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Herbs and Libido
These
articles that I am listing regarding herbs are just informational
guidelines. When deciding to take herbs for ANY reason, DO YOUR
RESEARCH! All herbs are not for everybody.
**
I will be adding additional information on herbs and libido Insha Allah.
_________________________________________
Libido loco.(herbs that aid a woman's sex drive and
hormonal
balance)
(Brief Article)
Author/s: Ellen Cavalli
Issue: July, 2000
If the summer sun is the only thing heating up your bedroom, nature can help you fan the flames of desire. Loss of libido affects women
of all ages and walks of life. In fact, 43 percent of American women complain about sexual problems, including low libido, according to a
1999 article in The Journal of the American Medical Association.
Because a healthy libido depends on physical and mental factors, any number of causes can affect its function. Practitioners of both
conventional and alternative medicine admit their knowledge of sexual longing is far from complete. "There are mysteries here," says Chris
Kilham, an herbal researcher from Lincoln, Mass.
The most common culprits for passion plummets are stress,
medications, life changes, menopause and poor physical or emotional health. Judith
Weinstock, M.D., an ob/gyn in Brooklyn, N.Y., says no less than half of her patients over age 45 report a loss of libido.
Many of those patients, Weinstock says, are experiencing menopausal symptoms. And what happens to women's bodies during menopause is no
medical mystery: There's a natural decrease in testosterone, the "desire" hormone, and estrogen, which helps women produce
lubrication.
In the bigger picture, stress on your body's major systems--nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular--can reduce your sexual appetite.
Together, the three work as a relay system of sorts. The nervous system sends messages of arousal to the endocrine system, which
regulates hormones. After the endocrine system releases the appropriate hormones to the blood, the cardiovascular system moves them throughout the body, including the genitalia. When any or all of
these systems is overtaxed, our libido suffers.
The herbs described below nourish the body's major systems and promote hormonal balance. This month's contributors are Margaret
Dexter, a New York City herbalist, and Gayle Skowronski, an herbalist and co-author of Sex Herbs (Ulysses Press, 2000).
Herb Function
Chaste berry has an estrogenic effect (Vitex agnus that relieves discomforts
castus) accompanying menopause
Fennel Contains an estrogen-like substance (Foeniculum (estriol) that boosts libido;
alleviates bloating and other PMS-related symptoms
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) -Has an estrogenic effect, ( boosting libido; also minimizes
vaginal dryness )
Hawthorn Improves circulation to the (Crataegus extremities, including genitalia;
laevigata) also promotes movement of hormones in blood
Oat straw Reduces vaginal dryness and (Arena sativa) soothes the nervous system
Herb Dosage(*)
Chaste berry Tincture: 15-40 drops daily
Capsules: Up to 3 (650 mg.) capsules daily
Tea: Steep 1 tsp. dried, ground berries in 1 cup hot water for 10-15 minutes
Fennel Tincture: 30 - 50 drops in water up to 4x/day; For maximum effect, take for 4 - 6
weeks.
Capsules: Up to 3 (400-500 mg.) capsules
per day for 4 - 6 weeks; repeat if necessary
Fenugreek Capsules: Take 1 (600-700 mg.) capsule 2-3x/day for 4-6 weeks
Seeds: 1 1/2 tsp. daily, chew a few at a time; for maximum effect, take for 4-6 weeks
Hawthorn Tea: Steep 1 tsp. dried blossoms in 1 cup hot water for 5 minutes; drink 1 cup twice
weekly and when in the mood for love
Oat straw Tincture: 25 drops, 3x/day
(Arena sativa) Tea: Steep 1 oz. dried tops in 1 quart boiling water for 2 hours; drink 1 -2 cups daily
Herb Comments
Chaste berry- Avoid if pregnant, if undergoing hormone-replacement therapy or taking birth control pills.
Fennel- Not recommended for people with liver (Foeniculum) problems or for pregnant women.
Fenugreek- Avoid during pregnancy because this herb can stimulate uterine contractions.
Hawthorn- No known side effects. (Crataegus laevigata)
Oat straw No known side effects. Take for 4-6 (Arena sativa) weeks to relieve acute problems;
use long-term to maintain libido.
(*) Note: Dosages given are recommendations only; check with your health care professional before using any herbal or homeopathic
supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription drugs.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Vegetarian Times, Inc. All rights reserved.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group
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