Osteoprosis and SuperBugs

A recent article in the New York Times (Fearing Drug’s Rare Side Effects, Millions Take Their Chances With Osteoporosis, Gina Kolata, June 2, 2016) bemoans the fact that women are not using the osteo drugs available because of  the published accounts of “rare” fractures and other side effects. Related articles are attached to the story (Mar.24,2010, Jan,18 2012, June12,2012, Oct.5,2015) all point to these “rare” incidents.
How rare can they be?  Stories dating 6 years back warn of the problems. The doctors  and researchers in the story are puzzled and say there is not enough evidence to blame the drugs.
It also is painfully apparent to me that four important factors are left out of the story.

1. Are we getting too much calcium in our diet, or are women taking calcium carbonate as their supplement?
2. Are the women using acid blocking medications such as Prilosec or Omeprazole?
3. Are the women using thyroid medications?
4. Is anyone using MAGNESIUM?

Every time I see these reports, the emphasis is on calcium or calcium and vitamin D. If the reporters and researchers actually paid attention to the research that is available to anyone who tries to find it, two very big facts jump out at you. People are not taking anywhere near enough vitamin D and they sure are not even considering the importance of magnesium.  Magnesium helps with the absorption of calcium and  it activates the vitamin D.
It seems the researchers keep repeating the same studies and  expect to see different results. That is the classic definition of insanity, but there you go...

Another story, a column actually, caught my attention. Ezekiel Emanuel, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, vice provost for global initiatives and chair of the Dept. of Medical Ethics and Health Policy  at the University of Pennsylvania, wrote an Op-ed piece in June ( How to step on a superbug, Washington Post) His first paragraph cited a strain of e. Coli  that is resistant to antibiotics signals a superbug is inevitable.
     Excuse me, professor, but it sounds to me like the superbug is already here.
In a nutshell,  Emanuel is calling their ffor more work on developing new antibiotics and stop the over prescribing of the ones we have. Part of the column seemed to blame the public for demanding something to help with an illness,many times viral in nature and  not antibiotic  responsive.  Simply stated, overuse breeds  resistance. One of the newest antibiotics that may be available is extremely ($4,500.00) expensive. It is to be used to fight MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).  
With all due respect,  there are some other issues to look at. No one seems to realize that our food chain, especially chickens and beef are routinely given doses of antibiotics in their feed to help protect from infection from the filthy pens and stockyards and to fatten up the animals for market. We are ingesting these antibiotics and developing  bacteria that are resistant.  There are other methods to fight some of these bacteria, such as essential oils; BUT, and it is a big BUT, we have to change our way of thinking.
You cannot use the same oils at the same strength  all the time  and expect not to have the bugs develop a resistance. One of the reasons these bugs have become so strong, despite the ubiquitous hand sanitizer  dispensers  in hospitals, supermarkets etc, is it is the same strength over and over again.  My wife Kathy, a nurse and Certified Clinical Aromatherapist/ Instructor has lectured for years on this very subject.

The oils have been shown to be effective in fighting MRSA, but the formula has to change frequently to fight bacterial resistance. The American public seems to just want a quick fix, and the pharmaceutical industry  wants something that can be reproduced at a low cost.

Well, you got it, now what do we do?

Weekly Question - What Can You Do For Opioid Withdrawal?

The opioid crisis in the northeast has reached  epidemic proportions.  Recent  actions taken by Connecticut and Massachusetts to ban or strictly curtail prescriptions for opioids is a step in the right direction to control the overuse of these medications, but many people who need pain relief are  finding their options very limited. People  who were prescribed these medications are now finding themselves  cut off from their medicines and are suffering pain and withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal without some form of support is not a viable option

. We have an entire protocol to aid in the detoxification process and helping with the withdrawal symptoms (It is sad that a protocol is needed but at least we have one). Tyrosine, magnesium, B-complex , and  herbal supplements have been used with success.    Please contact us for further information

Sensationalist Headlines and the Importance of Reading Comprehension

The sensational headline stating “Supplements Send 23,000 to Hospitals” is not only misleading but is out and out untrue. 

If anyone troubled themselves to actually read the story they would have found several glaring discrepancies. There is no factual evidence to justify the 23 thousand ER  cases. It is a statistical estimate. Look at the figures! Over a nine year period, (9 years!) there were 3667 cases reported in, I am guessing , 63 large ,metropolitan hospitals. The researchers then ESTIMATED  a national number.   Hospitals are supposed to report adverse events to the CDC. Why did they have to go looking specifically? What were they looking for? What were the parameters of their study?

How can anyone lump vitamins, herbal supplements such as echinacea or hawthorn berry with the junk products sold on the internet and MLM’s? I do agree that the categories they  were looking for are the usual suspects (sexual enhancement, weight loss, increased energy,and body building). We have warned  for years to stay away from this crap, because it usually contained caffeine, ephedrine and other legal stimulants. Gee, do you think  people buying this stuff might have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular problems? 

Did you see in the article the reasons for going to the ER was irregular heartbeat and chest pain? No one is going to the ER because their multivitamin caused  a problem. Just as a final note, I noticed they did not include the number of people who suffer severe complications and many deaths each year from over the counter products and prescriptions. Given a choice  I will take my echinacea and my vitamin supplement instead, with no fear of hospitalization.

Homeopathy under assault!

The FDA has proposed revisiting its policies on homeopathy, after problems with products like ZICAM and AIRBORN, which in my opinion are not really homeopathics in the truest sense. Some in the industry say they support the government’s efforts in order to get rid of some bad apples, but they hope this does not become a crusade against homeopathy as a whole. After reading some blogs and websites, it appears the anti homeopathy and anti alternative forces are coming out of the woodwork on a witch hunt.

