Hirst

Countless plants have been used in love potions since time immemorial and have usually been administered as teas and juices and many are every bit as tasty and hopefully as effective today as they were many centuries ago.

Venus, the planet associated with the Italian goddess of love and beauty, has its own set of herbs and foods believed to stimulate feelings of love and desire, making them alleged love potions: coltsfoot, marshmallow, mint, plantain, thyme, vervain and yarrow.

Use the following common modern day ingredients to make your own aphrodisiacal teas and juices:

* Agrimony

Agrimony is believed to benefit the entire system and to treat debility and low libido. It is a particular favorite of Native Americans who also use it for treating bowel complaints and simple diarrhea. Make a tea by adding a pint of boiling water to one ounce of the dried herb and leave to stand for five minutes before straining and serving. A little honey or pure maple syrup can be added to improve the taste.

* Alfalfa

Alfalfa is one of the oldest healing and aphrodisiacal herbs, being used by the ancient Arabs who dubbed it Father of all foods. Sixteenth-century herbalist Gerard prescribed it for upset stomachs and other digestive disorders and throughout the world it is used as a reliable treatment during convalescence. Make a tea or juice by adding one teaspoonful of the dried leaves to a cupful of boiling water. Stir well and leave to stand for a couple of minutes before straining and drinking warm as tea or cold as a juice.

* Angelica

Long ago angelica was given to women who were frigid, again testifying to its long-standing quality as a powerful aphrodisiac. The plant is said to be named after the Archangel Raphael who appeared in a vision to a tenth-century monk, during which he revealed the plant as a cure for the plague. Today the crushed root is added to liqueur to provide taste and increase passion and durability in lovemaking. Make a tea from one ounce of the seed or herb steeped in a pint of boiling water left to stand until cool. Take in wineglassful doses half an hour or so before lovemaking.

* Coriander

The dried seed of coriander has a euphoric effect and as a love potion is traditionally administered in wine. Ask your herbalist to recommend a suitable preparation for you. The crushed seed can be added to wine or sprinkled lightly over food. Alternatively, make a tea by adding a teaspoonful of the crushed seed to a cupful of boiling water and leave until properly brewed. Strain and serve hot as tea or leave to cool as a juice.

* Fennel

A teaspoonful of crushed fennel each day keeps the body healthy and helps increase energy and sexual prowess. Roman soldiers chewed fennel on long marches when they were unable to stop for food, considering it one of the finest foods for increasing strength and endurance, hence adding to its credibility as a long-standing powerful aphrodisiac. Add one teaspoonful of dried seeds to each cupful of boiling water and leave to stand in a teapot until properly brewed. Strain and leave to cool. Take as tea or juice about half an hour before making love.

* Salep

This is the name given to the parboiled dried root of several species of the orchid family. The similarity between the roots and testicles of some animal species gives rise to the plants reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac. In fact, the name derives from the Arab khusa ath-thalab meaning fox testicles. A classical preparation is to boil milk with salep and cinnamon, cloves and ginger and to drink while warm.

* Vanilla

Vanilla is the cured fruit of the orchid Vanilla Planifolia and derives from the Spanish word vainila, a diminutive of vaina meaning vagina or pod. Vanilla is a long-standing love potion, being mentioned in ancient texts and being recommended in the Swedish Pharmacopoedia of 1849. Add vanilla essence to the bath to produce a stimulating effect, especially when partners bathe together. The dried herb can be added to a cupful of boiling water and left to stand until properly brewed, then taken as tea or left to cool as juice.

* Ginger

Early herbalist Jerome Cardan wrote of ginger It helps a lustful nature and for countless centuries ginger has been used in love potions, mainly for its spicy stimulating effects. Make a tea by adding the crushed root, amount according to taste, to a cupful of boiling water. Leave to brew and strain before serving hot as tea or leaving to cool as juice. In excess ginger can irritate the skin and digestive tract.

* Clove

Clove is the dried flower bud of Jambosa Caryophyllus and has wide applications in food and perfumes. It is considered a most powerful aphrodisiac both helping to reduce fatigue and giving the body energy and strength. The plant was used in love potions as early as the 3rd century, B.C. in China and some parts of Asia. Make a juice by adding two or three drops or clove to a glass of honey water. Take first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

* Mustard

Mustard has been used throughout the centuries, mixed with honey, as a powerful aphrodisiac, likely to irritate and cause a burning sensation in the urinary organs that some people find stimulating. Mustard, added to bathwater creates a warm stimulating atmosphere which is conducive to sex especially where partners bathe together. The herb can be added to most meals and some drinks. It is particularly stimulating added to red wine and other heady forms of alcohol.

