NOVEMBER 12, 2011 METHYLATED B's

"Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were." - Cherie Carter Scott

"There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns." - Edward de Bono

These are two memorable quotes. Use your own creativity to get rid of anger and resentments. It is practicing the 8th and 9th step of a 12 step program. Make a list of amends you need to make. Make those amends by creating something for the person you must make an amends to.

How unique! I made my first set of amends more than 15 years ago, by sending out needle point bookmarks to those I needed to apologize. I still do this today in other creative adventures. By this time in my life, my amend making list is smaller, so I just give creative gifts to those who mean a lot to me.

I had to give up my expectations of ever receiving an amends letter from anyone.

What kind of B vitamins do you take? I always recommend a multi B. It is sometimes a B-50 multi or a B-100 multi. There is a problem with this as the B12 and folic acid need to be the methylated form in order to be absorbed.

The methyl form of Vitamin B12 and folic acid have important differences from other forms of the other B vitamins.

The methylated form of B12 called methylcobalamin is the bio active form. The body has to transform B12 from the diet into the methylcobalamin in order to have the best activity. So take the methylated version.

B12 is a very important vitamin for many body systems especially the red blood cells and neurological health. It is also important for a bad amino acid, called homocysteine which is reduced by using higher dosages of B12, especially the methylated form. A high homocysteine can affect the cardiovascular system, the bones and brain health. So ask your doctor to write for the higher dosages of methylated B12

The same is true of folic acid. You need a methylated folic acid. The folic acid needs to be converted to a more bio active form for the body to have the full capacity to use it for the many biochemical pathways. The bio active form is called MTHF. There are many individuals who are placed on folic acid (non methylated) for high homocysteine levels and get no response. One in twenty of these individuals have a genetic metabolic defect.

So it isn't so easy and direct for the physician to just give B12 and folic acid. Some thought process needs to take place on what form to use. I prefer the methylated form of both B12 and folic acid. I also use more than the RDA requirements for both B12 and folic acid- again always the methylated forms.

I usually prescribe 2.5 - 7.5 mg of folic acid (methylated) per day

I formulated a high dose folic acid with a methylated B12 for Longevity Nutritionals (http://www.longevitynutritionals.com/) Check it out --

Until tomorrow...

Beyond my wildest dreams, I have completed 600 blogs. Can't wait for the book!

NOVEMBER 11, 2011 QUIETNESS AS A HOBBY

"Build a mental equivalent of freedom, of vibrant physical and mental health, of true prosperity of increasing understanding and achievement for G.O.D; (Good Orderly Direction) Build it by thinking of it, having faith in it and acting the part, and the old mental equivalent will gradually fade away. The door is unlocked and the voice of G.O.D. in your heart says, "BE FREE." - Emmet Fox -The Mental Equivalent

Today it seems if you do not do Yoga, you are square or 'not hip'. Individuals seem to clump body centering, mind calming practice or prayer under the meditation umbrella. I feel this is not so. I have tried many religious and spiritual practices to center myself over the years. I am not religious, I am spiritual.

I started with the Wiccan (Green Men) practice of meditation to feel as if I were a tree. Feet planted securely on the ground, and I rooted myself in the present moment as best I could-- not the past nor the future.

Meditation for the beginner can be difficult and stressful in itself especially if you are a perfectionist. Have you ever tried to meditate? From personal experience remember this- do not fear sitting still and breathing; and it gets more comfortable with practice (true of anything you try to do).

You can sit in a quiet place cross-legged on the floor or a cushion. You do not always have to have your feet flat on the ground. You must do what makes you comfortable. You can even try to lie on a bed or couch, but you may end up snoozing in that position, so I would not recommend it. I recommend starting with 4-7-8/in-hold-exhale meditation for 3 minutes. Gradually increase by 1 minute every time you do meditation. If a one minute increase is too much, then go at your own pace.

