According to Phyllis Balch in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," "Researchers estimate that stress contributes to 80 percent of all major illnesses," including low sex drive. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce stress by following a holistic health plan. Because stress can be physical, emotional or psychological, it is important that a holistic plan address all of these aspects to be effective.
Step 1
Examine your diet. Reduce stimulants, such as coffee, that can increase anxiety and disrupt sleep. Avoid other mood-altering substances, such as alcohol, which can not only disrupt sleep, but also affect the libido. Increase intake of brightly colored fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in these foods combat free radicals, which contribute to physical stress in the body.
Step 2
Take B vitamins. B vitamins are important for a healthy nervous system. Many "stress relief" vitamin formulas are now available. These formulas are high in B vitamins and often contain other nutrients, such as inositol, that can help combat stress. B vitamin shots are also available through many naturopathic doctors. Because the B vitamins in these shots don't have to be metabolized by the liver, they can be more effective for some people.
Step 3
Take herbal supplements that are known to both reduce stress and increase libido. Ashwagandha is an herb that works as both a nerve tonic and an aphrodisiac. It strengthens the adrenal glands, which produce cortisol, which helps the body deal with stress and sex hormones. Eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng, helps the body adapt to stress, improves sleep and increases energy.
Step 4
Incorporate exercise and meditation into your daily routine. It can be difficult to find time to do either of these when life is stressful, so it may be necessary to actually schedule time to do them first thing in the morning so they will not be forgotten or skipped when work or family life get busy. If you feel like exercise or meditation are taking away from family time, try to plan time to do these things as a family. Many gyms now offer family yoga or exercise classes where children are welcome.
Step 5
Plan romantic dates or time for sex. These can be stress reducing and good for your libido at the same time. Sometimes lack of libido comes from just simply being stuck in the same day-to-day rut. Planning a special date night can break you out of this rut and lead to some stress-reduction time with your partner.
Step 6
Don't be afraid to discuss low sex drive with your doctor. If none of the above steps are effective, she may order tests to make sure your hormone levels are sufficient. Low hormones can be a factor in both low sex drive and stress.
