Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
Check out Merav Feiglin’s Trashlights, mosaics, and other recycled material artwork between August 25th-27th.
When Tel Aviv does something, sooner or later everyone else wants to do it too. For years Tel Aviv has devoted one weekend a year to celebrating its architecture, putting on a “Houses from Within” festival. (In recent years the festival has spotlighted green architecture as well.) Sure enough, other towns in Israel are catching on and Emek Hefer (located on Israel’s coast between Netanya and Hadera) will have its own “Open Houses” festival at the end of this month, between August 25th-27th.
In our guide to male sexual stimulants, we created an eco-sexy list of non-pharmacological supplements purported to increase a man’s libido and overall sexual well-being and performance. Here, we focus on natural ways to get a woman’s love-gears in motion. With a partner or without. And we looked to women around the world and their ancient traditions for some clues. Where science is yet to catch up, folk wisdom will carry us.
First, it’s important to note that female desire, arousal and sexual satisfaction are complex and subject to a myriad of emotional, physical and psychological factors. And while finding ways to tickle the feminine fancy is a hot topic amongst eco-sexuals searching for natural ways to enhance pleasure, it’s also seen as a huge, untapped market by big pharma companies seeking profit.
This past June, the FDA gave a thumbs down to Boehringer Ingelheim’s drug for female arousal disorder, Flibanserin. Known as “female Viagra” the drug was Intended to enhance desire in women (hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)), but Flibanserin suffered from mixed results in clinical trials, most notably an effect not much better than placebo.
This ruling underscores an issue facing women in the Middle East as well, where the use of nutritional aids is popular. Even as industry is intent on generating a need for medical intervention – by shaping our concept of what constitutes female sexual arousal, and defining it in such a way to garner a larger percentage of potential users – eco-sexperts know that overall well-being improves sexual health and performance, often for far less than pharmacological agents.
A word of caution: the information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for visiting your medical health professional, especially if you believe you suffer from low libido, or other disorders such as sexually transmitted diseases, or pain during intercourse. Reasons for decreasing desire, arousal, or ability to reach orgasm can be attributed to many factors, including hormonal changes, menopause, drug therapy, pregnancy, or other health conditions that indirectly effect sexual well-being. These absolutely require medical attention.
And remember, be your own personal eco-sexpert and choose only organic and sustainably harvested supplements.
Herbal and vitamin supplements for women:
Arginine
Higher blood flow makes clitoral and vaginal tissues more sensitive and responsive to sexual stimulation and helps increase the possibility of reaching orgasm. Although there haven’t been nearly as many studies done on arginine supplementation in women as in men, one study found that postmenopausal women who took a supplement including L-Arginine experienced heightened sexual response.
Nuts are great for your libido
The study involving women of all ages found that after four weeks, 73.5% of the women who took a supplement including L-Arginine experienced greater sexual satisfaction, including heightened desire and clitoral sensation, frequency of intercourse and orgasm, and less vaginal dryness.”
Natural arginine sources include:
Walnuts
Hazelnuts
Pecans
Peanuts
Almonds
Cashews
Brazil Nuts
But if you are prone to cold sores or the Herpes virus, you should avoid arginine. There are other options below.
Bishop’s Hat
Bishop’s Hat: Also known as Epimedium, Rowdy Lamb Herb, Barrenwort, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, or Yin Yang Huo, it is probably the most famous of all natural aphrodisiacs. It has been used to treat erectile dysfunction in men in China for centuries. There is little evidence that it might work for women in published science journals. Ask in your circles.
What’s good for the Chinese man may also be good for the woman in more ways than one. Ask around about horny goat weed.
Horny goat weed contains chemicals that might help increase blood flow and improve sexual function. It also contains phytoestrogens, chemicals that act somewhat like the hormone estrogen.
It’s a potent PDE-5 inhibitor, that works by the same method of action as viagra and will increase blood flow to the genitals and increase the sensitivity of the sexual nerves, as well as increasing a woman’s desire for sexual gratification.
Black cohosh
Black Cohosh: Also known as squawroot, it may imitate the effects of the female hormone estrogen and help to balance hormone levels in menopasusal women. Black cohosh is purported to treat some of the most common symptoms of menopause including low libido, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and mood swings.
Israeli women use black cohosh for labor. Possibly for feminine health in general?
