Some people would like to try sexual enhancement products but the ingredients used in the majority of the most popular products can be a good reason to avoid them. Trying a natural sex enhancer can be a safe alternative choice. Avena sativa is a botanical extract that has traditionally been used to increase strength, mind, spirit and body. Avena sativa supplements have been known to provide sexual stimulating effect in men and women.

Studies at the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality have shown that avena sativa aids sexual arousal. The research subject was sexual dysfunction or dissatisfaction, ranging from impotence to a female lack of desire and inability to respond sexually. Participants took a 300mg capsule of Avena sativa, also known as oat straw, three days a week for six weeks, and men experienced increased sex drive, enhanced erections and more pleasure during sex when taking Avena sativa. Another study showed that men experienced a 22% increase in sexual response and women a 15% increase. Men experienced a 36% increase in frequency of orgasm and women a 29% increase. No adverse effects have been reported when avena sativa supplements are used.

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	Planetary Herbals – Avena Sativa Oat Complex for Men with Oat Straw Extract 480 mg. – 100 Tablets Formerly Planetary Formulas
	Action Labs – Avena Sativa Wild Oats Extract 1000 mg. – 2 oz. wtih Oat Straw Extract
	Futurebiotics – Hi Energy Multivitamin For Men – 60 Tablets with Oat Straw Extract
	Nature’s Answer – Oats (Avena Sativa) Fresh Green Milky Seed Organic Alcohol Extract – 1 oz. with Oat Straw Extract

It’s February. This could mean one of two things. One, you’re crushed or indifferent. Watching Abraham Lincoln the Vampire Hunter with a side of organic popcorn sounds like a far better way to celebrate the month than with Cupid and his broken bow. Or two, forget Abe and all the Presidents – you’ll plan the perfect Valentine’s Day instead.

For those of you looking forward to celebrating the month of Love, we’re here to guide you through a list of natural aphrodisiacs that could easily be integrated into your day. Perhaps even for use on a regular basis!  But before that, let’s quickly take a look at what is an aphrodisiac and how an aphrodisiac works.

An aphrodisiac is considered a food, drink or drug that stimulates sexual desire. It’s named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexuality or love. Many have been used for ages by trained herbalists. Their use can be found throughout the ancient history of traditional medicine. As of today, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that no products may be sold over-the-counter for use as a natural aphrodisiac. Perhaps to keep consumers from overdosing on too many herbs! Despite the FDA’s warning, certain foods have earned a reputation as a natural aphrodisiac for specific, scientific reasons.

The reasons aphrodisiacs work is because they contain properties that can improve libido. These properties may help reduce stress, raise body temperature, increase circulation, sustain energy, or flood your body with happy hormones. Below is a list of several known natural aphrodisiacs, and what they’re good for.

Honey: Sustains energy, supports testosterone and is used in estrogen production
Coconut water: High in electrolytes which can increase energy. Also boosts blood flow and contains vitamin C
Cacao (raw chocolate): A feel good food! Contains phenylethylamine (PEA), and stimulates dopamine production
Nutmeg: Contains warming properties, can fight stress and fatigue, and even sweeten breath
Ginger: Fantastic for increasing circulation in the body, and also a well-known healing food
Maca: Rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Used by Peruvians for generations to boost vitality, energy and mental clarity, which can all help treat low libido
Vanilla: Its natural smell and flavor is recognized by the hypothalamus, which can stimulate feelings of security, nurturing and relaxation
Saw palmetto: Traditionally, some herbalists believe the berry can be used to increase sperm production and sex drive in men
Cinnamon: Boosts body heat and can even plump lips!
Horny goat weed: One of the most exotic and valued herbs in Chinese medicine, and used for centuries to intensify desire and support healthy sexual desire.
Cayenne Pepper: Used in herbal medicine as a circulatory tonic. Also great for the gastrointestinal tract, including stomach aches, cramping and gas.

