Since Viagra became available on the market in 1998, the interest in natural alternatives has also peaked in terms of sexual potentiators. And maybe we don’t have to look very far. Traditional Chinese Medicine has an herbal product they’ve been using for that purpose for 2000 years called Cordyceps sinensis.

The mushroom Cordyceps sinensis does have a common name in English, Caterpillar fungus, although many more people know it by its Latin name as just “Cordyceps.” In its natural environment, it can be found only at high altitudes in the mountains of China and Tibet. Considering its minute size, it is a ‘small’ (pun intended) miracle that anyone ever discovered it and thought to use it as a medicinal mushroom.

Since around the dawn of our age, Chinese physicians have prescribed Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac and general vitalizing tonic. The first reference to Cordyceps as a medicinal fungus occurred around 200 A.D. in a book titled, The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman.

In its natural environment, Cordyceps sinensis infects caterpillars and then sprouts out of their dead carcasses. While that certainly doesn’t sound very appetizing, modern advances allow potent strains of Cordyceps sinensis to be grown on a rice medium. Cordyceps extract produced in this way has been shown to contain the same medicinal compounds as the wild harvested fungi, with the added advantage of being free from contamination by other species of fungi or bacteria.

A Chinese study on Cordyceps sinensis, predating the 1998 release of Viagra by 13 years, found a 64% improvement in men with sexual dysfunction when they consumed 1 g of Cordyceps per day. [1]

So what’s the mechanism behind Cordyceps’ apparent effect as an aphrodisiac and sexual potentiator? The following three factors may help explain:

- Three modern scientific studies have concluded that Cordyceps helps improve physical stamina, vitality and endurance. [2,3,4] At the Chinese National Games of 1993, nine world records were set by female athletes. When questioned about the secret behind their success, they said it was due to their use of Cordyceps. [5,6]

- Cordyceps sinensis helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow [7,8], which is certainly an important factor in erectile function.

- Last but not least, Cordyceps extract was shown in two studies to cause a significant increase in the testosterone production in male subjects. [9,10]

Note: This article is for scientific and informational purposes only. It is very important to always consult with a licensed medical doctor before using an herb to treat any medical condition.

Valuable for many people who want to get rid of health problems, fresh juice represents a very energetic and vitalizing food. Thus, fruit and vegetable juices are true purifiers of the body. If you combine several fruits and vegetables when preparing a fresh drink, you will provide to your body all the necessary nutrients.

Fresh juices are a rich source of energy and vitamins, being recommended to everyone. They can be prepared from vegetables, fruits and herbs. It’s better to avoid preserved juices, although they contain ascorbic acid. There’s more vitamin C in your own home made juices.

Is t possible to gain weight by consuming fresh juice? Nutritionists say it depends on what product you choose. If you opt for natural juices with a lower content of sugar, then you won’t gain weight. Even more, this will act as a real weight loss diet, because fresh juices clean the body and help you to get rid of toxins. They are also a rich source of vitamin C. You don’t have to consume a fresh juice every day, but it’s better to do it as often as possible.

Doctors say that fresh juice is a natural tonic that provides a safe and healthy digestion, while accelerating the healing of infections and ulcers. Fresh juices have achieved excellent results in cases of anemia, constipation and arthritis. These amazing drinks enhance the natural healing ability of the body, providing optimum nutrition. However, people who suffer from diabetes should avoid natural juices, because most of them are rich in sugar. It is important to note that experts recommend fresh juices, prepared at home and not those processed in factories, which contain many preservatives.

Tomato juice is rich in ascorbic acid, vitamin C, carotene, iron and potassium. This juice stimulates the digestive secretions, which is why it is consumes before meals as an appetizer. Tomato juice is a refreshing drink, with specific indications in anemia and convalescence.

You can drink fresh juice after exercising, because it helps in restoring the body fluids. It provides nutrients that will boost your energy. Fresh juices can replace food.

Carrot juice is recognized for its healing proprieties. Also, it protects the skin against daily aggressions. Therefore, to slow the aging process, make sure that your skin is perfectly hydrated and consume fresh juices and water. The nutrients contained by carrot juice are able to reduce photosensitivity, protecting the skin from the harmful action of sunlight.

