Orgasms & Looking Younger • Impotence & Exercise • Sex Lowers Stress

Orgasms & Looking Younger: I have a feeling that this subheading jumped out and grabbed your attention. Are you interested in looking younger? You might want to enjoy more orgasms. That's right. David Weeks, a neuropsychologist at Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland suggests that, "More orgasms may lead to a greater release of hormones that bolster your immune system and slow premature aging." This was in response to a 10-year study of more than 3,500 men and women. Those who looked the youngest reported far more active sex lives than the older-looking participants.

Attention All Men: Do your penis a favor and engage in regular aerobic exercise like jogging, brisk walking, hiking, or simply using a treadmill at home or the gym. Recent studies reveal that men who exercise enough to burn 200 calories a day through at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity significantly lower their chances of impotence. Here's why. Impotence often has the same cause as heart attacks: blocked arteries. Your penis can be likened to a dipstick for your arteries. If you want to keep it up and vigorous later in life, don your sneakers now. 

Sex Lowers Stress: Not only does sex add to your exercise tally, it also helps lower the stress and tension in your body and reduce depression. Who's not under stress these days? And according to studies, if you are in your 50's or older, you reap even more stress-lowering, joy-boosting, and age-reversing benefits from sex as you keep your hormones active and balanced. Now I wouldn't recommend quitting your day job in order to fit in more sex, but make sure you don't remove it from your "To Do" list. In fact, give it a place of honor near or at the top of the list and then you'll be doing most of your other required activities that day that demand your attention with a smile on your face and a bounce in your step. So the next time your loved one says he/she has a headache or is too tired, show him/her this section of the newsletter and enjoy some private, pleasurable time together. There are more suggestions below on how to fit this health-enhancing activity into your busy schedule.

Creating a Healthy Sex & Love Life

For all of you lovers out there during this month of Valentine’s Day and those who love all things romantic, put some extra energy into spicing up your sex life. Here are some tips that I communicate in my counseling sessions with couples and in workshops for men and women. To create a healthy sex life, you must be honest with your partner about what you like and don’t like—and what you want and don’t want. Lovers must communicate. Being open to sharing your fantasies and desires is one of the best ways to keep your love life fresh and exciting. Sex can continue to be great long after the newness of a relationship has diminished.

Did you know that a man’s testosterone level is usually the highest first thing in the morning, especially if he got a good night’s sleep? If you can wake up earlier in the morning, this is a great time to enjoy each other’s company while you are still snuggling in bed or when you take a morning shower together. Just as you want your bedroom to be your peaceful and romantic sanctuary, you also want to create the best bathroom you can afford — with a soaking jet tub large enough for two and a shower with special faucets and shower heads and, if at all possible, get a steam shower system.

Most men are also more romantic than we give them credit for. Often times they just need to learn what tickles our fancy and stirs our heart; nudge them in the right direction. Gentle hints make a positive difference, too. They will surprise you with sweet gestures of romance. And always show appreciation for the romantic, loving gestures you get -- even the most simple and spontaneous ones like when he opens the car door for you, pulls out your chair as you sit down to eat, or stands up from the dining table at a restaurant when you get up to use the restroom. Positive reinforcement makes a positive difference -- an effective way to teach someone what brings you joy. If taking a leisurely stroll in a colorful, beautiful flower garden with your partner would touch your heart, bring you joy, and ignite your passion, don't assume that he or she can read your mind. Let your partner know. Honoring your wishes is a sign of respect for you and your heart's desires. 

Find special times to share your romantic fantasies with your partner. Let him or her know what a memorable, romantic day or night would look like or be for you. Talk about this when you are cuddling in bed, enjoying a relaxing meal, or especially when exercising together. According to studies, during aerobic exercise, all kinds of endorphins and other mood-enhancing chemicals are released in the body that make us feel more positive, empowered, confident, compassionate, and (how cool is this?) open to new and expansive ideas. So find time to talk things over with your partner, share your romantic wishes, and let this special person know how much you love him/her and how very special he/she is to you. Be specific on what you appreciate. For example, you might say: "I love it when you bring me flowers for no reason at all; make me breakfast; let me sleep in; wash my car and keep it tuned up; massage my feet and back; surprise me with a gift certificate for a day of pampering at the spa; or plan a romantic dinner or date night all on your own - down to every detail." We all need this kind of loving kindness, attention, affection, validation, and acknowledgement. Strive to live by the Golden Rule — especially when it comes to your spouse or significant other.

Communicate honestly about sex and other feelings. It’s a sense of distance that contributes to a loss of sexual and sensual excitement. The best time to let your lover know your wants and desires is over a candlelight dinner. Chances are the conversation will result in a memorable night of loving. 

