Our immune system is highly compound. While on one side, it poses immense strength to fight various diseases, on the other side, it can be weakened by infections and diseases if not properly taken care of. To keep the immune system strong, it is essential to eat right and stay hydrated. However, some of superfoods can boost your immune system tremendously.

Undeniably, citrus fruits are a great super food! Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, pomelos, lemons etc. contain essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Fiber, Folate and potassium that provide the right amount of nutrients to boost your immune system. Not only this, Citrus Fruits carry rich amounts of antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamin C helps to increase the number of white blood cells, therefore, increases the ability of the system to fight various diseases. This is why citrus fruits are recommended to be consumed during a cold or cough.

This wonderful green super food vegetable is packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Fiber, Proteins, antioxidants, beta-carotene and zinc. Broccoli can be easily incorporated in your daily diet to provide a boost of nutrients. Furthermore, this vegetable is extremely versatile to cook with and delicious.

A study by Zhejiang University Science B in 2009 has advised that broccoli must be steamed or cooked only for short durations to retain its nutritional value.

Ginger is indeed a super food and can do wonders for your immune system. Because of ginger’s antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties, a moderate amount of ginger helps in fighting illnesses, cancer-causing cells and inflammations. Ginger has a striking flavor and hence, cannot be eaten raw. Most of the time, ginger is shredded added into teas, juices, soups and stews.

Raw honey is enriched with phytonutrients and antibacterial properties that help in fighting illness and infections in the body. Honey poses as a natural energy booster as well as a sore throat-cold remedy which commonly occurs in winters. Moreover, for fitness conscious people, you can use honey as an excellent alternative to sugar.

We cannot forget to add this amazing veggie in this list. Spinach is packed with antioxidants, beta-carotene, Vitamin C, K and A. All these nutrients improve the body’s capability to fight diseases and infections. Eating spinach regularly improves eyesight and helps in maintaining a healthy weight because of its low-calorie content.

Garlic is definitely a superfood that boosts your immune system because the antibacterial as well as antiviral properties resist infections to enter the body and destroy germs and toxins. It is perfectly safe to include garlic in your dishes daily. Moreover, it enhances the food with its pungent taste and aroma.

Apple Cider Vinegar contains a rich amount of antioxidants, antimicrobial properties and Vitamin C which helps in fighting illness and destroying infections. This fermented drink is often taken during cold and coughs because its antibacterial properties relieve congestion in the chest. 1-2 tsp of apple cider vinegar can be consumed every day whether stirred with your favorite drink or seasoned on your salads!

Indian gooseberries (also called Amla) are believed to have ancient health benefits including strengthening the immune system. Amla is rich in micronutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, Iron and Calcium. Amla fights and assists in treating illnesses like cold, cough and digestive ailments. Because the taste of Amla can be sour-bitter, it is not usually consumed raw. However, an interesting fact is that Amla can be consumed in delicious forms such as a jam, juice or a pickle.

We must always keep in mind that maintaining the strength of the immune system is very important to lead a balanced life. These superfoods can be safely added in your regular diet along with paying attention to the quantity of the consumption. All nutrients must be consumed in good quantities, while also keeping in mind some of the allergies they may cause on an individual level.

Author Bio:

Anushka Bhargava is a passionate writer and a poet pursuing a degree in media and communications. She regularly contributes articles related to Soul Healing and Transitions Counseling on F and B Recipes.

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Waking up with positive energy in your bedroom.

Looking to freshen up your home for the summer? Why not attract some positive energy at the same time? You’ve probably already heard about feng shui and the benefits it offers to the occupants. Living in harmony with your environment is very important and doing everything you can to attract strong feng shui energy (Chi) to your home is a great idea. A strong Chi can help you focus on and achieve any goals you’ve set for yourself. With that said, let’s look at six easy feng shui ways to attract positive energy in your home.

Clutter is stuck energy that prevents you from enjoying life to the fullest. Having too much stuff around won’t do your mental clarity any good, let alone your interior design. It takes up valuable space and that your home energy needs. Of course, getting rid of the clutter isn’t easy, but there are ways to do it. You can start by sorting items into groups. Designate one group for items you can sell, one for items you can donate and one for things you want to throw away. Another reason to do this is to give yourself a clean start each day. Not to mention that it’ll make doing your house chores much easier.

In feng shui, water symbolizes wealth and abundance. Also, it adds tranquility to your home and helps you bring in more positive energy into it. With that said, it’s no surprise that so many homes in China have a water element. The most popular element of water you can introduce in your home is a water fountain. Besides getting a water fountain, it’s important to choose the right spot for it. Fail to do this and you might end up attracting your bad luck into your home. For example, never place a water element to the right of your front door. The best spot for water fountains and similar features is the north sector of your house or your living room.

Nature is one of the best tools to use when you want to relax and reduce anxiety. This is why incorporating nature into interior design is a big part of feng shui. If you can get it right, it can have a huge effect on the flow of energy in your home. The best way to do this is to decorate with greenery. Opt for plants that bring good luck to maximize the effect they have on your home. If you like art, hanging pictures that represent nature is another great way to bring the outdoors in. All these things combined can help create a peaceful home you always imagined.

In feng shui, the dining room is one of the most important parts of the home. This room allows you and your family members to concentrate on what you’re eating. The room design is more important than you might think and there are ways to make it work. One of the best things you can do is get a large mirror that’ll reflect the dining space. Another easy thing to do is to grab a few fresh fruits and keep them on your dining table at all times. In feng shui, dining space is related to the element earth. If you can’t find fruits, fresh flowers can work as well.

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably noticed that open floor plans are becoming more and more popular. Those who love this design will be happy to hear that that’s exactly what attracts positive energy into the house. No matter how small your home is, try to leave enough free space for positive energy to flow. Remember that energy enters your home through the main entrance, which is why you should remove all the obstacles from the area in front of your main door. As long as the energy flows seamlessly through your home, you’ll have absolutely nothing to worry about. Designing an open floor plan is easier than it ever was before and you can find plenty of inspiration online.

We all need to sleep. Nothing beats a good night’s sleep on a busy week. When you sleep, you put your body and mind to rest. The problem is, if your bed isn’t positioned correctly, you might not be getting the rest you need. In case there’s no solid wall right behind your bed, the active energy is affecting your sleep. On the other hand, if you position your bed against a solid wall, you’ll ensure a stable “qi” or energy. There’s no need to say how important sleep is for your overall health. Feng shui is just the right way to make sure you get enough of it.

Inviting positive energy or Chi into your home can help make your life feel more balanced. Follow the six ways covered in this post and inspiring some good energy in your home won’t be tough.

