Femisan and Doctor's Advice

Dr Antonić

Let’s talk about health now, and, of course, it is a great pleasure that our long term associate, the Herba Svet company, has brought an interesting guest, the man who has answers to numerous questions, especially coming from women, so I would like to welcome here the Biologist, Snežana Petrović from the Herba Svet company, and Doctor Duško Antonić, gynaecologist and obstetrician. Good evening, welcome. Doctor Antonić, a special welcome to you, since this is your first time here in our Sunday Afternoon Program, thank you for being here, because, when a gynaecologist explains certain things – it is much easier, right, Snežana?

Of course. I would like to thank Doctor Antonić for being our and your guest and I hope that he will honour us in future with his presence and expertise.

Right, especially because after we have you, Snežana, here as our guest, or Natalija, there are often many calls from our viewers who have more questions and ask for more information. We will remind you once again that you can ask all your questions on social networks, since the Herba Svet company has its Facebook page and you will get your answer very quickly. And now I’ll ask something in the name of our female viewers! Doctor, here, we are presenting Femisan A, we had a user who managed to finally get pregnant after she had been using this product, there are numerous comments from women who really solved their problems, but, here, tell us how persistent does a woman need to be when it comes to health?

She needs to be very persistent, for a simple reason that we are exposed to various agents, and then, after a while they leave consequences on our health. As for Femisan A, that you have just mentioned and the success of the woman who used it, we are often now witnesses of the problem with female sterility, there is the problem that women now keep postponing motherhood and have their first baby at a later age. In some cases, for example, the peak age to get pregnant is 24, and then it keeps dropping, and we have a situation now that women aged 40-42, the age that is practically close to the menopause, are trying to get pregnant. In these cases, Femisan A is very important for a simple reason that, in that period of some 10 years before the menopause, before the last menstruation, there is a change, there are various symptoms that a woman experiences, and above all, there is a loss of reproductive abilities, to be more accurate – the number of ovulatory cycles gets smaller, a woman may have regular periods, but she does not ovulate, and even if there is ovulation, it is insufficient for a pregnancy.

Then, there are series of disorders when it comes to menstrual cycle, the menstruations are not regular anymore, they are different by their duration and blood loss, they can occur earlier or later, so this is a period of life when everything that was abnormal, now becomes normal. For that reason, Femisan A is good since it helps maintain for a while the period of ovulation cycles, it helps women have regular, good ovulations, a good egg that can be used for pregnancy.

Although gynaecologists recommend Femisan A and Femisan B (for women entering menopause), and it is a credit for the Herba Svet company, of course, but many of our viewers now, when they see that the topic is health, think ’I am healthy, it is none of my business, I’ll watch something else’, but are we really healthy, doctor? How often does it happen that women come to you for routine check-ups, but end up having numerous health issues they are not aware of?

A great number of women, only when they come for a regular gynaecological check-up, whether it is just an ultrasound or a gynaecological examination, discover that they have an ovarian cyst or polycystic ovaries, and they were completely unaware of it. Some women learn that they have uterine fibroids, or, if the breast check-up is involved, that they have cysts in breasts, so yes, women most often discover that during regular gynaecological check-ups. We can say that we are healthy, and yes, we feel healthy and go around our business, but the biological clock is ticking. In this post-menstrual period, a women will discover various vasomotor disorders, that is, due to dilation of peripheral blood vessels and sudden blood flow, when entering the menopause, she will experience hot flashes – ’hot and cold’, a heat wave followed by a cold wave, which can happen 20 to 30 times a day, which again, leaves consequences and causes irritability...

And we feel very bad and scared.

Yes, with irritability, loss of focus, skin damage, dry skin, hair damage, so it all triggers a series of symptoms in the body, and it is better to prevent that or reduce the intensity than to let it pass by itself, since it is a long period – it lasts for 10 years. The perimenopause period can last for 10 years.

