7 Positive Ways to Be More in Touch with Yourself

A lot of emphasis is put on the relationships we build with other people, but the only way to do that is to start a good relationship with ourselves.

Creating a healthy relationship with yourself is not about thinking you’re perfect and boosting your confidence 24/7. It’s more on being open to your flaws, owning up to your mistakes and eliminating your inhibitions. If you can’t even admit to yourself your own emotions and thoughts, then there’s a good chance that you can’t fully show who you are to others. Being open to yourself is a lot more important that being open to others.

It begins with self-acceptance. Though knowing we make mistakes and have flaws, too, acknowledging our own strengths and assets is crucial as well. But of course, all of this doesn’t happen overnight. There’s no clear-cut route to be more comfortable in our own skin, but there’s a process that every individual must go through.

1. Love what you do.

There’s a good chance that you’ll hate everyday when you’re stuck doing something that makes you unhappy. And when you hate what you’re doing, you somehow end up hating yourself. So instead of sulking and glaring at everything at work, decide to love what you’re doing or find something else that you can value. Life is too short to be stuck doing something that makes you hate life and the world. Find something you love and do it on a regular basis.

2. Embrace your flaws.

It’s okay to feel insecure that you don’t like your forehead or you can’t wear a skirt because of the big scar on your right leg. However, there’s no need to suffer in self-loathing because of it. And just because you don’t think it looks good doesn’t mean everyone else thinks so. You hair may be unruly 24/7, but it’s your hair and it makes you you. Truth be told, I love my overly bushy brown hair even though it looks ridiculous on most days because it makes me me. There will be days when looking at the mirror can be torture (another zit?!), but these flaws are normal and everyone has one. We can either be miserable because of our flaws, or embrace them because it’s a part of us. So I ask you this question, why choose to be miserable?

3. Keep on learning.

Lack of motivation makes one restless and uninspired. To avoid being in a rut, it’s best to keep moving, and more importantly, to keep learning. If possible, try to learn something new everyday. Join a class, learn a new life skill. Learn how to write a poem or how to knit a scarf. Cross out things off your bucket list. In every bit of learning, you do a bit of growing up.

4. Build healthy and lasting relationships.

There’s nothing wrong with being a social butterfly, but make sure that you invest more time on relationships that aren’t fleeting. When times are tough (and I tell you, it will), having a good relationship with family and friends will keep you afloat. Surrounding yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself is a great way to attract positivity into your life. Just make sure that you add brightness into their lives as well!

5. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

People make mistakes, and you don’t have to berate yourself every time you commit one. Mistakes happen so we can learn from it, not so we can bully ourselves into a corner. Don’t call yourself a failure just because you fail one time. Heck, even failing ten times or more doesn’t constitute a failure. View your mistakes and misgivings as simple life lessons that will lead to a better you. Let them be the building blocks of what make you a stronger individual.

6. Choose to be happy.

Be a firm believer that your happiness is entirely in your hands, because it is. Misfortunes happen, and we can do nothing about it. But instead of wallowing in self-pity or crying yourself to sleep every night for moths, be pro-active in choosing to be happy instead. But of course, to choose happiness isn’t just a mindset but a conscious and active decision to fill your life with activities and people that will make it easier for you to be happy.

7. Understand that you deserve to be loved.

Let people love you, because you deserve it and they deserve it, too. Open yourself to the possibility that you don’t need just yourself but also others to make life a little better. Independence is great, but learn that you can also depend on the people who are willing to give you a shoulder to cry on, a hand to guide you. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with letting more love into your life.

4 Eccentric Ways Trees Can Heal You

Fauns, elves, pixies, ghouls, trolls – the image of forests and woodlands arouse many feelings of mystery and intrigue. Not only do forests bring to mind mythical creatures, but they’re also the home of countless folklore tales and superstitions.

Did you know that the Druids and the Germanic Pagans used to worship trees? No wonder the forest, in all its ethereal splendor, is the perfect place for us to take solitary strolls.

Interestingly, forests also provide the perfect place to holistically heal ourselves. All our daily tensions, struggles and woes can perish through some simple forest therapy. We all have forests, bush-lands, and woodlands near us. But how can we make the best out of these erudite ecosystems? You’ll find some suggestions below.