Most of the posts i read had  referred to the lack of scientific evidence or proper studies.

The most irritating statements came from people who stated that homeopathy goes against known chemistry ,science, and physics, or they made fun of the “water memory” idea.

Fortunately, I attended a workshop many years ago, conducted by James Oschman PhD, a world authority on energy and complementary medicine. He wrote a book on the scientific basis of energy medicine, and covered homeopathy in chapter 10.  

In just a few paragraphs  Oschman clearly explained in scientific terms what the “water memory “ is. Here is just an example:

“In homeopathy, molecular signatures are transferred from a biologically active molecule to the water in which it is dissolved. This happens when the homeopath “successes” the sample.  Succussion is a method of vibrating or sending a shockwave through the solution. Dissolved molecules are made to vibrate intensely and coherently and they therefore emit their electromagnetic signatures( emission spectrum)

One plausible mechanism for water memory storage, published by Dr. C.W. SmIth(1985) is that hydrogen bonds hold water together in a helical structure  that acts like a coil. The magnetic components of fields emitted by the vibrating molecules induce current flows through the water helix. These currents reverberate within the water structure, much like the ringing of a bell.  Even when the sample has been diluted to the point that the original molecule is gone,  the signals stored in the water continue to vibrate for a long time.”

The ability of atomic systems to recall coherent electromagnetic pulses is known to physicists (Brewer and Hahn 1984)”

Okay, so maybe it is not simple, but it is very understandable. Our bodies are 70% water. there are systems in our bodies we still do not fully understand. We still cannot explain what gives us life, for heaven’s sake!

So when  detractors say there is no scientific basis for homeopathy, it just means they have not looked far enough, or it does not fit their measuring process. Homeopathy may not fit neatly into Newtonian physics, but it sure as hell fits with quantum physics.

Check out ENERGY MEDICINE, The Scientific Basis, James Oschman PhD, Harcourt Publishers Ltd, 2000. 

One last note:  Even if homeopathy is placebo, so is every medicine. If homeopathy is a placebo, and we are witless dupes, please explain to me how a skittish horse can be given  Ignatia, and minutes later it will be docile. How did you get the horse to understand it would work? I know, the detractors will say this is anecdotal.  My feeling is there is not enough money to be made by the big Pharma to really care about working with homeopathy. Just my opinion.

 I had a great phone call today, that just reinforces the knowledge that the path we are on is the right one.
One of our customers has been taking care of a friend who is in kidney and liver failure, and is presently on dialysis. He has been given 2-3 months to live.  "Bill" contacted me and  asked what could be done to help his friend. I had to be very careful about making any suggestions because of the dialysis, but told him to talk to his doctor and see if milk thistle could be added to his regimen. "Bill told the doctor of his experience with milk thistle and had his doctor talk to the new doctor.  The doctor approved using a guaranteed potency milk thistle of 350 mg. This morning I was told  that the patient not only was alert, but took his own medicine and then asked for wipes to clean up. The doctor is amazed that the patient is as alert and active as he is. This after only five days on the milk thistle. Bill and his wife were crying as they told me the story. Truly, there are miracles to witness using these gifts from the Creator. I am not saying the patient is out of the woods, but the milk thistle is helping and, who knows? We will keep watching his progress.

Quality Counts

Just had a lady in today, who was trying to detox her liver from some very powerful meds. She said she was using a drug store brand of milk thistle, and was still not getting better after almost a year. This is just another example of knowing the good brands from the rest. We have had so many people make unbelievable improvements  and recoveries when using a quality product. If you are taking something and haven't seen improvement in 2-3 months, you probably have the wrong stuff. Please, stay away from discount, drug store and other house brands of herbs. The quality is not there.

How much crap are you full of?

I just heard a commercial taking about " you could be carrying up to 22 pounds of waste in your colon." Fear not, for they have the answer to a healthy colon and can help you rid yourself of all that unwanted waste and weight,..... for a fee  of course... I have seen ads in the paper and in magazines showing the same diseased colon over  and over. You know, the same one that was taken from John Wayne. Didn't you know he died with that same 22 pounds of stuff in him.  Really? Where do people get this from?  Have you ever had a colonoscopy? Did you weigh 22 pounds less after the clean out? I didn't think so. Are we that niave? Have we become children in our innocence and believe EVERTHING we read on the internet?

NY Attorney General goes after bad supplements

 Did you happen to catch the news about Walmart, Walgreens GNC and Target?  It seems they have been selling herbal supplements that did not even contain the main ingredient  or had ingredients not listed on the label. Walmart's Echinacea contained no echinacea, while GNC's St Johns Wort contained no St Johns wort.  One supplement even contained "houseplant", whatever that is.  This might be one reason you can buy "standardized" products for so little. Apparently it did not cost much in the first place because the herb wasn't there.  For decades my wife and I have been trying to warn consumers about the  quality of products and the secondary market. In this case, it is not the fact they sold used product, it was that there was no product.

 I have always marvelled at some of these companies that can offer a "buy one get two free." How is that possible that you can give away two thirds of your inventory and still make a profit?   That would be like owing one dollar and giving away three dollars. Seriously? How good do you think that first bottle was?

Just some food for thought. Oh, and please do not think I am advocating for some of the garbage sold on the internet at exorbitant prices.  We were all raised with the idea that you get what you pay for. Unfortunately, the con men and shysters figured that out and are raking in millions on the trusting souls hoping to find help for their pain or suffering.

Just remember, CAVEAT EMPTOR. Let the buyer beware. If you do not know the company, you had better know  someone who can honestly advise you on some of the products.

