Low Libido

Libido is the desire for pleasure and satisfaction. According to Ayurveda, this desire derives from shukra dhatu, the male reproductive tissue, and artava dhatu, the female reproductive tissue. When there is weakness or debility in the male or female reproductive tissue, libido is low.

Low libido is a symptom that many people have in middle age or even earlier. In addition to weakness in the reproductive tissue, emotional factors and high stress are the primary causes of a reduced sex drive. It can be effectively treated with Ayurvedic programs and remedies that reduce stress and strengthen the reproductive system.

But as always in Ayurveda, the question arises, What is the total context of the situation? Low libido can be a problem that affects ones marriage or partnership. On the other hand, reduced sexual desire may sometimes be a healthy response by the body, shutting off excess loss of the health-giving vital fluid. From this perspective, low libido may be seen as an expression of the body’s intelligence.

Intentional celibacy is quite different from low libido. In celibacy there is incredible sexual power, but the person consciously controls that sexual energy and transforms it into supreme bliss or supreme intelligence.

In cases of low libido, that energy is simply lacking. In this section we will explore several ways to increase it.

FOR MEN

A simple but effective technique is to gently press the glans penis (the head or tip of the penis) with the top of your index finger. Specifically, press on the groove about one inch behind the tip of the penis. A marma point is located at the center of that groove. (See glossary for a brief explanation of marma points.) Gently press for a minute or two, then release. This technique will also help remedy premature ejaculation. (See further suggestions under “Premature Ejaculation.”)

• You can also gently massage the glans penis with bala oil or shatavari ghee. Or apply a little castor oil or brahmi ghee. (See appendix 2 for guidance in preparing herbalized oils and ghees.)
• Internally, taking the herb ashwagandha is effective. Add 1 teaspoon ashwagandha and ½ teaspoon vidari to a cup of warm milk, and drink it at night. This formula is strengthening for men with low libido. NOTE: It is better to cook the herbs in the milk for a few minutes than to just mix the powder in the cup.

FOR WOMEN

A similar herbal formula is helpful for women, but use shatavari instead of ashwagandha. Mix 1 teaspoon shatavari with ½ teaspoon vidari, and take it with a cup of warm milk at night before going to bed.

• You can also gently massage the pubic bone with bala oil, shatavari ghee, castor oil, or brahmi ghee.

FOOD REMEDIES FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN

ALMONDS. Eat 10 raw (unroasted) almonds for breakfast. Soak them overnight in water, and the next morning peel off the skins before eating.

• Make this strengthening almond drink: As above, soak 10 raw almonds in water overnight, and peel off the skins the next morning. But then put the almonds in a blender, and add:

warm milk 1 cup
ghee 1 teaspoon
natural sugar 1 teaspoon
nutmeg a pinch
saffron a pinch

Blend thoroughly. It is yummy, and excellent for combating low libido!

DATES. Soak 10 fresh dates in a quart jar of ghee. Add:

ginger 1 teaspoon
cardamom ⅛ teaspoon
saffron 1 pinch

Cover, and keep in a warm place for at least 2 weeks. Then eat 1 date daily, in the early morning. These dates taste delicious and help to remedy low libido and sexual debility as well as chronic fatigue.

APPLE DESSERT. Another delicious and strengthening concoction is the following apple dessert. Remove the skins and core from 5 raw apples. Blend or mash them to make a pulp, and mix thoroughly, adding some honey according to your taste. Then add:

powdered cardamom ⅛ teaspoon
saffron 1 pinch
nutmeg 1 pinch
rose water 10 drops

Enjoy ½ cup of this dessert at least an hour after meals.

NOTE: Avoid milk, yogurt, and fish for at least 4 hours before and after eating this apple dessert.

FIGS AND HONEY. After breakfast, eat 3 figs with 1 teaspoon honey. An hour later, take a glass of lassi. (See this page for lassi recipe.) This will help restore sexual energy.

GARLIC AND ONIONS. Adding some more garlic and onions to the diet is helpful. However, these foods are not considered good for meditation as they are somewhat dulling to the mind, so if that is a concern of yours, you can skip this and the following two recommendations.

• Garlic milk is said to have aphrodisiac qualities. Mix together 1 cup milk, ¼ cup water, and 1 clove chopped garlic. Boil gently until only 1 cup of liquid remains, and drink at bedtime.
• Take 1 tablespoon onion juice mixed with 1 teaspoon fresh ginger juice twice a day.

OTHER REMEDIES FOR MEN AND WOMEN

HERBAL REMEDY. Low libido can be effectively treated with this herbal formula:

shatavari 1 part
vidari 1 part
nutmeg ⅛ part
tagar ½ part
Take 1 teaspoon of this mixture in the morning and another teaspoon in the evening, with warm milk. Continue taking it twice a day for 1 month.

LOW LIBIDO AND CONSTIPATION. These two conditions are often found together. To easily overcome constipation, take triphala daily, ½ teaspoon at night with warm water. Brew the triphala powder in about a cup of hot water, let it steep for 10 minutes, strain, and drink.

FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL ISSUES. If stress and psychological problems such as anxiety or hostility are contributing to your state of low libido, it will be helpful to meditate regularly, practice yoga asanas, and do breathing exercises. Particularly helpful asanas include Vajra, Rooster, Camel, and Nataraj. (Guidelines for yoga postures are found in appendix 4.)