Celery juice reduces the cholesterol level, fighting against rheumatic pains, headaches, cramps, fatigue, obesity and toxins. It ensures a proper functioning of the kidneys, having a diuretic effect. You can consume celery juice to improve digestion.

Fruit juices are even more appreciated due to their special flavor. Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, helping you to fight against flu and fatigue. Besides its pleasant taste and nutrients, orange juice helps you to cure anemia and to get rid of toxins.

Apple juice fights against atherosclerosis and heart diseases. Golden apple juice is recommended in obesity and physical inactivity. It also stimulates the digestion process.

Grape juice fights against cancer and reduces the risk of mental diseases due to its relaxing proprieties. This juice is also known as vegetarian milk, because of its ability to replace breast milk.

At least 70% of America’s 30 million elementary school students use computers, according to a recent New York Times article. As a result of this increased usage, doctors of chiropractic are treating more young patients suffering from the effects of working at computer stations that are either designed for adults or poorly designed for children. Many children are already suffering from repetitive motion injuries (RMI) such as carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic pain in the hands, back, neck and shoulders.

A recently published study conducted by a team of researchers from Cornell University found that 40% of the elementary school children they studied used computer workstations that put them at postural risk. And the remaining 60% scored in a range indicating “some concern.”

“Emphasis needs to be placed on teaching children how to properly use computer workstations,” stated Dr. Scott Bautch, past president of the American Chiropractic Association’s Council on Occupational Health. “Poor work habits and computer workstations that don not fit a child’s body during the developing years can have harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime. Parents need to be just as concerned about their children’s interaction with their computer workstations as they are with any activities that may affect their children’s long-term health,” added Dr. Bautch.

What can you do? To reduce the possibility of your child suffering painful and possibly disabling injuries, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and its Council on Occupational Health offer the following tips:

If children and adults in your home share the same computer workstation, make certain that the workstation can be modified for each child’s use. Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below your child’s eye level. This can be accomplished by taking the computer off its base or stand, or having the child sit on firm pillows or phone books to reach the desired height. Make sure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. An ergonomic back cushion, pillow or a rolled-up towel can be placed in the small of the child’s back for added back support. There should be two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of the knees. The chair should have arm supports so that elbows are resting within a 70- to 135-degree angle to the computer keyboard. Wrists should be held in a neutral position while typing – not angled up or down. The mousing surface should be close to the keyboard so your child doesn’t have to reach or hold the arm away from the body. The child’s knees should be positioned at an approximate 90- to 120-degree angle. To accomplish this angle, feet can be placed on a foot rest, box, stool or similar object. Reduce eyestrain by making sure there is adequate lighting and that there is no glare on the monitor screen. Use an antiglare screen if necessary. Limit your child’s time at the computer and make sure he or she takes periodic stretch breaks during computing time. Stretches can include: clenching hands into fists and moving them in 10 circles inward and 10 circles outward; placing hands in a praying position and squeezing them together for 10 seconds and then pointing them downward and squeezing them together for 10 seconds; spreading fingers apart and then closing them one by one; standing and wrapping arms around the body and turning all the way to the left and then all the way to the right. Your child’s muscles need adequate hydration to work properly and avoid injury. Encourage your child to drink four 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Carbonated beverages, juices and other sweet drinks are not a substitute. Urge your child’s school or PTA officials to provide education on correct computer ergonomics and to install ergonomically correct workstations. “If your child continues to complain of pain and strain from sitting at a computer, see a doctor of chiropractic,” urges Dr. Bautch. “A chiropractor can help alleviate your child’s pain and help prevent further injury.

Have you ever had stiffness in the joints? Perhaps your muscles felt tight and stiff? Maybe you felt that way for a number of days? Imagine if you had this situation every day. Those with fibromyalgia or polymyalgia have these symptoms every day. Although these symptoms seem similar, one is related to the joints whereas the other is related to the ligaments and tendons. There is no cure for either situation. Many sufferers with these conditions have turned to massage chairs to help relieve some of the symptoms.