Yes, it can be really long. Snežana, you always say that we should not forget our doctor. So you always insist on having a check-up by the doctor, and then using these products in agreement with the doctor. How much do the patients – the users of your products listen to this advice?

I must say we keep getting more feedback. When we get any question related to Femisan A, we always give instructions on how to use it and tell them to let us know about the results. So, the recommendation is: after 2 to 3 months of use of Femisan A to do a check-up, especially, as the doctor said, in case there is a cyst, so something that can be monitored. When it comes to Femisan B, women can monitor by themselves if the symptoms are reduced or not. However, when it comes to Femisan A, the actual gynaecological problems, we always point out and ask women to let us know the results and have the first control check-up 3-6 months following the therapy.

Unfortunately, there is a growing number of young girls with polycystic ovaries, and in that case it is especially important for mothers to take care of their children. And women, once the reproductive period is over, and I believe the doctor will agree with me here, somehow neglect their health, they have less regular check-ups, and then it happens, for example, that there is a uterine fibroid which is huge, which causes massive bleeding and creates problems... the woman maybe has a check-up only then, and it could have been prevented or mitigated. So, I believe that women take more care during the reproductive period, until they become mothers, and later not as much. We always urge women, this way on TV or in direct contact with women, not to neglect the check-ups, especially, and the doctor will say more about what problems may occur when entering menopause, and it is very important to examine our breasts and have regular check-ups, ideally every 6 months.

So shall we say once again to our female viewers – to have patience and persistence, when it comes to health. Is there any other advice that we could give to our women who may be a bit lazy to schedule a gynaecological check-up, or may be afraid what the doctor will say, what message do you have for them?

First of all, as Snežana has just said, regular gynaecological check-ups – what do they entail? A colposcopy at least once a year, and the ultrasound at least twice a year. Also, the ultrasound of breasts is mandatory, and if there is a need, the mammography, or even MRI. As for the therapy used, the products based on medicinal herbs can be efficient, however, certain period of time is required for the full effect. We cannot expect that one or two bottles will give us the effect, but – once it is reached, it lasts for a longer period of time. We, gynaecologists, have series of hormone-based medications and when we prescribe them, there is a quick effect, however, once a woman stops using it, the effect quickly disappears.

But here we have the case that once you reach that effect, you will notice, for example, if it’s the menopause, the effect will be maintained throughout the therapy. The menopause disappears after the last period. In our region it occurs around the age of 52. But it can occur earlier, and we have cases of women younger than 40 entering menopause, or women entering menopause after the age of 55. In order to prevent early menopause, one advice, for example, is to quit smoking. There is evidence that women who have smoked for 2 years will enter menopause earlier.

We cannot give you the accurate moment the menopause will hit, it depends on nutrition, childbirth, and breastfeeding, however there is a genetic connection, so we can say the daughter will enter menopause approximately at the same time as her mother. With menopause come series of disorders, most women know about cardiovascular disorders and osteoporosis, and how can you prevent osteoporosis? There is evidence that skinnier women, women that use alcohol and smoke also experience bone decay more often.

We all know that and yet we don’t listen to the doctor and pay no attention.

That is why I am here.

And that is why we will be glad to have you as our guest in weeks to come and tell us more about various topics and explain to women how important it is to take care of our health. Thank you very much for your advice. Snežana, thank you for bringing the guest to us.

Thank you, and once again, thanks to Doctor Antonić.

These were the special minutes for you, dear ladies. So if you dedicate at least 10 minutes to your health, that is a success for the start. See you with new topics next week.

Herba Svet and dr Duško Antonić, BN TV, Sunday Afternoon Program, 3 November, 2019

Everything I Want to Know about Femisan A

Femisan A is a natural formula in capsules, based on a selection of medicinal herbs, designed to help regulate the menstrual cycle and hormonal balance. It positively affects fertility and overall female health from puberty to menopause. Femisan A is a completely natural product, without adverse effects. It does not contain hormones or preservatives. When applied as prescribed, it can be used indefinitely.

