The Online Medical Store

Horny Goat Weed - Is there more to this than just a humorous name?

2008-01-16T23:27:00.000-08:00

Horny Goat Weed. Although a very humorous name the horny goat weed is a time-tested all-natural phyto-aphrodisiac that improves libido in men and women alike and improves erectile function in men. The plant is known to boost sagging sexual fires, improve erectile function, alleviate fatigue and combats menopausal discomfort.

Known as Epimedium or Yin Yang Huo in traditional chinese medicine, this herb has been known for over 1000 years and today has found its way into the world markets. The leafy herb is known to grow in the wild in interior China at high altitudes. Thankfully today the product is available without the need for one to venture into Chinese jungles!

Epimedium is known to increase the levels of Testosterone and Corticosterone and also helps in dilating the blood vessels thus enabling higher circulating levels of these hormones. The combination of these effects has shown to increase sexual function in both males and females. Both men and women will notice increased libido, enhanced pleasure and better sexual performance after using the horny goat weed. The pill form contains 1000 mg of Epimedium. It is basically a recreational drug and can also be taken for optimum sexual health. 1-2 pills taken 45 minutes before sex will give best results. Being all-natural and without dangerous synthetic additives, Horny Goat Weed pills are a safe alternative to some prescription-only drugs in the market. Horny Goat Weed is very well tolerated and there have been no adverse reports with the use of this supplement. People who have tried drugs like Viagra and Cialis and have failed have reported good results with it.

A consultation with the physician before taking the supplement is advisable so that any potential side effects or drug interactions can be addressed. For further details CLICK HERE

Manage Menopause Symptoms Naturally

2008-01-15T04:19:00.000-08:00

Menopause is that time in the reproductive phase of a woman where by the levels of circulating Estrogen diminishes to such low levels as to cause physical, psychological and sexual symptoms.

Physical symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, insomnia, joint pains, headaches and weight gain.

Psychological symptoms: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, difficulty in concentrating and coping, memory problems and forgetfulness.

Sexual problems: Loss of sexual drive and difficulty in sexual intercourse due to vaginal dryness.

Hormonal basis for Menopause

At or around menopause (between 48-52 years) there is a decline in the ovarian functions and amounts of hormones produced by the hypothalamus - Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing hormone which results in decrease in the ovarian hormones, chiefly Estrogen. The amount of Estrogen and Progesterone produced are so low that periods no longer occur. While cessation of periods can be welcome to many a woman, the wide-ranging effects of lack of Estrogen can be discomforting to an equal many.
The hypothalamus controls appetite, sleep, sex hormones and body temperature. Low levels of Estrogen confuses the hypothalamus and indicates that the body heat is higher than usual. There are immediate signals sent out to the heart, blood vessels and nervous system. This leads to dilatation of skin blood vessels to radiate off the excess heat and sweat glands increase the production of sweat which leads to the characteristic hot flashes in menopause.

Management of Menopause

Menopause can be physiological as part of natural ageing or can be brought on surgically when the ovaries are removed in a woman. In either case the diminishing levels of Estrogen can bring on a wide range of symptoms.
A disciplined and systematic approach is required to help ease the symptoms of menopause. Lifestyle changes like cessation of smoking, diet and exercise are as much important as medical management. The cornerstone of management of menopause has been Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT.) HRT has been quite successful in eliminating most of the symptoms of menopause in many women. The inherent risks of hormonal replacement have been the subject of many a debate. The increased incidences of endometrial cancer, breast cancer and an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis has been a deterrant to many patients accepting HRT. The search has been going on for an Estrogen that is derived from plant sources and lacks the potential to cause these dangerous side effects. Phytoestrogens are a class of compounds derived from plant sources and have been studied extensively. These compounds bind to Estrogenic receptors and produce the same effect like natural or synthetic Estrogen.
Phytoestrogens are known to: Strengthen bones and heart, control weight, lessen hot flashes, improve sleep, boost energy, increase sex drive and make the skin glow - naturally.

