An Introduction To Herbal Feminization

Hormones can be a risky solution for transgender females. Discover how herbs can help you feminize your figure safely and naturally.

The differences between men and women all boil down to hormones. Unfortunately, however, synthetic hormones are rarely a simple solution for feminization. There are numerous risks involved and medical supervision is a must.

For many transgender females (especially those who maintain a male persona), these risks simply outweigh the benefits. Does that mean it's time to kiss your wish of becoming a woman good bye? Not at all! Herbs are one feminizing alternative that won't cost you your health.

While many are quick to dismiss herbs as a form of quackery, the fact remains that numerous herbs impact the hormonal balance of the male body. These herbs, known as phytoestrogens, mimic the effects of estrogen and are particularly effective at triggering breast growth. After all, gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) is triggered by factors ranging from medications to marijuana to old age, so it stands to reason that herbs could also have this effect.

Does that make herbs a wholesale replacement for hormones? No. However, for those seeking only partial feminization, herbs can lead to an increase in breast size, softer skin, and possible rounding of the hips and behind.

How do you get started with herbal feminization? There are over 300 plants with phytoestrogenic activity, but the herbs that have proven most effective for feminization include fenugreek, fennel, wild yam, red clover, and hops. I suggest starting with a minimal dose of two or three herbs and working your way up as needed. (Just be sure not to exceed the manufacturer's recommended dosage and speak with your doctor first if you have a medical condition or take prescription medications.)

To maximize breast enlargement, I also recommend massaging liquid herbal extracts into the breasts. Your breasts have the ability to absorb plant chemicals directly, so this helps target herbs where they are needed most. Simply combine a dropper full of extract with a tablespoon of body lotion and massage into the breasts twice daily.

What can you expect? While individual results vary, many males are able to increase their breasts by two or three inches strictly through the use of herbs and massage. Most notice changes within three weeks, though it can take several months to experience significant growth.

Patience and realistic expectations are a must, but thousands of males and transgender females have proven that hormones aren't the only answer for a more feminine figure. Herbs truly can make a difference!

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About the Author

Certified Herbal Information Specialist Lucille Sorella publishes the popular weekly ezine, “Secrets to Male Breast Enlargement.” If you're ready to develop feminine breasts safely and naturally, get your FREE tips now at http://www.flat2fem.com

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5 Herbal Remedies For Controlling Blood Pressure

Most of the herbal treatment options are easily available and happen to be very cost effective. Herbs can even offer permanent cure to your abnormal blood pressure. There are several effective herbs that help in controlling blood pressure. A few of them are discussed below.

There are various course of actions that people adopt in order to treat their blood pressure abnormality. Wide spread blood pressure medications are available as easiest mode of blood pressure treatment. But the treatment with the help of medication often results in certain side effects that may turn out as dangerous as blood pressure abnormality itself. That's why to keep themselves free of any probability of side effects blood pressure patients now a days prefer herbal blood pressure remedies.

Most of these herbal treatment options are easily available and happen to be very cost effective. Herbs can even offer permanent cure to your abnormal blood pressure. There are several effective herbs that help in controlling blood pressure. A few of them are discussed below.

Garlic

Garlic happens to be one of the most effective natural remedy of blood pressure. It is particularly helpful in curing high blood pressure. It primarily affects diastolic blood pressure. Hypertension occurred due to cholesterol deposition could be successfully curbed by garlic as it is an efficient blood cholesterol reducing agent. You are needed to consume garlic for two to three weeks in order to get desired effect on blood pressure. It could be either eaten with food or taken separately. Don't take more than two or three cloves of garlic at a time.

Arjuna

The medicine is prepared from bark of Arjuna plant. It contains Q-ten enzymes as well as triterpine glycosides that are helpful in normal functioning of heart and arteries. By keeping arteries and heart in good working condition it controls blood pressure abnormality.

Melissa Officinalis

It is popularly known as lemon balm. It's particularly helpful in stress propelled hypertension.

Hawthorne

This herb is specifically meant to strengthen heart to keep it in perfect condition for its normal functioning. The medicine also reduces stiffness of arteries. By bettering condition of heart and arteries this herb ensures a normal blood pressure.