About the Author:

Jane Walker is a freelance writer covering emerging trends in small business and entrepreneurship. She is a huge fashion and healthy eating addict. When not writing, she can be spotted on Mytheresa, looking for the newest addition to her accessories collection.

The post 6 Ways to Attract Positive Energy: Feng Shui for Your Home appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

Vitamin D from the sun improves your immune system.

Most of us are extra concerned these days about building and maintaining a healthy immune system.  I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and after seeing the Netflix documentary “Heal”, I decided to go on a quest to heal myself using alternative therapies that would allow me to get off medication.

This article is the collection of research I have done on how to naturally boost the immune system.  Although any autoimmune condition is considered to be the result of an overactive immune system, the cause of these conditions is a high level of inflammation in the body.  All of my research indicates that what fires a state of healthy immune responses also decreases body inflammation.  So, for those of you like me who struggle with sometimes debilitating autoimmune conditions, read on!  For those of you just wanting to get or stay healthy, this article is for you too.  Not all of these therapies work for everyone. 

 The guidance I have gleaned is that you should experiment and watch how your body responds to various interventions.  Keeping a log or journal is a practical way to spot trends in the effectiveness of these therapies.  (I think this might be better in a recap section at the end)

I found articles in Harvard Medical Review and healthwise.org most helpful, and I also interviewed friends and colleagues who just seem to never get sick.  (Just like people who seem to maintain a healthy weight effortlessly, but who actually put quite a bit of work into this, these people who never get ill put work into staying healthy!  It’s no accident or stroke of luck in the genetics department.)

Here is what I learned.

Proper nutrition is absolutely key.  The following several items deal with food to eat and supplements to take to get the nutrients you need to have a highly functioning immune system.

Most people don’t get enough direct sun exposure each day for their bodies to manufacture sufficient amounts of vitamin D, and vitamin D is essential for healthy immune function. Remember that if you are counting on your sun exposure to give your body all the Vitamin D it needs, you will need to strike a balance between protecting your skin from aging and cancer, and getting Vitamin D.  Sunblock lotion will cut out the Vitamin D benefits.  Eating foods like salmon and getting dark leafy greens like spinach are also good sources, as is a reputable supplement.

Shiitake, Cordyceps, Reishi and Maitake species have been extensively researched and are renowned for possessing powerful immune-supporting compounds.

Sugar decreases your immune system’s ability to function almost immediately by inhibiting the activity of important immune cells.  The results of one study showed that the amount of sugar found in two sweetened beverages lowers immune response by 50% for up to five hours!

Vitamin C really does help.  It has been the “cure for the common cold” for generations, and that’s because it builds up your immune system. It increases the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections. Almost all citrus fruits are high in C.

It is supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber and many other antioxidants, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate.

It is great for amping up the immune system.  Even early civilizations recognized its value in fighting infections. Garlic’s immune-boosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin.

Ginger helps fight inflammation, and lower inflammation leaves your immune system free to fight viruses and bacteria as they arise.  There is also evidence to support that ginger decreases chronic pain.  Any chronic condition in the body weakens the immune system, as resources are drawn away from fighting potential new issues to keep existing chronic issues in check.  Chronic pain also leads to exhaustion and depression, both of which weaken the immune system.

It’s rich in vitamin C and also has numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which both increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems.

Look for yogurts that have the phrase “live and active cultures” printed on the label, like Greek yogurt.  These cultures stimulate your immune system to help fight diseases.  Also, many yogurts are fortified with Vitamin D, already discussed as helpful to a healthy immune system.  You might want to add something but watch for added sugars.  Yogurt is one that can be VERY deceptive on the amount of sugar that is included.  Which made me think on your Sugar comment – there is beware of sugar with other names….example agave nectar, etc.

It is often overshadowed by C, but this powerful antioxidant is key to a healthy immune system.  Nuts, such as almonds, are packed with the vitamin and also have healthy fats.  Avocados and dark leafy greens are also a good choice, as well as sunflower seeds, which have the added benefit of being incredibly high in selenium.  Studies have shown selenium to be effective in helping the immune system fight viral infections.

It has been used for years as an anti-inflammatory in treating autoimmune conditions.  Turmeric has high concentrations of curcumin, which is an immune booster and an antiviral.  Author’s note:  I have taken turmeric for years in capsule form and have found it to be very helpful in relieving the inflammation caused by my rheumatoid arthritis.

They are packed with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Green tea especially excels because of its levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), another powerful antioxidant.  EGCG has been shown to enhance immune function. Green tea is also a good source of the amino L-theanine, which aids in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T cells.

They are loaded with C and also have a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects.

When you’re sick and you reach for chicken soup, it’s more than just the placebo effect that makes you feel better. The soup  helps lower inflammation.  Poultry is high in B-6, an important player in many of the chemical reactions that happen in the body. It’s also vital to the formation of new and healthy red blood cells, a very necessary part of a healthy immune response.  Even the broth made by boiling chicken bones contains gelatin, chondroitin, and other nutrients helpful for gut healing and immunity.

Some types of shellfish are packed with zinc, which helps our immune cells function as needed.  Pick oysters, crab, lobster, or mussels for the highest zinc content.

Variety is the key to proper nutrition. Eating just one of these foods or vitamins won’t be enough to really fire up the immune system.  Select several of the above choices and rotate to get maximum effect.

Eating right is a great start, and there are other things you can do to boost your immune system.

Exercise increases circulation, which promotes the elimination of toxins and helps to move immune cells throughout your bloodstream more quickly. It can also help reduce stress, which is important in optimizing your immune system’s ability to fight off infection.  People without a regular exercise program are 8 times more likely to get sick than those who have an exercise regimen.

During the day, the stress hormone cortisol circulates at high levels in the body, suppressing your immune function. At night, cortisol levels drop, triggering cellular repair processes that are critical to optimal immune function.

This therapy is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy that has numerous health benefits such as treating anxiety and depression and improving circulation (cited above as critical in the effectiveness of the immune system).  A cold shower stimulates the lymph system.  The primary lymphoid organs generate white blood cells called lymphocytes.  The secondary lymphoid organs maintain these cells and use them in the adaptive immune response to fight off infections, diseases, and tumors. Because a cold shower amps up the lymphatic system, it increases the amount of white blood cells in your body to protect against diseases. Researchers believe a cold shower also increases metabolic rate, which stimulates the immune response.  Author’s note:  I had to work up to taking cold showers.  I started by just putting my arm in cold water, and then a bit more of my body each day.  I am used to the cold now and find it an exhilarating way to start my day.  I feel refreshed and less stressed, and I can almost feel my lymphatic system firing up to keep my immune system strong.

