DECEMBER 18, 2024 BURDOCK

Burdock ( Arctium lappa) is known as the blood purifier. The root , leaves and seeds have medicinal properties. It has been used by civilizations for centuries. I have used it for years in my clinical practice.

It’s ancient, the root was used were as a treatment for cancer and syphilis The English herbalists used it for scurby and skin boils. In the 1920’s it was added to other herbs as a cancer formula as in Essiac and Hoxley

I have read rerts of it being used to aid in cholesterol lowering. It does have antimicrobial actions I think the most use for Burdock has been as a blood purifier, lymphatic system strengthener and a natural diuretic

What I love about most herbs it is not only used for one illness. Because of its dietary fiber and polyphenols I have used it in sugar management in diabetes This is especially seen with fermented burdock I do combine Burdock with Nettles for sugar management Burdock can also be combined in a tincture licorice, Motherwort, wild yam and gnseng for relief of menopausal symptoms

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 17, 2024 CHOLESTEROL

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is essential for cardiovascular health. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death worldwide. There are medications, herbs and supplements to lower cholesterol You can even lower by eating certain foods.

One food is avocados. Avocados are renowned for their heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats aid in lowering LDL cholesterol while maintaining levels of HDL cholesterol. Additionally, avocados are rich in potassium, a nutrient that helps in regulating blood pressure.. Avocados are inflammatory for Blood Type O Several studies indicate that consuming avocados regularly can lead to significant reductions in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Grapes, especially the darker varieties, are a rich source of antioxidants, including resveratrol, which is known for its cholesterol-lowering properties. These antioxidants help reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a process that contributes to plaque formation in arteries Grapes are also high in sugar so limit the amount of grapes you ingest

White beans are a fantastic source of fiber, which is essential for lowering cholesterol. The fiber in white beans helps bind cholesterol in the digestive system, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream.

Then there are almonds. ( For my Blood type O I can ingest ) Almonds are known for their ability to help reduce LDL cholesterol. This is largely due to their high content of monounsaturated fats and fiber. Almonds also contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect against cholesterol oxidation

Add these foods to your diet. I use Hawthorne, Snakeroot, Motherwort, and other herbs to lower blood pressure

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 16, 2024 THE LIVER

You must take care of your liver The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body, responsible for over 500 essential tasks, including detoxification and nutrient absorption. Often, the liver’s importance is overlooked

There are foods, especially fruits and vegetables to protect your liver as well as herbs and supplements. The liver is a multitasking organ that plays a significant role in digestion. It produces bile, a substance that helps break down fats and absorb nutrients from the food you eat.The bile is stored in your gallbladder

One vegetable you should consume are beets hey are rich in betalains, a type of antioxidant that has been shown to support liver detoxification. These antioxidants neutralize toxins and help in their removal from the body. Additionally, beets are high in fiber and nutrients like iron and potassium, which further support liver health.

Spinach, a leafy green wonder, is packed with a variety of antioxidants and nutrients beneficial for the liver. It contains glutathione, a molecule that assists the liver in the detoxification process. It is not easy to get gluthathione unless you take a reduced form or its precursor N acetyl cysteine. I always incorporate gluthathione into one’s daily vitamin regimen Moreover, the high levels of folate and vitamin C in spinach help in protecting the liver from damage and inflammation

This citrus fruit is rich in antioxidants, particularly naringenin and naringin, which have been shown to improve liver enzyme levels. These compounds also help in reducing inflammation and protecting liver cells. Ask your doctor if you can consume grapefruits as some cardiac medications is contraindicated with grapefruits

Incorporate these simple fruits and vegetables.

Until tomorrow..

DECEMBER 12, 2024 A MUSHROOM FOR MEMORY

Lion’s Mane  mushrooms, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, have garnered attention for their distinctive appearance and remarkable health benefits Their historical significance lies in their use as a natural remedy in traditional Chinese medicine, where they were believed to promote longevity and improve health. There are many mushrooms that have medicinal health benefits. Lion’s Mane is just one of those I use

Studies suggest that compounds found in these mushrooms, such as hericenones and erinacines, can stimulate the growth of brain cells. This stimulation is believed to enhance memory and focus, making these mushrooms a subject of interest for those seeking natural cognitive boosters

All medicinal mushrooms can boost your system The immune-boosting properties of Lion’s Mane mushrooms are attributed to their rich content of beta-glucans, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. These compounds are known to enhance the body’s immune response

Lion’s Mane mushrooms contribute significantly to digestive health thanks to their gastroprotective effects. Compounds such as polysaccharides found in these mushrooms have been shown to protect the gastric lining, potentially preventing ulcers and aiding in the healing of the gastrointestinal tract

Most if not all medicinal mushrooms are antioxidants and help free radical damage due to toxins.

