Dr Lobisco

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic, Grade A essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been AFNOR and ISO standardized. There is no quality control in the United States and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness.
Essential Oils and Health Highlights

Essential Oil Highlight: Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

Botanical Family:
Cedarwood belongs to the Pinaceae (conifer) botanical family.

Chemical Constituents:
1. The majority, up to 85%, of Cedarwood’s constituents are sesquiterpenes (alpha, beta, gamma himachalene, and cadinene). Sesquiterpenes are compounds that have anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive (blood pressure lowering), and sedative (calming) properties. In general, sesquiterepenes are soothing to tissues and work as liver and gland stimulants. Some have additional analgesic (pain-relieving) effects while others have anti-spasmodic properties.

In the early 1990s, research from the universities of Berlin and Vienna showed that sesquiterepenes had the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, with a specific affinity for the pineal and pituitary glands of the brain. These parts of the brain are important for melatonin and hormonal secretion. It was shown that these constituents had the ability to increase oxygenation to these and other parts of the brain by 28% (Nasel, 1992).

2. Cedarwood also contains sesquiterpene alcohols (alantol, alpha-caryophyllenol, beta-cubenol, cedrol, and cedrenol). These constituents are anti-allergic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, liver and glandular stimulants and ulcer-protective.

3. The final constituents of Cedarwood are sesquiterpene ketones (alpha and beta-alantones). Ketones stimulate cell-regeneration, promote tissue formation, and are expectorants.

Indications and summary of actions:
Due to its chemical constituents, Cedarwood can be used for a variety of skin disorders (psorasis, acne, and excess sebum), respiratory infections (sinusitis, tuberculosis, bronchitis), bacterial and viral infections (urinary infections, colds), inflammatory conditions (arthritis), insomnia (melatonin secretion), hormonal imbalances, mood and emotional disturbances and anxiety. With its high oxygen carrying capacity, Cedarwood can reduce the hardening of artery walls and it has been found to be helpful for hair loss!

Historically:
Cedarwood was traditionally used for purification by the Native Americans. The Egyptians used this sacred oil for embalming their dead. It was used for medicine and incense in Tibet and has many references to healing in the Bible.

Fragrant Influence:
Cedarwood is well known to have a calming and sedative effect on the mood. Terry Friendman, MD, found that Cedarwood was successful in treating ADD and ADHD in clinical tests with children.

References:
1. Essential Oils Desk Reference 4th ed. ESP
2. Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide. Young, Gary
3. Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Hiley, C & A.
Additional Properties of Cedarwood in peer-reviewed journals:
4. Dayawansa S, Umeno K, Takakura H, Hori E, Tabuchi E, Nagashima Y, Oosu H, Yada Y, Suzuki T, Ono T, Nishijo H. Autonomic responses during inhalation of natural fragrance of Cedrol in humans.Auton Neurosci. 2003 Oct 31;108(1-2):79-86. PMID: 14614968)
5. Kagawa D, Jokura H, Ochiai R, Tokimitsu I, Tsubone H. The sedative effects and mechanism of action of cedrol inhalation with behavioral pharmacological evaluation.
Planta Med. 2003 Jul;69(7):637-41. PMID: 12898420
6. Friedman M, Henika PR, Mandrell RE. Bactericidal activities of plant essential oils and some of their isolated constituents against Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica.J Food Prot. 2002 Oct;65(10):1545-60. PMID: 12380738
7. Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol. 1998 Nov;134(11):1349-52.
PMID: 9828867

Naturopathic Medicine focuses on getting to the cause of the problem, not suppressing the body’s symptoms. Sarah LoBisco is a naturopathic doctor who has been involved in wellness for over 7 years. Her past experience includes mentoring with holistic practices throughout NY and CT. She has received extensive training in therapeutic uses for essential oils, herbal therapy and whole food supplements. She graduated from an accredited graduate program in naturopathic medicine in Conneticut and has passed her national licensing board exams. She currently holds her license in the state of Vermont, as NYS does not yet recognize Naturopathic Doctors as Primary Care Physicians. She is certified in Applied Kinseology and holds a BA in psychology from SUNY Geneseo. Currently, Dr. LoBisco has a private consulting practice in Clifton Park, NY. To learn more about therapeutic essential oils or to make an appointment, please contact Sarah at 518-339-4788 or email her at nd@dr-lobisco.com

From the AANP (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians) email alert:

July 23, 2008

AANP President Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO
Featured in All You Magazine

AANP President Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO worked closely with All You Magazine on a feature piece on alternative medicine.