Fibromyalgia is one noted for more pain and fatigue. The tendons and ligaments tend to get more brittle and since they are small the pain can become intense. The tough situation with fibromyalgia is that the symptoms can be found throughout the body. Other common complaints are spasms and burning sensations.

Polymyalgia is a rheumatic disorder and is commonly traced to the elderly. Most of these elderly have family descendents from the north of Europe. Most of the cases reported for polymyalgia are for women. The joints can become stiff making routine tasks difficult.

Natural methods such as massage therapy aim to restore flexibility of the muscles. Massage therapy along with stretching can help to restore flexibility in the joints. Massage chairs are used to deliver these types of therapies to help people with these conditions. To relieve the discomfort is very important to assist a persons positive outlook.

Natural treatments focus on the soft tissue areas. Massage therapy has been successfully used to reduce the stiffness in the neck, hips, shoulders, upper arms and thighs. To reduce the stiffness, it is important to get the soft tissue areas flexible. Bending, stretching, and pulling help to restore flexibility. Massage chairs perform a variety of massage types that can be precisely delivered to the patient’s area of need.

In a situation of both fibromyalgia and polymyalgia, restoring flexibility to the joints muscles tendons and ligaments is of vital importance. Remember, as you stretch out your muscles that are stiff, most likely they will hurt when you start. You must overcome the pain of the stiffness in order to restore the flexibility in these areas.

Getting a routine going is important. Your routine needs to be sustainable. It is important to restore the flexibility little by little. This is where a massage chair can be very convenient to your recovery. It is always available when you need it. When your symptoms flare up, you can grab a seat and apply massage therapy or others where you need it.

One has to get over the initial pain hurdle which is getting the soft tissue areas more elastic. This is the toughest part of getting on a path to normalization. A routine of diet, exercise, stretching and massage is important to keep the soft tissues to becoming rigid again.

Massage chairs provide you with the tools you need when you feel stiffness. You can apply different massage techniques to the area you need. You can focus it until it relieves a certain area. This helps to maintain better control over your daily routine.

Massage chairs provide effective massage therapy and have full body capability. Additional therapeutic treatments are included in massage chairs such as heating elements, traction systems and even music players. These help to restore the elasticity back to the soft tissue areas affected by these conditions. Consult with your health care professional on treatments that are right for your condition.

Are there such a things as risk factors for back pain? And, if there are, what can I do to keep myself healthy and well? Your chiropractor can help answer these questions and more.

One primary risk factor relates to exercise. Everyone has heard, “if you don’t use it, you lose it”. If you are not exercising regularly, your back muscles are deconditioned and much more susceptible to injury – the strains and sprains we’re accustomed to calling “back pain”.

Muscles get stronger when they’re required to do work. Also exercise helps “train” the soft tissues around a joint – the ligaments and tendons – these supporting structures “learn” how to withstand mechanical stresses and loads without becoming injured. Basically, when you exercise – when you do any kind of exercise – your body gets “smarter” and you’re less likely to get those annoying back problems.1

A related risk factor is weak abdominal muscles. When you were a kid, at some point one of your gym teachers probably told you to “suck in your stomach”. Actually, it turns out that was pretty good advice. Your abdominal muscles support the muscles of your lower back. If your abdominals are weak or if you’re not using them – letting them hang out and droop instead of keeping them activated – your body weight has to be held up by the muscles of your lower back. They’re not designed to do that – they’re designed to move your spine around. And eventually, these lower back muscles will give way under the excess strain. The result is a very painful lower back injury.

There are many easy-to-do exercises for your abdominal muscles. The key is to actually do them – and do them after you are finished doing the rest of whatever exercises you’ve scheduled for that day. How often? Three times a week is plenty. Abdominal routines are quick – no more than 10 minutes. And, remember to use your abdominal muscles throughout the day. Imagine your abdominals are being pulled in and lifted up. This is not a “tightening” – your thought should be “activate”. Your body will know what to do, once you’ve started adding consistent abdominal training to your exercise routine.

