SEX DRIVERS

1) The most obvious driving factor is attraction. Desire starts the process. We use the term "turned on" when this happens. Exactly what gets turned on and where does it get turned on? The libido gets turned on and the connection (the switch) is in the brain. That's right! Most often our thoughts can make IT happen. Can herbs enhance that process? Yes!

2) The next most obvious driving factor is healthy harmone levels ... need I say more?

SEX STOPPERS

1) The most obvious hindering factor is an organic interference. By that I mean paralysis or impotence caused by a physical imparity. Herbs cannot correct this problem, but we do have a few pleasurable herbal suggestions which may bring satisfaction.

2) That libido connection can also be "turned off" by your thoughts. Your thoughts may talk you out of IT or may even scare you out of IT. Or, frigidity may have set in. Frigid ... we don't hear that word mentioned very often lately, but it does still exist and frigidity poses a real problem for some couples. The problem occurs in females more often than in males and some of our suggestions may be of help in this area too.

OTHER FACTORS

Stress, fatigue, and depression can put a damper on IT big time. These conditions may be helped by a regular exercise program which stimulates the production of endorphins (mood-elevating brain chemicals). Can herbs do any good here? That's another YES!

Blood flow to the pelvic area has been the hot topic in the news lately touting the newest 'miracle' drug Viagra. Hmmm ... wonder how long it will take before we begin to hear about the side effects. Is there an herbal or natural way to alleviate this problem? Possibly! It's certainly worth a try before resorting to pills at $10 a pop.

APHRODISIAC HERBS

FOR BOTH SEXES

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) improves stamina and is the best known sexual tonic for both men and women. It strengthens and tones many different organs throughout the body and increases the secretion of sexual fluids in both sexes. In China the tradition was to chew the berries for 100 days at a time, but it is also safe to take schisandra continuously. I notice a remarkable increase in oxygen absorption and mental clarity. I feel like I could run a mile in under 4 minutes without heavy breathing ... no, I haven't attempted that. Soak 5 g (a small handful) of schisandra berries in water overnight. Strain the berries and make a decoction with 250 ml of water. Brew for 15 minutes and take the dose each day. May also be taken in capsule form.

FOR MALES

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is taken in China as an aphrodisiac for males. It is an adaptogenic herb which has a stimulating effect on young people with strong 'qi' (vital force), and a restorative effect on older people. It also increases stamina and mental clarity. This herb is overused and abused in the West. It should not be taken for more than 6 weeks at a time. Take 0.5 to 1 g up to 3 times a day for 6 weeks, either by chewing the root, cooking it in a soup or stew, or taking it in capsule or tablet form. Wait about a week or two before taking another round. Ginseng is the best known remedy for impotence and premature ejaculation.

Saw Palmetto (Sabal serrulata syn. Serenoa serrulata) is also beneficial for treating impotence, premature ejaculation, and reduced or absent sex drive. This herb is thought to be a man's herb, but it appears to have an estrogenic effect that could benefit a woman's sex life too. Make an infusion using 1 tsp berries to 1 cup water and take 1 cup daily or take 1 tsp tincture with water daily. May also be taken in capsule form.

Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) has a longstanding reputation as an aphrodisiac. It was used in ritual ceremonies by the people of the Pacific Islands. It relieves anxiety and inhibitions. When taken in large doses, this herb produces a euphoric state. It is suggested that the recommended dose not be exceeded. Make an infusion using 1 tsp herb to 1 cup water and drink one cup per day, or take 30 drops of tincture with water 3 times a day. May also be taken in capsule form. Do not take for more than 4 weeks. Do not take during pregnancy. P. sanctum is closely related and can be used in the same way.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa syn. T. diffusa var. aphrodisiaca) continues to be used as an aphrodisiac, traditionally used by the Mayan people in Central America. It is antidepressant and thymoleptic (having a life-enhancing and stimulating action on the body and mind). This herb is restorative to the reproductive organs of both male and female, although, its testosterogenic quality has gained it a reputation as a man's herb. It is also helpful in treating impotence and premature ejaculation. The leaves are harvested in summer and they make a very pleasant tasting tea. Make an infusion using 1 tsp herb to 1 cup water and drink 1 cup per day or take 30 drops tincture with water 4 times a day. May also be taken in capsule form.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been researched and shown in 1980 to improve sexual performance. Those trials also indicated that ashwagandha increases hemoglobin levels and reduces graying of hair. It is a very strengthening tonic herb that is used in Ayurveda in much the same was as ginseng is used in Chinese medicine making it very beneficial for stress and fatigue. Research in 1970 showed that withanolides (steroidal lactones) in this herb inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This constituent, which is similar to the body's own steroid harmones, is anti-inflammatory and may be of use in chronic diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Ashwagandha also has a high iron content making it beneficial in treating anemia. Make a decoction using 5 g of the root with 100 ml water and take over 2 days, or take 1/2 tsp powdered leaves with water per day, or chew a few berries per day. May also be taken in capsule form. The leaves have the highest content of withanolides.

SEX AND FOOD

Is it true what they say about oysters? Oysters are high in zinc and zinc has been tied to sexual function. Without enough zinc, sexual development in children is delayed, and men need zinc to make sperm. Luckily, there are other good sources of zinc for those of you who can't swallow an oyster. As with every physical concern, a well balanced diet is necessary here too and we're back to the fruits and vegetables routine. I guess Mother was right all along!

Things to avoid are saturated fats, alcohol, and smoking ... duh! And as we were walking out the door in my teen years, Mom and Dad would always say, "Be good and have fun!" That was an oxymoron to me, but I finally learned that all things in moderation was a happy medium. I now pick and choose my vices.

FOREPLAY

In my opinion, foreplay begins after sex and continues until the next interlude. You must be considering your partner's pleasures throughout the day in order to have a good night together. And, in my opinion, copulation does not always mean you've had good sex. After all there's more to a body than genitalia ... but that's just my two-cent-worth ... and it takes all kinds to make a world ... and to each his own ... and be true to one's ownself ... etc.

SOME PLEASURE SUGGESTIONS

Choose some scents that please both of you and use them in a bath or Jacuzzi together. It doesn't really matter which scent you choose if you both like it. Some prefer the musky ones while other prefer the flowery one. The object here is to tantalize the senses. Use these scents (essential oils) in a body oil mixture and focus on each other in an unselfish way. And, don't forget IT all started in the brain.

Our goal is to bring collective knowledge together to provide accurate herbal information, giving references whenever possible, for the purpose of being informed when choosing self-help and alternative approaches to health and lifestyle. At no time should this publication be considered prescription or treatment, nor should any information published herein be misinterpreted as such. The publishers can not be held responsible for the mishandling of information by its readers.

Please do not take herbal information lightly.
Remember our motto is ... When in doubt, don't!
Until next Monday I remain,

Herbally yours, Abby

Lynda "Abby" Trahan
Abby's Herb Company
P.O. Box 213
Round Top, TX 78954

lynda@abbysherbshop.com
www.abbysherbshop.com

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