"Natural Male Enhancement" and ED

** This article originally published in Prime Magazine June 2008**

Dear Jonathan, I‘ve got to ask. I have seen the commercials about male enhancement. They seem pretty convincing. Is there any truth to what they claim?    
-Curious

Sigh….. I‘ve tried to avoid this issue but,… I contacted one of these companies after watching their infomercial (rhymes with benz).  I got a list of the ingredients, many of which seemed rather benign. There were several however, that I cannot identify, which makes me leery.  What also bothered me was the fact the customer service representative could not even pronounce the ingredients correctly (licorice for example). Their website explains their product increases blood flow to the erectile chambers and somehow stems the outflow, hence, you get bigger. I asked about high blood pressure and they told me it is not recommended if you have pressure problems.  But what if you do not ask? How many guys have tried the product without knowing the consequence? My other concern is not based on anything but conjecture. How much is too much? Can constant increases cause stretching or tissue damage? Think about a balloon. The first time you blow it up and let the air out, it’s a bit misshapen, keep blowing it up and it really loses a lot its shape and elasticity. Is this possible by too much of a good thing? Unfortunately, I do not have an answer.

Another company sells a topical cream which contains peppermint oil. Peppermint oil!? Have you ever noticed how your face tingles after using a mint shaving cream? This is not exactly the place I want to apply peppermint oil if you follow my drift.

Now, there are some products found individually and in combination that have a track record for safety and efficacy.

MACA is a root and radish like vegetable from South America that is used for food and medicine. According to UMASS researcher Chris Kilham, MACA contains a variety of compounds to help your body develop energy and endurance, enhance immunity, a cardio tonic ,adaptgen and aphrodisiac. It is very useful for both sexes for lack of libido and hormonal imbalance. It is non-toxic and has no known side effects or contraindications.

CATUABA is well known in Brazilian herbal medicine as a central nervous system stimulant and aphrodisiac. In addition to treating impotence, it is used for many nerve conditions including insomnia, sciatica and neuralgia. Summary: Aphrodisiac, nervine, anti-anxiety, tonic, libido stimulant, antiviral, antibacterial and cardiotonic. No known contraindications or drug interactions.

MUIRA PUAMA, also known as “potency wood” is another Amazon rainforest herb. In recent clinical research, Muira puama extracts have been reported to have adaptogenic, antifatigue, antistress and beneficial effects on the central nervous system. The traditional medicine history for Muira puama is filled with stories of its use dating back many centuries. Summary: Useful for erectile dysfunction, impotence, libido enhancement, male tonic, central nervous system tonic, anti depressant, cardiotonic, hypotensive and memory enhancer.  Very safe and effective.

YOHIMBE. This African tree bark was used for many years for erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe stimulates erectile tissue in both sexes, enhances sensitivity and helps increase sperm count and motility.    Long term or overuse of Yohimbe can cause nervousness and increased blood pressure. There are concerns that over use can cause over stimulation or irritation to erectile tissue and could contribute to erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe is best used sparingly, or in a combination. If you suffer from heart or kidney disease, or if you have high blood pressure, it would be best to avoid using Yohimbe.

DAMIANA has historically been used as an aphrodisiac and mild sedative. Damiana has been used by both sexes to increase libido and is also helpful for anxiety and depression. There are no known contraindications or drug interactions.

  There are many other herbs that have a history of use as aphrodisiacs, such as the Ginsengs, along with foods such as chocolate and oysters. Yes they can help, just do not trust what you see or read on the internet. The Rule of Thumb:  Believe 50% of what they say, and Do Not Buy Their Product! The HERBARIUM carries many of the aforementioned herbs, from reliable sources. KNOW YOUR SOURCE!  Over the years I have seen some pretty weird products for male enhancement, with some strange ingredients, and it never ceases to amaze me that people would ingest this stuff without having the slightest idea of what the ingredients were or what they could do. Honestly, when I see these infomercials, I feel sleazy and dirty just watching them.   If you are going to do it,  do it right.  

Make the Most of Hand Sanitizer

Here it is only September and we are already getting reports of flu and other viruses.

