Holistic pharmacist Sherry Torkos is an author and health enthusiast with a passion for prevention. She graduated with honors from the Philadelphia college of pharmacy and science in 1992.
She has been practicing pharmacy using an integrative approach, combining conventional and complementary therapies to optimize health and prevent disease.
As a leading health expert, she has delivered hundreds of lectures and has authored 18 books and booklets.
Q: IN WHAT WAYS HAS MIDDLE AGES MEDICINE INFLUENCED MODERN MEDICINE?
A: Medicine in the Middle Ages was rooted in ancient Greek tradition and the greatest physician of that time was Hippocrates, known as the founder of medicine, who based his practice on observations and study of the human body with the belief that illness has a physical and rational explanation.
Q: WHY IS THE CDC CONCERNED ABOUT A FLU PANDEMIC IN THIS DAY AND AGE
A: Last year’s statistics show the highest number of deaths from flu or complications with the virus since the dawn of modern tracking (an estimated 80,000 Americans died).
Q: WHAT ARE 3 LIQUID REMEDIES USED IN THE MIDDLE AGES FOR FLU, STOMACH ACHES, PAINS AND WOUNDS?
A: Colloidal Silver, Mint and Turmeric
Q: HOW HAS THE TECHNOLOGY OF COLLOIDAL SILVER ADVANCED SINCE THE MIDDLE AGES? HOW IS IT USED TODAY?
A: Historically, silver has been used for thousands of years as one of the world’s strongest antimicrobial agents. Many physicians from ancient times used silver, including Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” who used silver to treat an endless series of conditions. In the Middle Ages, silver spoons were given by wealthy godparents to babies as christening presents. It is often said that those “born with a silver spoon in their mouth” benefited from silver’s purifying and antimicrobial properties. During the bubonic plague, the “Black Death” of the 14th century, it was suggested that the poor may have been disproportionally affected in part because the rich were afforded extra immune support from their silverware and plates. Silver has also been used throughout the 20th century as the standard of care in burn centers, and NASA has used silver ions to purify the water for both its space shuttle program and International Space Station. In 1999, entrepreneur Stephen L. Quinto made breakthrough discovery with colloidal silver hydrosol by finding a particle size so fine that not even an electron microscope could detect, advancing colloidal silver technology by 120 years. Today, Sovereign Silver (Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol) health care products are the No.1 selling silver in North America, accomplishing Quinto’s mission to produce the finest mineral hydrosols as the first line of defense in the quest for health sovereignty with the world’s ever- increasing immune challenges (https://sovereignsilver.com)
Q: WHAT TYPE OF MINT IS EFFECTIVE ON STOMACH ACHES? CAN YOU USE PEPPERMINT CANDY OR IS TEA MORE EFFECTIVE?
A: There are two types of well-known mint: spearmint and peppermint, but they are not the same plant as peppermint actually is a natural hybrid of spearmint and is the more potent of the herbs. Peppermint aids in digestion and can settle the stomach due to its properties that dispel gas and relieve cramping. Oil of peppermint contains up to 78 percent menthol, capable of killing myriad microorganisms that are associated with digestive and other problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Q: HOW DOES TURMERIC HELP PAIN AND INFLAMMATION? CAN YOU USE TURMERIC INSTEAD OF OVER THE COUNTER PAIN MEDS?
A: Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric and has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that turmeric may have pain-reducing power equal in some cases to that of prescription and over-the-counter medications. You can take it as a supplement, use it as an ingredient in your food or consume it as a tea.
Q: HOW IS THE PRESCRIPTION OF ANTIBIOTICS CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUPERBUG CRISIS? WHAT SHOULD DOCTORS DO TO CHANGE THIS TREND?
A: In a report from the CDC, a new program for testing suspect bacteria turned up unusual antibiotic-resistance genes 221 times in 2017, and 11 percent of people screened positive for these superbugs even though they had no symptoms. Inappropriate use of antibiotics has escalated the threat of these nightmare bacteria known as superbugs.
Q: WHERE CAN WE GET MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT YOU DISCUSSED TODAY? HOW CAN OUR AUDIENCE INTERACT WITH YOU?
A: For more visit: http://www.sherrytorkos.com and http://www.facebook.com/holistic.sherry.
CLICK OVER FOR TEXT TOM QUESTIONS
Q: What is a good remedy for severe anemia?
A: There are several types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia and pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency). It is important to identify the potential underlying cause. For example various intestinal disorders can result in both B12 and iron-deficiency anemia. Heavy menstrual bleeding can also cause iron deficiency anemia.
Q: Please define “holistic pharmacist” and the training needed to be holistic.
A: Holistic refers to the type of practice that I am engaged in. I have a five-year Bachelor of Pharmacy degree and have taken multiple courses in nutritional and herbal medicine.
Q: What is good for chemo related thrush?
A: Nystatin is an antifungal drug that is often prescribed, but it has limited efficacy. Fluconazole is another antifungal drug that may help, however I would not recommend using it regularly. I have heard positive results about a thrush protocol that some holistic doctors use. This involves mixing 1 tablespoon of BioActive Silver Hydrosol (Sovereign Silver) with 1 tablespoon of pure aloe vera juice and using this combination as an oral rinse – swish around the mouth for 1-2 minutes and then swallow; three times daily after meals. I would also recommend eating pure unsweetened yogurt and taking a probiotic supplement that contains friendly bacteria such as Kyo-Dophilus at bedtime.