Go “Forest Bathing” (Shinrin Yoku)

This eccentric practice is believed by many Japanese people to enhance the immune system. And it’s scientifically proven as well. Just taking a short stroll through the forest or woodland can make you stronger and healthier. This is because the essential wood oils emitted in the air called phytoncides increase the number of killer cells in your body. These killer cells in turn help fight sickness and disease, like cancer, keeping you fit and fighting. Interestingly, in 1982 the Forest Agency of Japan went so far as proposing forest bathing should be included in a healthy lifestyle. The Japanese have loved the practice of Shinrin Yoku so much that their companies are now tying in Forest Bathing to employee health benefits. So why not give Forest Bathing a go? You’ll find there are many benefits for the senses:

Sound

Sounds such as the whisper of wind, rustle of leaves, songs of a bird and the sound of streams have been proven to soothe the mind and therefore the brain activity. This reduces blood pressure significantly.

Sight

Just seeing the scenes of a forest has been proven to decrease heart rate, blood pressure and increase feelings of calmness and joy.

Smell

As they say “there’s something magic in the air“, and the smells of a forest can have astounding effects on the body. Walking through a forest has physiological effects which decrease blood pressure, anxiety, depression, as well as slowing breathing rates and clearing the mind. And all thanks to the aromatherapeutic benefits of the wood oil phytoncides. Forest Bathing is also said to reduce stress, lower blood sugar levels, increase mental concentration and decrease pain. Not bad for a stroll in the woods.

Go Tree Hugging

Although constantly ridiculed and maligned to this very day, tree hugging is a scientifically valid practice. Often ridden off as the practice of hippies and crackpots, tree hugging is actually a proven way of soothing the body. Firstly, we know that at its core, every atom vibrates. And every object possessing these atoms vibrates at different frequencies. As explored by Matthew Silverstone in his book Blinded by Science, trees have unique vibrational patterns which cause positive changes in our biological behaviors when touched. It’s been proven for instance, that drinking a glass of water treated with 10Hz vibration immediately changes blood coagulation rates. So next time you’re near a tree, expect to literally receive good vibrations.

The act of hugging itself is also beneficial. Hugging increases levels of the hormone oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for the feelings of calmness and emotional bonding. Giving a hug also releases the hormones serotonin and dopamine, that are responsible for making you happier. Hugging a tree is a breath of fresh air. Literally. The freshest air you can breathe is under a tree. This is because a trees leaves serve as filters of the the air, removing dust and providing you with cleaner air. The health benefits of breathing cleaner air are: enhanced digestion, lower blood pressure, and a happier mood. Trees are more connected to the earth than any of us, yet we rip them up, chop them down and generally annihilate them. Why not give one of them a hug?

Go Talk to a Tree

Trees are the best counselors. They are quiet, good at listening, trustworthy, and entirely free. As Adam Ford put it in his book Seeking Silence in a Noisy World who best to go, to unload our silent burdens and thoughts? The benefits are a sense of non-judgement, mental clarity and emotional cleansing by exploring thoughts and emotions, and a sense of psychological unburdening, causing us to feel lighter and brighter. So why not find a special and wise tree and befriend it? Make sure the tree is out of earshot however, its best to avoid eavesdroppers.

Go Talk to Yourself

Once again, the act of talking to yourself is frequently looked down on as being potty and demented. However, research has shown that there are many benefits to this seemingly bazaar practice. The forest is the perfect place to self-talk. It’s quiet, calm, and there are usually little to no people, meaning that you don’t risk judgement, which causes mental tension. Not only does self-talk unburden our minds and put situations in perspective, but it helps us to befriend ourselves as well.

As a study from Nottingham Trent and George Mason university found; self-talk decreases stress levels as well as increases self confidence. When we get into the habit of talking aloud, we feel more motivated to voice our thoughts and participate in discussions. Self-talk is perfect for timid, reserved and introverted people in particular. It gives us the freedom to express out innermost thoughts and feelings unfiltered and unhindered. For those who keep private diaries, self-talk is even more therapeutic. So next time you take a solitary stroll into the forest, let your thoughts and emotions fly free! Shout, scream, cry and laugh – at your own pleasure!