The pat answer is to use hand sanitizer, but this is a bad plan. Most of the commercial hand sanitizers  and all the the stuff in hospitals are the same strength and concentration.

This is a problem. The more you expose the germs to the same thing, the faster they can develop an immunity to them. this is how the ‘superbugs” and MRSA developed. This is how antibiotics became less and less effective. Why this is not obvious is beyond me.

If you want to really help yourself ,add essential oils to your sanitizer. Even better, add a mixture of oils, in sufficient strength to kill the viruses and bacteria. For example, add about 20-30 drops of lavender and 20 drops of tea tree oil . next batch try 10 lavender and 30 tea tree oil. If you keep changing up the mixture, the bacteria and virus cannot mutate fast enough and you can stay healthy.

Fall Cold & Flue remedies/ prevention

Natures  Rx  November 2007


Welcome to Autumn, or what is passing for the season this year. As I write this column it is 76 degrees outside and I must admit, it is a funny feeling to be telling you about getting your natural medicine chest in order for the cold and flu season.  Ah well…

There are numerous herbs that may help stimulate the immune system and combat cold symptoms.  There are numerous ways to take them, depending on your preference.
Most of the herbs can be brewed into a tea, or infusion. Alcohol or glycerine extracts are commonly used and are stronger than the infusion method. An alcohol extract will deliver both water and fat soluble compounds. If you really do not like the taste,  capsules and tablets are available. Remember, the following  is just a list of possible herbs. It is not necessary to use all of them, though you will find many in combination .
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) this is one of Mother Nature’s most powerful and effective antibiotics with anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. We use Goldenseal in much the same fashion that a pharmaceutical antibiotic would be used, that is, for 10-14 days and then stop. Goldenseal does not destroy the good bacteria in your gut, but it is an endangered species, and recent over-harvesting has seriously diminished the natural stock. Try to use this herb sparingly, or according to directions.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Elecampagne (Inula helenium) and Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) help support respiratory function and help relieve cough and congestion
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) contains anti-viral compounds. Israeli researchers found this extract great for fighting the flu virus.
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) help promote healthy adrenals and a normally functioning respiratory tract.
Gargling with thyme, goldenseal, garlic or Echinacea is helpful o relieve a sore throat
Mushrooms especially Shitake, Maitake or Reishi are powerful foods, rich in 1, 3 beta glucan and helps support innate and adaptive immunity. Pound for pound, mushrooms are incredibly nutrient dense and health promoting foods.
Echinacea. Despite the reports you may have read about Echinacea not having any effect on curing a cold, the evidence does show it effective for preventing secondary respiratory attacks, shortening the duration of a cold and relieving the symptoms
One great cold and flu remedy that is often overlooked but very effective is Matris fowlasoupis, or Mom’s Chicken soup. There is actually a great deal of evidence pointing to using the chicken soup as a health aid. It’s warm, thins mucous, soothing to the mucous membrane, easy on the digestion, and depending on how much garlic and vegetables you add to the stock, a very nutrient rich food
Recently on our radio show, we discussed the uses for Hawthorn berry (Crategus oxycantha)
Hawthorn is first and foremost of the heart tonics, and so much more. Hawthorn has a normalizing effect on the heart, improves cellular metabolism, increases blood flow to the heart, and strengthens the hearts contractions, thereby improving blood flow throughout the body. Hawthorn contains flavinoids which have been shown to dilate peripheral coronary blood vessels, and Hawthorn is a rich source of procyanidins which exert antispasmodic and sedative effects. Conditions which Hawthorn has been used to treat include regulating high and low blood pressure, angina, Reynaud’s syndrome, hypertension, and insomnia, rhythmic disturbances, strengthening venal and arterial walls. To top it all off, Hawthorn exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

People have asked me about a new weight loss product that is being heavily advertized as the only FDA-approved weight loss aid on the market. I recently had a chance to check it out, and I am sorry to say, don’t get your hopes up.    From what I can determine, ALLI is nothing more than a repackaged version of OLESTRA. Remember Olestra? It was supposed to be added to all kinds of fatty foods and it would inhibit your absorption of the fat.  The one BIG side effect was”, loose or more frequent stools that may be hard to control, or gas with an oily discharge” This is exactly the wording from ALI’s pamphlet.  ALLI‘s pamphlet puts most of the weight (no pun intended) on you. You have to commit to lose weight gradually, reduce your caloric and fat intake, exercise, eat smaller portions, and more.  Sounds like any basic weight loss program, which doesn’t need ALLI.
There are natural products which can aid in weight loss, without these kinds of side effects, but that will be discussed in a future column.