Magnesium for Back pain, Shingles, Colon cleanse

NATURE’s Rx  April 2009


Dear Jonathan, I have had several back surgeries over the years and my pain is getting worse. I have been taking 1800 milligrams of calcium a day as was recommended, but my bone structure is not improving. I can’t sit for very long, and sleep is almost impossible. I am afraid to use a lot of painkillers because I am afraid to get hooked. Is there anything you can suggest?  Phyllis

Dear Phyllis, I can sum it up in one word –MAGNESIUM, MAGNESIUM,  MAGNESIUM.   From your letter and the amount of calcium you are taking I can guess you are taking a carbonate form of calcium, which in your case as proven by your body, is useless. According to Mildred Seelig, MD, a leading magnesium researcher at the University of North Carolina,” many people   needlessly  suffer  pain –including fibromyalgia, migraines, muscle cramps-because they don’t get enough magnesium”.
Lawrence Resnick, MD, Professor of Medicine at Cornell Medical Center says many people worsen the problem by loading up on too much calcium, which flushes magnesium from the cells.
By changing your mineral supplement, you will probably be able to improve your bone health and the magnesium will help to relax your muscles and improve your sleep. We have loads of information available at the HERBARIUM.  Depending on your back and the types of surgery you had, there are other  nerve tonics such as Dr. Clayton’s NERVE-EASE, or Jamaican Dogwood or California Poppy to help with nerve pain.

Dear Jonathan, I had shingles two years ago and still have a lot of nerve pain. Is that possible? Is there anything that I could use to help get rid of this?  Connie

Dear Connie, Yes it is possible. We have had customers who told us they had pain for nearly five years after the shingles went away.  For pain relief, we have used Jamican Dogwood for many years with very good results. California Poppy is another herbal that works well, and  my wife, Clinical Aromatherapist   Kathleen Duffy   has recommended a massage oil with  Rose Geranium Oil( Pelargonium graveolens).
Studies have shown it to be very effective for post herpetic pain.

Dear Jonathan, I received a brochure in the mail regarding colon cleansing. I also see a lot of TV shows talking about how important it is.  Is it really that important to clean your colon? Do we really have all those toxins and build up in our intestines? I would like to try it for my mother, who has lots of constipation issues.  Marian

Dear Marian. Let me address your questions slowly. First, throw the brochure away if you did not request the information Second my rule of thumb is “ believe 50% of what they say, and do not buy their product” Third, If you have ever had a colonoscopy, you might have noticed a loss of three to five pounds while you were prepping  for the procedure. That would be reasonable, but 22 pounds of “spackle”?  Someone is full of it, but it is not you. Fourth, You need to check with your mothers doctor and the pharmacist to see if her constipation is due to her medications, and what might be done from that angle. Fifth, there are some colon cleansing products which are safe and gentle, but you won’t find them on the television infomercials. In some cases, a detoxifying formula would kill two birds with one stone. Something like Milk Thistle could clean the liver and as a side effect, make her bowel movements easier. Lastly,  doing a cleanse , like spring and fall house cleaning, is not a bad idea, depending on your situation.  Do not fall for the advertising that preys on your fear and anxiety. Moderation is a good approach.
  NOTE:  For you allergy sufferers, this is the perfect time to begin your allergy supplements. Products such as Dr Claytons SINUS ADE ,  Buried Treasure ALLEREZE, or HERBARIUM’S ALLER CALM can help prepare you for the coming burst of pollen from trees  and grasses. It is a good idea to begin now, and build up your resistance. This approach can really make spring allergy season more comfortable for you.

Honey, ED help for Diabetics, BugZaway and Hawthorn

**Natures Rx  July 2008**

Dear Jonathan, I am taking local honey daily to try and get rid of my allergies. How long should I continue?  Arthur
Dear Arthur, The idea of using honey gets mixed reviews. Some folks get results and some do not. The idea is to desensitize yourself to the effects of the pollens. Many people will mix a few grains of local bee pollen with the honey. Needless to say, this is a matter of individual choice. Some people are extremely sensitive and should not try this. There are other approaches to getting through allergy season.

Dear Jonathan, I read your article on Erectile Dysfunction in last months’ PRIME magazine .I am a diabetic and wondered if you could recommend which herb you talked about is best for me. Ron
Dear Ron,  Thanks for reading the column and PRIME. Actually the article was meant to shed some light on the “male enhancement “product industry, but as a side issue, most of the herbs have ED uses. In your case, I would try Ginkgo biloba (stay away from the stuff that Larry King advertises) A good Ginkgo in liquid or capsule form helps to promote circulation off the trunk. Basically, anything that protrudes could benefit from using Ginkgo (head hands feet , you get the picture) Because Diabetes affects circulation,  Ginkgo could have many other benefits for you , other than working on ED. Most every one of our diabetic customers use Ginkgo and have experienced excellent results, especially for foot problems, of which I am sure you are aware.  Before trying any of the Rainforest herbal remedies, I would start with Ginkgo.

Dear Jonathan, We just returned from a vacation in Maine, and I have to say the Bugzaway we bought at the Herbarium really lived up to its claims. Our friends were using regular insect repellant and spent their time swatting the bugs. I sprayed on the Bugzaway and Presto! No bugs!  Thanks for a great product.  Bill

Dear Bill, I will pass your letter on to my wife. Kathy created the Bugzaway many years ago to protect the children, and just kept tweaking the formula, adding different oils to repel different insects. We have received reports from all over the country and around the world on how well it works. The reason is rather simple, but profound. A chemical spray is going to be the same, time after time. The formula never changes. Bugs can build up an immunity to the compound. Bugzaway uses only pure essential oils from the plants. Every batch of oil is going to be different because of growing conditions, sunlight rain, etc. The chemicals in the essential oils will vary slightly each time, and the insects cannot develop an immunity to them. Isn’t Mother Nature grand?