*** From the kooky practice of Forest Bathing and tree hugging, to talking to trees and talking to ourselves, forests provide the perfect place for holistic healing. If you have any more loopy suggestions, quick! Let me know below.

This Little Weed is One of the Most Useful Medicines on the Planet

You’ve stepped on it, ignored it, and tried to eradicate it from your lawn.

However, this innocuous little weed is one of the most useful medicines on the planet, just begging to be harvested.

There are two major types of plantain in BC, Canada: Lance and Broadleaf. Generally, all 200-plus varieties of plantain yield the same results.

It grows especially well in poor, rocky soil (such as driveways) and is often seen alongside dandelion. More often than not, you will see plantain growing in gravel pits and construction sites as nature seeks to regenerate the soil. Introduced to North America in the 1600s, it was once called “White Man’s Foot” by the Native Americans who witnessed that where the Europeans tread and disrupted the soil, plantain sprung up.

Plantain has often been the go-to remedy for hikers plagued by mosquitoes. Because it draws toxins from the body with its astringent nature, plantain may be crushed (or chewed) and placed as a poultice directly over the site of bee stings, bug bites, acne, slivers, glass splinters, or rashes. Bandage the area and allow the plantain to work its magic for 4-12 hours. Plantain may also be used to create a balm for emergency kits, or an infusion used as a skin or general wash. It is also a notable, soothing remedy for hemorrhoids.

Plantain is renowned for its healing effect on the digestive system. This is especially useful for anyone who has been damaged by antibiotics, anti-inflammatory or pain medications, food allergies, or Celiac disease. Both leaves and seeds specifically target the digestive system for healing. The leaves may be steeped as tea, added to soups, or dried with a sauce similar to kale chips. The seeds – a type of psyllium – can be ground or soaked for bulk mucilage or absorbable fibre, which, consumed before meals, may help with weight loss.

Because plantain is a gentle expectorant and high in silica, an infusion can be helpful for lung problems, coughs, and colds.

Plantain is almost a panacea for the human body, treating everything from all menstrual difficulties, all digestive issues, to nearly all skin complaints, and even arthritis. Add to salads, chew to ease thirst, or enjoy in stir fries. This versatile wild vegetable will keep you in good health for years to come!

Resources:
- Prescription for Herbal Healing: 2nd Edition – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
- Hygieia: A Woman’s Herbal – Jeannine Parvati
- Healing Secrets of the Native Americans – Porter Shimer
- The New Age Herbalist – Richard Mabey

Jess Smith is a healer and raw wildcrafter living in the Fraser Valley, BC Canada. A lifelong student and advocate of herbal medicine, she grew up foraging the forests of BC. She runs a complementary healing practice, and, with her toddler, she enjoys teaching others about the wild abundance outside our doors.

5 Vital Tips for a Better Memory

The older we get, the less we are able to remember (unless you’re so young you can’t remember anything, but whose keeping track?).

This is not uncommon, and becomes more apparent through old age. So, there may be times where you go to do something, and suddenly forget what you were going to do, or maybe you learned something, and within an instant that information was lost. This is not uncommon, but becomes more of an issue as your age increases (apparently).

As a result, here are five things you may want to try in order to have a better memory. Whether for academics, or everyday life – these are applicable to you!

1. Continue learning

Okay, so this is something you might or might not want to hear. I believe that everyone will always desire learning new information – it’s just that people desire to learn different things. From math, to hairdressing to hockey; everyone has some desire to learn if it can be enjoyed. That being said, learning may take motivation to fulfill, which can be difficult to attain. From this information, it can strongly be urged for anyone to continue with further academia. This will have you be forced to continue learning, which can be motivating for many people. Studies have shown that, believe it or not, a higher level of education correlates with a higher level memory at old age. It is believed that this is a result of maintaining an active memory for a longer period of time. That said – further academics is not essential for a better memory. You could consider joining a hobby which stimulates your brain, such as chess, reading (book club), puzzles, etc. Alternatively, you could even just acquire a job which forces you to use your brain! Participate and volunteer to do anything your brain doesn’t normally use in terms of your skill ability. Enjoy it, and make it a lifelong priority for your learning!