Prostate Health

**This article originally published in Prime Magazine  June 2009**

Happy Father’s Day! How’s your prostate? Granted, all men are not fathers, but all men have prostates and all men will experience some form of prostate problems during their lifetimes.
I recently read where Proscar, the brand name of finasteride, is making a comeback. For what medical reason I do not  know. More than a dozen years ago studies showed Saw Palmetto extract (Serenoa repens) out- performed  Proscar. The results of a three year study showed Proscar use resulted in decreased libido, ejaculatory dysfunction or impotence as compared to the placebo group. Proscar also took longer to act (6-12 months)on fewer people (37%), only showed moderate results in treating  BPH or benign prostatic  hyperplasia  and did not block the binding of DHT(Dihydrotestosterone) at cellular binding sites.
Compare those results with the use of a standardized Saw Palmetto extract (85-95% fatty acids and sterols). Saw Palmetto saw 90% positive results in 90 days or less, inhibited the production of DHT, inhibited binding at cell sites, had no sexual side effects and cost considerably less than the prescription!
When saw palmetto is combined with other herbs such as Pygeum africanum, Nettle root, pumpkin seeds and vitamins, the results can be very impressive.

I am sure many readers will say “  I tried saw palmetto and it did not work.” Let me tell you about the after-market and standardization.  Not all saw palmetto is the same. One company I am familiar with blends several batches of  herb in order to produce a guaranteed potency extract. This ensures a consistent quality of extract. Others  companies will “spike” their herbal extracts with the minimum amount of  a particular ingredient to show it is “standardized”. Others have used the word standardized because each capsule contains the same amount of herb! In the secondary market, companies will buy up the spent product from the primary companies, and spike what is left. It is about the same as someone using a tea bag to brew tea, then the next guy takes that same bag and sells it to you while saying ‘scout’s honor, this is 100 % tea.”
 Read your labels and ask questions of knowledgeable people. Caveat emptor!

Nature's Rx: Local honey for allergies

**This article originally published in Prime Magazine July 2008**

By Jonathan Evans

Herbal Information Specialist /Business Representative for the Herbarium

Special to PRIME



Dear Jonathan, 

I am taking local honey daily to try and get rid of my allergies. How long should I continue? Arthur



Dear Arthur, 

The idea of using honey gets mixed reviews. Some folks get results and some do not. The idea is to desensitize yourself to the effects of the pollens. Many people will mix a few grains of local bee pollen with the honey. Needless to say, this is a matter of individual choice. Some people are extremely sensitive and should not try this. There are other approaches to getting through allergy season. 





Dear Jonathan,

I read your article on erectile dysfunction in last months' PRIME magazine .I am a diabetic and wondered if you could recommend which herb you talked about is best for me. 

Ron



Dear Ron, 

Thanks for reading the column and PRIME. Actually the article was meant to shed some light on the 'male enhancement' product industry, but as a side issue, most of the herbs have ED uses. In your case, I would try Ginkgo biloba (stay away from the stuff that Larry King advertises) A good Ginkgo in liquid or capsule form helps to promote circulation off the trunk. Basically, anything that protrudes could benefit from using Ginkgo (head, hands, feet . you get the picture) Because Diabetes affects circulation, Ginkgo could have many other benefits for you, other than working on ED. Most of our diabetic customers use Ginkgo and have experienced excellent results, especially for foot problems, of which I am sure you are aware. Before trying any of the Rainforest herbal remedies, I would start with Ginkgo.