The “Hot” New Way to Burn Fat

Cayenne does more than heat up your salsas and sauces; the aromatic spice fires up your internal fat-burning furnace! Archaeological evidence indicates that cayenne has been used as both food and medicine for at least 7,000 years. Now it's being "rediscovered" for its ability to help you melt away those extra pounds! The fiery fruit contains capsaicin, a valuable natural compound that's responsible for cayenne's long list of benefits, including healthy weight loss. It helps to . . .

 Stimulate metabolizing fats and carbs, especially after meals. Herbalists also note that this action supports healthy blood sugar levels — a major concern for dieters.

 Increase fat burning during exercise. A study in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology reports that taking a capsaicin supplement one hour before aerobic exercise increased fat burning. It can boost your metabolism by as much as 25 percent.

 Cut appetite and curb cravings — cayenne supports digestion and the absorption of nutrients from our food, which in turn helps to reduce the appetite.

I recommend taking this supplement daily — take premium, high potency capsules for a convenient, measured dose. You can even pop open a couple of capsules and sprinkle them on your soup, salad or sandwich! It you can bear it, open up a capsule or two, stir it in a glass of water, and drink it down once daily. This is what I do several times a week. I started out with one-half capsule and took two weeks to build up to two capsules at once in a glass of water. I drink this spicy beverage a few times a day and to it I add some fresh lemon juice and some E3Live. (You can learn more about E3Live above in this newsletter.)

But cayenne does more than help you cut the calories! This wonder herb is beneficial for cholesterol care, blood pressure health, cardiovascular function, and so much more. For moreinformation on cayenne, please refer to my natural remedy booklets Weight Loss, Culinary Herbs, and Herbs: Nature’s Medicine Chest. Refer to the book specials box above to see how to get these booklets FREE.

I order cayenne capsules by the case and go through a bottle every two weeks. For convenience, and because they have the best price and quality, I order cayenne through the Penn Herb Company and it’s delivered to my front door. How convenient is that? To place an order, call and talk to the friendly customer service people at: 800-523-9971 (US & Canada) or 215-632-6100 (International), both ET, M-F, 9 - 5 or visit: PennHerb.com.

Cultivate Kindness in February

As I elucidate further in my 14-title special package, Renew Your Life, and write about in my new books The Joy Factor and Walking on Air, humans are powerful spiritual beings who can create good on earth. This good isn’t usually accomplished in bold actions, but rather in modest acts of kindness and love between people. The little things do count, because they are more spontaneous and show who we truly are. Whatever measure of love and good feelings we feel at the end of our lives is equal to the love and good feelings we put out during our lives. It’s that simple.

Throughout this wonderful month of February, treat others the way you long to be treated — live by the Golden Rule, as mentioned above. This is one of the most important life lessons my mom and grandmother instilled in me growing up -- a precept by which I always live day in, day out. We all want to be appreciated, respected, validated, and loved. Be kind to one another. Acts of kindness connect our heart to the heart of another person and create bridges over which our love can travel. Sometimes these connections are anonymous and sometimes they are not. Either way, they change us. When we give of our highest selves purely out of love, our body, our heart, and our environment change, and for an instant we realize that loving and being loved is the one true human vocation. We feel connected to the love in ourselves and to the love in others.

Don’t ever underestimate the power of kindness. “Random acts of kindness” may just be a slogan, but it has caught on all around the country for a reason. Doing lovely things for others for no reason has so many rewards. In an instant, the best of our humanity and heart comes forward. Such gestures aren’t expected, but every time we seize the opportunity to perform them, we are transformed. We become, in a sense, an angel for a moment and we touch the Divine. By giving someone else pure love and joy without expecting something in return, we become twice blessed—in blessing another we also bless ourselves.

Every day presents us with hundreds of opportunities to practice kindness toward our fellow humans. Seize these moments and discover how wonderful they feel. Strive to practice kindness at least once every day during the month of February. For some suggestions, please refer to my three titles mentioned above.

I’d like to end this section with a passage from one of my favorite books, In Tune with the Infinite, by Ralph Waldo Trine: “If our hearts go out in love to all with whom we come in contact, we inspire love, and the same ennobling and warming influences of love always return to us from those in whom we inspire them …. I know of no better practice than that of a friend who continually holds himself in the attitude of mind that he continually sends out his love in the form of thought, — 'Dear everyone, I love you.' And when we realize the fact that a thought invariably produces its effect before it returns, or before it ceases, we can see how he is continually breathing out a blessing not only upon all with whom he comes in contact, but upon all the world. These same thoughts of love, moreover, tokened in various ways are continually coming to him from all quarters.”