2. Repeat knowledge you desire

Have you ever had to remember a phone number, but didn’t have anything to write it on? Instead, you had to repeat it to yourself constantly to have a chance of remembering the numbers? Well – this is essentially a point in itself. When you learn something, or are told something and want to remember it, keep repeating it to yourself in your head or out loud as it will increase your chance of remembering it a later stage. This also works for remembering where you placed something! So, the next time you place your keys on the bench; simply say out loud the place where they were placed, and you are far more likely to remember where you placed them. Trust me – I’ve done this many times.

3. Space it out

Learning does not have to be executed in a long, one session period. Take your time when learning new information. Don’t feel obliged to cram new information in all at once – your brain does not like this method! Instead, space out your learning schedule in different intervals. For example: today, you might want to focus on learning about the human brain for 30 minutes, and then take a 10 minute break. Walk around, and do something else for a little while. This is in particular, more important for complicated information; the amount of brain power required is beyond that of simply remembering a name or two. Can I also add that research has shown that this simple ‘study’ modification improves recall in both healthy people, as well as those who are challenged with certain physical based cognitive problems, including multiple sclerosis.

4. Having belief

“I must be getting old” is a common phrase many older people hear and use, and therefore begin to believe in that saying. From this negative stereotype being placed on the middle aged and the elderly, it’s too common for these people to have a hindered memory resulting for a lack of belief in themselves. I mean, what’s the point in learning and improving your memory if society says you’re old, and therefore have a bad memory? Those who fully believe in these stereotypes are those who are not likely to even attempt to improve their memory, and therefore will more than likely experience a cognitive decline in comparison to those who believe they are in control of their memory regardless of age. It’s strange how the mind works, isn’t it? To those who believe they can maintain a high level memory – keep at it! You are the ones who are going to have a better chance of maintaining a sharp mind as you age, or even see improvements.

5. Every sense is vital

Finally, you have made it to the last point – that point being that as a learner, you should use all your senses. The more senses being used, the more your brain will want to remember the information, and… you know what comes next, right? You will be on an incline to retaining your memory! That sounds good in theory, but how is this exactly achieved? Essentially, with what you’re trying to keep in your memory, try attaching some sort of emotional sense to it. A study was executed with adults being exposed to a set of emotionless images; each image had a unique smell. Later, another set of images were shown to the same adults without any odors, and guess what? They were able to point out the ones with odors (unsurprisingly) and especially those with a good, positive smell. So, from this study, you are able to become adventurous with your senses to improve your memory. This is not restricted to smell – but also taste, sounds, feel, etc. Find which works for you best and keep working an it! Some senses would work better for different things. A simple example for this would be tastingfoods; it will allow for you to remember which food it is, obviously.

Conclusion

So, from these tips, you should have gained an insight to what is generally required to increase your ability to retain your memory. It will take some time to adjust to these steps, but is something you won’t regret!

improve quality of life for diabetics

Laser device may end pin pricks, improve quality of life for diabetics

Date:

August 21, 2014

Source:

Princeton University, Engineering School

Summary:

Researchers have developed a way to use a laser to measure people's blood sugar, and, with more work to shrink the laser system to a portable size, the technique could allow diabetics to check their condition without pricking themselves to draw blood. In a new article, the researchers describe how they measured blood sugar by directing their specialized laser at a person's palm.

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The new monitor uses a laser, instead of blood sample, to read blood sugar levels. The laser is directed at the person's palm, passes through skin cells and is partially absorbed by sugar molecules, allowing researchers to calculate the level of blood sugar.

Credit: Image courtesy of Princeton University, Engineering School

[Click to enlarge image]

Princeton University researchers have developed a way to use a laser to measure people's blood sugar, and, with more work to shrink the laser system to a portable size, the technique could allow diabetics to check their condition without pricking themselves to draw blood.

