Boost your libido

Woman in her bra lying on the bed looking frisky

Enjoy the sun

One hour of sunbathing was enough to boost the sex-drive hormone testosterone in men by 69 per cent, according to a study at the Medical University of Graz in Austria. Women are likely to feel friskier in the sunnier months, too, say researchers at the Mayo Clinic, USA – their libido is also fed by testosterone levels, which increase when there’s more vitamin D circulating in the blood.
Are you at risk of vitamin D deficiency?

Love the skin you’re in

Tisserand aromatherapist Jennie Harding recommends rubbing the following libido boosting blend of sensual oils, mixed into 20ml almond oil, into the skin: 4 drops mandarin oil, 3 drops ylang ylang, 2 drops sandalwood, and 1 drop patchouli.
More easy ideas for essential oils

Get pumping

Eat more oily fish, such as sardines, mackerel and salmon. They’re another source of vitamin D and also provide a healthy dose of omega-3s to get blood pumping through your body and sex organs. Onions, garlic, ginger and chillies aid blood circulation, too, to make you feel sexier, while eggs contain the key sex vitamins B6 and B5. Brazil nuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds are all rich in ‘nature’s viagra’, l-arginine – another blood pumper.

Dose up on oestrogen

When oestrogen dips around menopause, your libido can take a tumble. But local oestrogen treatments – such as Vagifem vaginal tablets (on prescription from your GP) – can help in two ways: by restoring moisture to counter the dryness that comes at this time of life, and increasing blood flow to the area to boost arousal.
Help and advice for dealing with menopause issues

Stamp out stress

‘A happy disposition is key to feeling sexy,’ says sexual health expert Dr Catherine Hood. ‘A pleasant bath or massage can switch off stress and switch you on,’ she says. Also worth trying are herbal remedies, such as the natural aphrodisiac Damiana (in Fembido, £24.95 for 60 capsules from www.chemistdirect.co.uk).
Feel better with stress-relieving supplements

Lose weight

Researchers at Duke University in America say 30 per cent of overweight people have problems with sex drive or performance. Just losing 10lbs can make a big difference – some studies suggesting the weight loss will increase sexual desire.
Find help and advice on diets and losing weight

Work your pelvic floor

‘This can improve your awareness of the muscles involved in sexual sensations and increase your libido,’ according to Professor Kari Bo of the Norwegian School of Sport Science in Oslo. Visit www.corewellness.co.uk for a free DVD.
How to tighten your pelvic floor muscles

Limber up

‘Exercise releases feelgood chemicals to make you feel happy, confident and in the mood for love,’ says Dr Hood. Join a zumba class and get your hips moving – great for recharging a flagging sex drive.
Exciting exercise ideas - including zumba