Claire McGarrie
An investigation into a holistic understanding of libido and the subsequent treatment of low libido using herbal medicine
Abstract
This paper is an investigation into the nature of libido or sexual drive from an holistic perspective. It will aim to define the term libido, not only from the orthodox, physiological and psychological understandings but from an energetic, even spiritual viewpoint and how all these interact to give an integrated understanding. After reviewing the current orthodox and herbal literature it was concluded that there is little evidence of such an appraisal of libido. Therefore this project aims to provide an energetic consideration of libido, aiming to examine how mind, body and spirit act to maintain the libido and thus how it can become low.
Keeping in mind the above, the paper will look at remedies used to improve libido. Firstly a compound remedy, Laboob-e-kabir from the Unani tradition (interview with Karim, 2004), followed by a herb well known to the Western tradition, Turnera diffusa, reputed as an aphrodisiac. (Ross 2003). Another herb, Stachys betonica will also be briefly examined. (Garudas 1988)
The study utilized the qualitative research model, drawing on literature searches of the orthodox medical and herbal literature (including the traditions of Ayurveda, TCM and Uniani-tibb) in addition to semi-structured interviews with practitioners. Data (in relation to Stachys betonica) was also collected by means of ‘blind’ herb tastings whereby participants comment on the effects a herb is having on them without prior knowledge of what that herb is.
The overall aim then is to continue to open an avenue of discussion amongst practitioners about libido and its subsequent treatment from a holistic/energetic perspective. It is hoped that this paper will inspire further investigation; the lack of rigorous scientific research into the validity of the remedies mentioned above is testimony to this. Apparent too is the increased need for research examining the effects of herbs on human subjects as opposed to animals.