In what cases can Femisan A help?

The formulation is efficient in the following cases:

• Menstrual cycle disorders
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids
• Painful periods
• Endometriosis
• PCOS – Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Female sterility
• Ectopia of cervix of the uterus
• PMS

Which medicinal herbs comprise Femisan A?

Lady’s mantle, yarrow, marigold, crane’s bill, shepherd’s purse, golden maca root. It also contains zinc.

What is the therapeutic dose of Femisan A?

The therapeutic dose of Femisan A is two capsules twice daily, and preventative dose is one capsule twice daily.

Will I feel any changes in my body when I begin using Femisan A?

Since Femisan A enhances circulation, it can be felt at the beginning of use as mild pain in lower abdomen. That is a good sign that it is working. Furthermore, brown discharge or spotting can be a sign of a ruptured cyst. It is important to continue using the capsules regularly.

Does it contain alcohol?

No, the capsules are alcohol free. Femisan A does not contain preservatives, artificial colours or gluten. It is HALAL certified.

How long does one pack of Femisan A last?

When used therapeutically, one pack of Femisan A lasts for 15 days.

How does Femisan A affect fertility?

Femisan A stimulates ovarian functions, hormonal balance, it intensifies ovulation and fortifies the uterine lining – endometrium. It is recommended by doctors as an excellent preparation for the IVF process.

How fast can I get pregnant?

The results vary and mostly depend on the severity of the disorder that prevented fertility. Regular use over a longer period of time is essential, as it takes time for the medicinal herbs to demonstrate the full effect. Simultaneously with Femisan A for women, couples attempting pregnancy are also advised to use Alfa Aktiv for men, which balances levels of testosterone and increases sperm number and motility.

Is Femisan A used during menstruation? When it shouldn’t be used?

Yes, the capsules are used throughout the cycle, even during menstruation, and should not be used in pregnancy. Femisan A will not harm the embryo, it is not used during pregnancy for a simple reason that there is no need for it. In pregnancy the body uses different mechanisms, and nothing should be used apart from that advised by the obstetrician.

How does Femisan A work in case of endometriosis?

When it comes to endometriosis, Femisan A has an anti-inflammatory effect, and it also soothes the sharp pain caused by this complicated disorder. There is also evidence that the flavones can reduce the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens, which reduces complications of endometriosis. One of the herbs in the Femisan A formula is lady’s mantle which has an adstringent effect, and is recommended in case of heavy flow. Lady’s mantle inhibits angiogenesis – the growth of new blood vessels.

What effect does Femisan A have on uterine fibroids?

The afore mentioned angiogenesis is a process that enhances development of certain diseases, like fibroids and endometriosis. As in endometriosis, the lady’s mantle extract has the power to inhibit growth of new blood vessels, thus preventing the development of new fibroids, stopping the growth of the existing ones and causing them to shrink over time. Furthermore, the ahileins from yarrow and tanins from lady’s mantle and marigold subdue extended and abundant menstrual bleeding that is often caused by the fibroids.

How does Femisan A affect cysts and the PCOS?

Femisan A is very efficient in cysts, first of all by establishing a normal hormonal balance, and will relatively quickly cause the cysts to rupture or be reabsorbed. When it comes to the polycystic ovaries syndrome, therapy persistence very important. PCOS  is a disorder with a tendency to keep coming back, which makes prolongued therapy followed by occasional prevention essential.

Can Femisan A help in blocked fallopian tubes?

With its anti-inflammatory effect, as well as the effect of the lady’s mantle on strenghtening the reproductive organs, Femisan A can contribute to resolving the ovary blockage, but only as adjuvant therapy. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) examination is advised which, by itself, can help unblock the tubes.

Does Femisan A contain hormones?