Guggul

It could be equally effective in blood pressure cure. It is specifically helpful in curing blood pressure abnormality among diabetics. As diabetics develop hypertension due to excess of LDL cholesterol and this medicine reduces LDL by producing more HDL.

These are some herbs that have found to be equally competent substitute of synthetic medications to control blood pressure. A consultation with doctor is must before going for these herbal remedies. Most often herbal medications are complimented with yoga therapy for a permanent cure to blood pressure imbalance.

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About the Author

The author writes articles on different topics. To get more blood pressure articles visit http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/

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Herbs for Protection

If you have never used plant matter in magic before, I explain in detail in the column Plants, Herbs and Roots for Prosperity the different ways these substances can be practically used in rituals and everyday practice. In brief, the main methods of using plant material to summon protection are: carrying the substance on your person in a locket or a sachet, boiling the herb and sprinkling the residual water around your residence, putting a sprig of it under your bed or pillow, bathing in a distillation of it or burning it as incense. Also with love attracting, just keeping the living plant in your house can help increase your vibrations. Below I have detailed where an herb can be used for a specific protective purpose.

Ague Weed: A bath in this herb is alleged to banish evil spirits. This herb is also known as Boneset.
Agrimony: Is burned or sprinkled around the house to send bad spirits back to the sender.
Angelica: Worn on the person to protect from evil spirits, however a drawback of this herb is that it also may protect you from opportunities. Used formally in rites of exorcism to get rid of bad spirits. Brew into a tea it and sprinkle in the corners of a house to protect from evil spirits. It is also warn on the person in a locket or sachet for personal protection.
Anise: Stuffed under a pillow it protects from nightmares.
Ash: The branches can be shaken and rattled like a wand to cleanse a place of bad energy.
Asafoetida: Kept in a potpourri or burned for protection.
Bergamot: Usually used for money, but some sources say it can be used for personal protection and to attract good spirits as well.
Borage: Place in an area that is suspicious it is said to make the truth come out or have dishonesty, plots or secrets revealed.
Broom Tops: Boiled in salt water to keep evil spirits and ghosts away.
Caraway: Carry the seeds on your person to protect from disease and ill health. A few seeds in the clothing of a loved one are said to protect your marriage from infidelity.
Carnations: A bouquet of fresh or dried blossoms is said to protect the home and family from rivals and attackers of all sorts.
Camphor: Worn as a balm it is used to ward off physical attack or unwanted advances from others.
Cedar: The boughs or incense are burnt to protect the home from spirits. It also protects those in deep meditation or doing rituals from picking up unwanted energies and astral attack. It is toxic to reptiles and birds, however, so you should be careful using it if you have either as pets.

Coriander: Burn as an incense or wear the seeds on your person to protect against attack. Helps keep friends and lovers from accidents.
Deersbane: Burned to reveal bad energy or tell one the source of bad energy.
Dill: Sprinkle in a corner of a children’s room to protect them from harm.
Elder: A highly protective tree whose branches are burnt or kept in the home to save residents from accidents and attacks of all kinds.
Eucalyptus: Burnt in the home to protect the health from viruses, disease and plagues.
Geranium: Live bouquets, oil and incense are kept in the home to protect the family against attacks of all kinds and also disease. Worn as an oil to protect the health.
Heather: The sprigs are worn on the person or kept in the house to protect from evil spirits and unwanted attentions.
Lavender: Use a fresh bouquet, dried flowers, oil, perfume or incense to protect and shield your person and home from bad vibrations and negative people.
Marjoram: Sprinkled in the house for protection against accidents, burglars and unwanted visitors.
Myrtle: A sprig is kept above the front door for protection.
Motherwort: Burned or kept in sachets or lockets on the person for personal protection.
Pennyroyal: Burned to protect against domestic abuse and violence in the home.
Pine: A wreath of pine protects from bad spirits and attracts good spirits. The incense clears spaces of bad vibrations.
Snakeroot: Used to banish a person or thing from a home.
Rue: Rue Candles are burned for protection and the herb is burned to rid a space of bad thought forms and malevolent energies.
Slippery Elm: Place the herb in the place where you wish to get rid of slander or gossip. It may also be burned while sending bad thoughts back to the sender.
Vetivert: Wear the oil to protect yourself when you go out in dangerous or iffy situations.

