Sarah Cohen MD Integrative Medicine

08/05/2020

I am thrilled to join this week’s online episode of the Solidarity Series, an initiative by the SoundMind Project to offer tools for wellness and centering in times of crisis.

The speaker lineup for this Friday 8/7 is exceptional and the topic of sleep is fascinating! Event begins at 3:45 pm EST. (see comments for link to Facebook event)


“We will discuss how to recognize sleep disturbance versus insomnia, how marginalized communities including communities of color are disproportionately affected by sound and light pollution in urban environments, and how to treat sleep difficulties with natural medicine. We will talk about how psychedelics are similar to dreams in many ways, and how they can be windows into the unconscious. We will then look into some mindfulness and breathwork practices that can assist in having a better sleep."

Access is free or by donation. All donations to SoundMInd center that are related to this series go toward providing educational material and psychotherapy to BIPOC and COVID19 essential workers in need. For more details on staying up to date on the Solidarity Series, click the link. Please join us!

The Solidarity Series is an initiative by SoundMind Project, a nonprofit aimed at providing access to wellness information and therapy to marginalized groups in Philadelphia and beyond. We will be offering monthly speaker lineups from June 2020 – June 2021, with a particular focus on mental and co...

04/26/2020

Last night I dreamt of an assembly of regal felines. Panthers came through in the way that they do; agile with power and determination. Lionesses arrived as a crew, demonstrating how they walk together with pride. Even Dandelions appeared! The theme of the dream was lion lineage: Roots that run deep, far, and are storied.

Perhaps this dream was influenced by my recent outdoor walkabouts. These days, the edges of the city are painted in the golden confetti of Dandelion blossoms. It’s not uncommon for the flowers of my field days to make way into the dreamtime of my nights.

This particular dream has me contemplating: What is the true character of a lion?

The Dandelion does seem to tell a bit of that story. Taraxacum Officinale, common name Dan-de-Lion, AKA Tooth of the Lion chews through rocks and concrete sidewalks to extend its yellow mane toward the sun. The fang-like morphology of the taraxacum leaf and the blonde fluff upon its head are righteously reminiscent of lion essence.

This plant does ROAR. It is so vociferous in fact, that it is considered by many to be a nuisance; a w**d. Indeed it volunteers its voice publicly around the globe, in crevices along the roads, insistently in garden rows, in sunny fields and mountain zones, interjecting between barefoot toes.

The Dandelion is quite loud, and I am of the stance that one should listen to the plants. With its robust abundance by day and a dreamtime debut among royal felines, this plant certainly has my attention.

There is much more to tell of the Dandelion beyond the teeth-like edges of its leaf and the worldwide expression of its bloom. Taraxacum Officinale is rich with nutrients and vitamins, and offers bold medicine.

As I mentioned, lion roots run deep, far and they are storied. There is so much more to tell on the medicine and nutrition of the Dandelion. More on that soon. To Be Continued. . .

01/03/2020

Fire Cider in the making.
(small batch recipe below).

When a nose sniffle or a throat tickle whispers to my immune system that a cold is encroaching, I respond with fire!

Fire Cider Tonic Recipe:

1/2 cup fresh root, peeled & grated
1 medium onion, minced
1/2 cup fresh root peeled & grated
1 whole orange,sliced (do not peel)
1 whole lemon, sliced (do not peel)
2 Tbs peeled & grated fresh root (~or~ 1 tablespoon dry, ground turmeric)
1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
10 cloves crushed or chopped
1/4 cup raw local honey
Unfiltered Apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp powder

Optional ✨fresh antimicrobial herbs of your choosing: , etc (2 Tbs or so each)
Makin it : Place ginger, onion, horseradish, orange, lemon, turmeric, jalapeño, garlic, oregano, thyme in a mason jar. Add enough apple cider vinegar to cover the ingredients. Cap tightly and place in sunny or slightly warm place. After 2-3 weeks, strain. Mix infused apple cider vinegar with raw honey and finally, add the cayenne pepper.
Store refrigerated. Take 1 tsp daily for prevention or hourly as needed if pathogens begin to announce themselves in your midst.

🔥

01/02/2020

1/1/2020. An auspicious date to sit down and write, set a tone. . .tell a story. . .

I suppose I’ll start with the botanical character ; Achillea millefolium, namesake of Achilleia, a female Amazonian gladiator. Or is the plant named after Achilles, a wounded hero of the Trojan war? It so happens that there is also a tendon named after these warriors. Surely you are acquainted with the Achilles Tendon.