Add Lion’s Mane to your list of medicinal mushrooms you should consume

Until tomorrow…

DECERMBER 11, 2024 BLOATING

Understanding and managing bloating can significantly improve your quality of life, We see a lot of pati4nts who complain of bloatiing Bloating, a common digestive issue, affects many people worldwide, leading to discomfort and inconvenience. It’s characterized by a feeling of fullness, swelling in the abdominal area, and sometimes pain Bloating, a common digestive issue, affects many people worldwide, leading to discomfort and inconvenience. It’s characterized by a feeling of fullness, swelling in the abdominal area, and sometimes pain

We see at the practice many individuals who have bloating related to sensitivity to certain foods. We do Ig G blood testing for food sensitivities. Most of the time the food sensitivity matches the foods to be avoided based on their blood type. . Identifying personal triggers is a crucial step in managing bloating effectively. For some, it might be specific foods like beans or dairy products

Most of these individuals have had a endoscopy or colonoscopy which revealed no abnormalities. As a functional MD/integrative MD I want to get to the cause. Is it a food sensitivity, is it small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or is it Candida. We start simply with some herbs to relieve their bloatiing while we do a SIBO test ( in house) and ask the patient to do a GI Map stool analysis These are very specific testing not done by most common laboratories.

Foods high in FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Monosaccharides, And Polyols) are known to cause bloating in some individuals. These include certain  fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. Identifying and reducing the intake of high-FODMAP foods can significantly alleviate bloating symptoms

Once the diagnosis is made our team, Dr Elizabeth Cruz and Dr Hannibal Miles and I decide on new dietary regimen, supplements, herbs and follow - up visits. We are detailed at treatment /bloating’ and associated symptoms

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 10, 2024 ALZHEIMER's

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disorder that affects the brain. It is characterized by memory loss, difficulty with thinking and reasoning, and changes in mood and behavior. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80 percent of all cases

There are many foods that can benefit the cognitive function of the brain These foods have antioxidants which help with memory One of the most important are berries. Berries are among the most nutritious  fruits you can eat. They’re packed with  vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your health in various ways

Recent research has also shown that berries may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  I consume leaft greens daily Studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in leafy greens have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those who do not. I love tomatoes in my salads due to lycopene Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced heart disease and cancer risk. Additionally, research has shown that tomatoes may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Fish is essential to one’s dietary lifestyle as it contains omega 3’s I prefer sardine sin oil. Omega-3 fatty acids can

Change your diet to prevent Alzheimer’/s Disease

Until tomorrow

DECEMBER 9, 2024 QUALITY SLEEP

Quality sleep stands as a cornerstone of good health, impacting everything from mood to cognitive function. We all have different remedies for sleep. You do not have to always take a conventional sleeping tablet. You will have to commit and take time to try different sleep remedies

There are herbs that assist in sleep. These are called nervines. Some of these are Passion Flower, Skullcap and Blue Vervain among others There are some fruits that help sleep.

This post delves into the world of fruits that not only tantalize the taste buds but also usher in a night of serene slumber.  Cherries, particularly tart cherries, are laden with melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Consuming cherries can elevate melatonin levels in the body, potentially improving sleep duration and quality. Studies have shown that individuals who consume cherry juice report experiencing more restful sleep.

Bananas are rich in magnesium and tryptophan, both of which contribute to muscle relaxation and the production of serotonin, a precursor to melatonin.

Kiwis, with their vibrant green flesh and unique taste, have been shown to positively impact sleep patterns. Several studies suggest that regular consumption of kiwis can lead to improvements in sleep onset, duration, and efficiency. The fruit is rich in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood and sleep

This next one is not a fruit but it is God’s Nectar- Honey Honey has been shown to increase one’s own melatonin production

Try a teaspoon of honey before bed

Until tomorrow…

DECEMBER 5 2024 A HERB FOR DIABETES : GUYABANO

I have used many other herbs for diabetes. Rosemary, fenugeek, gymnema, cinnamon and even bitter melon. I have not used Guyabano for sugar management. I have used this fruit for treatment of cancers. There are numerous studies on it for cancer treatment, but few if any for diabetes.

The fruit, seeds, and leaves yield a number of herbal medicinal uses in countries where the plant is common. Very few plants have all parts used as medicine. The sap of the young leaves may be applied directly on pimples to induce suppuration. The sap is also considered parasitical. An alcoholic extract of the leaves, when distilled with steam, yields a small amount of essential oil. The leaves and roots also cure colic and convulsions.

To reduce fever, a decoction of leaves can be taken internally. The crushed fresh leaves are also applied on skin eruptions for faster healing. A poultice of young guyabano leaves is applied on the skin to alleviate rheumatism and other skin infections like eczema. Applied during the healing of wounds, this can result in less scarring. The decoction can also be used as a wet compress on swollen feet and other inflammations.

Guyabano are also good in checking insect pests. Pulverizing the guyabano seeds and mixing with soap and water creates an effective spray against caterpillars, armyworms and leafhoppers on plants.

The bark of the guyabano tree has been used in tanning. The wood is pale, aromatic, soft, light in weight and not durable.
There are some connections of guyabano and atypical Parkinson's Disease. This is due to the very high concentration of annonacin.

Remember do not eat the seeds. “Guyabano seeds are toxic, and care must be taken to assure that all are removed before the pulp is processed.”

Until tomorrow…