Curb Symptoms of Menopause Naturally

Combination of phytoestrogens

There are several sources of phytoestrogens and an ideal combination would include:
Saraca indica: The bark is rich in Ketosterol. It has a stimulating effect on the endometrial and ovarian tissues and produces an Estrogen-like effect. It has been used to counter dysmennorrhoea and mennorrhagia. It also strengthens and tones up the uterus.
Asparagus racemosus: The roots are conventionally used to treat debility, infertility, impotence, menopause, stomach ulcers, indigestion and dehydration. It provides strength to the uterus and acts as a general tonic.
Symplocus racemosus: It has been shown to control uterine swelling by increasing the contraction of the uterine muscles and arrest excessive uterine bleeding.
Aloe vera: Improves blood circulation to the uterus.
Cedrus deodara: A powerful analgesic that serves to alleviate any painful menopausal condition.
Terminalia chebura: A powerful adaptogen and anti-stress agent.
Glycerrhiza glabra: A powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic. It also serves as a brain tonic and a rejuvenator that alleviates the physical and psychological symptoms of menopause.
Centella asiatica: Significantly alters the neurochemistry in the brain. A powerful brain tonic and anti-depressant that serves to improve the mood. Promptly alleviates the psychological symptoms of menopause.
There are several other phytoestrogens but these have not been studied to a great extent. One of the commonest is Soy Isoflavones that has received much publicity of late.

Safe and effective weightloss with a natural appetite suppressant

2008-01-15T03:53:00.000-08:00

H-oodia: A natural and safe appetite suppressant

For centuries now the bushmen of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa have been chewing on the leaves of a wild plant called as Hoodia Gordonii during times of food scarcity to ward off hunger and thirst. The bushmen of Kalahari are wonderfully lean and fit! The fact that they have been using this plant for thousands of years and for generations speaks for the safety and efficacy of the plant in suppressing appetite.
The vast majority of obesity are related to overeating and food addiction apart from a few handful cases which are due to genetics. Hoodia goes to the crux of the issue by suppressing appetite and resulting in dramatic weight loss. Hoodia is a natural remedy that reduces caloric intake without the dangerous side effects of several weightloss drugs that have fallen by the wayside.
Hoodia is a succulent plant that grows in abundance in the arid Kalahari Desert. The answer to curtail the global pandemic that obesity is lies in the Kalahari amongst the San people! The San people also believe that Hoodia might have aphrodisiac and other pleasurable properties which need to be studied in detail. At the moment the only known side effect of Hoodia seems to be lack of hunger and weight loss!!

Hoodia: Mechanism of action

Dr. Richard Dixey, one of the pioneers in Hoodia, explained exactly how Hoodia works. The brain has an area called as the Hypothalamus which is an important center for many vital functions. One such function is the control of appetite. There are cells in the hypothalamus which recognize the blood glucose levels. When one eats the level of blood glucose goes up and these cells in the hypothalamus recognize elevated blood glucose levels and as a result switch off the appetite. Hoodia contains a molecula that is capable of stimulating the cells of the hypothalamus 10000 times more than Glucose. This results in the hypothalamus switching off appetite inspite of a person not eating and also does not feel the urge to eat!
Traditionally Hoodia has been used as a whole and the bushmen of Kalahari eat the succulent plant after discarding the flowers, roots and the spiky skin. Once the skin of the plant is cut open, the flesh or sap can be eaten or drunk. However in this form the taste is extremely bitter! Thus the plants are dried, powdered and then processed into more palatable forms like a pill or capsule.
Some observers have commented - "Imagine not being hungry the whole day and also not having to deal with a racy heart or queasy stomach!" Such is the power, efficacy and safety of Hoodia. Hoodia contains compounds called as sterol glycosides. Pure Hoodia also contains variable amounts of fiber, antioxidants and organic substances. The pharmaceutical industry has pumped in millions of dollars in research on Hoodia purely impressed by the research findings on Hoodia. Hoodia does not contain any dangerous stimulant molecules. Obese people in trials have managed to reduce the caloric intake to less than a thousand per day after using Hoodia.

The natural weightloss drug that suppresses appetite remarkably!

Hoodia: Some questions answered

How does it work? Hoodia ensures that you feel full even after a relatively small meal. Thus Hoodia encourages you to eat smaller meals and cut back on snacking between meals.
How much Hoodia should one take? The dosage depends on each person's weight, size and metabolism. Ideally people start at 4-6 pills per day and then gradually reduce it to a maintenence does of 1-2 depending on metabolism and lifestyle.
When is the best time to take Hoodia? Hoodia does not make one drowsy and as such can be taken at any time though morning is better to control the eating pattern through the day.
What are the side effects? Hoodia does not get the heart racing, the stomach feeling queasy or keep you awake or make you drowsy. There has been reports of a slight elevation in mood but it is not habit-forming.
What are the precautions? Hoodia should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, children below 18 years, hypertensives, diabetics, patients with glaucoma, thyroid disease, prostate enlargement or those taking Mono-Amine Oxidase Inhibitors. Check with your physician if you are on any of these drugs and also on any other medications. There are several companies selling Hoodia online and more than 80% of these are fakes. Be warned about these fakes as they can seriously harm you. For genuine hoodia and containing the active ingredient p57 CLICK HERE.

