Herbal Research Fundation-5

Herb Information Packet Series
All the information you need to use herbs safely and effectively
Here you can read summaries of our Herb Information Packets on health conditions and related topics.

Click the packet title to order
RAYNAUD'S DISEASE
Information on natural treatment options for Raynaud's disease. Nutritional therapy and lifestyle suggestions are made. There is also an article on Biofeedback, and information on massage and hydrotherapy. Herbs mentioned include: butcher's broom, gotu kola, ginger, cayenne, gingko, garlic, and evening primrose oil, borage, mustard, Indian snake root, and more.
HERB INFORMATION RESOURCES
Useful resources for those seeking more information on the use of herbs. Lists included are: recommended reading list, herb organizations and associations, conservation organizations, licensed alternative health care provider's associations, herbal education programs, internet resources, natural products laboratories, sources for purchasing herbs, herbal products, and seeds, recommended periodicals, library resources, and farming and marketing resources.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Information of extensive information on treating conditions of the respiratory system. Conditions discussed include: coughs, acute and chronic bronchitis, pertussis, the common cold, influenza, emphysema, and whooping cough. The actions of the respiratory system are discussed at length, as well as nutritional and lifestyle suggestions in maintaining optimal health of this system. Herbs discussed include: nettle, thyme, comfrey, fenugreek, mullein, rosemary, horseradish, elecampane, lungwort, soapwort, Iceland moss, ribwort plantain, coltsfoot, marshmallow, cayenne, licorice, lobelia, wild cherry bark, usnea, pleurisy root, grindelia, goldenseal, echinacea, astragalus, peppermint, forskolin, osha, garlic, eucalyptus, and many more.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Comprehensive information on rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs compared to herbal medicine is discussed along with dosage, side effect, and safety information. Symptoms and possible causes are discussed as well as various forms of treatment including nutritional and physical therapies. Herbs discussed include: cayenne, turmeric, devil's claw, feverfew, ginger, yucca, licorice, ginseng, and supplements such as DHEA and EFA's (essential fatty acids).
SCHIZOPHRENIA
Information on natural treatment options for schizophrenia. Vitamins, nutrition, and herbs are discussed as well as theories on the causes of this disease. Case studies are also included. Herbs mentioned include: ginkgo, kelp, evening primrose oil, sage, gotu kola, and prickly ash.
HERB SAFETY AND DRUG INTERACTIONS
Helpful information about the toxicity of certain herbs and their drug interactions. Included is a list of statistics from poison control centers, and comparative toxicity of herbs with other substances. The G.R.A.S. list is included.
SEAWEEDS
Information about common sea vegetables. Includes medicinal use, nutritional profiles, preparation methods, and recipes for adding these foods to your diet. Varieties covered include: kelp, agar-agar, wakame, arame, dulse, hijiki (hiziki), kombu, nori, irish moss (carrageen), bladderwrack, corsican, sea lettuce (green laver), purple laver and more.
SENIORS, HERBS FOR
Valuable information specifically for the special needs of seniors. Includes information on healthful aging and addresses concerns by body system. Includes herbal, nutritional, and lifestyle considerations. Herbs and supplements mentioned include: DHEA, vitamin E, probiotics, ginkgo, hawthorn, gotu kola, licorice, marshmallow, cayenne, black cohosh, angelica, wild yam, nettles, dandelion, motherwort, Siberian ginseng, garlic, chamomile, lavender, astragalus, echinacea, ginseng, valerian and many more.
SEXUAL VITALITY (formerly Aphrodisiacs)
Information on herbs, foods, and spices noted promoting virility and a healthy libido. Discusses the incidence, causes, and myths of male impotence and female reluctance. Also suggests factors that may stimulate or inhibit sexual energy, related to physiological and emotional factors. Herbs discussed include: ginseng, nettle, onions, garlic, damiana, sarsaparilla, saw palmetto, yohimbe, ginkgo, and cinnamon, Siberian ginseng, ginger, vitex, cordyceps, dong quai, soy, black cohosh, maca, passion flower, and muira pauma (potency wood).
SKIN
Comprehensive information on eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, vitiligo, impetigo, boils, warts, skin healing, herbal first aid and fungal infections. Both internal and external therapies are discussed. Stress, lifestyle, and detoxification issues are addressed as well. Herbs mentioned include: burdock, calendula, cleavers, nettles, red clover, yellow dock, chamomile, sarsaparilla, licorice, comfrey, echinacea, dandelion, chickweed, evening primrose, St. John's wort, witch hazel, prickly pear, gotu kola, marshmallow, walnut, milk thistle, green tea, aloe, walnut, khella, and many more.
SMOKING, QUITTING
Information on natural therapies to help one quit smoking. Herbs, vitamins, nutrition, and bodywork are discussed, as well as how to curb cravings for cigarettes. Research and a timeline on the body's recovery after quitting is also included. Herbs mentioned include: gentian, chamomile, calamus, ephedra, ginseng, oatstraw, lobelia, sassafras, valerian, and green tea.
STANDARDIZED EXTRACTS
Information on the reasonings for standardization of herbal products. Includes information on why and how it is done, how to choose such products, and common standardization percentages for certain herbs. This packet discusses this issue from both sides: proponents and opposition. Herbs mentioned include: bilberry, cascara sagrada, ginkgo, grape seed, green tea, kava, milk thistle, pygeum, saw palmetto, turmeric, artichoke, chamomile, devil's claw, echinacea, ephedra, feverfew, ginseng, goldenseal, gotu kola, licorice, St. John's wort, schisandra, valerian and willow.
STIMULANTS
