Most women struggle to keep their hormones in balance during their lives—to prevent PMS, to bring more harmony during perimenopause and beyond, and even during their teenage years to make that period easier to deal with emotionally.

But did you know that environmental toxins, hormone-disrupting chemicals and the added stress of modern life have made this job substantially harder in recent years?

Luckily, there are now some fantastic herbs available to help with the challenge.

1. Ashwagandha

This Ayurvedic herb has been to reduce stress hormones and stimulate blood flow to the female reproductive organs. It can increase arousal and sensitivity, which can be very useful as the years pass by. It has also been found that ashwagandha can help with the hot flashes, depression, and anxiety associated with menopause.

2. Catuaba Bark

The Tupi Indians of Brazil were the ones that discovered Catuaba and its enormous benefits first. This libido enhancer contains yohimbine, an aphrodisiac, and stimulant. Consider this herb if you’re looking for a mood-boosting, central nervous system stimulant that could make for a significant lift in your romantic life.

3. Avena Sativa

Avena sativa is the scientific name for oats, but generations of women swear by it as a libido enhancing, menstrual cramp alleviating aphrodisiac. It is believed that avena sativa increases blood flow, stimulates the central nervous system and frees bound testosterone, increasing sexual desire on a number of fronts.

4. Muira Puama

European explorers termed this herb “potency wood” when they brought it back from the New World. It is known to increase the level of satisfaction experienced during intercourse, increase sexual desire and increase orgasm intensity, as well as calm the nerves and relieve anxiety.

5. Maca

Maca, or Peruvian Ginseng, has been used by the indigenous people of the Andes region since time immemorial. It is known to support fertility, help with sexual dysfunction, reduce hot flashes and provide a wide range of nutrients.

6. Suma

This Amazon-sourced aphrodisiac is commonly used to boost mood, encourage reproductive health and increase estradiol-17beta, a type of estrogen whose levels usually decline naturally during the menopause, causing a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms.

7. Shilajit

Shilajit is a strange but highly-revered tonic herb uses principally within Asia. It is formed when organic plant materials are compressed in the Himalayas and they are left for a very long time to develop into shilajit. It is packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids, and can help lift your mood, stimulate your general health and alleviate anxiety, as well as increase physical energy and sexual drive.