"We are working hard to turn engineering solutions into useful tools for people to use in their daily lives," said Claire Gmachl, the Eugene Higgins Professor of Electrical Engineering and the project's senior researcher. "With this work we hope to improve the lives of many diabetes sufferers who depend on frequent blood glucose monitoring."

In an article published June 23 in the journalBiomedical Optics Express, the researchers describe how they measured blood sugar by directing their specialized laser at a person's palm. The laser passes through the skin cells, without causing damage, and is partially absorbed by the sugar molecules in the patient's body. The researchers use the amount of absorption to measure the level of blood sugar.

Sabbir Liakat, the paper's lead author, said the team was pleasantly surprised at the accuracy of the method. Glucose monitors are required to produce a blood-sugar reading within 20 percent of the patient's actual level; even an early version of the system met that standard. The current version is 84 percent accurate, Liakat said.

"It works now but we are still trying to improve it," said Liakat, a graduate student in electrical engineering.

When the team first started, the laser was an experimental setup that filled up a moderate-sized workbench. It also needed an elaborate cooling system to work. Gmachl said the researchers have solved the cooling problem, so the laser works at room temperature. The next step is to shrink it.

"This summer, we are working to get the system on a mobile platform to take it places such as clinics to get more measurements," Liakat said. "We are looking for a larger dataset of measurements to work with."

The key to the system is the infrared laser's frequency. What our eyes perceive as color is created by light's frequency (the number of light waves that pass a point in a certain time). Red is the lowest frequency of light that humans normally can see, and infrared's frequency is below that level. Current medical devices often use the "near-infrared," which is just beyond what the eye can see. This frequency is not blocked by water, so it can be used in the body, which is largely made up of water. But it does interact with many acids and chemicals in the skin, so it makes it impractical to use for detecting blood sugar.

Mid-infrared light, however, is not as much affected by these other chemicals, so it works well for blood sugar. But mid-infrared light is difficult to harness with standard lasers. It also requires relatively high power and stability to penetrate the skin and scatter off bodily fluid. (The target is not the blood but fluid called dermal interstitial fluid, which has a strong correlation with blood sugar.)

The breakthrough came from the use of a new type of device that is particularly adept at producing mid-infrared frequencies -- a quantum cascade laser.

In many lasers, the frequency of the beam depends on the material that makes up the laser -- a helium-neon laser, for example, produces a certain frequency band of light. But in a quantum cascade laser, in which electrons pass through a "cascade" of semiconductor layers, the beam can be set to one of a number of different frequencies. The ability to specify the frequency allowed the researchers to produce a laser in the mid-infrared region. Recent improvements in quantum cascade lasers also provided for increased power and stability needed to penetrate the skin.

To conduct their experiment, the researchers used the laser to measure the blood sugar of three healthy people before and after they each ate 20 jellybeans, which raise blood sugar levels. The researchers also checked the measurements with a finger-prick test. They conducted the measurements repeatedly over several weeks.

The researchers said their results indicated that the laser measurements readings produced average errors somewhat larger than the standard blood sugar monitors, but remained within the clinical requirement for accuracy.

"Because the quantum cascade laser can be designed to emit light across a very wide wavelength range, its usability is not just for glucose detection, but could conceivably be used for other medical sensing and monitoring applications," Gmachl said.

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Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by Princeton University, Engineering School. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

Psychological Benefits Of Dog Ownership

It’s no secret that owning a dog is good for your health. Researchers have crunched the numbers and found that dog owners are as much as 57% – 77% more likely to reach physical activity levels in any given week that are considered sufficient. And it makes sense. All dogs require exercise – even toy-sized “lap dogs.” At the very least, dogs require regular walking, which translates to regular walking for their human owners, but dogs also encourage many other types of physical activity – like hiking, swimming, and playing. If the physical benefit of owning dogs weren’t already enough, consider the emotional and mental benefits of dog ownership.

But that’s not all. People who own dogs are actually less likely to suffer from depression and are happier overall than people who do not own dogs. In some cases, therapy via dog ownership has been shown to treat depressive episodes more effectively than prescription medication. This benefit of dog ownership helps to keep dog owners positive and well-adjusted. Dogs are also great for breaking the ice! This is especially useful when meeting strangers while out walking the dog or at a dog park. Since dogs tend to put others at ease, those who own dogs tend to have comparatively more active social lives than those who don’t. An active social life can lead to notable emotional fulfillment and mental stimulation, so this is a good thing!