Other foods, like oysters, celery, almonds and avocado are well-known aphrodisiacs. The most common nutrients found in foods that aid in boosting libido include (but are not limited to) zinc, vitamin C, iodine, omega 3 and magnesium.

Which are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!

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	Good ‘N Natural – Saw Palmetto 450 mg. – 100 Capsules
	Solaray – Cool Cayenne – 90 Capsules
	NOW Foods – Horny Goat Weed Extract 750 mg. – 90 Tablets

It was the little things that caused the most trouble – the way you cradled the phone between your ear and shoulder, the way you fell asleep watching the nightly news, the way you craned your neck to see if you could merge into the left lane, and the way you whipped your head around when you heard a crash followed by a disconcerting “uh-oh”. They were thoughtless, seemingly harmless acts that you didn’t think twice about at the time. But then, as you found yourself continually kneading the base of your neck and shoulders, you began cursing the offending habits, hating them, because you had somehow developed a pain in the neck.

A pain in the neck is a nuisance that is becoming more and more prevalent now that so many individuals spend so much time in front of the computer, in the car or simply hunched over in general. Often, the pain, not content afflicting just the neck or upper shoulders, moves into the head, turning a stiff soreness into a resounding ache.  And while most turn to medications for relief, relying heavily on brands such as Bayer, Excedrin and Motrin, there’s rarely any long-term help. Suffers accept the nagging discomfort as an unavoidable part of the modern world, but they shouldn’t.

Simple, at-home steps can be taken to reduce neck pain. Strength training, for example, has been shown to relieve soreness better than aerobics or counseling.  The moves that assuage are no more complicated than slowly shrugging with a weight in each hand, arms extended at either side. Similarly, stretching the muscles along the back of your neck – pulling your chin down and in – or building your core muscles can rectify some of the underlying reasons for the pain. You don’t have to rely on medication to relieve a pain in the neck – you just have to take the time and learn the moves to eliminate it.

Image: http://upload.wikimedia.org

 1 Comment, latest by Trina

Ever since you were diagnosed with high blood pressure, you’ve been hoping that researchers would suddenly discover a food or beverage that could combat your condition simply by being swallowed. You would love a magic drink, to be consumed once in the morning and once in the evening, that would set your cardiovascular system right. And really, it’s not too much to ask, is it?

Not at all, and to prove it, researchers have done just that. They have found the drink that will lower your blood pressure with two glasses a day: beet juice!! 

After giving 14 healthy volunteers either two cups of beet juice or water, researchers noted that the juice-drinkers experienced lower cholesterol after just one hour. After 3 hours, their blood pressure was at an all-time low, a level that lasted for 24 hours. Isn’t that great news?

Absolutely, except for one thing . . . beet juice isn’t exactly what you were thinking. You were imagining a chocolate shake, an enchanted cup of coffee or, at the very least, a smoothie or juice that was comprised of fruits and vegetables you actually, um, liked. You can’t even handle it when beets are put on the table. How are you expected to drink them twice daily?

You aren’t, so long as you do the other things necessary for managing your blood pressure. Start by talking and listening to your doctor.  Take the medication he prescribes and follow the instructions he gives you. Then, get off of your beet-hating butt, and get exercising. Go for a jog around the block. When you return, you can reward yourself with a healthy snack or nutritious meal. Have something that involves lots of fruits and vegetables and limited amounts of sodium. Beet juice is effective because it contains nitrates, which are also found in leafy greens. So eat them.

You don’t have to drink a less than appealing drink or wait around idly hoping for a magic elixir to control your blood pressure. All you have to do is live a healthy life, and you’ll be fine.

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	Michael’s Naturopathic Programs – Blood Pressure Factors – 90 Tablets
	Futurebiotics – Pressur-Lo – 90 Tablets

You indulge in an ice cream cone, delighting in the sweet cool treat as it contrasts with the newly warm weather. You relive your childhood, washing a peanut butter sandwich down with an ice cold glass of milk. You abandon restraint, grabbing a hunk of cheese as if it were a cracker or roll and biting in ferociously. You taste the overwhelming pleasure of dairy . . . and 30 minutes later you’re in the bathroom or headed for it because you’re lactose intolerant.

