Know your Herbs: Dandelion

Historical Medicinal Uses: Dandelion is used in conditions requiring a mild diuretic (increasing urine excretion), such as liver disorders, high blood pressure and poor digestion; the latter includes upset stomach conditions of flatulance, the sensation of gut fullness and constipation. Specifically the root of the dandelion is thought to have laxative effects. Studies have indicated that it also improves liver and gallbladder function; it is thought that the herb improves the health and function of natural bacteria in the digestive system. It is also an appetite stimulant.
Dandelion is a rich source of Vitamins A, C, D and B complex It also contains such minerals as iron,magnesium potassium and zinc.



Other names include Lion's Tooth, Priest's Crown, Swine's Snout

Folklore: Native Americans used a fluid derivative to treat swelling, skin problems, kidney disease, heartburn and upset stomach. In Chinese medicine the herb is used to treat digestive disorders, appendicitis and breast problems such as inflammation or lack of milk flow.

Always, consult your medical practitioner before using.

The Flu Pandemic of 1918: March 1918-June 1920

Trolley conductor in Seattle refusing boarding to those

without masks during Flu Epidemic of 1918

Like the current swine flu scare, the 1918 flu epedemic, also called the Spanish Flu, was caused by a deadly strain of the H1N1 virus. It is called a pandemic because it spread to nearly every part of the world (including the arctic area) infecting about 600 million people However, it is estimated that about 50-100 million people were killed which was about 3% of the world's population.(The world was peopled by 1.6 Billion at the time) It is the most deadly pestilence in human history; in contrast World War I took 15 million lives.

The strain was highly unusual as it struck primarily young adults and otherwise healty adults because in its mode of attack, the virus overwhelmed the strong immune systems of these people; those with stronger immune systems would presumably have a greater overreation.

There were two waves; the first, from March through August 1918 acted like the typical flu, striking down the weak, the elderly and sick. But, then the virus mutated to a more deadly form spreading rapidly throughout France, The United States and Sierra Leone. It rapidly spread to the battlefields of Europe, the trenches and then spread to the cities by army personnel on the move. It is surmised that soldiers were particularly susceptible due to malnourishment, stresses of combat and the chemical warfare.

In the U.S about 28% of the population suffered and about 600,000 people died.

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Know your Herbs: Bloodroot (Red Paint Root)

Historical Medicinal Uses: Native Americans and American Colonists have used bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) to treat syphilic troubles, skin cancers, sore throats, and skin conditions such as ringworm, warts, polyps and fungal growths. An extract has been used in toothpaste to combat plaque and gingivitis. In small doses, bloodroot has been used to stimulate the digestive tract, the heart and as an emetic.

Bloodroot is also known as bloodwort, red puccoon root, and sometimes pauson.

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Folklore: The juice of the root was used by Native Americans as a war and ritual body paint and to prepare a yellow orange colored dye for fabrics. It has also been used as a charm. In the Ponca tribe, young men would rub the juice on the palm of their hand and attempt to shake hands with the maiden they wished to marry.

Canada puccoon
by Sydenham Edwards
The Botanical Magazine (1791)

Warnings: The FDA considers Bloodroot "unsafe" as it is a known escharotic (a substance that kills skin cells) and urges it not be used by herbal healers. Self medication should be avoided as the plant can be toxic.

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Know your Herbs: Uva Ursi or Bearberries

Medicinal Uses : It is commonly believed that the herb is effective in strengthening heart muscle and the urinary tract, returning the womb to normal size after childbirth and in controlling urinary incontinence.

Uva Ursi or Bearberries

History and Folklore : In the 13th Century, Marco Polo said that the herb was already being used by the Chinese to control kidney and urinary problems. It was mixed with tobacco and used by Native Americans in religious ceremonies. In addition to controlling problems of the urinary tract, Native Americans also used it to treat back sprains, venereal diseases, prevent obesity; in a powdered form, the leaves were also applied to sores.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Common Bearberry
from Thomé Flora von Deutschland
Österreich und der Schweiz 1885

It is recommended that you consult your family physician before self-medicating.

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Heart Disease

The big five risk factors that can increase heart disease are smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and certain types of cholesterol. Dr. Neil Raff MD posits that low levels of Vitamin D, high levels of homocysteine, inflammation and heavy metals also need to be evaluated.


We invite you to come meet with us, at no charge, to discuss your health concerns and goals. Our practitioners and you will be more certain as to the appropriateness of developing a practitioner-patient partnership. Call us at (914) 241-7030 for a 15 minute complimentary consultation.

Stomach Acid

After discussing the benefits of stomach acids, Dr. Neil Raff MD urges the limited use of acid suppressants such as the purple pill and the use of alternative natural remedies that can protect the GI tract even better.

Boost Your Immune System . . .

Since viruses have the ability to multiply every 30-40 minutes, the taking of supplements in a timely fashion is very important. Neil Raff MD discusses many various supplements ranging from propolis and selenium to elderberry extract and colloidal silver in this important video.

Feeling Good . . .

When our body is out of sync, we don't feel good and feeling good is the bottom line of our health.

In this video, Neil Raff MD suggests that not feeling good could be a sign of early diabetes, hormone imbalance, high blood pressure, vitamin deficiency or simply stress.