Identify the pinch points in your life and work towards relieving them.  The number-one destroyer of our body is stress.  Our ancestors had the genetic “fight or flight” reaction built in to save them when they were occasionally threatened by a predator or other dangerous situation.  Our modern hectic pace has tricked our body into feeling like it’s in “fight or flight” mode many times a week or even a day.  This response keeps our cortisol levels way too high for overall good health.  When too much cortisol is produced, all of our systems are stressed and function well below capability, including our immune system.

There is a scientifically proven link between regular meditation and lowered stress.  And as discussed, excess stress tears your immune system down, as well as many other systems in the body.  Meditation brings your mind in tune with your body.  Since our thoughts signal the brain to initiate chemical reactions in our bodies, practicing calming and healing meditations not only lowers stress but signals our brain to activate processes to heal chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, migraine condition, and other issues.  Author’s note:  I have adopted a healing meditation that takes me only 11 minutes a day.  It has made a huge difference.  Do not set yourself up for failure by thinking you need to set aside an hour or more a day for a meditation practice to be effective.

I found it empowering to learn that there were so many steps I could take to boost the power of my immune system.  All it takes is some planning and discipline to implement life changes.  I know it can be easier said than done, but the return is so high.  I wish all the readers of this article a healthy life.

About the Author: Mary Von Ahnen is Co-Owner of Horizon Hot Yoga in Frisc and a Certified Yoga Instructor. The studio offers an array of classes and meditations including Kundalini for everyone. They currently have amazing specials. Find their schedule of classes at www.horizonhotyoga.com

The post Does Your Immune System Need a Tune Up? appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

Ancient cultures around the world have a long history of using medicinal plants and herbs for treating a variety of ailments and illnesses. There is still a plethora of plant species that are not fully known by modern science.

Before the advent of modern medicine in the last 200 years, plants were the only source of medicine to treat illnesses. The chemicals from many of these healing plants and their healing effects form the basis for most modern medicine today.

According to the World Health Organization, 11 percent of the 252 drugs that are in the basic and essential category are exclusively from flowering plants. There is an incredible variety of medicinal herbs in the world, but unfortunately, you may find it difficult to purchase most of these from your local market. But you can find them at farmer’s markets and health food stores.

By possessing the knowledge of how to grow your herbs and understanding the medicinal properties of these herbs, you can avoid regular visits to the doctor saving you money.

Gingko is one of the oldest medicinal plants that are an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine. You need a large open space for planting Gingko trees as these trees can grow to very large sizes during their potential life span of 3000 years. Although Ginglo trees can tolerate a variety of soils, they thrive best in sandy soil.  Gingko trees do not require additional fertilizers; however, they require direct sunlight.

Gingko plays an effective role in improving brain health and helping in fighting against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. According to recent research, Gingko can also help in treating diabetes and improve bone healing.

2. Mint

There are many varieties of mint to choose from and grow, ranging from chocolate to peppermint. Mint is an aggressive species, and if you do not want it to spread through your whole garden, you need to keep it in a pot.  Mint does not require any special care and can tolerate most types of soil as long as it gets a good deal of sunlight.

Mint is effective for healing digestive issues. You can make tea from boiling mint leaves and water in a pot, which can relieve nausea.

Chamomile is an excellent medicinal herb that has an appealing smell and sweet flavor.  It serves as a mild sedative and relaxant. The high Azulene content in Chamomile provides anti-inflammatory properties, and you can use it as a pain relief for arthritis.

Chamomile is also excellent for sleeping and for destressing. Chamomile can be hard to grow in hot climates, although it likes a good amount of sunlight. You do not require additional fertilization of the soil, and the plant can grow in a variety of different soil types.

Marijuana can also help you recover from muscle spasms and pain due to multiple sclerosis, according to multiple studies. The active compounds in cannabis also aid in resolving sleep deprivation and can be useful for treating pain due to surgery or trauma from neurological injury.

Vaporization of cannabis and inhaling the fumes can reduce neuropathic pain. Young Cannabis plants tend to grow more quickly in warmer climates and slightly cooler temperature resulting in better color and smell of buds in the flowering stage.

Cannabis plants require at least 8 hours of direct sunlight and grow well in soil with adequate amounts of compost. For growing Marijuana indoors, make sure you buy indoor seeds from a reputed canada weed dispensary. Also, remember many in many states in America growing cannabis yourself is still illegal.

Basil is a prevalent herb used in our meals and salads to provide flavor and add essential vitamins and minerals for the body to remain healthy. While planting the seed, ensure that you do not sow it too deep in the soil. Basil thrives better in a warm climate and will germinate and grow slower in cooler climates.

Basil has many health benefits such as improving digestion, boosting metabolism, and reducing stress. Other benefits include improving immunity, antibacterial properties, strengthening liver and bones, reducing inflammation, and many more.

6. Lavender

Lavender flowers spread an aromatic and pleasant smell through your garden, and you can make tea by mixing it with other garden herbs. Lavender is ideal for treating acute to chronic anxiety and reducing stress. You can even stuff lavender in your eye pillows for encouraging you to sleep better. They thrive in arid soil and can not withstand high humidity, which can cause rotting of the root. You only need to water this plant once or twice a week after planting.

Jiaogulan is a close relative of the Ginseng, and it shares many of the medicinal properties.

Preparing a tonic tea from this plant helps alleviate chronic stress, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and promote vitality and longevity. This herb prefers moist and rich soil with plenty of shade, and although it only grows 4 inches off the ground, it can spread horizontally and occupy your entire garden, so be careful where you plant it.

Rosemary is indigenous to the Mediterranean and prefers sandy or rocky soil with an abundance of direct sunlight. Rosemary is perennial in warmer climatic regions and can tolerate drought easily.

This herb has many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits resulting in boosting the immune system. It is also said it can improve the memory.  It is excellent for rinsing your hair by preparing a brew through boiling rosemary leaves along with lemon juice for 10 minutes.

Conclusion:

Gardening also has a positive effect on your mental health. According to studies, gardening helps in keeping blood pressure under control, maintain weight, and reduce depression. Ensure that you find a place that receives at least six hours of sunlight for the herb garden.

You can treat most of the common ailments yourself by having an herb garden with a variety of medicinal plants. Gardening can also be beautiful and getting out in nature helps everyone.

Medicinal herbs are easy to grow and you can ensure the best quality of herbs when you grow them yourself rather than purchasing. Ensure that you research the medicinal herbs and understand how to best use them to avoid potential issues.

