There are plenty of ways to boost your libido this March without resorting to prescription drugs like Viagra. In addition to healthy eating and regular exercise the following herbs are all thought to be beneficial:

(Note: If you’re on medication, pregnant or hoping to be seek specialist advice before taking these herbs.)

• Agnus Castus (vitex/chasteberry tree) has been shown to stimulate and normalise the function of the pituitary gland which in turn helps to balance sex hormones in women, in particular the ratio of progesterone to oestrogen.
• Damiana, derived from the dried aromatic leaves of a small shrub, has a long folk history dating back to the ancient Mayans as a sexual stimulant. It gently increases sensitivity of nerve endings to produce tingling and throbbing sensations in the genitals. It can be beneficial for those whose loss of sex drive is linked to decreased sensitivity and difficulty in achieving arousal.
• Dong Quai, or Chinese Angelica, is probably the best known Chinese herbal tonic for women. Valued highly in the East it is used to treat the entire reproductive system and encourage normal functioning of sex organs.
• Gingko Biloba is thought to improve blood circulation to the reproductive organs and have a stimulating effect on the genitals. Research on men suffering from erectile dysfunction showed a beneficial effect after six to eight weeks treatment, and after six months half of the patients had regained full potency. Ginkgo is also thought to be helpful for those whose low sex drive is linked to stress and fatigue.
• Siberian Ginseng can help you adapt to physical or emotional stress and fatigue. Ginseng is helpful for those whose low sex drive is linked to stress, over-work, fatigue, or hormone imbalances. It is also helpful for women whose low libido is related to menopausal symptoms.
• Horny Goat Weed: animal studies have demonstrated the aphrodisiac qualities of horny goat weed suggesting that it may influence levels of feel-good chemicals in the body. The leaves of horny goat weed also contain a variety of flavonoids (one prominent flavonoid is Icariin) that positively influence our reproductive health in many ways. For example, Icariin in particular is known to help with erectile function.
• Maca encourages hormonal balance which is great for sex drive as when hormone levels are balanced libido and well being are naturally boosted. So, if a man or woman is experiencing a lower sex drive due to declining levels of a certain hormone Maca increases production of that hormone.
• Passion Flower (Passiflora): studies show that passion flower improves circulation and nutrition to the nerves, including those in the sex organs. It’s a wonderfully stimulating but also relaxing remedy so you can have great sex and awake feeling refreshed and alert in the morning – time and time again.
• Saw Palmetto is a nourishing tonic for the reproductive system and well known remedy for low libido in both men and women for increasing sexual energy and fertility.
• St John’s Wort can significantly boost sex drive in those who are depressed or physically exhausted or for those whose loss of sex drive is linked to anxiety, stress, irritability or low mood. In one recent study, 60 per cent of post-menopausal women who took St John’s Wort for three months said they found themselves feeling more sexy and felt making love was more enjoyable.
• Wild Oat (avena sativa) is often used for stress and fatigue and is an ancient Chinese remedy for sexual decline. It is thought that oats can lower blood pressure and balance hormones and therefore boost desire in men and women.
• Wild Yam is an anti-inflammatory agent with hormone balancing properties, which can improve menstrual function and fertility in women. Yams (sweet potatoes) are a superfood for women because they are a good source of vitamin B6. Several studies have shown that vitamin B6 is essential for hormone balance and fertility in women. Vitamin B6 is also a great health boost for men too as it’s associated with reduced risk of poor health and increased vitality.

“As I see it, everyday you do one of two things: build health or produce disease in yourself.”

This month’s case study: ‘Belinda’ – who had been diagnosed with osteoporosis …

Belinda’s Story:

“I decided to have a bone density scan to check for osteoporosis. I was keen to have this because I have a family history of osteoporosis and I myself have always been a low weight and experienced digestive problems like diarrhoea and bloating which I knew were risk factors.

“The bone density scan measured my ‘T Score’ which is the measurement of what my bone density is now compared to the average bone density found at an age where bone mass is at its peak (around the age of 30). A T score of –2.5 is indicative of osteoporosis and my score was –2.9.

