4.8
Low Libido in Women: natural remedies and the evidence behind them
Low libido in women refers to a persistent reduction in sexual desire that causes personal distress, often influenced by hormonal shifts, stress…
12 options · 7 graded B · 1 graded C · 4 traditional or ungraded
What seems to be behind your dip in desire?
I feel run-down and wonder if something deeper, like a nutrient gap, is draining me
Ashwagandha
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAdaptogen that helps calm stress hormones
- Why this matches
- When stress, anxiety, or feeling emotionally out of sync are getting in the way, ashwagandha is traditionally used to help the body settle its stress response.
- Why try it
- An Ayurvedic adaptogen best known for easing stress. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha root extract improved women's overall sexual function versus placebo, alongside its traditional use for calming the stress response.
- Dose or use
- Commonly taken as a standardized root extract, once or twice daily; follow the product's directions and check with your practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 4-8 weeks of daily use
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2015, PMID 26504795): Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women — a small placebo-controlled pilot (n=50 healthy women) showing significant gains in FSFI total, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction; participants were not specifically selected for low desire.
- Caution
- May affect thyroid medication and can lower blood sugar; avoid in pregnancy and check with your doctor if you have a thyroid or autoimmune condition.
Maca root
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleRoot traditionally used to support desire
- Why this matches
- If your desire feels more physical or hormonally driven, maca is an adaptogenic root traditionally used to support sexual function, energy, and hormonal balance.
- Why try it
- A Peruvian root long used to support libido, energy, and menopause-related changes; noted for acting on the glands that regulate hormones.
- Dose or use
- Commonly taken as a powder or capsule, roughly 1.5-3 g daily; follow the product's directions and consult your practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 6-12 weeks of daily use
- Key study
- Traditionally used to support sexual function and desire; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May affect hormone-sensitive conditions; if you have a thyroid condition or take hormonal medication, check with your doctor first.
Zinc Deficiency
Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional useA low level may dampen sex-hormone signaling
- Why this matches
- If your body feels less responsive, it's worth checking whether a nutrient gap is part of it, as zinc plays a role in sex-hormone production and sexual development.
- Why try it
- Zinc is essential for making sex hormones; correcting a genuine deficiency removes one possible physical drag on desire.
- Dose or use
- Have your zinc status checked before supplementing; if low, correct through zinc-rich foods or a supplement at your provider's recommended dose.
- Time to results
- Varies with how low your level is; typically several weeks once corrected
- Key study
- Zinc supports sex-hormone synthesis; correcting a deficiency may help, but zinc has not been confirmed as a standalone treatment for low libido in controlled trials.
- Caution
- Too much zinc can cause nausea and block copper absorption; only supplement to correct a confirmed deficiency.
My body just feels less physically responsive than it used to
Tribulus Terrestris
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Herb studied for physical sexual response
- Why this matches
- If your low libido feels more physical or hormonally driven, this herb has been evaluated specifically for female sexual dysfunction.
- Why try it
- Supported by a systematic review indicating it may help improve sexual desire and response in women.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- Systematic review (2020, PMID 32736394): Tribulus Terrestris for Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review.
- Caution
- Not recommended during pregnancy; check with your doctor if you have hormone-sensitive conditions.
Pilates
Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · No traditional record)Builds body awareness and pelvic strength
- Why this matches
- A movement-focused approach fits naturally here, as Pilates targets core and pelvic floor muscles that play a role in sexual function.
- Why try it
- A controlled prospective study found Pilates exercise may have a positive effect on female sexual dysfunction.
- Dose or use
- Guided Pilates sessions about 2-3 times per week with a qualified instructor, building consistency over several weeks.
- Time to results
- Typically 6–12 weeks of consistent practice
- Key study
- Clinical trial (2025, PMID 40175966): The effects of pilates exercise on female sexual dysfunction in women: a controlled, prospective study.
- Caution
- Start with a qualified instructor, especially if you have pelvic floor issues or recent injury.
CV4 (Guanyuan) - Conception Vessel 4
Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional useTCM point for reproductive vitality
- Why this matches
- When your body feels less responsive, CV4 is the traditional point for nourishing reproductive energy and supporting hormonal balance in the lower abdomen.
- Why try it
- Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as the 'Gate of Origin,' used to support reproductive health, menstrual regularity, and vitality.
- Dose or use
- Located about four finger-widths below the navel; press gently with the fingertips for 1-2 minutes daily.