Your body, like 30 million others’, doesn’t properly digest lactose, making every nip of dairy a potential discomfort. You are regularly hit with overwhelming gas, cramps, bloating, nausea and diarrhea. You are constantly at war with yourself, fighting between a love of cheese and a hatred for the aftermath. Even on the dairy-less days, even when your restraint wins, there is still a good chance that your intolerance will disrupt your day, for, as you are constantly learning, so many non-dairy products have lactose. Salad dressings, instant soups, breads, cereals, candy, frozen dinners – all are hidden enemies, making your life, in a word, intolerable. And yet you have no choice but to tolerate it.

There’s no way to eliminate lactose intolerance. Once you have it, you have it forever. And unless you want to spend the bulk of your days feeling bloated, nauseous and just plain gross, you have to avoid the cursed foods. If you’re lucky, you can get by eating the lower lactose products such as yogurts and cheese, or consuming dairy with other food so as to slow the process and limit the reaction. If you’re not, talk with your doctor about which items to avoid, read lists of ingredients and opt for lactose-free products (not non-dairy – that’s not the same thing). Restrict your diet, and although, you’ll be without milk, you’ll also be without discomfort

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	Phyto Therapy – Liquid Calcium – 180 Softgels
	Enzymatic Therapy – Calcium with Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D – 180 Tablets

The day his heart stopped, yours did, too. You followed the ambulance to the hospital, praying the entire time. You waited in the lobby, as they attempted to bring him back, swearing that if he made it, you would take care of him. You would make sure that the junk and bad habits he had been sneaking and you had been ignoring were no more. You would personally see to it that the next 25 years were years of health. And when he pulled through, that’s exactly what you did. You took him home from the hospital and started taking care of him, devoting your days and nights to his heart health and completely forgetting about yours.

A study of more than 500 caregivers found that those who provided most if not all of the care were putting themselves at a significant risk.  They were likely to show signs of psychological distress – stress, depression and the like – and eat less than heart-healthy meals. In taking on the responsibility of coping with another’s ailment, they were separating themselves not only from others but from their own consciousness, ignoring they’re own needs in favor of the loved one and setting themselves up for a similar condition.

If you are caring for another as he recuperates from a traumatic health condition, do not forget about yourself. Your loved one is not the only one who needs to monitor his health, eat properly and be mindful of detrimental habits. You need to do the same as well. You need to stay healthy, if not for you, for the patient. After all, where would he be without you?

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Once again, when it comes to alcohol, we have a good-news-bad-news situation.  

The good news is that it doesn’t matter what form your evening nightcap takes.  While red wine is the favored alcoholic beverage, it’s not the only one with benefits. Something made with hops or rye, provided it has the needed ethanol, will dilate your blood vessels just as effectively, thus lessening the amount of work your heart is doing. So have a snifter of brandy, a dram of whiskey or a glass of pinot noir. But limit yourself to one, because as I said, this is a good-news-bad-news situation, and we’re just now getting to the bad news:

One drink helps; two drinks hurt.

Within sips of the second drink, a person’s heart rate, the amount of blood pumped out of the heart and the sympathetic nervous system’s activity rate increase.  If the blood vessels ability to expand also increased, this wouldn’t be a problem, but it doesn’t. It declines. The immediate risk of hypertension, heart failure and sudden death multiplies, and over time, the chances of chronic high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack steadily rise. Essentially, with every drink after the first, you replace any good that could have been done with potential disaster.

If a nightly drink is a part of your routine, make sure that you keep yourself within the realms of health. Have no more than one glass of the appropriate size (Wine comes in four ounce servings, spirits in 1.5 ounces) each evening. And if you are tempted into a second, don’t make it a regular habit. The stress to your system is more costly when incurred continually.