The plants contained in Femisan A are not dominant phytoestogens. Their main active principles – pharmacological active substances are not plant steroles but flavonoids, tannins, etc. Medicinal plants contain numerous phytochemicals. The substance that is dominant will classify a plant into a certan pharmacological group, which does not mean that the plaint does not contain other chemical compounds. It is exactly the synergistic variation of chemical compounds in plants that make their valuable healing properties.

Can Femisan A be used during and after menopause?

The oldest patient that used Femisan A was over 90 years old. The capsules can be used to treat disorders which may occur, although more rarely, following the menopause.

Can Femisan A be used simultaneously with the Pill?

Yes, Femisan A can be combined with contraception, however in a reduced dose, 2x1 capsules.

Can Femisan A be used by young girls?

Yes, the formula can be used from the first period. Femisan A helps establish a normal hormonal balance more quickly. It is also an excellent prevention from PCOS and endometriosis which keep occuring at younger age today.

Does Femisan A help with acne?

Yes, since acne are often caused by a hormonal imbalance. With regular use of Femisan A, the skin becomes clearer and sebum secretion is regulated.

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Femisan A is a completely natural product that has been on the market for over 20 years now. Over the time, numerious information of its positive effects has been collected from its users. From menstrual and reproductive disorders, to fertility issues, Femisan A has been helping women regain control over their lives, and even become mothers when all the odds were against them.

Who we are

Twenty years ago we had a vision about our own assortment of high-quality herbal dietary supplements. Over the time, we grew into a company employing over 20 pharmacy and phytotherapy professionals. Our program includes an array of products designed to preserve health and prevent numerous disorders and diseases, in both women and men.

From our early days, quality has been our main priority. Our choice is not only to include the best and most natural ingredients in our products, but also to systematically implement the ISO9001:2015 standard and HACCP system.

Herba Svet is a company based in Belgrade, capital of Serbia, situated in the Balkan Peninsula. It is a region with pristine fields and untouched nature, rich in medicinal plants that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Today our life significantly differs from that of our ancestors: we breathe polluted air, eat food saturated with pesticides and antibiotics, we are constantly under stress and we spend most of our time indoors, away from nature. Modern way of life is taking its toll, and the list of disorders that we are experiencing today is getting bigger. Official medicine usually offers us drugs to relieve individual symptoms, not to cure the disease.

It is obvious that we need to approach the patient and the problem holistically, and use the knowledge of our ancestors that had helped numerous generations before us. It is exactly this knowledge that Herba Svet relies on when creating the products, however it is implemented in a modern, scientific way. That is why our preparations contain carefully selected medicinal herbs, in proportions that give the best synergistic effect.

Our hard work is not unrecognized: Herba Svet has been receiving awards over the last two decades for supreme quality, including over 30 gold medals, several golden cups, and continuous Golden Certificates of Creditworthiness Rating by Bisnode. However, our best awards are the news we get from our users:

I got pregnant after 5 years of sterility, or

The fibroid has shrank to half its size,

The cysts are gone, my doctor couldn’t believe it,

I avoided surgery,

The pain’s gone,

I no longer get hot flashes,

My eczema is history,

My acne scars disappeared…

…these are just few of the comments we get every day that give us the strongest motivation to continue our mission.

Today Herba Svet products can be found globally, all around Europe, in America, Australia and Asia, and recently we have introduced some of them in the Middle East region. Our plan is to keep expanding and bringing best quality herbal remedies to people all around the world. Because we came from nature and we cannot exist without it.

Ancient Knowledge, Modern Approach

Starting in 1950s, a cave in the Zagros Mountains in northern Iraq has been in spotlight of archeologists and anthropologists from all over the world. The spacious Shanidar cave has given shelter to the remains of eight adult and two infant Neanderthals for over 60 000 years, as well as numerous remains of the later Neolithic age. Apart from human bones, stone tools and animal skeletons, this cave holds another piece of precious evidence: pollen of eight plants that are believed to have been chosen for their specific medicinal properties. Out of eight of them, seven are still in use today by modern phytopharmacy.

