Field Guide to Tracking Animals in Snow
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • First Choice for ease of use and good sketches
Field Guide to Tracking Animals in Snow
Louise Richardson Forrest
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Animals | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
MammalsMammals | Animals | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Zoology | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
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General & AnthologiesGeneral & Anthologies | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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  2. Field Guide to Mammal Tracking in North America Field Guide to Mammal Tracking in North America
  3. Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American Species Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American Species
  4. Winter: An Ecological Handbook Winter: An Ecological Handbook
  5. Peterson Field Guide to Animal Tracks: Third Edition (Peterson Field Guides) Peterson Field Guide to Animal Tracks: Third Edition (Peterson Field Guides)

ASIN: 0811722406

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars First Choice for ease of use and good sketches.......2001-02-16

Begins with an intro which covers generalizations about tracking animals in snow, and even covers how to preserve tracks made in snow. Pencil drawings provide clear detail and pix of the animal as well as its tracks. Range maps included (book covers USA. A good balance between adequate coverage and so much info that you become overwhelmed. This is good for beginner to intermediate trackers. Book is focused on mammals. Only one spread on birds. This book is standard gear on my winter hikes.
Mystery Tracks in the Snow: A Guide to Animal Tracks
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • mystery tracks
Mystery Tracks in the Snow: A Guide to Animal Tracks
Hap Gilliland
Manufacturer: Naturegraph Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  1. Field Guide to Tracking Animals in Snow Field Guide to Tracking Animals in Snow

ASIN: 0879611995

Book Description

Who hasn't gone for a winter walk only to come upon a mystery of hoof or paw prints left on the snow. We are given clues so we can decipher the silent language of animal tracks with illustrations of the tracks and the animals that left them. Entertaining reading with the numerous mysteries he eventually solved.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars mystery tracks.......2001-11-21

If a person is interested in knowing the creatures leaving their tracks behind, this is an excellent book. The approach is unusual in that it treats each set of tracks as a story with the reader of the tracks to determine the solution from the evidence left behind.

Cruising Guide To Eastern Florida (Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Cruising MUST
  • Good East Fla Book
Cruising Guide To Eastern Florida (Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida)
Claiborne S. Young
Manufacturer: Pelican Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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  5. Cruising Guide To Coastal North Carolina Cruising Guide To Coastal North Carolina

ASIN: 1589802551

Book Description

"Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida" is the most thoroughly researched and comprehensive source for details on the facilities and waters of the Sunshine State's eastern shore, from Fernandina Beach to Miami. In this updated fifth edition, the reader will find a wide range of new information, including current navigational data, marinas and other boating facilities, water depths, shoreside dining and other attractions, and anchorage locales along the entire shore.

New for this edition are the "Anchorage Summary" and "Marina and Yacht-Club Summary" sections at the beginning of each chapter, offering the reader a quick synopsis of what anchorages and pleasure-craft facilities are available within a particular region. Author Claiborne S. Young has also included latitude and longitude positions for anchorages and marinas. As with his other guides, Young provides dozens of helpful maps, photographs, and chart references. Intriguing historical profiles and coastal folklore will give visitors a flavor of the region. This edition also includes a handy dockage-fee rating system, so transient cruisers know what to expect in advance.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Cruising MUST.......2007-01-09

If you want the best of the "local skinny" then study Claiborne Young's guides that range from NC down and around Florida to the northern Gulf of Mexico. He writes and reports from personal visits and calls them as he sees them . . with no advertising clients interests to serve or cater to.
Another MUST and his Florida Keys guide is really up to date covering storm impacts from 2004 and 2005.

5 out of 5 stars Good East Fla Book.......2006-02-17

Super book and a must have book. If Claiborne says be cautious in an area, you better be cautious. We used it extensively and it is a must have book. A little more information on best places to stay for taking a trip to the Bahamas would be a good tie-into that route. St. John's River

Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Masterpiece in Content Analysis literature
  • Promising parts, terrible whole
  • Very thorough - but lamentable when it comes to discussing Text/Content Analysis Softwares.
Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology
Klaus Krippendorff
Manufacturer: Sage Publications, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Computer ScienceComputer Science | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books | Artificial Intelligence | Circuitry | General | Human-Computer Interaction | Information Theory | Modeling & Simulation | Research | Software Engineering | Systems Analysis & Design
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  5. Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Sourcebook(2nd Edition) Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Sourcebook(2nd Edition)

ASIN: 0761915451

Book Description

Since the publication of the first edition of Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology, the textual fabric in which contemporary society functions has undergone a radical transformation – namely, the ongoing information revolution. Two decades ago, content analysis was largely known in journalism and communication research, and, to a lesser extent, in the social and psychological sciences. Today, content analysis has become an efficient alternative to public opinion research – a method of tracking markets, political leanings, and emerging ideas, a way to settle legal disputes, and an approach to explore individual human minds.