The piece, entitled “Get the Facts About Alternative Medicine,” contains excellent information on alternative treatments. The article covers issues such as the difference between Naturopathic Physicians, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Massage Therapists and Biofeedback Practitioners. It also contains information on herbal remedies and dos and don’ts for alternative treatments.

You can find the full text of the article on our homepage here:www.naturopathic.org

Congratulations to Lise on this wonderful piece, and for helping to educate consumers about what our medicine has to offer!

In Naturopathic Philosophy, it is the aim to remove obstacles to cure. Due to the fact that the Latin meaning for Doctor is Teacher, I wanted to share some facts that I have learned about being healthy in a chemical world. I have included a link to purchasing the training tape ($1.50) that contains more information than what I can highlight. I hope you will take the time to consider this information and perhaps start buying more naturally safe products:

Highlights:
http://www.abundanthealth4u.com/Training_Tape_37_p/8137.htm

Did you know that from 1950-2001 70,000 to 100,000 chemicals were introduced to our environment, and that in one day we are exposed to more chemicals than our grandparents were in a lifetime?

Effects have not fully been studied due to the fact that most evidence appears in the 3rd generation, appearing first as sterility and fertility issues.

Each of these chemicals contains side effects ranging from skin rashes and irritation, headaches, and brain fog to hormonal disruptors and DNA altering substances. DNA altering causes havoc to the immune system creating a host for many diseases and cancer.

In 1970, the makers of chemical products requested that the skull and cross bone emblem be removed from their products and replaced with one of the three words:

Danger - Deadly or harmful if applied to the skin or ingested at one taste to two tablespoons.
Warning- Deadly or harmful if applied to the skin or ingested at one tablespoon to one ounce.
Caution (on most personal care products/toothpaste) - Deadly or harmful if applied to the skin or ingested at one once to one pint.

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic, Grade A essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been AFNOR and ISO standardized. There is no quality control in the United States and oils labeled as “100% pure” needs only contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness.

Essential Oil Highlight: Cardamom (Elettaria cardomomum)

Botanical Family:
Cardamom belongs to the Zingiberaceae (ginger) botanical family.

Chemical Constituents:
Cardamom is over 40% esters. Esters have relaxing, calming and balancing properties. Esters have balancing effects on the nervous system that help to ease anxiety and restlessness. Esters also tend to be antifungal and anti-spasmodic. The ester, alpha terpenyl acetate, is Cardamom’s main consistent. Linayl acetate is also present in smaller amounts.

About 30% of the oxide, 1,8 cineol (eucalyptol) is present in Cardamom. This makes it the second largest constituent. This constituent, along with other oxides, acts as an expectorant that aids in thinning mucus from the respiratory tract. Eucalyptol is also antiseptic and anesthetic.

The alcohols linalol, tepinen-4-ol, and alpha-terpineol provide antibacterial, anti-infectious, and anti-viral and antioxidant properties. Linalol is also anti-fungal, and anti-spasmodic.

Sabinene, myrcene, and l-limonene are monoterpenes that give Cardamom additional detoxifying, antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-tumoral and analgesic properties.

Finally, geranial, an aldehyde, has distinct antiseptic and anti-viral applications. Aldehydes in general are anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, calming, hypotensive, and display tonifying properties.

Historically:
Cardamom was one of the most prized spices in ancient Greece and Rome. It is mentioned in the oldest Ancient Egyptian medical record, Ebers Papyrus, a list of over 150 ancient prescriptions.

Uses:
Cardamom has many similar properties of ginger, but is less of an irritant. It is very soothing for digestive disturbances, including its anti-parasitic actions. It is good for muscle spasms and joint aches and pains. The mucylotic and anti-microbial properties, mentioned above from various constituents, exert powerful effects on respiratory system and aid in lung and sinus infections. Due to its highly anti-microbial and immune stimulating properties it is helpful for virtually any infectious conditions. The fragrance of Cardamom is said to have an uplifting, refreshing, and invigorating effect on the spirit. D. Gary Young utilizes cardamom in a blend called “clarity” for increased mental alertness. He believes cardamom has the ability to clear heavy metals from the brain.

