Herbal Nutrition Chronicle

For the most part, sexual function is controlled by the endocrine glands. Adequate nourishment is needed to stimulate the hormonal production of the endocrine glands; thereby, improving sexual vigor and vitality.

Glands like the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, ovaries and testes can be specifically nourished by certain nutrients.

For example, the B complex vitamins enter into the cellular and tissue construction of the thyroid gland and act as energizers to increase the hormonal flow. A thyroid gland that is not properly nourished can cause lack of desire for sex.

The pituitary gland is responsible for the functioning of the female and male sex hormones, providing sex drive for the body and the mind. These hormones need vitamin B complex; especially, pantothenic acid (B5) and niacin (B3), vitamin E and zinc. Deficiencies, of the pituitary causes underdeveloped sex organs, early menopause in women and impotence in men.

The adrenal glands produce little but meaningful amount of sex hormone. The adrenals need vitamin A, B complex; especially, pantothenic acid (B5) and niacin (B3), C, E and unsaturated fatty acids. Adrenal exhaustion can result in lack of desire for sex.

The ovaries, the female sex glands, secrete two hormones: estrogen and progesterone. The B vitamins, vitamin E and zinc are necessary for their functioning. Insufficient estrogen causes delayed sexual maturation and lack of development or shrinkage of the breasts and genitals. Vitamin A is needed for the female reproductive organs to ensure conception and to lessen the possibility of spontaneous abortion.

The testis, the male sex gland, is composed of two glands. One produces sperm and the other secretes testosterone. (Women also secrete some testosterone, it increases sexual desire in both sexes.) Vitamins A, C, E and folic acid work with testosterone to produce sperm and other male characteristics; such as facial hair and a deep voice.

The sex hormones are made from cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol containing foods may be consumed in moderation as long as the body has sufficient amounts of other nutrients to properly metabolize the cholesterol. These nutrients include: B complex vitamins, vitamins C and E, magnesium, manganese, zinc and lecithin.

Nutrients

Vitamin A is necessary for the body to produce the sex hormones that are essential for sexual function. It is also needed by the prostate gland.

Vitamin B complex seems to increase masculinity.
B3 (niacin) is involved in the synthesis of sex hormones.
B5 (pantothenic acid); also known as the anti-stress vitamin, helps prevent aging of the sex glands.
B6 (pyridoxine) aids in the absorption of zinc.

Vitamin E is the vitamin that really puts zing back into sex for both men and women. Use the form Alpha Tocopherol. It prevents the destruction of the sex hormones and adrenal hormones and prevents the oxidation of vitamin A.

The nutrients vitamin E and zinc both maintain sexual powers. Vitamin E may help stimulate the production of new sperm and rejuvenate the testes. It helps balance hormone production in both men and women.

Zinc supplements improves testosterone levels and sperm counts in men. It is involved in hormone metabolism and sperm formation.

Herbal Nutrition Supplements

Herbal remedies for decreased sex drive not only help increase libido, but also have the added health benefits of improving body functioning and overall health. Herbal extracts have been used for thousands of years for supporting healthy and efficient hormone production.

For Women:
Black cohosh has supportive effect on hormone functioning and supports the female reproductive system. It has been studied for its ability to support estrogen balance in the body.

Chaste berry promotes balance, not only with regards to hormones, but also with regards to libido. It is used as both an aphrodisiac and to support regular menstrual cycles and ovulation.

Dong quai has been used for centuries to promote female reproductive health and hormonal balance.

Ginkgo biloba studies reported that it has a positive effect on all four phases of the sexual response cycle: desire, excitement, orgasm and afterglow. The percentage of women was higher than that of men.

Siberian ginseng, used regularly, can support the healthy regulation of hormone balance, menstrual cycle, and the health of the uterus. Making it a useful remedy for endometriosis.

Soy protein contains phytoestrogens, or molecules very similar to estrogen and progesterone. A menopausal woman who eats lots of soy protein can retain the benefits she had previously received from her body's natural estrogen. Powdered soy supplements are available.

For Men:
Horny goat weed may help to promote sexual desire and promote healthy seminal emissions encouraging systemic harmony of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles.

Licorice is a supportive tonic for the adrenal cortex. It promotes the natural production of hormones.

Panax ginseng has been shown to support the cardiovascular system and help sustain hormonal balance, as well as supporting general well being.

Sarsaparilla contains steroidal saparins which are thought to resemble the action of some human hormones. Used as a supportive tonic to the male reproductive system and is thought to promote production of testosterone and progesterone.