The post 8 Medicinal Herbs for Your Garden: How to Grow & How They Heal appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

The traditional Indian system of medicine, guarding health and wellness, offering solution for all the diseases, Ayurveda preserves the body, mind and health in any or all circumstances with its’ variety and natural spirit.

For Ayurveda to work its’ course, various Ayurvedic herbs and spices are entrusted to host benefits, nutrients, and body-friendly components that works from health to taste.

AYURVEDIC HERBS AND SPICES The ayurvedic herbs are derived from a plant source, where the leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, roots, bark and resin are used to prepare medicines and balance body and health. Some of the ayurvedic herbs and spices that carry this prestigious place are as follows:

1. TURMERIC – The yellow mellow as it can be said, justifies its name with its wide range of nutrients and benefits, and years of reliability on its shoulders. Nutrients – Turmeric contains various anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, topped up protein, fats and fiber. Benefits – Thus, backed by the powerful properties, the ayurvedic spice enhances skin tone, complexion, texture, builds a strong immune system and provides nutrients to skin and body, in both culinary or cosmetic forms. Apart from which, turmeric also has the ability to act medicinal, treating cough, cold, and body weakness.

2. ASHWAGANDHA – A highly regarded Ayurvedic treasure, Ashwagandha has a strong aroma and is said to bestow upon its users the vitality and strength of a horse. Nutrients – Containing healthy amounts of fats and fibre, the herb contributes to the diet, while also providing other medicinal value with it’s anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Benefits – As the benefits provided to the body, Ashwagandha supports weight management, provides nourishment to body tissues, enhances cognitive ability, and reduces stress and anxiety to a great extent.

3. TRIPHALA – Triphala is a powerful ayurvedic spice and contains three medicinal fruits, a) amla, b) bibhitaki, c) haritaki, which enriches the body with a wide array of goodies. Nutrients – The spice provides anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant leisure to the body, while vitamin c, sodium and good amount of fibre to the diet. It further benefits the body with compounds like gallic acid, chebulagic acid, and chebulinic acid. Benefits – reduces constipation and abdominal pain, help conditions like arthritis and provides dental care, suits the digestive system, aids heartburn, helps in weight management, and boosting metabolism.

4. CUMIN – The spice known for distinctive earthy, nutty and spicy flavor is a strong addition to the body and health. Nutrients – Containing strong amount of calcium and iron, cumin is also anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. It additionally hosts several healthy plant compounds including terpenes, phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids. Benefits – The powerful plant compounds acts as an antioxidant guard for the body (helping in oxidation of the body), improves blood cholesterol, promotes weight loss, increases the digestive activity while also reduces the risk of certain foodborne infections.

5. GOTU KOLA – Known as the ‘herb of longevity’, the Ayurvedic remedy is made from taste-and-odorless plant with fan-shaped green leaves that grows in and around water. Nutrients – The longevity herb is a well-known anti-depressant, which also houses Vitamin A, C and B2, Iron, potassium, and calcium. Benefits – The variety of help gotu kola provides ranges from improving memory, helping in coping with stress or anxiety, helping in wound healing, promoting bone health, diminishing symptoms of eczema and psoriasis and boosting cognitive function.

6. CARDAMOM – One of the ancient and trusted spices in the world, Cardamom has a strong aroma like that of cloves and is used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Nutrients – Cardamom has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, Vitamin C and B6, calcium and protein, making it a valuable culinary and medicinal intake. Benefits – works as a natural tranquilizer, treats indigestion, promotes oral health, lowers blood pressure, prevents inflammation and improves stomach health, justifying the quality of “queen of spices”, as rightly known.

7. BRAHMI – Known by the common name, ‘herb of grace’, Brahmi is the ayurvedic remedy for a number of health ailments. Nutrients – Apart from sodium, protein, and dietary fibre, the staple herb also has strong anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties. Benefits – The herb has the ability to fight stress and anxiety, improves cognitive functioning, lowers inflammation, while also improving learning skills.

8. NEEM – Neem is believed to be the bestower of good health with its stuffed nutrition and benefits to skin, hair, body and overall health. Furthermore, it has been trusted from over centuries, for its culinary and medicinal properties. Nutrients – Power-packed neem has glutamic acid, tyrosine, aspartic acid, alanine, praline, glutamine and cystine like amino acids, and several fatty acids (dodecanoic, tetradecanoic and elcosanic), layered with anti-septic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Benefits – With the house-full of nutrients, neem is a trusted source for treating or improving skin health, fighting rashes, wounds and acne. The consumption of neem treats fever, cold, and specially malaria fever. It further also promotes hair growth, protects hair roots, and acts as s conditioner to both skin and hair.

9. AMALAKI – Amalaki is considered as a powerful rejuvenating herb in Ayurveda. More commonly known as ‘amla’, amalaki poses several health amenities for skin, hair and health of the body. Nutrients – Amalaki is entrusted for it’s rich anti-oxidant content, anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin C, iron, protein, sodium and calcium. Benefits – The hefty-benefitted herb reduces inflammation, alleviates pain, helps in overall hair quality, growth and improvement, maintain the health of heart and liver, boosts immunity and promotes longevity.

10. ALOE VERA – From plant to gel, aloe vera is known to uplift most of the skin, hair and health requirements. Restoring maximum health, aloe vera is globally even believed by some as the “plant of immortality”, with nutrients, and benefits making it hard to deny so. Nutrients – Ranging from vitamins A, C, and E, folic acid, enzymes, minerals and amino acids, aloe vera supplies anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Benefits – The competence of aloe vera goes from improving digestive system, increasing energy production, promoting heart health, treating or improving various skin and hair conditions including, acne, dark spots, rough hair or skin, skin toning, reducing inflammation, fighting off infection, and purifying blood.

The herbs and spices are believed to purify body, mind and spirit with each being a trusted hand of Ayurveda.

HOW TO USE • The herbs and spices can be used topically, culinary, according to their own parameters (check of the same is must) for all the bodily needs. • They can also be found or used in cosmetic products and can be applied accordingly. • For any query or experimental use, a check with a health professional is recommended.

CONCLUSION Working on the principles of Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), Ayurveda has been a reliable and comprehensive systems of healing and healthcare known to humanity.  As Ayurveda works to balance the misbalance of physiological process of the living beings, it can be followed to the ends of the chain, from food or cosmetics, as Ayurveda stands an irreplaceable ground.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Vivek Roy is a trained natural cosmetic practitioner and blogger from India. He loves to write about natural & healthy ingredients and share the knowledge around the world. For more information about him visit his website Zoem Skin Essentials.

