In Good Health Blog » Men’s health

Hawthorn Berry Health

Lana — Tue, 18 May 2010 17:41:42 +0000

Properties of Hawthorn Berries

Cardio-tonic (strengthens the heart muscle)

Diuretic (promotes urination)

Astringent (solidifies loose stool)

Hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)

Physical Effects

Heart and cardiovascular tonic

Relaxes and dilates blood vessels

Lowers blood pressure

Improves general circulation and blood flow

Strengthens damaged or weak heart muscles (increasing the heart’s efficiency)

Exerts a scrubbing action on plaque inside the blood vessels.

Click here for research on using hawthorn for hyperlipidemia and prevention of atherosclerosis.

For men:

Hawthorne is also useful as a tonic for men because it balances and enhances the adrogenic (male) hormones in general. Hawthorn berries also have the ability to relax and dilate blood vessels, which is helpful for erectile problems.

Cautions:

Hawthorn may interact with vasodilating medications and may potentiate or inhibit the actions of drugs used for heart failure, hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. Do not use hawthorn with blood thinners such as Warfarin.

Large amounts may cause a drop in blood pressure and possibility of fainting. Generally considered safe for long-term use, do not exceed recommended dosage. Consult your health care professional for assistance with heart problems.

Laptops & male fertility

Lana — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:07:10 +0000

Laptop computer use does effect fertility for men, particularly when they are place on the lap for long periods of time. Click here for some details of a study about increased body temperature from the warmth of the computer:
laptop fertility research.

Having a computer near the torso (organs and glands) for long periods of time, has various negative effects. This is true for males, females and even animals who might lounge near computer equipment often in search of extra warmth.

Solutions:
Keep the computer on a desk or table when using it.
Avoid working on couches, beds or chairs where having the computer on your lap is necessary.

Question:
Do portable computer laptop desks (used while working in bed) reduce the problem? Are the materials in these portable desks able to reduce the transfer of heat, or do some of them contain metals that would actually intensify it?

Lotus seeds

Lana — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:56:38 +0000

Lotus seeds ‘Lian Zi’ strengthen the digestive system and the kidneys. The seeds are also used for strengthening certain types of heart deficiency. White lotus seeds (peeled before drying) are better quality than the red lotus seeds (unpeeled product). Soak overnight and cook with soups and warm cereals, or mix with rice. Lotus seeds are also included in several herbal medicine formulas.

indications:

chronic diarrhea (spleen qi deficiency)
loss of appetite
premature ejaculation
uterine bleeding
vaginal discharge
palpitations
anxiety
insomnia

Longevity food – Goji berries

Lana — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:24:55 +0000

These lovely red berries are also called wolfberries or ‘Gou Qi Zi’.

Botanical name: Lycium barbarum

Goji berries, with their sweet taste, enter and work in a moistening and strengthening way upon the channels of the kidney and liver. The energetic temperature of these berries is neutral, which means that they can easily be used with both warm and cold cases.

According to Eastern medicine, goji berries have 3 traditional functions. These are:

1. Tonifies and strengthens the blood, yin and essence of both the liver and kidney channels (or meridians)

Here are some examples of what Goji berries has been traditionally used for:

sore back & legs
abdominal pain
reduced sexual strength
dryness along the kidney and liver channels
infertility & impotence
high blood pressure
grey hair

2. Benefits the essence and brightens the eyes

Here are some examples of symptoms treated by Goji berries according to this function:

blurred vision
dry eyes
diminished visual acuity
dizziness

3. Moistens and strengthens the yin fluids of the lung

According to this function, Goji berries can be used for the following symptoms of lung dryness:

dry or consumptive cough
blood-streaked sputum
thirst
chronic, dry throat

DOSAGE: Daily dosage of Goji berries is typically 6-12 grams.

CAUTION: Be cautious with the use of goji berries in the case of dampness in the spleen (loose stools, poor appetite, etc.) as this herb is already moistening.

Caution should also be used in the case of dampness in the lungs (wet phlegm, nasal mucus, etc.).

Also, ask your acupuncturist about the use of goji berries in pregnancy.

RESEARCH: There is a lot of research currently being done on the effects of Goji berries. Studies show that Goji berries have an overall positive effect on the functions of the body, including immunity, blood pressure, sleep, mood, mental clarity and energy. Have a look at these studies:

Studies show a positive effect on health in general:

Goji Berries: Immune Function & General Well-being

Studies show that Goji berries can lower the blood pressure:

Goji Berries: effect on hypertension

Studies show that Goji berries can increase the immune system. Here’s research indicating that Goji berries can reduce the growth of cancer cells:

Goji Berries: effect on gastric cancer

Goji Berries: effect on colon cancer

Goji Berries: effect on breast cancer (by favorably altering estradiol metabolism)

Goji Berries: effect on prostate cancer

Goji Berries: effect on tumors