References:
1. Essential Oils Desk Reference 4th ed. ESP
2. Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide. Young, Gary
3. Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Hiley, C & A.
Additional Properties of Cardamom in peer-reviewed journals:
4. Protective capacities of certain spices against peroxynitrite-mediated biomolecular damage. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Mar;46(3):920-8. Epub 2007 Oct 30.
PMID: 18063286
(Note: peroxynitrite is a cytoxic agent that damages DNA, proteins, lipids, and a variety of biochemicals.)
5. Gut modulatory, blood pressure lowering, diuretic and sedative activities of cardamom.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Feb 12;115(3):463-72. Epub 2007 Oct 22.
PMID: 18037596
6. Gastroprotective effect of cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum Maton. fruits in rats.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jan 16;103(2):149-53. Epub 2005 Nov 17.
PMID: 16298093 [PubMed - indexed
(Note: more effective than rantidine!  )
7. Cardamom extract as inhibitor of human platelet aggregation.
Phytother Res. 2005 May;19(5):437-40.
PMID: 16106388 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic, Grade A essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been AFNOR and ISO standardized. There is no quality control in the United States and oils labeled as “100% pure” needs only contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness.

Essential Oil Highlight: Black Pepper (Piper nigram)

Black Pepper was traditionally used in Egyptian mummification and as an endurance herb for Indian monks. It has been said that ancient Chinese healers used black pepper to treat cholera, malaria, and digestive problems. Due to its wide array of constituents, Black Pepper essential oils continues to have a variety of uses today. The constituents of Black Pepper are listed below:

1. Sesquiterpenes (74%): Black pepper is the fourth highest essential oil in sesquiterpene content (behind Cedarwood, Vetivar, and Sandlewood). These constituents can pass the blood-brain barrier to increase oxygenation around the pineal and pituitary glands. This produces powerful balancing effects on emotional, glandular and hormonal regulation.

-B-Caryophyllene (25-35%) is a specific sesquiterpene to black pepper that is anti-edemic (diuretic), anti-inflammatory , anti-spasmodic, and acts as an insect and termite repellent.

2. Monoterpenes: Strongly studied for their anti-cancerous and anti-tumoral properties, many monoterpenes are also very high in anti-microbial and antiseptic properties.

-Limonene (8-12%) is anti-cancerous, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and highly anti-viral monoterpene found in black pepper essential oil.

-Alpha and Beta Pinenes (10-15%): are monoterpenes that are antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and exhibit expectorant properties to aid in the clearing of phlegm in the lungs.

The medicinal properties of the whole essential oil are synergistic and greater than the sum of its individual parts. Black pepper essential oil is an analgesic (pain reducer), digestive stimulant (helps release enzymes), respiratory expectorant and an anti-pyretic (reduces fever). Black pepper can be used for any infectious issues due to its highly antimicrobial properties, including for cholera. Some other uses for black pepper include: digestive problems, neuralgia, circulatory and muscle tone stimulation, and endocrine system dysfunction. Its fragrance is said to be comforting and stimulating.

References:
Essential Oils Desk Reference 4th ed. ESP
Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide. Young, Gary
Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Hiley, C & A.
The following articles from www.pubmed.com:
Antimutagenic Effects of Piperine on Cyclophosphamide-induced Chromosome Aberrations in Rat Bone Marrow Cells.: PMID: 18260741
Black pepper and its pungent principle-piperine: a review of diverse physiological effects (Anti-oxidant, Digestive enzyme stimulant, anti-mutagenic): PMID: 17987447
Piperine protects cisplatin-induced apoptosis via heme oxygenase-1 induction in auditory cells: PMID: 17418561
Bactericidal activity of black pepper, bay leaf, aniseed and coriander against oral isolates.: PMID: 16935829
Monoterpenes as regulators of malignant Cell proliferation: PMID 8886132
Limonene-induced regression of mammary carcinomas: PMID 1617679

Are you wondering why natural medicine is getting so much attention?

Naturopathic Medicine: Understanding this Integrative form of Healthcare 101

Presented by Sarah A LoBisco, ND

Time:
May 27th
6-7 PM
Location: Stillpoint Retreat Center
Mechanicville, NY

To Reserve a seat please call 518-339-4788 or email nd@dr-lobisco.com

This lecture will provide a description of Naturopathic Medicine, its philosophy, and its integration with conventional medicine. You will come to understand the importance of why natural health can benefit everyone and be given some guidance on how to implement wellness into your life.
Suggested donation of $10.00

Coming soon: A TWO part lecture series on Heart Health.

Now available:
Therapeutic Essential Oil Consultations with Dr. LoBisco
$60 for 45 minutes per month (x 3 months)

This service is available to anyone who would like guidance in use of therapeutic grade essential oils. It is available for clients as an adjunct to naturopathic consultations and also for those who are simply seeking advice on using these essential oils.

