Caribbean Health Naturally

Men’s Sexual Health – Natural Herbs to Put the Flip back into your Flop

2009-04-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

Even the most healthy, most alpha among males at some time or other failed to rise to the occasion. Potency is at the core of being male and can affect everything from self confidence to general health and well being. Sexual impotence, on the other hand, has been the cause of much embarrassment and discomfort to many. It is a topic that most do not honestly discuss with peers and even less with partners. In fact, so private and personal is this topic, that many become suckers to peddlers of fancy elixirs and formulas only to realized after an out of pocket experience, that information is readily available for all who need it.

You are not alone. It is important to know that more than 40 percent of all men over the age of 35 will experience some form of impotence (chronically known as erectile dysfunction). The floundering frequency increases with age, disorders and diseases, both physical and psychological. Of course a healthy lifestyle, exercise and a lack of support for vices like smoking, excessive drink and drug use all help to maintain high libido and good sexual health, but does not guarantee that you will never flop instead of flip. We aren’t all, unfortunately in the best of health nor destined to stand erect every time we need to heed the call.

Many products have been scientifically formulated to deal with the problem of erectile dysfunction. Even if you just returned from your intergalactic trip, it would be difficult not to know of the presence of products like Viagra and Cialis. Little magic pills brought and place in the wallet as part of our “power man” arsenal. BUT! Like the cigarette pack message, these bliss bullets can back fire with side effects. The use of such aids comes with their share of documented problems, including vision, blood pressure and painful joints, to mention a few. For some a few hours of pure pleasure and prowess outweighs the risks. Are you one to risk your health for a few hours of proven manhood? You don’t have to be. There have been, for centuries, natural plant extracts and mixtures safely address our drooping muscles, and the consensus, no real side effects.

Remember though, for peak potency and performance, exercise and a healthy diet is paramount. Many of your flaccid failures may be linked to underlying health issues, so before an emboldened move to conquer the queen, seek some advice from a health care pro. You can take safe action to toughen you tool with some of the following herbs and roots traditionally used to keep you alert at attention. I should also make it clear not to expect instant magic from most of these plants, but be prepared to follow a course of use for at least 3 weeks.

Look out for recipes, tinctures and mixtures in my future posts. Let’s hear what you think, leave a comment. My friends be safe, and keep her happy!

Catuaba Bark (Erythroxylum catuaba)
Harvested in Brazil from a tree found in the Amazon. Traditionally used to enhance libido, improve memory, and remove fatigue and pain. Generally, the catuaba bark comes from the Erythroxylum catuaba tree, but catuaba also refers to a decoction (tea) made with a collection of different barks and herbs. Scientific test have been done and results some degree of effectiveness as an aphrodisiac and a sexual enhancer.

Eleuthero Root (Eleutherococcus senticosua)
Also know as Siberian ginseng, a cousin to panax ginseng is no strange to the west as a herb used for rejuvenating and strengthening the body. It improves breathing capacity and gives the immune system a boost. It is a great endurance herb.

Epimedium (Epimedium Grandiflorum)
Known to many as horny goat weed is a ground shrub that grows in China. This herb appears to work much like the drug Viagra by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme, allowing for lengthier erections. Epimedium is also used to treat a host of other conditions including bronchitis, congestive heart failure and viral infections of the heart.

Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornate)
There are a few varieties of this root herb including strains from India, Mexico and Jamaica. There are major claims that it improves libido and increases sexual appitite. It is also said to be beneficial for the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Used with some other herbs, it is said to make sex more pleasurable.

Muira Puama Bark (Ptychopetalum olacoides)
Found in the Amazon, this is a powerful bark used traditionally by native Brazilians to treat sexual debility, weakness and hair loss. Tinctures of Muira puama are known to be effective and should be taken in moderation. This is another herb that works like the major drugs on the market, but without the same side effects.

Maca Root (Lepidium mayenil)
This is a root tuber grown originally in high in the Andes of Peru. It is touted for its ability to improve sexual endurance, physical stamina and elevate sperm production.

Yohimbe Bark (Pausinystalia yohimbe)
An evergreen tree native to Africa. The bark of this tree is used as an effective remedy to treat erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes and heart disease. Document studies have shown that it also increases libido. Men on blood thinning medication should be careful with this bark.

All of the above herbs can be found at http://www.mountainroseherbs.com
Natural herbal pills for treating ED can be at Indian herbs

Type 2 Diabetics Lower Your Blood Sugar with These Plants

2009-04-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over 5 years ago. Truth is, I was not totally surprised. Then a 39 year old, I found it difficult to go through a day without losing energy; my eyesight was often blurry – to the point of not being able focus more than a few feet in the mornings. My lifestyle was nothing to be proud of either. I often worked from 7 am till 11pm, eating only cakes, chased with a few soft drinks, and to top off smoking more than two packs a day. I know, should have known better right? Well I did.

