SEPTEMBER 6, 2023 WHEN TO WEAR A MASK

Where do you wear a mask these days ? COVID numbers are on the rise This was included in an article by Dr Jeremy Faust , an ER physician who has never had COVID. It is a small minority if you never have had COVID

1. Airplanes, most of the time (with exceptions for eating and drinking)

• 2. Other public transport, such as the New York City subway

• 3. Rideshares such as Uber and Lyft (he rolls down the window if he's snacking or sipping coffee)

• 4. Stuffy public bathrooms ( Dr Jeremy Faust( an ER physician ) wore his mask when he went to the bathroom at the US Open, where the restroom was "indoors, crowded, and kind of gross.") Faust told Insider he also brought his mask to restaurants "just for the restroom" because they tend to be tiny spaces without much air movement

• 5. The pharmacy because "that's literally where sick people go to pick up Paxlovid"

• 6. The hospital, though he makes exceptions when he wants to say hello to a patient with his whole face or emphasize a point

• 7. At home, when members of his family are sick with illnesses like COVID

"Putting on a mask in some crowded settings but not others is not a contradiction, nor is it virtue signaling, nor an exercise in futility; It is harm reduction," Faust said in his post. "Taking this measure (and upping my hand hygiene game) continues to help me avoid the sheer inconvenience of getting sick, to say nothing of any misery or health risks I may face."

He said he wouldn't feel "cheated by the universe" if he did catch the virus as a result of taking some more risks recently, such as going for a two-hour meal indoors with friends while in New York, where he said there was "no mask in sight."

Recent research does suggest that COVID-19 infection risks rise the longer you are exposed to someone who's sick with the virus, meaning he'd probably be more likely to get COVID-19 from a friend than a stranger at the US Open.

This was an interesting read

Until tomorrow…

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 FRUITS AND PARASITES

You must cleanse your fruit before consuming I was listening to a podcast about fruits and parasites. These top fruits had increased risk for parasites. It shocked me as I grow at least two of these fruits on my property.

These fruits— grapes, strawberries, mulberries, cherries and contain a significant number of parasites What you are consuming may not just be fruit pulp Grapes are rick in vitamins and amino acids They are closely packed together to the gaps bewteen them are breeding ground for a number of parasites. One such bug is the scale bug which pierces the skin of a grape. So wash throughly

Strawberries contain numerous insect eggs. When these ripen, they emit a certain scent to attract insect to lay eggs on them The most common are the aphids, white flies and nematodes When washing strawberries always soak in saltwater first to kill the insects. I found this terrifying as I pick my strawberries right from the garden and consume

Do you pop a cherry in your mouth without thinking about parasites I know I do Of at least ten cherries at least one contains maggots The parasite inside is the larvae of the cherry fruit fly I have learned to soak my cherries in saltwater . Then there is the mulberries which I also pick straight from my mulberry tree These are sour, sweet and very juicy These are closely packed together and can be a host of parasites

So wash your fruits in salt water and kill the parasites Check before buying in a store and before consuming

Until tomorrow…

AUGUST 31, 2023 LION'S MANE

Age-related hearing impairment (ARHI) impacts quality of life, leading to feelings of frustration, social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline. People with hearing loss experience difficulties with verbal communication. ARHI is prevalent amount senior citizens. The etiology includes genetic defects, environmental influences, and other factors including noise, ototoxic overexposure, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been shown to slow the degeneration of SGNs ( spinal ganglion neurons ) . Lion’s mane (HE; Hericium erinaceus, Hericiaceae) is a culinary mushroom that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and hepatopreotective effects

The authors conclude that HE mycelia treatment may prevent hearing loss, especially for high frequencies and speech recognition. Additionally, HE may increase serum concentrations of NGF. Changes were only observed in patients diagnosed with hearing impairment aged ≥ 65 years.

Lion’s Mane has been used in treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease with excellent results and has published studies This is the first study I read about this mushroom for hearing loss I utilize Paul Stametts’s Lion Mane from Host Defense

The study was published in the American Botanical Council Herbalgram

Chan YC, Lin TC, Chen CC, et al. Effects of erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus on elderly hearing-impaired patients: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Funct Foods. October 2022;97:105220. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105220.