The post Benefits of the Top 10 Ayurvedic Herbs & Spices appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

By: Amanda Woodard

I’m no one in the fitness community. I do not have a personal training certification, a nutritionist license or an Instagram page with 10,000+ followers. I just started yoga teacher training, but I still can’t do crow pose, even though I’ve been working on it for over a year. I rock climb, but I’m terrified of heights, so my progress has been even slower there. But here’s why I’m writing this: I lost 40 pounds in two years, and I’ve kept the weight off for over a year now. This is my fitness journey.

Amanda “Before & After” shedding 40 pounds.

Most of us know the formula for losing weight: burn more calories than you’re taking in.

The trouble is that instead of searching for long-lasting solutions, people search for things like:

It’s important to know that any “get-thin-quick” scheme is going to be short-lived, leaving you even hungrier than you were before. My journey is not quick. Per my intro paragraph, you can see I’m one for slow progress, and I believe because the progress was slow and intentional I was able to make fitness a lifestyle change.

Before I go through the steps I took to lose weight, let’s be real and honest with ourselves:

There are a few culprits to weight gain and obesity. Some people come to this destination from different routes. I’ll start off by admitting that I was never obese in my childhood. I fluctuated from being a “healthy” weight and being a little overweight (no more than 10 pounds) for most of my life.

If you’re struggling to maintain a “healthy” weight, then it’s likely that you can relate to most of these situations.

But either way, that’s a lot, right? That’s really too much to be focused on at once. And on top of those major lifestyle changes I needed to make to lose weight, I also wanted to be better about taking care of my skin, getting my work done, doing my school work, cleaning my apartment, being a better partner to my girlfriend at the time, and many, many other things.

In the past, I would consider all the things I wanted to change about myself and just feel like, “Wow, that’s really too much. It’s hopeless.” Or: I would think, “I can change all of these things right now. In just two weeks, I’ll be a completely different person.” Neither of those mindsets are helpful. You have to be able to take it one step at a time.

Which leads us to the actual steps for losing weight in my case. Remember, your fitness journey is YOURS. This one is mine:

It’s no wonder people always want to lose weight FAST. People associate being thin with being attractive, but that’s not necessarily true. Actually, being thin doesn’t necessarily even mean you’re healthy. But the point is that people feel like they can’t be attractive unless they have a six pack or at least a flat stomach, which is wild.

Tons of people can be soft, overweight or obese and still be attractive, still find romance, still find love.

So, what I’m saying here is: You don’t have to be thin to be attractive or to feel confident. The confidence can come first, before you even lose a single pound. And that confidence can help you push through the hard parts of your exercise routine and your new eating habits.

I started by paying attention to what I ate: the goal being to do so without judgement. I kept a food journal and wrote down everything I ate. I recorded the calories. From there, I got an honest look at how many calories I ate each day on average. Here’s the interesting part though: Just tracking my eating habits changed the way I ate. When I realized, “Damn, I really had pizza every night this week for dinner,” I wasn’t as likely to have it again for dinner that night.

At first, I was surprised to find I ate well over 2,000 daily calories, but if you think about it, most of the meals we eat at restaurants have insane portion sizes and caloric values. I started by getting my daily calorie intake down to 2,000 (although 2,000 is actually an overestimation for most people).

At my current activity level, my daily intake should be around 1,800, which doesn’t sound like a lot but totally does feel satisfying. If you’re paying attention to your caloric intake and you find you’re eating more calories than you’d like to, cutting back doesn’t have to be a struggle.

Every year, you vow to lose weight. You make it your New Year’s Resolution, and when January rolls around, you push yourself harder than you ever have before, thinking: Maybe if I work really, really hard this month, I’ll make it to my weight goal by February.

How did that work out for you? If you’ve kept this up for several weeks now, or even for the whole month, you’ve probably seen some encouraging results, but man, are you wiped! What if you just took a rest day? And another one, and another one…. And before you know it, you’ve gained the weight back.

This was the story of my whole freaking life until late 2017. When I finally accepted that I needed to slow down, I started my new workout routine by getting a gym membership to a place that had a sauna. Three times a week, I would go to the gym and just sit in it for 20 minutes with a book, and then I would go home. For real. That’s where I was at, fitness-wise. But you know what? It got me into the habit of going to the gym. And eventually, I was like, “Well, if I’m going to get all sweaty anyway, I might as well start walking on the treadmill.” And then it was like, “Well, a few crunches wouldn’t kill me.” Until I was spending an hour and a half at the gym because I WANTED to.

But again, that wasn’t a workout routine I was able to maintain. I learned what my limits were, and I adjusted.

If you’re changing your lifestyle, not just trying to lose weight, then the progress is going to be slow, and that has to be OK. Like that old man says when he’s fixing Woody up in Toy Story 2, “You can’t rush art.

Fitness experts will tell you not to weigh yourself every day. Instead, weigh yourself once a week and make sure it’s first thing in the morning — after you’ve peed, before you’ve had anything to eat or drink. That’s your baseline weight. (Don’t be surprised if you weigh yourself just a few hours later — which you really shouldn’t do — to find that you’ve gained 2 to 3 pounds.)

Despite what the experts say, I do weigh myself every day, and here’s why: I have a very hard time assessing my body without doing it. I’ll eat a big dinner and think, “God, I must have gained at least two whole pounds.” I’ll get on the scale the next morning, thinking, If I gained weight, it’s no big deal; I can just lose it again.

 One of the mantras I created through this process is: A body is not a finite state of being. I’m allowed to change.

But then, plot twist: I haven’t gained weight at all. I’m either right where I was the day before or I weigh even less. Feeling bloated or full often give me false perceptions, so weighing myself gives me a daily reality check and keeps me on track.

You know yourself better than anyone, so you may find that this isn’t the best move for you, and that you should stick to weighing yourself once a week or so. Either way, be gentle with yourself. While the numbers on the scale reflect your progress, they don’t reflect your value as a person. You’re worthy of love and affection, no matter what the scale says.

There are tons of ways to work out that don’t involve going to the gym and grumpily hitting the treadmill. I’ve never been particularly sporty, so finding a workout that was actually fun for me took me a long, long time. I tried soccer (indoor and outdoor), and I really hated it. There’s so much running, so much trying not to get hit by the ball, so much being hit by the ball anyway. I was always coming home with giant bruises — on my shins and my ego. No thanks.

Team sports that involve running just aren’t for me. Running really isn’t for me either. That runner’s high? Heard of it; can’t relate.

