In the first half, regenerative therapy and peptide consultant Regan Archibald joined Lisa Garr (email) to discuss his unique approach that fuses the best of Eastern and Western medicine to create lasting health changes. Elaborating on the role of peptides in the body, which are chains of amino acids, he likened them to "short-term communication proteins" and emphasized their potential in combating diseases and optimizing health. "We've only scratched the surface," he said, as there are peptides for a variety of applications including endurance, energy, mental clarity, muscle building, and weight loss. He also noted the importance of understanding how external factors like stress and chemical exposure lead to conditions like insulin resistance, which can contribute to a cycle of cravings and weight gain. He believes that with proper awareness and treatment, such as the use of peptides, society could significantly reduce obesity rates and improve overall health.

Some peptides can activate genes, and specific ones he advocates for, like thymosin alpha 1, actually enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and boost immune response, Archibald suggested. Some peptides can function like a "fountain of youth," he continued, highlighting their ability to reverse age-related decline. Peptides simplify communication within cells, ensuring the right genes stay turned on, he remarked, explaining how, as we age, our bodies produce fewer hormones and peptides, leading to cellular dysfunction. He praised epitalon, a peptide that lengthens telomeres, stating it can increase cellular replication and extend lifespan. The discussion also touched on the inadequacies of conventional blood tests, which often miss underlying health issues. Archibald pointed out that doctors typically run 20-24 markers, but "what we do is run labs that are around 104 different markers" to uncover root causes.

--------------------

Building upon the in-depth folk wisdom she learned from her immigrant grandparents and local healers in Southern Italy, second-generation Italian American and experienced herbalist Lisa Fazio shared herbal traditions and witchcraft practices from the Italian diaspora. She detailed some of the unique aspects of Italian witchcraft, which she characterized as "folk Catholicism," a blend of ancient practices and Catholic imprints. Speaking of rituals, particularly those of protection, she outlined how apotropaic magic can be used to ward off evil. Fazio introduced the concept of "malocchio," or the evil eye, explaining that gestures such as the sign of the cross or the horn hand symbol can be used to fend off negative energies. "When you do something that is... a prompt to bring you into your center...you become less susceptible to outside influences," she commented.

Fazio mentioned a variety of herbal remedies for different health conditions. Mullein tea can be beneficial for respiratory issues prevalent during cold seasons, and especially effective for dry coughs and mucus expulsion, she said, adding that marshmallow root can soothe respiratory infections and inflammation. On the subject of energy clearing, she delved into the concept of "fumigazione," or fumigation, in Italian folk medicine. She revealed that various herbs, particularly artemisia, may be used for this purpose, as well as different types of sage. Plants offer a dual role in clearing both physical and energetic spaces. Further exploring the spiritual aspect of herbalism, she explained how certain flower essences or plants like garlic, yarrow, rue, and rosemary can protect and bless spaces, used in spray form or burned like incense.