February is not only Heart Health Month, but also the most “romantic” month because Valentine’s Day is in February! So this month, I’m focusing not only on the most important muscle in the body, but also on some aromatherapy suggestions with “aphrodisiac qualities” for you to try.
Today, heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States. It affects more women than the next seven leading causes of death combined, including breast cancer. Heart disease is progressive and can strike at any age, and symptoms can present themselves as early as the teenage years.
Though women of all ages currently have unprecedented access to health information and preventive care, many still remain unaware of the steps they can take to protect themselves against heart disease. Therefore, continued outreach promoting understanding about the risk factors is crucial.
There are several major risk factors for heart disease that everyone should monitor. It is critical to recognize the behaviors or conditions that increase the chance of developing heart disease. They are:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking
Being overweight
Being physically inactive
Having a family history of early heart disease
Age (55 or older for women)
Having just one risk factor increases the chance of developing heart disease, and the risk increases dramatically with each added factor. If you believe you are at risk of developing heart disease, I urge you to see your doctor to develop a plan of action to address it. It’s never too late to take steps to protect your heart!
Often, all that’s needed to combat heart disease is a commitment to a healthier lifestyle: exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and following a heart-healthy diet. Here are some easy ways you can help improve your heart health:
Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Choose heart-healthy oils like olive and coconut oil instead of seed oils.
Snack on almonds or walnuts instead of chips or cookies.
Incorporate more whole grains into your diet.
Exercise at least 30 minutes four to five times a week.
Eliminate trans fats from your diet.
Hawthorn is a wonderful tonic herb for heart health. Talk to your herbalist about adding this to your wellness regimen.
This simple test can help you determine how well your heart is functioning. Mornings are the best time to check your pulse. If your pulse is under 60, your heat is functioning at a good pace. If your pulse is above 80, you may need to change your diet and lifestyle. If your pulse remains rapid, consult your health care provider to rule out problems. Chronically high pulse rate is often a precursor of hypertension. Take this test daily to keep you aware of the most important muscle in your body.
Now for some romance! Researchers have shown that certain scents have particularly strong aphrodisiac qualities, especially cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. In addition to using these spices when cooking, place potpourri or essential oils that include these scents in your bedroom, bathroom, or wherever tickles your fancy.
Cinnamon - When the Crusaders returned to Western Europe from the Near East, they brought a reputed sexual stimulant with them—cinnamon. Today, this spice is one of the most popular herbs across the globe. And anyone who has smelled hot cinnamon buns baking in the oven on a Sunday will tell you why.
Cloves - The Persians, Egyptians, Europeans, and Arabians all considered this spicy scent to be an aromatic aphrodisiac. In a particular region in Africa, women concoct a wedding potion that consists of clove mixed with musk, cherry, and sandalwood. They then wear the blend to the party so its aroma will drift in the air as they dance the night away.
Ginger - The ancient Persian physician Avicenna used to mix this fragrant spice with honey as a cure for impotence. Whether its benefits are due to its pungent aroma or its ability to increase circulation, ginger soon grew to be known as the spice of burning desire. Today, women in Senegal wear ginger in their belts in order to attract men.
Nutmeg - While this spice has a strong smell, it is actually a relaxing scent that relieves anxiety and stress, and even reduces blood pressure. The Chinese are particularly fond of nutmeg's aphrodisiac qualities. They have found that it can elicit a feeling of rapture and invigoration. In the 1700s here in North America, men and women often added nutmeg to their nightcaps. Maybe our ancestors were onto something.
So there you have it gang! The physical AND the emotional recommendations for the heart. So get out there and keep that all-important heart healthy and do something a little romantic this month!! Whatever you choose, Let’s Get Better!!
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