I tried a cycling class, and I was like, “Huh, this isn’t so bad. What’s all the fuss about?” It must have been a beginner’s class that day because when I went the next day, I nearly blacked out on the bike. I saw spots and I was really dizzy and I felt like the petals were moving my legs, not the other way around.

I’ve always really loved yoga, but I didn’t practice very often because — well, money, first of all, but at the heart of it was that I didn’t think I was good enough to practice regularly. I didn’t want other people to see me wobbling all over the place or sweating really hard in a “resting” pose. But no matter how bad I was at yoga, I still loved it. So, I just let myself be bad at it and kept doing it, and gradually, I saw progress. I let myself love it enough to sign up for yoga teacher training, even though my balance is (currently) garbage.

You know what else I’m bad at that I really love? Rock climbing. I’m terrified of heights. It took me so, so long just to be able to climb to the top of a top-rope wall (a short one), but I kept going and I kept trying, and eventually I did it. I go with a group of friends who are really encouraging and who let me baby myself when I need to.

This is the part where I tell you I’m vegan. But please don’t go! I’m sure you’re tired of being shamed for loving the taste of bacon, but the truth is: We ALL love the taste of bacon. No one is immune to cravings for that savory, sizzly goodness.

Just because I chose to become vegan doesn’t mean you have to be. You can consider other ways of altering your eating that can make you feel more energized, clear-headed and satisfied. You can cut processed sugar, vow to never drink a soda again, cut out premade foods with ingredients you can’t pronounce — whatever. It’s your journey!

My journey to becoming vegan, much like every single other area of my life, took ages. I tried raw veganism in 2013, and I lost a bunch of weight, and I felt awesome, but I also just really, really wanted to eat something hot and cheesy. I gained all the weight back and then some. For me (at that moment in time), that just wasn’t sustainable.

I became a vegetarian in 2017 for ethical reasons and said to anyone who would listen, “I’ll never be vegan. I love cheese too much. Eggs are too cost-effective.” And then a documentary that had absolutely nothing to do with veganism made me realize that I could be doing more to slow down climate change, so I became vegan on April 1, 2019.

Have I cheated? Hell yeah. When I travel, it’s almost impossible to find vegan alternatives, so I’ll eat vegetarian. And on Thanksgiving, my friend made some mac ‘n’ cheese that I just could not resist. I’m not perfect. But I found a diet (a new lifestyle, really) that helps me be more conscientious about what I’m putting in my body.

The more mindful you are about what you’re eating, the less likely you are to gain the weight back. But it’s important to be gentle with yourself here too. Set aside time to cheat if you must, but don’t quit!

Now, this is the part where I tell you I’m sober — and the part where I tell you that I’m not pushing this onto you. I have my own reasons for quitting drinking, etc. But I will say that drinking alcohol does make it really hard to lose weight. It’s tough not to do it: It’s not only a socially acceptable way to let loose, but it can feel awkward if you don’t drink at certain social gatherings.

And besides these excuses, I just really, really liked drinking. And satisfying the drunchies. And smoking and satisfying the munchies. And watching dramatic, dopamine-releasing shows that made me want to eat more.

I was able to quit the shows before smoking and drinking. I finally quit smoking because it exacerbated my anxiety. But it took me ages to quit drinking, even though it made me feel awful the next day, every time I did it. I never would have been able to quit drinking if it weren’t for the support of my friends. If I had people telling me things like, “One drink won’t kill you,” then I wouldn’t have even had the strength to become “sober curious.”

I’m not saying you should quit drinking, but quitting the bad habits that are linked to your weight gain are crucial to weight loss.

After taking all these steps, I live a completely different life. Because I’ve changed my eating habits (through veganism and sobriety), I no longer have to count my calories. I’m surrounded by friends who are also trying to be more active, so I’m encouraged to stay in shape, even if what I really want to do is binge-watch the latest Netflix original. Because I’ve found exercises I enjoy, it doesn’t feel like a chore to stay active and healthy. Now that I’m able to look back on all my progress, the self-confidence I found at the beginning of my fitness journey has been affirmed.

I used to beat myself for starting workout routines and then quitting them, starting diets and then quitting those too. My negative self-talk told me that I was a quitter. But do you know what’s equally true about quitting fitness routines? You start them again. You can’t quit something if you never started it. I let myself be someone who starts things, who tries new things, who forgives myself when I fall short of my own expectations. I changed my expectations for myself. I saw myself for who I really was, not who I hoped to be, and I let that be OK.

Amanda Woodward

Author Bio:

Amanda Woodard is an MFA candidate at Antioch University and a freelance copywriter at mediamanda.com. Her work has been performed in Oral Fixation and published in Ten Spurs, Keep This Bag Away from Children and FlashFlood. When she’s not working or studying, she enjoys playing board games, rock climbing and listening to audiobooks.

The post Secrets of a Yogi: Losing & Keeping 40 Pounds Off appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

By: Caitlin Evans

When looking for ways to relieve the symptoms of chronic disease, it’s best to start with what’s causing the illness in the first place. Often disease triggers are external. People may have reactions to a variety of outside sources such as food, chemicals, environmental factors, or medication. But for others, the internal response to stress plays the biggest role in making their immune system turn against their bodies.

While science still hasn’t found a way to cure many chronic conditions, we have managed to make huge improvements in the way we treat them. Now more than ever, it is obvious that the key to health lies not in medication, but rather in the lifestyle we lead.

So, in addition to making sure we eat right, get plenty of sleep, and try to get enough exercise, we can also adopt habits that have proven to be beneficial in relieving chronic disease symptoms. One practice that is increasingly gaining popularity among those looking for relief is yoga.

Meditation in yoga class.

One of the best-known benefits of yoga is its effectiveness at managing stress levels. Two relatively recent studies looked at the effect of daily practice on cortisol levels, as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

The findings clearly show that as little as three months of practicing yoga could have significant health gains, including lowering cortisol, reducing inflammation (which has a strong link to autoimmune disease and cancer), and improving overall mental health.

This comes as no surprise. After all, the practice itself focuses on holistic wellbeing, mindfulness, and acceptance, and it is performed in a calm environment that allows for introspection. By connecting the mind and the body while focusing on the coursing of energy with each breath, you are allowing yourself to take a break from your day-to-day worries.

Furthermore, when practiced regularly, this conscious working towards a balanced mental state grows into a habit that can be applied in stressful everyday situations.

Those suffering from chronic disease can have a particularly difficult time engaging in regular physical activity. A gentle yet beneficial exercise regimen can be a great way to activate all muscle groups, without risking pain or injury.