Information about stimulants and herbs for increasing energy for different systems of the body. The benefits and side effects of many stimulants are described. Extensive information about caffeine is included as well as a list of caffeine containing plants. Safety information about ephedra is also included. There is also a stimulant comparison chart. Herbs discussed include: kola, guarana, ephedra, ginkgo, ginseng, gotu kola, cayenne, cloves, peppermint, prickly ash, Virginia snakeroot, mate, and more.
SURGICAL RECOVERY
Herbal and nutritional support before, during, and after surgical procedures. Topics include: relaxation techniques, aromatherapy, detoxification, immune support, rebuilding health, and herbs that should be avoided. Herbs discussed include: Siberian ginseng, astragalus, nettle, dandelion, gotu kola, aloe, echinacea, St. John's wort, alfalfa, garlic, ginkgo, red clover, dong quai, horsetail, goldenseal, reishi, turmeric, cayenne, kava, ginger, and many more.
THYROID
Useful information on both hypo- and hyper- thyroid conditions. Discusses the function of the thyroid and its relation to metabolism and hormone levels. The use of conventional versus natural therapies is discussed. Includes information on Graves' Disease. Herbs mentioned include: bladderwrack, rehmannia, ginseng, nettle, guggul, bugleweed, lemon balm, self-heal, kelp, verbena and more.
TINNITUS-see EARS AND HEARING
TRAVELERS, HERBS FOR
Information on herbs that can be beneficial for all types of travelers. Topics include homeopathic alternatives to immunizations, jet lag, motion sickness, altitude sickness, and natural first aid for injuries, insect bites, sunburn, malaria, parasites, and encounters with poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Herbs discussed include: tea-tree oil, Echinacea, ginger, ginkgo, lavender, milk thistle, valerian, calendula, arnica, St. John's wort, nettle, chamomile, clove, garlic, bee balm, reishi, peppermint, aloe, witch hazel, plantain, citronella, basil, and chickweed.
ULCERS
Herbal, nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle considerations for the treatment of ulcers and canker sores. Topics include types and causes of ulcers, symptoms, Helicobacter pylori, food allergies, gluten intolerance, stress, and gastrointestinal irritants such as NSAIDS. Herbs discussed include: ginger, licorice, yellow root, banana, calendula, chamomile, garlic, gentian, bilberry, meadowsweet, turmeric, slippery elm, marshmallow, goldenseal, yarrow, flax, cabbage, rhubarb, cinnamon, thyme, wormwood, turkey rhubarb, myrrh, green tea, cankerroot, sage, and wild geranium.
URINARY TRACT
Information on treating kidney and bladder problems. Conditions discussed include: nephritis, cystitis, kidney stones, prostititis, nervous/irritable bladder, and bedwetting. Infections are discussed at length, as well as nutritional and lifestyle suggestions in maintaining optimal health of the urinary tract. Herbs discussed include: uva ursi, horse chestnut, dandelion, saw palmetto, kava kava, buchu, burdock, juniper, marshmallow, rose hips, goldenseal, cranberry, cornsilk, gravel root, garlic, hydrangea, Indian kidney tea, goldenrod, licorice, nettle, pygeum, and gotu kola.
UTERINE FIBROIDS
Uterine fibroids. Herbal, lifestyle, nutritional and dietary considerations are discussed. Traditional and alternative medicine therapies are compared, including alternatives to surgery and hysterectomy, Chinese therapies, hydrotherapy, and detoxification. Herbs discussed include: raspberry, yarrow, goldenseal, ginger, stone root, motherwort, ladies mantle, partridge berry, white dead nettle, black cohosh, blue cohosh, vitex, lobelia, licorice, and many more.
VACCINATIONS
Information about the issues and concerns about choosing vaccinations for yourself or your children. The individual vaccines and their possible side effects are discussed in depth. Animal vaccines are also discussed. This packet includes an article with Dr. Andrew Weil, and Dr. Moskowitz debating the possible benefits and risks of immunizations.
VAGINITIS
Information on herbal and nutritional for both internal and topical treatments for vaginal infections and irritations. Topics include yeast infections (candida), fungal and bacterial infections, gardnerella (hemophilus), trichomonas, a symptom table and preventative measures. Herbs discussed include: garlic, tea-tree oil, cardamom, goldenseal, comfrey, lavender, yellow dock, apple cider vinegar, licorice, calendula, plantain, black cohosh, pasque flower, thyme, Echinacea, yarrow, cleavers, myrrh, astragalus, burdock, cranberry, pau d' arco, purslane, goldenrod, ivy, and sage.
VARICOSE VEINS
Information about natural treatments for varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and hemorrhoids. Nutritional therapies and lifestyle suggestions are discussed. External remedies are included. Herbs mentioned include: gotu kola, horse chestnut, butcher's broom, bilberry, yarrow, gingko, hawthorn, prickly ash, St. John's wort, Rue, witch hazel and more.
VISION-see EYE HEALTH
WEIGHT LOSS
Useful information on herbs that have been used as appetite suppressants and for weight loss purposes. Important safety information is also included regarding the use of herbal stimulants for weight loss. Research studies are also cited. Herbs mentioned include: garcinia, licorice, cayenne, plantain, mate, ephedra, kola nut, cassia, cascara sagrada, kelp, green tea, yohimbe, dandelion, white willow and senna.
WOMEN'S HERBS
Information on herbs helpful for PMS, menstrual disorders, pregnancy, lactation, menopause, fibrocystic breasts, vaginitis, cystitis, viral STD's, and other women's health concerns. There is information on the female reproductive system, the menstrual cycle, plant hormones, and how to use herbs to address different concerns. Herbs mentioned include: vitex, lemon balm, cramp bark, chamomile, St. John's wort, angelica, dandelion, peppermint, raspberry, lavender, cranberry, nettles, evening primrose, passionflower, sage, wild yam, black cohosh, shepherd's purse, garlic, linden, squawvine, motherwort, blue cohosh, dong quai, blessed thistle, and soy.

