5 Must-Haves in Your Valentine Intimacy Starter Pack?

February is here! As Sir Elton John once asked, “Can you feel the love tonight?”

Perhaps, it’s safe to say that we’re already feeling the warmth of roses and Cadillacs; chocolates and wines at this time of the month… after all, we’re a week away from the most anticipated romantic day of the year. And chances are, most of us will get lucky as early as within the few days to come up until the 14th arrives.

Question is are you ready for the day/night of pure romance and intimate moments with your partner – physically, emotionally and mentally?

Because it would be a shame if you’re not!

And by ready, we’re not just talking about dinner dates, bouquet of roses, box of chocolates, suiting/dressing up, gifts and all those common Valentine schemes. Sure, those are already a definite given and out of the question.

We’re talking about the “post-Valentine shenanigan”!

Aside from prepping up for the big hearts day, of course you need to have the essentials for you and your partner to “enjoy” the night away!

Heck, better get ready than be sorry, do you agree?

So, in line with this Valentine’s Day preparation, here are some items we think you should have in your Valentine Intimacy Starter Kit.

Yes, I just made that kit up!

FOR THE BOYS:

Cologne – Because nobody wants a date that smell more of a garbage bin rather than an actual handsome guy. Besides, smelling good and fresh adds up to your points. That’s why aside from scrubbing yourself clean before a hot date, it wouldn’t hurt to bring along your trusty cologne with you in case you need the occasional spray.

Mouthwash/mouth spray – Closely related to the first item. Kissing is very common especially during hearts day. Keep your mouth fresh before deciding to lip-lock with your partner because trust me, you wouldn’t want Miss vegetarian to get a taste of that medium-well garlic porterhouse steak you’ve had two hours ago. Nasty, right? Yeah, keep that mouthwash!

Condoms – Practice safe and responsible sex. And just so you know, this doesn’t apply solely during Valentine’s month. Make it a point to keep at least one in handy. Unless you want get lucky and get prematurely hitched, not to mention getting those dreaded sexually transmitted diseases.

Bottle of wine – A pitcher doesn’t simply enter the game and go straight to the mound without warming up in the bullpen. Same goes with bringing your partner over to your house. You can’t simply ask her to go straight to the bedroom. You need to set up the mood first by the fireplace or in the den. This is where the bottle of wine comes in! Pour in a glass or two, then have an interesting conversation before jumping onto her like a hungry wolf.

Music player with Marvin Gaye + Barry White-inspired playlist – And speaking of kickstarting the mood, what better way to do it than to have Marvin Gaye and Barry White serenading you in the background. That, enough said…

FOR THE GALS

Scented candles – Scented candles add a mixture of kinkiness and intimacy to the mood, mainly because of their rather soothing scent and tried-&-tested lighting effects. Bask in the ambiance, guys!

Massaging oil – If you want to intensify the mood more, there’s no better way to do it than to use your sense of touch. Add a bit of that therapeutic massaging oil to make your guy feel relaxed. Put some on your body and let your skin damp and glide through your partner’s. Rest assured, your partner will go crazy over you.

Sexy lingerie – Pretty much basic for occasions like this. For those first timers, just be confident with yourself when wearing one. Your partner will thank you for it.

Light perfume – Same goes with what those boys have. And just like them, they wouldn’t want to kiss a girl that smells like a rotten guava mixed with spoiled Indian food. Spray some occasionally during the date itself.

Cherry-flavored lip balm – Because wearing hot red lipstick is too overrated. Besides, men still find the “natural glossy red” effect of lip balm sexy, especially when they get to smell and somehow taste the seemingly sweet sensation of its cherry-flavor! Ugh! That hits the spot, I’m telling you!

As a bonus item for both men and women, slip a small packet or tea bag of Wisconsin Ginseng tea with you to make sure you’re all prep up and ready for Valentine’s day. This is also to ensure your endurance and overall well-being as well as to alleviate impending stress prior to the big hearts day.

Forget All Those Cosmetic Breakthroughs! Here are 9 Natural Anti-Aging Remedies for your Skin!

“Life begins at 40”, as they say. Apparently, so do frown lines and furrows.