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About the Author

Sam Steven's metaphysical articles have been published in many high-standing newspapers and she has published several books. You can meet Sam Stevens at http://www.psychicrealm.com where she works as a professional psychic. You can also read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com where she is the staff writer. Currently she is studying technology's impact on the metaphysics.

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A Quick Guide to Herbal Terminology

Always consult a qualified herbalist and/or health practitioner before using herbs and plants!

Infusions

Infusions are the simplest way to access the active principles of herbs. Infusions are made the way we make tea using the dried and/or powdered parts of the herb or plant. If you can find an infusion ball all the better simple add the dried herb to the ball and pour over boiling water. Leave for 5 to 10 minutes then remove the ball and drink the liquid or add to the skin if you have been prescribed this method. In some cases it is best to leave the infusion much longer, for example, camomile flower heads make an excellent painkiller when applied to the skin. They work really well for sties and other eye problems as well. Simply infuse the camomile heads (make sure they are organic) in boiling water, leave over night, strain and then use the liquid. Soak the liquid in a cotton wool pad and apply to the affected area for about 20 minutes, do this repeatedly throughout the day.

Decoctions

Roots, fruits and bark need to simmer in order to extract their medicinal qualities. Cut or tear the roots and bark in to smaller pieces and place in a pan (make sure you use a lid) of simmering water. After about 20 minutes, cool and strain. The decoction can then be drunk or applied to skin depending on the plant and treatment required.

Tinctures

This means immersing a dried or fresh herb/plant in alcohol so the active principles can be extracted at high concentrations. The best alcohol to use is ethyl alcohol, distilled from cereals, however this is hard to obtain and a 45% proof pure vodka will do the trick. Never use methyl alcohol, isopropyl or methylated spirits, and always consult a qualified practitioner beforehand. Simply immerse a balance mix of herbs to alcohol and leave in a tightly closed jar until you need it. Then apply at the prescribed dosage.

Infused Oils

Pure oils like olive, sunflower and almond readily dissolve the active principles in plants and herbs. This is also called an infusion. Simply mix the herbs with the oil. Warning - exercise great caution whan taking preparing infused oils especially when they are to be taken internally, and do not use essential oils in this cavalier manner.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are the volatile oily components of herbs and plants and can be extracted by distillation, steam and enffleurage. In all cases follow instructions very carefully. Always consult a qualified herbalist and/or health practitioner before using herbs and plants!

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About the Author

I work with the Green Directory http://www.guidemegreen.com and the Ethical Directory http://www.getethical.com to promote a greener and healthier lifestyle. I also promote eco friendly Jobs and Employers at http://www.jobs.guidemegreen.com

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Ashwagandha – Herbal Way to Reduce Stress

Ayurveda has a glorious world decorated by herbs and natural remedies. It has a divine origin and was created to treat people with all there despair they were suffering from. Ashwagandha is one of these herbs that is gifted to man by God.

Ashwagandha as the name suggest means smell of a horse (ashwa means horse and gandha means smell). Ashwagandha is an herb that is famous by many names world wide few of them are Indian ginseng, Indian winter cherry and Samm Al Ferakh. Ashwagandha bears a great effect on our body.

This herb finds its reference in the very beginning of one of the greatest medicinal science, ayurveda. Ashwagandha is considered to be one of the best herb that helps in achieving a disease less condition and more importantly, the mental peace to attain the mental satisfaction important in today’s fast moving and distracting life. It maintains the health and also helps in treating us from the diseases we may suffer from.

Pharmacologically Ashwagandha has the power to suppress vata dosha that is the ultimate cause of carrying the vitiated doshas to other parts of the body. As per modern sciences Ashwagandha has variety of pharmacological activities that facilitates it with the wonderful results it is presenting to us.