6 Sex Mistake

Sex Mistake No.1: You Know What She Wants

Men often make assumptions about what a woman wants based upon what they've done with other women. But women aren't all the same.
"You develop a repertoire as you mature sexually, but you should never assume that what worked for the last person is going to work for this person," Taormino says.
That applies not only to sexual predilections, but also to relationships, she says. "There are women who can have no-strings-attached sex, and women who can get attached very easily, and then everyone in between."

Sex Mistake No. 2: You Have All She Needs
Some women can't have an orgasm with less than 3,000 rpm. No human tongue or fingers can generate that kind of vibration. But men typically think something is wrong if a woman needs a vibrator.
"If the only way that a woman can achieve orgasm is with a vibrator, she's not broken," Taormino says.
Think of a vibrator as your assistant, not your substitute. Many couples use vibrators together. "While you're doing one thing, or two things, the vibrator can be doing something else," Taormino says.

Sex Mistake No. 3: Sex Feels the Same for Men and Women

Paget says there tends to be a "huge disconnect" between men and women in the ways that sex feels good.
"When a man has intercourse with a woman, and his penis goes into her body, that sensation is so off the charts for most men, they cannot imagine that it isn't feeling the same way for her," Paget says. "It couldn't be further from the truth."
The inside of the vagina is probably less sensitive than the outer parts for most women. Also, deep thrusting may not feel so nice on the receiving end. If the penis is too long, "it feels like you're getting punched in the stomach," Paget says. "It makes you feel nauseous."

Sex Mistake No. 4: You Know Your Way Around a Woman's Anatomy
Most guys know generally what a clitoris is and where to find it. That's not to say that they really understand it.
More than 30 years ago, at the start of the "sexual revolution," a best-selling book called the Joy of Sex got Americans hip to the orgasmic importance of the clitoris. But the belief that women must be able to orgasm from vaginal penetration stubbornly persists.
"I still get letters from people who say things like, my wife can't [orgasm] from intercourse unless she has clitoral stimulation -- please help," Taormino says. "I want to write back and say, 'OK, what's the problem?'"
"For the majority of women, it's not going to happen that way," Paget says.
Men also lack information about how to touch it and how sensitive it is, Taormino says.
A touch that's bliss for one woman may feel like nothing special, or may even be painful for someone else. Some prefer indirect stimulation.
How can you find out how she likes to be touched? Try asking her.


Sex Mistake No. 5: Wet = Turned On
Guys sometimes get hung up if a woman doesn't get slippery enough for easy penetration. Don't worry about it.
"I think there's a myth that if you're turned on, you're wet," Taormino says. Not necessarily.
Some women tend to get wetter than others, and how much natural lubrication a woman has can change from day to day. It varies by the phase of her menstrual cycle, and it's subject to influences like stress and medications.

Sex Mistake No. 6: Silence Is Golden
A lot of guys think they should be silent during sex, but unless you speak up, your partner has to guess what's doing it for you and what isn't.
If you're respectful about it, a woman who wants to please you will probably appreciate some directions.
"I'm not saying push her head in your lap," Taormino says. "I think that, 'this is how I like it,' is a very useful conversation to have."