HERBS
CASCARA SAGRADA
Rhamnus purshiana
Cascara Sagrada affects the liver, gallbladder, colon, stomach and pancreas. It is a laxative, antispasmodic and hepatic tonic which is one of the safest tonic laxatives that can be used. It can be used in either the tincture or dried herb form.
Cascara increases liver, pancreas and bowel secretions and used in small, frequent dosages, restores the tone of the bowel and has a lasting, permanent effect. If a gentle laxative is required, use 20 drops of the tincture three times daily. If a more drastic action is required then the dose should be half a teaspoon full of the tincture three times daily.
Cascara is very valuable whenever haemorrhoids are associated with constipation and poor bowel function. It is also very useful for bowel related problems in combination with bayberry bark, rhubarb root, golden seal and raspberry leaves as a lower bowel tonic.
Cassia senna
Strong cathartic used for the treatment of constipation, the leaf is stronger than the fruit in usefulness.
CAYENNE
Capsicum annuum
As a dried, ground powder it can be used to improve circulation, digestion, help flatulence, and is sometimes used in the case of neuralgia and rheumatism. A weak solution can be used for a throat gargle. Mixed with slippery elm and used externally for chilblains.
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MENOPAUSE: CHANGE OF LIFE
If you are going through menopause and the symptoms are intense then natural therapy has a lot to offer, before you consider the alternative of oestrogen treatment. A number of studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation can eliminate or reduce the symptoms associated with menopause, particularly hot flushes.
Dong quai has been used in Asia for thousands of years and its reputation is second only to ginseng. Dong quai is regarded as the “female remedy” and has been used successfully for the treatment of many female disorders including menopause, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
Dong quai contains phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens). These natural plant oestrogens compete with the oestrogen in the body for binding sites. The phytoestrogens in Dong quai produce oestrogenic activity when the body’s oestrogen levels are low as is the case in menopause. The ability of the phytoestrogens to occupy oestrogen receptor sites also helps high oestrogen levels. Dong quai is specifically of use for the treatment of menopausal hot flushes. Evening primrose oil in conjunction with herbs and vitamins for the treatment of many hormonal disorders including menopause has met with good results.
Oats are of value when used for the treatment of menopausal depression and neurasthenia. Avena stimulates both the motor and sensory systems. This stimulation gives a lift and elevation in mood.
SUPPLEMENTS
Dong quai 500 mg 3 times daily
vitamin E 500 IU daily
Executive B Complex
(stress B group
formula) 1 tablet daily
Efamol (evening
primrose oil) 500 mg 1 capsule 3 times daily
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GOUT OR CRYSTAL ARTHRITIS
Gout is a disease that can affect any person and can be a very painful affliction. Gout is the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints. These crystals cannot develop without an elevated level of uric acid in the blood, therefore, the prevention of this elevated level of uric acid is required.
In orthodox medicine prescription drugs are given to reduce inflammation and pain for acute attacks and/or the use of drugs such as allopurinol to reduce the amount of uric acid in the blood and urine.
The naturopathic treatment is based on the modification and reduction of the main factors that increase the uric acid levels in the blood.
THE DIET
A diet low in fats and moderate in the intake of protein is the first step in reducing uric acid levels in the blood.
Foods that contain a high level of purine should be avoided. These include all organ meats: ie liver, kidney, brains, heart, sweetbreads. Other foods that must be avoided are shellfish: prawns, lobster, oysters, salami, pate, sardines in oil, anchovies. Do not eat tomatoes or oranges. You can eat milk, eggs, cereal (except whole wheat), fruit, enriched bread, butter and most vegetables. Restrict to twice a week asparagus, beans, peas, alcohol, mushrooms, oatmeal, whole-wheat cereal.
To avoid rises in uric acid level do not take aspirin. Sudden changes in weight can cause a rise so weight reductions or increases should be gradual.
The consumption of red meat is to be restricted to three times weekly. Chicken and fish can be eaten freely but they must be grilled or steamed. Tomatoes, alcohol, take-away foods such as Chinese must be avoided.
