CULTIVATE A CHEERFUL HEART - OSLER

May 4, 2010 Tuesday

"There are two sorts of doctors; those who practice with their brains and those who practice with their tongues."

"Faith underlies the healing in many settings"

Osler is responsible for both quotes. In the latter quote, he extrapolated--'while we doctors often overlook or are ignorant of our own faith cures, we are just a bit too sensitive about those performed outside our ranks. We have never had, and cannot expect to have a monopoly in this pancrea which is open to all, free as the sun and which may make of every one in certain cases, a good physician out of Nature's grace.'

I believe he was stating that many can cure diseases in different types of modalities, from medications to faith to herbs. I want to believe this for I respect Dr. William Osler more than any physician I have read about or studied.

Who can argue when he states "A physician needs a clear head and a kind heart"?

Today's blog continues with herbs for long term sexual vigor. I want to discuss Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) , which can stimulate the female sexual glands. See, I didn't forget about the female sex. It is an important herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is a fantastic herb when a doctor, usually an integrative doctor, states you have adrenal exhaustion. These glands, which sit on top of the kidneys, get exhausted and over-used when the individual is stressed. More adrenaline (or epinephrine) gets released when your adrenals are stressed, thus causing more anxiety and palpitations. It then pours more sugar into the blood circulation...a vicious cycle. If your adrenals are exhausted, then you are fatigued, depressed, unable to concentrate, anxious and 'run down'. The furthest thought from your mind is sex. The use of licorice can strengthen and boost the adrenal glands. Not only do females suffer from adrenal stress, many men do as well. The use of licorice is most often used in the post-menopausal female. One warning is that licorice can increase your blood pressure. Remember, I always state that herbs are drugs. Consult your health care professional before using an herb.

When you think of Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinales), what do you think of? I always think of root beer! This is because it is a flavoring in the carbonated drink, root beer. For Native Americans, it was considered a male tonic and aphrodisiac. In Europe in the 16th century, it was used to treat syphilis. I am trying to find out why but I cannot find data to indicate the possible reason. Saraparilla does contain a steroid-like compound, so you will see it in protein drinks to increase muscle mass and body mass in weight lifters or anyone who wants more muscle. There is no evidence to indicate this, nor is there any data to indicate that this herb contains a male hormone. The saponins in this herb stimulate the body's metabolism. I have seen female patients take it to increase urination when they have a urinary tract infection. I rather then use uva ursi to treat their infection.

Like the two "G" herbs yesterday - ginkgo and ginseng - Schisandra (Schisandra chinesis) is another adaptogen. It is the Chinese who have used it extensively--the men as a general tonic and sex stimulant and the female as a sex stimulant and preserver of beauty. Who wouldn't want to use it since the Chinese have had so much success with this herb? It has been studied to increase aerobic activity and stamina.

An amino acid that releases nitric oxide thus dilating the sexual organs, as the penis, is L-arginine. It is a natural Viagra. The amount of L-arginine must be as high as 6-9 grams/day. You must consume it daily and as a powder. The reason for this is that arginine is only available is 500mg capsules, so to take 5 grams you would need 10 capsules. If you have a herpes virus, L-arginine is the food fuel source for the herpes virus. The same analogy is for nuts. Nuts contain L-arginine so if you have a herpes virus (which is active) limit the ingestion of nuts.

Are there dangerous herbal aphrodisiac? Of course there are! The blog tomorrow will highlight some of these herbs. In addition to L-arginine, I would like to discuss other supplements which are more common in regard to sexuality. These include Vitamin E, B complex, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) and phenylalanine.

Until tomorrow...

May 3, 2010 KOI OF THE DAY-THE KING OF HERBS

May 3, 2010 Monday

"Friendship is essential for happiness" Rene Vallery-Radot, The Life of Pasteur, Introduction by William Osler, MD 1911.