As we’ve already mentioned, one of the main physical benefits of yoga includes an improved immune system, and a lower level of inflammatory markers in the blood. Combining this effect with a diet that further helps remove inflammation in the body (like an AIP meal plan), yoga can significantly help ward off autoimmune disease flare-ups.

As a form of physical activity, it is moderate (as there is no impact, as opposed to most aerobic exercise), and it can be easily adjusted to anyone’s level. It helps build strong yet flexible muscles, and it is especially useful for spine and joint health through stabilizing areas in which the skeletal structure itself isn’t strong enough.

In addition to overall fitness, regular physical exercise has other important effects on the body as well. It elevates energy levels, which can often be low among those suffering from autoimmune disease. Furthermore, training helps the brain release endorphins, which reduce anxiety and have been shown to help combat depression.

Finally, it is important to note that gentle active and static stretches, such as those performed during yoga, may help relieve pain, especially in problematic areas such as the lower back.

Resting in child pose.

While yoga is gentle on the body, it is still extremely important to take all possible precautions to prevent the worsening of symptoms. Those with a chronic illness will have to consider more than just their physical fitness level before getting started. They’ll have to be mindful of energy levels, as well as any position that might do harm instead of good.

With this in mind, it becomes obvious that the best practice session will be that which is supervised by an experienced instructor. This will allow for any necessary modifications to be made and will ensure that all poses are done correctly, without having too big of an impact on sensitive areas of the body.

 For a number of people suffering from chronic illness, working out might be the last thing on their mind, and that’s perfectly understandable. However, it’s important to remember that engaging in gentle physical activity actually offers a number of health benefits. That’s why an increasing number of scientific studies are examining the way in which yoga helps relieve the symptoms of chronic disease.

This ancient practice can greatly contribute to lowering inflammation levels, managing stress and anxiety, improving cognitive function, strengthening muscles, and relieving pain. Combined with other positive lifestyle choices, its impact on life quality becomes ob

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As practitioners and devotees of yoga, we are no strangers to mindfulness. It’s a key part of what we do, and for some it’s what keeps them coming back. And while yoga and meditation are fundamentally tied to mindfulness, they are not the only times that you can put yourself into a mindful state.

For example, did you know that you can practice mindfulness while cooking? It’s true!

Sure, for many of us cooking has become a chore, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Cooking can be a perfect way to get into a mindful state. Plus, it offers a range of other therapeutic benefits as well.

So, take a more mindful approach in the kitchen and transform your cooking experience into one that replenishes your soul as much as it does your stomach. For more details, check out the visual by Kitchen Cabinet Kings on 8 ways cooking is like therapy with added tips.

While we probably all know what mindfulness is, let’s start out with a quick review. Mindfulness is simply focusing on the moment and calmly accepting and acknowledging the thoughts, feelings, and sensations of that moment.

Of course, this is often easier said than done. It can be hard to let go of all of the stressors that can build up in order to practice mindfulness. It’s incredibly easy to let negative emotions eat away at you. In order to practice mindfulness, you have to let go of it all, even if just for a little while.

The benefits of practicing mindfulness have been recognized for decades (or longer). Mindfulness has been shown to offer both psychological and physical benefits, including stress reduction, improved focus, enhanced cognitive flexibility, and boosts to the immune system.

In order to bring mindfulness to the kitchen, you might first need to reframe how you view the act of cooking.

It doesn’t have to be just another chore that you slog through. If you approach cooking with the mindset that the act and process of cooking can itself be as rewarding and enjoyable as the payoff (delicious, healthy food), you’ll find it far easier to shed all of those other stressors trying to crowd their way into your brain and just focus on the moment.

Look for recipes that can help you foster a mindful state of mind. The recipes might be quick, simple recipes that you can cook without thinking about or it might be complex ones that force your attention.

While cooking, truly focus on the moment. Pay attention to what you’re doing. Take your time and use extra care making sure that your technique when cutting ingredients are precise, clean, and consistent. Keep an organized space when prepping and cooking. Don’t just haphazardly throw things around.

Engage as many senses as possible to remain in the moment. Watch for the subtle changes that happen during the cooking process (such as the way an onion slowly browns when sautéed at the perfect heat). Listen to the sizzle of the oil. Smell the aromatics as they give off their fragrance. Feel the heat radiating out of your pans.

Give yourself plenty of time to avoid introducing the stress of having to be done cooking within a certain time frame. Let the entire process of cooking be relaxing, not rushed.

If you’re one of those people who has never enjoyed cooking, it might be hard to reframe it into something that can be relaxing and allow you to practice mindfulness. But you can do it!

Negative thoughts and emotions might come into your head while you are cooking, but don’t let them intrude on the moment. Just let them melt away. If you can’t address them casually and calmly, you can think about them later.

And, of course, some days it’s just not going to happen. And that’s ok. There will be another meal to cook later and you can try to make that one a more mindful experience. Keep practicing it and you will learn how to make the cooking process emotionally restorative more often.

The post 8 Ways Cooking is Like Meditation appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

A cup or capsule a day is Activating U with energy, clarity, focus

& weight loss every day!

By: Angie Dodson, Founder of Activating U & Revital U Representative

I’ve been a hairstylist for 38 years. Twelve years ago, I decided I wanted to do hair for senior citizens in assisted living and Alzheimer’s facilities. I truly believe I make a difference in their lives, as they do mine.  I have salons at three facilities where the seniors are put first and the people who work there love them as much as I do. My weight was 183 pounds and I was standing on my feet seven hours a day. I will be 61 this year. I knew I was overweight and didn’t have the energy like I used to. A friend mentioned she sold coffee that gives you energy and can help you lose weight. I smiled politely and said, “I don’t like coffee.” She explained that I didn’t have to like coffee because they also make smart capsules and smart cocoa. That got my attention, but I was concerned about the price, so I inquired how much it would cost each month. She said $45 including shipping. I thought, well, that’s cheap enough…so I started asking more questions. After all, I’m not going to take something that’s not healthy for me.

I investigated and found ingredients were not only safe but healthy for me, so I started adding the Smart Capsules to my daily routine. I could not believe it…my first week I lost 3 pounds and the weight kept dropping off. I lost 12 pounds my first month and that was cheating at two or three meals a week and having Braum’s on Wednesday nights. I was satisfied after a meal, and I never felt like I was missing out on anything. I was more energetic than I had been in years…it was amazing and so easy! I felt more focused and my mind was clear. All I did was take a Smart Capsule around 8:00 am, ate lunch at noon and had dinner around 6:30. I would go to bed around 10:30 and I slept like a baby. I truly had not felt this good in years.