Dear Jonathan, 

We just returned from a vacation in Maine, and I have to say the Bugzaway we bought at the Herbarium really lived up to its claims. Our friends were using regular insect repellent and spent their time swatting the bugs. I sprayed on the Bugzaway and presto no bugs! Thanks for a great product. Bill



Dear Bill, 

I will pass your letter on to my wife. Kathy created the Bugzaway many years ago to protect the children, and just kept tweaking the formula, adding different oils to repel different insects. We have received reports from all over the country and around the world on how well it works. The reason is rather simple, but profound. A chemical spray is going to be the same, time after time. The formula never changes. Bugs can build up an immunity to the compound. Bugzaway uses only pure essential oils from the plants. Every batch of oil is going to be different because of growing conditions, sunlight rain, etc. The chemicals in the essential oils will vary slightly each time, and the insects cannot develop an immunity to them. Isn't Mother Nature grand?



Dear Jonathan, 

I use Hawthorn berry for my heart, and I just read that I should stop using it after three months. Is there a danger to using it for a long time? David



Dear David, 

I do not know where you read this information, but do not even worry about it. Perhaps the writer was using an old rule that says herbs should be discontinued after certain times because the body may become to accustomed to it. My mother used Hawthorn for many years and her heart doctors had no problem with her using it even when she was in hospital. One of our customers has been using Hawthorn daily for more than 23 years and would not dream of being without it. I can't tell you the details of his case, but even his doctors can't explain why he is still with us considering his condition, without paying proper respect to the effects of Hawthorn berry. Hawthorn berry is one of the most benign remedies you can use. There is no known toxic level, and it is the first cardio tonic anyone should consider. Noted cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra uses Hawthorn in his practice. The only problem related to using Hawthorn is in conjunction with Digitalis. Always consult your Cardiologist before using herbal products. 



Hey fishermen! 

One of my customers has a great use for garlic. He told us he melts down a jar of Vaseline, adds a garlic tincture and mixes it up and lets it solidify. He slathers it onto his lure and fishing line and the bass go crazy! He says it works better than any commercial preparation he has ever used. 

Jonathan 

Treating IBS, cold sores, tendonitis naturally

**This article originally published in Prime Magazine Sept 2007**

By Jonathan Evans

Herbal Information Specialist /Business Representative for the Herbarium

Special to PRIME



The following reader's question came to me via e-mail:



Dear Jonathan, 

I heard your radio show Saturday when you said there were natural products that can help IBS, but I couldn t catch the whole story, could you please tell me what I can use? Linda



Dear Linda, 

IBS is defined as a chronic, relapsing gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and bloating with alteration in bowel habits. 

IBS is highest in people of northern European descent and those suffering depression or anxiety. It is significantly lower in Asian and Hispanic populations. The best thing you can do to improve the situation is to change your diet. In most cases IBS can be helped enormously by avoiding dairy, sugar, refined and prepackaged foods. The Getting Started sheet, available at the HERBARIUM, has all the diet suggestions listed. I am not saying you have to give up milk and cheese forever, but it sure would be a good idea to abstain during a flare up and to reduce your intake of dairy to keep down the recurrence. Slippery Elm tea is very helpful to soothe the digestive tract, as is Aloe Vera juice or gel. 

Some people get results using enteric coated peppermint oil capsules, and others have used a Dr. Christopher product called ANTSP. 

Another important product to aid in managing IBS would be probiotics to help restore and maintain a good level of flora in the digestive tract. And, remember to baby your belly. That may mean eating baby or junior foods for a while, but so be it. 

There is some research that indicates IBS sufferers have a deficiency in essential fatty acids. Consuming fish or flax oils can help with this problem. While we are on the subject, I need to tell all of you that taking one capsule of fish or flax oil a day is not really going to do a whole lot for IBS or any other problem you are trying to address. I know the bottles say one daily but it is just not enough. Figure it this way, three capsules only equal one teaspoon of oil. The daily recommendation is a tablespoon of oil. That s nine capsules folks. Most of you won't take that many, so either switch to an oil or take at least three caps a day for any benefit. 

