Even non-coffee drinkers seem to enjoy the smell of freshly brewed coffee. I drink decaf to reduce stress and to keep my blood pressure healthy. If I walk into a coffee shop I'm instantly salivating over the rich smell of the real thing.
But seriously, does it affect sex? A small amount can have a positive affect, according to Dr. N.K. Lin at HerbalLove. "A low dose of caffeine helps turn on the brain's dopamine system to power erection and orgasm..." He goes on to say, "...but too much caffeine for a long period of time will drive the sympathetic nervous function to overpower the parasympathetic nervous function responsible for erection and lasting longer. It helps the brain convert too much dopamine into epinephrine (adrenalin, the stress hormone for a "fight or flight" action)." This can result in muscle pain, stress, tension, and physical strain on the heart.
Before having sex, perhaps it's better to have an herbal tea without caffeine. There are many flavors to choose, and according to Dr. Lin, one with ginseng adds energy without the side effects of caffeine.
After sex, should you need a way to relax even more, I recommend Sleepy Time Tea(r) by Celestial Seasonings. A small warning, however. I put mine in a plastic container, and a few weeks later made a pot of tea, added ice, and sipped it throughout the day. I kept nodding off in front of the computer, then fell asleep watching a TV show later, and only woke when hubby shook my shoulder and spoke to me. By then it was 11pm and I'd missed most of the day. The next morning, I was about to have another glass when hubby joined me. He took one sip and started laughing. When he pointed out that this was my favorite night time tea, I realized why I'd dozed through the entire previous day! Be sure to label it if you put an herbal tea into another container.
What we eat and drink can definitely affect us, and it's not just coffee. There must be other ways to relax in the evening, or before an afternoon quickie. I'm swearing off coffee for sure! Any suggestions you'd care to offer?
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4 comments:
I've never been a coffee drinker. However, the smell of brewing coffee is irresistible.
I do use coffee medicinally in a couple of ways. I discovered a tiny amount added to my herbal hot chocolate got rid of severe allergy headaches.
Of course, you can use other caffeine-containing teas/herbals like black tea or green tea.
Also, a tiny amount of coffee in my usual herb-laden hot chocolate does help me with my writing at times.
Actually, for folks who aren't sensitive to caffeine, it does have good health benefits. But, like you say, over-use can wear out your adrenals.
The other thing, organic coffee is much healthier for you, in part, because all the pesticide crap isn't in it.
Oh yeah, coffee ice cream is darn good.
Pesticide in coffee? Yuck! I never knew that. Thank you for the tip. I'll be hunting for the organic kind from now on. My favorite creamer is Chocolate! CoffeeMate makes a powdered version and at Christmas, it's available locally as a liquid. Either way, it's delicious.
I am a confessed coffee addict, but I enjoy a cup of tea from time to time too. I usually drink Sleepy Time when I'm sick so I'll sleep or in the winter after dinner.
Hi, Kayelle,
I just wrote a scene where I tried to describe the mouth-watering aroma of just-ground coffee. Incredibly difficult to capture.
I really enjoy quality coffee, but I'd rather drink tea or water than instant or ordinary Java. I don't drink much, though. Every morning my hubby makes me a double espresso and that's usually it for the day.
BTW - Romance Writers Behaving Badly is my Web Pick of the Month in my June Newsletter. Very entertaining blog, and "goodly" written!
Cheers,
Lisabet
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