Dogs are particularly helpful with reducing anxiety levels. These friendly pets have been shown to help people cope with the loss of a loved one and other types of intense grief. They also help people to cope with illness and general suffering – hence the existence of emotional therapy dogs! Dogs are brought into hospitals to visit with patients for a reason – they innately know how to make a person feel better. Humans have lived alongside dogs for thousands of years. Over the course of this incredibly long domestication of dogs, they have learned to respond to even our most subtle emotional and mental cues – they have become the ultimate human companion. It makes sense that they would have learned to do this – dogs who picked up on and responded to the emotional cues of their owners or nearby humans thousands of years ago would wind up being the dogs rewarded with food and generally looked after.

In terms of the physical benefits of owning a dog, owning a pet has also been associated with reduced blood pressure, increased heart health, less sickness, resistance to allergies, early cancer detection and treatment, and real relief from physical pain. All in all, dog ownership is a definite win for health.

20 Foods That Will Increase Your Sexual Appetite

An often overlooked area of sex drive is nutrition. The toxic nature of most processed foods do not allow men or women to flourish hormonally when it comes to sexual function and most don’t even realize the problem with their low libido is what they’re putting in their mouths (or what they’re not).Here are twenty delicious foods you can work into your diet that will increase your libido, and help you work out of your clothes.

1. Watermelon
 
Coined ‘the new Viagra’, watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that relaxes blood vessels thereby increasing your sex drive. There have been multiple attempts to introduce L-citrulline in natural health supplements, however, cells absorb the active ingredient from unpasteurized watermelon juice better than supplements or even plain water spiked with the compound, suggesting the watermelons are the optimal delivery medium.


2. Celery 
 
Celery may not be the food of choice that you dream of when thinking sex, but it is a great source food for sexual stimulation. Celery contains the hormone androsterone, a naturally occurring steroid found in human sweat and urine which is released through perspiration. It’s odorless, but it signals “maleness” and virility as a pheromone. It basically signals the brain centers in women to increase their sexual appetite when triggered. Celery is best eaten raw and should never be cooked. 


3. Bananas 

Bananas contain the bromelain enzyme, that increases libido and reverse impotence in men. Also, they are potent sources of potassium and B vitamins like riboflavin, which increase the body’s overall energy levels. Bromelain has also been reported to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.


4. Aparagus
 
Asparagus is high in the B vitamin folate that helps increase your production of histamine. The correct levels of histamine are important for increasing the sex drive in men and women. 


5. Figs 
 
Figs are excellent sources of amino acids that increase libido. They can also improve sexual stamina. Amino acids play a vital role in normal sexual function and will help increase the level of nitric oxide in the body. The fig is said to increase sexual stamina as well as having a sexual appearance, flavour and smell to heighten all our senses to improve our mood and let our libido rise from their slumber. Packed with potassium, manganese, and antioxidants, this fruit also helps support proper pH levels in the body,

6. Chillies

If you like it hot and spicy, this one will bring a smile on your face! Chillies contain capsaicin, a chemical which also increases blood flow and triggers the release of mood-enhancing endorphins that naturally pump up your libido. Chili peppers are also a heart-healthy food with potential to protect against the No. 1 cause of death in the developed world.

7. Avocado

Loaded with potassium, avocados boost libido for both sexes. And they’re rich in folate which provides energy and stamina – both of which are important once your libido is restored. The Aztecs referred to the avocado tree ahuacatl as a “testicle tree.” They contain vitamin B6 (a nutrient that increases male hormone production) and potassium (which helps regulate a woman’s thyroid gland), two elements that help increase libido in both men and women.

8. Almonds 

Almonds are a great source of essential fatty acids. They contain omega-3 and fatty acids to help produce testosterone in men and provide the raw material for a man’s healthy production of hormones. They also contain vitamins E and B2, magnesium and calcium. Additionally, the smell of almonds arouses passion in females and is known to be an aphrodisiac. You can add to the sexual ambience by lighting some almond-scented candles to build up her mood. Eat almonds raw, never roasted, sweetened or salted.