The short of if is that I finally had physical symptoms that drove me to the doctor’s office. I had a persistent carbuncle under one arm that got a bit scary. A few tests were done, the results a blood sugar level of over 240. I was asked by my doctor if I could make some basic lifestyle changes while a decision was made about being treated with medication. Stop smoking immediately, reduce or remove sugar from my diet, lower my consumption of highly processed carbohydrates, eat more fruits and vegetables. Sounds easy enough? Not at all, I did manage to do all, but not without major discomfort. The great thing is that my health did improve.

Thus began my quest to learn, not only more about the diabetes and its effects on health, but ways, traditional and complimentary to improve one’s health in general. I created this blog to share some of the discoveries that have led me to believe that better health is within the grasps of all.

This first post looks at plants known traditionally and otherwise to lower blood sugar and improve the absorption of sugars by the body. The list is meant as an introduction, in following posts I shall provide more information on various traditional plants, remedies and alternative treatments for a number of common ailments. you will also find a number of healthy, tasty recipes, so please check back often and don't forget to leave your comments.

Note: the following is provided as general information. If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic please consult a health care professional before any unfamiliar treatment.

1. Barley ( Hordeum vulgare)

Research shows that the high content of Beta-glucan soluble fiber in barley helps to slow the absorption of glucose into the blood stream. Barley, unlike many grains which contain fiber only in the outer bran layer (wheat, rice, etc), barley contains fiber throughout the entire kernel. Making it a cereal that can be prepared in many healthy and tasty recipes, while maintaining its blood sugar reducing value. Barley contains - Fiber (soluble and insoluble), is cholesterol free, low in fat, contains the vitamins B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), the elements selenium, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and copper. it is also high in antioxidents and phyto nutrie

nts. (source:National Barley Foods Council).

2. Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa L)

Banaba a variety of crepe myrtle that grows in the Philippines, India and Malaysia, is touted for its superior blood sugar lowering effects and weight loss, with no serious si

de effects. It contains corsolic acid and tannins. Usually prepared as a tea, but increasingly found as an extract.

3. Bitter melon (Momordica Charantia)

Bitter melon has a long history of use in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean as

a remedy for fighting diabetes. It is a cucumber like plant with a highly textured fruit that is very bitter. The fruit is cooked in some parts of the Caribbean. Preparations include drying the fruit or leaves and steeping as a tea, liquid and powder extracts.

4. Cinnamon

(Cinnamomum Verum/Cinnamomum Cassia)

Has been used as a spice form more than 4000 years. A great deal of research show that cinnamon lowers bloo

d sugar. Cinnamon may have an insulin-like effect, causing glucose to be stored in the form of glycogen. Although it does not stimulate the release of insulin it helps insulin w

ork more effectively.Usually available as an extract, but can be added to your favourite drinks and confectioneries.

5. Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum)

This spice has been used for centuries in India and Arab countries as a treatment for diabetes.Seed were soaked in water as a food for diabetic patients. Overall, clinical studies have produced positive results relating to fenugreek as a blood sugar con

trolling agent. Usually taken as an extract, in pill form or can be added in small amount (it tends to be bitter) to food.

6. Guava (Psidium guajava)

Used in Chinese medic ine to treat diabetes for a very long time, and traditionally in Latin America and the Caribbean for the treatment of diarrhea and blood pressure.
Recent studies compliment its blood controlling proprieties. Prepared as a tea, 10-12 young leaves and 1 half ripe peeled fruit boiled in 16 ounces of water for 5 minutes.

7. Gymnema (Gymnema Sylvestre)

Avid and thorough Indian research is working hard to quantify and validate the sugar balancing properties of Gymnema. It is their belief that these findings will further prove the effectiveness of Gymnema in controlling blood sugar. Because of its ease in use, and promising results it is widely used and popularly accepted as a safe and effective treatment in diabetes.

8. Jambolan (Syzygium cumini)

the jambolan alkaloids have effects in influencing the glucose levels in the blood. It helps reduce fatty infiltration of the liver thus improving its function. Since liver health is also a contributitory factor in maintaining normal glucose levels this (glucosidal effect) enables treatment and control of diabetes.

9. Neem ( Melia azadirachta)
Neem leaf is a traditional herb for treating diabetes and has been scientifically proven effective in treating and preventing diabetes. Oral doses of neem leaf extract significantly reduced insulin requirements for non-insulin dependent diabetes.

10.Opuntia /Prickly pear (Opuntia phaeacantha)

Used by some to lower fats and cholesterol in the blood, and is becoming increasingly popular as a means to decrease blood sugar levels and control diabetes.