• Adaptogenic properties - It is one of the best Adaptogenic agents that we are blessed with. It helps in increasing our body’s resistance and also helps us in fighting against any outer invasion that can harm our body’s homeostasis. The powerful actions of the constituents of withinia help our body to maintain the required equilibrium to attain a disease free condition of the body. These actions are produced by it due to presence of high amounts of oxygen rich steroids derivative C-28. It also contains at least 40 different types of withanolids that are having strong efficacy in promoting metabolism and inhibiting the free radical formation. This gives it an antioxidant property. It for this reason Ashwagandha has gained its popularity as one of the finest anti-oxidant.
• Anti inflammatory and analgesic action - Ashwagandha has also been found very effective in relieving from pain and inflammatory condition that might be caused due to some mishap or injury. The supremacy of Ashwagandha lies with the fact that it has the potential to normalize any kind of disturbances happening in the body. Due to its vata suppressing properties it is very much helpful in eliminating diseases that are caused by vata vitiation.
• Cancer – this name creates trebles in our body, but not to fear now. Researches held at various research centers throughout world has shown that Ashwagandha posses the properties that are very much beneficial in curbing the growth of cancer cells. It strongly acts on the cancer cells there by inhibiting the action at the initial stage thereby helping our body to face the risk of cancer. In technical terminology it wipes out the spindle formation at the metaphase.
• Nervine weakness - One of the best qualities that Ashwagandha is blessed with is the power to strengthen our nervous system. The protective action of pentylenetetrazol helps in inhibiting the convulsions and wobbly movements of the body caused due to disturbances in are central nervous system (CNS). Researches have also proved that withinia has a strong effect on our nervous system. It provides proper nourishment and balance to it and also tones it up to facilitate better working.
• Cardiovascular system - Recently astonishing effects of Ashwagandha has been seen on cardiovascular system. Research conducted at All Indian Institute of medical science (AIIMS), New Delhi, India has shown that Ashwagandha has sufficient amount of various agents that are extremely helpful in preventing ailments like myocardial necrosis and high degrees of blood pressure. Ashwagandha is slowly gaining its popularity as cardio-protective anti oxidant. It also has anti anxiety properties.
• Aphrodisiac actions - as mentioned earlier also that Ashwagandha is called as Indian ginseng. It also finds its reference in the greatest love book ever written kamasutra. It is known to enhance the libido and increases the sense of indulgence to complete the act of love. As per the researches, the presence of nitric oxide facilitates it with the power to dilate blood vessels essential to carry out the sexual activity to the fullest.
• Mental health – Ashwagandha has strong tendencies to fade away the negative energies that creep into our mind and helps to attain the new enthusiasm to fulfill our work. It promotes new zeal into our life and is also responsible for enhancing the memory skills due to presence of acetylcholine receptor capacity.

It is just miracle that a small bushy herb that grows wild here and there has the power to completely change our life in every means. It fills us with the new energies and makes us strong from inside.

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About the Author

Read more about the benefits of Ashwagandha herb and Ashwagandha Supplements at http://www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies

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Aromatherapy Herbs

Essential oils are best when made from organically grown aromatherapy herbs, because chemical soil additives change the scent.

Aromatherapy is an alternative field of medicine used for the treatment or prevention of diseases. It involves use of herbal oils. Aromatherapy is widely popular as a healing and calming cure for several common problems. Different types of aromatic herbs are available to suit different bodily needs. A correct herbal combination would ensure the best utilization of the healing power of this therapy. Different plant extracts are used for treating different kinds of problems. A combination of two or more herbal oils can be useful only in certain conditions. Lavender may be the most widely used of all aromatherapy herbs.

The aroma is calming and soothing, and lavender has medicinal effects in healing burns and wounds, helping digestion and improving respiratory problems. One of the most useful aromatherapy herbs, lavender is well tolerated even by people with allergies. Lavender blossoms are formed into wreathes, tied into bunches or braided into wands, then dried. Used decoratively, lavender adds color and texture to a room, and the delicate scent lasts for months. Sometimes the buds are stripped from the stems and made into sachets or used in potpourri. Lavender is often added to bath products because of its calming effect.

Luxurious creams and lotions are also calming and romantic. Lavender massage oil helps relax and soothe sore muscles. Lavender is safe to use on babies because it is gentle and soothing. Lavender baby powder and lotion help peevish babies relax and sleep, and lavender diaper cream is soothing and mildly antiseptic. As with all aromatherapy herbs, not everyone responds to lavender the same way. Even without any medicinal effect, however, most people enjoy the soothing, romantic scent of lavender.