A different quote about friends states, "The things that should accompany old age: fairly good health to the end, the unceasing interest in life, and the affectionate esteem of a large circle of friends."

My own immediate family has dwindled over the years. It saddens me at times especially around the holidays, their birthdays, my birthday and any accolades of life I have achieved that they are unable to experience physically with me on earth. Spiritually, yes they are there. I do have a large circle of friends, however I have realized those which are only acquaintances and those I could really count on.

The herbs taken regularly for long term sexual vigor include two of my favorites. I have had an affinity to the herbs beginning with the letter "G". I have published a review of both green tea and garlic in two independent journals. Another herb that has intrigued me is Ginseng (Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius ). Like many, I consider it to be the King of the Herbs - it is an energizer and revitalizer, and some consider it to be an aphrodisiac. This herb is a traditional Chinese herb. It was once found throughout China. In China, it is referred to as ren shen, meaning the essence of the earth in the form of a man. A physician, Dr. Shiu Ying Hu, translates the description in an ancient China herbal as "used for repairing the five viscera, quieting the spirit, curbing the emotion, stopping agitation, removing noxious influence, brightening the eyes, enlightening the mind and increasing the wisdom".

After reading that description, who wouldn't want some ginseng? Could I buy a lifetime's worth?

It is used as a tonic and adaptogen to replenish vital energy. The Chinese call this vital energy the qi. This is what the Chinese say increases strength, improves blood volume, promotes appetite, quiets the spirit and gives wisdom. If you enjoy reading about herbs in a not so scientific way, consider reading Herbal Pearls: Traditional Chinese Fold Wisdom: Folk stories by Miao Wen-wei.

There are three quotes by Sir William Osler I admire. If you haven't read earlier blogs, he is my hero of medicine.

1. Education is a life course. "The hardest conviction to get into the mind of a beginner is that the education upon which he is engaged is not a college course, not a medical course, but a life course, for which the work of a few years under a teacher is but a preparation."

2. Learning is Lifelong

3. Medicine is a difficult art to acquire.

There are three ginsengs: two Asian and one American (Panax quinquefolius) that are truly aphrodisiacs. The third variety, Siberian ginseng (Eleuthrococcus senticosus) is not a true ginseng, but has properties of the ginseng family. In Asia, they consider the Asian ginseng to be an aphrodisiac because it creates a surge of vitality and it revives and invigorates the body as a whole.

The next herb with "G" I admire is Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). Again, this is a vital herb to the Chinese. It has been used for thousands of years to increase sexual vitality and promote longevity. It is also used to treat a variety of ailments. Most of us know this herb for memory. It improves blood flow to the entire body. Since most diseases are caused by impaired blood circulation, this herb is used more today and researched more. I have heard someone call this herb, "the smart herb". The effect of taking this herb is gradual. Do not expect to take it for one week and have improvement in cognitive and mental function. Something I found intriguing is that this herb is the only survivor from the dinosaur era. There are fossils of Ginkgo more than 200 million years old. Now that is remarkable. Charles Darwin, another favorite hero of mine called ginkgo, "the living fossil".

Other herbs for long term sexual vigor include burdock, black cohosh, Coriander, False unicorn, and saw palmetto.

Tomorrow I want to write about Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Sarsaparilla (Smilkax officinalis).

The needlepoint above is of Koi, a king of fishes, jumping out of the water. Since this fish has vitality and longevity, I wanted to include it with this topic of ginseng and ginkgo. It was given to friends, Dale and Bill. Bill is no longer with us physically, but he is with us spiritually. He is greatly missed by all who knew him. His wit was beyond reproach. God bless...

Photo credit: Rick Byrd

Until tomorrow...

MAY: APHRODISIAC WEEKEND

MAY 1 - 2, 2010

"A mistake is only ignorant if you refuse to learn from it...or if you allow it to redefine yourself as something less than."

