There are plenty of ways to boost your libido this March without resorting to prescription drugs like Viagra. In addition to healthy eating and regular exercise the following herbs are all thought to be beneficial:

(Note: If you’re on medication, pregnant or hoping to be seek specialist advice before taking these herbs.)

• Agnus Castus (vitex/chasteberry tree) has been shown to stimulate and normalise the function of the pituitary gland which in turn helps to balance sex hormones in women, in particular the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen.
• Damiana, derived from the dried aromatic leaves of a small shrub, has a long folk history dating back to the ancient Mayans as a sexual stimulant. It gently increases sensitivity of nerve endings to produce tingling and throbbing sensations in the genitals. It can be beneficial for those whose loss of sex drive is linked to decreased sensitivity and difficulty in achieving arousal.
• Dong Quai, or Chinese Angelica, is probably the best known Chinese herbal tonic for women. Valued highly in the East it is used to treat the entire reproductive system and encourage normal functioning of sex organs.
• Gingko Biloba is thought to improve blood circulation to the reproductive organs and have a stimulating effect on the genitals. Research on men suffering from erectile dysfunction showed a beneficial effect after six to eight weeks treatment, and after six months half of the patients had regained full potency. Ginkgo is also thought to be helpful for those whose low sex drive is linked to stress and fatigue.
• Siberian Ginseng can help you adapt to physical or emotional stress and fatigue. Ginseng is helpful for those whose low sex drive is linked to stress, over-work, fatigue, or hormone imbalances. It is also helpful for women whose low libido is related to menopausal symptoms.
• Horny Goat Weed: animal studies have demonstrated the aphrodisiac qualities of horny goat weed suggesting that it may influence levels of feel-good chemicals in the body. The leaves of horny goat weed also contain a variety of flavonoids (one prominent flavonoid is Icariin) that positively influence our reproductive health in many ways. For example, Icariin in particular is known to help with erectile function.
• Maca encourages hormonal balance which is great for sex drive as when hormone levels are balanced libido and well being are naturally boosted. So, if a man or woman is experiencing a lower sex drive due to declining levels of a certain hormone Maca increases production of that hormone.
• Passion Flower (Passiflora): studies show that passion flower improves circulation and nutrition to the nerves, including those in the sex organs. It’s a wonderfully stimulating but also relaxing remedy so you can have great sex and awake feeling refreshed and alert in the morning – time and time again.
• Saw Palmetto is a nourishing tonic for the reproductive system and well known remedy for low libido in both men and women for increasing sexual energy and fertility.
• St John’s Wort can significantly boost sex drive in those who are depressed or physically exhausted or for those whose loss of sex drive is linked to anxiety, stress, irritability or low mood. In one recent study, 60 per cent of post-menopausal women who took St John’s Wort for three months said they found themselves feeling more sexy and felt making love was more enjoyable.
• Wild Oat (avena sativa) is often used for stress and fatigue and is an ancient Chinese remedy for sexual decline. It is thought that oats can lower blood pressure and balance hormones and therefore boost desire in men and women.
• Wild Yam is an anti-inflammatory agent with hormone balancing properties, which can improve menstrual function and fertility in women. Yams (sweet potatoes) are a superfood for women because they are a good source of vitamin B6. Several studies have shown that vitamin B6 is essential for hormone balance and fertility in women. Vitamin B6 is also a great health boost for men too as it’s associated with reduced risk of poor health and increased vitality.

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 1st, 2007 at 11:52 am and is filed under Fertility, Herbs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.