In less than 3 months I had lost 35 pounds, my friends were constantly asking me, what are you doing to lose all this weight? I told them about Revital U and after more than a dozen people had asked me more specifics about the products, I decided it was time to start representing the product as a sales person. I knew I believed in the products and  I continue to use Revital U daily. It really works for me, so I knew I needed to share the benefits with others. Give everyone the opportunity to feel as great as I was feeling.

I got over my aversion to coffee and now start each morning by putting the Smart Coffee in my protein shakes. It’s my favorite beverage and so healthy! Today I know I have choices of taking the capsule, putting the coffee in my shake or drinking a Smart Cocoa (it’s the newest product and so delicious).

I recently went to the doctor to have blood work completed and it came back better than it had in many years. Recently, a friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer and his doctor told him to take Revital U. The doctor said, “It’s a great product and I have other patients using it.”

What will the Smart Coffee, Smart Capsules or Smart Cocoa do for me?

When you start using the product it will provide natural longer lasting energy without a jittery feeling, while reducing fatigue and increasing productivity. It improves cognitive ability while increasing alertness and response time. The Smart product assists with focus, concentration, improves memory and recollection. It stimulates a positive attitude and helps to reduce stress and anxiety. The products promote weight loss, boosts metabolism, burns stubborn hormonal fat and replaces it with lean muscle. It also assists with cutting cravings and curbs appetites.

What are the ingredients in the Smart Coffee, Smart Capsule and Smart Cocoa?

The Smart Coffee contains 100% Arabica coffee, L-Theanine, PEA, Vinitrox, Octodrine, Alpha-GPC, Juglans Regia Bark Extract, Nettle Root Extract, Octopamine, Chromium and Caffeine.

The Smart Capsule contains Green Coffee Bean Extract, Black Pepper Extract, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, PEA, Vinitrox, Octodrine, Alpha-GPC, Juglans Regia Bark Extract, Nettle Root Extract, Octopamine, Chromium and Niacin.

The Smart Cocoa has the same ingredients as the capsule but with cocoa added.

Important Note for Those with Allergies: They don’t contain: gluten, sugar, dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, crustaceans, tree nuts, peanuts, soybeans or wheat.

Meet Angie Dodson & Get Information First Hand:

Angie will have a booth at the Cosmic Yogi Festival, November 10th, 2018 from 10:00am to 6:00 pm. Stop by and try a sample of the Smart Coffee. If you can’t come by, email her at [email protected]

Website: www.ActivatingU.com

Facebook: ActivatingU

The post Activating U with Smart Coffee & Capsules appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

Boost Your Sex Drive

These 5 Herbal Supplements Will Work

By: Kurt Darrell

Conventional medicines that boost your sex drive may not be as beneficial as you think, and the effects of the medicines do not last long. Most sex-boosting medication, such as Viagra, works by temporarily inhibiting a hormone that regulates blood flow to the sexual organs.

Chemically altering or inhibiting hormones within the body is not the healthiest way to increase the sex drive. However, there are herbal supplements that can boost your sex drive without stimulating the body with artificial chemicals. These 5 herbal supplements can boost your sex drive naturally, and the effects last longer than other conventional medications.

Saw Palmetto is a palm that is native to North America. The plant is hardy, and some can live to be over 700 years old. The fruit, which is brown or black in color, treats a variety of health conditions, including impotence and increasing libido.

While the fruit is known to increase libido in both men and women, it is most highly researched and praised for its ability to treat impotence. Despite the fact that the manner in which saw palmetto affects the organs and hormones is still unknown, extensive research has proven that it can boost sexual performance and increase virility.

Additionally, the saw palmetto berry can address low sperm count, hair loss, headaches, inflammation and increase the body’s level of testosterone production.

Damiana is a shrub with yellow flowers that is native to Texas, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Brazil. The origin of the name is from the Greek word “daman” or “damia,” which means “to tame or to subdue.” This feminine version of the word infers that the damiana is the one “who tames.” The herb was popularized by the Aztecs and the Mayans through trading.

The leaves are considered to be a libido enhancer and have been used to treat erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia. It works by increasing blood flow and stimulation to the reproductive organs. In addition to affecting sexual desire, damiana is also used as a relaxant, digestive stimulant or mood enhancer. The leaves can be brewed into a tea, used in herbal smoking blends, powdered or put within capsules.

Maca is a type of vegetable that is similar to radishes or turnips and is native to Peru. These roots are usually green on the top with roots that can range in color from yellow to purple and black. This superfood has been consumed for health benefits for thousands of years and is considered to be a plant that helps the body adapt to stress. In addition to having an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, this root has been shown to improve sexual health, balance hormones and improve energy, mood and memory.

Maca root can increase sexual desire, improve sexual dysfunction, balance female hormones and alleviate symptoms of menopause, while supporting the overall health and wellness of the body.

Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Kratom leaves have been used as an herbal drug by people from Southeast Asia as a stimulant at low doses, a sedative at high doses, a pain killer, medicine for diarrhea and as a treatment for opiate addiction.

However, one particular red vein strain of Kratom, Sumatra, produces calmness, relaxation, pain relief, increased sensitivity to touch and improves the libido. This red vein extract gets its name from the island where it is grown and has been used for centuries by locals for these beneficial effects. Once consumed, the effects of Kratom begin within 1 hour and can last from 3-6 hours.

You can buy kratom extract in powdered form, capsules, or tea. You can mix the powder with water, juice or milk according to your preferences. Chocolate milk and kratom powder is the preferred mix because the sweet chocolate easily masks the taste of the kratom powder.

The earliest record of the medicinal use of pine pollen dates back to a text from China during the Han dynasty, which was over 2,000 years ago. Since then, the pollen was continued to be used throughout Asia for its nutritional value and ability to boost energy and build the immune health of the body.

Pine pollen contains more than 200 vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and amino acids, making this herbal supplement more than just a sex drive booster but also a supporter of overall body health. In addition, pine pollen is a source of phenylalanine, which stimulates dopamine, a neurotransmitter which interacts with the reward and pleasure centers of the brain. This can have a direct impact on a woman’s ability to orgasm and increase sexual desire.

In addition, because pine pollen contains high amounts of testosterone, androgens and phytosterols, it is often used to balance sex hormones, such as androgen and estrogen, within the body.

Author Bio:

Kurt Darrell is a Colorado resident and an active medical and recreational cannabis contributor in various blogs and online publications. He works with several cannabis companies to help them understand consumer insights regarding marijuana products and consumption. He also engages in volunteer work whenever he’s free.

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