Recipe of the Month: Rainbow Stuffed Peppers

I love to make these peppers for company. The variety of colors is just a knockout. Serves 4.

• 4 large sweet bell peppers in different colors
• 1 cup finely diced celery
• 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 3 scallions, finely diced
• 1 large ripe avocado, mashed
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 cup mixed sprouts
• 1/4 cup diced jicama
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• Season to taste with such herbs as paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, cumin, oregano, dill, thyme, basil or any combination thereof.
• Butter lettuce
• Fresh parsley sprigs for garnish

Cut off the top of each pepper, remove the seeds and ribs, wash, dry with a paper towel and sprinkle the inside with your favorite seasonings (optional). In a bowl, mash the avocado and add in any seasonings you want to spice up this recipe. Combine all other ingredients and add to the seasoned avocado mixture. Spoon the filling into the peppers. Serve on a bed of lettuce or sprouts and garnish with fresh parsley sprigs.

Variations: When you’re in the mood for something a little spicy, drizzle the stuffed peppers with a little salsa or add a chopped jalapeno pepper. Try using some fresh corn kernels cut off the cob or fresh peas. To add some extra protein, include some beans in the mixture or sprinkled on the lettuce leaves. I often top the peppers with alfalfa and/or red clover sprouts, or green sunflower seed sprouts.

FYI: Bell Peppers

Sweet bell peppers are among the most nutrient-dense foods available. They supply impressive amounts of fiber and vitamins C and A, as well as silicon, an element that promotes beautiful hair, skin, nails, and teeth. With only 12 calories per 1/2 cup raw, they can be enjoyed raw, roasted, juiced, or added to a variety of recipes. They’re definitely a superfood and a friend to your waistline.

When I'm flying somewhere, I usually take soaked and drained almonds, sunflower seed sprouts that I harvest fresh from my kitchen, and fresh cut strips of bell peppers in red, orange, and gold color. They keep the body hydrated and are so refreshing along with other vegetables and some dip.

Excerpt from my full-color, natural-foods recipe and healthy living book Recipes for Health Bliss: Using NatureFoods & Lifestyle Choices to Rejuvenate Your Body & Life. Author, motivational speaker and publisher, Louise Hay, says about this book:

"It's the most beautiful health book on the planet."

Foods that Act as Aphrodisiacs

I’m in the process of writing a romance novel and am having lots of fun adding into the story line as much romance and sexual and sensual passion as possible. While there is much debate surrounding aphrodisiacs, the fact is that some are very effective and others may work more because we believe in them — the placebo effect. Sexual arousal is such a complex subject and it’s so difficult to isolate the conditions that bring it about. The brain is a very susceptible organ, responding to many different stimuli. The mere suggestion or reputation of something being an aphrodisiac may be enough to manufacture a response. In future newsletters, I will discuss some amazing aphrodisiacs other than foods. For this month, I’ll reveal a few foods that you might want to add to your diet to light up your fire. 

• Acai Berries – These antioxidant-rich berries are known as a powerful superfood. Consumed on a daily basis, they will help boost energy and stamina, act as a gentle cleanser, flush out wastes and toxins, promote better digestion, and boost metabolism. But I have also noticed, as well as many of my friends and clients, an increase in my passion and desire when taking acai capsules daily. This is now one of my favorite aphrodisiacs to use and recommend. If you want to experience all of these benefits for yourself, select a super concentrated extract in capsule form. The one that I use and recommend (and all of my clients and friends use, too) is by Nature’s Wonderland and is available through the Penn Herb Company exclusively. This is premium grade acai. Their extract is pure energizing acai berry — and nothing else. And best of all, it’s a 4:1 extract, which means it takes a whopping 4 pounds of fruit to make just 1 pound of acai extract. I take it as a revitalizing daily tonic. I recommend one to two capsules, once daily. And if you want to see a boost in your desire and libido, take two capsules, two times daily. 

Experience acai berry for yourself and discover what millions already know. To place an order for acai berry capsules (650 mg – 120 Vcaps; Item # PV92) and have them delivered to your home or office, call: 800-523-9971 (US & Canada) or 215-632-6100 (International), both ET, M-F, 8:30-5:00 or visit: PennHerb.com. 

• Aniseed – This is a very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has been used as an aphrodisiac since Greek and Roman times. They believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increase your desire. I purchase all of my spices through PennHerb.com. Their Nature's Wonderland Premium Spices are always fresh and flavorful. To order by telephone and speak with one of their kind concierge reps, please call: 1-800-523-9971 (U.S. & Canada) or 215-632-6100 (International).

