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Given the recent news about a drug company attempting to get permission to market a new “female Viagra” product to women, we thought it might be helpful to review natural cures for lack of libido. Most people view claims for aphrodisiacs with a good deal of skepticism, as they should. But amazingly enough, some natural products do have reputations for enhancing sexual desire in both men and women.

Below are the top contenders:

1. Arginine. Arginine is an amino acid found in meat, nuts, eggs, coconut milk and cheese, has been found as a safe and effective route to increase the amount of growth hormone (GH) released from the pituitary gland that helps to retard many aspects of aging. As a natural female aphrodisiac, Arginine, along with other supplements, enhances sexual desire, can reduce vaginal dryness, increase the frequency of intercourse and orgasm and even improve clitoral sensation and sexual arousal, thus giving a boost to the libido.


2. Chocolate. Favored by the Aztec gods, chocolate helps the release of serotonin that is responsible for feelings of relaxation and pleasure. Dark chocolate is preferable as it contains a higher level of cocoa that is supposed to be more effective. It provides a boost to some good, old-fashioned loving and has the additional advantage of being high in magnesium and antioxidants.

3. Damiana. Damiana has been found to contain alkaloids that directly stimulate the sex organs and is also known for its ability to tone the mucous membranes of reproductive organs. Mexican women used to drink an infusion of the herb a couple of hours before bed, to get aroused for their men. Thus it acts as a sexual stimulant. It not only increases the possibility of reaching orgasm but also increases its intensity and betters sexual performance. It is also known to be helpful for the digestive system. It has been helpful in female physiological/hormonal areas such as irritability, headache and acne, and menstrual difficulties, insufficient flow or delayed menstruation in adolescent girls.

4. Fenugreek. Fenugreek is a medicinal plant, has aromatic seeds which were used extensively by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Harem women used it as part of their staple diet, to increase the size and roundness of their breasts. It is also reportedly used in some herbal products that claim ‘bust enhancement’ properties. It is sometimes recommended to nursing mothers to improve their milk supply. It aids in the synthesis of various sex hormones and has estrogenic effects. The seeds have a maple syrup-like odor, and can freshen breath, making somebody more likely to want to get closer to you!

5. Ginger. A phallic-shaped root, ginger has sexual links by virtue of its appearance, and is known to increase blood circulation to the extremities. It also possesses anti-bloating properties that can help you avoid the postprandial belly. Ginkgo Biloba is a tree, the leaf of which is highly popular for its antioxidant properties, as well as for improving circulation and enhancing memory.

6. Ginseng. Ginseng is a root said to aid sexual desire, satisfaction and orgasm and is effective as a natural aphrodisiac for women by having an effect on the dopamine system as well. It endows a woman with youthful vigor and plays a significant role in fertility.

7. Horny Goat Weed. Horny Goat Weed lives up to its name! A leafy plant growing in the wild, higher altitudes, it is said to provide a boost to the libido and so is useful as a natural aphrodisiac for women.

8. Indole-3-Carbinol. Aanaturally occurring phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables, Indole-3-Carbinol helps in removing excess estrogen from the body, a balance of which is essential for a healthy libido in women.

9. Litchi. Also called Wolfberry, Litchi is a tangy fruit known to have rejuvenating effects on sexuality and fertility. It can be dried and prepared as a tea. Scientific studies indicate that polysaccharides found in this fruit, protect the female sex organs in addition to protection of sexual tissue, eliminate fatigue, increase adaptability to exercise load and enhance resistance. It is also reported to have anti-aging properties.

10. Maca. A root/vegetable found in Peru, Maca has been traditionally used as a natural female aphrodisiac to increase energy, vitality, stamina and endurance in athletes and also to promote mental clarity and for fertility. It has also been used to treat female menstrual irregularities and hormone imbalances like menopause and perimenopause. Those with menstrual irregularities have experienced greater consistency, while in women, hot flashes, mood swings and other associated perimenopause and menopause symptoms, have reduced drastically.

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition that is caused by inflammation of the bronchi air tubes of the lungs.

The primary symptoms of asthma include recurring incidences of shortness of breath, referred to as asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing, and tightness of the chest. Asthma currently affects approximately 7% of the population of the United States and is responsible for 4,000 deaths per year. Asthma effects people to varying degrees, with some people experiencing much more serious effects than others.


Asthma is particularly prevalent in children under the age of 10. Asthma is treated with a variety of medications which are typically administered through inhaled delivery through an inhaler. However, as with many medical conditions and illnesses, it is always preferable to avoid the use of artificial drugs and man made pharmaceuticals. Numerous natural and herbal supplements exist which have been shown in varying degrees to be effective in the treatment of asthma. We will now look at four of these natural treatment substances.

Natural Asthma Cure #1: Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids. Omega 3s are essential fats that are of vital importance for general human health. They cannot be made by the body and so they have to be obtained through diet or supplementation. The primary dietary sources of Omega 3s are cold water fish such as salmon, flax oil, and eggs. Research has shown that Omega 3s can reduce inflammation, which is the primary cause of asthma. One study found that among children who consume fish more than once a week, there is a decrease asthma prevalence by approximately 33%.