Among many qualities of , which forever fascinate me, are the narratives that accompany the plants. Story can be so rich when passed along a lineage. I discover tremendous learning in this unique form of : the art, observation and practice of medicine, carried through generations, surviving the test of time.

So much to tell about Achillea millefolium (common name Yarrow). There is literally an epic 700+ page poem featuring this plant: Homer’s “The Iliad” calls upon yarrow to treat soldiers wounded in battle. This plant has a rich, multifaceted history.

For now, I’ll stick to citing the iconic tale of the wounded warrior/ess, and relay a way for yarrow to stop the bleeding.

Yarrow is a and astringent herb, meaning it helps with hemostasis AKA the slowing or stopping of bleeding. Tincture of fresh yarrow leaf and flower can be applied to a bleeding wound to clean it up and slow the flow of blood. A liniment or poultice of the herb is healing for bites, cuts, abrasions and rashes*.

I find yarrow in the forest, yarrow by the sea, yarrow in the mountains, city sidewalk yarrow . . . It is prolific in North America. I consider Achillea millefolium to be my ally because when I encounter Yarrow’s generous inflorescence and leaves of resemblance to capillaries, I feel protected. I am assured that the plant is there standing guard, carrying its rescue ingredients and allllll those stories.

Disclaimer: Please consult with a trusted clinician/herbalist on how to use yarrow properly. Do I need to say this : If a wound won’t stop bleeding, please go to the ER or closest appropriately skilled wound care provider. After all (*spoiler alert), Achilles dies by an arrow that pierces his heel.

*Citations in comments

09/01/2019

My eyes got real wide & bright when I set eyes on this sight: an assembly of wild Motherwort.

You see, until this particular day of mountain meandering, I had only learned of Motherwort by studying typeface letters on bleach white pages. I had read about how this non-aromatic and bitter member of the mint family is a cardiac tonic and can steady heart palpitations related to thyroid dysregulation, relieve uterine cramping and calm anxiety that rises with hormonal tides.

There’s a testament to this plant’s healing properties right there in its name : Motherwort AKA Leonurus cardiaca.

MOTHERwort is womb medicine.

LEOnurus CARDIACa : Leo means lion in Latin. What lives in the heart of a lion?

I like to imagine that Leonurus cardiaca imbues the courage of a Mama lion, postured in royal stance, listening to the songs of the wild. For those of us whose wisdom and creativity is seeded in our wombs and whose truest knowing is cued in the rhythmic nuances of our heartbeats , Leonurus Cardiaca sings our tune.



*please consult with a trusted healthcare provider if you are interested in working with Motherwort medicine. Internal use of the herb does have some contra-indications.

06/28/2019

I’ve been building an Integrative Medical practice, y’all.

I opened a clinic in a sweet carriage house in Denver, CO, named it Resource Medical Center , and proceeded to decorate the reception area to simulate a woodland forest. It’s charming, if I do say so myself.

I am learning every single day about mounting research in botanical and natural medicines, while keeping current with Internal Medicine best practices. Mostly I’m rejoicing at the experience of putting all of my training into practice.

The opportunity to Integrate modern, conventional clinical diagnosis with plant-based medicine is awe-inspiring . It's the best of both worlds. As such, it is rewarding for clinicians and patients alike. The results I am seeing are quite remarkable.

I’m sharing this window into my work because in addition to the daily Denver operations , I’ll be offering appointments in Pennsylvania beginning in late July 2019.

I’ll be setting up my mobile clinic in Lancaster PA at Susquehanna Sustainable Enterprises LLC on 7/20 and in Center City Philadelphia with Restorative Harmony Acupuncture by Caroline Grace Ashurst, Dipl.Ac, L.Ac on 7/21 .

Two appointment types will be availabile:

1. Integrative Medicine.
This is a comprehensive 90 minute medical visit, during which chronic, unresolved medical conditions are evaluated and addressed. The Integrative consultation begins with a thorough medical history , vital signs, and a Physical Exam , and culminates in an individualized plan of action. Recommendations may include plant based medicines and nutrition, a Pennsylvania medical cannabis card, and prescription medication management if applicable .