One of the plants used by these pre-historic ancestors of ours that had sought refuge in the cave was yarrow. Millennia later, in the 11^th century, on the other side of the Caspian Sea, the same plant was used by the well-known physician, philosopher and Father of Chemistry: Ibn Sina. Having become a qualified physician at the age of 18, Ibn Sina plunged into the enormous field of research, eager to help and treat as many patients as possible, and for free. During the 58 years of his prolific life, this brilliant scientist of the Islamic Golden Age authored numerous books that were used not only in the Islamic world, but in Europe as well, up to the 18^th century.

In his Canon of Medicine, a five-volume work that encompasses all known medical knowledge of the time, Ibn Sina explains that the best way to treat a patient is to improve the power of his body - to increase the immune system. He was the first to use quarantine as a public health measure against an infectious disease, to define syndrome, and to use controlled studies in medical research. All this 10 centuries ago.

Believing that plants have the ‘vegetable’ soul, Ibn Sina took great care not only in using them for treatment, but in collecting them: the second book of the Cannon of Medicine contains detailed instructions on collection and storage of medicinal plants. As for yarrow, he used it to treat numerous diseases, from headache, nasal congestion, stomach pain, urinary tract disorders, to female disorders, irregular and heavy periods.

Ibn Sina was very interested in alchemy, and there are two alchemical treatises attributed to him. It is interesting that another medicinal plant derives its scientific name from the Arabic ‘alkemelych’ – the alchemist, because of its leaves that collect dew which was thought to be able to turn metal into gold: the lady’s mantle. Today we know for certain that its dew is more decorative than magical, however its medicinal properties have not changed, and have been confirmed by modern research. Lady’s mantle is a very powerful astringent and can efficiently stop the bleeding of wounds. It’s leaf is the greatest protector of women: it can help with menstrual disorders, cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, it can boost fertility and help the body recover after childbirth.

Ibn Sina was a famous doctor with well documented work. However, there are numerous women and men all around the world who possess great, undocumented knowledge on medicinal properties of herbs. Women in Mecca, for example, are the primary household health carers and can skillfully treat most common ailments, especially gynecological problems, pregnancy and childbirth. Plants available locally play an important role in their home pharmacy. Similarly, lady’s mantle has been used all around the world by women – to help women. With the arrival of modern medicine, traditional medicine was regarded as healthcare of the poor, but today we are witnesses of its grand revival. We are aware that, even though modern medicine has numerous cures, it lacks holistic approach to the patient, and there are still disorders that remain a mystery. Modern medicine also usually provides a quick fix which is inefficient in the long-run. This is particularly the case in female disorders, which are usually treated with artificial hormones.

In the Middle Eastern region, there are more than 2600 known plant species, and approximately 250 of them are still being used for the treatment and prevention of health disorders. However, modern, urban way of living, pollution and climate change is making it impossible for us to collect, preserve and use herbs properly. This is why we need to approach herbal remedies in a new, modern way.

Phytopharmacy today fills the gap between tradition and science: it collects all the knowledge of our ancestors and processes it in modern laboratories. One of its products is Femisan A – a modern herbal medicine based on centuries-old tradition. Apart from yarrow, used by Ibn Sina, and lady’s mantle - the ancient, great protectress of women, Femisan A also contains marigold, crane’s bill, shepherd’s purse, golden maca root and zinc. The best plants from all over the world are there, collected in a capsule, for women all around the world.