Even Christianity used meditation, but not the word. It was referred to as contemplation. Contemplation was thinking about the scriptures or thinking about the mysteries of the life. Contemplation involves deep listening and letting go. At first meditation can be boring, and sometimes seem pointless. Do not be a skeptic. Mediation will bring inner stillness and peace. You will become more mindful, more open-hearted, more trusting and nonjudgemental. It sounds Polly Anna, but studies and research have shown meditation to be very useful tool.

You need to pick a time where you will practice your meditation. This is your time. Do not let anything interfere with the time you will pick. This is your time. If someone asks you to do something during your 'special time' you will learn to say NO. Once meditation becomes part of your life, you can use this time to pray and meditate for others who are in need.

Lately, my meditation has changed. Not the actual breathing but what I feel. I have been fixated on an important problem of my life. After I meditate I feel love, peace and serenity. I feel light. I feel my hands tingle. I sometimes hear muttering of words. This is what I receive. I have gratitude to my higher power for allowing me to able to meditate.

I've become thankful for the calming and quietness in my life.

For all of those who read this today --"I wish you love"

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 10, 2011 ALLIUM SPECIES

"Vulgarity is the garlic in the salad of life." - Cyril Connolly

What is vulgarity? Is it pungent? Does it taste bad? Garlic can taste bad to some people. It is odd shaped - does that make it vulgar? I believe Mr. Connolly was trying to make a point- the point is that vulgarity does not belong in life. It is not appropriate in a conversation, nor in a 'yelling match'. It is immature. To me it conjures up character assassination-- otherwise known as gossip.

We have ALL done it at one point or another. I never liked when vulgarity and cussing was used on the Broadway Stage. You couldn't sit through NOVEMBER without hearing 10 curses in one sentence form Nathan Lane. Is this vulgar or is this art from an actor? I think there is a fine line in the theater.

I make it a point not to be vulgar, nor cuss. I am not perfect.

There is one genus that can make you smile or cry but definitely can make you healthier. It is the Genus Allium. You know the genus by the species in it contains- garlic , leeks, shallots, and onions. There are also scallions and chives. The genus was originally in the Lily Family (Liliaceae) but now it is placed in the Amaryllidaceae Family best known for the amaryllis.

"TOMATOES AND OREGANO MAKE IT ITALIAN; WINE AND TARRAGON MAKE IT FRENCH; SOUR CREAM MAKES IT RUSSIAN; LEMON AND CINNAMON MAKE IT GREEK, SOY SAUCE MAKES IT CHINESE;

GARLIC MAKES IT GOOD." - Alice May Brook

Garlic (Allium sativum) is widely known for its medicinal benefits. I published a paper on Garlic 3 years ago which is available at http://www.fratellonemedical.com/ under published papers. I reviewed many other papers and reviewed the benefits of garlic. There are many species of garlic - hard neck and soft neck garlic. Who do you think is the largest producer of garlic? No it is not Italy, but China. There is even an elephant garlic which is not a true garlic but closely related to leeks.

Next year in the garden I am going to plant many allium species. Onions (Allium cepa) is easy to grow. There is even a tree onion which is a cross between the common onion and the Welsh Onion.

Last year due to the Beekeeping and our 'girls' I planted chives on the deck in pots. Chive (Allium schoenoprasum) is a perennial that produces pretty violet flowers which attracts bees. The common onion with its white/yellowish flowers attracts bees also (see photograph above - credit R. Byrd).

From growing the allium species before with my Poppy I can tell you you must make sure of one thing. The soil for the allium species has to be weed free. If grown from seedlings you must not let these fragile seedlings compete with the weeds. The weeds will win out.

Once the seedlings are well along you can mulch them with a shallow layer of straw and other leaves to prevent weed growth. I never understood why my Poppy surrounded most vegetable plants with mulch in his garden along the side of the house. Now I understand it was to reduce competition with weeds. Little did I know as a child. I sometimes wander in my thoughts wondering what if my Poppy and I could garden together now- how different would it be!