Risk factors for back pain may also be found in your personal and family medical history.2,3 During your initial visit your chiropractor will ask you about accidents and surgeries you have experienced, and discuss any important elements in your family history. For example, surgery to remove an inflamed galllbladder or appendix or to repair a hernia may result in weakened abdominal muscles. A motor vehicle accident or a fall from a height may have caused injuries that healed with soft tissue scarring.

Learning about potential risk factors and taking appropriate action will help ensure a stronger, more flexible, and healthier lower back.

1Jones MA, et al. Recurrent non-specific low-back pain in adolescents- the role of exercise. Ergonomics 50(10):1680-1688, 2007 2Cherniack M, et al. Clinical and psychological correlates of lumbar motion abnormalities in low back disorders. Spine J 1)4):290-298, 2001 3Plouvier S, et al. Biomechanical strains and low back disorders. Occup Environ Med 2007 (in press)

Some people like Diet Coke. Some people don’t notice the difference between Fat Free Mayonaisse and regular. Some don’t even notice the smell of freshly baked cookies straight from the oven when they walk in the front door of their own home. But these people aren’t normal! Never try to fool yourself into thinking that a lack of taste buds, or the inability to take pleasure in the world around you through all five of your senses is the norm.

Most of the general public really would prefer to indulge in the full calorie version of classic Coca Cola rather than the zero calorie versions that are now accessible. Cola has actually become one of the iconic symbols of the American lifestyle; like baseball and Apple Pie. Why is that? It’s because most of us LIKE to eat Apple Pie and drink soda. It tastes good. And for a large portion of the public something that tastes good is enjoyable. The question then becomes…should we try to remove something from our lives that brings enjoyment?

Weight is a big issue in today’s society. And that makes the question of cutting out foods that bring enjoyment one that can have some difficult answers. Sometimes cutting out pleasurable activities is necessary to avoid negative health ramifications. And foods are no different. To make the process of “cutting out” some of the good (or more specifically, yummy) stuff many people are turning to homeopathic HCG.

The HCG drops are easy to administer (3 times daily) and the diet’s rules are easy to understand. You’re allowed 500 calories per day. You’re limited to a select group of food items so there’s no confusion as to what is allowed and what isn’t. There are no easy justifications that will leave the dieter despairing at the end of the day because they’ve absolutely destroyed all the progress they’ve made in the past week.

The homeopathic HCG Diet is effective because people are able to stick to it. The very simple rules and requirements mean that dieters actually follow them and stay within the guidelines. And staying within the guidelines is possible because of the natural and phenomenal physiological effects offered by the HCG (a natural substance to the human body that actually stimulates the portion of the brain that controls eating and drinking so dieters can function on the very low calorie diet).

HCG dieters lose the weight. Most lose approximately one pound per day. After the weight loss program, dieters are asked to go through a maintenance phase during which their body is able to adjust to a higher amount of calories per day with additional foods added to the food list. The nature of the diet allows dieters who get “enjoyment” from their food to learn to make some changes to the basic foods that they depend on from day to day. And this makes it much easier for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Amelia Handley studied exercise science at university with a minor in Nutrition. Yet she still found herself jumping from diet to diet in order to control her weight. With HCG Diet Direct she’s found a program that allows her to combine her desire to control her own body weight with her education and not feel off balance.

There is no reason to use a laxative or other product to cure constipation, because everything you need is probably already in your house or can be purchased at any local grocers. While you might immediately think of those ingredients commonly used in natural home constipation treatments like rhubarb, buckthorn, flaxseed, aloe, and senna, the simplest and most effective natural home treatment for constipation is changing your diet and drinking more water. First, you’ll want to increase the amount of insoluble fiber you consume, because fiber naturally scrapes the walls of the intestines and helps clean them out. Next, drink lots and lots of water. Staying well hydrated makes stools moist. Both clean intestines and moist stools mean they are easier to pass and you are less likely to become constipated.

