By Sharmini Jayawardena
Sex is a great stress buster and an immune system booster it is said. So, a good sex drive is a way to healthier living. A good circulatory system is a must for good sex and vice-versa. Feel good hormones, endorphins; that are secreted during sex aid in the assurance of a healthy life. These same hormones are secreted in exercise and meditation.
(Regular sex is good for your health. 15 health benefits of having regular sex).
Ancient therapies and remedies mentioned in folklore of ancient tribes can enhance the sexual urge and prowess in women and men alike. The belief is that energy is responsible for libido.
In the ‘magic realism’ of the Chia seed we find this an absolute truism. Knowledge of the Chia seed dates back to pre-Columbian times, and was so valued that it was given as an annual tribute by the people to the rulers. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. The Aztec warriors subsisted on the chia seed during the conquests. The Indians of the south west would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a forced march. Indians running from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring chia seed for their nourishment. This known anti-oxidant, high in calcium, iron, fibre, and omega 3, among others, is worth a try.
According to Mr F E Chong (below), Nutritionist, Chia has received GRAS status from the US FDA. www.nature-care.org
Chia can be obtained in Malaysia from Nature Care Health Management- H/P: 60122067618
Sunflower seed and pumpkin seed alike help boost the libido.
Sunflower seed helps your circulatory system function. This in turn increases the blood flow to the genitals.
Its high level of tryptophan effectively increases your brain’s production of serotonin (a neurotransmitter). Serotonin reduces tension which creates a relaxing effect, enhancing the desire for sexual activity.
Heavily laden with zinc which boosts the libido as well as boosts the immune system, sunflower seed is also rich in other minerals, which distribute oxygen to muscles, enhancing your sex drive.
Pumpkin seed too contains zinc, which is important in testosterone production for men and helps to sustain desire in women. Word on the street is that a diet rich in pumpkin seeds will increase potency, drive and fertility.
At this Chinese Traditional Medicine shop, Tuck Heng Ginseng Hall, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we hunted down what efficacious compound would increase the libido. Pleasantly greeted with warm cups of Chrysanthemum tea, by two cool guys and the amiable Madame Tan, three herbs, Ginseng, Gingko and Horny Goats Weed came up in our conversation.
Ginseng, derives from the Chinese term renshen, literally meaning “man root”, and refers to the root’s characteristic forked shape, resembling the legs of a man. Both American and Asian forms of Ginseng enhance libido and copulation especially in men.
Madame Tan advised us to take sliced Ginseng made together with chicken in a soup. “Only that and you can add some Goji berry to it”.
Ginkgo was reported to have a positive effect on all four phases of the sexual response cycle- desire, excitement (lubrication), orgasm and resolution (afterglow).
Horny Goats Weed; this provocative name refers to a variety of plant species whose first recorded use in China dates back to 200 BC. The story is that it was discovered after a goatherd had observed his goats were acting horny after eating the particular weed. Its leaves and stems contain a variety of polysaccharides responsible for the plant’s androgenic activity. In men it reputedly promotes sperm production and sexual desire, and improves some cases of impotency. In women, it has primarily been used for fatigue and postmenopausal hypertension. 