Until tomorrow…

AUGUST 30, 2023 HERBS FOR THE THYROID

Most herbalists discuss remedies for the under active thyroid . The fatigue, low body temperature, weight gain, depression, heat or cold intolerance (usually cold), and hair loss are symptoms of a thyroid which is under active (an under active thyroid has thyroid stimulating hormone ( TSH ) levels greater than 4.0)

With an overactive thyroid, the most important clinical aspect is to control the cardiovascular signs and symptoms such as an overactive heart rate (pulse rate) and an elevated blood pressure. Unfortunately not many herbalists deal with hyperthyroid conditions. I get many patients who have been told by other doctors dealing with their overactive thyroid, "You have two options- radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid or surgical remove the thyroid, thus you will be on medications for the rest of your life."

Although these are two conventional methods still used today, the use of some natural herbs in high doses can reverse and/or cool down the hyperactive thyroid.
I have seen patients respond within a few months, some within a year and rarely beyond two years unless the presenting hyperthyroidism is very severe. Harvey W. Felter, ecletic physician, wrote this about bugleweed, "...used for vascular excitement with rapid, tumultuous action of the heart, but lacking power." I love to read old uses of herbs. I especially enjoy Culpepper and Sauer

Lycopus virginicus (Bugleweed) can be used for both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid. It has been shown to reduce thyroid levels in hyperthyroid animals. The dose is high - about 150 drops of a 1:3 extract. The aerial parts of the plant are used. Bugleweed is specific for the over-active thyroid where the symptoms include tightness of breath, shaking and palpitations. For the wild crafter it should be collected just before the buds open. It is a great nervine and I have used it with valerian. I also have used this herb with other cardio tonic herbs for slowing down the heart rate. The other cardio herbs for an overactive thyroid is Motherwort

Another herb, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) helps in decreasing anxiety and calming an overactive thyroid. I use both lemon balm and bugleweed together. In animal studies, lemon balm has been shown to reduce or normalize the TSH levels. It is given at 45 drops of a 1:3 extract. I love the plant family that lemon balm belongs to --Lamiaceae . This is the same family for the all the mint plants. There is no history for use of lemon balm in thyroid diseases, but I have seen other herbalists use it, and I have also used it with good success. Other than its thyroid use, lemon balm is antiviral especially herpes simplex. It is also used for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Until tomorrow

AUGUST 29, 2023 BITTERS

Putting the skin aside, the liver is the largest organ in the body. It approximately can weigh about 3 lbs. The size of the liver reflects how much work it performs. The liver unlike other organs has the ability to regenerate , and can re grow its cell population after injury or even surgery. The liver is the major detoxification organ. The livers clears all the toxins out of the body.

In my medical training years I have never heard of the role of bitters. I know my European colleagues heard about bitters from their family upbringing in either England ( where I trained ) or Scotland. Bitters have been historically used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, especially when they pertain to the digestive system. Bitter plants are still part of the treatment modality for liver ailments. The bitters stimulates secretions, notably bile and increases the breakdown and absorption of fats.  Bitters have the ability to increase liver cell stimulation . Bitters are not for everyone.

Herbs used for the liver and digestive tracts can be divided into categories. This categorization was unheard of when I studied medicines. I feel it is a better way to breakdown the role of the liver and the medicines or plants that can be used. This classification was used when I learned Botanical Medicine. The six categories are:
1. Aromatic bitters
2. Cholagogues
3. General liver tonic
4. Constitutional tonics
5. Liver 'purgatives'
6. Simple bitters

Credit for my learning goes to 7Song from Ithica NY I have his teaching of hepatic herbs very useful in my medical practice. There are many symptoms of liver ailments. I can apply my knowledge of different herbs in these categories to the individual’s particular ailment.  For example, for the alcoholic or drug addict who has abused their liver for so many years, I would consider milk thistle, artichoke, turmeric and chicory. These are the herbs I think of for detoxifying.

When the liver really needs to purge toxins and needs a good 'kickstart'  I would use Mayapple or Poke, but would use caution as I have seen some of these remedies ' back fire'

The more knowledge you have about your patient, both medically, socially ,psychologically and financially - the better the choice can be made. It always helps me in choosing the specific herb. I am intuitive about this.

