The condition of low libido, or a lack of sexual desire in women is becoming increasingly more common. There can be many reasons for an otherwise healthy women to be experiencing a waning sex drive.
It could be stress, age, or even relationship issues, or any number of other things alone, or in combination.
While the FDA still mulls over a so-called “Viagra for women,” here are some vitamins and natural nutritional supplements that have been known to help women with low libido.
Some of these you may have heard of, or may even have in your medicine cabinets. Others, such as Muira Puama, are a bit more exotic. Either way, if lack of desire is your problem, these may help reignite the spark.
- Ginseng – Ginseng has been used as an aphrodisiac for both men and women for centuries. It seems to be effective in increasing the production of nitric oxide, which is much the same way that Viagra helps in men with erectile dysfunction or ED. In women, the same effect can improve blood flow to the vaginal area, which can similarly improve arousal.
Dark Chocolate – Not the useless milk chocolate candy bars, but any “dark” chocolate with 70% or more cocoa. These have been shown to raise dopamine, and other “feel good” chemicals in the brain. All of which improve the ability to achieve orgasm.- Maca Root – Maca root has been used by women in South America for help with sexual wellness issues since ancient times. It is high in iodine and zinc, both of which are essential in helping to keep a woman’s sex hormones in balance.
- Muira Puama – The herb Muira Puama literally translates into “potency wood.” In clinical trials, women who used Muira Puama reported increased sexual stimulation, longer and more sustainable orgasms, and increased lubrication. It had these positive effects in both pre and post-menopausal women.
- Chasteberry – Chasteberry is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia. It is approved for use for “menstrual problems” by the European equivalent of the FDA. It seems to have a positive effect on improving sexual desire by increasing dopamine production.
- Black Cohosh: Black cohosh is said to possess many “estrogen-like” properties. As such it is one of the most popular supplements for the treatment of menopausal symptoms (i.e.night sweats and hot flashes). It seems to also help with the loss of sexual desire that can also accompany menopause.
- Ginkgo – Ginkgo has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, including sexual dysfunction in men and women. Like Ginseng, it can improve blood flow to the vagina. And increased blood flow means more stimulation, which improves low libido.
Vitamin E – Vitamin E in lotion or oil, when applied to the vagina is great for supplemental lubrication when needed. It also stimulates more of your own natural lubrication.- Ashwaganda Root – Ashwaganda is mentioned in the Karma Sutra as an aid to increase a woman’s desire. It helps those with low libido by having a positive effect on blood flow to the vagina and clitoris.
- Catuaba – Catuba conations Yohimba, which is another herb that has long been used by indigenous peoples as an aphrodisiac. Yohimba has been shown in clinical trials to stimulate dopamine production.
- Pycnogenol – Pycnogenol is extracted from French maritime pine. It is believed that pycnogenol helps protect blood vessels and boost production of nitric oxide — similar to yohimbe, ginkgo, and ginseng.
- Damiana – Damiana grows in the American Southwest, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. It has long been praised for its aphrodisiac properties. It is said that it works by reducing stress, producing a sense of euphoria, and reducing inhibitions, all of which combine to increase sexual desire.
- Tongkat Ali – Tongkat Ali is another medicinal herb that has been used by men and women the world over to improve low libido. It seems to improve testosterone production and absorption. Low testosterone levels have been linked to low libido in women.
Dark Chocolate – Not the useless milk chocolate candy bars, but any “dark” chocolate with 70% or more cocoa. These have been shown to raise dopamine, and other “feel good” chemicals in the brain. All of which improve the ability to achieve orgasm.
Vitamin E – Vitamin E in lotion or oil, when applied to the vagina is great for supplemental lubrication when needed. It also stimulates more of your own natural lubrication.Other Safe and Effective Treatments for Low Libido
Even when and if an effective pill for female sexual dysfunction becomes available, I understand a woman’s preference for something without potential side effects. While the list of the above nutritional supplements have all been shown to be effective in improving libido, there are still those who question the effectiveness of such “alternative” treatments.
These women often wonder, “Wouldn’t it be great if there were a medically proven, modern medicine cure for low libido?”That is also as safe and effective as natural supplements?”
The good news is – there is!
It is known as the O-shot, and it is 100% side effect-free. It uses your own blood to enhance female sexual performance. The secret to the O-shot is something called Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP.
PRP concentrates the healing and growth factors in your own blood to restore, revitalize and rejuvenate vaginal tissue. Women using the O-shot report immediate results. This includes: easier arousal, increased sensitivity, increased lubrication, and a stronger, more satisfying orgasms!
You can find out a lot more about sexual wellness and other ways to age optimally in Dr. Gaines’ new full length book,