Natural Treatment for Male-Pattern Baldness

2008-01-11T23:08:00.000-08:00

Male pattern baldness is one of the commonest non-infectious afflictions. The term "common baldness" usually refers to male-pattern baldness. In this pattern of baldness the hair-line tends to recede and baldness is predominant on top of the head.

Causes of hair loss: A number of factors can cause hairloss. Typically stress, intercurrent illnesses, surgery, hormonal imbalances, scalp infections, anti-depressants, birth-control pills, medications (cancer chemotherapy, medications for gout and rheumatoid arthritis), and excess vitamins. Hair loss can also occur as part of an underlying disease like diabetes or lupus. In fact hair loss can be often one of the earlier signs of systemic illnesses. Another cause is excess traction on the scalp hair (traction alopecia) where the pull on the hair leads to scarring and finally hair loss. Hot oil treatments or chemicals used in permanents can also lead to inflammation of the hair follicle, scarring and eventually hair loss.

What causes hair loss? Behind the drama of hair loss lies a very crucial hormonal reaction. The Testosterone produced by testes is converted to Dihydrotesterone (DHT) by an enzyme called as 5-alpha reductase. In fact this is the same enzyme that is supposed to play a role in benign enlargement of the prostate. The DHT binds to hair follicles, retards growth and cuts off blood supply to the hair follicles. The hair thus thins down and eventually falls down. Losing hair not only demoralizes the individual but also leads to social withdrawal in some severe cases and can be depressing.

What are the treatments available to counter hair loss?

Prescription medications like Minoxidil (a drug that improves blood circulation to the hair follicles) and Finasteride (a drug that blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.)

Over the counter products like Profinast. This is a herbal alternative to Finasteride without the side effects of Finasteride. It is a combination of fine herbs, nutrients and vitamins that provides nourishment right from the scalp to the hair root. It is all natural and does not contain any toxic components. It stops hair loss immediately and promotes hair growth. It contains active plant compounds that promotes the general well-being of the hairs.

How does Profinast work? Profinast blocks the formation of DHT and thus counters all the actions of DHT in the hair follicles. Profinast arrests hair fall in 7 days and new growth is seen as early as 30 days. The dosage is just 2 pills daily and does not need any prescription.

Hair-weaving and hair transplantation: These are some of the latest cosmetic procedures that can restore hair and offers hope for those who can afford such treatments.

To find out more about Profinast and how it works GO HERE

Online Drug Shopping

2008-01-11T22:39:00.001-08:00

The expansion of the capabilities of the internet is relentless and one of the hottest area of internet research is drugs and how one can buy them online. Millions of people now buy their drugs online, thanks to the internet. However the boom is not without its risks. Several pharmacy websites have been found to dispense prescription-only drugs blatantly putting the health of the buyer at significant risk.

The most popular drugs sold online include Prozac for depression, Viagra for erectile dysfunction and Valium. These are prescription-only drugs and many patients bypass the route of obtaining a prescription from a doctor and end up buying from unscrupulous internet dealers. Internet websites are a common source of unlicensed and counterfeit medicine, and consumers should exercise caution when considering the purchase of medicines. It has been found that many drugs are fake and bear little resemblance to the name on the bottle! Even if the patients get the right drugs there is the risk of unchecked side effects and dangerous interactions. Many of the online pharmacies fail to inform the customers of potential side effects and also fail to provide adequate information about how to use the medicines safely and effectively.

Well-being and safety of the consumer should come first and the consumer also should exercise caution on his or her behalf before ordering for drugs online. The idea of this blog is to identify those drugs that are safe and do not need prescriptions from a medical doctor. Most of the drugs highlighted here are herbal, nutrients and multivitamins and are very well tolerated and safe. However a discussion with your GP or physician about potential interactions is always advisable. Let's make Online Drug Shopping safe and effective.