TCM Treatment for Low Libido in Women
Sexual vitality can become blocked for a variety of reasons, including a lack of strength or energy, or a problem with circulation, any of which can be caused by fatigue and stress. Chinese medicine's tonifying herbal combinations are not aphrodisiacs-they do not directly arouse sexual desire-rather, they make sexual activity and enthusiasm possible by fortifying natural vitality.

Cordyceps
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) or tung chung hsia tsao, a fungus that has been used medicinally for centuries, is highly valued in China as a tonic for general health. Traditionally, cordyceps is simmered in a double boiler for several hours, and the liquid is drunk as a tea. It is categorized as a neutral (not heating or cooling), sweet-tasting restorative.

Curculigo orchiodes
Curculigo orchiodes (Rhizoma curculiginis) or xian mao, is another herb used in Chinese medicine for impotence, urinary incontinence and infertility caused by conditions of weakness. Customers can simmer a handful of the curculigo twigs in a quart of water for 15 minutes for a mild-tasting tea. To begin, they should drink no more than one cup per day.

Panax ginseng
Traditional Chinese herbalists have for centuries recommended Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng) or ren shen in Mandarin Chinese, to improve vitality and sexual wellness for both sexes. Panax, a well-known adaptogen, is said to reduce fatigue and stress as it strengthens the body. Sexual performance could be complicated by stress if it manifests as heart weakness, blood sugar imbalances or poor circulation.

Chinese ginseng stimulates nitric oxide, a neurotransmitter that mediates a variety of bodily actions including blood vessel dilation, blood pressure regulation and blood clot prevention. Nitric oxide activates an enzyme that relaxes smooth muscles, allowing blood to flow. When this happens in the corpus cavernosum, an erection is possible. Viagra, the sexual potency drug, also allows nitric oxide to relax smooth muscles in the penis but the drug comes with side effects. While Viagra emphasizes sexual performance, ginseng is said to tone the entire endocrine system for a more holistic beneficial effect.