This is one of those many dilemmas every woman (and even men) needs to deal with when they reach a certain age or even worse, having to let the old crow’s feet land on you... Premature wrinkle, that is.

With all those new age “fountain of youth” in the form cosmetic breakthroughs such as botox, radio frequency, and fractional CO2 laser, as well as those fortified anti-aging creams and promising medications, it seems like stopping skin-aging is conveniently closer to reach.

However, the sophistication of these anti-aging solutions doesn’t come in cheap price – which makes even much harder for us, women to avail and undergo such procedures and products. Luckily, there’s still hope, thanks to Mother Nature!

Here are 9 natural remedies against anti-aging.

Water Therapy – The universal remedy for everything. What can we say; almost all living organisms consist mostly of water… which means hydration plays a big role in keeping our overall well-being up and running – skin included. Skin hydration improves the tone and moisture level of your skin, giving you lighter and more radiant look.

Berry Good, Berries – It goes to show that berries such as blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, grapes and cranberry are more than just dessert toppings. These fleshy fruits are also a good source of antioxidants to shield your skin from free-radicals as well.

Citrus Fruits – Orange and lemon are just some of the fruits that are rich in Vitamin C. This particular vitamin helps combat collagen degeneration. Aside from this, ascorbic acid also helps in erasing off dark spots and other blemishes caused by the sun’s harmful rays, as well as maintaining its immune system, giving you and your skin resiliency against skin diseases.

Banana – Remember that old “Bananas are proven good for the skin because you won’t see a monkey having problems with acne” joke? Believe it or not, it’s true… at least the “banana is good for the skin” part because of high potassium content found in bananas. These electrolytes are responsible for keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized.

Ginger – bulby root plant contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, perfect for cleansing skin pores and shedding dead skin cells. Moreover it is also rich in antioxidants to prevent cellular damage caused by free-radicals.

Coconut – Coconut –particularly coconut oil – promotes the production of collagen to replace some of the lost protein in your skin as you age. Moreover, coconut is known for its anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, which is vital for skin care to prevent contracting skin diseases and fungal infections.

Green tea – Green tea acts as a natural sunscreen to protect your skin against harmful UV rays of the sun. Moreover, the application of this leafy herbal drink onto your skin helps tighten the skin. More to that, it also acts as an efficient exfoliating scrub for a more lighter complexion as well as to scrape off dead cells.

Fish – Salmon, tuna, herring, sardines and mackerel are known good source of omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E    , which is important for improving skin cells and for moisturizing the skin’s inner and outer surface.

Wisconsin Ginseng – Most of the properties and benefits you’ve read here are also present in this perennial plant. It is notoriously known for its anti-aging properties, particularly antioxidants.  It is also a favorable source of phytonutrients for stimulating the regeneration of collagen in your skin as it triggers its metabolism.

Should I Go for Temporary, Semi, Demi or Permanent Hair Dye?

Hair coloring has obviously making a big comeback today. With all the fads about celebrities dyeing, bleaching and pastelized mane, and the accessibility of such hair products, hair coloring is stepping up to its already provocative reputation in the form of armpit dyeing, unicorn-inspired highlights and ombre.

Photo courtesy: imgur.com

And I’m sure most of you are already joining the big hair bandwagon. But just before you plunge your head to a tub of saturated hues and frosted mane, you must consider beforehand what type of hair coloring product best suits to your hair, in terms of longevity, maintenance and overall adverse effects to your precious crowning glory.

Generally, there are 4 types of hair coloring products: Temporary, Semi-Permanent, Demi-Permanent and Permanent. And to give you an idea, let me explain the effects of these dyes.

TEMPORARY HAIR DYES

Characteristics: Temporary hair dyes in its basic form usually come in sprays, cream applications and chalks. On a normal basis, these hair dyes typically last for about 1 to 3 days, depending on the concentration of the product. Most temporary dyes are water-based, so it’s easier to rinse out. It works by simply coating the hair shaft and remained stuck there until washed, as opposed to the process of permanent and semi-permanent color applications.