Hormonal Adult Acne

During the great hormone surge in puberty the entire body goes through a metamorphosis, and the soft baby skin can begin to look like a battlefield, swarming with red and swollen acne.  Acne during puberty occur due to testosterone fluctuations in both sexes, and this hormone has its role: it shapes a man out of a boy, but it also helps girls get stronger bones and muscles. But it is also the one to blame for the skin changes and excess sebum, the oil that normally lubricates the skin, which clumps together with dead skin cells around hair root and clogs the follicle.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in three phases: seborrheic - when the excess sebum is produced, but there are still no extreme changes on the surface of the skin; hyperkeratosis – when enlarged sebum glands create a lump on the skin, due to sebum accumulation in the follicle, which results in pus. As this is the ideal place for bacterial growth, it will lead to a bacterial phase, when Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria causes inflammation. In this phase the acne is very visible, the skin around them being red and inflamed and the peak black or white.

Once the puberty is over and the hormones stop raging, the acne will disappear in most cases. However, unfortunately, during the last couple of decades, adult acne is on the rise, like an epidemic. The latest statistics show that even 50% of women aged 20-29 suffer from acne. Only a half of them will be able to get rid of it, and 25% will continue to battle with the problem until their late forties.

What is the reason for this serious acne epidemic? We know that it is caused by the hormones, and today, more than ever, we are exposed to hormone disruptors which are all around us. They are disguised as time saving amenities that are supposed to increase the quality of our lives: fast food filled with preservatives and trans-fats, sweets that are always at a hand’s reach, sodas, plastic food containers, cups and bottles, non-stick pans, detergents and cosmetics, but also in basic food: fruit and vegetables covered in pesticides, meat and milk filled with antibiotics and hormones... Everything that seemingly saves us time is actually stealing it from us.  

The normal hormonal balance given to us by nature is so easily disrupted by modern inventions. Women are particularly prone to it as they go through the usual monthly hormone changes, which is a part of a normal reproductive cycle. But when the hormones go out of balance, the disorder is usually manifested through irregular periods, cysts, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS)… and acne.  

PCOS often goes together with acne during reproductive phase of female life, and once the menopause sets in, the drop in estrogen and increase in androgen hormone levels could also lead to sudden appearance of acne. Acne can also be triggered by stress, i.e. rise of hormone cortisol. Hormonal acne normally appear on the jaw and chin area, vary with the menstrual cycle, and all in the same pore already enlarged by the previous pustule.

As much as we hate them, they should never be squeezed and touched. The best thing to do is to consult a dermatologist and get an adequate professional skin therapy and advice. But although hormonal treatment drugs are usually prescribed by doctors, the problem will usually come back as soon as we stop using them. Natural solutions require more time and effort, but they are the best long standing choice. Medicinal herbs can provide a long-term solution.

Femisan A is a completely natural, plant-based medicinal product that helps treat female reproductive system disorders by balancing hormones. It can be even used by young girls, from the onset of the first period. Once estrogen and testosterone are put back to balance, with adequate skin care and nutrition, acne will disappear. But it cannot happen overnight. Herb medicines require long and regular use, and even once the problem is solved, it is good to continue with preventive therapy for a while longer. With proper nutrition and Femisan A, hormonal acne don’t stand a chance.

Damiana – a Fearless Tamer

It was worshipped by the ancients of Central America from the beginning of time, but its name derives from the Ancient Greek daman or damia, meaning ’to tame’. Damiana is wild, unique, but it has the power to tame and control – as if it holds the entire universe within, yin and yang. And, above all, damiana knows how to clear the path for the arrival of new life.

The Ancient Maya and Aztecs, as well as their descendants today, have been using abundantly the leaves and stem of this bushy plant, not only as an aphrodisiac, but also for relaxation, better digestion, mood, or simply its taste, the same way we use coffee today. It is believed to be the original ingredient of the Margarita, and a ’Damiana Margarita’ is still a popular cocktail in Mexico. When the Europeans learned about the medicinal properties of the plant, it was soon included in pharmacopeias, describing it as a plant that reduces anxiety, neurosis, reduced sexual performance caused by depression (in Great Britain), as well as leaves suitable for a tonic that eliminates excessive mental activity and strengthens weak nerves (in Germany).