Dear Jonathan, I use Hawthorn berry for my heart, and I just read that I should stop using it after three months. Is there a danger to using it for a long time? David

Dear David, I do not know where you read this information, but do not even worry about it. Perhaps the writer was using an old rule that says herbs should be discontinued after certain times because the body  may  become to accustomed to it. My Mother used Hawthorn for many years and her heart doctors had no problem with her using it even when she was in hospital. One of our customers has been using Hawthorn daily for more than twenty three years and would not dream of being without it. I can’t tell you the details of his case, but even his doctors can’t explain why he is still with us considering his condition, without paying proper respect to the eff3ects of Hawthorn berry.   Hawthorn berry is one of the most benign remedies you can use. There is no known toxic level, and it is the first cardio tonic anyone should consider. Noted cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra uses Hawthorn in his practice.  The only problem related to using Hawthorn is in conjunction with Digitalis. Always consult your Cardiologist before using herbal products.

Hey fishermen! One of my customers has a great use for garlic. He told us he melts down a jar of Vaseline,  adds  a garlic tincture and mixes it up  and lets  it solidify. He slathers it onto his lure and fishing line and the bass go crazy! He says it works better than any commercial preparation he has ever used.  

Pre-Surgical Prep, Toe Fungus

Nature’s Rx    August, 2008

Dear Jonathan, I am going in for some minor surgery next month. My doctor says to stop all vitamins and herbal supplements two weeks before the operation. I do not understand the reasoning for this.  I take a multivitamin and mineral each day and really need it to feel right. What is your opinion? David
Dear David,
 Most doctors will tell you to stop taking supplements about 4-7 days before an operation. They do not want any surprises. Some vitamins have a blood thinning effect, as do some herbs. The doctor is trying to avoid any unnecessary bleeding during the surgery, or perhaps any contraindication related to anesthesia, if it is being used. We always recommend you follow your doctors’ advice. If two weeks is too much for you ask about the one week time frame. The more you talk to the doctor and explain your situation, the more he can explain to you the reason for his timetable. You can also find out how familiar he/she is with nutritional supplements or herbs. Do not be afraid to ask. We have several customers who have physicians who are familiar with the supplements and have worked with their patients to incorporate their herbal use into the doctor’s prescription. One lady comes to mind. Recently she developed “tennis elbow” and needed to take a supplement containing turmeric. She was taking Coumadin which is a blood thinner. Turmeric has a slight thinning effect also. She called her doctor, he researched the turmeric and found it would not complicate matters. He  even went so far as to reduce her amount of Coumadin, so as to allow her to use the herbal product. Please, it is very important to tell your doctor everything you are taking. Talk with them. You may find the doctor more understanding than you thought.

Dear Jonathan,  I know this is gross, but I have a bad case of toe fungus. The doctor gave me a prescription, but I read about the side effects and possible damage to the liver and I am frightened. Is there any natural remedy that I could use? Susan.
Dear Susan,
There are a variety of items you can try both topically and internally that will not be so frightening to you. You can try Tea Tree essential oil. Tea tree is a very good anti fungal which can be used topically, but make sure you get a low cineole content oil.  If the fungus is relatively new, this should do the trick. If it is really imbedded, you may have to use something both internal and external. In that case we carry a product called Spilanthes-Usnea compound. It contains Spilanthes (anti bacterial, antifungal, immune enhancing) Usnea (anti infection on a variety of issues) Oregano (a powerful anti fungal, antimicrobial antibacterial) Tea tree, and Pau d’arco (antifungal, tonic)  This combination is excellent for candidiasis, thrush, ringworm and athlete’s foot. If liquids are not to your liking,  Twinlab offers a capsule form called “Yeast Fighters”, Solaray features “ Yeast Fighters, and Renew Life has “Candi-gone.” No matter which product you choose, it is also very important to add probiotics to your diet. Yeast overgrowth is very common, and poor diet, stress, medicines, antibiotic use all contribute to the lowering of good bacteria in your gut and to allowing the yeast to get out of hand.
Warning: avoid the internet and television products for candidiasis, and for heaven’s sake forget the footbath or detox pads. Those will have very little effect on your condition, but they will lighten your wallet. Go to your local health food/ supplement retailer and talk to someone. Get a feel for the products, ask questions and let the sales person explain  the products.
Recently we have had a number of people coming in asking about “burning tongue syndrome. This surprised me, since it is now called a syndrome. Apparently it is on the rise and no one is sure why. It has been linked to possible side effects of certain medications. Check with your Pharmacist for any potential problems with your medicines. Nutritionally, extra B complex has been recommended, with good results, and some people tell us the doctors have suggested increasing their zinc levels. While I was researching other topics, I came upon information that suggests yeast overgrowth may be linked to burning tongue. If you are experiencing this condition, it may be worthwhile to try a yeast cleanse product. You really have nothing to lose, and you will benefit one way or the other.