Q: What can you use for thinning hair?
A: Thinning hair can be causes by many factors: hormonal imbalance (low thyroid, estrogen or testosterone), dietary deficiency, and even stress. Supplements that can help support hair growth include zinc, the B-vitamins (B5 and Biotin) and omega-3 fatty acids. Iron can also help, but should only be taken if you are deficient. There is a product called Hair Gro (by New Nordic) that contains a few ingredients that have been studied and found to be helpful to promote new hair growth and nourish the hair follicles.
Q: What’s the best thing to take for sinuses and allergies?
A: A saline nasal rinse with eucalyptus is a great natural way to clear congestion and mucus from the sinuses. Butterbur is a natural antihistamine that is helpful, but doesn’t work as quickly as antihistamine drugs.
Q: Is Taking Antibiotics Good For Jock Itch? What’s Good OTC Or Otherwise To Get Rid Of It?
A: No, antibiotics are not recommended for jock itch. Jock itch is a fungal infection. It is best treated with an antifungal cream. There are several that are available over the counter. It is also helpful to wear cotton underwear so that moisture is not trapped (which can worsen the problem).
Q: What’s good to control diabetes? I am newly diagnosed early stage.
A: Increase your intake of soluble fiber (oatmeal, chia seed are great) and water. Fiber helps to improve blood sugar control. Get more exercise – exercise is a powerful tool to improve blood sugar control and overall health.
Q: Can you recommend some other natural painkillers and inflammation other than turmeric?
A: For joint pain/osteoarthritis you may want to try Fish oil, Natural Eggshell Membrane, or BioCell collagen. For back pain, I recommend acupuncture, Pilates, alternating heat and ice and mobility exercises.
Q: Please give a natural remedy for high blood pressure?
A: There are several products that can help lower blood pressure, including Aged Garlic Extract (Kyolic), Coenzyme Q10 and magnesium.
Q: What’s best for asthma and allergies?
A: Asthma is a serious breathing condition that often requires medication to control. Many people with both asthma and allergies have underlying food allergies/sensitivities that contribute to the problem, such as wheat/dairy. I would recommend being screened for food allergies and sensitivities. Lifestyle measures that can help with asthma and allergies include: eating a diet rich in healthy fats (avocado, fish, olive oil) and the following supplements: boswellia, pycnogenol, butterbur and vitamin C.
Q: What and where can you get the silver medication from?
A: The silver product that I recommended on air is called Sovereign Silver. It is a superior form of silver because it contains very tiny particles of silver and it is more bioavailable (better absorbed and utilized by the body). It can be found in most health food stores. You can read more about it here: https://sovereignsilver.com
Q: Re turmeric, what daily dosage to use and what about vitamin brands? Which do u recommend
A: I would recommend CurcuBrite by Purity Products. The specific curcumin in this product has been clinically studied and offers better absorption than generic curcumin. Dosage is 400 mg daily.
Q: What is good to take to restore the liver and kidneys?
A: It is not possible to answer such a broad question, given that there are so many variables that affect liver and kidney health
Q: What is best to use for Dandruff?
A: Increase your intake of beneficial fatty acids (olive oil, fish, avocado, chia seed). Consider taking a supplement that contains GLA such as borage or primrose oil. Try a shampoo and conditioner with coconut oil.
Q: What is the best ginger product to use when calming digestive problems?
A: I like Gin-Gins and Ginger Rescue by The Ginger People. You can find this in health food stores. It contains real ginger and there are a variety of products and flavors to choose from.
Q: What do you recommend for rosacea?
A: Rosacea can be triggered and worsened by several factors such as hot/cold temperatures, alcohol, spicy food, and stress. Supplements that can help rosacea include Borage oil, zinc, probiotics and green tea.
Q: What is best approach for Migraine headaches?
A: Try to identify the underlying cause/trigger; common triggers are stress, lack of sleep, food allergies/sensitivities, and hormonal changes. Acupuncture can be very helpful for prevention and also management of an acute attack. Supplements that can help with prevention include butterbur, feverfew and magnesium.
Q: What can be used to flatten your stomach?
A: To reduce body fat overall I would recommend regular exercise (brisk walking, swimming, cycling) and a healthful diet: healthy protein, fats and slow release carbs such as quinoa and oats. Exercises that improve core muscles (abdominals and back) can help tighten the abdominal muscles.
Q: What holistic remedies can I use for Hidradenitis suppurativa?
A: This is a very rare skin condition that I am not familiar with, however in looking into natural remedies that may help I came across a few considerations: oral supplements of zinc and curcumin and tea tree oil topically.
Q: What should you use for parasites?
A: Consider a parasite cleanse, such as PARASmart by Renew Life. Consult with your health care provider.
Q: What do you recommend for Sjogren’s syndrome?
A: Eat more healthy fats (fish, olive, avocado). Supplements that can help include ginger, turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and probiotics.
Q: What do you suggest for hot flashes?
A: Red clover extract (Promensil) is helpful for reducing hot flashes as well as other menopausal symptoms. Plus it has benefits for bone and heart health.
Q: What is the Pharmacist’s take on Black Seed Oil?
A: It has been used historically to treat a wide range of health ailments. There is some preliminary research suggesting benefits for lung health, blood sugar and blood pressure.
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