Last year I purchased the book Garlic and Other Alliums. I have been reading this 454 page book continuously between reading other books. There are 800 species of Allium. I was entertained by the history of garlic and its cultivation. I love the history of different plants. I learn more of the history by reading older herb books. I also found out how Allium has been portrayed in literature, poetry and art. If you are a fan of garlic whether involved in medicine, or a cook, or a garlic lover, I strongly recommend this classic book.

Allium species are mentioned in James Duke's Medicinal Plants of the Bible.

"We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes."

-Numbers 11:5-6 (KJV)

Until tomorrow..

NOVEMBER 9, 2011 TURNERA APHRODISIACA

"I CONSIDER YOU THE ONLY TRUE GENIUS IN THE WORLD."

- salvador dali to federico garcia lorca

Much has been written about these two artists. Some is speculation, some based on testimonials and some based on letters Dali wrote to Lorca. I do not know if it was love at first sight or emotion at first sight when they met in 1923. Whatever it was it was shortened for two reasons, Dali's fear of being homosexual and the untimely murder/death of Lorca.

Have you ever had love at first sight or emotion at first sight? Was it 'Some Enchanted Evening'? Since my childhood and high school days, a lot has changed. In the last twenty years there have been remarkable strides in same sex relationships. Last night I cried as I saw Blaine romantically kiss Kurt on Glee. Cinema and television has certainly changed since Uncle Milt's Texaco show! Society has changed, or has it? If it has why does high school bullying still persist and why do teenagers who are bullied and feel different commit suicide? Life is so short. Be who you are regardless of sexual orientation, religious beliefs and political ties.

Listen to Shirley Bassey singing This is My Life

So which of the aphrodisiacs work? There are some that are legendary such as Ginseng. Ginseng does contain substances that work over time to increase sexual stamina and increase libido. Then there are some herbs which are just superstitious or work through the power of suggestion. These are wild lettuce, blood root and ergot. In 1966 when Masters and Johnson published the Human Sexual Response I do not think there was a chapter on herbs as aphrodisiacs.

One of better known aphrodisiacs is Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca). It is used by both men and women as an aphrodisiac. Most of these herbs are only for men, but Damiana is different. It increases the female's sexual libido, and treats urinary and vaginal problems as well as some menstrual irregularities. For men it helps impotence, premature ejaculation, sexual libido and even prostate (but I would rather use saw palmetto and juniper berry for prostate and prostatitis).

I have found no clinical research and trials on damiana, but earlier herbal readings suggest it does increase sexual stamina. It is found that the alkaloids in damiana are similar to caffeine. Damiana stimulates blood to the genital area which increases sensitivity.

I feel damiana gives me a feeling of euphoria.

Try damiana...

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 8, 2011 WHY DOES RAW MILK GET A RAW DEAL ? IT SHOULDN'T

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

I have admired Margaret Mead's writings and teachings since I was in high school. I believe and know this statement can be true. What I know now that I didn't know then is it depends where you are! You certainly cannot be a small isolated island gay community and expect change. We have tried to get people to think 'green,' (Eco friendly) and recycle and that didn't have near the impact we had hoped. I find this irresponsible to the environment. I also find not having quality emergency medical care for the elderly in any community, especially in a gay community- irresponsible. On the other hand I have witnessed change if the small group is thoughtful. One example is the growing population of beekeepers and the formation of environmentally conscious beekeeping associations. I have even witnessed this as a RH, where new chapters of the American herbal Guild are popping up in rural areas.

And another is the Campaign for Real Milk, a project of the Weston A Price Foundation.

Your great grandparents definitely fed your grandparents raw milk. Your grandparents probably fed your parents raw milk. Depending on your age , you were not fed raw milk. There is sort of an underground connection necessary to get raw milk in states where it is not leagal. I find it utterly ridiculous that raw milk can be illegal in some states. Why? More and more people are understanding the benefits of eating real food and they want to buy raw milk where they live. But most of the time those who want raw milk must travel outside to other statesto get it.