- Time to results
- Varies; some notice a calming effect within minutes, broader benefits build with regular practice
- Key study
- A traditional acupressure point; its use for female libido has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Avoid firm pressure on this lower-abdomen point during pregnancy or if you may be pregnant.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao) - Spleen 6
Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional useWomen's-health point for hormonal balance
- Why this matches
- If physical or hormonal changes are part of it, SP6 is a widely used women's-health point traditionally applied to support menstrual regulation and hormonal balance.
- Why try it
- Where three meridians meet, SP6 is one of the most-used TCM points for women's reproductive health and stress relief.
- Dose or use
- Located about four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone; press gently for 1-2 minutes on each leg.
- Time to results
- Varies; regular daily practice is typical
- Key study
- A traditional acupressure point; its use for female libido has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Avoid stimulating SP6 during pregnancy, as it is traditionally avoided in that context.
My cycle, perimenopause, or other hormonal shifts seem to be part of it
Tribulus Terrestris
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Herb studied for physical sexual response
- Why this matches
- If your low libido feels more physical or hormonally driven, this herb has been evaluated specifically for female sexual dysfunction.
- Why try it
- Supported by a systematic review indicating it may help improve sexual desire and response in women.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- Systematic review (2020, PMID 32736394): Tribulus Terrestris for Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review.
- Caution
- Not recommended during pregnancy; check with your doctor if you have hormone-sensitive conditions.
Shatavari
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAyurvedic root studied for women's sexual wellness
- Why this matches
- If your body feels less responsive or you've noticed physical or hormonal changes, Shatavari is an Ayurvedic reproductive tonic that has been tested specifically for women's sexual wellness.
- Why try it
- Traditionally classified in Ayurveda as a Rasayana for women's reproductive health, Shatavari improved sexual function scores versus placebo in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Dose or use
- Commonly taken as a standardized root extract; the trial ran over 8 weeks. Follow the product's directions and check with your practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically about 8 weeks of daily use
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2026, PMID 41710148): Effects of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) Root Extract on Sexual Wellness in Women — a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=135) in which a standardized Shatavari root extract improved Female Sexual Function Index scores versus placebo over 8 weeks.
- Caution
- Generally well tolerated; if you have a hormone-sensitive condition, take hormonal medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor first. Avoid if you are allergic to asparagus.
Fenugreek
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleSeed herb traditionally used for libido
- Why this matches
- If you're drawn to herbal remedies, fenugreek has a long history of use for low libido and menopause-related changes.
- Why try it
- A culinary and medicinal seed traditionally used for libido. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in menstruating women who reported low sex drive, a standardized fenugreek seed extract improved measures of sexual function versus placebo.
- Dose or use
- Studied as a standardized seed extract at about 600 mg daily; follow the product's directions and check with your practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 6-8 weeks of daily use
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2015, PMID 25914334): Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem) on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women — a double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=80, aged 20-49, reporting low sexual drive) using 600 mg/day, showing improvements in sexual function alongside changes in free testosterone and estradiol.
- Caution
- May lower blood sugar and can trigger allergy in people sensitive to legumes; avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy.
Maca root
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleRoot traditionally used to support desire
- Why this matches
- If your desire feels more physical or hormonally driven, maca is an adaptogenic root traditionally used to support sexual function, energy, and hormonal balance.
- Why try it
- A Peruvian root long used to support libido, energy, and menopause-related changes; noted for acting on the glands that regulate hormones.
- Dose or use
- Commonly taken as a powder or capsule, roughly 1.5-3 g daily; follow the product's directions and consult your practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 6-12 weeks of daily use
- Key study
- Traditionally used to support sexual function and desire; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May affect hormone-sensitive conditions; if you have a thyroid condition or take hormonal medication, check with your doctor first.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao) - Spleen 6
Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional useWomen's-health point for hormonal balance
- Why this matches
- If physical or hormonal changes are part of it, SP6 is a widely used women's-health point traditionally applied to support menstrual regulation and hormonal balance.
- Why try it
- Where three meridians meet, SP6 is one of the most-used TCM points for women's reproductive health and stress relief.
- Dose or use
- Located about four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone; press gently for 1-2 minutes on each leg.
- Time to results
- Varies; regular daily practice is typical
- Key study
- A traditional acupressure point; its use for female libido has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Avoid stimulating SP6 during pregnancy, as it is traditionally avoided in that context.
Stress, anxiety, or feeling emotionally out of sync is muting my desire
Acupuncture
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleSupports nervous system and desire
- Why this matches
- When stress and emotional tension are dampening desire, acupuncture's whole-body balancing effect is especially relevant.