• Arginine -- The L-form (L-Arginine) is one of the 20 most common amino acids. As the building blocks of protein, amino acids are vital to our health and well-being. Studies show that it promotes heart heart, increases circulation, promotes muscle and fat metabolism, supports the effect of exercise, increases blood flow to the sex organs, and so much more. In other words, while it's also great for your heart and overall high-level wellness, you may want to use some extra as a libido booster. I take this to benefit my heart . . . in more ways than one. It's Nature's Wonderland L-Arginine capsules that I purchase from the Penn Herb Company. Here's a very special and delicious recipe, which I teach my clients how to make that I've titled Libido-Boosting Smoothie: Blend together pomegranate juice, one banana (frozen or not), a bunch of blueberries, a dash of nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon of the nutritional supplement L-arginine in a powder form. I take the Nature's Wonderland capsules, open up 1-2 of them and put the powder directly into my smoothie. It's one of my favorite health- and libido-boosting supplements and recipes. Experiment with the recipes. Refer to my book Recipes for Health Bliss for an entire chapter on nutritious and delicious smoothies and juices. To all of these recipes, you can add some extra L-arginine powder.

• Avocado – The Aztecs called the avocado tree “Ahuacuatil,” which means, translated, “testicle tree.” The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male’s testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. This luscious, sensual fruit contains vitamin B6 and is helpful in increasing male hormone production. In addition, potassium is found in avocado, which aids in regulating the female thyroid gland. A healthy thyroid is important for a robust libido level.

• Asparagus – Many foods thought to be aphrodisiacs were considered so because of their phallic shape. Asparagus, however, has more than just suggestive form. It is rich in vitamin E, a vitamin considered to stimulate production of our sex hormones and may be essential for a healthy sex life.

• Chili Peppers – A pepper’s heat comes from “capsaicin,” a chemical that stimulates our nerve endings, raises our pulse and makes us sweat. Some researchers believe that eating hot foods also triggers the release of endorphins, body chemicals that give us a natural high that is conducive to love-making. As mentioned above, I take capsules of cayenne pepper every day.

• Figs – An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as a sexual stimulant. Breaking open a fig and eating it in front of a lover is a powerfully erotic act.

• Garlic – The “heat” in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you and your partner share some together. Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments. This is a good time for moderation. Enjoy pasta with a light garlicky sauce and it can lead up to something spicy in the bedroom later. 

• Pineapple – Rich in vitamin C, pineapple is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence. Add a spear to your drink for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion.

• Red Clover Tea – Even though January was officially "National Hot Tea Month," it doesn't mean that you can't enjoy some luscious tea this month. Red Clover is a tea worth adding to your kitchen pantry. This herb has been shown to possess a large number of health benefits. While it’s available in capsule, tablets, or liquid extract, you can also find it as a dried herb that can be used to make Red Clover tea. I apply it to the skin to treat various conditions, such as insect stings and bites, rashes, and some forms of dermatitis. Drinking Red Clover tea offers many health benefits internally. I recommend it in the treatment of infection, to help lower cholesterol, to increase blood flow through the arteries, and to reduce certain types of heart disease and blood clots. Not only does it work as an excellent blood cleanser, it also contains a high amount of phytoestrogens and four types of isoflavone, which are known to simulate female hormones and the effects of estrogen. 

Many of my clients tell me after drinking one to two cups daily of this salubrious tea, they feel more frisky and sensual. Herbalists and holistic medicine experts recommend drinking three cups of Red Clover tea a day as one of the best ways to treat the symptoms of menopause. I simply steep a tablespoon of dried flowers in a cup of hot water. It can be brewed and enjoyed hot or cold and sweetened to taste. It has a delicate flavor. I often mix this tea with chamomile tea for a delicious combination. Add in a drop of vanilla (see below) and you'll be delighted with the benefits -- a sensual taste to me. Please note: Red Clover tea should not be consumed if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or in conjunction with birth control pills.

Also, I encourage you to grow fresh red clover sprouts in your kitchen. These gems of nature will help you lose weight, cleanse your body, boost your energy and libido, and feel years younger. I consume them daily. It takes only 5 minutes spread out over 3-4 days (and at a cost of pennies) to grow and harvest these salubrious sprouts, and they are delicious and oh-so-good-for-you. To purchase a Sprout Starting Kit and some organic seeds, visit: HandyPantry.com. With your purchase over $75 through this top-notch company, you'll be able to get a BONUS GIFT — a FREE copy of my popular book The Curative Kitchen.

