Real Talk on Sex, Pleasure & Power
Dr. Tapp's Thought's
Hi, I’m Dr Brenda Tapp (and Dr. Brenda Leonard) I’m still working on sorting out my legal married name and what I’ve built my practice with for many years .. the identity shifts personally and professionally that come with a name change is more than I was expecting!
I’m a naturopathic doctor who unapologetically talks about sex, hormones, pleasure, and power—especially with women navigating cancer, recovery, and midlife reinvention. My mission? To help women feel better than they ever have, in bodies they may not even recognize anymore. I’ve gone deep—personally and professionally—to understand the science, emotion, and energy behind libido, intimacy, and thriving sexual health. This newsletter is for every woman who’s been underserved, undereducated, and underestimated. We’re done whispering. Let’s talk about what really matters—because pleasure isn’t optional. It’s medicine.
Sharing time…
Like many women, I didn’t grow up with great sex education. Most of what I learned came from my partners—who had mostly learned from magazines, pornography, or their older brothers. Let’s be honest: our culture has long made it more acceptable for men to talk about sex, explore their pleasure, and ask for what they want. For women, the same conversations are often laced with shame, secrecy, or silence—even among friends. So picture it: an impressionable young woman learning about her own body and pleasure through the lens of someone else’s education—an education often focused on performance, comparison, and not connection.
That’s a tough starting point for anyone seeking healthy, joyful intimacy, right? Women are rarely taught to explore their own pleasure or to see sex as something that belongs to them—not something they just give or perform. In fact, it wasn’t until I experienced a relationship where my pleasure was genuinely prioritized that everything shifted. I understood, for the first time, just how fun and fulfilling sex could be. My story isn’t unique. Here’s what I’ve learned: when women feel sexually empowered—if they want sex and are enjoying it—it ripples out into every area of life. Good sex (if you want it) is grounding. It’s energizing. It gives you the confidence to move through the world more boldly, more authentically, and more freely.
That’s why I share openly now—not to shock or overshare, but to help break down the silence, to build connections, and to show you that you aren’t alone. You’re not broken. You were just never taught. And it’s never too late to learn something new, especially about yourself.
Recipe: Dark Chocolate Love Bites (20 minutes - 3 ingredients)
Dark chocolate and pomegranate aren’t just delicious—they’re both known for boosting libido! Dark chocolate increases serotonin and dopamine (your feel-good brain chemicals), while pomegranate can improve blood flow and hormone balance. Basically, this sexy little snack is foreplay on a plate.
Ingredients:
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3 1/2 ozs
Dark Chocolate (at least 70% cacao)
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1/4 cup
Pomegranate Seeds
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1/4 cup
Slivered Almonds
How to make:
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Fill one large pot with water and place a smaller pot inside. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Ensure no water is able to get in the smaller pot.
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Add the dark chocolate into the smaller pot and stir continuously until melted.
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Spread a large piece of wax paper across your counter. Dollop a heaping teaspoon of melted chocolate onto the wax paper so it forms a circle. Repeat until all chocolate has been used up. Immediately place 4 or 5 pomegranate seeds in the center of each chocolate and then surround with slivered almonds.
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Let chocolate cool for 1 hour before peeling off of the wax paper. Arrange on a decorative plate or store in a mason jar. Enjoy!
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While there’s no magic food proven to skyrocket libido (sorry, oysters), we do know that a balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports your hormones, energy, and overall vitality—which all play a part in feeling sexy and strong.
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No formal meal plan this time (we’re saving room for all the other juicy content), but I had to share this playful twist: edible flowers! These vibrant recipes from Martha Stewart are a beautiful, sensual way to connect with your food—and maybe even your inner goddess. Think of it as pleasure on a plate.
Clinic News
Missed Our May Webinar?
“Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Myths, Benefits & Finding the Right Approach for You” with Dr. Nicole Edgar is now available to watch online!
Whether you're curious about HRT, navigating menopause, or simply looking to understand your options, this session is packed with insights to help you feel informed and empowered.
Upcoming Webinar:
The Sex Ed Every Woman Needs and Deserves
July 12th, 2025 | 9:00 AM (Virtual via Zoom)
🎟️ Register Now
Let’s talk about libido—openly, honestly, and without shame. Low sex drive isn’t “just part of getting older,” and it’s not something you need to quietly accept.
Join Dr. Brenda Tapp, ND and special guest Kari Russell, for a real, raw, and empowering conversation about what actually impacts women’s desire—from hormones and sleep to nervous system health and stress.
We’ll explore:
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The real reasons behind low libido
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How HRT, testosterone, testing, and more can help
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Science-backed strategies for reigniting desire
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All the juicy things sex ed should have covered (toys, lube, anatomy, books & more!)
Whether you're postpartum, perimenopausal, or somewhere in between—this is for you. Grab your coffee, bring your questions, and stream it solo or with your besties (bonus: there’s a discount to a local sex shop for live attendees 😉).
We’re Community Votes Winners! 🏆
We’re thrilled to share the results from this year’s Peterborough Community Votes — and we’re so proud to see our team and store recognized in multiple categories!
Acupuncture
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Courtney Cartmel – Platinum
Naturopaths
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Brenda Leonard – Silver
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Nicole Lynn – Bronze
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Cara McCall – Bronze
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Peterborough Centre of Naturopathic Medicine – Gold
Weight Loss & Nutrition
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Shavonne Wood – Silver
Health Food Store
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The Village Apothecary Millbrook – Gold!