Hair Dangers: Nothing serious, health and hair-wise, although it may cause occasional allergic reactions for some, especially for those people who have sensitive hair/skin. It can also cause your hair to dry and experience occasional itching and hair fall.

Semi-Permanent

Characteristics: Semi-Permanent Hair Color comes in a small tub or tubes. In most cases, this particular dye does not contain ammonia. And like temporary hair dyes, semi-permanent only coats the outside layer of the strands, however can still managed to seep through the shaft, providing longer color effects as it gradually fades with every shampoo application. It is relatively easy to wash off and lasts for about 2-4 weeks. For longevity, users resort to the use of developer or bleaching to enhance the brightness of the color.

Hair Dangers: As for the product itself, nothing too serious, as some brands choose to employ organic ingredients to their products. On the other hand, some semi-permanents contain PPD or p-Phenylenediamine – a chemical compound considered as carcinogenic that can be a risk factor for cancer. Moreover, the adverse effect mainly results to the application of bleach (peroxide) and developers, which can cause dryness, itchiness, poor elasticity or worse, hair-loss.

Demi Permanent

Characteristics: Despite containing peroxide, demi-Permanent color products mainly utilizes alkaline instead, in order to partially open the hair’s outer layer without getting through the cortex, thus maintaining your hair’s natural pigmentation. It provides a darker shade of color, as it does not universally alter the hair’s innate color. Developers with hydrogen peroxide often aid the enhancement of the shade, and typically last up until 4 weeks or about 20 shampoo washes.

Hair Dangers: In the same manner with semi-permanent dyes, the adverse effects are mainly the results of bleaching and developers. Furthermore, alkaline deals with acidity, and the more acidity present on the hair, the greater chances of dealing with dull, lifeless hair that may lead to hair loss.

Permanent

Characteristics: Permanent hair color gives a more desirable outcome. And as the name goes, it basically clears out the natural pigmentation of the hair. With the aid of ammonia and/or peroxide as oxidative agents, hair molecules are being altered through chemical reaction of the peroxide upon the shaft’s pores are opened to facilitate de-pigmentation. Dye is then deposited to the hair to replace the natural color of the strand.

Hair Dangers: Along with the aforementioned effects, using permanent color may impose serious and long term health risks including cancer and lymphoma, which is caused by the chemicals present in the solution.

In conclusion, hair coloring may improve your looks and even your personality. On the other hand, it is highly suggested not to over-treat your crowning glory with such hair products, regardless if they’re water-based, organic or chemical-dependent. Either ways, these products still contain chemicals.

And while you’re enjoying your new froe, it is best that you should double the effort in giving utter care and maintenance to it. Use conditioner and recommended treatments instead of shampoo to revitalize the loss nutrients of your hair. Better yet, use natural methods such as argan oil and/or Wisconsin ginseng to calm the hair by moisturizing while improving its growth. Moreover, the use of ginseng is known to reduce the risk of cancer and other degenerative diseases linked to hair dyes.

Easy on the Grub: 10 Quick Remedies to Alleviate Holiday Indigestion

Holiday season – that means from Thanksgiving all the way to New Year’s Eve – is the time of giving, sharing and being merry. Ironically, it is also the season where we see inexplicable gluttons can magically ingest practically anything and everything that’s on the table. Not that we encourage you to do so, but indeed, we can’t resist the hearty goodness of home-cooked treats with the family that sometimes, it gets to the point wherein we voraciously devour everything we see succumb to food coma. Or worse, dyspepsia! Or as we say in over-indulging layman’s term, indigestion! Although main symptoms include discomfort, feeling bloated and nausea, dyspepsia can also be accompanied by acid reflux/heartburn.

Just in case you feel like you’ve had too much to gobble and shrug this holiday stretch, here are some quick remedies to alleviate dyspepsia.

Chamomile Tea/Oil

It has been a habit in the UK and even here in the States to consume a cup or two of tea. And clearly, the reason for that is to aid your body for digestion. In addition, chamomile contains natural oil that calms, soothes and balances the acidity level in your stomach (now, that’s hitting 2 turkeys in one stone!). Moreover, tea has less caffeine content unlike coffee, which could worsen stomach cramps and discomfort.

