Healing herbs and spices you should have in your pantry

Herbs and spices may have more to offer than just flavor! Some are believed to carry some impressive healing benefits as well. We think everyone should include the following herbs and spices in their pantries. We’ve also searched the Internet for a few tasty ideas for incorporating them into your diet:

Curry—Curry contains turmeric, the yellow spice that gives curry its distinctive color. Turmeric’s active component is called curcumin, which is associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor and anti-amyloid properties. (Amyloids are plaque-like proteins that build up in brain tissue and are thought to be responsible for diseases like Alzheimer’s and rheumatoid arthritis.) Try chicken curry for a tried-and-true favorite.

Ginger—No wonder your mother gave you ginger ale when you felt sick to your stomach as a child: Ginger is believed to help relieve nausea. It’s also thought to provide some relief from headaches, menstrual cramps, muscles soreness and arthritis. A gingery grilled salmon salad makes for a light, delicious meal that offers up ginger’s healing benefits.

Cardamom— Cardamom is thought to increase circulation as well as improve energy, digestion, asthma and bronchitis. It’s also believed to fight halitosis, perk up a bad mood and even function as an aphrodisiac. (If the aphrodisiac belief is true, we sure hope the bad breath-fighting qualities are as well!) Try baking up some cinnamon cardamom snickerdoodles for some sweet natural healing.

Garlic—Besides offering protection from Count Dracula, garlic may also support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Garlic is also thought to have antibacterial properties. It’s up to you to decide if the health benefits are worth the stinky breath, though! A delicious garlic-centric side dish that can accent pretty much any meal is garlic green beans.

Fennel seed—Fennel helps digestion in a couple ways: It stimulates the production of gastric juices and also soothes the nervous system, regulating the action of the muscles that line the intestine. Check out this recipe for beef tenderloins with ancho and fennel seeds: The combination of ground ancho, fennel seeds and star anise make for a brilliantly mouthwatering flavor fusion.

Cinnamon—Cinnamon may support healthy blood sugar levels and is also thought to detoxify the system. Did we also mention that it may support brain function and have antiseptic properties as well? While these benefits aren’t proven, sprinkling a little cinnamon on your oatmeal or toast adds a sweet kick (and possibly some impressive healing properties) to your morning. If you’re not watching your waistline you could also treat your taste buds to a cinnamon roll.

Try this sweet recipe for increasing your vitality

Honey is more than just a natural sweetener. In many parts of the world, it is more prized for its health benefits than its use as a culinary ingredient. Malaysian men have been using honey to increase their physical strength and liven up low libido for centuries.

In Malaysian tradition, medicine and food are interchangeable and intertwined; both are part of the daily process for seeking and maintaining balance, a concept the Malays consider essential for overall wellness.

Malay knowledge refers to honey as the “enemy of diseases” and is considered an especially powerful anti-aging tool, especially for those who have passed middle age. Men are encouraged to consume it whenever possible. This natural pick-me-up is best straight from the honeycomb, but commercial honey works as well. There’s even a special recipe Malays use to enhance physical strength: a mixture of honey, egg and saffron. This formula is recommended as a pick-me-up for newlyweds and those with low libido.

Other foods that are encouraged in Malay culture include dates, garlic, ginger, milk, beef, rice, eggs and salt.

Maintain your manliness: Beware of low testosterone levels

Besides supporting muscle growth and bone development, testosterone is also responsible for maintaining the male sex organs and male characteristics, such as hair growth and deepening of the voice. It’s basically the core of what makes us “manly”. Although it’s normal for testosterone levels to begin gradually declining after we turn 40, too big of a drop may cause some problems.

