Herbs for the guys

So, I've written a few articles about herbs for women so I felt it was time to help out the guys.  Luckily for men they don't necessarily go through as many life "changes" as women, but they do still have their health issues.  Even though it isn't as dramatic men do experience menopause.  Their hormones rebalance; testosterone levels lower while estrogen levels go up and down, making for a possibly grumpy guy. One of the more common problems for men concern the prostate, and usually with prostate problems you can also experience impotence.  Most men have a hard time admitting when they need help, let alone making themselves a cup of tea for health issues. Hopefully this article will make it easier for not only men to take care of themselves but make it possible for the women in their lives to help as well.  First and foremost one of the best ways to take care of your health is a good diet and exercise.  It's amazing how even a walk around the block on a daily basis can help keep impotence at bay.  Here are a few herbs that can help not only during the later years but also while you're young and fit, it should also be noted that quite a few herbs that are helpful for women's hormonal imbalances also work well for men's.  
            Siberian Ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, is great for men, especially if you're already athletic.  Ginseng has been shown to help increase strength and breathing capacity.  It also helps increase the amount of fat burned.  The best results will be seen after taking the herb for at least 8 weeks. 
            Saw Palmetto, Serenoa repens, is very good for the prostate.  It can help with prostatitis, enlargement of the prostate.  Using the berries can help heal and a benign enlarged prostate as well as gently help flush out the prostate by stimulating urination.  Pumpkin seeds are also very good to take while experiencing prostate problems.  They are very high in Vitamin E which is essential to helping fight issues with the prostate.  Eating pumpkin seeds everyday can help prevent problems, as well as making a tea with them.  Take 2 ounces of seeds and simmer them in a ½ quart of water for 30 minutes, let it cool then drink.  No need to strain it.   Drinking this tea everyday can help keep prostate problems at bay.
            Nettle, Urtica dioica, is also a wonder herb, not only for men but for everyone.  It is very high in vitamins and minerals, such as, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium and Vitamins A, C and K.  Red Clover, Trifolium pratense, is another herb high in vitamins and minerals and can help fight against tumors, is very high antioxidants and also helps reduce swelling which is excellent when experiencing an enlarged prostate. 
            Gingko biloba, Gingko biloba, can help with circulation.  It not only helps with circulation in the "nether regions" but also in the brain which helps stimulate the brain which can help with concentration.
            All of these herbs can be mixed together to create a tea.  Add a little bit of Peppermint or Spearmint for a nice minty taste.  Here's a good tea mix that is great for overall male good health, mix 1 tablespoon of each of these herbs: Ginseng, Nettle, Saw Palmetto, and ½ a tablespoon of each of these: Red Clover, Spearmint and Gingko biloba. 
           Also remember that if you are having any health issues you should consult your physician before starting any herbal regiment. 

Richelle Trivedi, Health Correspondent

Richelle's Column, Natural Living, published bi-monthly to Gather Essentials: Health covers different uses for herbs found in everyday life, nutritional insights, and simple ways to help make improvements to your life, all without being preachy.

Richelle is a Master Herbalist and Acupressurist who has been using herbs in her life for over 16 years, she lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband, Neil and young daughter Chandra. To see some of Richelle's herbal blends just go to MorningStar Herbals.

To check out all of Richelle's articles just go to www.gather.com/Natural Living.

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