Ginseng

American ginseng has been used in the yesteryears by Native Americans to treat several ailments and discomforts… And indigestion is no exemption to this. The adaptogenic herb contains ginsenosides – the main chemical compound responsible for boosting overall wellness and organ motility. To make a nice, hot cup of ginseng tea, simply boil water along with the ginseng root. Wait for 10-15 minutes until the extract blends in. You may add syrup or sugar if you please, though it is advisable to drink it without any sweetener before and/or after a hearty meal.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Experts say that it is better to treat indigestion with apple cider rather than taking antacids, as this after-effect of over-eating is not caused by sudden gush of acids in your stomach, but rather in dire need of enough acid to facilitate digestion. Moreover, apple cider contains just the right amount of acid to neutralize make up for the loss acid level in the stomach to help improve the digestion process. Just mix ½ a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a class of warm water and drink it before/after eating, or when aching persists.

Gum

Although chewing gum does not directly heal indigestion, it can pretty much relieve nasty GERD or chronic heartburn. According to the Journal of Dental Research, chewing gum induces increased swallowing frequency due to the stimulation of the salivary glands to produce more saliva. Acid is then diluted and flushed down, thus improving the clearance rate of reflux within the esophagus.

Almonds

There are a lot of articles about heartburn say that eating almonds are food triggers of acid reflux. It may be the other way around, as a lot of home remedy experts are disputing the said notion. To explain, almonds contains oil and potassium – a combination that is perfect to level acidity in the stomach. So, it is advised to munch on a couple of almonds either before of after meals.

Baking Soda

The sodium bicarbonate present in baking soda neutralizes the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Although it is mainly used for treating heartburn, the use of baking soda to ease the discomfort of indigestion is also practice to assist better digestion, especially fatty food. Mix a half tablespoon of baking soda with a glass of water. Stir well, then let the bubbles settle if it occurs. You may intake this 15 minutes before eating or about 30 minutes after meal.

Ginger

Just like its perennial plant cousin, the American ginseng, ginger is also a potent remedy to combat indigestion. With its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger fortifies the stomach wall and calms down the secretion of acid. In digestion, this plant root facilitates better digestion, especially fatty and greasy substances, as well as food that contains free-radicals.

All in all, to enjoy the holiday season without the hassles of aching tummy, make sure to practice moderation.

Happy holidays, everyone!

5 “Unforgettable” Movie Characters with Memory Loss

Amnesia or memory loss is one of the most used plot devices in TV and in films. This trope became do widely popular and well-used, that directors have to put on some variations and intriguing twist to justify and give a whole new approach in capturing the essence of this close to passé cinematic allegory.

That’s why it is up to the actors on how to flawlessly pull off a remarkable and convincing portrayal of an amnesiac. So good, that it stays afloat in our… well, memory. They did it so well, that we desperately want to jump into the screen and offer them those memory-enhancing supplements and ginseng roots with high hopes of recovery just to have that oh, so happy ending. Not to mention, it is a bit of a paradox to say that these movie memory-impaired heroes and heroines made quite an impact, enough to be unforgettable.

So, before these characters go down to Hollywood oblivion, here are the 5 “unforgettable” movie characters suffering from memory loss.

Lucy Whitmore (50 First Dates)

To quote the great Friedrich Nietzsche, “The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time”. And this is exactly what Lucy Whitmore experienced. In the movie, Lucy got into a car accident and suffered from a temporal lobe damage that caused her short term memory loss and inability to create new memories. This pretty much explains the numerous “first kisses” she had experienced with Henry Roth. Kinda cute, if you’d think about it. On the other hand, it is the complete literal meaning of U2’s hit song, Stuck in a Moment, and You Can’t Get out of It.

Dory (Finding Nemo)

Talk about a fish that has a memory of a goldfish. Dory has a short term memory loss that somehow gives color to the Regal Tang fish. The “amnesia” element was well-utilized in the film in a sense that it provides a convenient yet effective obstacle throughout the film. We empathized with her shortcomings during her adventures with Marlin as they embark on a mission to find Nemo, more specifically from those scenes wherein frustration arises due to her inability to remember a darn thing.