"Discouragement always comes at the beginning when progress seems slow. " pf

Two different quotes which I utilize often, sometimes on a daily basis. Read them again carefully. I have made many mistakes - who hasn't? Maybe they were regrets, but I made them. I have truly learned from them, and do not regard myself as ‘less than’ at this time in my life. I am sure of that. Life is full of these examples.

The second quote is quite interesting. I was discouraged when first writing this blog. It was slow for me. Once I got the format and 'knack of it', I felt much less discouraged. Learning a new hobby can be discouraging. Strive not to be discouraged. Be happy and notice your accomplishments.

This weekend was an aphrodisiac weekend. The weather was intoxicating. It can be described as humid, hot and unforgiving. But when you remember our winter, you will change your mind. We will continue discussing the herbal aphrodisiacs that must be taken before love-making (sex) but these are taken for emotional effects. The past two days were about those herbs taken for physical effects (ex: erectile difficulties).

You have heard, “Not tonight dear, I have a headache.” Commonly used in the theatre and movies as a great one-liner. If this is a recurring problem at bedtime, you can do something about it if you want. Try angelica (Angelica archangelica) as a bedtime tea. Angelica also brings on the menses, therefore not to be used by pregnant females. Another herb is Gota kola (Centella asiatica), which stimulates the sex drive, decreases depression and decreases fatigue. It must be taken, not as a one-time dose, but daily to achieve a cumulative effect.

Ancient Chinese proverb: Two leaves of gota kola a day keeps old age away. It does have a calming effect and promote mental clarity. It has been used in autistic children with beneficial results. Herbalists have used it to treat high blood pressure, hepatitis and urinary tract infections.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a type of a mint plant. It is very soothing. It relaxes the nervous system. I have used it in conjunction with the amino acid glutamine and probiotics (the good bacteria) to calm the nervous stomach. I have used it with other cardiac tonics like hawthorne, night blooming cactus and motherwort for palpitations, specifically atrial fibrillation.

Try buying the herb and making tea with it! It is tasty and gentle upon the lips. No, it is not an erotic herb but helps put you in a loving emotional state.

Vervain (Verbena officinalis) is an herb that was sacred to the Druids and others. It was once used to sweep their altars. It has been written that washing your hands in a verbena infusion will engender love in the one you touch. Wow--that is tempting. Its aphrodisiac properties are based on its ability to dispel nervousness and promote relaxation. It has other uses like relief of headache (dilates brain vessels), regulating the menstrual cycle and relieving cough and flu-like symptoms. It can even promote milk production.

Everyone wants an herb for long lasting sexual vigor. Some are said to increase energy levels and one's life span. Could these herbs be the fountain of youth? I think not! I think changing one's lifestyle to be attentive to diet, exercise, addictions, meditation, self esteem, anger/resentment and self love will achieve longer lasting effects, but adding one or two of these herbs could add to that benefit. These herbs stimulate the body's reproductive/hormonal systems. Some of these herbs-- Astragalus, Black Cohash, Burdock, Dong quai and fenugreek will be discussed in the coming blogs.

This weekend, Rick and I planted our herbal garden in pots on the terrace. Many are types of mints--spearmint, apple and peppermint. The others are basil, thyme, rosemary and parsley, which we love to use when cooking. I would recommend everyone start an herbal garden. Think of the second quote--it can be discouraging at the first, but progress will make you feel better.

The needlepoint above is my 'modern version' of Irises. Did you think of the painting called Irises? Irises is a painting by the artist Vincent Van Gogh. It was painted while Vincent Van Gogh was living at the asylum at Saint Paul-de-Mausole in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, in the last year before his death in 1890. It was painted before his first attack at the asylum.

Iris the flower is a genus of 260 species of flowering plants with showy flowers. It takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species. Along with being the scientific name, Iris is also very widely used as a common name. In North America, a common name for Irises is 'flags', while the plants of the subgenus Scorpiris are widely known as 'junos', particularly in horticulture. It is a popular garden flower in the United States and one of Rick's favorite flowers. I think that is because they grow in front of Gaga's home in Fieldale, VA.