It’s given by midwives to induce labor and it worked, according to Green Prophet’s editor Karin Kloosterman who reported starting active labor an hour after taking black cohosh.
Boron
There is nothing boring about Boron: Boron is vital for reducing excretion of both calcium and magnesium.
This in turn assists in maintaining healthy bones. It is also essential for estrogen production, and can have a rapid effect in helping menopausal women. Sex drive may return within just a few days sometimes after it has been absent for years, and a rapid reduction in hot flushes. Boron raises the level of natural sex hormones in the body.
Natural sources of boron:
apples
coffee
dried beans
milk
potatoes
Calcium
Calcium: “Calcium supplementation can relieve the physical and emotional toll of PMS by almost 50%. At least half of the 497 women she studied who took 1,200 mg. of calcium supplements experienced fewer mood swings, depression/sadness, anxiety/nervousness; breast tenderness, bloating and other aches and pains.
The US Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks, N.D. reported similar results after studying 10 women with PMS who spent half the study period on a daily diet containing 600 mg. of calcium, the other half upped to1300 mg. Women on the high calcium diet were less irritable, weepy, and depressed and averted backaches, cramping, and bloating.” (source)
Damiana
Damiana, also known as Mexico’s natural Viagra: “Damiana is a herb used traditionally by the Mayan people of Central America to enhance sexual function in men and women.
“It is reported to be an aphrodisiac, stimulant, mood enhancer, and a tonic….The use of damiana as an aphrodisiac is somewhat controversial because there is no scientific evidence that it works and yet it has been widely promoted as a sexual stimulant.” (source)
Fennel Seed
Fennel seeds, center, for female sensual health
Fennel Seed: “Fennel seeds contain a compound called phytoestrogen, which acts like a mild form of estrogen. This property makes it an effective remedy for regulating menstruation, relieving the symptoms of menopause and helping nursing mothers to increase their milk production.” (source)
Ginger
Ginger: “Ginger has been used for Centuries as a highly effective aid to digestion. But its classification as a natural aphrodisiac comes from its ability to increase circulation. Served pickled, candied or in the raw, ginger increases sensitivity in the erogenous zones.” (source)
Asian Ginger
Asian ginseng is purported to have estrogen-like effects on the female reproductive tissues and may prevent vaginal atrophy. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests ginseng can improve strength and promote longevity. Asian ginseng contains compounds known as ginsenosides that are thought to give ginseng its medicinal properties…
It is especially good over the long term, because it helps the body secrete moisture. [However,] the University of Maryland Medical Center says there is little research to support widespread beliefs that Asian ginseng can improve sexual desire.
Maca
Maca root may help to balance and encourage the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These effects may improve vaginal dryness in women and help restore sexual desire. Maca root contains a number of vitamins along with calcium, zinc and iron.
Maca is a sacred medicinal root vegetable that belongs to the Brassicaceae family and only grows around 4000m above sea level in a remote part of the Peruvian Andes.
Peruvian women have some screts to sensual health.
The Incan people call maca the “food of the brain” and consider it their most sacred plant that brings happiness and balance back to their body during stress. What is unique about maca is that it comes in 3 colours, with seeds from any colour producing all 3 colours again, according to Little Bird Organics.
Magnesium
Magnesium is important for regulating the flow of calcium between cells and is essential for adequate calcium uptake, which can lead to fewer PMS symptoms such as irritability, depression, headaches, backaches and menstrual cramps.
Labisa Pumila or Kacip Fatimah is a small woody and leafy plant that grows and can be found widely in the shade of forest floors in Malaysia that has been traditionally used as a tea by women who experience a loss of libido for over 500 years.
Kota Bharu, Malaysia. Women in this country swear by Labisa Pumila for sensual health.
Kacip Fatimah is known to rejuvenate the vagina, by tightening the walls and skin, increase blood flow to the clitoris and vagina, increase the length and quantity of orgasms, and above all greatly increase sexual desire.
Rose root
Rhodiola rosea appears to work by influencing key central nervous system chemicals–neurotransmitters called monoamines (dopamine and serotonin are examples). An imbalance of monoamines is believed to be involved in several hard-to-treat illnesses, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD); some herbalists believe taking rhodiola rosea to normalize monoamine levels may benefit these ailments.