I discovered a new magazine years ago, and offered to write for it for free. I did many issues and was delighted with the articles. One article was a question/answer forum. One individual asked a question about raw milk, and as always, I answered to the best of my G.O.D. given ability. Another physician, conventional in approach, did not agree with the answer and told the editor. To this date I have not published an article in this magazine since. I have written several times but to no avail. I had to let it go! Some people, (even doctors) are so narrow minded.

Did you know that clean raw milk from grass fed cows actually was used as a medicine? Clean raw milk is a completely safe and balanced food. It has been used for centuries--from Hippocrates until World War II.

If you are a cow's milk drinker, you are consuming quite a bit of sugar- lactose. There are better proteins in raw milk, not found in pasteurized or homogenized milk. One is lactoferrin, an iron binding protein (which improves absorption and assimilation of iron, in addition to having anticancer and antimicrobial action) Do I need to say more? Then there is raw milk's antibiotic protein/enzymes. These are lyzozyme and lacoperioxidase. These are NOT in your regular pasturized cow's milk

People are afraid of raw milk due to fat content. Fat is a bad word in America. The healthy animal fats were always used until 1911. This country was forced away from animal fats, like raw milk (read about Abrahan Strauss in the Untold Story of Milk) towards trans fat laden Crisco and Wonder Bread. What happened then? We had no heart disease before 1911, but with these changes in diet came an abundance of disease.

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is in raw milk. This is a polyunsaturated Omega 6 with great health benefits ranging from increased metabolic rate, to strengthening the immune system to reducing resistance to insulin (that would mean less diabetics in this country). Then there is the vitamins and minerals content of raw milk. Raw milk contains every known fat and water soluble vitamin. All the trace minerals, vitamins and enzymes are in raw milk. The enzyme variety (amylase, catalase, lactase, lipase, phosphatase and lactoperoxidase) found in raw milk surpasses most all other foods.

Yes this is a very hot and controversial topic. My aim is to learn and share as much as I can in my time on Mother Earth. I know what you are thinking? Do I only use raw milk? The answer is no but I am sure I use more than the average person. I am one of those thoughtful committed citizens.

So now it is your turn to TAKE ACTION

So I bet you want to obtain some raw milk and just taste it! Have you ever tasted raw milk? You must first go and obtain more information on obtaining raw milk near where you live. I would make sure it is a site run by the Weston a Price Foundation.

so http://www.realmilk.com/

or http://www.raw-milk-facts.com/

Get Real Milk brochures and pass them out. Call Weston A Price at (202) 363-4394.

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 7, 2011 PETS WE LOVE

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth

It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place

There is always food and water and warm spring weather

The old and frail animals are made young again

They play all day with each other

There is ONLY one thing missing. They are not with their

special person who loved them on Earth.

So each day they run and play until the day comes when ONE stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches and their ears are up! Their eyes are staring.

And this one runs suddenly from the group.

Rick and I have seen this when we and our special friend, Jack meet. We take him in our arms and embrace Jack. Our faces are licked again and again and again. We get to look once again into the eyes of our trusting pet, Jack . Then we will cross the Rainbow Bridge together whenever that will be never to be separated again.

Thank you, Carol

It is not even a month yet since Jack has died, but we miss him terribly. I call his name thinking he is still there when the dogs want to go out on the terrace. Jack, our Yorkie was cremated and we received his ashes last week.

If a loved ones dies, it's natural to feel sadness, express grief and cry, but unfortunately this is not true for everyone when it comes to your beloved companion. Jack and all our pets are members of our family. We celebrate their birthdays, have Christmas stockings for each of them (including Gracie, our Amazon Green Parrot) and have photos on our phones and in our wallets. Today would have been Jack's 18th birthday

It has overwhelming to lose Jack. Jack came into my life when Rick and I met more than a decade ago. Jack had 2 step brothers, twin Maltese- Cary and Grant. Unfortunately we lost Cary about 4 years ago on my June birthday.