The Maya and Aztecs had no problem with fertility, and they lived in a pure and healthy environment which the modern man is deprived of. One of the aspects that the unnatural pace of life in an unhealthy, polluted environment affects the most in men is their sex life: impotence, infertility, bad results of the spermogram (low sperm count and motility), spermatorrhea, and sexual dysfunction. The World Health Organization guidelines suggest that a normal sperm count is at least 15 million per ml, or no fewer than 39 million sperm per sample, of which at least 30% should be moving progressively. Oligospermia – a low sperm count, is one of the most usual issues encountered by couples trying to conceive. The official medicine usually treats the problem with severe medication and invasive procedures, which are unpleasant and often without positive results, thus only enhancing the feeling of inadequacy in men. The other problem encountered by couples, especially those going through the frustrating IVF procedures, is a strict sex regimen and routine that begins to feel like an imposed obligation, both mentally and physically exhausting.

The traditional medicine worldwide, from Mesoamerican to Chinese, uses damiana as a very potent therapeutic agent that provides energy, improves blood circulation and brings oxygen to cells, boosts mental prowess and annihilates depression, stimulates testosterone production which is essential in creation and ripening of sperm, helps preserve and renew male reproductive organs, enhances circulation of body liquids in genitals, and is also an adaptogen, protecting the entire body from infection, particularly the genitourinary system. Damiana enhances secretion of urine, stimulates the kidneys to filter toxins, which is beneficial not only for the body, but also the psyche. That is why damiana in its scientific name also contains the word ‘aphrodisiaca’ – Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca Willd – it is an aphrodisiac that stimulates and enhances not only the sexual desire, but also the overall energy of the body and the mind.

A clinical trial involving a thousand male subjects in the USA and Europe proved that damiana has the ability to enhance erectile function in consecutive sexual intercourse following orgasm, improve morning erection and maintain erection stability during the intercourse. The ideal effect of the plant is achieved in long-term use. Two clinical trials conducted on rats proved that the plant improves the libido in tired and sluggish animals, as well as that it shows the usual adaptogenic features – boosts the body stamina and endurance. Damiana is a man’s best ally, however it can also be used by women, especially during perimenopause. The ancient Aztecs even gave it to children, since it is an excellent cure for an upset stomach, constipation, headache, excessive sweating and lethargy.

What is it that gives such power to damiana? The terpenes found in the oily plant extract are a strong antioxidant that preserves the body cell structures, delays decay and aging and protects from infections. Damiana naturally increases the levels of nitrogen monoxide, an important vasodilator, which helps open blood vessels. In normal circumstances, during sexual arousal, the brain signals the body to increase the production of nitrogen monoxide. The substance relaxes the blood vessels and enables free blood flow into the muscles and soft tissue, including the ones in the penis. Flavonoid apigenin relaxes, reduces anxiety, but also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anticancerous properties. Damiana is a natural aromatase inhibitor – it blocks the activity of aromatase and abnormal estrogen production which stimulates cancer cell growth, and is used as therapy for breast cancer in post-menopausal women, but also in gynecomastia – enlarged breasts in men. Acacetin is another flavonoid that inhibits estrogen activity and enhances testosterone function, and can help not only in sexual dysfunction, but also enhance physical attraction as it can build muscle. A total of 22 flavonoids found in damiana have a wide range of medicinal properties, among other, to reduce inflammation, increase immunity, prevent neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Flavonoids boost longevity, help us get slim and strong, improve cognition and prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by enhancing blood flow into the brain. Arbutin is aphenolic glycoside, very beneficial for the kidneys and urinary tract, with diuretic and antiseptic properties. It boosts genital circulation as it renews capillary pressure and regulates liquid retention in tissues.

Damiana has numerous medicinal properties which are beneficial for overall male health and wellbeing. Whenever we lose the grip, damiana has the ability to tame and balance, and help us regain control over our lives.

Alfa Aktiv and Femisan A are a perfect combination for couples trying to conceive.