It is also important to increase the amount of fluid intake to 6 to 8 glasses per day. Low purine diets are lower in Vitamin B, and a B Complex should be taken.
Supplements
B complex 1 tablet/capsule daily
Vitamin C 5000 mg daily
Pantothenic acid 50 mg daily
Cod liver oil 5 ml daily
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CANDIDA (MONILIA)
Many women especially are suffering from candidiasis (infection with any species of Candida) and its associated side effects. One of the main causes of candidiasis in younger people is the use of antibiotics for skin disorders. These antibiotics unbalance the natural gut flora and diminish the normal levels of Lactobacillus acidophilus which is a friendly bacteria living in the intestine and needed for normal digestion. When it is at a low level then Candida albicans, a fungus also found in the small intestine, starts to multiply rapidly. Some of the indications of an infestation of Candida albicans are bloating, indigestion, flatulence, lethargy and thrush or redness, ulcers and irritation in either the mouth or genitals.
A diet that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates is necessary. Too many dairy products and those containing yeast should be avoided. Quite often it is a problem diagnosing someone who has this complaint and all too often it is treated for its various effects rather than the cause. It is therefore very important to make sure you tell your doctor.
Write everything down that you feel is abnormal. This can be of great benefit in the ultimate diagnosis. New methods of detecting Candida albicans spores in the bloodstream, with dark field microscopic examination, are available. Stool counts can also be done, but one of the most reliable is the persistence of a number of symptoms and it has been shown that the analytical laboratory technique of examination will not always pick up this condition.
The dietary method of attack is to kill off any excessive Candida albicans. A high potency garlic supplement will do this. You need to recolonise the Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement. The powdered Lactobacillus acidophilus are extremely good and palatable but do not take the garlic and the Lactobacillus acidophilus together. The garlic should be taken at least three hours before Lactobacillus acidophilus.
It must be remembered that the prevention of recolonisation is a long-term treatment and it is not going to happen in one or two days so the ongoing garlic and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement need to be continued until the symptoms disappear.
The inflamed and irritated orifices can be soothed with a diluted form of tea-tree oil which is a powerful anti-fungal and can kill off the Candida infestation which is causing this problem.
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ATHLETES AND REGULAR EXERCISERS
Do athletes, joggers, regular exercisers and people who do heavy physical work require special treatment?
They may be at risk because they have low levels of essential nutrients in their bodies.
A study carried out by the Department of Sport has shown that our athletes are running the risk of having a low serum (blood) concentration of certain nutrients. This has been backed up by further experiments to show that certain micro-nutrients such as vitamin E and other antioxidant vitamins can be utilised at a faster rate by those who are striving and taking part in endurance athletic activity. Athletes need to look at eating a well-balanced diet and supplements because they are pushing their bodies beyond the normal limit.
Heavy workouts build up lactic acid in the muscles which produces free radicals. These can cause cell damage so it is important for athletes to take extra antioxidants if they are working out or training hard.
Dr Lester Packer of the University of California at Berkeley, has shown that free radicals damage muscle cells. He found evidence of damage to all major membranes of muscle tissue caused by free radicals following athletic activity. He suggested an antioxidant formula containing beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C to help prevent this damage.
If you are an athlete striving to achieve higher levels of fitness and performance in your athletic field, then consider supplementing with a Bio ACE type formula containing A, C and E, the antioxidant vitamins. However there is no substitute for a good well-balanced diet.
Consider a little extra protein if you are engaging in heavy, muscle-ripping exercises. Amino acids, found in protein, are the building blocks of life needed to repair muscle tissue damaged during heavy exercise. There are 8 essential amino acids which must be obtained from your diet. Eggs and dairy products are the best sources. Use egg whites and skim milk as these will not increase cholesterol.
Supplements of the minerals magnesium, potassium and zinc is helpful, especially if you experience cramps or muscle pain after exercise.
