I have a very low libido and I would like to know if natural products are effective?

Hello Madam, thank you for your question!

Sorry to read about your troubles!

A low libido can occur for many reasons, such as stress (home or work), lack of sleep, etc. However, it is quite possible that your libido is temporarily low. This is something that can fluctuate over time.

I did some research on "natural" products, and here is what I found:

Korean (or Chinese, or panax ginseng ) may have some efficacy for low libido, but it has only been studied in postmenopausal women. Also, the study product contained other ingredients so it is not 100% clear if it was the ginseng that helped, or its combination with other ingredients.

In another study, fenugreek had some beneficial effects on libido and erection in men (I could not find any studies in women).

Another study, but again in men, showed a possible effectiveness of Eurycoma Longifolia, or Tongkat Ali. However, I did not find any products that could contain this ingredient.

The studies are mostly done in men because the effects and safety during pregnancy (therefore in a woman of childbearing age) are difficult to establish.

It is important to take the effectiveness of these ingredients with a grain of salt (pardon the pun). Studies on natural products are rare and usually quite small, making it impossible to firmly establish their effectiveness. Also, it is important to determine the cause of your low libido (anxiety? hormonal treatment or imbalance? etc.). If this problem is affecting your quality of life, I think it would be appropriate to talk to your doctor, who will make an assessment of your condition.

I hope this has been helpful and if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Tom Samaha, Pharmacist