Rick and I gave this to Dale on a significant birthday. I will have to do another type of my 'modern' Iris for Rick.

Photo credit: Rick Byrd

Until tomorrow...

A = Anatomy of a Kitchen Aprodisiacs

April 30, 2010 Friday

"Fine friendship requires duration rather than fitful intensity."-Aristotle

What is a fine friendship? Is there such a entity? Sometimes friendships cannot endure--it is a two way street. However, if one is willing to work with the other and there is resistance, you either move on or endure with acceptance.


Yesterday, I blogged for the first time about the aphrodisiacs. I want to continue with those that must be taken prior to the love-making. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a herb with a wide variety of effects on the body. It does increase the blood flow to the genitals. You must take it daily. However, since most individuals take a baby aspirin or omega 3 oils, there must be caution. The combination of ginkgo with blood thinners can cause bleeding. Muira puama ( Ptychopetalum olacoides) is often discussed in association with the Peruvian Indians. This herb was studied 15 years ago by Dr. Jacques Waynberg in Paris. 51% of men with erectile dysfunction had improvement after ingesting 1.5 grams within two weeks. Does that mean all men should start taking Muira? The answer is no. Most people know this herb as Potency Wood. Perhaps that is where the term "woody" came along!


The most talked about sexual stimulant is Yohimbine, which is also known as Yocon. The bark of this tree can be eaten, smoked, made into a tea and even sniffed. Certainly sounds like cocaine with the exception of the tea properties. The FDA does consider this herb to be unsafe as you cannot regulate the dose. Yohimbine will lower your blood pressure thus dilating your genital organs. It does help men get erections, but those that use it feel so lousy they are incapable of having sex. It sounds like the first time a patient described the feeling of using viagra. Viagra, levitra and cialis are dose-controlled, whereas Yohimbine is not. The side effects of diarrhea, nausea, skin flushing and dizziness make it impractical to use.

There are two herbs that I know of that their effects are strictly superstitious--or what myths and legends are made from:

These two are Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) and Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)


The work above if you haven't noticed is NOT a needle work. It is an exhibit photograph series called "An Anatomy of a Kitchen". I chose the pots with the steam for the effect of boiling herbs. However, I wanted to find the chocolate photograph. The restaurant is Le Bernadin. Le Bernardin is the finest restaurant in New York City. Yes, the chef is a Frenchman, the famous Eric Ripert. The owner is Maguy Le Coze. Maguy Le Coze and her brother, Gilbert, opened the original Le Bernardin in Paris in 1972 and won their first Michelin star in 1976. In New York, Le Bernardin opened in 1986. It quickly won a Michelin star. Eric became master chef in 1991. Besides the exquisite food, the staff is exceptional. I know because I have dined there on many occasions.
I should say we dined there. The photographer, Rick Byrd and I cannot say enough about this #1 restaurant.

A = APHRODISIACS, B = BODY

April 29, 2010 Thursday

Someone whom I adore sent this to me this morning: "It is a great relief to know yourself rather than FEAR what others think of you."

I used to worry what others thought of me. It was self-sabotage. It creeps in every once in a while, but for the most part on a given day, I do not think much about what others may think. I sometimes need reminders from friends who in reality have become my extended family. It is so important to know what makes one happy. It can take a lifetime for one to realize it. I didn't want to be one of those individuals. I have no regrets, or rather "No MORE Regrets" - best to hear in French by Edith Piaf. This blog makes me happy, so let's get started...

Reducing inflammation is the key to better health. Inflammation in the small intestines can lead to inflammation of the thyroid, heart, arteries and so much more. It can also lead to inflammation of the sexual organs. In 1966, William Masters and Virginia Johnson published the Human Sexual Response. This book researched and discussed how both men and women respond to sexual stimulation. I feel that was the beginning of the sexual revolution. Some may disagree. It discussed excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution. Perhaps just these four words are making you tingle in your chair! I know Gypsy Rose Lee used the term aphrodisiac in "Gypsy" as a one-liner.

