“How to increase libido and sexual desire in women,” reads a message posted on Facebook in Nigeria. It claims a mixture of sugarcane, cloves, ginger and honey can boost women’s sexual arousal.
“Some women get aroused naturally, others need more time to feel the urge for sex,” it says. “How to help your partner to have more desire for you… and for her too? We have looked for solutions and natural products for you to excite and excite your spouse.”
It gives instructions on how to prepare the remedy: “Cut the sugar cane into pieces and boil with the ingredients in a pot for 20 minutes with a liter of water.”
Then the dosage: “Drink like juice. This herbal tea lubricates your vagina and increase smoothness during sex with your partner.”
But will drinking this mixture really improve women’s libido? We checked.
See a doctor for proper care – and don’t feel embarrassed
Low libido or sexual desire in women may have any number of causes, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, stress, illness, other sexual or relationship problems, medication, older age and hormone imbalances.
We asked Olabisi Loto, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Obafemi Awolowo University in western Nigeria, about the claim.
“These are natural products,” he said. “I am a scientist. I only know of scientifically tested medicines. I have not come across any information that proves this treatment increases a woman’s libido.”
Loto said people with low libido should see a doctor. The doctor may check their hormone levels and, if there is any imbalance, prescribe hormonal medicines.
The British National Health Service says that “reduced sex drive is not an inevitable part of ageing, but it's something many men and women experience as they get older”.
It adds that getting medical advice is the first step towards resolving the issue. And it encourages people not to feel embarrassed about asking for this help.
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