Essential Oil Consultations include:

(1) One forty-five minute intial consultation on what essential oils, how to use, and an idividualized program of essential oils
(2) One forty-five minute follow up (via phone or office visit) per month for two months to answer questions, give guidance and to track response of your individualized prgram
(3) A minimum of a three-month committment
(4) Additional questions after 3 months will be charged $15 for every 10 minutes.

Essential Oil Highlight: Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

By Sarah A LoBisco, ND

Bergamot essential oil belongs to the Rutaceae or citrus family. The plant’s origin is in Italy and the Ivory cost. Traditionally, it is believed that Christopher Columbus brought bergamot oil to Northern Italy from the Canary Islands. It has served as a mainstay for traditional Italian medicine and has also been used for hundreds of years in the Middle East for skin conditions related to an oily complexion. It was also used in the first genuine eau de cologne. Today, many will recognize its flavor in Earl Grey Tea.

There are a variety of constituents in Bergamot essential oil, giving it a wide range of properties. The main constituents include limonene, linalyl acetate, linalool, gamma-terpene and beta-pinene. All of these constituents are monoterpenes, which in general have anti-cancer effects. However, limonene (35-45%) has been specifically highlighted for its strong inhibitory actions on cancer cells. Linalyl acetate, an ester, has balancing properties. Linalol, a triterpene alcohol, has toning and stimulating properties. Gamma-Terpene has been found to be an antioxidant and beta-pinene has been shown to inhibit fungal growth. Bergamot also contains flavonoids in the peel, which are shown to be antimicrobial.

Bergamot has been shown to enhance the levels of amino acid neruotransitters in the rat brain. This may be why its fragrance has been said to relieve anxiety and uplift the mood. In fact, Jean Valnet, MD, recommends Bergamot essential oil for its antidepressant effect and its ability to regulate appetiate. Bergamot can also be used for fungal infections, infections, indigestion, parasites, rheumatism and stress.

References:
Essential Oils Desk Reference 4th ed. ESP
Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide. Young, Gary
The following articles from www.pubmed.com:
Monoterpenes as regulators of malignant Cell proliferation: PMID 8886132
Limonene-induced regression of mammary carcinomas: PMID 1617679
Induction of Mitochondrial-Depedent Apoptosis by an Essential Oil from Tanacetum gracile: PMID 18401843
Antimicrobial activity of flavonoids extracted from bergamot peel, a byproduct of the EO industry: PMID 18045389
Characterization of gamma-terpinene synthase from Citrus unshiu: PMID 1563017
Effects of beta-pinene on yeast membrane functions: PMCID: PMC215026
The essential oil of bergamot enhances the levels of amino acid neurotransmitters in the hippocampus of rat: implication of monoterpene hydrocarbons. : PMID 17196823
Digestion and antimicrobial: PMID: 17105553, PMID 17021882

By Sarah A LoBisco, ND

Basil, a member of the Lamiacea (mint) family, has powerful healing properties as evidenced by its Greek name derivative “basileum”, meaning “king”. This herb was traditionally used in the 16th century to treat migraines and chest infections. Historically, the Hindu people put basil on the dead in order to protect them from evil spirits and Italian women wore basil in order to attract possible suitors.

This chemotype of Basil contains high levels of methyl chavicol, a constituent with strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, as a phenylpropanoid, it also has the ability to clean receptor sites. Basil’s other constituents of linalol and eugenol provides additional medicinal antiseptic and analgesic properties respectively. The presence of 1-8 cineol, a terpene, has stimulating properties in the human body and has also been suggested as an agent of allelopathic reactions, meaning it is good in agriculture to suppress or stimulate the growth of other plants surrounding it.

Scientific journals have validated Basil’s antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic, anti-parasitic action. It has also been used a muscle relaxant and decongestant of veins and arteries of the lungs and prostate. Basil’s indications include migraines, scanty menses (eugenol is an isomer of anethol, a hormone balancer), chest infections and bronchitis. Its fragrance is uplifting and helps fight mental fatigue.

References:
Essential Oils Desk Reference
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/basil.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnitine
The following articles from www.pubmed.com
Antioxidant: PMID: 17924700, PMID 17221914
Antiviral: PMID: 16173941
Antioxidant and anti-mutagenic: PMID: 17980946 (linalol)
Anti-giardial: PMID: 17342533 (linalool)
Metal Chelating properties: PMID 17221941

L-carnitine and Food for the Heart

L-Carnitine is the heart’s preferred fuel (FA); it may repair and limit heart damage, lowers triglycerides, help with BP, cholesterol, HR and rhythm, and crosses the BBB
The highest sources of L-carnitine are found in red meat and dairy products, but can also be supplied in nuts and seeds.