Insoluble fiber can be found in things like whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Since fiber passes through the digestive tract virtually unchanged, wheat bran, brown rice or whole grain breads are a good way to add fiber, but eating plenty of fruits and vegetables daily is a good preventive measure. For example, eating raw vegetables, such as celery, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower can be the most effective because they act as natural scrubbers as they pass through the intestinal system. Of course, you can cook the fruits and vegetables, but for the most fiber and nutrient content, raw is recommended.

You can also alleviate constipation and prevent future constipation by ensuring you drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each and every day. Your body requires this much water to stay hydrated, function properly, and keep from becoming constipated. While many people think they get enough water in their diets because they drink soda, coffee, tea, or alcoholic beverages, that isn’t the same. Alcohol and all the sodium in many soft drinks can actually dehydrate the body rather than hydrate it. And excessive coffee and tea often upset the body’s balance and result in diarrhea.

Sometimes people inadvertently contribute to their own constipation because they do not have a bowel movement when they first feel the urge, as they should. By delaying or waiting, stools lose moisture and get hard and dry-the main reason for problems with hemorrhoids. Eating a proper high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water is the best natural treatment for constipation and the easiest to implement.

Colon cleansing has also become a popular way to clean out the body and improve bowel habits. For people who have a lot of mucus within their intestines and thus find it difficult to pass stools, a color cleanse can be helpful. You can also do this at home easily, but do it when you can stay home near the bathroom, because it works!

Drink a glass of warm water with one teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in it twice each day. Then add in a lemon-maple syrup colon cleanse detox. To make this colon cleanse, stir 1/10 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 2 Tablespoons of organic maple syrup, and 2 Tablespoons of natural lemon juice into a glass of water. Drink this 6 to 10 times daily.

This detox mixture is actually a remedy often utilized over a 7 to 10-day period to induce weight loss. However, it also works very effectively to treat constipation naturally. The natural ingredients are very effective for cleansing the entire digestive and intestinal tract. Those who wish may use this treatment every few months throughout the year. In between, they should make an effort to eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and drink lots of water to stay regular and avoid constipation.

The author Bob Stevens is a natural practitioner, and has been in the field of health for over 15 years. His interest is in educating and helping individuals return to a better state of health. Feel free to read more about the miracle mineral supplement, and learn more about mms by following this link.

Bodybuilding supplements are taken by weight trainers to build muscle mass and reduce fat. They are also taken to improve a person’s performance and make recovery from exercising and training easier.

When you are increasing your activity level because of an exercise program, supplements are often needed to make sure that the body has the correct nutrition level. Insufficiency of these will cause you to not have enough required energy to do the strenuous exercises involved in bodybuilding

Whey protein, along with protein supplements, will assist you to build muscle. During training, you will need to take basic vitamin and mineral supplements to avoid becoming deficient in these important nutrients. Vitamins and minerals simply convert the food we consume into fuel. Vitamins also help with muscle building and burning fat.

There are certain protein supplements that can help you build muscle along with a training program you may have, such as creatine, amino acids, testosterone boosters, and whey protein. These proteins sooth muscle soreness and build healthy muscle tissue.

Carb blockers, fat burner supplements, and appetite suppressants will help you along with burning excess fat. Antioxidants such as green tea are good for a natural energy boost. There are many energy boosters and supplements on the market to help give you more energy and stamina during your training program.

First of all, you have to eat a balanced diet that is good for your health. Supplements are necessary because it is difficult to get sufficient nutrients from our overprocessed, over-cooked food choices. Supplements are necessary because it is difficult to get sufficient nutrients from our overprocessed, over-cooked food choices.

Vitamins and minerals alone will not build muscle. It takes hard work and dedication to build lean hard muscle mass and lose fat. Taking supplements alone without a good diet and training program will not help you build muscle.

Steroids are a very bad choice for bodybuilding. Although they allow you to build muscles quickly, they also cause a lot of harm. Tendons and ligaments have a hard time keeping up with the fast growing muscles, thus injuries are common among body builders using steroids.

They also cause extreme aggressiveness, affect liver and other essential functions in the body. There is not a magic pill that can make you build muscle and lose weight without a lot of hard work and dedication. These products can also be dangerous.