Jack provided companionship, emotional support, and that unconditional love we all so desperately need. People who do not have pets need to understand the bond between the owner and pet.

It is particularly hard when a child loses a pet. It might be their first experience with death. I have witnessed first hand when an elderly individual or senior loses a pet. There is a sense of emptiness especially if the senior lives alone. I often hear stories that when one of my patients lose a pet, they start remembering all the others lost in their lifetime. I even feel a sense of that patient thinking of their own mortality. I try to encourage the senior to get another pet but sometimes it is not easy financially or the patient might not be capable of handling a new puppy.

To see our other dogs, Spencer (our King Charles) and Grant (our Maltese) whimper is also hard on us. Grant has taken it worse than Spencer. He is not eating that well. We are trying to cheer him up.

This is where I utilize my essential oils and herbs for our pets. I am now looking for a liquid SAMe which will help Grant's mood. It is great to see that there are now Herbal Medicine courses as well as Aromatherapy courses for Veterinarians. We would love to get another Yorkie, but at this time neither of us thinks that is fair. We have to finish grieving.

I am sure we will know the right time to adopt a new pet.

Love your pet always

Until tomorrow...

On Friday, I was overwhelmed with the sincerity, love, and kindness from receiving a package. It was sent from someone who reads the blog She sent a lovely letter with a gift of garlic. It made me happy to know I can educate and touch someone so much to do such an act of kindness. Thank you SF-- You are truly a blessed individual.

Until tomorrow...

NOVEMBER 5, 2011 SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL- ELEGANT ELECAMPANE

"When we rush through our days and lives, we fail to notice the simple beauty of living."

I teared when I read that statement. I have finally learned to stop rushing. I have not learned to slow down yet, which worries me. My Nanny called me ' her jack rabbit' and how true it has been. I put up these beautiful photographs, most taken by Rick which makes them beautiful in their own right. Each one is soothing. We all have beauty in our lives, but we fail to notice it most of the time.

Sarah Bernhardt, although not the most beautiful silent stage actress, found beauty in a chocolate confection. When she tasted the macaroon holding a ganasche center with a chocolate covering, she fell head -over-heels in love. Since 1939, St Moritz famous tasty delight have been called the Sarah B's. Perhaps she saw beauty in chocolate, and not a flower. Find the simple beauty of life in every day.

I usually use Elderberry and ginger cough syrup for those annoying coughs. I have just been introduced to another herb, Elecapane. (Inula belenium)

It is used for the irritating bronchial coughs. One of my herbalist colleagues uses this for coughs that have copious thick sputum. He has combined it with Yarrow. Yesterday when a patient called about some phlegm I used Yarrow and Oregon Grape Root. He had no cough, but if he had I would have added Elecampane. The mucilage has a relaxing effect accompanied by the stimulation of the essential oils of the plant. The essential oil is called helnin.

As I am using more essential oils as aromatherapy in my practice, I will start combining ginger or elderberry tea for coughs, with one to drop of elecampane. I would only use this formula if there is a copious sputum production. In Matthew Woods' Old World Medicinal Plants he quoted Sir John Hill about Elecampane:

"Hardly any plant has more virtues."

I do not know if I agree with that after all of my research on Camella sinensis. (Green tea). But elecampane is a warming, stimulating, aromatic bitter that permeates the bronchial system. That is what I want when I use it.

I also did some research on the plant and found out that the old name for the plant is 'elfwort.' I think this is due to the fact that it prefers low, moist fertile ground when growing.

I think it makes an excellent lymphagogue. It would be great to have a massage therapist use it in lymphatic drainage.

Photo credit: Rick Byrd (all except the yellow flower, Elecampane)

Until tomorrow...