Other studies on rhodiola rosea have shown benefits in such varied areas as increased learning capacity and memory enhancement, regulation of menstrual periods and infertility, reduction of side effects from cancer chemotherapy, increased sexual libido and erectile dysfunction, enhancement of thyroid gland function, increased capacity for work and endurance, and protection from environmental toxins.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, also called niacin, niacinamide, or nicotinic acid, is an essential nutrient required by all humans for the proper metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as for the production of hydrochloric acid for digestion.
Aadequate levels of B-3 are vital for the proper synthesis of insulin and the sex hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C influences a good sex life with its role in the absorption of iron, the formation of blood cells and the metabolism of the adrenal gland, all processes that affect your sex life.
The adrenal gland produces lots of hormones that influence your sex life, including a hormone that helps to stimulate orgasm. In addition, vitamin C also strengthens your immune system, protects against stress and helps keep your joints limber and active.
White Kwao Krua
White kwao krua (purearia mirifica) White kwao krua has been traditionally used by Thai women to enhance sexual health and libido. superba, locally named as red Kwao Krua is widely distributed in the Thai deciduous forest. mirifica is a Thai indigenous plant with a well-known local name as the white Kwao Krua.
Red Kwao Krua does not cure the body, but rather helps the body cure itself or helps the human body rejuvenate itself. Red Kwao Krua is suitable for men as a tonic, longevity drug in restoring sexual ability and relieving fatigue, hypertension and cholesterol in blood.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou61_Wtu5TY&feature=player_embedded[/youtube] These solar cookers are very inexpensive to make, and yet their impact on Darfur’s families is immeasurable
Spreading compassion for all things and attending to the suffering of others is steeped in the Jewish tradition, in part as a result of deep scars left behind by the holocaust. Nor does this philosophy extend to Israel alone. British Jews are doing their part to reverse environmental damage, while Jews around the world pay their respects to the world’s sadness on Tisha B’Av. So when Rachel Andres traveled to Darfur and learned that women, who had already endured the unthinkable horrors of genocide, were being exposed to rape and attack while collecting firewood for cooking, she decided to do something about it.
Since her launch in 2008, Egyptian fashion designer Nadia Nour has been wowing fashionistas with her elegantly glamorous and individual fashion range which also happen to be environmentally-friendly.
Graduating with a degree in Fashion and Philosophy, it’s seems that Nadia Nour was destined to create an ethical fashion range that gracefully combines her love for fashion with concerns for the planet. With a focus on organic cotton, silks and vintage fabrics, Nadia has also shown her commitment to her home city by producing locally in New York City’s Garment District.
She insists that you can still wear high-end fashion, show off your personal style and reduce your carbon footprint. I spoke to Nadia about what inspires her work, her top tips for eco-shoppers and how her Arab heritage shapes her work.
Ever thought of doing more with your watermelon than simply slicing and dicing?
Are you melting in the sticky Middle Eastern summer? Well here is a juicy fruit that is always a favourite, being nice and refreshing, the perfect thing for a summer’s day. There are many reasons for its popularity and not only because it is chock full of vital nutrients. Juices, desserts and decoration; watermelon is a lot more versatile than what you may have originally thought.
Israel needs to move away from nationalist oil rhetoric and pursue renewable energy projects instead
I was astounded to happen on the full-page advertisement on the back of the business section in the October 10, 2010 issue of Maariv. “Israeli Gas or Arab Gas: What Do You Prefer?” read the central heading. The Arabic writing on the wall was translated: “Someone wants you not to understand.”
Striking a xenophobic tenor, the ad explains that “a year ago a large deposit of oil was discovered off the coast of Israel. Oil production from the new well would cancel Israel’s dependence on foreign-Arab sources and provide Israel with great resources for decades to come.” The article fails to note that the reserves in the Leviathan field have yet to be proven.
If our leaders don’t get their hands dirty and effect real plans to protect biodiversity, we stand to lose the land we live on
We have begun to reach the climatic “tipping points” environmentalists worry so much about – the point where the glass of (camel) milk is leaning, leaning and it hasn’t leaned so far that the milk has leaked out but then boom, the glass falls over, milk splatters everywhere, and someone has to come in to mop it up. The United Nations (UN) looks to the dismal health of the Amazon forest, certain freshwater lakes, and coral reef ecosystems like the Red Sea for signs that unless our leaders implement schemes that protect biodiversity more urgently, humanity is going to shed some serious tears.