- Why try it
- A meta-analysis of small clinical trials suggests acupuncture may help improve female sexual function.
- Dose or use
- Sessions with a licensed acupuncturist, typically weekly over about 4-8 weeks; your practitioner sets the frequency.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks of regular sessions
- Key study
- Meta-analysis (2023, PMID 37806029) of small trials of acupuncture for female sexual dysfunction; findings were positive but limited by trial size and heterogeneity.
- Caution
- Seek a licensed acupuncturist; tell them about any bleeding disorders or medications.
Ashwagandha
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAdaptogen that helps calm stress hormones
- Why this matches
- When stress, anxiety, or feeling emotionally out of sync are getting in the way, ashwagandha is traditionally used to help the body settle its stress response.
- Why try it
- An Ayurvedic adaptogen best known for easing stress. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha root extract improved women's overall sexual function versus placebo, alongside its traditional use for calming the stress response.
- Dose or use
- Commonly taken as a standardized root extract, once or twice daily; follow the product's directions and check with your practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 4-8 weeks of daily use
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2015, PMID 26504795): Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women — a small placebo-controlled pilot (n=50 healthy women) showing significant gains in FSFI total, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction; participants were not specifically selected for low desire.
- Caution
- May affect thyroid medication and can lower blood sugar; avoid in pregnancy and check with your doctor if you have a thyroid or autoimmune condition.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Addresses thought patterns affecting desire
- Why this matches
- When emotional disconnect or anxious thoughts around intimacy are at the root, CBT directly targets the mental patterns that suppress desire.
- Why try it
- A clinical study found psycho-educational and cognitive-behavioral counseling can be effective for female sexual dysfunction.
- Dose or use
- Work with a licensed therapist trained in sexual health or CBT; frequency varies by individual.
- Time to results
- Typically 8–16 weeks
- Key study
- Clinical trial (2020, PMID 32604436): The Effectiveness of Psycho-Educational and Cognitive-Behavioral Counseling on Female Sexual Dysfunction.
- Caution
- Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Recognised traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional useTraditionally used to uplift mood and desire
- Why this matches
- If you're drawn to traditional herbal remedies, saffron has a long history of use for enhancing mood and libido.
- Why try it
- A prized spice traditionally used to lift mood and desire. In a triple-blind randomized controlled trial in women with sexual dysfunction, adding saffron improved sexual function scores compared with placebo.
- Dose or use
- Studied at about 30 mg of saffron daily; follow the product's directions and check with your practitioner, and do not exceed recommended doses.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2024, PMID 38408971): Effect of vitamin E with and without saffron on the sexual function in women of reproductive age with sexual dysfunction — a triple-blind RCT (n=50) in which saffron (both arms received identical vitamin E) improved Female Sexual Function Index scores versus placebo.
- Caution
- Avoid high supplemental doses during pregnancy; may interact with antidepressants — check with your doctor.
What kind of help feels right for you?
I want to work on the mental and emotional side of intimacy
Acupuncture
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleSupports nervous system and desire
- Why this matches
- When stress and emotional tension are dampening desire, acupuncture's whole-body balancing effect is especially relevant.
- Why try it
- A meta-analysis of small clinical trials suggests acupuncture may help improve female sexual function.
- Dose or use
- Sessions with a licensed acupuncturist, typically weekly over about 4-8 weeks; your practitioner sets the frequency.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks of regular sessions
- Key study
- Meta-analysis (2023, PMID 37806029) of small trials of acupuncture for female sexual dysfunction; findings were positive but limited by trial size and heterogeneity.
- Caution
- Seek a licensed acupuncturist; tell them about any bleeding disorders or medications.
Ashwagandha
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAdaptogen that helps calm stress hormones
- Why this matches
- When stress, anxiety, or feeling emotionally out of sync are getting in the way, ashwagandha is traditionally used to help the body settle its stress response.
- Why try it
- An Ayurvedic adaptogen best known for easing stress. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha root extract improved women's overall sexual function versus placebo, alongside its traditional use for calming the stress response.
- Dose or use
- Commonly taken as a standardized root extract, once or twice daily; follow the product's directions and check with your practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 4-8 weeks of daily use
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2015, PMID 26504795): Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women — a small placebo-controlled pilot (n=50 healthy women) showing significant gains in FSFI total, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction; participants were not specifically selected for low desire.
- Caution
- May affect thyroid medication and can lower blood sugar; avoid in pregnancy and check with your doctor if you have a thyroid or autoimmune condition.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Addresses thought patterns affecting desire
- Why this matches
- When emotional disconnect or anxious thoughts around intimacy are at the root, CBT directly targets the mental patterns that suppress desire.
