Page 35 - Natural Health (February 2020)

TREND

zinc, it is a commonly used aphrodisiac improve bone density – which is good for
and libido stimulant; women who use maca osteoporosis sufferers.
commonly report greater sexual desire and
improved sexual satisfaction. It’s something TONGCAT ALI
of an acquired taste, so it is best to start with This herb, used by women in Southeast
a small dose. Work up to taking about a flat Asia who wish to stimulate their libido
tablespoon per day in smoothies. and erogenous sensitivity, is often thought
of as the greatest aphrodisiac known to
AVENA SATIVA humankind. As well as having the power to
This is where the old saying ‘getting your improve all aspects of our sexual response,
oats’ comes from! Avena sativa is the Latin it can boost energy levels, improve cognitive
name for common oats, used for aeons to function and enhance resilience by
provide fast energy; it’s one of the reasons regulating our responses to stress. Tongcat
they are fed to racehorses. Scientific Ali also boosts testosterone levels, promoting
research now shows that Avena all-round optimal hormonal balance.
You can find a vast
sativa is an effective libido enhancer
database of fully
and it also alleviates menstrual TRIBULUS TESTRIS
qualified practitioners
cramps, because it both improves Used for many hundreds of years in both
on The Complementary
Medical Association’s blood flow and stimulates the Chinese and Indian cultures, Tribulus
website: central nervous system. Research Testris has a long-held reputation as an
The-CMA.org.uk suggests that it frees ‘bound aphrodisiac. A lot of women who use the
testosterone’ (which is an essential herb experience increased arousal, better
hormone for sexual desire in both men sexual satisfaction and improved health of
and women) to make it more available the reproductive system. It also has a variety
throughout the body. of other health benefits, including the ability
to encourage the body to use hormones
DAMIANA more efficiently, to reduce blood-sugar and
This herb dates back to the ancient Mayans to lower cholesterol levels.
who used it to improve sexual interest and
desire. Recent research shows that it is a GET YOUR HORMONES TESTED
superb sexual ‘pick-me-up’ for both men If you’re considering using any of these
and women. Several other studies show that herbs to balance your hormones, first have
a preparation containing damiana, ginseng your hormone levels checked by a trusted
millennia, it has been shown to reduce stress and ginkgo increased sexual satisfaction in healthcare professional. Most hormonal
hormones (including cortisol) which can women. And two to three cups of damiana imbalances that women experience are
disrupt endocrine function, increase deposits tea per week can make menopausal subtle, and include tiredness, weight gain,
of fat around the midriff and contribute to symptoms disappear for many women. thinning hair etc. and most doctors aren’t
premature ageing. Ashwagandha stimulates trained to recognise that symptoms like these
blood flow to female reproductive organs, EPIMEDIUM may indicate hormonal imbalance. You
therefore increasing sensitivity and arousal. Also known as ‘horny goat weed’, might therefore struggle to get tests or even
This makes it a particularly popular choice Epimedium can help with loss of libido to get a doctor to acknowledge that you have
among women who wish to derive more (as suggested by its nickname) but also a problem. Clients of mine have been told
sexual pleasure or regain lost sex drive. has outstanding menopause-relieving in the past that they should just expect all
Menopausal women also find that it helps effects. It has been found to act similarly these symptoms at this time of life as that’s
to reduce anxiety, depression and hot to testosterone and is far more effective “just what happens to women”. This doesn’t
flushes. Ashwagandha is a powerful ally for some people than many current drug sit well with me. And for this reason, I have
in the fight against chronic inflammation, therapies, but without the side effects. curated an array of test providers on my
making it one of the most important pieces website, JayneyGoddard.org, to help you
of the natural anti-ageing jigsaw. MUIRA PUAMA navigate where it might be possible to have
This herb, also known as ‘potency wood’, such tests done if you would like them.
MACA works to calm the nerves, relieve anxiety,
This root, also known as ‘Peruvian ginseng’, fight fatigue, improve cognitive function and Jayney Goddard is President of The
has been used for thousands of years by promote a healthy stress response, as well Complementary Medical Association
the native people of the Andes to address as increasing blood flow to the pelvic area. (The CMA) and the author of Rewind
issues such as infertility, hot flushes, sexual Many women who regularly take Muira Your Body Clock: The Complete Natural
dysfunction, sleep disruptions and even Puama report increased sexual desire, more Guide to a Happier, Healthier, Younger You.
night sweats associated with the menopause. satisfying intercourse and more intense Visit JayneyGoddard.org
As maca is loaded with phytonutrients and orgasms. In trials it has also been shown to

NATURAL HEALTH 35