Drinking can be a good-news-only situation, but only when done intelligently.

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Lucky Vitamin is happy to offer much more than just vitamins and supplements to our customers.

We continue to add unique brands and products trying to create a one-stop shopping place for all your health needs.

MemoryMinder Journals is our latest addition. MemoryMinder Jounals have become the favorites of many people who understand the important role journaling can play in matters of health and fitness. All journals are designed to be timesaving, easy-to-use, and help make life just a little more organized.

MemoryMinder Journals was founded in 1993 with the publication of MemoryMinder Personal Health Journal. In 1996 the first Dietminder was published and in 2002 the Bodyminder was introduced.

The MemoryMinder Personal Wellness Journal is an easy-to-use “checklist format” health diary. It provides an organized and accurate way to track vitamins, herbs, medications, diet, exercise, symptoms, progress, and all the other factors that make up your personal health picture. It can be used daily, weekly, or as often as you wish.

Anyone who has a desire to take an active and responsible role in their own health matters will benefit from using the MemoryMinder. It is not designed for one particular condition, but for any and all conditions that affect health and well-being.

 1 Comment, latest by Elizabeth Pitt

If you still haven’t found any good ideas, making a donation is a simple and easy New Year resolution.

Some people simply don’t have the habit of making donations but 2010 could be the year for the first one.

A donation is a gift given by a person or a company, typically for charitable purposes and to benefit a cause.

A donation may take various forms, including cash, services, new or used goods including clothing, food or toys. It may also consist of emergency, relief or humanitarian aid items, development aid support, and can also relate to medical care needs such as blood or organs for transplant.

Many people need help around the world and you can easily find reliable nonprofit organizations to make a donation to, such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Goodwill.

You could donate some of the stuff you don’t use anymore and is just sitting in your storage place. Perhaps you could make a donation instead of yard sale this year. Lucky can also help you making a donation.

Lucky Vitamin has partnered with Vitamin Angels, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization that focuses on the reduction of child mortality by connecting essential micronutrients, especially vitamin A, with infants and children under five.

Essential nutrients enable young immune systems to fight infectious diseases, helping children attain good health and the opportunity to lead meaningful and productive lives.

It is very simple to make a donation to Vitamin Angels. At checkout, you can donate $1.00 or more (up to $500) and we will forward that donation in your honor directly to Vitamin Angels Organization to support their cause.

For more information please visit http://www.vitaminangels.com/

 1 Comment, latest by Zonia Ollila

	Hero Nutritional Products – Yummi Bears Children’s Omega 3-6-9 Fish Free – 90 Gummies

The year 2009 is almost over. It’s time to think about New Year’s resolutions.

LuckyVitamin wants to make your 2010 a healthy year. As in previous years, LuckyBlog will publish a series of ideas for New Years resolutions to inspire you, your family and friends.

Perhaps you have more than one resolution, or want to combine a few ideas into a new resolution. You may want to quit a bad habit, change your lifestyle, or start a new project.

Whatever you have in mind, LuckyVitamin can guide and help you achieving your goals.

A New Year’s resolution is a commitment and should be taking seriously. Whether you have a project for the upcoming year or plan to make a lifestyle change, your commitment to your resolution is essential in order to accomplish your goals.

Planning your resolution is also important. First, you should establish if you intend a short term goal or a long term goal.

For example, quit smoking, pursue a new career, get out of debt, learn a new language, eat healthy, get fit and lose weight are examples of long term goals.

On the other hand, take a trip, change your hairstyle, get up early in the mornings, or become more organized are examples of short term goals.

Long term goals are more difficult to accomplish but results are more rewarding and may lead you to a better and healthier life.

