FEBRUARY 2, 2012 TENDONITIS OR TENDINITIS - EITHER IS CORRECT

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

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

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

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

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

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

RICE = REST - ICE - COMPRESS- ELEVATE

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

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

Until tomorrow...

FEBRUARY 1, 2012 HEART'S DELIGHT

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. 3 drops of melissa

2. 2 drops of chamomille

3. 2 drops of bergamot

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

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 31, 2012 YIN AND YANG

"Where there is life, there is hope."

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

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

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

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

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

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 30, 2012 CLAVICEPS PURPUREA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 27, 2012 BUILDING A TERRARIUM

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photograph Credit: Rick Byrd , Our Terrarium

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 26, 2012 BREAST HEALTH

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

- James Crichton Browne

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

I FEEL MORE WOMEN TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES THAN MEN.

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

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

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

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

Let's beat breast cancer today.

Until tomorrow...

JANUARY 25, 2012 OILY SKIN NO MORE

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

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

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

"I wanna to be loved by you,

just you and nobody else but you

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

Boo Boo bee do


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

These herbs are

1. Salvia scarea (Clary sage)

2. Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)

3. Rosmarius officinalis (Rosemary)

4. Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)

5. Fragaria ssp (Strawberry leaves)


Until tomorrow...

Happy Duck Duck Birthday, Gregory