Home Remedy for Low Libido

Just like seasons change, our bodies go through physical cycles in which our libido may decrease as we age. Desire is directly tied to testosterone levels in the body, and when these levels fluctuate, such as when men age or women go through menopause, libido may be affected.
But a loss of libido can also be a result of decreased circulation, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression and illnesses involving the cardiovascular system.
Once possible health conditions have been ruled out by a doctor, there are several low-cost ways to increase your libido at home.

Nutrition

The first step in combating low libido is to eat as healthily as possible. Improving your diet may increase your sex drive. Eating healthy foods not only gives you energy but prevents clogged arteries, which can decrease your circulation. Good blood flow is important for increased libido. In addition, make sure you are drinking enough water and limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake. Being dehydrated hurts hormone production and can affect your testosterone levels.

Exercise

This may be the easiest way to improve libido. Moving your body not only gives you more energy, it also releases feel-good endorphins that may help increase libido. In addition, exercise reduces stress and often leads to a good night's sleep. Being relaxed and well rested may help increase sex drive.

Supplements and Herbs

Several vitamins can help increase libido by supporting hormone production, increasing blood flow and reducing stress, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Check with your doctor about any interactions these supplements might have with other medications you are taking and what would be the proper dose for your body.
* Vitamin C one to two times a day increases blood flow, which may help both men and women's libido, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
* Vitamin E, B6 and zinc can help hormone production.
* Essential fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, help increase blood flow.
* Magnesium twice a day helps support the production of hormones
* A B-complex vitamin is believed to help because it can help reduce stress.
* Women alone may benefit by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone that may help restore libido for older women but must be taken under a doctor's supervision.
After checking with your physician, you can also turn to herbal use to help with low libido. Herbs can be taken in many forms, including as a capsule or ingesting as a tea. Using herbs as dried extracts in tea involves making the tea with 1 tsp. of dried herb per cup of hot water.
For women, a mix called Argin-Max, comprised of vitamins and minerals plus arginine, ginseng, gingko and damaina has been effective in treating low libido. In addition, yohimbe combined with arginine may help increase libido in women. For men, yohimbe, gingko, saw palmetto, Pygeum africanum or Asian ginseng can also help. But you must be under a doctor's supervision when taking yohimbe.

Relaxation

Finally, incorporate techniques to relieve stress and anxiety in your life. Yoga and meditation can help improve libido and can easily be done at home with a DVD or self-meditation CD. Also, relieve stress by sharing your concerns with your partner.
According to the Mayo Clinic, set aside time to be loving and sensual with one another and to share ideas about increasing your desire.