Watch out for these warning signs of low testosterone levels:

• Diminished sex drive
• Feeling less optimistic than normal, irritability and other mood problems
• Fatigue and decreased energy; an overall lack of drive and initiative
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty reaching orgasm
• Decreased ejaculate volume
• Testicle shrinkage
• Increased body fat; particularly around the middle (spare tire) or on the chest (man boobs)
• Decreased sensation in the genitals
• Reduced muscle mass
• Erectile dysfunction

If these symptoms ring a bell, talk to your doctor! Low testosterone levels may increase your risk for some serious conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

You should also know that cancer treatments may contribute to decreased testosterone levels, so if you’re undergoing chemotherapy or radiation be sure to pay extra attention to the warning signs. The same goes for the obese: you’re also at an increased risk.

Sex offers more benefits than the obvious

We probably don’t need to spell out the reasons why getting between the sheets is an enjoyable activity. But, besides the obvious perks, sex may also offer a number of health benefits:

• Boosts immune function
•  Burns calories (about 85 for every 30 minutes)
• Enhances cardiovascular health
• Relieves stress
•  Increases self-esteem
• Naturally kills pain! This is because the “sex” hormone oxytocin causes a release of endorphins, thus decreasing pain
•  Frequent ejaculations may reduce the risk of prostate cancer
• Promotes a good night’s sleep

It doesn't hurt to give your performance a boost. The herbal supplement Tenaga may support sexual vitality as well as overall energy and well-being.

   

February 14th-21st is Sexual Awareness Week

February 14^th represents more than just flowers and chocolates this year: it also kicks off Sexual Awareness Week, a period aimed to raise awareness about sexual health. Make being proactive about your sexual health another Valentine’s Day gift to your honey this year.

It’s important for men to get screened for a few different things:

• HIV/AIDS. You can remain symptomless for years, so the only way to be 100 percent sure you aren’t infected and passing it on is to get tested.  There’s no better way to say “I love you” than to look out for your partner’s health as well as your own!
• Prostate cancer. If you’re at average risk, you should begin regular screenings around your 50^th birthday. Your doctor can help you determine if other risk factors warrant earlier screenings, such as your ethnicity or family history.
• Testicular cancer. Although not as common as prostate cancer, the American Cancer Society still urges men to get a testicular exam during their routine physical. Self-exams are a good idea as well: look for hard lumps, smooth bumps or changes in the sex or shape of the testes.

You already know a ton of reasons why you shouldn’t smoke, use drugs or binge drink, but here’s one more: it’s detrimental to your sperm quality! Men, especially those with a partner actively trying to conceive, should cut out unhealthy vices such as smoking (cigarettes as well as marijuana), heavy drinking and illegal drug use to maximize sperm effectiveness.

It’s also important to stay on top of any health problems. Sexually transmitted diseases, diabetes, mumps and testicle injuries are just a few conditions that can lead to infertility in men.

Did you know you may also naturally enhance your sexual vitality? The herbal supplement Tenaga is specifically formulated to support sexual health, vigor and hormonal balance, without side effects!

Keep your partner (and yourself!) happy with these relationship tips

Meeting the right girl is only half the battle: Keeping her is what’s really important. You should already know the basics such as being a good listener and not forgetting about romance, but here are some different tips that will prevent you from being clueless in your relationship:

• As corny as it sounds, just be yourself! Too often at the beginning of a relationship men concentrate so much on being the person they think their partner wants them to be that they lose their sense of self. You can only keep pretending for so long, though: eventually the real you always peeks through. Listen to the advice your mother gave you growing up and be yourself. Odds are she’ll like you just fine.
• Never compare your partner to someone else, especially an ex. Remember there’s a reason she’s your ex, and never, ever compare your partner to her.
• Be a provider. Don’t expect your partner to wear heels around the house or have a pot roast waiting for you every night when you come home from work, but remember that most women still want to know they’re taken care of. Make her feel protected, loved and provided for.
• Don’t let yourself go. Just because you’re in a long-term relationship doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to start slacking. No woman wants her man to look like a bum, so stay in shape, wear some cologne and iron your slacks.
• Don’t lose your connection to friends and family. Don’t forget about the things that made you happy before you met each other. Spending some time separate from one another will strengthen your connection.
• It’s okay to be vulnerable. You don’t always need to have the “I am man, hear me roar” mentality. Letting your guard down will intensify your bond.
• Be an adult. If you haven’t already: grow up! If your apartment looks like a frat house but you graduated college five years ago, that’s not acceptable. Neither is having a beer pong table in your living room.
• Keep the spark lit. Sex is a huge part of a relationship, and any feelings of inadequacy can really be damaging. Increase your sexual vitality with the supplement Tenaga, which may support your performance as well as improve your overall energy, in and out of the bedroom.