The Second Edition of Content Analysis is a definitive sourcebook of the history and core principles of content analysis as well as an essential resource for present and future studies. The book introduces readers to ways of analyzing meaningful matter such as texts, images, voices – that is, data whose physical manifestations are secondary to the meanings that a particular population of people brings to them.

Organized into three parts, the book examines the conceptual and methodological aspects of content analysis and also traces several paths through content analysis protocols. The author has completely revised and updated the Second Edition, integrating new information on computer-aided text analysis. The book also includes a practical guide that incorporates experiences in teaching and how to advise academic and commercial researchers. In addition, Krippendorff clarifies the epistemology and logic of content analysis as well as the methods for achieving its aims.

Author Klaus Krippendorff discusses three distinguishing characteristics of contemporary content analysis: that it is fundamentally empirically grounded, exploratory in process, and predictive or inferential in intent; that it transcends traditional notions of symbols, contents, and intents; and that it has been forced to develop a methodology of its own, one that enables researchers to plan, execute, communicate, reproduce, and critically evaluate an analysis independent of the desirability of its results.

Intended as a textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students across the social sciences, Content Analysis, Second Edition will also be a valuable resource for practitioners in a variety of disciplines.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Masterpiece in Content Analysis literature.......2007-06-09

This is a masterpiece by a leading scholar. Of course, absolute beginners are suggested to first read some other introductory (better more than one ;-) ) text on content analysis, because this book is quite advanced (even though the title tells that it is an introduction...) and discusses issues that would not sometimes be comprehended without having some prior knowledge and range of perspectives in the field. Otherwise, it is thorough, reflexive and innovative, always making you think and argue with the writer while reading.

2 out of 5 stars Promising parts, terrible whole.......2006-08-12

This book has some interesting insights in the content analysis, especially the analytical framework within which it occurs, but it is greatly marred by an insistent need to be hopelessly obscure in its writing. The author seems to be purposely attempting to put things in as difficult jargon (both in the sense of scholarly but more importantly in the sense of 'strange') as possible. This book strikes me as infinitely inferior to the book by Fico et al on the same topic.

4 out of 5 stars Very thorough - but lamentable when it comes to discussing Text/Content Analysis Softwares........2006-02-07

This is an excellent book that could have earned its fifth star if the author had nudged the content somewhat closer to the world of practical research. There's tons of good theory here, and I'm glad the author has included a history of content analysis also - but I felt the author didn't fully address the exigencies of the practical market or social researcher. Among the many uses of content analysis under discussion, the researchers' use of verbatims from surveys, or the analysis of transcripts from focus groups each receive only a glancing reference.

Still, Krippendorff discusses the subject with a lot more depth than an analyst might anticipate - after all codifying and measuring the subtle nuances of text (with respect to its context) is not a black and white matter of doing word counts and bar graphs.

Where this volume loses a star is on the subject of computer assisted text analysis (CATA). Here, Krippendorff cops out, stating that software evolution has been rapid, (true!) but then referring us to papers written in...1995. This is not good enough: not when the jacket says this edition includes "new information on computer-aided text analysis." Content Analysis was published in 2004 after all. Its like saying that automative transport is evolving rapidly...so how about looking at these books from the 1930s, about rail? Grrr!

But that's one star off, and it simply means that if you want a user guide to softwares, and how to employ these, then you need to look elsewhere. A simple Google search on Text Analysis Softwares will yield what you may need.

Overall, to be fair, Krippendorff sticks to the subtitle and gives us "an introduction to methodology" and this means that the book stays mostly in theoretical territory. The territory is extensive enough however for researchers who really want to grapple with the complexities of this as one of the very richest areas of cultural or marketing research. In summary, I feel a more user-oriented, (and stylistically more lively,) guide has yet to be written. In the meantime this lays a thorough foundation that is well worth a read. Put on your 'specialist' hat.


Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology (Commtext Series)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology (Commtext Series)
    Klaus Krippendorff
    Manufacturer: Sage Publications, Inc
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    CommunicationsCommunications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: 0803914989

    Book Description

    Krippendorff views content analysis (one of the most important techniques in communication research) in historical perspective, in contrast to other techniques and in terms of what it can and cannot do.
    Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology

      Manufacturer: Newbury Park/London/New Delh 1994.
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover
      ASIN: B000IG1NUM

      Hot Plants: Nature's Proven Sex Boosters for Men and Women
      Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
      • Terrible Book - Too Bad There's No "Zero" Star
      • Basic information -- nothing really insightful
      • An Excellent Resource
      • A good resource book for lovers of hot plants
      • Great resource, fun read
      Hot Plants: Nature's Proven Sex Boosters for Men and Women
      Chris Kilham
      Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      GeneralGeneral | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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      3. Herbal Aphrodisiacs from World Sources Herbal Aphrodisiacs from World Sources
      4. The Viagra Alternative: The Complete Guide to Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction Naturally The Viagra Alternative: The Complete Guide to Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction Naturally
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      Accessories:
      1. RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
      2. Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3) Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)

      ASIN: 0312315392
      Release Date: 2004-09-23

      Book Description

      In the wake of Viagra's enormous popularity, the international market has been inundated by a blizzard of purported natural sex enhancers. Some of these products are nothing but hype, yet others contain proven agents that enhance libido, improve sexual function, and increase pleasure. These bona fide sex-boosters can be found in Hot Plants. From the ancient rainforests of Malaysia, to remote mountains in Siberia, medicine hunter Chris Kilham has scoured the globe in search of effective, sex-enhancing plants. Hot Plants, Nature's Proven Sex Boosters For Men And Women, contains a lively account of those adventurous travels, with valuable information that you can use to boost your sex life. These natural agents of desire include Tongkat Ali, maca, yohimbe, catuaba, ashwagandha, horny goat weed, zallouh root, Rhodiola rosea, Red ginseng, Siberian ginseng and chocolate. Medicine Hunter Chris Kilham draws upon history, legend and keen research, as he weaves tales of remarkable people, exotic locations, and his extensive investigations into the science and uses of the hot plants. Learn which plants increase libido in both men and women, improve erectile function in men, put more fire into your sex life, and significantly boost your pleasure.

      Customer Reviews:

      1 out of 5 stars Terrible Book - Too Bad There's No "Zero" Star.......2007-07-03

      I am not sure what the other reviewers were reading, but have a hard time believing that it was the same book. While constantly mentioning scientific studies and clinical trials and controlled experiments with these compounds, the author offers very few - if any - actual specific ones! A book like this, making these type of claims, should be filled with references and footnotes to these supposed outstanding studies.

      What actually gets quoted primarily are commentaries from herbalists, shamans, and what-have-you who are (as the book clearly indicates) in the business of SELLING these products. Well, of course they are going to make fantastic claims as to their effectiveness. Even his anecdotal evidence is almost always third hand. Not directly from the "horse's mouth", but claims made by these vendors that this person reported this benefit and this person reported that benefit, etc.

      The fact is that MOST truely scientific studies of these plants have shown them to work minimally - if at all... and generally what degree that they do work is in the realm of assisting with ED (like Yohimbe - if you can handle the side effects) or increasing libido (more likely through reactions with brain transmitters, dopamine, etc., rather than any effects on actual hormone production).

      According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, he notes that for tongkat ali (as just one example), that "over the past few years, there have been quite a number of studies (particularly in rodents) that have tested tongkat ali in relation to sexual effects, with positive results. Here's a detailed discussion of one of them. The effects of tongkat ali were studied on the libido of male rats after dosing them with up to 800 mg per kilogram of body weight twice daily for 10 days (this is quite a high dose if the same dose is given to humans -- do the math: 800 mg tongkat ali powder times 70 k). Results showed that tongkat ali produced a dose-dependent increase in mounting frequency; that is, the number of times the male rats tried to mount the female rats increased as the dose given to the rats increased. In addition, the rats given tongkat ali displayed more frequent and vigorous licking and anogenital sniffing towards the receptive females. Furthermore, the rats dosed with tongkat ali spent more time grooming their genitals compared to the rats who were not given the plant." (Wow.. what a test!). Why no human tests? Whether or not it actually ibncreases testosterone levels in humans (in a double-blind, controlled, scientifi study) would be extremely easy and not that expensive. It hasn't been done because personal tests hjave shown anything from no increase to extremely minor increases in testosterone... and then only in extremely high doses!This good doctor goes on to state that "I have read articles in health magazines promoting tongkat ali that it has wonderful benefits with absolutely no side effects. This has not been my personal or professional experience. Even though tongkat ali is potent as an herbal aphrodisiac, it does have shortcomings. One of the side effects of a high dose of tongkat ali is insomnia." Also - as with Maca - what "testing" is done is being done by local authorities (Indonesia or Peru or wherever applies... like the one tongkat ali "study" that was done on rats by the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Science Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia... and it found that elderly rats consuming these ultra high doses of tongkat ali commented that "The aphrodisiac effect was monitored by the act of yawning and stretching because yawning, either alone or associated with stretching, is considered an ancestral vestige surviving throughout evolution that promotes sexual arousal. The results showed that 800 mg/kg of tongkat ali increased yawning by 50% and stretching by 16% in sexually sluggish old male rats"... you're kidding me, right?... these are simply government projects where the goal is to convince consumers that this stuff works and generate a valuable cash crop.