It is known that an aphrodisiac can stimulate all four of these responses. It also increases one's desire. We especially need this as we get older. Some herbs are used for cleansing or as a decongestant for the pelvis area of both men and women. An example is red root (aka wild lilac). I will discuss these herbs in a future blog. Some of the herbal aphrodisiacs are taken before the actual love-making. It is important that you do not read this and start buying these herbs. Remember always to consult your health care practitioner. Herbs are drugs. I want you to understand the maximum effectiveness and safety of these herbs. When I was younger, I would see horny goat weed being sold as an aphrodisiac. In my wildest dreams I never thought one day I would be reading, writing and studying herbs. When you decide to start an herb, you start slow. If you can see a beneficial effect, the old adage that more is better is not applied here. Actually, it shouldn't be applied to any situation.

Herbs for the physical effect

1. Ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) - from the root of the plant; this herb stirs the sexual sensation in both men and women. You can get it fresh at your local farmer's market. Some people prefer capsules or tinctures. Use the fresh ginger root for maximum benefit. Be careful if taking blood thinners.

2. Damiana ( Turnera aphrodisiaca ) Love this herb - it is from a shrub and used for both sexes. See, I am not being partial to the men reading this blog. I have used it in tea form. Women use it for low libido, urinary and vaginal infection and menstrual difficulty. Men use it for impotence (totally another story), premature ejaculation and prostate complaints.

I think it is important to discuss prostate inflammation (prostatitis) in a separate blog. The damiana contains alkaloids, which work in a manner similar to caffeine in stimulating the body. These stimulate the blood flow in the genital region (below the waist). Some use damiana to calm their nerves.

The needle work or simple stitching above will be used as a coaster. I displayed it in another blog. There are actually 4 to be finished.

Until tomorrow...

FRUIT RECIPES

April 28, 2010 Wednesday

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless" Thanks KM

Last night, I had to say a prayer: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference". This hangs in my office, in needle point of course. It has gotten me through the hardest of times.

"THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO EXERT ONE'S STRENGTH: ONE IS PUSHING DOWN, THE OTHER IS PULLING UP." Thanks EL

I wanted today's blog to be simple. For me, a recipe is simple. Life should be simple, but we often make it difficult. First, you will need to buy gluten-free chips or corn chips. Then you must NOT buy a salsa. It is time to make your own:

PAPAYA SALSA

You will need:

1. 1/4 cubed fresh papaya

2. 2 tablespoons of diced red or white onions

3. 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro leaves

4. 1/2 small fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped

5. 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice

6. Pinch of sea salt (can omit if have high blood pressure)

You are now going to put the papaya, onion, cilantro and jalapeno in a food processor (it is in the last cabinet to the left) and pulse until finely chopped, NOT PUREE. Take this mixture to a small bowl and stir in the lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt. By the way, the cilantro is a fantastic herb to rid the body of toxins, especially heavy metals like mercury (from all the crustaceans and sushi you eat!). Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before the company arrives.

The picture above (credit by Rick Byrd) will be transferred to canvas. It is for EL as she provided the great quote in capital letters. Although black cats are supposed to be unlucky, I might change it when I start either cross stitching it or needle pointing it. The folklore surrounding black cats varies from culture to culture. In Great Britain, black cats are a symbol of good luck. The Scottish believe that a strange black cat's arrival to the home signifies prosperity. Furthermore, it is believed that a lady who owns a black cat will have many suitors.

Mother Teresa (26 August 1910 – 5 September 1997), born Agnesë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu was an Albanian Catholic nun with Indian citizenship who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India in 1950. For over 45 years, she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying while guiding the Missionaries of Charity's expansion, first throughout India and then in other countries. Following her death, she was beautified by Pope John Paul II and given the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. I would definitely buy a book of her most beautiful speeches and quotes. It will fill your heart with love, serenity and happiness

Until tomorrow...