Opinion Piece - Simple & Effective vs Expensive

A news story the other day just fried me to no end.  It seems Gilead Sciences, an american pharmaceutical company is licensing  their hepatitis C drug, Sovaldi, to 7 Indian companies, to make it more available to 91  developing nations. The usual cost is $1000. per pill. A 12 week regimen would cost $84,000.! Gilead is also going to introduce their own product at only $300. per pill. What a great company huh?  What galls me is the simple fact that milk thistle ( Silybum marianum) is probably the best natural product on earth to treat any liver problem, including all the forms of hepatitis. In the american market, a guaranteed potency product with 85 % sllymarin is only about $ 20.00  a month. Are you kidding me?  Over the years we have had two of our customers taken off the liver transplant list simply by using milk thistle seed extract! We even have doctors who hand out our informational literature to their patients because they have seen the results of using milk thistle by their own patients.

The pharmaceutical industry must be responsible to its investors, so instead of looking at an alternative, which could probably be grown in the countries targeted, become a cash crop to help the developing nations, and maybe cut american health costs, the big guys will just keep gouging us and putting out press releases to make everyone think they are responsible corporations. Unbelievable...

MRSA, Oxycontin/Oxycodone substitutes, False claims

NATURES  Rx  May  2009

Lots of notes this month.
Recently my wife, Kathy Duffy, spent our entire radio program covering the topic of MRSA(methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Many of you have heard of MRSA, and have heard you must wash your hands or use anti bacterial  hand cleaners  frequently.  The problem arises when people over use the hand cleaners and the germs continue to become more resistant. Fortunately, several studies are showing Tea Tree oil( Melaleuca  alternafolia) in strong (5%or more) concentrations are destroying MRSA colonies. Kathy explained how mixing several essential oils in combination was effective in controlling the MRSA. The oils discussed included Tea tree, True Lavender( Lavandula angustifolia), Oregano(Origanum vulgaris),Eucalyptus( Eucalyptus globulus), Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon motia), and Bergamot (Citrus bergamia).  Recipes were given and concentrations were discussed during the program. I am a bit reluctant to go into detail in the column, for fear people will go to the bath shops or perfume counter and buy cheap and mislabeled  fragrances. The show is available on cassette or CD for a nominal fee. The show notes are available at HERBARIUM free of charge. Kathy stressed  repeatedly you must use pure therapeutic grade oils  and change the ratios frequently.

I read in the morning paper there is a shortage of Oxycodone and Oxycontin in  Western Mass and indeed the whole country but the pharmaceutical companies say they wil have enough to go around by May. Why am I mentioning it? In the story it stated people are using Oxycontin and its generic form for bursitis, and arthritis and lower back pain. Wow!  The article also stated abuse of this drug can lead to addiction. Folks, I know people who used this stuff for a few days and got hooked! Oxy is a great drug for severe pain, but for heavens sake try something safe and effective and non-addicting for arthritis bursitis and lower back pain. How about a chiropractor?  Massage? How about Tumeric, California poppy, Jamaican Dogwood, Scullcap, Mineral tea(HERBARIUM blend) mineral supplements such as magnesium?  It seems to me people are using a cannon to kill a fruit fly here.

Two more articles appeared recently. One reported fish oil did not offer much help for heart attack patients.  Of course when the subjects are all using blood thinners, a cholesterol medication and aspirin, the addition of ONE fish oil capsule probably would not help. How could you tell?  Wouldn’t having a control group using only the fish oil  have been a better test? How about using a therapeutic dose? One tablespoon of fish oil is usually recommended, (for those of you in Rio Linda, that would be about nine capsules).
The other story was a column from Jane Brody of the New York Times. Ironically enough the story appeared on April Fools Day.  She stated that vitamin E was bad for you. Unfortunately, Ms Brodie did not check her facts. There was no study, it was in fact a meta- analysiswhich is very different. I was interviewed by TV22  the day this story first appeared and  read the American Heart Association press release. It was four paragraphs long, three of which talked about the safety  and efficacy of Vitamin  E for a variety of problems,at the normal dose of 400iu’s. The Heart Association said doses of 1200-2000 iu’s of vitamin E should not be taken without a doctors’ supervision. This was a non story and still is.   This woman had the gall to pull up a story that was FIVE YEARS OLD and had been discredited by several  publications and organizations since then.  Why? Journalistic integrity indeed….
 If you want real information and need to check facts try websites such as Medline plus,  Pub Med, National Institute of Health or the National Library of Medicine just to name a few.

Homeopathy, Vitamin D

Natures Rx Feb.2010

In the November 2009 issue, I addressed a question on homeopathy. I recently heard my old buddy Dr. Dean Edell make disparaging remarks about it, going so far as to say that Congress won’t do anything about this hocus pocus because they are afraid of our powerful lobby. Folks, in a weird way he is right. We do have the most powerful lobby in the country, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.  Congress should be damned afraid of us.  Check for yourself, the natural products industry in total can’t come up with the lobbying money of even one pharmaceutical company agri-business or food processor. But we have the vote.
Check out the DVD ”Food Inc.” or Michael Moore’s films about the health industry. Then you tell me who has the power in Washington. We, the PEOPLE actually have the last word, unfortunately our”representatives” like to push us up against the wall before we act. Act we have and act we will.
 Back to the main issue of homeopathy. I admit it is hard to fathom how a greatly diluted ingredient can have such an effect on the body, but to say it is all in our head is ludicrous. Answer me this, then. When homeopathic remedies are administered to animals and they respond and recover how did the person convince the dog or horse that it would work? Hmmmmmm.

