With increased stress levels, poor diets and the lack of time (and sometimes even space) for intimacy, very often women find themselves asking ‘What happened to my sex drive?!’ Fortunately, you don’t have to fake it or drug yourself in order to feel the heat again. There are many traditional herbs which you can take in this modern day to treat all areas that contribute to low libido including both mental and physical issues.
1. Horny Goat Weed
Oh, the name says it all! For women, it works by stimulating your nervous system, especially the nerves in your genitalia. Horny Goat Weed (which is also known as Epimedium or Yin Yang Huo) is a leaf that can be steeped into a tea and enjoyed throughout the day. Replace your regular tea with this aphrodisiac and when you get home at the end of the day, you’ll be hot and ready.
2. Bupleurum
This herb has a tranquilising effect and is the most effective herb for premenstrual tension! It will balance your hormones and be in a better mood for sex. It contains a unique active ingredient called saikosaponin, which increases cortisol, and helps the body to deal more effectively with stress. Take 200mg of solid extract per day.
3. Schizandra
Schizandra (also known as Wu Wei Zi) is a famous tonic herb used by Chinese women royalty for decades. Schizandra is said to keep vital fluids from leaking out of the body. If this is the herb of your choice, it’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine, just pop a Schizandra extract capsule daily.
4. Shatavari
Shatavari is an Ayurvedic herb, which means "having one hundred husbands"! What’s so difficult about satisfying one man when you have the stamina for a hundred, huh?! This sexual tonic helps battle dryness, enhances fertility, and nourishes the female reproductive organs. Take 2-6 grams of this powdered herb in milk for breakfast everyday (or mix it into your cereal) and it will stimulate the libido centre in your brain, soften and lubricate your pelvic organs.
5. Ginseng
Chinese ginseng is a powerful herb for strengthening your Qi and helping your body adapt to stress. It is used as a sexual tonic because of its modulating effects on your nervous system. If you are lethargic it can give you sexual energy, and if you are tense it can help you relax. I hate the taste of ginseng but they do come in little bottles with sweet bird’s nest and that’s pretty yummy when served cold.
6. Cordyceps
A Chinese herbal aphrodisiac which builds your sexual energy over time by enhancing your kidney yang and replenishing your kidney yin. Because of its dual nature, expansive yet contractive, cordyceps is a perfect sexual tonic for women. You can get ground cordyceps powder and just mix a tablespoon of it with your daily food or beverage.
7. Ginkgo Biloba
More popularly known for boosting mental power, this herb increases blood flow throughout the body, particularly the extremities, while increasing metabolism and energy. In men, it can help cure impotence as it increases blood flow to the penis. For women, it increases blood flow to the clitoris and can heighten orgasms. This herb is available in tablet and capsule forms or you can cook with gingko nuts too.
8. Maca Root
This is a natural viagra for women. It boosts libido by giving you more energy and balances your hormones. Maca is used by men and by women who want to put more fire into their sex lives. Maca is available in capsule form so you can just pop one daily as a dietary supplement.