• Raspberries and Strawberries – These are the perfect foods for hand-feeding your lover. Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples. And both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert or prelude to a night (or day) of passion.

• Vanilla – The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust. Add a drop of vanilla to your tea. Fill tall Champagne glasses to the rim (or fill with sparkling water or juice) and add a vanilla bean for a heady, bubbly treat. I purchase all of my spices through PennHerb.com. Their Nature's Wonderland Premium Spices are always fresh and flavorful. To order Vanilla Beans by telephone and speak with a kind concierge in their customer service department, please call: 1-800-523-9971 (U.S. & Canada) or 215-632-6100 (International).

I believe that, if presented correctly, almost any food can be an aphrodisiac. To take your favorite food to the level of an aphrodisiac, all you need to do is feed it to your partner. Often times your partner simply responds to your attention and the nurturing aspects of being fed. If you take your time, any treat can do the trick, including the Olbas Aromatherapy Massage Oil featured next.

 Here's a bonus libido tip guaranteed to boost your passion and sensual side, even though it's not a food. It's an oil that you use topically called Olbas Oil. This remarkable oil is the original Swiss formula that's been sold worldwide for 100 years. It contains six natural essential oils that deliver invigorating and soothing sensations to your entire body including your nasal and bronchial area. Inhaling the vapors from a tissue sprinkled with Olbas Oil quickly stimulates and enhances the breathing passages. 

When used for massage, it stimulates surface circulation and delivers comfort to tired muscles and joints. I've used and recommend this versatile oil for decades and would not be without it. If you use it to massage your sweetheart's feet, hands, back or other body parts, you will find that it just may also invigorate passion. It's one of the best-kept secret remedies that most of my clients use because of my recommendation. I purchase it from the Penn Herb Company at the following numbers. When you visit OlbasMovie.com, a 3-minute movie about my favorite line of Olbas Herbal Remedies, which I wrote about in a previous newsletter, there's no mention of its effectiveness as a libido-booster. However, I've heard from hundreds of clients and other people in my Relationship Matters workshops, lectures, and seminars that this remedy really works; Firsthand, I also know its effectiveness and piquancy. It's at the top of my list of favorite aphrodisiacs. To order Olbas Oil, and the entire line of 8 Olbas Herbal Remedy products that I've used and recommended for decades, please call: 800-523-9971 (U.S. & Canada) or 215-632-6100 (International) or visit: PennHerb.com.

In Every Issue...

JOKE OF THE MONTH: I couldn’t decide which one to select in honor of February 14th, so here are 14 jokes you can share with your family and friends.

1. What do squirrels give for Valentine's Day? Forget-me-nuts; 2. What did the valentine card say to the stamp? 
Stick with me and we'll go places; 3. What did the stamp say to the envelope? I'm stuck on you; 4. Who sends a thousand valentine cards signed, “Guess who?”
A divorce lawyer; 5. What did the light bulb say to the switch? 
You turn me on; 6. Did Adam and Eve ever have a date? No, but they had an apple; 7. What did the boy octopus say to the girl octopus? I want to hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand; 8. What did one snake say to the other snake?
 Give me a little hug and a hiss, honey. 9. Why did the banana go out with the prune?
 Because it couldn't get a date; 10. What is a ram's favorite song on February 14th? I only have eyes for ewe, dear; 11. What travels around the world but stays in one corner?
A stamp; 12. What happens when you fall in love with a French chef? You get buttered up; 13. What is a vampire's sweetheart called? 
His ghoul-friend. 14. Knock, Knock,
 Who's there?
 Olive. Olive who? 
Olive you!

THREE WORDS OF THE MONTH: Find ways to use these words in all of their different grammatical forms in your writing and speaking during the month. Check them out in your own dictionary, too. If you don’t have a dictionary, buy yourself one for Valentine’s Day.

• Salubrious -- a: health-giving; healthy: salubrious weather or a salubrious meal. 2) (of a place) pleasant; not run-down

• Resplendent – a: attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous: she was resplendent in a sea-green and lavender dress

• Munificent – a: (of a gift or sum of money) larger or more generous than is usual or necessary: a munificent gesture. 2) (of a person) very generous

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. ~ Jane Austen

SUSAN'S FAVORITE MOVIES CURRENTLY IN THEATERS: The Iron Lady, War Horse, My Week with Marilyn, The Descendents, Hugo, Big Miracle

AFFIRMATION OF THE MONTH: I bless my heart, body, and mind with thoughts of perfect health. I joyfully choose foods and other salutary lifestyle choices that align with my health commitment. Every day I am getting healthier and healthier. I treat others with the kindness that I appreciate receiving and live by the Golden Rule.