Ben Gurion University’s green passion, natural gas fields, the health benefits of oil and more headlines related to Israeli cleantech and the environment. Image by conanil.
During the week of August 1, 2010, BrightSource Energy’s plans for the world’s largest solar plant in the Mojave came one step closer. The future of the Dead Sea continues to draw international interest and according the Ernst and Young, Israel’s government needs to do more to enable Israel to take the lead in cleantech. For these stories and more, see this week’s headlines below.
With a strong environmental flavor to its courses already, it’s no wonder that Ben Gurion University is embracing the Green Campus label with such enthusiasm.
It may not be the first, or the only, university campus in Israel to receive the “Green Campus” label from the Ministry of Environmental Protection, (Haifa reduced their energy consumption by 22%) but Ben-Gurion University (BGU) in the country’s Negev desert can be singled out for having the most passionate and involved administration.
The aphids’ survival technique against chomping mammals may be used against them to spare crops
Whether we’re trying to ensure public health in Iran or expanding limited water sources in Israel, we’re constantly mining solutions to humanity’s woes. Unfortunately, many businesses leave their ethics at home and invest in ventures, such as pesticides, that are terrible for the environment. Pests are every farmer’s nemesis, but a recent study conducted by the University of Haifa shows that it may not be necessary to spend $1 billion USD to rid crops of these pesky marauders. It may only take a little hot breath.
Who can resist a potato? These crisp-skinned potato wedges seasoned with olive oil and Middle-Eastern herbs make a great side dish for any meal.
The warm scent of organic potatoes roasting in olive oil and pungent spices. Far healthier than fries. And the good feeling of slow food happening in your own kitchen, with an easy recipe.
Will Abu Dhabi’s citizens choose solar panels for their roofs when electricity prices go up?
The residents of the United Arab Emirates capital, Abu Dhabi, will soon experience three major changes as the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company electricity supplier plans to install a meter for every apartment and a solar panel on every roof, according to The National. While meters that measure a customer’s consumption are common features in the West, they only recently began to appear in the UAE.
In Islam, fair-trade is more than just a fashionstatement, it’s a deeply-ingrained value
Many people wouldn’t normally associate Islam with fair-trade and ethical fashion but that is all set to change as a growing number of Muslim companies rediscover Islam’s fair-trade message. Whilst fair-trade fashion would generally conjure up images of well-dressed hippies, there is a new generation of Muslims who are placing ethical concerns at the heart of their work and wardrobe. Not only does this indicate rising green and ethical awareness in Muslim businesses, it also means there is a growing demand from normal Muslims for environmentally-friendly options. I spoke to some of the people behind these unique companies from across the UK, Canada and the Middle East to find out more.
Help Greenpeace and jovoto bring renewable energy to Germany with awesome graphic design
Are you a creative designer looking to use your aesthetic powers towards eco-friendly means? Greenpeace and jovoto’s joint design contest, Creativity for the Energy Revolution, is a good place to start. The competition attempts to use cool design to spread the message about converting Germany’s current energy production system from nuclear and charcoal generated energy to solar, wind, water power, biogas and geothermal energy.
Though urban density is better for the environment, we don’t have to give up all the benefits of country living (such as locally-grown food)
Though we laud the farmers who rough it on the land, grow food that we can buy, and live an interconnected life, city life is more sustainable. But not just any city life. Urban density that enables citizens to use public transportation and walk is necessary to maximize land use and minimize carbon output. Any system that leaves open even the slightest window of driving opportunity will compel people to use the car, which is not so great for air quality.
For cities in the UAE, for example,where only 1 in 25 Emiratis choose to walk, city planners can provide a little more incentive. Through his research, David Owen concluded that Manhattan offers a winning model; Jonathan Hiskes relays why.
Check out Merav Feiglin’s Trashlights, mosaics, and other recycled material artwork between August 25th-27th.
Israeli women use black cohosh for labor. Possibly for feminine health in general?
Since her launch in 2008, Egyptian fashion designer Nadia Nour has been wowing fashionistas with her elegantly glamorous and individual fashion range which also happen to be environmentally-friendly.
Who can resist a potato? These crisp-skinned potato wedges seasoned with olive oil and Middle-Eastern herbs make a great side dish for any meal.
Will Abu Dhabi’s citizens choose solar panels for their roofs when electricity prices go up? 