Saw palmetto helps support the prostate gland's healthy hormone balance necessary for optimal sexual function.

Do you know of any helpful nutrients?

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Natural Relief For Canker Sores

Posted On 2010-11-15 , 10:54 AM

Canker sores; medically known as aphthous stomatitis, are small painful mouth ulcers that can appear on the lips, tongue, gums or the inside of the cheeks. They appear suddenly and often leave suddenly, usually lasting from 4 to 20 days.

The symptoms of canker sores include:

- one or more small, whitish ulcers with bright red margins.
- localized pain, burning and tingling that worsens when touched or exposed to spicy or acidic foods.
- in severe cases, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, fever and general malaise.

Canker sores occur most often in teenagers and young adults and women are affected more often than men. The cause is unknown, but a number of factors may be involved.

Although hereditary predisposition may play a role in the frequency of their appearance, the official cause of these painful ulcers inside the mouth is considered a temporary malfunction of the immune system that can be triggered by trauma; such as, biting the inside of the cheek or using a hard bristled toothbrush, fatigue, high stress, illness with fever, menstrual cycles, sensitivity to certain foods or nutritional deficiencies; especially iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid.

During an outbreak, a bland diet with no acidic fruits, nuts, or salty, spicy, or sugary foods avoids irritating the cankers. Highest on the list of foods that trigger canker sores are cherries, chocolate, citrus fruits, nuts, pineapples, plums and tomato products.

Sores that do not heal in 3 weeks should receive medical attention to prevent bacterial infection. You may need an antibiotic or a doctor may need to cauterize the sore.

A nutritious, well balanced diet can be an important factor in canker sore control. Taking individual supplements in addition to a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement often shortens the duration of the sores and may help prevent recurrence.

Helpful Vitamin And Mineral Supplements:

Vitamin A in the form of beta carotene speeds healing, especially of the mucous membranes. Take 50,000 IU daily for 1 week, then 25,000 IU daily for 2 weeks. Also put a few drops of vitamin A oil directly on the affected area.

Vitamin B complex promotes healing and maintains B vitamin balance. Take 50 milligrams three times daily. One to four high potency tablets daily have reduced the active time of canker sores to as little as 48 hours when the B vitamins were accompanied by a calcium-magnesium supplement.
-Taking 25 to 100 milligrams of niacinamide or niacin (B3) with each meal often corrects and prevents these sores.
-Several studies report excellent results when 2,000 micrograms of sublingual B12 and 400 micrograms of sublingual folic acid are taken twice daily on an empty stomach.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids promotes tissue healing, fights infection and boosts the immune system. Take 3,000 to 8,000 milligrams daily in divided doses.

Vitamin E applied locally when a canker sore first appears promotes healing. Pierce a capsule, coat sore and reapply at frequent intervals.

Zinc (one 15 milligram lozenge) dissolved in the mouth every 3 waking hours for 2 days enhances immune function and speeds healing. Do not exceed a total of 100 milligrams daily.

Helpful Home Remedies To Help Heal And Relieve Pain:

Placing a moist teabag over the sores.

Dissolving an antacid tablet in the mouth.

Coating the tender sores with a swish of milk of magnesia.

Dabbing the cankers with aloe vera gel.

Use a strong solution of either baking soda or table salt and water as a mouth rinse.

Place a drop of 3% peroxide on cankers or dilute the peroxide with water and swish around in mouth before spitting it out.

Other Helpful Supplements:

Acidophilus reduces soreness and helps restore bacterial balance. Chew 4 tablets 3 times daily until the sores heal. In addition, a daily helping of yogurt can help keep the lining of the mouth healthy.

Dandelion supplements helps canker sores heal, and it prevents their recurrence. Take 500 to 1,000 milligram capsules three times daily for six weeks.

Echinacea promotes healing. Take 4 milliliters liquid extract swished in the mouth for two or three minutes, three times daily. Swallow the extract for added protection.

Licorice is an herb with antibacterial and antiviral properties. It can ease the irritation of cankers. Take 200 milligrams powdered deglycyrrhizinated licorice dissolved in 200 milliliters warm water, swish in mouth for 2 minutes three or four times daily. OR chew a 380 milligram chewable tablet twenty minutes before meals.

These herbal teas brewed triple-strength and used as a mouth rinse 2 or 3 times daily are basic folk medicine canker cures: burdock, chamomile, goldenseal, red raspberry, sage or strawberry.

Do you know of anything helpful for those painful mouth sores?

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November 2010

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