Read more about love potions at:http://www.1st-in-aphrodisiacs.com Avril Harper writes about numerous other subjects at http://www.avrilharper.com

Being smartly dressed need not be left for special occasions only. When we dress for special events and take little care of how we dress casually we create a disconnection. Well-dressed people are equally well groomed when they go shopping, on vacation, sports events etc. as they are for special occasions. Dressing for casual occasions takes some care and doesnt mean wearing t-shirts and jeans.

1.When wearing casual clothes keep your jewelry, makeup and hairstyle in a casual theme. Makeup should not be noticeable no loud colors; hair should be toned down no updos or glamorous styles and jewelry should match the occasion and dress.

2.Having designer names written on your clothes does not make you fashionable - dont become a walking advertisement. Also shirts with cute pictures of animals or teddy bears are better left worn when you are home alone.

3.Unless you are riding a motorcycle head- to- toe leather outfits such as leather pants and jacket or skirt and jacket can be too much.

4.Wearing the same color from head to toe is slimming but make sure that you wear some accessories to break it up so the color doesnt overpower you or become boring.

5.You should feel comfortable in your clothes so, choose clothes you like, that fit well and that are most flattering for your body shape.

6.Take time to decide in advance what you want to wear so you will not end up wearing something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Most people dont remember what you were wearing the previous day, what they do remember the overall impression you created.

7.Take, as much care of choosing your casual wardrobe as you do your business wardrobe first impressions are not only made in business situations.

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women learn how to dress to suit their body type and look fabulous. You can reach her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download her ebook, "Image Makeovers" and get "How to Build a Wardrobe" ebook free.

Have you been following a plan for your own personal hygiene, or do you get up in the morning, take a bath, brush and blow dry your hair, use the bathroom through the day, and go to bed at night? If you only do the latter, you need to put more planning and preparation into your personal care and grooming.

Cleanliness is seen nowadays as next to Godliness, and neglect of your own personal hygiene may cause health and social problems of which you are not even aware. Bad breath, for example, is a common problem--the perpetrator is often accused of it, but he or she may not be attending to it. Problems such as dandruff are forgivable, but good looks are usually the result of great care and attention paid to personal grooming. You should put some time and effort into it if you want to feel and look your best every day.

All external parts of the body need time and attention. Below is a partial list of the body parts which you should be taking care of with your grooming plan. Here are some tips as to how to attend to your most common and ordinary daily grooming needs.

HAIR

First of all, keep your hair at a length and style which you can properly maintain in a cleanly manner at all times. Wash your crowning glory at least twice per week, using a mild shampoo devoid of borax or alkalis. It is not a good idea to use soap, as it can leave a fine film of stickiness in your hair. Shampoo is meant to wash totally out of your hair. Be sure and carefully towel dry your hair after you wash it, and be cautious with the blow dryer. You dont want your hair to become too dry and brittle. Especially if you have long or thick hair, brush it three to four times per day, using a soft bristled brush or wide toothed comb. Be sure to wash your hair grooming tools every time you wash your hair. And oil your scalp with grooming oil once per week, preferably one hour before you wash it. A hot oil treatment is fine--if you know exactly what you are doing.

Hair coloring or dye is not recommended, as no current dyes have been found to be completely safe for long term use. They contain chemicals which can seep into your scalp and even cause premature hair loss. So we recommend not using hair dye if possible. Also, try not to wear a hat for a very long period of time. Wearing hats has also been shown to cause premature hair loss. Redheads need to be particularly concerned, as they are subject to early hair loss.

SKIN

A good bath once or twice per day is essential for cleanliness and good grooming. You should always bathe after any strenuous physical activity. Mild soaps are best, and you dont need to use a germicidal or antiseptic soap unless you have a medical or smelliness problem. Bath brushes, bath sponges, and mildly abrasive scrubbers are recommended. You must also pay special attention to your genitals and anal area, as lack of care paid to these can lead to serious infections--as well as an inadequate sex life. Rinse yourself thoroughly after washing, and be sure to use a dry and clean towel to properly dry yourself. Dont ever share towels, try not to share bathing equipment, and wash all of your equipment after each bath. Putting a teaspoonful of bleach in one gallon of warm water, rinse your bathing equipment in the water, and then under warm running water. And always change into completely clean underwear after each bath.

