TCM Treatment Evaluation for Low Libido in Women
Women's sexual problems are often related to fatigue, lack of sexual interest or menstrual and hormonal irregularities. Several adrenal tonics are useful for a variety of energy-related problems. Nettle (Urtica dioica), an adrenal tonic, has traditionally worked well for those weakened by autoimmune imbalances, allergies, liver problems and long-term exhaustion. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) and sage (Salvia officinalis) are all heating spices that have been used for centuries to create energy and sexual desire in women.

If lubrication is an issue, avoid clove, fenugreek and sage because these heating herbs are too inflammatory and drying; instead take polygonum. Cherries, berries, leafy greens, prunes, plums and peaches are cooling, moistening foods said to reduce inflammation and nervousness while improving menstrual regularity.

If a woman's sexual fatigue is complicated by hormonal factors, typified by symptoms such as fevers, night sweats, hot flashes and facial flushing, Chinese herbalists recommend a formula combining cooling herbs with aphrodisiacs. For example, anemarrhena (Anemarrhena asphodeloides) or zhi zi, which treats fever, irritability, thirst, rapid pulse and dry cough with thick yellow sputum, is often combined with herba cistanches, which treats impotence, urinary incontinence, and pain and chills in the lower back and knees. To make a substitute from garden herbs and kitchen spices, combine cooling skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum) with cloves. The result is a warming adrenal stimulant.

A natural, holistic approach to sexual remedies frees sex from a disease category and puts it in the context of vitality and health. This collection of Chinese sexual potency foods and herbs can make sex possible for men and women both now and into old age.