A MEDICINAL HERBAL BREAKFAST

April 27, 2010 Tuesday

"Being happy does not mean everything's perfect. It just means, we have decided to see beyond the imperfections."

Who doesn't want to be happy. I certainly want happiness every single day. I once thought that happiness was the smell and sound of the first morning rain of spring. Today, to be happy we must create our own happiness. All of us can sit in our own self-pity, but that doesn't seem to create happiness. It creates havoc, fear, anger, loneliness and boredom. Why are we unhappy?

Do not be unhappy today. Think of what you have learned. Let's start this morning with a good breakfast. Remember, breakfast should be like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. This morning I had gluten-free, egg-free and yeast-free pancakes bought from Trader Joe. It is a weekday, so it is either a shake, appropriate cereal, or quick pancakes. If I had a weekend, I would like to try to make my own pancakes. So here it goes:

Recipe# 3 Breakfast Pancakes

A gluten-free all purpose flour mix can replace rice flour, millet flour or even tapioca flour. Use 1 1/2 cups of this all purpose blend. If you feel the batter is too thick, add rice milk

1. 1 cup of brown rice flour 2. 1/2 cup of millet flour 3. 1 T tapioca flour 4. 2 tsp of baking powder; 5. 2 T olive oil; 6. 1 1/2 tsp egg replacer (or real eggs if not allergic) plus 2 Tablespoons of warm water; 7. 1 1/2 cup of rice milk (makes it thinner); 8. 1/2 tsp of lemon juice 9. 3/4 cup of blueberries 9 fresh or frozen)

Whisk all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Put in the egg, rice milk and lemon juice, then whisk to blend. Add the type of berries, if desired.

Spray olive oil on the griddle or in a large nonstick skillet. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle and quickly spread with the back of the spoon into 3 to 4 inch rounds. Cook until brown and cooked through, estimated 2 minutes or less per side. Repeat until all batter is gone. Serve not with syrup, but with wild flower honey. If you didn't add the berries, you can mix in blender and serve on top of the pancakes with the raw wild flower honey (not clove honey in the bear shape)

Recipe #4 BREAKFAST :TOFU SCRAMBLE

Instead of a traditional breakfast, let's try the tofu scramble (for Gregory and Ryan)

Ingredients: 1. 1 T olive oil; 2. 6 green onions, cut into 1/4 inch slices let sit for 5 minutes; 3. 1 small red pepper, thinly sliced without the seeds; 4. 2 minced cloves of garlic (again let sit for 5 minutes - in the same family as onions, allium) 5. 1 piece of fresh minced ginger; 6. 1 package of extra firm tofu diced into 1/2 cubes. 7. 1 T gluten free tamari sauce or Braggs Amino Acids (can be bought in Trader Joe's or Whole Foods)

Heat 1 T of olive oil over high heat in a large skillet. Saute the peppers for 7 - 8 minutes. Add the ginger. The last to add is the garlic and onions, as they needed to air or oxidize to get the most medicinal use of the allium family. Add the tofu and sauce, mix thoroughly and heat through. You can serve with quinoa or brown rice.

The second breakfast involves Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, and the White globe onion . Unlike allium sativum (garlic), the onion does contain a variety of sulfur compounds. Each of these herbs can be used medicinally. As a group , alliums- both garlic and onions - have antimicrobial activity and cardiovascular effects . There are many more uses. The Zingiber is ginger, which has anti -inflammatory effects plus other activities. Just as there are Healing Powers of Herbs, there are the Healing Power of Flowers. I hope to talk about that one day.

Enjoy the medicinal herbs today

The above is a cross stitch of a bird. I haven't researched the bird yet with its chicks but will do so. It has been started but not completed as of yet. You see I work with many canvases at once.

Until tomorrow...