Dr. Laurie Steelsmith is a licensed naturopathic physician and acupuncturist with a 20-year private practice in Honolulu, HI. A leading spokesperson on natural medicine, she has appeared widely on TV, radio and in print. She and her husband, Alex Steelsmith, are coauthors of Great Sex, Naturally: Every Woman’s Guide to Enhancing Her Sexuality Through the Secrets of Natural Medicine (Hay House, July 2012). You can learn more at www.drlauriesteelsmith.com.
 
Health E-Insights: What are the safe and effective ways women can get their libido in gear naturally?
 
Dr. Steelsmith: The safe and effective ways for women to naturally get their libido in gear are through the great sex lifestyle. This consists of creating a solid foundation of health by eating super libido foods, doing sex enhancing exercises, and what I call the great sex detox. In addition, using natural medicines to alleviate hormone imbalances, and common pelvic health issues such as chronic vaginitis, ovarian cysts, and pelvic pain is paramount to enjoying great sex, naturally. After these issues have been addressed then women can enjoy exploring a plethora of natural aphrodisiacs from around the world. These include herbs from China such as ginkgo biloba, and horny goat weed to herbs from Brazil like catuaba which enhances sexuality through its ability to treat fatigue and calm nervous tension.
 
Health E-Insights: What is a common condition causing painful sex? And how do you treat it?
 
Dr. Steelsmith: One of the most common conditions women come to see me for is dry vaginal tissues that can be painful during sex. The tissues of the vulva and vagina are estrogen dependent and when estrogen levels plummet after pregnancy, when they are lactating, or when they are in menopause, these tissues can become thin, dry, lose elasticity, and actually atrophy. This results in painful and often uncomfortable sex. Many women also complain of lack of desire, or an inability to experience an orgasm when hormone levels drop. Treatments for dry thin vaginal and vulvar tissues start with using topical aloe ointments and/or topical vitamin E. This can be applied daily, not just before sex, in order to help hydrate and maintain the integrity of these tissues. If women need more support, using a topical estriol cream will change the tissue of the vulva and vagina so that it has more elasticity and moisture. Estriol is a weak and friendly estrogen that is specific for the vagina and vulva. In very low amounts it can have profoundly hydrating effects on these delicate tissues. It must be prescribed by your doctor. 
 
Health E-Insights: How do you manage stress that takes a toll on enjoying intimacy?
 
Dr. Steelsmith: This is a great question, and probably the most important when we look at the number one reason so many women just aren’t in the mood at the end of a long day – they are exhausted from managing stress all day. Often women tell me that when they get into bed at night and their partner shows signs of interest of becoming intimate that they say to themselves, ‘and now I have to do that too?’ Instead of feeling excited about the idea of being passionate with their loved one. So if stress is a major libido buster, we need to take a good look at what stress is. I see that some stress is a good thing; in fact it is what helps us succeed in our jobs, support our families, and pursue our dreams. However, too much of a good thing can drain our energy and make us feel like sex is just another thing we have to do. The most important thing women need to do is take stock of the choices they make each and every day, how do they plan their days? Have they scheduled in cruise time, or time where there is nothing that they have to do? Or, do they really want to say no, when they say yes to the million and one things that consumes their energy? I think bringing their moment to moment choices into consciousness and shifting their focus to what they really want are important steps in achieving more energy and potentially more loving intimacy in their lives.
 
Health E-Insights: What vitamins play a key part in natural sex advancement?
 
Dr. Steelsmith: Natural sex enhancement supplements include taking L-arginine, an amino acid that increases nitric oxide which in turn increases circulation. It is used in many over the counter stimulating lubricants to enhance sexual pleasure, but taking it orally can also increase genital sensitivity. In addition, one of my favorite supplements for boosting sex drive is PEA, also known as phenylethylamine. It is found in chocolate and it’s a precursor to a feel good brain chemical called dopamine. It is interesting to note that your own brain releases it when you have an orgasm. I’ve prescribed this compound to many women over the years to help them not only with libido but also for mood changes associated with hormonal fluctuations.
 
Health E-Insights: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
 
Dr. Steelsmith: For me perfect happiness is great health because when my vital force is strong I have the creative drive and energy to manifest what I love in my life.
 
Health E-Insights: What do you consider to be your greatest virtue?
 
Dr. Steelsmith: My desire and drive to be a healthy and vital person.
 

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