Dear Jonathan, I recently was told by my doctor that I am deficient in Vitamin D. He prescribed 50,000 units. Isn’t that a high dose?  Anita, Springfield

Dear Anita, it does seem high compared to what used to be recommended, but that is a question for your doctor. I am sure he knows what he is doing for your situation. In general, everyones vitamin D levels are low. The government raised the level a couple of years ago. People who live in the northern part of the country do not get the sunlight which helps your body to produce vitamin D. Women especially are at a disadvantage because many of their skin products contain sunscreen products to protect against wrinkles and skin cancer.  Many of our customers are taking a supplemental 1-2,000 units of vitamin D-3 to help normalize their amounts.  There was a big push for the vitamin to help with your calcium absorption ( we have discussed this in past columns) What has been taking center stage is the latest studies showing  low levels of vitamin D being associated with increased incidence of colds and flu and other studies showing definite anti cancer activity. I am sure your high dose prescription is only for a short time to get your blood levels up to par, then you will probably be able to use a supplemental amount as I described earlier.

Dear Jonathan, I am taking a cholesterol medicine and the doctor noted my liver enzymes were not normal. I have to take the medicine, but I am worried about possible damage to my liver. Do you have any suggestions.  Beth, West Springfield

Dear Beth, I will do another column on cholesterol in the near future. In the meantime, try Milk Thistle.
It is the best liver tonic available. It can lower cholesterol, help normalize liver function, and even help regenerate liver tissue. It is an amazing gift of nature.

Asthma

NATURES Rx    December 2009


Hello friends, recently I have received a surprising number of questions concerning asthma.  After talking to several people it appears that raking leaves is the culprit. Stirring up dust dirt and mold spores
Has triggered quite a few reactions. Granted this is not the only reason, but if you have been having problems and you have been doing yard work, it might be something to explore.
  It is estimated over 12 million Americans have asthma. There are two types. One is triggered by allergies ,one  has no known cause.  Some nutrients that may be helpful include magnesium, zinc, B vitamins and vitamin C. Other nutrients include beta glucan, CoQ 10, quercetin, essential fatty acids, MSM, and probiotics.
  Herbally, Astagalus, Butterbur, Elderberry, Eyebright Ginger, Mullein, Licorice and Nettle root have been found to help. From the Ayurvedic tradition comes Boswellia ,Khella, and Coleus Forskohli. One of the best remedies was Ma-Huang, or Chinese ephedra, but because some stupid and greedy marketers put it into diest pills and some stupid athletes and other people decided to take way over the recommended doses while taking other medicines  some seriuous problems arose. The Food and Drug Administration pulled MaHuang off the shelves several years ago.( Gee whiz, I thought the FDA said they didn’t have the authority to do that. Hmph, guess they were wrong.) You still may find asthma or respiratory formulas that contain American ephedra, or Brigham tea. The American form is milder, but it is hard to find. HERBARIUM has several products for asthma. Kathy’s DETOX tea is a favorite and is very effective for any and all respiratory problems, as is HERBARIUM brand Respir-ease. Buried Treasure hads a liquid formula that shares many of the same ingredients as the DETOX tea. B&T brand makes several homeopathic formulas for adults and children that can safely be used even if you are on inhalers. Finally there are several essential oils that can help  including Eucalyptus, Rosemary,tea tree, Pep

Flu Shot & Alternatives

Nature’s Rx February 2009


Dear Jonathan, I recently heard on the news that everyone should get a flu shot and that the standard treatment is not working.  I hear a lot of people say they got the flu after taking the shots.  What do you recommend?      Ed- Agawam.
Dear Ed, I recommend you do what is best for you.   Talk with your doctor. I am not here to say don’t get a shot.  There are many people who are at great risk due to other illnesses, compromised immune systems, the young, the elderly, etc.  And they must do what is most beneficial for their health and well being.  Some people would not think of skipping their flu shots and there are others who would not get a shot if you paid them.  That is their choice. Many people have jobs and activities that put them in contact with sick people, be it retail work or a typical office environment. People will also not take care of themselves with enough rest and let themselves get run down which is a perfect opening for the flu bug.
 I have always thought the best way to avoid getting the flu is to keep your immune system functioning at peak levels. Remember, even getting the flu shot is not a guarantee you won’t get the flu.   In the natural realm there are some very effective products that can keep you as healthy as you can be and increase your chances of not getting the flu.

One of the best items in the well being arsenal is Elderberry (Sambucus nigra). Researchers in Israel found compounds in the elderberry that help to blunt the protein “spikes” of the flu virus which prevents the virus from penetrating the cell wall and turn your cells into virus factories. Add to that good ol’ vitamin C and you have a great combination. The vitamin C helps to strengthen the cell walls, so the C builds a tougher barrier; the elderberry blunts the spike, and good bye virus!

Zinc is a healing nutrient that is required for a robust immune system. Zinc lozenges are especially good as the zinc coats your throat and disrupts the virus’s ability to reproduce. This little trick was discovered by accident when a doctor couldn’t get a person to swallow her zinc tablets and suggested she suck on it. As it turned out she reported her sore throat had disappeared and the doctor was inspired to do further investigation.
Echinacea (angustifolia) is a traditional herb for colds and flu. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and works as an immune system modulator.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) is a well known herb used to help relieve fever, chills and achiness. It is often taken in combination with Echinacea.
Homeopathically, you may have heard of Oscillococcinum. This is a combination that many people swear by. These are usually found in three dose packages. Follow the instructions and you can knock out the flu before it has a chance to get you.
 There are a variety of medicinal mushrooms which can work well to guard against the flu. You can take these mushrooms individually, in prepared formulas or add them to your diet. Being of Polish extraction, I love a good hearty mushroom soup in the winter and when I can add medicinal mushrooms to the recipe that is just the icing on the cake!
Look for Agaricus blazei, Ice Man polypore, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Maitake (Grifola frondosa), Shitake (Lentinula edodes), Pearl Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) or Cordyceps, (Cordyseps sinensis). These mushrooms have very powerful anti viral and immune enhancing activities.
One of the best products I have ever come across is call ACF (Acute Cold and Flu) formula by Buried Treasure. It is a liquid combination containing just about every cold or flu fighter you can think of, and it does the trick.
  There are dozens of other herbal and nutritional supplements available, too numerous to name for this article, but if you can start with any combination of the aforementioned items, you will be that much farther ahead in the game.