SUPPLEMENTS
Bio ACE antioxidant one 3 times daily
formula containing
vitamins A, C, E and K
vitamin E 500 IU daily
selenium (trace element) found in garlic and eggs
garlic 2000 mg (fresh herb equivalent) daily
Ginsana (ginseng) has been clinically tested to improve oxygen utilisation and recovery time after exercise. Skim milk and egg whites are excellent sources of amino acids. Make a milk shake:
Ingredients
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon black strap molasses
1 teaspoon honey
1 banana
1/2 teaspoon yeast
2 glasses of skim or low fat milk Blend and drink.
This is a high protein drink that also contains all essential vitamins and minerals. It is ideal for body builders.
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MAKING LOVE: SIDE-BY-SIDE POSITIONS 2
By slight alterations in movement, side-by-side positions can produce a wide variety of new sensations. By rolling backwards a woman opens up her vulva considerably and leaves her clitoris free for herself or her partner to caress. Drawing her legs upwards increases penetration. By changing the position of his legs and thighs, the man can achieve different movements and control the pressure that the root of the penis directs against his partner’s vulva.
Drawing her legs up along her partner’s back and sides can increase penetration, particularly if she presses with her legs and feet, coaxing him to thrust further into her
Changing the position of his legs and thighs can enable him to achieve different thrusting movements and new sensations for them both
1 The woman places her bent leg on top of her partner’s hip as he pushes his thigh between hers. Then she should lie back and her partner can lean into her, keeping his legs stretched out straight. One of his hands is free to caress her, while she has both free to attend to him. He has more freedom to attempt some active movements while bestowing some caresses.
2 By bringing his leg back up, the man can now make strong pushing movements. He can increase the pressure by using his hands to press his partner’s buttocks next to his hips.
Man
These positions provide plenty of body contact. The man has enough freedom to experiment with various movements to give new sensations. Movement is somewhat limited, but he is free to grasp his partner’s buttocks and pull her on to his penis.
Woman
These positions can supply plenty of pressure to the vulva for increased stimulation. They also are good in late pregnancy because they allow a woman plenty of space from her partner, and his penetrating and thrusting can be restricted.
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APHRODISIACS: FANTASIES
Everyone fantasizes. It would be very odd if we didn’t, because fantasy is a form of sexual rehearsal along paths that are familiar and also some that are entirely new and imaginary. We all respond to fantasies because the brain is the most important organ of sexual pleasure. As the seat of emotions, it can be responsible for turning us on or off sex. If we are full of resentment,
grief-stricken, angry, anxious or miserable, the most attractive person in the world will not seem so, and any amount of foreplay will not arouse us. On the other hand, being sexually aware, being interested in sex, thinking about it and fantasizing about it will all be arousing. In this sense, it would seem that the brain is the most crucial sex organ because it can override our sexual urges in any direction, either by turning them off, or by turning them on. Fantasies, therefore, are one of the cheapest and most effective sexual aids.
The best sexual fantasies, the ones that offer maximum pleasure, usually centre around ideal situations – ones that are, for practical purposes, unobtainable in “real life”. And, also unlike real life, they can be turned on and off at will, either to accelerate or calm sexual activity. Often, we use fantasy to concentrate our minds on what is actually happening to us during our own lovemaking. We “see” what is happening as well as experiencing it. This helps to focus our attention on our own sexual responses, and encourages the brain to respond even more enthusiastically to the signals of arousal it is receiving. It then sends out hormones that increase the excitement in our genital organs.
In rare cases, a person can become so fixed on a particular fantasy that they cannot become aroused without it. While a fantasy that exercises such a strong hold over your imagination can be very useful during masturbation, it can get in the way of shared sexual activities. Instead of concentrating on how your partner is reacting, and what you can do to please him or her, you can become fixed on bringing your fantasy to life, and thus seem remote and non-responsive.
