Low libido refers to decreased sexual desire, and can be classified as primary (lifelong) or secondary (acquired after normal sexual functioning). It may also be generalized (not limited to certain situations or partners) or situational. Risk factors include interpersonal issues, alcohol and drugs, certain medications (OCP, SSRIs and bet-blockers), depression, anxiety, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances (decreased androgen levels). Fortunately most cases of low libido respond terrifically to herbal medicine and key minerals.

The first herb to consider treating low libido in women is Shatavari (asparagus racemosus). This herb is highly regarded in Ayurvedic medicine for its rejuvenative action on the female reproductive system and was said “to give the capacity to have a hundred husbands”!!

I have recently seen quite a few cases of acute B12 deficiency in the clinic. Let’s have a look at the causes and treatment of this potentially very serious condition. (Long-term deficiency will ultimately result in brain and spinal cord degeneration.) In its most pronounced form, vitamin B12 deficiency presents as pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune disease affecting the parietal cells of the stomach. However sub-clinical B12 deficiency without anaemia is commonplace.

Numbness and paresthesia of the extremities are often the earliest symptoms. There may also be a diminished perception of movement and spatial orientation. Irritability, fatigue, breathlessness on exertion, ringing in the ears and loss of libido are also commonly experienced. Other symptoms include loss of the sense of taste and smell, plus fatigue, memory loss, personality changes, depression and even dementia. Gastrointestinal symptoms also often present, such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, flatulence and a sense of fullness. Loss of appetite is common and the patient often has a beefy red tongue, and may also experience burning or soreness of the tongue.

This delicious white soft block of soybean protein often presents a consumption problem. Not everyone is aware of the versatility of this gorgeous food. Tofu, also known as bean curd is a versatile, easily digestible form of vegetarian protein, high in phyto oestrogens, calcium and cholesterol-free. Tofu is made by pureeing partially cooked soy beans and extracting the soy milk from the puree, which is then solidified using either magnesium or calcium. It has been called the “food of 10,000 flavours” as it picks up the flavours of the other foods it is cooked with.

Tofu is best kept covered in water in the fridge, changing the water every other day. It can also be frozen, which changes its texture slightly, making it spongier and chewier.

Many of you are very familiar with this interesting dual mineral combination used primarily to treat hair loss, poor nail growth, cracked heals and anal fissures. It also has many more interesting and varied applications!

Lets have a quick look at these two minerals and examine they work.

Silcon dioxide is known as the “calcium re-organizer” for its role in the early stages of bone development and in treating conditions involving tendons and ligaments. Osteoarthritis, heel spurs, as well as teeth, skin, hair and nails respond very favourably to silica.

Evidence is trending to show that several common sunscreen chemicals have toxic or adverse effects on human health.

Extensive research has shown that a number of UV filters frequently used in commercial sunscreens (e.g. 4-MBC, octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), octyl-dimethyl-PABA) possess endocrine-disruptor activity, i.e. interfere with endogenous hormone action and production.

Endocrine disruptors have been implicated in the development of a number of diseases, including reproductive cancers, as well as the abnormal development of the male reproductive system.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women taking HRT had an increased risk of ovarian cancer irrespective of the duration of use of hormone replacement therapy or the type of therapy. The study involved 900,000 women in Denmark who were followed for an average of eight years. Compared with those who had never used HRT, present users of hormone therapy had a 38 per cent increased risk of ovarian cancer. This equated to approximately one extra ovarian cancer for every 8300 women taking HRT each year (JAMA 2009; 302:298-305).

Fortunately there are many effective herbal and nutritional remedies which successfully address any of the health concerns which may lead to a woman to consider HRT.

With this report in mind we should also remind ourselves of the World Health Organization’s declaration in The Lancet Oncology in 2005, that taking oral contraceptive pills containing progestin and oestrogen could increase a woman’s risk of cancer. We need to very seriously question the wisdom of using any type of hormone therapy. There are always viable, safe alternatives.