I know we have been focused on the flu, but colds are still knocking people for a loop. All of the items I have written about also fight colds. Besides, when you are coming down with something you do not know if it is a cold or flu, so why not use a combination of herbs that are anti viral, anti bacterial and immune enhancing?  So whether you get a flu shot or not, there are many natural l ways of protecting yourself and your loved ones.

"Natural Male Enhancement" and ED

** This article originally published in Prime Magazine June 2008**

Dear Jonathan, I‘ve got to ask. I have seen the commercials about male enhancement. They seem pretty convincing. Is there any truth to what they claim?    
-Curious

Sigh….. I‘ve tried to avoid this issue but,… I contacted one of these companies after watching their infomercial (rhymes with benz).  I got a list of the ingredients, many of which seemed rather benign. There were several however, that I cannot identify, which makes me leery.  What also bothered me was the fact the customer service representative could not even pronounce the ingredients correctly (licorice for example). Their website explains their product increases blood flow to the erectile chambers and somehow stems the outflow, hence, you get bigger. I asked about high blood pressure and they told me it is not recommended if you have pressure problems.  But what if you do not ask? How many guys have tried the product without knowing the consequence? My other concern is not based on anything but conjecture. How much is too much? Can constant increases cause stretching or tissue damage? Think about a balloon. The first time you blow it up and let the air out, it’s a bit misshapen, keep blowing it up and it really loses a lot its shape and elasticity. Is this possible by too much of a good thing? Unfortunately, I do not have an answer.

Another company sells a topical cream which contains peppermint oil. Peppermint oil!? Have you ever noticed how your face tingles after using a mint shaving cream? This is not exactly the place I want to apply peppermint oil if you follow my drift.

Now, there are some products found individually and in combination that have a track record for safety and efficacy.

MACA is a root and radish like vegetable from South America that is used for food and medicine. According to UMASS researcher Chris Kilham, MACA contains a variety of compounds to help your body develop energy and endurance, enhance immunity, a cardio tonic ,adaptgen and aphrodisiac. It is very useful for both sexes for lack of libido and hormonal imbalance. It is non-toxic and has no known side effects or contraindications.

CATUABA is well known in Brazilian herbal medicine as a central nervous system stimulant and aphrodisiac. In addition to treating impotence, it is used for many nerve conditions including insomnia, sciatica and neuralgia. Summary: Aphrodisiac, nervine, anti-anxiety, tonic, libido stimulant, antiviral, antibacterial and cardiotonic. No known contraindications or drug interactions.

MUIRA PUAMA, also known as “potency wood” is another Amazon rainforest herb. In recent clinical research, Muira puama extracts have been reported to have adaptogenic, antifatigue, antistress and beneficial effects on the central nervous system. The traditional medicine history for Muira puama is filled with stories of its use dating back many centuries. Summary: Useful for erectile dysfunction, impotence, libido enhancement, male tonic, central nervous system tonic, anti depressant, cardiotonic, hypotensive and memory enhancer.  Very safe and effective.

YOHIMBE. This African tree bark was used for many years for erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe stimulates erectile tissue in both sexes, enhances sensitivity and helps increase sperm count and motility.    Long term or overuse of Yohimbe can cause nervousness and increased blood pressure. There are concerns that over use can cause over stimulation or irritation to erectile tissue and could contribute to erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe is best used sparingly, or in a combination. If you suffer from heart or kidney disease, or if you have high blood pressure, it would be best to avoid using Yohimbe.

DAMIANA has historically been used as an aphrodisiac and mild sedative. Damiana has been used by both sexes to increase libido and is also helpful for anxiety and depression. There are no known contraindications or drug interactions.

  There are many other herbs that have a history of use as aphrodisiacs, such as the Ginsengs, along with foods such as chocolate and oysters. Yes they can help, just do not trust what you see or read on the internet. The Rule of Thumb:  Believe 50% of what they say, and Do Not Buy Their Product! The HERBARIUM carries many of the aforementioned herbs, from reliable sources. KNOW YOUR SOURCE!  Over the years I have seen some pretty weird products for male enhancement, with some strange ingredients, and it never ceases to amaze me that people would ingest this stuff without having the slightest idea of what the ingredients were or what they could do. Honestly, when I see these infomercials, I feel sleazy and dirty just watching them.   If you are going to do it,  do it right.  

Make the Most of Hand Sanitizer

Here it is only September and we are already getting reports of flu and other viruses.

The pat answer is to use hand sanitizer, but this is a bad plan. Most of the commercial hand sanitizers  and all the the stuff in hospitals are the same strength and concentration.

This is a problem. The more you expose the germs to the same thing, the faster they can develop an immunity to them. this is how the ‘superbugs” and MRSA developed. This is how antibiotics became less and less effective. Why this is not obvious is beyond me.

If you want to really help yourself ,add essential oils to your sanitizer. Even better, add a mixture of oils, in sufficient strength to kill the viruses and bacteria. For example, add about 20-30 drops of lavender and 20 drops of tea tree oil . next batch try 10 lavender and 30 tea tree oil. If you keep changing up the mixture, the bacteria and virus cannot mutate fast enough and you can stay healthy.