Sharing fantasies is another way of personalizing your relationship, and can be introduced into a long-term sexual relationship to add new excitement and rekindle arousal. Some people are happy to join in a fantasy once it has been recounted; however, others may find that they cannot cope with the desires expressed, and may take their partner’s fantasy as a criticism of their lovemaking, which can put a considerable pressure on the relationship. If you are in doubt about what to share, bide your time until you see the situation more clearly.
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FOREPLAY: WHAT A WOMAN LIKES
One of the reasons why petting is so potent and so enjoyed by women is that it arouses and prepares them for sexual intercourse. For women, intercourse is welcome only when they have had enough stimulation so that the vagina lubricates and unfolds, ready to receive the penis. Without the chance to build up the level of sex hormones through kissing, caressing and petting, intercourse can be very uncomfortable for a woman. Most men underestimate how long this takes, since their own erections occur much more quickly.
Kissing should lead into and blend with caresses all over a woman’s body. Most women prefer initial caresses to be in areas other than the breasts and genitals, but once they have begun to feel aroused, they do enjoy having their breasts and bottoms stimulated. Breasts, however, need careful stroking until a woman is more highly aroused, then more passionate kissing, sucking and stroking are pleasurable. Most women like their buttocks caressed or squeezed; some enjoy gentle smacking. Only when a woman is sufficiently aroused does she want her partner to move on to genital caresses. Women differ in their tastes, but most prefer initial genital caresses to be gentle, with harder, more vigorous movements as they near orgasm.
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THE FIRST SEXUAL EXPERIENCE: INITIATING SEX
While a few individuals believe that one-night stands are one of the most satisfactory forms of human relationships, the majority of people feel that, in addition to physical attraction, there has to be love, and love involves knowing someone intimately. In fact, sex is the ultimate act of knowing. But in order to know someone, you have to show yourself to them. For the majority of people knowing is not easy; you feel vulnerable and open to the possibility of being rejected, which can be extremely painful. Sex can rarely be fulfilling without knowing your partner and showing yourself. No relationship can thrive where these two basic ingredients are missing. Right from the outset, you must tell the truth and nothing but the truth.
Becoming intimate Sex is our primary way of showing love. With a sympathetic, loving and open partner, it can be a magical voyage of discovery.
Any other form of behaviour is distancing and hypocritical; you must represent yourself honestly. In a loving relationship, even a white lie is an insult and extremely damaging. Honesty in itself is arousing; it can be a stimulant. Truth is probably the best aphrodisiac.
Everyone is vulnerable, both emotionally and romantically, so in a relationship that will involve love and sex, you should declare your vulnerability. Don’t forget that having sex is a decision as well as an impulse, and it doesn’t mean that you have to lose control. It means letting your partner know that the basic reason for your being there is that you are looking for love; you are looking for someone to bond with. When you decide to have sex with someone you are being intimate with all they are; so declare all you are.
The myth of romanticized women and eroticized men distorts the natural interaction that takes place between the two sexes. The infinite range of human experiences through holding, touching, feeling, stimulating, trusting, talking and listening to one another is involved in sexual interaction, and it is a distortion of the male and female personality to say that love and sex is the sole prerogative of either gender.
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ORGASM
Orgasm, the climax of sensation, is a uniquely human experience. For men, orgasm depends almost entirely on the stimulation of the penis, either by hand or mouth, as well as the vaginal walls, and is usually, though not always, accompanied by ejaculation of seminal fluid. For women, clitoral stimulation and movement of the penis within the vagina, prolonged through skill and experience, produce these intense feelings, although they can reach orgasm in other ways, for instance by manual or oral stimulation of the clitoris, vagina or “G” spot. About one woman in ten experiences the emission of fluid from the urethra with orgasm. It is thought that this fluid comes from the Skene’s glands, which run alongside the urethra, since it is not urine or vaginal mucus.
Orgasms vary: mood, level of energy or fatigue, amount and type of loveplay, the level of mutual trust, and what is happening in either partner’s life, all have their effects on the sensation. And not every sexual experience can, nor should, end in orgasm; there are times when orgasms are a natural outcome of sexual activities and others where lovers will have orgasms only if they really work at them.
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