Women’s Health - Get Yr Libido On!

A few weeks ago I attended an Herbalism class @ the Action Center in Wilmington, NC. The discussion of the night was all about getting your libido on balance with the help of herbs. Kathryn teaches the class and she is very friendly and makes you feel really comfortable talking about women’s health. I took some notes so that I could share the knowledge.

Oatstraw (avena sativa) is a relaxing herb with libido effects. It contains calming minerals and is high in calcium, magnesium, selenium and zinc. It helps nerves and improves the circulation of blood. It has a balancing effect on hormones. The reason it is used for libido is because of its relaxing effect which helps to lessen anxiety. It works best when used as an infusion and is a good winter crop. Oatstraw is best used long term to have a greater effect.

Maca (lepidium meyenii) is a root used to increase energy and supports the immune system and hormone balance. Maca is best used long term to have a greater effect.

Kava Kava (piper methsyticum) is used to help revive a diminished sex drive by reducing anxiety and heightening sensation. This herb sounds the most appealing to me as it produces a mildly euphoric feeling. It is best to take in relaxing settings where you will feel comfortable. Taking too much can cause dry mouth and dry skin, and withdrawal symptoms can also occur. Based on Kathryn’s experiences with Kava Kava (she’s taken it for years!) she suggested that tinctures are the best form. My dad gave me a bag of Kava Kava powder to mix in with my drinks, and it is not very tastey.

Damiana (turnera diffusa) increases circulation to the genital area and strengthens the muscles. It is best for long term use so that your body gets used to it, but it is also great to use just before engaging in intimate play. Believe me, my girlfriend has been taking it and it works. The suggested dose is to take it throughout the day. Though it can interfere with the absorption of iron & blood sugar. It is also good for depression. Unfortunately, Damiana is native to Central and South America and does not grow here, but Kathryn said you can buy it online and make your own infusions.

Speaking of infusions, Kathryn recently taught a class on how to make infusions that I unfortunately missed. Her next herbal class is about Mental Health and Stress Relief next Tuesday, February 3rd at 6:30pm at the Community Action Center. Check it out if you are in the Wilmington area! More information can be found here: http://www.meetup.com/Wilmington-Herbalists/

posted by scantron
Comments (View) -|- Tags: health, herbs, libido, women's health, events, wilmington,
National Lesbian Health Summit

The 2009 Lesbian Health Summit Coordinating Committee invites you to join us in expanding our movement at the National Lesbian Health Summit. This Summit is focused on lesbians, bisexual women, queer women, and transgender people. While our workshops and speakers will address these communities, the Summit itself will be welcoming to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) communities, and our important friends and allies, nationally and internationally.

Click the image for more info.

posted by scantron
Sex/ Health Post #1: The Feeldoe

Feeldoe Classic

The Feeldoe is a strapless dildo specialty item designed by a woman and made for women by Tantus, Inc— a company founded by Mz. Metis Black in 1998.  Its patented design is similar to a double-ended dildo but is contoured to function like a strap-on dildo, sans the fuss of a harness.  It’s made from medical grade silicone and is easy to clean!  It’s waterproof!  It’s comfortable to wear for hours on end!  The Feeldoe makes the queero in me so happy because it is quite like having a real penis!

The lucky wearer of the Feeldoe places the bulb “pony” end into the vagina, situates the ridged “saddle” against the clitoris and the realistic dildo “horsey” end protrudes from the wearer in a very natural fashion.  The “pony” stays in place using the same muscles one does kegels with and, like any other muscle, becomes stronger with exercise!  Except this kind of exercise is really fun!  It is said that strengthening the vagina muscle can improve orgasms by tightening the vagina, help with childbirth and help you regulate your urination!  So, do your kegels!  You can also begin with positions that don’t require as much vagina muscle, like the wearer on the bottom and the rider on top.  In this position, the thigh muscles squeezed together can be a big asset in securing the Feeldoe. You can also use the Feeldoe with a traditional harness!

What’s more, the Feeldoe can be used for role reversal during anal sex between women and men!  The consenting man could easily be “pegged” by the willing woman for a romping night of switch-hitting in the bedroom.  The Feeldoe can be used for anal sex between women and women as well.

This reviewer rates the pleasure factor of the Feeldoe a 5/5!  The wonderful ridges in the saddle stimulate the clitoris of the person wearing the Feeldoe during sex.  In addition to this, within the base of the saddle there is a powerful silver bullet style vibrator that both partners can most certainly feel during sex!  Holy smokes!!!  Thrusting comes naturally and feels good to both participants (remember to always communicate with your partner for maximum pleasure!)  The Feeldoe is made in four sizes and colors— the Classic, Classic More, Slim and Stout models.  You’ll just have to see which one could be right for you!

posted by whiskeycat
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