Its good to use a fine organic moisturizing oil or cream every day, especially as you get older. Put it on at night to avoid that sticky feeling, and so as to not attract dust and filmy dirt throughout the day.

TEETH

Brush your teeth two to three times every day, or after meals or snacks as needed. Its important especially to brush right before bedtime. Pay attention to getting rid of the food particles stuck between your teeth. Flossing is highly recommended over toothpicks for this. You only need about a pea sized dab of toothpaste on your toothbrush. When brushing, brush down on the upper teeth and brush up on the lower teeth, using a circular motion. Also, brush the inner as well as the outer surface of your teeth, and before you brush each time, carefully brush your tongue.

Your toothbrush should never be shared with anyone. It should have resilient bristles, and it should be well rinsed and left somewhere completely sanitary to dry after each usage. Try to use organic toothpaste, one thats completely safe and free of harsh abrasives or strong antiseptics. Baking soda has been found to be a very effective substitute for toothpaste, if you dont mind its strong flavor.

HANDS

You should always be washing your hands. Theres no such thing as too often. Use a good hand cream if they become dry. Pay attention to your fingernails when you wash your hands. A good nail brush placed near your bathroom sink is a sound investment. Use soap every time you wash, and always wash before and after meals--and after you go to the bathroom. Many infections such as E. coli are caused every day by people who dont wash their hands after going to the bathroom. You should also keep washing your hands while preparing meals.

NAILS

Your fingernails completely replace themselves every five to six months. You need to keep them well trimmed, and preferably buffed and polished too. Men can buff their nails and use a nail shining tool instead of polish to give their nails a healthy glow. Women may of course polish their nails with beautiful colors, which can hide the discoloration that comes with age. Clip your nails to the length you want them, but dont ever trim too close to the skin. If your nails chip easily, consider adding more protein to your diet, as finger and toenails are all made of protein. Eating gelatin can work for this.

Very brittle, highly yellow or discolored nails can be a sign of a serious health problem. Please see your doctor immediately if you have this. Also, do not always keep your nails painted with polish. This can lead to stripping of the natural keratin of the nails. Also, either go out or give yourself a home manicure and a pedicure once every couple of weeks. Be sure and buy a very good manicure kit for this purpose.

FEET

Many people take no care whatsoever of their own feet, usually to their detriment. Always keep your toenails clipped, shaping the nails but not cutting too close to the skin. Always give your feet a good scrubbing with a pumice stone or mildly abrasive brush when taking a bath, and before you put on your socks, dry carefully between your toes. Try wearing a clean pair of cotton socks every day; this will pamper your feet and keep them dry and not smelly. Powder your feet after you take a bath. Try not to wear the same pair of shoes every day, and alternate wearing your shoe pairs. And make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Comfort and safety should come before stylishness. High heels can lead to the shortening of important calf muscles.

DEODORANT

Your underarms dont emit an odor until you hit your preteens. Thats when your apocrine glands, which are located under your arms and around your genitals, begin to function, producing a milky, oily type of perspiration. Bacteria then thrive in this sweat, causing the familiar underarm odor.

To control strong odor, you can wash daily with an antibacterial soap such as Lever 2000. You should always wear clean clothes that are free of staining and sweat. Use a deodorant that is also an antiperspirant, which will dry up moisture in the armpits. Cut back on your caffeine intakeit puts your apocrine glands into overdrive. After a bath, dust yourself liberally with a fine talcum powder. Always drink plenty of water, both to flush your system of toxins and to regulate your bowels. This alone may end some problems you may have with smelliness.

TANNING

Getting a healthy tan is not considered to be healthy anymore. Now doctors are telling us that you shouldnt mind your pale skin. Skin cancer, which is often deadly, is not a fair trade for good looks. When sunning, protect your fair skin with an at least SPF 30 sunscreen lotion. Keep your skin oiled and moisturized during the summer, and dont bother with the bronze look.

BODY HAIR

Around puberty, your hair follicles respond to hormones raging in your body. You can end up with hair around your belly button, on your back, near your breasts and for both women and men, on your upper lip. If its especially coarse, show your doctor, as you may have a treatable hormonal imbalance. Some such peach fuzz is normal for girls, and if it seems unsightly to you, you can try bleaching or removing it. Nair is known to be a gentle permanent hair remover.

We hope you found these simple rules to be helpful to you. If you follow your own careful grooming and personal care plan, you will feel better, look more attractive, and probably live a longer, happier and more fulfilling life.

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