Studies link Horny Goat Weed to increased sperm count

Albeit a funny name; don’t let the name dissuade you. Horny Goat Weed has been used medicinally for thousands of years. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the all natural botanical has been used to remedy kidney and liver disorders and joint issues to its use and reputation as an all-natural aphrodisiac and natural alternative to Viagra. It has garnered many accolades from users and non-traditional health care practitioners.

Known to stimulate sexual interest and activity in men, the testosterone-like effects will increase sperm production, sperm count and semen density as well as desire, thus leading to more frequent intercourse. Women benefit from the supplement with an increased libido due to the expansion of the circulatory systems blood vessels, allowing for improved blood flow to the female organs.

The legend of Horny Goat Weed’s origination is that it was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed an increase in sexual activity among his herd after repeated consumption of the plant (also called Yin Yang Huo and Inyokaku), and then he used it himself with stellar results.

In studies with mice, after being fed Horny Goat Weed, they showed a marked improvement in testosterone levels, sperm count and frequency of intercourse. The herb’s main function is its physiological effect on the dilation of blood vessels which trigger hormones to enhance blood allowing it to reach responsive tissues. It stimulates the supra renal glands, and triggers increased hormonal secretions.

Still today, considered one of the most valued herbs in TCM, this plant with long and wide heart-shaped leaves thrives in China and Japan, but can be grown almost anywhere. It can be purchased in the form of a supplement at most health food and vitamin stores for about $20.

The main ingredient, icariin, is known to help with erectile dysfunction and is an all-natural alternative to Viagra which is made up of synthetic chemicals.

If you or your partner are looking to spice things up in the bedroom; or improve issues like low sperm count or mobility, low libido, erection dysfunction, menstrual pains, renal failure, high blood pressure, premature ejaculation and even asthma and bronchitis, then Horny Goat Weed supplements may be just what you are looking for.

An expert in the field of optimizing reproductive health for couples trying to conceive, Cindy Ferda offers conception solutions to those experiencing fertility issues. She is the author of How to Get Pregnant Quickly & Naturally and CEO of GetPregnant.org

Sweet success for ‘Hollywood moms’ who give birth after 40

For the latest pregnancy, health and conception tips visit Cindy Ferda’s National Examiner column here. 

When it comes to pregnancy over 40, nothing beats a good dose of Hollywood moms over 40 conceiving and successfully giving birth to make women across the globe hopeful they

 too can achieve their goals of having a family.

Beautiful Naomi Watts, 41, known for her roles in ‘King Kong’ and ‘Mulholland Drive’ and partner Liev Schreiber welcomed a son, Samuel Kai seven weeks ago. It is the second child for the duo.

‘Life on Mars’ star Lisa Bonet, 41, and her husband, ‘Stargate Atlantis’ actor Jason Momoa announced the birth of baby boy Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa. Bonet also has a 20 year old daughter, actress Zoë Isabella Kravitz from ex-hubby Lenny Kravitz.

Academy-award winning actress Nicole Kidman, 41, and country singer hubby Keith Urban welcomed 6lb. 7oz. daughter Sunday Rose last July. Kidman has two adopted children Isabella and Connor with ex-husband Tom Cruise. Sunday Rose is her first biological child.

At 41, actress Halle Berry and Versace model boyfriend Gabriel Aubry brought home their new daughter Nahla last March. This is the first child for the pair. Reports from Hollywood state Berry, now 42 along with beau Aubry are hopeful for yet another baby.

With more women in the workforce than ever before, studies indicate that the numbers of advanced maternal aged moms are increasing yearly as not only celebs are putting off baby-making but women across the country as well. Whether it’s a forty-plus hour work week amassed in Hollywood or as a business professional, countless numbers of women are opting out of procreating until well into their thirties and early forties to pursue their careers early on.

Accordingly, infertility clinics are popping up across the country to accommodate the abundant calls they receive on a daily basis. The latest CDC report filed indicated more than 10% of women or 1.2 million who tried to conceive turned to fertility treatments and testing for help.

Assisted reproductive techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF), the egg-stimulating drug Clomid, egg or sperm donation, utilizing a surrogate or gestational carrier; these are just a sampling of the methods and treatments being offered and used by Hollywood moms and women across the globe.

From ‘Lipstick Jungle’ star Brooke Shields, 41 at the time of delivery of Baby Grier to ‘Desperate Housewives’ star, Marcia Cross who used IVF and welcomed fraternal twins Eden and Savannah at almost 45 to Courteney Cox-Arquette who at 40 also using IVF brought daughter Coco into the world to hard-hitting CNN anchorwoman Nancy Grace, another admitted IVF-user who at 48 gave birth via c-section to twins John David and Lucy Elizabeth, these women are an inspiration to the millions of women each year attempting to fulfill their dreams and the nursery.

Click here to view the ‘Hollywood Moms over 35 Baby Gallery’ for a little extra inspiration.

Pregnancy after 40

My only child is approaching his 21st Birthday, I’ve been happily married for eight great years and I decide at the ripe age of forty-three; that’s right a 4 and a 3 to embark on the ultimate journey of baby-making once again!

My husband’s AARP application arrived in the mail recently along with his firefighter retirement check – he just turned 50. He barely looks 40. I tell him it’s genetics, he jokes it’s from not having to raise a few kids.

I know how psyched my 20-year-old son is about having a sibling. He has no idea how psyched I am about having a free 20-year-old babysitter!

After years of mulling it over, hours of discussion, passionately over-analyzing the subject with no definitive resolution, questions arise; the brain goes on overload.

Do I really want to start the whole process again? Will we still be able to travel and work?

And what about raising the kid? Public or private school? Minivan or SUV?

Or as my husband says, Lions or Bears fan? Red Wings or Black Hawks? And how much is college going to be in the year 2026? Will we be cashing in the house for two semesters of college?

And who’s the designated babysitter when the free twenty-year-old gets tired of smelly diapers?

Our cat sitter is only $17 a day and that includes two feedings and one litter box clean-up; wonder if she’ll be available! Some other friends recently turned their loving dog-sitter Paula into their Nanny for their two babies.

Grandma Nancy’s out of service. She’s in Michigan helping with 17 grandkids at the over-ripe age of 82.

What if the little one is allergic to the cats? Who goes, the kid or the cats? What if we have multiples? Won’t even go there!

Here’s a horror story. Last time I had a baby my shoe size went up ½ size. If it happens again; so much for my Donald Pliner Snake-skin sandals.

Then there’s the boob issue; will they sag after nursing and droop like half-filled water balloons. I can always get a boob-job after breast-feeding and finance the kid’s college.

What about baby-proofing the house and sleep . . . ah sleep . . . I really enjoy my sleep . . . do I really want to give up the peace and quiet I’ve come to know and love for so many years since my twenty-year-old son last woke me to his final bout of middle of the night tears so many moons ago.

“Yes.” Absolutely. Bring in the troops. I have like 48 eggs left (okay, truth is, research indicates women over 35 have 25,000-90,000 eggs)… so let’s get the show on the road, remember, I’m 43 and counting! Send in the troops at least every other day. Let’s bravely forge ahead, (divide properly) and conquer!