Essential oils are rated for purity on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being most pure. Essential oils are very reduced and should be used sparingly. A drop or two in an oil diffuser or on a light bulb ring will scent an entire room. Essential oils can be diluted with carrier oils to make massage or bath oil, or to add to unscented shampoos, soaps or lotions. Aromatic herbs can be used for a long period of time, even for a few years. However, like any other natural product, they also tend to lose their effectiveness over time. Some aromatic oils react to certain environment differently. Some oils may degrade on prolonged contact with sunlight.

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About the Author

Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.beauty-makeup-guide.com/, http://www.beauty-makeup-skincare.com/ and http://www.hairstyles-advice.com/ .

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How To Grow And Handle Fresh Herbs From Your Garden Beds Or Your Container Garden

Fresh herbs are now more available than ever. The best way to get fresh herbs is to grow your own in either a garden bed or as a container garden. Here are ways to plant, handle and use fresh herbs from your herb gardens.

In any recipe calling for herbs, use fresh herbs. Preparing the herbs for your dish is easy. The more tender herbs like mint, parsley, basil and cilantro can be gathered in a bowl and snipped with scissors. This is the fastest and safest way to chop the herbs. If your recipe calls for the more hardy herbs like oregano, rosemary, or thyme you should use the stripping method. Hold a branch of the herb upright in your fingers and run the fingers of your other hand down the stalk stripping the tiny leaves free. The flavor will be more intense if you have gathered the herbs from your herb gardens or container gardens because they will be absolutely the freshest herbs available.

The best way to have fresh herbs is to plant and grow them yourself. No longer is there a designated “herb garden”. They can be found in your flower beds, along walkways or in pots on your porch. Many ambitious gardeners are finding new ways to incorporate herbs into their garden beds and their container gardens.

Many gardeners are unaware of the beauty of flowering herbs and never consider planting them within their flower beds. Some herbs that have beautiful flowers are purple coneflower, catmint, bee balm, yarrow, pinks, lavender, pot marigold, borage, feverfew, and nasturtium which is particularly lovely in fresh salads.. Many other herbs, such as parsley are excellent next to flowers of all sorts because of their spectacular foliage. When planting red or blue flowers, place purple basil around them for an artful arrangement.

Another area to consider is to use herbs as ground cover. The herbs that are suitable to this are the low growing oregano, chamomile, woolly and other creeping thyme, mint, and rosemary. Not only will it look pretty but it will be absolutely fragrant. Just be careful of the mint family, they tend to take over everything.

One of the best ways I have grown herbs is in containers. In fact, I like container gardening so much I wrote my eBook “Container Gardening Secrets” (available at ContainerGardeningSecrets.com), so everyone could enjoy this type of gardening. The beauty of a container garden is that it is portable and can be changed at a moment’s whim. When there is no more room in your garden, start a container garden which you can place on your door step or patio. Use them to fill in bare spots that come up during the gardening season or put them on a sunny window sill in your home for easy harvesting. Best of all you can bring your herb containers inside over the winter months and continue to harvest for months to add to your tasty meals or to be used for medicinal purposes.

Another way to employ pots in your garden is to plant invasive herbs such as mint into a pot and then plant pot and all into the ground. This is an easy trick to keep those “creepers” from taking over your garden beds.

Plant a container garden near your door with the cherry pie scented blue flower heliotrope and other fragrant herbs such as rosemary, thyme and basil. Every time you walk by you will be greeted with there delicious scent.

Some herbs that have grown on rocky hillsides over the centuries such as thyme, oregano and lavender are perfect for cracks in flag stone paths or walls and rock gardens. They thrive in hot dry areas with good drainage. Some believe that those herbs grown in these conditions produce much better flavor.

Now is the time to plant your herbs, whether it is in a garden bed, a cracked wall or a container garden. Use your imagination. Consider color height and texture when planting your gardens. Not only will it be visually pleasing but your cooking will improve too!

Happy Gardening!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

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About the Author

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com http://www.GardeningHerb.com and http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com

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