Low on libido? Here are five ways to boost your sex drive

Drifting away from the desire to have sex is becoming increasingly common today. And while there are conventional, artificial treatments at your service, here are five ways to increase your libido naturally-

The best from the East

Traditional Chinese medicine contends that low libido arises due to kidney deficiency, especially if it’s coupled with dizziness, tiredness, or lower back-ache. Try Saigon cinnamon, Chinese foxglove, Asiatic cornelian cherry fruit, tonics which may boost sexual longing.

Acupuncture is also an effective remedial measure, because it relaxes your body and mind and in turn increases your libido.

Perk it up with herbs

Maca, a root plant native to South America nourishes the endocrine glands which produce and release sex hormones. Often referred to as Peruvian ginseng, it improves vaginal tenderness and stimulates the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands, which results in balanced hormones and higher libido.

According to a research, the ingestion of maca for up to six weeks resulted in increased sexual drive. Maca not only induces sexual desire amongst women, it also works wonders for men looking to amp up their passion. It’s also known for improving fertility in men. Maca can be easily incorporated into your diet- a teaspoonful of the powder in smoothie or hot drink daily does the trick.

Tonic herbs like ginseng and ashwagandha help in fighting low sex drive arising out of depression and fatigue, since they improve metabolism and keep emotional and mental stress at bay. Add a teaspoon to a cup of warm water and you’re good to go.

Ginkgo is an antioxidant that enhances the supply of blood to the extremities. It includes increasing blood circulation to the sex organs. Sarsaparilla is also known to improve blood circulation. The steroidal saponins in the root often imitate hormones.  It’s grounded, turned into a powder, and used for brewing a tea which acts as an effective remedy.

The right bite

It’s no secret that a healthy diet goes a long way in improving your overall well-being. And sexual performance is no exception. Nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables are good for you, while fatty, oily foods tend to make you feel dizzy all the time. A diverse, energy-inducing and balanced food intake improves your libido.  “Junk in, junk out” seems to be true here too.

Zinc is the most important mineral for a healthy sex life. And it’s found in abundance in cashews, shellfish, eggs, legumes, chicken. Zinc enhances the production of sex hormones among both men and women, thereby boosting their libido.

 Antioxidants are also essential for a healthy libido. Pick strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kale, and dark chocolate are packed with antioxidants that keep your blood vessels clean and stimulate micro-circulation to the genital area.

 Vitamin E for the Ohs

Vaginal atrophy is a common reason for libido- Lower oestrogen levels imply a thinning, dying vagina. This in turn results in painful sex, due to lack of lubrication.

An easy remedy to this is the use of vitamin E capsules. Massage the contents of a vitamin E capsule gently into your vagina every day. An alternative is to go for conventional treatment- rubbing prescribed hormone creams into the skin to balance hormones. However, a critical thing to consider while buying any products is to make sure they are free form parabens, perfumes, synthetic colours etc. Choose lubricants made from natural ingredients: aloe vera or water-based products are safer.

Stress busting for the hustle

A stressful life points to a lower libido. Rev up your sex life by taking some time out to focus on your body’s energy by exercising. Yoga and meditation, work effectively in revving up your sex life, by helping you manage stress. Cortisol in particular plays a major role in reducing the desire for sex, but can be curbed with the right exercise. You can seek counselling if body-image or low self-confidence hinder in your interest for sexual pleasure.

Remember, a healthy physical and mental state is essential for enhancing your libido. Seek help if your appetite for sex has been considerably low for a while.