Home Remedies and Herbs for Low Libido (Diminished Sex Drive)

Diminished sexual drive is a common personal problem with many adult men and women of all ages. It’s also known as diminished libido, loss of libido, hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and inhibited sexual desire (ISD). This sexual dysfunction is experienced by an estimated 32 percent of women and 15 percent of men. Diminished sex drive in women is much higher when pregnant and breastfeeding.^{1 2 3 5} Diminished sexual drive is a recognized disorder in the psychiatric standard DSM-IV.

It’s classified as a general lack of sexual desire and situational lack of desire. General lack refers to an overall pattern where a person or couple’s sex life slows or stops as time progresses whereas situational diminishing refers to one person’s lack of sexual desire for a current partner. HSDD or ISD is further classified as acquired where it started after a period of normal sexual functioning or lifelong where a person has always had low or no sexual desire.⁵

What Causes Diminished Sex Drive (Diminished Libido)

There are many diminished sex drive causes. There is a combination of contributing factors that can change over time. Most diminished sex drive causes are common in men and in women including a link to low testosterone levels.^{1 2 5} Other leading diminished sex drive causes include:^{1 2 3}

• Sexual problems like pain during intercourse or erectile dysfunction
• Medical disease including cancer, arthritis, hypertension, coronary artery disease, hormonal changes and neurological disorders
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause
• Medications including antidepressants and anti-seizure prescription
• Excessive alcohol and street drugs
• Side effects from surgery
• Stress and fatigue
• Depression
• Obesity, low self-esteem, poor body image and bad hygiene practices
• Cultural stigma and previous negative sexual experiences
• Relationship tension and poor communication
• Infidelity and breach of trust

Diminished Sex Drive (Diminished Libido) Symptoms

The primary diminished sex drive symptoms are a general lack of sexual interest and an entire aversion to sexual activity.³ Other diminished libido signs are:^{2 3}

• No sexual arousal from regular stimulants including self-stimulation
• No sexual fantasies or erotic thoughts
• Bothered by another’s sexual advances

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Diminished Sex Drive (Diminished Libido)

Low sex drive natural remedies have been practiced since the start of recorded history. All cultures have experienced diminished libido and have discovered proven and practical natural treatments. They include:

• Maca - Maca is an herbal remedy also called Peruvian ginseng. Maca is rich in zinc and is a natural aphrodisiac for both women and men.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - ACV is proven to improve energy levels leading to increased libido. 3 ounces per day is recommended.
• Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne pepper improves blood circulation that leads to a marked improvement in diminished sex drive in women and men. It is one of the easiest and safest low sex drive natural remedies to try at home.
• Ginseng - Ginseng is a Chinese herbal sex drive remedy that’s sometimes referred to as nature’s Viagra. Ginseng increases blood flow and leads to sexual stimulation and arousal.
• Almond - Almonds are rich in zinc, selenium and vitamin E which are known sexual stimulants and the secret sex drive stimulant ingredients in oysters.
• Damiana - Leaves from the damiana plant are a highly-prized libido enhancer. Damiana grows in Mexico and the American southwest and is high in flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids and caffeine. It affects blood flow, particularly to the pelvic area and increases sexual sensitivity.

References

1. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/loss-of-libido/Pages/Introduction.aspx
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/basics/definition/con-20033229
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/inhibited-sexual-desire
4. http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/10-best-herbs-boosting-female-sex-drive/
5. https://draxe.com/how-to-increase-libido/