      In the 50s or 60s, the Communist Bulgarian government came out with published studies that showed the extreme effectiveness of Tribulus terrestris as a significant aid to increase testosterone production. Bodybuilders were (and many still do) buying it by the ton. Of course the primary source of Tribulus was Bulgaria - especially the really good stuff. Years later - after the collapse of the Soviet Empire, the Bulgarians admitted that they faked the studies - simply to create this cash crop for international marketing. Here's what a study done in 200 showed:

      "The effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained males. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2000 Jun;10(2):208-15.xtract

      The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the herbal preparation Tribulus terrestris (tribulus) on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained males. Fifteen subjects were randomly assigned to a placebo or tribulus (3.21 mg per kg body weight daily) group. Body weight, body composition, maximal strength, dietary intake, and mood states were determined before and after an 8-week exercise (periodized resistance training) and supplementation period. There were no changes in body weight, percentage fat, total body water, dietary intake, or mood states in either group. Muscle endurance (determined by the maximal number of repetitions at 100-200% of body weight) increased for the bench and leg press exercises in the placebo group (p <.05; bench press +/-28.4%, leg press +/-28.6%), while the tribulus terrestris group experienced an increase in leg press strength only . Supplementation with tribulus does not enhance body composition or exercise performance in resistance-trained males." Why they didn't perform simple blood tests to show testosterone levels is beyond me... but obviously if Tribulus was raising testosterone levels there would have been serious increases in strength levels. Probably why the author chose to leave Tribulus out of his list! They had already revealed it as a fraud. A good site that is herbal oriented, but doesn't pull any punches about testings (and lack thereof) is at rain-tree.com... Go there and check out Maca for example.

      Speaking of Maca (one of the author's "stars"), Dr. Sahelian noted in one test, that "Serum testosterone and estradiol levels were not different in men treated with maca than in those treated with placebo..." and again in another test "Serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone and estradiol levels were measured before and after treatment... Serum hormone levels were not altered..." He also had individual users report (as quoted by one specific user: "However I found that I had greater difficulty in achieving strong and hard erections for some reason. This really surprised me given that maca herb is supposed to do the opposite and increase the potency of erections and libido. On this count however it was actually worse than before, there was greater time and stimulation needed to achieve firmness and it was not as potent an erection as usual. I also found it more difficult to become erect again after a first ejaculation..."

      On top of a lack of serious references to serious medical trials, the book primarily reads more like the author's travel guide to various regions where he then seeks out vendors and local healers and shamans, etc. of those areas to get quotes from them about how great their product is!

      Some of these products are legitimate positive herbs as adaptogens and in situations where bodily dysfunctions of a minor nature can be turned around by the effect of the adaptogen will of course result in better sex activity.

      I am more than willing to be made a believer... but not from third hand anecdotal evidence. Let's see some legitimate, unbiased scientific studies that are measuring hormone levels, neurotransmitter levels, etc. I would like to see the author do a CLINICAL follow-up to this book that instead of a travel guide would be an in-depth book of the human studies that his organization did with all of these samples that were obtained while out "globe-trotting"!

      3 out of 5 stars Basic information -- nothing really insightful.......2007-05-19

      This book provides more details about Mr Kilham's travels than about the use of herbs. The book provides very basic inforamtion about the herbs that is easy to find for free on the web

      4 out of 5 stars An Excellent Resource.......2006-02-04

      This is perhaps my favorite herbal specialty book. The subject matter is uniquely interesting, but it is the firsthand, adventurous approach to writing that makes this book very enjoyable. It is a written travel documentary, fortified with lush descriptions, interesting observations and factoids, scientific research and great overall storytelling.

