Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): A Potent Ayurvedic Heart Tonic
The stem bark of the Arjuna tree has been valued for heart health since 500 BC. This beautiful and amazing tree is native to central India and lives on average over fifty years. Ayurvedic physicians commonly prescribe the powdered tree bark for alleviating angina, hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. In research, the bark extract has […]
Natural Compounds That Help Mitigate the Effects of Statin-Induced Myopathy
Last month, I wrote a post on the widespread use of statin drugs and the dangers associated with them. Statin associated myopathy and mitochondrial impairment are serious and wide-spread side effects of statin drugs. As I stated previously, I strongly believe that people need to be actively involved in their own health care. This means […]
Statin-Associated Myopathy and Mitochondrial Impairment
“If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” Albert Einstein Part One I’m often asked if I think statin drugs are useful. Of course it’s important first to address the issue of cholesterol levels which statin drugs are used to control. I recently wrote a blog […]
What can Centenarians teach us about cholesterol levels and longevity – It isn’t what you think
“Medicine qua medicine comes into existence when it appropriates knowledge and skills, no matter what their origin, in order to further its healing purposes.” — Edmund Pellegrino The world population is aging with a rapid increase in the very elderly aged 80 and up. Those who make it to 100 and beyond (centenarians) are considered […]
Hope, Wisdom and Science from the Plant Kingdom in the Ongoing Covid Crisis
Interestingly, the main benefit of herbs is their working relationship with our own innate ability to ward off pathogens, such as viruses. This in part is what makes herbal medicine so unique. Although herbs provide some direct anti-viral activity, they primarily act in a non-specific, adaptive manner.
Pesca-Flexa-Vegetarianism – The Ideal Mediterranean-Style Diet for Optimal Health
I’m often asked what I consider to be the healthiest diet. Through decades of nutritional research and experimentation, I’m convinced that a diet of primarily organic, plant-based Mediterranean foods—including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, eggs, dairy products (cow, goat and sheep milk derived) and healthy fats (mostly olive oil), with fish and seafood playing […]
Turmeric: Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory
Most of you know that I enjoy cooking—my intention is to create food that is not only delicious, but deeply nourishing. As an herbalist, I’m especially interested in the health benefits of common herbs and spices used in culinary traditions around the world. My Italian heritage means that basil, oregano, and rosemary play a prominent […]
The Many Health Benefits of Anthocyanins
When I think of foods that have “super” health-promoting properties, berries are on my list of top ten favorites. Not only are they delicious, but bilberries, black currants, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, elderberries, raspberries, strawberries—in fact, every berry you can think of—offer an enormous range of health benefits. What all of these berries have in common […]
Can Statins Be Avoided With Lifestyle Interventions? Part 2
In part 1 of this series, I provided an in-depth evaluation of the powerful role that diet plays in cardiovascular health, particularly in regard to achieving healthy cholesterol levels. As I pointed out in that post, I do not recommend statins, except in rare cases. Even then, the dosages I recommend are far less than […]