Hancock (Hancock)

Forget Wolverine’s derailed memory due to a bullet wound. Hancock’s backstory is way more compelling. The badass superhuman loss his past memory when a brawling incident happened just before he and his companion enter the movie house to watch Frankenstein… 80 years prior to the movie’s timeline. The memory loss narrative served the film well in giving way to a more revealing life antecedent that eventually helped the anti-hero answer his questions about his past.

Joel Barish and Clementine Kruczynski (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind)

Emotionally dragged Joel Barish has been separated with her girlfriend, Clementine for a couple of years when the two got into a nasty fight that provoked the latter in deciding to erase her memory. Joel later decides to undergo the same procedure as well in order for him to move on with his already miserable life, only to see him fight off the process in his subconscious in an effort to bypass the procedure and keep some of his memories of Clementine.

Leonard Shelby (Memento)

50 First Dates’ use of VCR to maintain the continuity of Lucy Whitmore’s life beyond her retained memories is one thing. But for auteur, Christopher Nolan, tapes ain’t gonna cut it. That’s why in Memento, the protagonist, Leonard Shelby – suffering from anterograde amnesia – tries to solve the mystery of his wife’s gruesome death. In order for him to keep track of the details of his life as he splices the clues pointing to his wife’s killer, he devised an elaborate journal in the form Polaroids, sticky notes and tattoos. What a way to infuse complex element to a simple plot device.

Did I forget something? Please feel free to refresh my memory by leaving a comment!

10 Unforgettable Celebrity Manboobs

On the last blog post, we’ve tackled about the causes of gynecomastia… Or in common terms, Man boobs. To be honest, this condition can be a serious thing. It may not impose grave health threats but it sure can make you look like a guy that has been liquefied and distorted using photoshop, making you an instant laughing stock of the group.

Heck, even celebrities have got no escape in acquiring this rather unusual androgynous phenomenon happening inside the body. One way or another, this condition is one hell of an unappealing way to show the “feminine side” of these Hollywood toughies.

So, give them a warm welcome (and a warm ginseng tea for a much-needed hormone balance), here are the 10 unforgettable celebrity man boobs and their aliases! (Oh, and please forgive those puns)

10. Tom Cruise: From Top Gun to Top Buns

It seems that aging can really make a celebrity look like a washed out gym instructor. And clearly, this is what we’re seeing right now in Tom Cruise. It only goes to show that the Mission Impossible star is not an alien.

9. Will Ferrell: The Legend of Ron Burgun-tits

I almost let this funny guy slip past my list. Then again, I reconsidered! Will Ferrell may be the jack of all trades when it comes to throwing hard punchlines and movie adlibs, but it is undeniable and “cannot be unseen” that the Anchorman star’s man boobs are definitely the scene-stealer of the movie. Milk was definitely a bad choice, Ron!

8. Simon Cowell: The PECS Factor

Gone are the days when the American Idol honcho was all too skinny and sexy and flamboyantly-refined. Not to mention, the sharp accent and the striking remarks that can make Paula Abdul go crazy-drunk while on the set. Now, all the sarcastic looks and sardonic comments all came back to him, in the form of those pair of juicy busts.

7. Bono: Sunday Bumpy Sunday

U2 frontman, Bono still has it in terms of being a “rockstar”. But as far as his chest is concerned, rockstars have chiseled chest. Not “cheese-filled chest” Perhaps, he just got stuck in a moment. Nevertheless, Bono can still put on a good show, with or without his moobs.

6. Leo DiCaprio: Putting the TIT in Titanic

The Oscars may have snubbed him a few times now, but believe you me, DiCaprio could be the next Orson Welles when it comes to acting and producing movies (Or is it just me). Heck, even in the looks department, Leo can surely pass as the auteur’s reincarnation. And it is starting to show on his beach bod. Despite that, for us, you’re still the king of the world!