      Perhaps what is most valuable amongst the handful of plant species he chooses to delve into is Tongkat Ali. There seems to be very little information generally available on this plant, despite the fact that a number of it's products are already beginning to appear on the herbal supplement market. This book has a lot of detail about this wonderful tree's native history, traditional and modern uses. It provides a comprehensive understanding of what the tree is, what it does, how it works in the human body. This is rather important information for anyone interested in using Tongkat Ali. I would grant two stars for this information on Tongkat Ali alone.

      Rhodiola Rosea is another particularlarly intriguing point. What is interesting is how most of the herbs described by the author are known to have multiple uses. I was most familiar with rhodiola rosea as an adaptogen and mental activity enhancer. I did not know that it was also widely used as an aphrodisiac, or that it was commonly extracted by tincture in it's native land. It is this way thoughout the book, even with plants one might be familiar with. There is a lot of great, important information about these featured herbs.

      Information about some of the herbs, such as maca, catuaba, and ashwaghanda, were also part of his last book, "Tales from the Medicine Trail." Some of the same information is here, though it is written or presented with slight differences. The herb Muirapuama is, for some reason, absent in Hot Plants. In "Tales from the Medicine Trail" it was considered to work wonders as an aphrodisiac when combined with catuaba. We now find catuaba alone, but apparrently just as effective. The author could perhaps elaborate upon this omission a little, for those who do like to follow his work.

      The only place where the book might perhaps be improved by more detail is with the last section about chocolate. The author researches the candy form with which we are all familiar- a cooked, processed chocolate. This preparation is not the only traditional use of this plant, nor is it the most potent aphrodisiac form. He unfortunately does not get into the healthier raw chocolates (cacao nibs), which are more renowned for their libido-enancing effects, and are also a more natural form of the plant. Cooking the cacao destroys much of what is inerent in the seed medicinally, including a large percentage of inherent theobromine, the principal love mood-enhancer the author describes. Raw cacao also has other important medicinal and nutritional benefits.

      Absent entirely of it's own section is the rather widley available herb Daimana, which is a very effective aphrodisiac plant. It is not really elaborated upon in this book, but I feel it definately belongs in there, especially if chocolate is to be included. The herb was traditionally combined with chocolate in the rich, spicy drinks that the Moctezuma imbibed daily, granting him his legendary libido.

      Even though more Hot Plants exist than are described in this book, Chris Kilham has done a great job with the ones upon which he has chosen to feature, and expand his research. A fantastic job, in fact. I strongly recommend this to anyone with the interest in herbal medicine.

      4 out of 5 stars A good resource book for lovers of hot plants.......2005-08-05

      Hot Plants is Chris Kilham's account of exploration of plants, which help men and women lead better sex lives and thus enjoy better health. The author is a medicine hunter, author and educator and is the Explorer in Residence at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he teaches ethnobotany. He has written a dozen books, four of which are listed in side the book.

      In this particular book, Chris explores about 10 medicinal plants including some like Aswagandha, Yohimbe and Ginseng, which have been well known all over the world and a few lesser known (to me atleast). He describes for each plant, the active part, the location, the scientific studies conducted if any and the views of the traditional doctors, herbalists and the users. He has tried almost all of them himself and thus what he writes can certainly be taken as authentic. He also gives the side effects for some of the plants where applicable. He finishes the book with a very engaging account of the benefits of chocolate, not from the erotic angle but from the angle of love and bonding.

      His writing style is engaging and the accounts of his wide ranging travels and his experiences with people of various civilizations makes the book an interesting read.

      He got a few Indian names wrong (he refers to Dr.Prabhakaran as Dr.Prabakhan and Vata as Vatta), which I hope he will correct in future editions. His perception of the Hindu Gods Krishna and Siva may offend orthodox Hindus and fundamentalists. The conversion of temperatures by the author from Centigrade (Celsius) scale to Fahrenheit scale is approximate at some places. The special feature of -40 degrees in the temperature scale (that -40 F and -40 C are exactly equal) does not come through in the book.

      The book would have been certainly more valuable if a few photographs of the plants were included. The author's recommendations at the end will be certainly useful to those who would like to try out these plants as a good substitute for Viagra and Cialis etc.

      5 out of 5 stars Great resource, fun read.......2005-02-01

      In this lively, engaging read, UMASS ethnobotanist Kilham takes us around the globe from Malaysia to Peru as he reviews the history, folk use, and scientific research behind several herbs with strong tradtitions/reputations. I know two post-menopausal women who experienced a dramatic restoration of libido after taking the Hot Plants for Women formula (from Enzymatic Therapy) based on the book.

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