Natural Asthma Cure #2: Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a critical role in maintaining the health of the lungs, as well as the immune system. As well as strengthening the immune system, vitamin C serves as a powerful antioxidant that reduces the presence in the lungs of the allergens that weaken the brocchi and are a primary catalyst of asthma. Population studies have revealed that there is a direct correlation between a population’s intake of vitamin C and its incidence of asthma. The higher a population’s vitamin C intake, the less prevalent asthma is in the same population. For the treatment of asthma, it is recommended that a person intakes 2-3 grams of vitamin C daily. Good dietary sources of vitamin C include red pepper, broccoli, strawberries, and oranges.

Natural Asthma Cure #3: Vitamin B-12. Another vitamin shown to help treat the effects of asthma is vitamin B12. Several clinical trials have shown B12 to reduce the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms. B12 is particularly effective among individuals whose asthma is triggered by sulfites. Vitamin B12 has been shown to produce a sulfite-cobalamin compound which inhibits the allergic inflammatory effects of sulfites on the mucous lining of the lungs. It is recommended that B12 be consumed in the amount of of 1 to 4 mcg per day. Good dietary sources of B12 include meat, poultry, and eggs. It can also be obtained through supplementation.

Natural Asthma Cure #4: Flavonoids. Flavonoids are another potent antioxidant that are effective in treating asthma. Flavonoids are a group of plant secondary metabolites. They have been shown to inhibit histamines and allergy related compounds such as leukotrienes. Flavonoids have also been shown to aid in the absorption of vitamin C, and to have a strengthening effect on lung membranes such as mast cells. Particularly effective is the flavonoid quercetin which like other antioxidants, acts as an anti inflammatory agent. For treatment of asthma it is recommended that one take 1 gram of quercetin a day. Good dietary sources of quercetin and other flavonoids include green tea, grape seed, dark chocolate, berries, tomatoes, and oranges.

Back pain is pain felt in the back that usually originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine. The pain may have a sudden onset or can be a chronic pain; it can be constant or intermittent, stay in one place or radiate to other areas. It may be a dull ache, or a sharp or piercing or burning sensation. The pain may be felt in the neck (and might radiate into the arm and hand), in the upper back, or in the low back, (and might radiate into the leg or foot), and may include symptoms other than pain, such as weakness, numbness or tingling.


Back pain is one of humanity’s most frequent complaints. In the U.S., acute low back pain (also called lumbago) is the fifth most common reason for physician visits. About nine out of ten adults experience back pain at some point in their life, and five out of ten working adults have back pain every year.

Unfortunately, the spine is a complex network of nerves, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments, and all are capable of producing pain. That is why treatment for back pain is difficult. Large nerves that originate in the spine and go to the legs and arms can make pain radiate to the extremities.

Here is a list of the 9 most effective natural cures for back pain:

1. HEAT. Heat therapy is useful for back spasms or other conditions. A meta-analysis of studies by the Cochrane Collaboration concluded that heat therapy can reduce symptoms of acute and sub-acute low-back pain. Some patients find that moist heat works best (e.g. a hot bath or whirlpool) or continuous low-level heat (e.g. a heat wrap that stays warm for 4 to 6 hours). Cold compression therapy (e.g. ice or cold pack application) may be effective at relieving back pain in some cases.

2. PHYSICAL THERAPY. Physical therapy and exercise, including stretching and strengthening (with specific focus on the muscles which support the spine), often learned with the help of a health professional, such as a physical therapist. Physical therapy may be especially effective when part of a ‘work hardening’ program, or ‘back school’.

3. MASSAGE. Massage therapy, especially from an experienced therapist, may help. Acupressure or pressure point massage may be more beneficial than classic (Swedish) massage.

4. SPINAL MANIPULATION. Manipulation, as provided by an appropriately trained and qualified chiropractor, osteopath, physical therapist, or a physiatrist. Studies of the effect of manipulation suggest that this approach has a benefit similar to other therapies and superior to placebo.

5. ACUPUNCTURE. Acupuncture has some proven benefit for back pain; however, a recent randomized controlled trial suggested insignificant difference between real and sham acupuncture.

6. THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE. Organized exercise programs using these therapies have been developed. The Alexander Technique was shown in a UK clinical trial to have long term benefits for patients with chronic back pain. The Alexander Technique is a technique of body reeducation and coordination, accomplished through physical and psychological principles. The technique focuses on the self-perception of movement and has applications in alleviating back pain, promoting rehabilitation after accidents, improving breathing, playing musical instruments or singing, and other stress-related habits.

7. MAGNETS. Some patients swear by the use of magnets for treating back pain. Special magnet patches can be placed around the affected area. However, preliminary scientific studies of magnets for pain have produced mixed results. Some studies, including a recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical trial for back pain, suggest the possibility of a small benefit from using magnets for pain. However, the majority of rigorous studies have found no effect on pain. More research on magnets for pain is needed before reaching any firm conclusion.

8. INVERSION THERAPY. Inversion Tables and Gravity Boots are popular for relieving all types of back pain. By inverting, you reverse the effect of gravity on your back, which provides relief for back pain and has many other health benefits. Inversion is one of the most popular natural cure for back pain but conventional medicine remains skeptical that it provides any real benefit.

9. HERBAL TREATMENTS. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that some herbal medicines are effective, natural treatments for back pain. There was strong evidence for short-term improvements in pain using Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s claw). Two moderate-quality trials utilizing Salix alba (White willow bark) found moderate evidence for short-term improvements in pain. Also found to be more effective than placebos is Capsicum frutescens (Cayenne) using various topical preparations.

This information comes from Hospital Compare, a website from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that tracks data provided by hospitals across the U.S. This data includes how hospitals treat adult patients who have had heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia, or are having surgery.

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