Wheat grass juice

I am all in favor of keeping it natural; natural foods, natural herbs all things natural. However, let's be real. Face it-tornadoes and poison ivy are also natural. So, once in a while there is a problem with natural. Just this week there was a gentleman who tried wheat grass juice for the first time. As it happened, this man is 85 years old with chronic kidney problems (he sees a nephrologist regularly) and diabetes. His daughter (who is into health foods) offered him a small cup of fresh wheat grass juice. The next thing he knew, he became dizzy and weak. He checked his blood sugar with a glucometer (or blood glucose meter) and discovered that it was off the charts high. Possibly this was due to a high content of carbohydrates and potassium affecting his blood sugar and kidneys. Moral of the story? Always be careful in selecting new foods, nutraceuticals and supplements especially if you have chronic illnesses.

Aphrodisiacs

Oyster aphrodisiac

Bing

This is the second article in a series on aphrodisiacs. In the first article it was explained that an aphrodisiac is a substance that can purportedly increase sexual desire. Additionally, because desire is a mental process/emotion, drugs like Viagra which work on a physical basis alone (per claims of the manufacturer) do not fit the true definition of aphrodisiac. Of course, it can not be denied that if people have an expectation for sex and a purple pill is popped at the right time, the expected activity may certainly result.

Oysters are among the oldest and most commonly utilized aphrodisiacs available. In fact , the word aphrodisiac is derived from Greek mythology. Specifically, it comes from the goddess Aphrodite. The story states that the goddess came from the ocean perched upon an oyster shell and that she gave birth to Eros, god of desire. There is also the ancient belief that foods that resemble certain body parts stimulate or enhance those parts. An example of this would be walnuts and the brain. A walnut cracked in half reveals a geography startlingly similar to the human brain. Further, modern science has found walnuts to contain vitamin E which is essential for sexual and reproductive health.

Oysters resemble female genitalia. They also have a sensuous feel. When taken on the half shell with a glass of wine, might this not be a true elixir? And similarly, like walnuts containing nutrients that are good for the brain, oysters contain nutrients which are essential for reproductive health. Specifically, oysters contain zinc. The highest concentration of zinc in humans is in the prostate gland which helps to produce semenal fluid. Might this contribute to enhanced desire? Zinc is also necessary for the production of testosterone. Other nutrients found in oysters are certain amino acids which have been found to stimulate the nervous system and increase sex hormones in lab experiments with rats.

Ginger prevents motion sickness and relieves upset stomach

I have used ginger (Zingiber Officinale) extensively in my holistic practice. It is one of the safest herbs available and can be quite effective in preventing motion sickness and relieving upset stomach. It can also improve digestion. Research has shown that ginger can help prevent vomiting. Many of my cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy derive great benefit from ginger. Many are relieved to go off their antiemetic (prevents vomiting) meds and instead relax with a cup of ginger tea. Simply pour boiling water over about 1 gram (about 1/3 teaspoon) of freshly cut pieces of ginger and strain after 5 minutes. It is also possible to purchase capsules in a health food store. Total dose for the prepared ginger is between 2 and 4 grams.

Chinese herbs for allergies and sinus

Just read an article in the Wall Street Journal about a Chinese herbal formula called Bian Pian. This is a safe, well established formula that seems to have a drying effect on the nasal membranes. In fact it seems to work too well in some cases and can actually make you too dry. (In cases such as that, discontinue or reduce dosage). The studies on Bian Pian were positive in some cases and inconclusive in others. I also use another formula for respiratory problems that is administered by the inhalation of steaming herbs (think vaporizer). This formula which translates into "Open Lung", has the effect of opening the nasal passages and is generally safe. I am currently treating a difficult case where I am using a combination of both herbal formulas. The patient has a "dry" type rhinitis but this is compounded by a deviated septum. The finding of deviated septum was confirmed by MRI. Many times, multiple formulas are used to treat the same basic problem. When I studied in China, I noticed that this was fairly common practice in the hospital.

Balance

We often hear the word "Balance" used in reference to health and a healthy lifestyle. What is meant by this word? If we look at it in its most literal definition we mean physical balance, not falling down. However, in a whole sense, were talking about many types of balance- internal, external, physical , emotional and so on. In Florida for example, we live in a very hot climate and stay indoors in air conditioned spaces. As a result, we tend to dehydrate rapidly. If you sleep in a sealed (windows closed, everything tight) home, 8 hours a night, chances are you are pretty dry in the morning. Balance, then, dictates that the first thing you do in the morning is drink a glass of water. First thing. How many of us do? It's downhill from there. You spend all day on the computer and you expect to carry on a normal conversation when you get home? You eat sweets to excess, sedating yourself with sugar highs and lows and then can't eat a normal meal? You stay up all night and can't get anything done during the day? These are all signs of being out of balance. There is a normal balance in nature- night time is cooler, we slow down and sleep. If your life is not in balance you probably have lost touch with the natural order of things. Time to go to a beach, watch a sunset, re-examine your life in relationship to the natural balance of nature.

New Services

I have just added some great new services to my clinic. We are offering 1 free prenatal massage each to the first 10 women who respond. Clinic is located in Jupiter, Florida. Also, now offering nutrition consulting services with Registered Dietitian who interned at Johns Hopkins Medical Center.
From July 7 to July 21 there is a phone drive to help support HR 646, the Federal Acupuncture Act. You can call your congressional rep, senator or president (202-456-1111). There is a good letter on line at www.aaaomonline.org.
Lastly, there is a good free web newsletter available at Debrajoygoldman.com. It provides lots of information on helping you live life fully.

Prenatal Massage

I have seen prenatal massage help many women with back pain and other problems associated with pregnancy. I have just added this service to my clinic in Jupiter, Florida. We will give one free massage each to the first ten pregnant women that reply.