A Heartfelt Thank You
To our incredible community, patients, and everyone who took the time to vote — thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your support truly means the world to us. Everything we do is driven by a deep passion for your health, your wellness, and your trust in us. These awards are a reflection of you — your encouragement, loyalty, and belief in the care we provide. We’re so grateful to walk this path with you and look forward to continuing to serve and support you on your wellness journey.
Here’s the Truth
You were never given the tools to fully understand your body, your pleasure, or your power. Most sex education was fear-based, shame-based, and wildly incomplete. We were taught how not to get pregnant, how not to get STIs—but never how to enjoy our bodies, communicate with partners, or prioritize our own desire. And so we absorbed beliefs that limit us, like:
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My pleasure is not my own—my partner gives me my orgasm.
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I should orgasm with penetration (penis-in-vagina) sex.
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If my partner can’t please me, I must be unpleasurable.
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I should only want sex when I spontaneously feel desire.
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If I don’t feel spontaneous desire, I must be abnormal.
None of these are facts.
They are simply thoughts we’ve heard so often, we started to believe them. But beliefs are optional. And once you start to question them—you gain your power back.
The truth is: Sex can be your superpower. It’s about so much more than orgasm (though that’s great, too). It’s about confidence, connection, self-trust—and yes, even longevity. Studies show that men who orgasm more frequently live longer. And while we’re still waiting for someone to do the same study in women—because patriarchy—we have every reason to believe the benefits apply to us too. So, if you’re ready to shake off old beliefs and rewrite your sex story, here are:
6 Empowering, Science-Backed Tips for Better Sex
1. Lube Is Liberation
80% of people use it, and you should too. Silicone-based lubes are especially helpful for menopausal dryness, increased sensitivity, or longer sessions. Less friction = more pleasure. Always.
2. Desire Doesn’t Have to Come First
Spontaneous desire isn’t the only kind. Most women experience responsive desire—they get turned on after they start. So stop waiting to “feel in the mood.” You’re not broken. You’re just human. Go to the party. The fun might surprise you.
3. Mismatch in Desire Is a Relationship Dynamic, Not a Personal Flaw
Different levels of desire are normal. What matters is how you respond to them together. If sex isn’t enjoyable, no wonder one person stops wanting it. So ask: How can we make it fun, pleasurable, and emotionally safe for both of us?
4. Pleasure Starts with the Clitoris
News flash: Most women don’t orgasm from penetration alone. That’s not a problem—it’s anatomy. Your clitoris is the powerhouse of pleasure. Stimulate it. Prioritize it. Celebrate it. Your orgasm is yours to own.
5. Mindfulness Is the Gateway to Orgasm
Modern life is distracting. Your brain is probably full of to-do lists, body image thoughts, or performance pressure. Orgasms live in the body—not the inbox. Use breathwork, sensation focus, and presence to reconnect. Drop into your pelvis. Stay there. That’s where the magic is.
6. Vaginal Estrogen Can Transform Midlife Sex
Menopause changes everything—but not because you’re broken. Because your tissues need support. Low-dose vaginal estrogen (in creams, tablets, rings, or suppositories) is the gold standard for painful sex, dryness, irritation, and recurrent UTIs. It’s safe. It’s effective. And in many cases—even for breast cancer survivors—it’s still an option worth discussing with your doctor. Reclaiming pleasure during and after menopause isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.
Dispensary Sales
For a limited time, we’re offering up to 60% off select professional-grade supplements. If you’ve been meaning to restock or try something new, this is a great opportunity to do
Featured Supplements:
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Signature Supplements - Gut Bug Terminator 120 caps
Supports digestive health by targeting harmful gut bacteria while promoting a healthy balance of beneficial microbiota for improved digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut wellness.
Reg $45
Sale $18
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AOR - Inflammation Relief 60 caps
Advanced herbal and antioxidant formula designed to combat inflammation and support joint comfort.
Reg $80
Sale $32
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CanPrev - Pain-Pro Formula 120 caps
A synergistic blend of natural ingredients formulated to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and support mobility.
Reg $40
Sale $16
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NFH - High-EPA SAP 60 softgels
High-potency Omega-3 (EPA-focused) for cardiovascular, mood, and inflammatory support.
Reg $77
Sale $30.80
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NFH - Chromium SAP 60 caps
Supports healthy blood sugar metabolism and insulin function, ideal for those managing glucose levels.
Reg $22
Sale $8.80
New in Millbrook: Fresh Finds at the Refillery!
We’re excited to announce some refreshing new arrivals at our Millbrook Refillery! Stop by to explore our newest eco-friendly additions:
Mint Shampoo, Mint Body Wash & Mint Conditioner
These clean beauty essentials leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized — and they smell amazing.
Perfect for summer self-care!
Have You Heard? First Refill = 10% OFF!
Purchase any product that’s eligible for refilling, and get 10% off your first refill.
It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing to reduce waste and support sustainable living.
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Why Refill? - Refilling isn’t just good for your wallet — it’s great for the planet. Here are just a few benefits:
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Less Plastic Waste - Keep single-use bottles out of landfills by reusing containers again and again.
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Save Money - Refills cost less than buying brand-new packaging each time.
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Eco-Friendly Living Made Easy - A simple step toward a more sustainable lifestyle — convenient, impactful, and smart.
📍 Visit us at the Millbrook store to check out our new refillables and take the first step toward a cleaner, greener routine.
Let’s make sustainability second nature!