A Step into the World of Adults

In every young girl’s life there is a moment after which things will never be the same, the moment that symbolizes the end of childhood – the first period. Apart from the physiological importance of the menarche, the first occurrence of menstruation, it also has a psychological and emotional significance. It is manifested with a mixture of feelings, on the one hand the pride about entering the new age, becoming more mature, and on the other, a subconscious realization that everything changes irrevocably and that the childhood is over. There is also concern about the pain and bleeding.

The first menstruation usually occurs around the age of 12, but it can also appear a year before or 3-4 years later. It depends on the body weight which should be 48 kg (105 lbs.) or more. Body fat percentage is important for normal menstrual cycle. It is also what makes women different from men, and being too skinny can lead to irregular periods and even complete loss of menstruation. On the other hand, obesity and excessive junk food can lead to early menstruation in girls.

Irregular periods are normal during the first two years from the occurrence of menarche, however, they should not be less than 21 days apart and the bleeding should not last longer than 7 days. Following the third year, the periods should be more regular, with 12-13 menstruations in a year. An ideal menstruation occurs every 28 days, however anything from 26 to 32 is considered normal. It can be followed by mild to moderate pain in the lower abdomen, breast pain, PMS, mood swings, headaches… The hormones are doing their work and slowly the ovulation steps in, causing a mild feeling of pressure or pain in the lower abdomen in the middle of the cycle.

Prior to menarche, series of changes begin, marking the beginning of puberty: pubic hair shows up, breasts start to develop, and the hormones cause changes of mood, interests, and the well-known teen rebellion. Being a parent is not easy then, but neither is being a teen girl. Parent support and good preparation for the first menstruation are particularly important for normal psychological development.

If a girl gets her menarche without being given necessary information and advice first, it could cause a mental trauma. The role of an older female is, therefore, very important: mother, elder sister, aunt, teacher… anyone close and trusted by the girl should tell her what to expect and answer all her questions. It is of vital importance to explain the menarche to a girl as something normal and natural, a sign that she is healthy.

But what are the problems that could be expected during the first years from the occurrence of the menarche?

• ·         Moderately painful periods are normal, as no pain means no ovulation. However, dysmenorrhea, very painful periods that can incapacitate a girl, make her skip school or even be unable to walk, hits about a quarter of girls.
• ·         If the bleeding lasts for longer than 7 days and the cycle is shorter than 21 days, it could lead to serious anemia.
• ·         Periods can be irregular during the first two years, which is normal. Irregular bleeding is a consequence of lack of ovulation, as ovaries need time to adapt and harmonize with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. It is good for a girl to learn to make notes about her periods in a calendar. Should the periods remain irregular after the age of 15, a gynecologist should be consulted.
• ·         Menstruation is normally preceded by mild pain and swelling of the breasts and abdomen. If the pain is too strong, a doctor should be consulted before taking pain relievers.
• ·         As we are witnesses today of increasing numbers of cases of uterine and ovary disorders, general checkups should be introduced from an early age.

• ·         Hormones stimulate sebaceous glands and cause increased sebum secretion, which can lead to acne and skin inflammation. Sweat glands also get more active, and some extra advice is needed on how to do proper hygiene and apply deodorants.
• ·         Puberty is the time when a girl gets excessively conscious about her body, and especially nowadays when she is surrounded with false representations of ‘an ideal body’. It is important to make her understand that starving herself and doing anything drastic to her body in order to make herself ‘fit into the fashion mold’ could lead to series of disorders, including the loss of period and hormone imbalance.

There is natural aid that can be used safely from the very first menstruation – Femisan A. It is a medicinal herb-based preparation without synthetic hormones or additives that can contribute to regular periods, alleviating of pre-menstrual symptoms and period pain. It can also act preventatively by balancing hormones, and warding off disorders caused by hormone imbalance, from acne to ovary and uterine disorders.

Femisan A is the friend every woman needs, from puberty to menopause.