 2 Comments, latest by Quit Smoking

	NatraBio – Stop-It Smoking Quit Smoking Aid – 60 Tablets
	Traditional Medicinals – EveryDay Detox Tea – Promotes Healthy Liver Function – 16 Tea Bags

It’s akin to the mornings when you don’t quite have time to let the defroster work its magic and you drive to work squinting through the fog. It turns the world into a blurred picture, marred by an unfortunate glare and faded colors. It’s a cloud over your eye, maybe both. It’s a cataract. 

Cataracts are an age-related condition affecting more than half of the population by the time they are 80. With them, the eye’s lens clouds over, preventing light from reaching the retina.  Vision blurs, colors fade, glare intensifies and night vision worsens. In some cases, double vision occurs. It can be a condition that is little more than a nuisance, bettered by a stronger prescription, brighter lights, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses, or it can interfere with daily life, rendering common activities impossible and requiring surgery. Either way, it is something you would like to prevent, and so you protect your eyes, donning sunglasses, not smoking and limiting your alcohol. And now, you eat your greens.

A study of more than 35,000 women found that those who consumed lutein and zeaxanthin had lower risks of cataracts.  In fact those who ate the most had an 18 percent smaller chance of developing them. Both antioxidants are most abundantly found in eggs, corn, peas and leafy greens – kale, spinach, broccoli, collard greens, etc. So embrace your inner rabbit and have a salad. While you’re at it, check to make sure that your multivitamin has lutein in it. It’s been added to many, but only recently, so if yours is lacking you may want to consider an upgrade. The change could keep cloudy days at bay, for a while at least.

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	Good ‘N Natural – Senior Eye Vision with Lutein and Bilberry – 200 Capsules
	Irwin Naturals – Vision Sharp Multi-Nutrient Eye Health With Lutein, Bilberry & Omega-3 Oils – 42 Softgels
	Nature’s Life – Lutein Plus Zeaxanthin Eye Health 20 mg. – 100 Softgels
	Natural Eyes – Pinhole Glasses Full Frame Black

Today, Lucky Blog “Healthy Back to School” series displays two different supplements very helpful to students: memory boosters and focus & attention products.

Let’s start with brain and memory boosters. Learning can be very difficult if we can’t remember the lessons we have in school. Children often struggle learning because of memory problems. Poor nutrition may be one of the reasons kids have difficulties.

A poor diet can be the cause of some of these struggles as nutrients are vital for the brain and can enhance memory and concentration. The nervous system is responsible for basic motor skills and sensing. Important senses such as touch, taste, sight, smell and hearing are powered by the nervous system and are vital to the learning process.

Students need all the important nutrients that help maximize cognitive function and increase mental capacity. Some herbal supplements are labeled as “memory boosters” and can help promote blood circulation in the brain.

The second part of today’s blog talks about another very important issue: the ability to concentrate and learn quicker.

Focus and attention supplements are essential to kids struggling to stay concentrated. ADD/ADHD is a very common problem among children these days and some parents have tried just about everything to improve their kids’ levels of concentration.

Teachers often tell students to pay attention in class but some kids cannot stay focused (or quiet). Natural supplements may help improve attention, providing essential minerals and amino acids for proper brain development and function.

 1 Comment, latest by Dacio

	Natural Factors – Kid’s Factors Balanced DHA Blend Omgea 3 & 6 – 90 Softgels Formerly Learning Factors
	Source Naturals – Attentive Child Sweet & Tart – 60 Chewable Wafers
	Vaxa – Memorin 660 mg. – 60 Vegetarian Capsules

Today, Lucky Blog series “Healthy Back to School” will be talking about skin treatment and omega-3 fish oils.

Skin problems are very common for teenagers and young adults. Acne is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands of the skin and generally consists of red, elevated areas on the skin.

Acne occurs mostly on the face, neck and back and, if not treated properly, can develop into cysts that can cause scarring. Pimples can be a nightmare for teenagers as it may significantly affect their confidence levels. Several natural products can help minimize acne breakouts.