9. Eggs 

Eggs are rich in vitamins B6 and B5. These help balance hormone levels and fight stress, two things that are crucial to a healthy libido. Eggs are also a symbol of fertility and rebirth. Eating raw eggs just prior to sex is said to heighten libido and maximize energy levels. But all bird and fish eggs contain B6 and B5. Know where your eggs come from.


10. Garlic 

While you don’t want to be stinking of garlic during a passionate lip lock, garlic contains allicin, an ingredient that increases blood flow to the sexual organs. This trick doesn’t work overnight however as you need to consume it for about a month to reap its rewards.


11. Chocolate 

Chocolate contains theobromine — an alkaloid — which is very similar to caffeine. It also contains phenylethylamine, a chemical that produces the feeling of “being in love.” Modern day foodies know raw cacao in its pure unadulteratedform is a superfood. It has more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study that found, women who enjoyed a piece of chocolate every day had a more active sex life than those who didn’t. So, when your woman talks about how good chocolate makes her feel, there is some science behind it. In addition, dark chocolate has a massive amount of anti-oxidants, which are great for the body in general, as they help maintain the immune system.

12. Maca

Maca is a root vegetable from Peru is considered to be the uber superfood to increase sex drive in men and women. It also helps increase sperm count. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, all of which work to increase energy levels. In men, it can help with erectile dysfunction, and for women it is said to increase sex drive and fertility. Try adding a teaspoon of maca powder to smoothies.

13. Dates

Very popular in the Northern parts of Nigeria, dates are packed with amino acids for sexual stamina as well as a good dose of fruity sugars which make them sweet and an amazing pickup.

14. Ginger

“In the 21st century, those of us who know about botanical-ceuticals know that ginger helps circulation temperature adjustment, mucoid detoxification and also a libido enhancer. Whether raw, in supplement form, or added to your favorite recipe or drink, ginger also lends itself to defense against winter’s hard cold and flu season. Because trying to get frisky with a runny nose never ends well.


15. Saffron
Though on the pricey side, this spice is a treat for your stomach and sex life. Researchers at the University of Guelph have found that saffron can improve sexual performance. Soak the threads in hot liquid for 15 minutesthen add to quinoa, or barley for an tasty healthy dish.


16. Cloves

This sex superfood is versatile when it comes to cooking: it can be brewed in hot apple cider, infused in your favorite exotic dish, or added to a chai tea latte. Just make sure to share it with your guy, too. In India, cloves have been used to treat male sexual dysfunction for centuries and research published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine agrees, discovering that clove extracts produced an increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats. Add a little cumin and cinnamon and you’ve got a tasty, multifaceted aphrodisiac.


17. Walnuts

Walnuts improve the quality of sperm. It is known to improve the shape, movement and vitality of the sperm. Include walnuts in your diet to improve fertility. Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, known to boost the brain’s “pleasure chemical,” dopamine, and arginine, the amino acid that increases the production of nitric oxide which assists with erections – it opens up the blood vessels to increase blood flow.


18. Black Raspberries

Both the berries and the seeds will transform your mind-set for getting in the mood, so pop in a handful a day to keep bedroom boredom at bay. “This phytochemical-rich food enhances both libido and sexual endurance,” say Drs. Anna Maria and Brian Clement, authors of 7 Keys to Lifelong Sexual Vitality and directors of Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. Consume 10 black raspberries or a tablespoonof seeds a few hours before getting busy.


19. Cardamom

Cardamom is a natural alternative to Viagra, as it is believed to help counter male impotence. It contains cineole, a compound that increases blood flow to the sexual organs.


20. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is important for testosterone production in men and helps boost libido. They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which act as a precursor for prostaglandins, which play a key role in sexual health. They are also great for prostate health! The oil in pumpkin seeds alleviates difficult urination that happens with an enlarged prostate.

Karen Foster is a holistic nutritionist, avid blogger, with five kids and an active lifestyle that keeps her in pursuit of the healthiest path towards a life of balance.