Natural Libido Enhancers For Women

Our desire for sex is based on the interaction of many components affecting intimacy, including; physical well-being, emotional well-being, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle and current our relationship. If you’re experiencing problems in any of these areas, it can affect your sexual desire.

Physical causes: A wide range of illnesses, physical changes and medications can cause a low sex drive, including:

Obesity or Anorexia: Women who are obese or suffer from anorexia (or are severely underweight) may be deficient in certain sex hormones and experience lack of sexual interest.

Fatigue: Exhaustion can really suppress any interest in sex.

Pain or discomfort during sex: If you experience pain during sex or are unable to achieve orgasm, this may hamper your desire for sex.

Medical diseases: Numerous diseases can also affect desire for sex, including; endometriosis, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and neurological diseases.

Medications: Many prescription medications are notorious libido killers including; antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications and chemotherapy drugs.

Alcohol and drugs: A glass of wine may make you feel amorous, but too much alcohol can dampen your sex drive and the same is true of street drugs.

Surgery: Any surgery related to your breasts or your genital area can obviously affect their function, but also your body image and desire for sex.

Hormone changes:
 Changes in your hormone levels throughout the month, may change your desire for sex.

Menopause: Estrogen helps maintain the health of your vaginal tissues and your interest in sex. But estrogen levels drop during the transition to menopause, which can cause a double whammy — decreased interest in sex and dryer vaginal tissues, resulting in painful or uncomfortable sex. At the same time, women may also experience a decrease in the hormone testosterone, which boosts sex drive in men and women alike. Although many women continue to have satisfying sex during menopause and beyond, some women experience a lagging libido during this hormonal change.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Hormone changes during pregnancy, just after having a baby and during breast-feeding can put a damper on sex drive. Of course, hormones aren’t the only factor affecting intimacy during these times. Fatigue, changes in body image and the pressures of carrying (or caring for) a new baby can all contribute to changes in your libido.

Psychological causes: 
Your problems don’t have to be physical to be real. There are many psychological causes of low sex drive, including:

• Anxiety or depression
• Stress, such as financial stress or work stress
• Poor body image
• Low self-esteem
• History of physical or sexual abuse

Relationship issues: 
For many women, emotional closeness is an essential prelude to sexual intimacy. So problems in your relationship can be a major factor in low sex drive. Decreased interest in sex is often a result of ongoing issues, such as:

• Lack of connection with your partner
• Unresolved conflicts or fights
• Poor communication of sexual needs and preferences
• Infidelity

There is no simple pill or potion to increase sex drive in women. In fact, most women benefit from a multifaceted treatment approach aimed at the many causes behind this condition. Healthy lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your desire for sex:

Exercise: Regular aerobic exercise and strength training can increase your stamina, improve your body image, elevate your mood and enhance your libido.

Stress less: Finding a better way to cope with work stress, financial stress and daily hassles can enhance your sex drive.

Be happier: A sense of personal wellbeing and happiness are important for libido…find ways to bring a little extra joy to your world.

Strengthen your pelvic muscles: Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) can improve your awareness of the muscles involved in pleasurable sexual sensations and increase your libido. To perform these exercises, tighten your pelvic muscles as if you’re stopping a stream of urine. Hold for five seconds, relax and repeat. Repeat several times a day.

Communicate with your partner: Conflicts and disagreements are a natural part of any relationship. Couples who learn to fight fair and communicate in an open, honest way usually maintain a stronger emotional connection, which can lead to better sex. Communicating about sex also is important. Talking about your likes and dislikes can set the stage for greater sexual intimacy. Better emotional intimacy often leads to better sexual intimacy!

Seek counseling: Talking with a sex therapist or counselor skilled in addressing sexual concerns can help with low sex drive.

Set aside time for intimacy: Scheduling sex may seem contrived and boring, but making intimacy a priority can help put your sex drive back on track. ‘Make Love’ could put a smile on your face as you attack your ‘To Do’ list…

Add a little spice to your sex life: Try a different sexual position, a different time of day or a different location for sex and see if you can rekindle your sexual sizzle.

Some natural treatments;

AROMATHERAPY

Ylang Ylang: Considered as one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs, ylang ylang increases libido and attraction between lovers. It energises you, intensifies eroticism and is good for opening the mind to sexual experimentation…

Neroli:  A powerful aphrodisiac used to combat frigidity and increase libido.

Sandalwood: The sweet, woody exotic scent enhances physical sensuality and makes lovers more sexually-liberated. Considered a sexual restorative, it induces a state of calmness and serenity and also relieves nervous tension.

HERBS

Damiana: Its botanical name, Turnera aphrodisiaca, hints at its reputation as a libido-enhancing plant. The ancient Mayans used damiana for its sexual properties and for centuries, Mexican women have been brewing tea from the plant’s leaves to improve their sexual satisfaction. Damiana has been shown to increase sensitivity in the clitoris, as well as stimulate sexual desire and pleasure. It also strengthens the hormone system.

Horny Goat Weed: Is thought to be one of nature’s most powerful herbal aphrodisiacs, and has been used in Chinese traditional medicine for centuries to support libido and sexual enhancement. The name is said to have arisen because according to legend, the aphrodisiac qualities were discovered by a Chinese goat-herder who noticed mounting behavior dramatically increase after they ate the weed!

Ginseng:  Contains compounds that stimulate the hypothalamus gland to invigorate sex drive. It also acts locally on the vagina and clitoris to increase genital blood flow, which enhances lubrication, sensation, and arousal.

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

Maca berry: It is increasingly becoming known as one of the best super-foods in the world for sexual health and wellbeing. It’s especially good for women because it doesn’t contain hormones itself (rather it supports the glands to produce necessary hormones), it’s non-addictive and re-establishes hormonal balance in women. All this helps you restore your natural sex drive!

FOODS

Oysters: A classic aphrodisiac! Oysters are high in zinc, which raises testosterone production. Oysters also contain dopamine, a hormone known to increase libido.

Avocado: The Aztecs called the avocado tree ahuacatl or “testicle tree.” While avocados can indeed look like that body part, they contain high levels of folic acid, which helps metabolize proteins, giving you more energy. They also contain vitamin B6 and potassium, two nutrients that help increase libido in both men and women.

Garlic: Bad on the breath, but good for the sex-drive! Garlic contains allicin, an ingredient that increases blood flow to the sexual organs, meaning it’s a highly effective addition to the diet to increase libido. You can always give the odourless capsules a go if you don’t want to have to stock up on mints pre love sesh…

Chocolate: Contains phenylethylamine, a natural chemical believed to produce the feeling of “being in love”. Choose, dark, organic chocolate for the best results!

Remember that fluctuations in your sex drive are a normal part of every relationship and every stage of life. Try not to focus all of your attention on sex. Instead, spend some time nurturing yourself and your relationship. Go for a bushwalk. Get to bed earlier. Kiss your partner goodbye before you race out the door. Reignite the passion with surprises and fun. Feeling good about yourself and your partner can actually be the best foreplay of all…

Live well, live long, live naturally

Renee x