add 1 tablespoon to a 1/2 liter of water. Soak gauze in liquid and apply as compress to wound. The arnica will stimulate the local circulation. Use these arnica compresses for a few days. Days later I would change to another ointment (to be discussed another day) I may over utilize arnica, but it works.

Until tomorrow...

October 9 -10, 2010 The Even Balanced Soul

“Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.” - Oscar Wilde 1854-1900


Your soul- what can be said of your soul? A profound teacher, great clinician and ready wit sums it up like this:
"The greatest gift that nature or grace can bestow on a man is the acquus animus, the even balanced soul; but unfortunately nature rather than grace, disposition rather than education, determines its existence. I cannot agree... that it is not to be acquired. On the contrary, I maintain that much may be done to cultivate a cheerful heart." - Sir William Osler


I like the fact that nature rather than grace can determine its existence, yet both can bestow the even balanced soul. Do you have an even balanced soul? Possibly it is what I believe, teach and practice - body, mind and soul (or spirit). You must look at both dietary and exercise lifestyle changes in order to start a change. These fall under the medical, but no medical issue can be discussed without the psycho-social part. The psycho-social is as important as the medical. I consider both addiction and meditation under the social, where as self-esteem, anger/resentment and self love are stress issues.

Today I want to briefly discuss meditation. It can always be further developed at any time. It has no boundaries. You can simply start by relearning breathing techniques, or you can start with CD breathing lessons. Whichever way you want to start--it doesn't matter as long as you begin. As I see it, the main purpose of meditation is to improve your conscious contact with the God of your understanding.

I have a daily responsibility to God: my meditation and prayer. I had a responsibility this weekend to be with my partner and his parents. I take my responsibilities very seriously. Do you take yours seriously? My heart swells with love and happiness whenever I can do something esteemable for anyone- family, my children, friends, patients and especially Rick. As the weekend comes to a close, start by forgiving yourself and forgiving others. Put all your soul into meditation and prayer.

Making a difference in the world begins where you live. You can attend public meetings about the environment. Look at the decisions that are being made about the environment. Do you play an active role in your community about environmental issues? Two years ago, Rick and I started by informing the Fire Island community about recycling as well 'being green'. What I didn't know then is that I would want to take an active role in protecting the plant species on Long Island. I want to help others preserve the seashore. Look at the things that can be recycled and how you use and store chemicals such as fertilizers. Try composting. Composting is a process whereby plant matter is converted into a usable natural fertilizer hrough a microbial process. Not enough composting is done in Fire Island. Some of the surrounding communtities have started to compost.

Do not litter anywhere. Save the marine and plant life. I want to save the Beach Plum (Prunus maritima ), American Holly (Ilex opaca ), and Shadbush or Juneberry (Amelanchier arborea ) .

Until tomorrow...