You may not like the suggestions I have given, but just remember the old saying, if you want to keep getting what you are getting, keep doing what you are doing. Jonathan



Dear Jonathan, 

My son keeps getting cold sores. He has tried several products that claim to help, but he just keeps getting outbreaks . They are very painful. What else can he try? Barbara



Dear Barbara, 

We have had very good results using a homeopathic cold sore ointment that contains Melissa oil, and taking lysine supplements. Lysine is an amino acid and people usually take 500-1000 mgs daily during the outbreak. Another product we have used for many years is Dr. Claytons HERP-EAZE. This herbal combination helps get rid of the sore and keeps it from coming back. Jonathan



Dear Jonathan, 

I have been diagnosed with tendonitis, and can t take the NSAID the doctor prescribed. It is tearing up my stomach. Anything in your bag of tricks that can help? Mike



Dear Mike, 

There are a couple of things I can suggest. BF&C is a product that can do wonders. It cuts down on the inflammation and the swelling, and can help heal the tissue. 

MSM750 is another great product. This combination contains MSM which is a sulfur compound that works as an anti-inflammatory, and is excellent for the ligaments and tendons. It also contains a combination of herbs such as turmeric, Cats claw, and Boswellia that have been used as anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. This combination is very good for arthritis pain and inflammation and does not have the side effects of the prescription medicines. 

MSM is not related to sulfa drugs, so do not worry about being allergic. Sulfa and sulfur are two different things. 

Jonathan 

Marvels of 'the stinking rose' - How that garlic in your pantry is keeping you healthy

**This article originally published in Prime Magazine Nov 2006**

By Jonathan Evans

Herbalist & co-owner, the Herbarium

Special to PRIME



Garlic (Allium Sativum) has been been used throughout recorded history for the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. Sanskrit records document the use of garlic remedies nearly five thousand years ago, while the Chinese have used it for at least three thousand, and the Codex Ebers, an Egyptian medical papyrus, mentions garlic around 1550 B.C.



So, what's it good for?

When I do talks and lectures around the area, the question "what is garlic good for?" is bound to come up. 

My answer: "the list of what it does not do is shorter than what it is good for." 

As an example, the list of garlic uses include acne, alopecia, angina, antibiotic, asthma, blood pressure, bronchial catarrh, bronchitis, cancer, candida, cholesterol, intermittent claudication, circulation, colic, colds, coughs, dysentery, earache, fungus, hepatitis, infection, liver problems, parasites, rheumatism, sore throat, toxic metal poisoning, ulcers, vaginitis, whooping cough, worms, wounds, and yeast infections, to name a few.



A garlic primer

Garlic is rich in aliin, allicin and sulfur, all of which exhibit strong anti-oxidant and anti-microbial effects along with dozens of minerals, and several vitamins (A,B,C).

Garlic as an anti-microbial, anti-viral, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-bacterial, are well documented. Some of the latest research is being conducted on the anti-oxidant effects and anti-cancer activity.

Garlic's cardiovascular benefits are being confirmed by yet more studies. The analysis of sixteen trials, representing 952 subjects, covered in twenty-eight clinical studies found LDL cholesterol levels reduced, HDL levels increases, and triglycerides reduced.



Garlic and the common cold

One east way to experience garlic's effects for colds and coughs is to do a garlic steam. Simply take 6-8 cloves of chopped garlic, put in a bowl, pour boiling water over the garlic and put a plate or lid on the bowl to build up a head of steam. Then take a towel, cover your head and shoulders and the towel to make a tent. Remove the lid from the bowl and breathe in the steam. It will help to clear the lungs, and the sinuses very quickly. 

Warning! Warning! I know the readers are smart enough to know that steam is hot, and you should not put your face down in the bowl or directly into the steam, but just to cover my butt, I will tell you ... do not put your face in the hot bowl or steam. Of course, after the garlic steam, you can put the garlic in your chicken soup and get more benefit from the garlic.

As I said before, the list of garlic uses could go on for many pages. I hope you will look into its many uses and enjoy the benefits of this simple plant. Besides, doesn't everybody love Italian food?