Libido problems affect many people, especially as we get older, but there are times in all our lives when desires are low. This is usually a temporary phase, so does not point to failure. However it becomes more of a problem if there is a difference between the desires of one partner and the other, as it can leave one person in the relationship feeling frustrated and unloved, and the other feeling unhappy because of it.

Surveys suggest that depression is one of the most common causes of loss of desire and one of the main reason people seek labido help. Many medications, such as beta-blockers, tranquillizers and antidepressants can also cause a loss of interest and lack of desire.

Relationship problems of any kind can depress labido, as can physical illnesses and stress. Memories of abuse in the past can also affect the present, as can worries about a contraceptive method or infection.

Men are constantly being bombarded with media images of the ever ready, potent man, so are constantly under pressure to perform well in bed. Add to this a progressively more stressful workplace and relationship stresses, it’s easy to see how libido can be drained.

Fifty percent of women experience loss of libido after childbirth. This is logical, as a new baby demands a great deal of time and energy, there maybe soreness from the stitches and hormonal balances are fluctuating all the time. Dryness may also be a problem, and it can make lovemaking painful, which understandably can leave a woman with no desire to make love.

Heavy drinking can also cause men to have little desire for lovemaking because alcohol reduces the production of the male hormone testosterone and also affects the parts in the brain responsible for controlling hormone balance.

My advice to anyone experiencing a waning libido is to ask your self whether your expectations are unrealistic, or if your problem is related to any of the topics I have mentioned.

If loss of libido is not related to any serious problem that warrants seeking the advise of a physician, and you simply want an extra boost to heighten passion, then there are several herbs for libido. Libido enhancers are generally called aphrodisiacs.

The herb Ginkgo improves the circulation and researchers at the University of California gave 209mg daily to sixty-three men and women who were suffering from loss of libido, as a side effect of taking anti-depressants. Ginkgo helped ninety one percent of women and seventy six percent of men.

Maca is a mountain herb that has been used as a source of energy, an aphrodisiac and a tonic for centuries. Studies by the biologist, Chacon identified four alkaloids in the Maca root. He gave them to male and female study participants with positive results.

Muira Puama, usually know as potency wood, also has a long history as an aphrodisiac by people of the Amazon. French researchers used two hundred and sixty women with libido problems in a study. Sixty two percent reported increased libido and found lovemaking more satisfactory.

Ginseng is often called the King of herbs and is known to be effectual to make men more virile, but few studies have reported on its aphrodisiacal effect on women.

Cynthia Watson, MD, and author of the book, “Love Potions” recommends a recipe using Damiana leaves fermented in Vodka to perk up lovemaking.

Several studies have indicated that the bark from West African Yohimbe tree is effectual to boost arousal.

Other herbs that are considered beneficial to increase libido include:

Almonds

Angus Castus

Wild Oats

Parsley

Asparagus

Chilies

Ginger

Garlic

Cinnamon

Celery

Lychee berries

An interesting point, not related to herbs but one worth mention:

For as long as I can remember I have heard people say, ” I must go and take a cold shower”, or, “He/She should take a cold shower” touting the idea that cold showers lessened desire. However nothing could be further from the truth as researchers suggest they do the opposite. Though this is not recommended if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.

Written by HealthyNewAge, the alternative treatments web site and blog.

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