5. Pierce Brosnan: Agent Double O Sagging

At 61, Pierce Brosnan could still strut a Bond pose… But not on board shorts. Probably it’s because of too much shaken Martinis and perhaps, shrimp cocktails on the side when not on the job. Oh, well, cut the Goldeneye star some slack. Besides, he retired the ol’ tuxedo a long time ago. After all, with all that flabs, he’s still worthy to be called a silver fox.

4. David Hasselhoff: Boobwatch

There’s no denying that David Hasselhoff owns the toned, chiseled beach bod back in the nineties. But that was during his stint as a “lifeguard”. Today, the only thing that’s recognizable about The Hoff is his greying soggy bumpers that could easily bump his Knight Rider car, KITT off the scene.

3. Bruce Jenner: Keeping it UP with the Kardashians

True enough, Bruce Jenner’s breasticles has been keeping up with Kris’ and even Kim’s “breaking the internet” publicity stunt. And for the past few months or so, it seems that the famed Olympian has had a few bumps along the way since the break up with the Kardashian matriarch, sporting a weird frizzy mullet and a sudden weight gain. There, there, Bruce.

2. Steven Tyler: Dude Is Now A Lady

At 66, rock icon, Steven Tyler is still living the Rock & Roll life – touring, singing, everything an aspiring musician could ever imagine. Except of course for growing man-titties. As far as we all could remember, the Aerosmith frontman never had been wearing the same old open-button top to practically every concert they’ve had. That’s why it came as a surprise when photographs of him frolicking by the beach, sporting his man boobs started to emerge all over the internet. Perhaps, it’s safe to say that the ageing can somehow make your body feel “jaded”.

1. Jack Nicholson: The B***h Tits of Eastwick

Good ol’ Jack has everything! Oscar-worthy filmography on his belt, Oscar wins, luxury of watching basketball games literally on the front-row seat, three beautiful children, and a pair of tits that could make a pre-adolescent girl cry out of sheer insecurity. Despite not in his best of form, the Cookoo’s Nest star didn’t mind getting mocked by the media for his appearance. Heck, He’s Jack Effin’ Nicholson. He can pretty much do what he pleases!

They maybe rockstars, famed actors and filthy rich media personality, but one thing is for sure. Utter disregard for hormone level can turn a hunk into a disturbing chunk. The best way to ensure a regulated and maintained hormone balance? Go with Wisconsin ginseng root!

Moobs: A growing number of guys with growing breasts

Let’s face it. Men like boobs. But in terms of today, it seems that nearly half the population of men all over the world loves a nice rack so much, that it starts to grow on them… Literally! The result: MANBOOBS or MOOBS!

Manboobs, moobs, b!+(# tits, whatever you want to call it. Gynecomastia is a serious condition.
Screengrab from the movie, Fight Club

Manboobs – or GYNECOMASTIA in medical terms – is an endocrine disorder wherein breast tissues of men start to develop due to mainly due to hormonal imbalance. This imbalance is usually caused by other illnesses, injuries, food and medications that can alter the function of significant glands that produce hormones in the body, particularly irregularities in the secretion of estrogen and androgen.

Considering this some sort of a disorganized process happening inside the man’s body, there are still quite a handful of factors to consider as to why this hormonal imbalance literally gives guys the worst case of “Robert Paulson”. You know who that is? Just take a look at the screengrab from the movie, Fight Club.

Listed are just some of the common causes of gynecomastia:

Chronic diseases and illnesses that can be linked to hormonal imbalance

Diabetes, kidney failure and endocrine illnesses (hypothyroidism, etc.) are just some of the diseases and ailments that can affect the production of hormones in the body – specifically androgens and estrogens. These chronic diseases may trigger hormonal imbalance by deterring and interrupting the regular production of the testosterone in the body. As for liver cirrhosis being linked to gynecomastia, the liver’s ability to metabolize hormones is damaged and can no longer able to regulate excess estrogens. These effects can also be attributed to cancer –particularly prostate, testicular, etc., when it comes to the production and balancing of the testosterone.

That explains why and how “Robert Paulson” got the ridiculously-large pair of tits, and why I am associating this bodybuilder-turned-testicular-cancer-survivor fictional character with this post.