Top tips for a sexy Valentine's Day (and beyond!)

Nutrition and fitness expert JJ Virgin, author of Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy and co-star of TLC’s Freaky Eaters, offers the following approach for making every day feel like the sexiest Valentine’s Day ever:

I take an integrated approach to optimal wellness and long-term weight management. This means eating well, exercising consistently and having sex three times a week (at least) with a partner. Studies have shown that that this is critical for men’s brain and heart health (not sure why the studies didn’t include women, hmmm … ). I always get crazy reactions when I mention this in my talks or at dinner parties, seeming as how it isn’t something we usually think about in terms of a way to optimize health. I know that we all get fired up to lose weight when spring is right around the corner, but I am hoping that the quickly approaching Valentine’s Day holiday will inspire you to make regular sex with a partner a part of your optimal health routine. And before you ask: No, it doesn’t take the place of exercise!   

1. Try having a little romance before dinner. You won’t be as hungry for dinner (and you’ve already had dessert!)
2. Fire up your fitness. Not only will you improve your stamina, but you will have more confidence in your body. It improves every area of your life.
3. Show off silky smooth skin. Healthy fats from cold-water fish, nuts, seeds, eight or more glasses of pure spring water daily, a rainbow of non-starchy veggies, herbs, low-glycemic fruits and green tea all support healthier, younger looking skin. Also try adding an essential fatty acid blend that contains GLA, an omega-6 fat that has been found to help reduce inflammation and maintain pretty skin.
4.  Make sure your skin is looking its best by exfoliating. I love dry brushing before getting in the shower, which is also a great addition to your daily detox routine. Follow up with a bronzing lotion: think about how sexy you feel with a little tan!
5. Add 1-2 ounces of dark chocolate (go organic and raw) to your daily diet. The neurochemicals in chocolate mimic those you release when you are in love.
6. Set the right mood with arousal scents. For men these include doughnuts, cinnamon buns, pumpkin pie, lavender, oranges and black licorice. For women: cherry, almonds, black licorice and cucumbers. Good thing I said scents, as I am not recommending serving most of these foods. Instead try a lavender bath or an orange-scented candle. I’ve always loved cucumber water; I guess I know why now!  By the way girlfriends, when your man eats a few stalks of celery it raises his androstenedione, causing him to emit an odor that is sexually attractive to us. An added bonus is that celery may support healthy blood pressure levels.
7. Manage your stress. Nothing kills your sex drive like stress, so be sure to build some “daily bliss” into your schedule.

For an “inspiring” Valentine’s Day dinner, here is a sexy menu to get you in the mood! These foods have been considered aphrodisiacs for thousands of years. By the way, eat light and focus on finger foods – think about the movie 9 ½ Weeks but without the mess (I don’t find sticky to be very sexy!).

•  Arugula salad with orange slices, avocado, asparagus and pine nuts, with a lemon olive oil vinaigrette 
•  Seafood platter with oysters, jumbo prawns and grilled scallops 
•  Dark chocolate with berries
• Glass of Pinot Noir. Keep it to just a glass, though: a little wine is a great aphrodisiac, but too much is a total mood killer.
• Artichokes. Steam, then finish in the oven with olive oil and an Italian herb blend.

It doesn’t hurt to give your performance a boost, either. Try Tenaga to amplify your sexual vitality.