It Always Smelled Like Cinnamon

It always
Smelled like cinnamon
A welcomed warm surprise,

It always
Smelled of nutmeg
When grandma made her pies.

Sweet sugared buns
With frosted crumbs
Floured prints upon her blouse,

It always
Smelled like cinnamon
When we`d visit grandmas house.

Autumn days
Brought autumn nights
Light harvest winds would whisp,

And right behind
her oven door
The apple pies would crisp.

Pumpkin patch
in frosted dew
Bring pleasures to the eyes.

Yet it always
Smelled like cinnamon
When grandma made her pies.

~ Author Unknown

Fenugreek: Nature's Aphrodisiac

by John McKiernan

(NaturalNews) Fenugreek, who's name means "ram's horn clover," is an herb that has been used by many cultures for its medicinal properties. It has been shown to be effective in treating everything from loss of appetite to digestive disorders to diabetes.

However, it is particularly noted for its ability to improve sexual performance in men. Researchers are not entirely sure how it works, but it is thought to increase male hormones by releasing saponins. Saponins are phytochemicals found in many plants that carry an abundance of health benefits.

Man-made vs nature-made

Nowadays men have countless man-made drugs to choose from when they desire some assistance in the bedroom. Instead of popping one of these many pharmaceuticals, that can pose serious side effects, first look to one of mother nature's best alternatives and you may be surprised.

Research, carried out by the Centre for Integrative Clinical and Molecular Medicine, demonstrated that men who took a fenugreek extract twice daily saw a significant transformation in their sex life. The 6 week study showed nearly a 30% increase in reported sexual performance, when compared to a placebo.

Good sex for good health

Men that engage in sex regularly, in general, are healthier, happier, and live longer. An active sex life can relieve stress, improve immune function and heart health, improve sleep, reduce prostate cancer risk, and improve self-esteem.

The many benefits of testosterone

Due to fenugreek's reputation for boosting testosterone it is now being included as the primary ingredient in many testosterone boosting supplements. Many of these supplements are marketed primarily to men looking to increase muscle mass and decrease body-fat. Naturally elevated testosterone levels promote high energy levels, heart health, weight control and increased muscle mass.

More health benefits

There has been extensive research in fenugreek's role in treating diabetes. It has been shown to lower blood cholesterol, blood triglycerides, and blood glucose levels and to posses anti-cancer properties.

Fenugreek has also been used to treat:

-Infections
-Inflammation (arthritis)
-Wounds
-Diarrhea
-Stomach ulcers

Side effects

Fenugreek has been shown to be safe and effective. If fact, even breastfeeding mothers use it for its ability to increase milk production. One of the few possible side effects of fenugreek is a "maple syrup" odor that comes from the urine while taking it. While some may find this undesirable, it does not pose any health risks.

Pregnant women and children should not use the herb to be on the safe side. While fenugreek is not fully understood yet, researchers agree it is an herb with numerous health and well-being properties. This powerful, all-natural libido booster may provide just the boost in the bedroom that so many men are looking for.

Welcome To the Wonderful World of Medicinal Herbs

from Rosemary Gladstar's book "Medicinal Herbs, A Beginner's Guide"

Recognized as the oldest system of healing on the planet, herbal medicine traces its roots back to the earliest civilizations. Today, herbalism continues to flourish as a people's healing art. Even with the amazing technological advances of conventional (allopathic) medicine, herbalism - the art and science of healing with plants - is still widely popular. And its popularity is gaining, not waning.  According to the World Health Organization, 80 percent of the world's population used some form of traditional medicine in 2008, and its rate of affordability, availability, and accessibility is surging.

So it's no wonder you're drawn to these healing plants and curious to learn more about them. But perhaps you're nervous about trying herbal home remedies. What are these herbs? Are they safe? Do they work? Can you grow them at home? Can you make your own remedies? When and how do you use them? How easy is it to get started? These are some of the questions we'll address here.

Botanical Boom

According to the"The Natural Pharmacy", by Schuyler Lininger et al., one out of every three adult Americans uses complementary/alternative medical care. Sales of botanicals have increased more than 300 percent since the 1990s and currently are an $8 billion industry.