Medications and treatments

Tied up to the first one is the medication that goes with it. And this could get your chest all pumped up and juicy. Chemotherapy and dialysis are two major medications may and can save you from cancer and kidney-related diseases. However, there’s a big chance that your chest may grow even more due to the treatment’s effect on the gonad – a gland responsible for the production of hormones in the testicular area – as you undergo with these treatments.  This also goes for anti androgens and radiation treatments used for curing prostate cancer.

Moreover, medications for depression, ulcer, antibiotics, and even anabolic steroid can cause a firm man to grow a pair… of tender boobage. Instead, try something more natural like ginseng root to alleviate minor illnesses and ailments.

Food and booze

And just because you’re healthy as a horse, it doesn’t mean you’re exempted from sprouting a pair of fun bags. There are a number of foods and beverages that contains phytoestrogens – compound that mimics the characteristics of an estrogen. This can be found mostly on hops – which is normally found on beer – as well as green tea, soy, cereals, chickpeas, processed and legumes among others. So, you might wanna take it easy on shrugging down a 6-pack and be mindful of what you eat. Moderation is the key.

Drug abuse

Surprised? Believe it! Marijuana, along with those other drug substances found in heroin, meth, methadone as well as other barbiturates and opiates can slow down the production of testosterone in the body. So regardless if you’re into legal organic stuff or those high caliber drugs, you might want to steer clear from these drugs.

To sum up, the causes of gynecomastia mentioned above all boils down to one factor: hormonal imbalance. As a solution, experts recommend to track your testosterone level. Also, with the help of exercise, balanced diet, proper use of medication, as well as taking care of yourselves and of course, you will be able to regain the loss manly hormone in your body and restore the chiseled figure that you used to have.

Furthermore, sipping a nice warm cup of ginseng tea to facilitate hormone regulation and promote overall well being won’t hurt a bit in ensuring your toned chest won’t sag and look like Kim Kardashian’s oily booty.

Ginseng Wars on TV: History Channel’s Appalachian Outlaws

You want to know what seems to be the big fuzz about ginseng? Find out on TV.

Appalachian Outlaws is a relatively new, 6-part series made and released early this year by History. It tackles about rival families trying to conquer and outsmart each other over the claims of their own share of vast land, deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

In search for furs, moonshine and the main cast of the show: Ginseng; These families are willing to risk jail time, even lives, just to get a chunk of the ginseng action, as well as the other riches of the Appalachian to sustain their day-to-day lives.

Talk about recapturing The Godfather and Breaking Bad fighting over turf, only set in the rural area of North America.

War over ginseng but across America, has been running for quite sometime now, and it continues to rise whether the camera rolls or not. To know more why Appalachian locales outsiders alike are clamoring about the “Green-Gold” plant root known as American Ginseng, here are some quick facts about it:

-    Ginseng, along with moonshine and fur, is the primary source of income in the Appalachian Mountains. This explains the rising feud between families and locales that are situated in the said mountain region of North America.

-    The supply of American ginseng is slowly deteriorating. As an alternative for its natural cultivation process (wild method), wild simulation is being utilized to help its sustainability. This allows landowners to cultivate their own ginseng plant, provided that they should acquire permits, certificates and other licenses from US Fish and Wildlife Service.

-    Wisconsin, particularly in Marathon, is known to be the largest ginseng producers in America, supplying a record high of 97% of the total ginseng production in the US.

-    Unlike any other ginseng that is grown in America, Wisconsin ginseng proves to be more potent and effective, containing a higher concentration level of ginsenosides, a compound responsible for the medical effects found in the plant root.

-    Harvest of ginseng is strictly regulated. One of the stipulations is the plant must have at least three leaves to the maturity of the ginseng (at least 5 years.). For the state of Illinois, it requires at least four leaves (10-year maturity) before it can be legally harvested.

-    The cost of ginseng can be as high as $1,000 per pound. This explains why some landowners, families, poachers and other ginseng players are willing to literally get their hands dirty for this plant.

Appalachian Outlaws premiered last January 9, 2014 in the US, and will be shown in Asia on August 21, 2014. Intrigued ginseng followers can also binge watch reruns on various video sites.

See the ginseng war as it erupts right before your eyes!