Herbs for Guys - Herbal Male supplements-Preventative Maintenance

Guys, its time for us to start looking into ways to do some preventative maintenance on

ourselves. Using herbal male supplements is just one part in a plan for overall male wellness. Working long hours, stressing about life, running in the rat race, eating a not so optimum diet, ignoring or denying to yourself that something is wrong are aspects of our life that cause unnecessary and avoidable damage. The modern model of this stoic, unemotional, tough guy is total garbage. Holding everything in and keeping it to yourself is not strength, its actually fear.....fear that others will think youre weak because you have a problem or need help.

Putting off finding out whats been bothering you is not strength its fear. Real strength is being able to be yourself at all times, to share your inner self and your emotions with the people you care about in a truthful, loving, masculine manner and still be the butt kicking, protector too.

Its no wonder we guys have a shorter life span than our ladies. They are the smart ones that listen to their body, research problems and seek out help to take care of the business of taking care of themselves. Thats a quiet strength of self. A strength that helps them face a scary possibility head on and do what it takes to address the issue. Thats a courageous action taken because they want to be around to protect their loved ones. We men need to take that example and incorporate that quiet strength into ourselves.

Whether its going to the doctor, talking to a herbologist, researching issues we're having or asking for advise with a problem, these are things that a take a inner strength and will help us take care of issues we face. Dont wait until you end up in the hospital. There are many things that we can do to start taking better care of ourselves. The use of herbs is just one. Herbs are not just to treat some ailment. Herbs can be used throughout your daily life to help you strengthen, revitalize, balance and maintain your normal natural healthy state. A sort of preventative maintenance if you will. To think of herbs as just a different type of medicine to take when realize you have a problem is an incomplete view of what herbs are. You can use herbs as preventative tonics in your daily life as simple as having a cup of herb tea in the morning. Here we'll discuss some herbs that work well with the male systems.

"That which an herb can heal, in like manner it can prevent" ~ The Male Herbal, James Green

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) Actions: Cardiovascular tonic, vasodialator, diuretic, astringent, hypotensive, sedative Systems affected: Cardiovascular, digestive General Information: Particularly useful herb for strengthening the structure of the cardiovascular system. Hawthorns flavonoids have been shown to increase the resilience of the endothelium (inner lining of the arteries) to damage that can lead to plaque buildup. It also seems to regulate cardiovascular function to some degree. It improves coronary circulation (blood flow within the heart itself) improving oxygen and nutrient supply to the heart muscle, slow heart rate, while minimizing the oxygen needs of the heart itself, Basically making the heart work more efficiently and effectively. The Chinese commonly use Hawthorn primarily to move food congestion particularly when the digestive difficulty is due to meats and greasy foods.

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) Actions: Nerve tonic, sedative, neuro-restorative, antispasmodic Systems affected: Nervous, musculo-skeletal *Note: This is an herbaceous plant NOT the poisonous mushroom* General Information: Skullcap is high in mineral nutrients required for a healthy, balanced nervous system. It is a safe and reliable central nervous system tonic, neuro-restorative, and sedative with an anti-spasmodic edge. It soothes the heart, effectively cooling overheated emotions such as anger, rage, hatred and jealousy. This plant releases tension in the skeletal muscles and is specific for relieving nervous anxiety and irritability where there is physical or emotional overexertion. It promotes rest and can sedate heart imbalances caused by overactive nerves. Skullcap is useful for treating conditions of excess or of deficiency that exhibit nervous anxiety and irritability with feelings of being overwhelmed or overexposed.

Cayenne (Capsicum spp.) Actions: Stimulant carminitive, tonic, astringent, rubifacient, antiseptic System affected: Circulatory, nervous, digestive, respiratory, musculo-skeletal General information: The purest and best stimulant known in herbalism. It has a direct, immediate effect on the circulatory system. Cayenne effects the heart first then the arteries, capillaries then the nerves. It has been found to be an efficient acute crisis herb taken as a first aid remedy for all heart and circulation conditions helping prevent heart attack and stroke. Cayenne also stops bleeding when there is internal or external hemorrhaging. Useage: Take one tablespoon of powdered Cayenne mixed in a cup of hot water. It can also be placed directly onto cuts to slow and eventually stop bleeding

Ginseng, American (Panax quinquefolium) Actions: Adaptogen, cardiac tonic, nutritive, anti-depressant, aphrodisiac Systems affected: Cardiovascular, liver, lungs, reproductive General Information: Improves physical and mental performance. Stimulates the body to overcome weakness and deficiency. Helps normalize blood pressure. Increases adrenal cortex function and stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more sex hormones Useage: Make a decoction (similar to tea) 1/2 cup 3 times a day. Precautions: Can cause insomnia. Do not use if manifesting inflammation, high fever or acute asthma. Can produce dizziness and headache

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) Actions: Nutritive, diuretic, expectorant, urinary antiseprtic Systems affected: Genitourinary, nervous, digestive General information: Nourishing, fatty, anabolic fruit. Seemingly a specific tonic for the sexual glands of both men and women. Known to regulate the size and function of reproductive organs. Saw Palmetto can add strength and vitality to weak and debilitated individuals, along with general strengthening, it may decrease nervous irritability due to weakness or exhaustion. When used regularly, has been found to directly influence the entire male reproductive apparatus, but especially the prostate gland. The berries are used specifically to to reduce prostatic swelling and alleviates the associated symptoms of BPH.

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata, narrow leafed; P. major, broad leafed) Actions: Diuretic, expectorant, demulcent, alterative, astringent, anti-inflammatory. Systems affected: Digestive, urinary, respiratory, skin *Note- this is not the fruit that is similar to a banana, this is a 'weed' in your backyard* General information: Plantain is mildly demulcent and astringent. It has a soothing and toning action on the mucous membranes of the G.I. and urinary tracts. It allays inflammation and irritation in both of these systems. It is well known for its effects on bites and abrasions of the skin. Plantains astringent action is used in the treatment of diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, gastric ulcers and cystitis where there is bleeding. Applied as a poultice, Plantain has a specific action on detoxifying poisonous bites and insect stings. In the field a poultice can be made by simply chewing the leaves and applying the mash to the affected area. Left in place for a couple days, it will draw out splinters and heal wounds and burns. Its also useful for treating wounds that show signs of blood poisoning by the indicative red line visible in the skin, as it reduces swelling and promotes healing of septic wounds and Poison Oak. Plantain is a reliable field first aid pharmacy available in a common weed growing just about everywhere.

Now that you have seen a couple of the different types of herbs and what they are capable of doing for your body, take an honest look at yourself and ask the question....what issues am I starting to see in myself. They may not be causing any substantial physical problems but if you take the time to actually listen to your body you'll notice things that aren't quite the same as they used to be. Our bodies are constantly dealing with the effects of what we subject it to. Whether it be an inadequate diet, stress, insufficient sleep, worry, drinking, smoking, not enough exercise. There is a cumulative effect that all these things have on our body. They manifest as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, IBS, ED, and any other number of chronic aliments that are so prevalent today. All of these chronic problems can be mitigated and possibly avoided by correct nutrition, exercise and natural herbal remedies. Include that quiet strength into all you do, work on some preventative maintenance. Our bodies are wondrous creations that will immediately start rectifying problems given the right materials to do so.

All information herein is intended for general information purposes only. It is in no way intended to diagnose, treat or prescribe any medical conditions. Individuals should always seek their health care provider before administering any suggestions stated on this website. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from use of any of the suggestions or preparations listed herein. Any application of the material herein is at the readers discretion and is his or her sole responsibility.