Fall Cold & Flue remedies/ prevention

Natures  Rx  November 2007


Welcome to Autumn, or what is passing for the season this year. As I write this column it is 76 degrees outside and I must admit, it is a funny feeling to be telling you about getting your natural medicine chest in order for the cold and flu season.  Ah well…

There are numerous herbs that may help stimulate the immune system and combat cold symptoms.  There are numerous ways to take them, depending on your preference.
Most of the herbs can be brewed into a tea, or infusion. Alcohol or glycerine extracts are commonly used and are stronger than the infusion method. An alcohol extract will deliver both water and fat soluble compounds. If you really do not like the taste,  capsules and tablets are available. Remember, the following  is just a list of possible herbs. It is not necessary to use all of them, though you will find many in combination .
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) this is one of Mother Nature’s most powerful and effective antibiotics with anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. We use Goldenseal in much the same fashion that a pharmaceutical antibiotic would be used, that is, for 10-14 days and then stop. Goldenseal does not destroy the good bacteria in your gut, but it is an endangered species, and recent over-harvesting has seriously diminished the natural stock. Try to use this herb sparingly, or according to directions.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Elecampagne (Inula helenium) and Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) help support respiratory function and help relieve cough and congestion
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) contains anti-viral compounds. Israeli researchers found this extract great for fighting the flu virus.
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) help promote healthy adrenals and a normally functioning respiratory tract.
Gargling with thyme, goldenseal, garlic or Echinacea is helpful o relieve a sore throat
Mushrooms especially Shitake, Maitake or Reishi are powerful foods, rich in 1, 3 beta glucan and helps support innate and adaptive immunity. Pound for pound, mushrooms are incredibly nutrient dense and health promoting foods.
Echinacea. Despite the reports you may have read about Echinacea not having any effect on curing a cold, the evidence does show it effective for preventing secondary respiratory attacks, shortening the duration of a cold and relieving the symptoms
One great cold and flu remedy that is often overlooked but very effective is Matris fowlasoupis, or Mom’s Chicken soup. There is actually a great deal of evidence pointing to using the chicken soup as a health aid. It’s warm, thins mucous, soothing to the mucous membrane, easy on the digestion, and depending on how much garlic and vegetables you add to the stock, a very nutrient rich food
Recently on our radio show, we discussed the uses for Hawthorn berry (Crategus oxycantha)
Hawthorn is first and foremost of the heart tonics, and so much more. Hawthorn has a normalizing effect on the heart, improves cellular metabolism, increases blood flow to the heart, and strengthens the hearts contractions, thereby improving blood flow throughout the body. Hawthorn contains flavinoids which have been shown to dilate peripheral coronary blood vessels, and Hawthorn is a rich source of procyanidins which exert antispasmodic and sedative effects. Conditions which Hawthorn has been used to treat include regulating high and low blood pressure, angina, Reynaud’s syndrome, hypertension, and insomnia, rhythmic disturbances, strengthening venal and arterial walls. To top it all off, Hawthorn exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

People have asked me about a new weight loss product that is being heavily advertized as the only FDA-approved weight loss aid on the market. I recently had a chance to check it out, and I am sorry to say, don’t get your hopes up.    From what I can determine, ALLI is nothing more than a repackaged version of OLESTRA. Remember Olestra? It was supposed to be added to all kinds of fatty foods and it would inhibit your absorption of the fat.  The one BIG side effect was”, loose or more frequent stools that may be hard to control, or gas with an oily discharge” This is exactly the wording from ALI’s pamphlet.  ALLI‘s pamphlet puts most of the weight (no pun intended) on you. You have to commit to lose weight gradually, reduce your caloric and fat intake, exercise, eat smaller portions, and more.  Sounds like any basic weight loss program, which doesn’t need ALLI.
There are natural products which can aid in weight loss, without these kinds of side effects, but that will be discussed in a future column.

Prostate Health

**This article originally published in Prime Magazine  June 2009**

Happy Father’s Day! How’s your prostate? Granted, all men are not fathers, but all men have prostates and all men will experience some form of prostate problems during their lifetimes.
I recently read where Proscar, the brand name of finasteride, is making a comeback. For what medical reason I do not  know. More than a dozen years ago studies showed Saw Palmetto extract (Serenoa repens) out- performed  Proscar. The results of a three year study showed Proscar use resulted in decreased libido, ejaculatory dysfunction or impotence as compared to the placebo group. Proscar also took longer to act (6-12 months)on fewer people (37%), only showed moderate results in treating  BPH or benign prostatic  hyperplasia  and did not block the binding of DHT(Dihydrotestosterone) at cellular binding sites.
Compare those results with the use of a standardized Saw Palmetto extract (85-95% fatty acids and sterols). Saw Palmetto saw 90% positive results in 90 days or less, inhibited the production of DHT, inhibited binding at cell sites, had no sexual side effects and cost considerably less than the prescription!
When saw palmetto is combined with other herbs such as Pygeum africanum, Nettle root, pumpkin seeds and vitamins, the results can be very impressive.

I am sure many readers will say “  I tried saw palmetto and it did not work.” Let me tell you about the after-market and standardization.  Not all saw palmetto is the same. One company I am familiar with blends several batches of  herb in order to produce a guaranteed potency extract. This ensures a consistent quality of extract. Others  companies will “spike” their herbal extracts with the minimum amount of  a particular ingredient to show it is “standardized”. Others have used the word standardized because each capsule contains the same amount of herb! In the secondary market, companies will buy up the spent product from the primary companies, and spike what is left. It is about the same as someone using a tea bag to brew tea, then the next guy takes that same bag and sells it to you while saying ‘scout’s honor, this is 100 % tea.”
 Read your labels and ask questions of knowledgeable people. Caveat emptor!