Until tomorrow

AUGUST , 28 2023 MALE ISSUES

There are many male health  issues. Some men worry about some more than others. In the younger male, there is acne; in the teenage/young adult years there is possible a hydrocele, herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases. In ages 30-40 there is possibly testicular carcinoma, hair loss, and erection difficulties. As men age there is prostate issues, impotence, ejaculatory problems, incontinence and vitality issues.

I do not think these change whether you are gay or straight, but I will say that in general gay men take care of themselves a lot better when it comes to the general appearance.
There are many medications to be used therapeutically . There are also many herbs that can be used. Some of these categories include adaptogens, antimicrobial, aphrodisiacs, diuretics, detoxifying, nervines and stimulants.

What intrigued me over the years is the many more applications there are in herbals versus conventional medicines. . In herbal medicine there are compresses, hair rinses, salves, teas, and tinctures. In conventional medicine, there only seems to be the 'pill' or tablet. How many times have you gone to your doctor and you received a Rx or prescription ? I bet, countless times. How many times have you gone to your doctor and received a poultice, syrup of essential oil remedy ? Probably not too often.

Here are some general tips which I find important for the male patient:

1. Know the male anatomy and how it works
2. Find a health care provider you are comfortable with
3. Practice dietary and exercise lifestyle changes
4. Know how to release daily pressures/
5. Avoid anger and resentment which only will lead to disease
6. Get better sleep
7. Improve communication skills with your partner
8. Always keep the sexual practices new and inventive
9. Relax when urinating or defecating
10 Get a hobby

One tea blend I often recommend for the male from ages 40 - 60 with anxiety issues is a combination of oat straw, lemon balm, skullcap and blue vervain. I sometimes use chamomile but since it is used in a lot of anxiety/nervine teas i want to be new , creative and different.

Now that I over 60, I made a tea for my prostate which contains raspberry, oat straw, nettles, and dandelion.

Until tomorrow....

AUGUST 24, 2023 ANGELICA

How some herbs get their names is quite unusual. An example is the herb Angelica (Angelica archangelica, Angelica atropurpurea). Angelica has been used a food and medicine for centuries. If you are a historian or know someone who is, the herb, angelica is usually associated with the bubonic plague. Some herbalists recount the story that a monk had a dream in which the arch angel St Michael appeared. Her told the monk what herb to use during the plague decimating Europe. Today modern studies have revealed that angelica is an immune booster as well as an anti bacterial, viral and fungal agent. Since this herb is also associated with Mary the Virgin, many herbalists use this herb for gynecological problems. What troubles me is that I do not see it in Duke's Medicinal Plants of the Bible.

I love how some herbalists describe angelica as a flower. They discuss her poise, her stance and her fragrance. You get the feeling that she--Angelica is an actual human being. She is alive in the plant world. Angelica does remind me of the fragrant Convallaria - Lily of the Valley. I do use it to reconnect the patient with their spiritual side. Sometimes the spiritual side of a patient has been lost due to illness, death of a family member, or loss of a job. I think everyone should have angelica in their home.

Until tomorrow…

Until tomorrow...

AUGUST 23, 2023 EPSOM SALT

Did you ever take an Epsom salt bath ? Dissolving Epsom salt in warm water and taking a soothing bath can help relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. The magnesium in Epsom salt aids in muscle relaxation, while the sulfates assist in reducing swelling and promoting faster recovery from injuries

WHAT IS EPSOM SALT ? it’s a compound of magnesium and sulfate. These two elements possess a range of health and wellness benefits – from easing anxiety and improving sleep, to reducing inflammation in your body.

A nice bath at night can help you sleep The magnesium in Epsom salt helps regulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of calmness and well-being. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath before bedtime can help relax the body and mind, leading to a more restful sleep

For aching joints I suggest an Epsom bath Epsom salt can provide relief from joint pain and inflammation caused by conditions like arthritis and gout. The magnesium in Epsom salt helps reduce inflammation, while the warmth of an Epsom salt bath or compress can soothe achy joints and improve mobility

It is a great detox Epsom salt helps draw out toxins from the body through the process of reverse osmosis. This detoxifying effect can support overall well-being and help maintain a healthy balance of minerals in the body

So there is no reason not to do an Epsom bath . Try it

Until tomorrow…