- Why try it
- A clinical study found psycho-educational and cognitive-behavioral counseling can be effective for female sexual dysfunction.
- Dose or use
- Work with a licensed therapist trained in sexual health or CBT; frequency varies by individual.
- Time to results
- Typically 8–16 weeks
- Key study
- Clinical trial (2020, PMID 32604436): The Effectiveness of Psycho-Educational and Cognitive-Behavioral Counseling on Female Sexual Dysfunction.
- Caution
- Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
I'd rather take a daily herb or supplement and let it build over weeks
Tribulus Terrestris
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Herb studied for physical sexual response
- Why this matches
- If your low libido feels more physical or hormonally driven, this herb has been evaluated specifically for female sexual dysfunction.
- Why try it
- Supported by a systematic review indicating it may help improve sexual desire and response in women.
- Dose or use
- Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- Systematic review (2020, PMID 32736394): Tribulus Terrestris for Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review.
- Caution
- Not recommended during pregnancy; check with your doctor if you have hormone-sensitive conditions.
Shatavari
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAyurvedic root studied for women's sexual wellness
- Why this matches
- If your body feels less responsive or you've noticed physical or hormonal changes, Shatavari is an Ayurvedic reproductive tonic that has been tested specifically for women's sexual wellness.
- Why try it
- Traditionally classified in Ayurveda as a Rasayana for women's reproductive health, Shatavari improved sexual function scores versus placebo in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Dose or use
- Commonly taken as a standardized root extract; the trial ran over 8 weeks. Follow the product's directions and check with your practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically about 8 weeks of daily use
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2026, PMID 41710148): Effects of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) Root Extract on Sexual Wellness in Women — a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=135) in which a standardized Shatavari root extract improved Female Sexual Function Index scores versus placebo over 8 weeks.
- Caution
- Generally well tolerated; if you have a hormone-sensitive condition, take hormonal medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor first. Avoid if you are allergic to asparagus.
Ashwagandha
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAdaptogen that helps calm stress hormones
- Why this matches
- When stress, anxiety, or feeling emotionally out of sync are getting in the way, ashwagandha is traditionally used to help the body settle its stress response.
- Why try it
- An Ayurvedic adaptogen best known for easing stress. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, ashwagandha root extract improved women's overall sexual function versus placebo, alongside its traditional use for calming the stress response.
- Dose or use
- Commonly taken as a standardized root extract, once or twice daily; follow the product's directions and check with your practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 4-8 weeks of daily use
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2015, PMID 26504795): Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women — a small placebo-controlled pilot (n=50 healthy women) showing significant gains in FSFI total, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction; participants were not specifically selected for low desire.
- Caution
- May affect thyroid medication and can lower blood sugar; avoid in pregnancy and check with your doctor if you have a thyroid or autoimmune condition.
Fenugreek
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleSeed herb traditionally used for libido
- Why this matches
- If you're drawn to herbal remedies, fenugreek has a long history of use for low libido and menopause-related changes.
- Why try it
- A culinary and medicinal seed traditionally used for libido. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in menstruating women who reported low sex drive, a standardized fenugreek seed extract improved measures of sexual function versus placebo.
- Dose or use
- Studied as a standardized seed extract at about 600 mg daily; follow the product's directions and check with your practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 6-8 weeks of daily use
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2015, PMID 25914334): Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem) on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women — a double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=80, aged 20-49, reporting low sexual drive) using 600 mg/day, showing improvements in sexual function alongside changes in free testosterone and estradiol.
- Caution
- May lower blood sugar and can trigger allergy in people sensitive to legumes; avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy.
Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Recognised traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional useTraditionally used to uplift mood and desire
- Why this matches
- If you're drawn to traditional herbal remedies, saffron has a long history of use for enhancing mood and libido.
- Why try it
- A prized spice traditionally used to lift mood and desire. In a triple-blind randomized controlled trial in women with sexual dysfunction, adding saffron improved sexual function scores compared with placebo.
- Dose or use
- Studied at about 30 mg of saffron daily; follow the product's directions and check with your practitioner, and do not exceed recommended doses.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- Randomized controlled trial (2024, PMID 38408971): Effect of vitamin E with and without saffron on the sexual function in women of reproductive age with sexual dysfunction — a triple-blind RCT (n=50) in which saffron (both arms received identical vitamin E) improved Female Sexual Function Index scores versus placebo.