“My consultant explained the risks associated with this high score and recommended I try a drug called Fosamax, which belongs to a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. I was told that Fosamax dramatically slows down the rate of bone loss.

“My consultant explained that this drug has to be taken with a full glass of water on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before breakfast. I would then need to stand or sit upright for a further 30 minutes and not lie down until after eating breakfast. Just the thought of this was enough to put me off! To add to this, I had read that these types of drugs could have extreme side effects including oesophageal reactions, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, which I didn’t want to risk because of my existing digestive problems.

“At this point I decided to do some research into osteoporosis and found Dr Marilyn Glenville’s book, ‘Osteoporosis – the Silent Epidemic‘. The book gave me so much more information about the condition and I wanted to learn more and do all I could to help myself. I decided to contact the Dr Marilyn Glenville Clinic and book an appointment with one of her practitioners.

“In my first consultation they took a full medical and symptom history which enabled the practitioner to put together a tailored plan for me which encompassed dietary changes and nutritional supplements. She also recommended that I perform an Osteoporosis Bone Turnover Test which told me exactly how rapidly I was losing bone density, something that the conventional scan cannot measure. This test was a simple urine test and it was recommended that I perform one at the start of my programme and then again in three months to assess the effectiveness of the programme. My first test showed that my level of bone loss was outside the normal range, indicating that I was losing bone density too quickly.

“In spite of this, I still didn’t want to take the Fosamax and decided to implement the dietary recommendations and take the recommended supplements. Dr Glenville’s practitioner did stress that nutrition alone may not always be effective and that I should not rule out the possibility of taking a drug.

“With this knowledge I decided I wanted to put all my effort into changing my diet and taking the vitamins and minerals for the next 12 months before repeating the bone density scan with my consultant.

“Dr Glenville’s practitioner recommended I follow an 80% alkaline forming diet because too many acidic foods from meat and dairy could actually worsen my osteoporosis. I was shocked at having to avoid dairy products because my consultant was adamant that I drink a pint of milk every day to get my calcium levels up.

“Instinctively I knew this didn’t agree with me because of my digestive problems so I was happy to go without! She went through all the calcium-rich non-dairy foods like sardines, tinned salmon, dark green leafy vegetables, sesame seeds and dried apricots which I worked into my diet quite happily.

“Within three months I was already feeling the benefits of changing my diet in regards to my digestion and energy levels. I was no longer having diarrhoea or feeling bloated which was a real bonus. I repeated the bone turnover test at this point and was pleased to see that my rate of bone loss was going in the right direction – slowing down!

“A year on and my T score has reduced to –2.5 which is a significant improvement without medical intervention. I still have osteoporosis – but just on the cusp now, so my goal is to keep up the good work and get my T Score under –2.5. My consultant was pleased with the result and happy for me to continue without drug therapy until my next scan.

“Not only have I made a difference to my bone density, I also feel so well in myself; I no longer experience bouts of diarrhoea or bloating and I also have so much more energy.”

My Comments:

This is an excellent example of how important nutritional therapy can be for improving bone density. However, it is important to understand that the bigger the T Score the higher the increased risk of fracture, which is why drug therapy should not always be ruled out. And if you do have to take drugs, all the dietary recommendations and exercise should still be put into place because these can make the drug treatment more effective.

It also shows how important screening for osteoporosis is because most of the time there are no symptoms. If Belinda hadn’t taken the initiative to be screened, she would not have known she had osteoporosis and therefore not been actively supporting her bones.

In order for you to prevent or reduce the risk of osteoporosis, it is very important for you to discover the condition your bones are in now, and any potential future risk. Belinda talked about having an Osteoporosis Bone Turnover Test, which has been developed for this purpose. This urine test assesses your bone turnover by measuring biochemical markers present in the urine that are excreted as bone breaks down. This test shows a dynamic picture of bone turnover.

Studies have shown this urine test to be just as accurate as bone scanning in showing those at risk. With this test you are in control, you take the urine sample yourself and there is no exposure to potentially harmful X rays as there is with the bone scanning method.

There are effective, natural methods of preventing osteoporosis and helping with low bone density. Only when the current state of your bone health is known, can you be properly advised as to which treatment is appropriate and necessary for you. This test gives you that information.