2. Medical Cannabis Consultation.
30 minute visit addresses concerns questions and goals regarding medical cannabis. Tailored recommendations based on each individual's clinical picture are offered. To be eligible for a medical cannabis card, individuals must have a state qualifying medical condition (see https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/Medical%20Marijuana/Pages/Patients.aspx) and a PennDOT issued identification card.

For pricing , please visit www.ResourceMedicalCenter.com

**Veteran and Low Income discounts are available with proof.

To schedule, please call 720-572-5249 or email docsarah@ResourceMedicalCenter.com

See you soon, East Coast! In the meantime, come see me in Denver.

Photo credit Christina Valerio ❤
This picture was taken at a concert venue, not at my office, hence the backdrop.

11/16/2018

How does a social butterfly, school personnel, a parent, a clinician, or quite frankly, a human who interacts with other humans prevent the onslaught of cold and flu when circulating viruses are at thier peak?

Step one: Sud technology. Wash hands with soap!

It is with clean hands that I’ll tread into a touchy topic, and declare that I do get vaccinated against Influenza because it is my contribution to Herd Immunity. This is one of the only settings in which I am proud to proclaim that I am part of a herd. I interact with immunocompromised people in my office on the daily, and simply put: me not getting sick with the flu helps others not to get sick with the flu. Also, I personally prefer not to succumb to influenza, and despite potential adverse effects, I tolerate the shot well, year after year.

Moving on to my medicine chest, where there is an entourage of medicinal plants and mushrooms which protect my actual chest from viruses and bacteria. For purposes of this post, I’ll spotlight the seasonal stars of my “oh snap I feel like I’m getting sick; Immune system activate!” elixir:

Echinacea and Elderberry

Echinacea is an immune stimulant. It is a Native American plant that was widely used as important medicine prior to the discovery of antibiotics. I am sharing this info because echinacea works, and by goodness, methods for preventing sickness are just as communicable as viruses and bacteria.

The key to success with echinacea is to find or make an extract which tingles your tongue. The tongue tingle is a sign of potency. Take echinacea as soon as symptoms appear or exposure is suspected! Take often. (See below for specifics).

The immune arousing activity of Echinacea combined with the direct antimicrobial and nutritive properties of cooked Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis or Sambucus Nigra) seal the deal and steal the show from encroaching pathogens.

Here are my tricks of the trade :

Early dosing with quality product!

1. Echinacea Tincture (Echinacea Purpurea root, Echinacea angustifolia coneflower and root)
2-3 mLs every 1-2 hours for adults at first inkling of sickness or exposure to someone who is ill.

2. Elderberry (Sambucus) Syrup. 1 teaspoon , 4 times per day

3. Lastly, drink fluids 'round the clock!

Here is a recipe for Cold relief tea:
1-2 inches fresh ginger rhizome (root) , sliced
1 teaspoon of honey
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

In a saucepan, combine ginger and 12-16 oz water. Bring to gentle boil. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes . Strain. Add honey and lemon.

And there you have it. Best to all of you out there in the jungle of germs, AKA November.

10/10/2018

When people ask me what kind of doctor I am , I say “I am a conventionally trained Medical Doctor in Internal and Hospitalist Medicine. My specialty is Integrative Medicine. Are you familiar?”

Generally the reply I hear is “I’ve heard of that, but I don’t know exactly what it is”.

Well now I shall divulge:
What is Integrative Medicine?

For starters, I’ll quote one of my most revolutionary and well-spoken teachers, Andrew Weil, M.D. : “Integrative Medicine is the intelligent combination of Conventional and Alternative Medicine”.

I see Conventional Medicine as described below:

-A method in which cutting-edge biomedical science and evidence based practices are used to create a state that opposes or fixes disease.
-Refers to a knowledge and skill set which is taught in US Medical Schools.
-Sometimes used synonymously with “Allopathic Medicine” or “Orthodox medicine”.

For the purposes of this post, I’ll simply define Alternative Medicine as all ideas and practices not taught in conventional American medical schools.

***********Integrative Medicine, from my perspective, is all of the following tenets. It is the heart of my practice:
* Prevention and healing oriented, rather than disease-driven.
* Recognizes the innate capacity of the body to repair itself
* Honors the doctor-patient relationship such that the patient is empowered to be their own best health advocate
* Considers the whole person in the body-mind-energetic continuum
* Envisions the ecology of health.
* Open-minded as well as scientifically discerning
* Uses natural, less invasive strategies whenever possible
* Prescribes pharmaceuticals when necessary best practice.