Sexual dysfunction is not a problem only associated with males. Females can also experience sexual dysfunction due to many of the same reasons that males may experience it. Common reasons for sexual dysfunction include many medications, hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances, stress, diabetes and arteriosclerosis.

Hormones and neurotransmitters play a major role in sexual desire. The hormone testosterone can raise libido in both men and women. Another hormone, progesterone, can raise libido in women in part by antagonizing estrogen, which when present in higher levels than progesterone leads to a decrease in libido. The condition when estrogen levels exceed progesterone levels is known as estrogen dominance. A few roles that neurotransmitters play in sexual health is through stress reduction and mood enhancement. For example the neurotransmitter serotonin can help us to relax, while the neurotransmitter dopamine gives us that feel good "in love" feeling.

Blood flow in the genital area is very important for both men and women when it comes to sexual health. Dilation of blood vessels by a substance known as nitric oxide (NO) leads to erections in men, and in women causes the clitoris to engorge with blood increasing its sensitivity. Decreased blood flow due to medications, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, nerve damage, and other reasons can therefore interfere with sexual health. Because of this many sexual health formulas do rely on substances that improve blood flow.

The anti-impotence drug Viagra is also used to improve blood flow through the nitric oxide pathway. Though these drugs can be quite dangerous. There were over 580 deaths attributed to the use of Viagra within a short period of time of its release on the market.

The herb yohimbe, and its pharmaceutical derivative yohimbine, also work by increasing the blood flow in to the genital area, though not through the nitric oxide pathway. In fact the actual mechanism of action for yohimbe is unclear. One hypothesis is that it stimulates the basal ganglia of the spine leading to increased blood flow in to the genitals. Regardless of how it works this is one substance I do not recommend. The alkaloid yohimbine is not very stable. It quickly oxidizes rendering it worthless for its blood vessel dilating properties. Furthermore, yohimbine can raise blood pressure and damage the liver and kidneys. Therefore it is contradicted in those people most likely to use it.

As we can see from the above several factors need to be addressed when dealing with sexual dysfunction. Primarily balancing of the hormones, improving blood flow to the genital area, increasing dopamine levels, boosting stamina, and reducing stress and anxiety. People experiencing sexual dysfunction should also read the side effects of any medications they are taking to make sure that the medication is not the source of their problem. Common medications that may interfere with sexual function include antidepressants, antihypertensives, and anti-inflammatory pain relievers.

Epimedium- (horny goat weed)- Used in Chinese medicine to treat low libido, impotence, premature ejaculation, and low sperm counts. Increases sex hormone levels due to sterols in the plant. Improves circulation by dilating blood vessels.

Dodder seed- Used in Chinese medicine to treat impotence, premature ejaculation, and low sperm counts.

Jiaogulan- Contains approximately 7 times the level of sterols as found in ginseng.

Cnidium- Used in Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac for males and females.

Muira puama- Known as "potency wood" in Brazil. Said to increase blood flow in the genitals of men and women.

Cocoa- Considered an aphrodisiac throughout history. Contains numerous compounds shown to affect neurotransmitters in the brain, and to bind to neurotransmitter sites affecting mood. One of the best known is phenylethylamine (PEA). The tradition of giving chocolates to the one you love is thought to be from the high level of PEA in cocoa, which increases dopamine levels in the brain giving the giddy feeling that people in love experience. Cocoa contains a fair amount of magnesium, which dilates blood vessels to improve blood flow. Magnesium is believed to be one of the main reasons many women crave chocolate because women who suffer PMS tend to be low on magnesium. Cocoa also helps to boost energy, and works in conjunction with coleus forskohlii to lengthen the blood vessel dilating effects of the forskohlii.

Cinnamon- Considered by many cultures to have aphrodisiac properties. Cinnamon is one of the main ingredients in pumpkin pie spice, which has been shown to be a strong aphrodisiac for males.

Bupleurum- Raises dopamine levels in the brain.

Fu pen zi- Used in Chinese medicine to treat impotence, premature ejaculation, and low semen counts.

Stevia- Good source of saponins, which improve the absorption of other compounds taken with it. Also an excellent source of chromium, which helps in the regulation of blood sugar. This is important for diabetics, who often suffer from impotence.

Gou teng- Used to improve blood flow in Chinese medicine by dilating blood vessels.

Coleus forskohlii- The rhizomes of this plant increase cyclic adenosine monophosphate (camp) levels, which in turn activates the nitric oxide pathway. Nitric oxide is responsible for the dilation of blood vessels in the genitals. The pharmaceutical drug Viagra works on this same principle.

Tribulus terrestris- Used in Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine to treat impotence, premature ejaculation, and low sperm counts. Studies have shown that the herb has a testosterone level raising effect. Calms the nerves.

Clove- Considered an aphrodisiac in many cultures. Also an ingredient in pumpkin pie spice; see cinnamon.

Nutmeg- Considered an aphrodisiac in many cultures. Also an ingredient in pumpkin pie spice; see cinnamon. Source of myrisiticin, a mild central nervous system stimulant and euphoric.

Chuan xiong- Used in Chinese medicine to improve circulation, by dilating blood vessels, and to calm the nerves.

Recommended use is 1/2 teaspoon of the powder 3 times daily on an empty stomach at least 20 minutes before meals. The powder can be mixed in juice, water, or unsweetened applesauce, or may be placed under the tongue and washed down with water.