- Caution
- Avoid high supplemental doses during pregnancy; may interact with antidepressants — check with your doctor.
Maca root
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleRoot traditionally used to support desire
- Why this matches
- If your desire feels more physical or hormonally driven, maca is an adaptogenic root traditionally used to support sexual function, energy, and hormonal balance.
- Why try it
- A Peruvian root long used to support libido, energy, and menopause-related changes; noted for acting on the glands that regulate hormones.
- Dose or use
- Commonly taken as a powder or capsule, roughly 1.5-3 g daily; follow the product's directions and consult your practitioner.
- Time to results
- Typically 6-12 weeks of daily use
- Key study
- Traditionally used to support sexual function and desire; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- May affect hormone-sensitive conditions; if you have a thyroid condition or take hormonal medication, check with your doctor first.
I'm drawn to hands-on bodywork, like acupuncture or simple pressure points
Acupuncture
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleSupports nervous system and desire
- Why this matches
- When stress and emotional tension are dampening desire, acupuncture's whole-body balancing effect is especially relevant.
- Why try it
- A meta-analysis of small clinical trials suggests acupuncture may help improve female sexual function.
- Dose or use
- Sessions with a licensed acupuncturist, typically weekly over about 4-8 weeks; your practitioner sets the frequency.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks of regular sessions
- Key study
- Meta-analysis (2023, PMID 37806029) of small trials of acupuncture for female sexual dysfunction; findings were positive but limited by trial size and heterogeneity.
- Caution
- Seek a licensed acupuncturist; tell them about any bleeding disorders or medications.
CV4 (Guanyuan) - Conception Vessel 4
Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional useTCM point for reproductive vitality
- Why this matches
- When your body feels less responsive, CV4 is the traditional point for nourishing reproductive energy and supporting hormonal balance in the lower abdomen.
- Why try it
- Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as the 'Gate of Origin,' used to support reproductive health, menstrual regularity, and vitality.
- Dose or use
- Located about four finger-widths below the navel; press gently with the fingertips for 1-2 minutes daily.
- Time to results
- Varies; some notice a calming effect within minutes, broader benefits build with regular practice
- Key study
- A traditional acupressure point; its use for female libido has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Avoid firm pressure on this lower-abdomen point during pregnancy or if you may be pregnant.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao) - Spleen 6
Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional useWomen's-health point for hormonal balance
- Why this matches
- If physical or hormonal changes are part of it, SP6 is a widely used women's-health point traditionally applied to support menstrual regulation and hormonal balance.
- Why try it
- Where three meridians meet, SP6 is one of the most-used TCM points for women's reproductive health and stress relief.
- Dose or use
- Located about four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone; press gently for 1-2 minutes on each leg.
- Time to results
- Varies; regular daily practice is typical
- Key study
- A traditional acupressure point; its use for female libido has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Avoid stimulating SP6 during pregnancy, as it is traditionally avoided in that context.
I'd rather move my body and shore up my nutrition fundamentals
Pilates
Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · No traditional record)Builds body awareness and pelvic strength
- Why this matches
- A movement-focused approach fits naturally here, as Pilates targets core and pelvic floor muscles that play a role in sexual function.
- Why try it
- A controlled prospective study found Pilates exercise may have a positive effect on female sexual dysfunction.
- Dose or use
- Guided Pilates sessions about 2-3 times per week with a qualified instructor, building consistency over several weeks.
- Time to results
- Typically 6–12 weeks of consistent practice
- Key study
- Clinical trial (2025, PMID 40175966): The effects of pilates exercise on female sexual dysfunction in women: a controlled, prospective study.
- Caution
- Start with a qualified instructor, especially if you have pelvic floor issues or recent injury.
Zinc Deficiency
Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional useA low level may dampen sex-hormone signaling
- Why this matches
- If your body feels less responsive, it's worth checking whether a nutrient gap is part of it, as zinc plays a role in sex-hormone production and sexual development.
- Why try it
- Zinc is essential for making sex hormones; correcting a genuine deficiency removes one possible physical drag on desire.
- Dose or use
- Have your zinc status checked before supplementing; if low, correct through zinc-rich foods or a supplement at your provider's recommended dose.
- Time to results
- Varies with how low your level is; typically several weeks once corrected
- Key study
- Zinc supports sex-hormone synthesis; correcting a deficiency may help, but zinc has not been confirmed as a standalone treatment for low libido in controlled trials.
- Caution
- Too much zinc can cause nausea and block copper absorption; only supplement to correct a confirmed deficiency.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Low Libido in Women, not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.