Acne lotions that contain niacinmide gel and tea tree oil can be very helpful. In addition, a couple minerals can quickly improve skin condition: zinc and copper.

Fish oil supplements are the second part of today’s topic and are linked to the first one. If you didn’t know, fish oil is an excellent product to promote healthy skin.

A great source of omega-3s, fish oil is normally taken to support cardiovascular health, eye and vision health, brain and nerve function, the immune system and joint support. Students can certainly enjoy the benefits from omega-3 for all these health concerns as well.

Don’t like the fish taste? Don’t worry. A multitude of products are enteric coated with fruit flavors such as strawberry or lemon. Children’s fish oil supplements come in various forms such as gummies, flavored softgels and chewable tablets. Originally made for kids, it can be taken by anyone struggling to take regular fish oil.

 4 Comments, latest by Cody Penso

	Good ‘N Natural – Zinc For Acne – 100 Tablets
	Nature’s Plus – Animal Parade Junior Omega 3-6-9 Lemon Flavor – 90 Softgels DAILY DEAL

Lucky Blog continues to promote a healthy “Back to School” time. Today, we focus on two important supplements for all students: vitamins and immune boosters.

Vitamins are important to everyone’s health. A diet rich in vitamins is the first step to enhance the body’s natural defenses.

Students may take a multi vitamin to promote overall wellness and, consequently, be prepared to learn. The purpose of taking a multi is supplement important vitamins and minerals you may be missing from your diet. We all know “campus food” isn’t very healthy and most students do not have time to maintain a well-balanced diet.

A multi is a perfect product to keep you in good shape for the upcoming semester. Remember: vitamin supplementation needs to be taken on a daily basis in order to produce significant results.

Moreover, developing a strong immune system is essential to succeed in school. Students who do not get sick are likely to do better in school than students missing classes due to illness. An herbal supplement may be an additional boost to enhance your immune system. Herbs such as Echinacea, goldenseal and fenugreek are common ingredients in special formulas to build up the immune system.

Finally, probiotics are the most potent products to fortify the immune system and, at the same time, support the digestive system.

 1 Comment, latest by turd fergeson

	Nature’s Plus – Source Of Life Power-Teen – 180 Tablets
	Child Life Essentials – Echinacea Orange – 1 Oz.
	Enzymatic Therapy – Doctor’s Choice Multivitamin For Male Teens – 120 Tablets

Lucky Vitamin is your favorite place for healthy “Back to School” savings. This week, Lucky Blog will display the best products to keep students healthy and happy this fall.

Students are going back to school across the country and no matter where you live, it’s time to get healthy and ready to learn.

Start with a complete multi vitamin to supply important vitamins and minerals you may be missing from your diet. Vitamins can keep your body in good shape for another school year. In addition, memory boosters and supplements to promote focus and attention can be extremely helpful during midterms and finals.

Next step, lunches. Parents may prepare healthy lunches and snacks such as mixed nuts, nutritional bars and natural candy, ideal to maintain kids eating healthy. Lunch boxes, containers and beverage bottles should also be on your “to do” list. Think about the environment: recyclable food storage and water bottles can help keep our planet green.

Attendance is very important in school. Don’t get sick, it’s time to build up a strong immune system to prevent students from missing class. Immune boosters, virus and germ protection should be a priority for every student this fall.

Fish oil supplements for kids have become very popular. There’s no specific age to enjoy the benefits from the power of the sea. Children’s fish oil products are available in delicious flavors.

Finally, take care of your skin. Don’t forget to shop for products to promote healthy skin. Acne can be a nightmare for teenager students. Several products for acne and skin treatment are available to keep your skin healthy and beautiful.

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	Nature’s Way – Sambucus For Kids Bio-Certified Elderberry, Echinacea, & Propolis Syrup Berry Flavored – 4 oz.
	Factor Nutrition Labs – Focus Factor – 60 Tablets
	Clif Bar – Kid Organic Twisted Fruit Rope Mixed Berry – 6 Pack