Always keep in mind that supplements will work only if your diet and workout regimen are ideal. Good habits form the foundation for a successful muscle building program and there are no exotic supplements available that can make up for bad dietary habits or improper training.

We shot the lid off of the body building and supplement industry to reveal the honest and unbiased truth about building muscle, gaining strength and melting away unwanted bodyfat. Visit us if you want to read more Bodybuilding Articles

With a unique flavor alternately described as lobster or shrimp, the gourmet mushroom Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) with its out-of-this-world showy display of cascading ‘teeth’ also possesses singular medicinal properties – stimulating myelin and nerve regeneration [150, 151] – which upon further study may prove beneficial in a whole series of neurological conditions. Paul Stamets suggests the possible usefulness of Hericium erinaceus extract in conditions such as Alzheimer’s, muscular dystrophy, M.S. and dementia. [134]

Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) is known to grow in Europe, North America, Japan and China. It can be found on many broad leaf trees, from oaks, maples and sycamores to beeches and walnuts.

“Erinacines” is the name of the medicinal compounds from Hericium erinaceus that are being researched for their neurological health benefits. They are small enough to pass through the blood brain barrier, which or course is a requirement in order to effect any healing on the myelin sheaths or neurons. [152, 153, 154]

Two Japanese patents exist relating to Hericium erinaceus extracts; one from the 1990′s for an extraction process of these compounds yielding an extract known as “Nerve Growth Stimulant Factor.” [150, 151] A more recent one from 2004 is for a water extract of Hericium erinaceus, also used for its nerve regenerating properties. [155]

In addition to its effect on nerve regeneration, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also prescribes Hericium erinaceus extract for stomach and digestive conditions, as well as cancers of the digestive tract and related organs.

Modern studies have affirmed the validity of this traditional application of Hericium erinaceus extract. One paper published in 1985 reported positive findings in the treatment of atrophic gastritis. Another from 1995 concluded that Hericium erinaceus had an ameliorating effect on hepatoma with an increased life expectancy for treated patients. [156]

In conclusion, additional medical research studies on Hericium erinaceus extract that are worth mentioning have shown it to have some therapeutic effect in the following areas: Immune stimulating [157]; antimicrobial against Aspergillus and Candida [158]; anti-tumoral [159]; inflammation [134]; stomach cancer. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.

Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.

Just in case you were asking yourself does colon cleansing help with weight loss, I can tell you it really does. Colon cleansing is very helpful for dieters. In general, a small amount of weight is lost during the cleansing period itself. Depending on the cleansing product and the duration of the cleanse, you may lose up to 10lbs. However, substantial weight loss results will be accomplished when your colon is clean.

The goal of a colon cleanse is to remove toxic materials from your body and aid your digestive system in functioning smoothly. A number of individuals who have struggled for years to lose weight have found that a healthy digestive system is crucial in ridding themselves of excess weight. With a sensible, nutritious diet and a healthy colon, excess pounds can naturally be banished.

To achieve the best results possible you will need to make some changes in your diet. You will need to eat more of the good foods such as raw fruits and vegetables. You will also need to avoid as much as possible the bad foods such as the empty calories in junk food. All processed carbohydrates and other processed foods should be avoided as well. This may not be easy at first but after you have become accustomed to the changes you will be happy you did and your colon will thank you as well.

At the end of your colon cleanse, there should be a noticeable improvement in your energy level and your digestive system should be working optimally. However, it must be stated that returning to old unhealthy eating habits will not yield good results. Maintaining a diet consisting abundantly of fruits, vegetables, fish and poultry will keep you going strong with your weight loss. Remember also, to add healthy fats like avocado, olive oil and olives. Consistency is essential to weight loss. An occasional treat may be added here and there (as long as its occasional and not habitual) and still continue to enjoy the good effects of your colon cleanse.

Balance is also pivotal in colon health and weight loss. As mentioned, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, however, one should not go to an extreme. We must make allowances for variety and spontaneity. Additionally, adding some form of physical activity will assist in maintaining a well functioning colon. Eight glasses of water daily will also be helpful. In a nutshell, be consistent, be balanced and you will continue to enjoy the benefits of a healthy colon.