Struggling with low libido is no joke—and it’s not uncommon either. In women, the root causes of decreased sexual desire range far and wide. In fact, it’s natural to experience libido shifts throughout life. Often, the highs and lows of sexual desire relate to our physical and emotional well-being. There are a variety of factors in our daily lives that impact libido.

These factors include hormonal changes and imbalances, stress and mental health, relationship issues, and certain medical conditions like arthritis and diabetes. 

Of course, that’s not an all-inclusive list, but it helps demonstrate how many areas of life can impact sex drive.

What can I do if I am experiencing low sex drive? 

If your sexy moods are few and far between, or you’re not feeling like your usual sexy-self, there are things you can do to help get your mojo back. Sexual desire can flourish when our basic needs and emotional well-being are taken care of. So, first, without judgment, reflect on your current situation and consider how you feel physically and emotionally. Then assess whether your situation can be worked out solo, with your partner, or if you need help.

Your doctor may be a good resource if low sex drive is a result of a serious or chronic illness. Lastly, but certainly not least, if you’re bombarded with stress, working through insecurities or anxiety, CBD and hemp may be worth exploring as a part of your sexy-time ritual.

What are CBD and hemp?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, the main cannabinoid found in hemp. Hemp is a form of the cannabis plant with little to no THC (<0.03%). Hemp flowers can be used to create CBD products while the seeds can be used to produce hemp seed oil.

Aside from its therapeutic uses, hemp is also used for building fibers, food, and sustainable materials. 

Can CBD and hemp help women with low libido?

A handful of recent studies show that CBD and hemp may have therapeutic effects that can address low libido in women. CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) in a variety of ways. The ECS is the system responsible for regulating a lot of the factors impacting libido.

This is why CBD could help improve sex drive in a variety of ways. 

For example, studies have shown that CBD helps reduce anxiety by lowering our levels of cortisol, the main stress hormone. Similarly, CBD can help regulate prolactin, estrogen and progesterone levels—all of which play a role in sexual satisfaction. 

In women, studies have shown CBD can increase levels of oxytocin, AKA the “love hormone.” Oxytocin plays a major role in arousal and intimate bonding. That said, if you need relaxation and alleviation of hormonal, menstrual or inflammatory symptoms, you may find CBD useful for getting in the mood.

On a steamier note, studies have shown that CBD can work as a vasodilator, which means it can help encourage blood flow--especially to the erogenous zones.8 This means you may blush and your kitty may feel warmth and an increase in sensitivity and wetness. 

Commonly known erogenous zones/ Image by Illustration by Kels Tyler / mbg Creative

Hemp seed oil contains very low levels of CBD, and instead is know for its high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Research has shown GLA may help increase prolactin production in women--one of the hormones that help increase libido.10 For women going through menopause, studies have shown GLA may also help reduce symptoms. 

Although there are few studies on this topic, some menopausal women could find hemp seed oil to be helpful in addressing sexual function and desire.

How to use CBD and hemp for intimacy

When it comes to using CBD and hemp, there are countless ways to integrate it into your sex life. The best way to find the right products for you is by tailoring your options based on your body and the experience you’re looking for. Start with the question, “Am I looking for full-body relaxation, increased physical arousal, or both?” 

If you’re looking for immediate stress relief, rolling up an herbal smoke blend is always a sexy option. Especially considering CBD is the main cannabinoid in hemp.

The Pleasure Blend from High Priestess Herbal Wellness is a mix of hemp, organic damiana, passionflower, and rose. When used together, certain herbs can create a synergistic effect to help amplify sexual desire and let go. 

CBD oil can help alleviate a variety symptoms depending on how it’s used. Tinctures and sublingual oils allow CBD’s full body effects to kick in after 30 minutes. When applied beneath the tongue cannabinoids can travel into the blood stream quickly via the blood vessels.

Similarly, when CBD arousal oils, like Rouse, are applied to the vagina and labia, their effects can be felt rapidly. The difference between these two experiences is that the tincture may offer full body relaxation and arousal, while intimacy oils are designed to increase sexual stimulation and pleasure in our special zones. 

All in all…

There’s a limited pool of research exploring the effects of CBD and hemp on low libido in women.

But that doesn’t mean the findings aren’t valid.

CBD and hemp have been found to increase hormones associated with sexual desire and intimacy. If you’re interested in trying CBD or hemp to increase your sex drive it may be worth exploring for yourself. Please consult your physician before you begin using any new herbal supplements.

References:

1. “Low Sex Drive in Women.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 24 Feb. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/symptoms-causes/syc-20374554. 

2. Rahn, Bailey. “The Complete Guide to CBD (Cannabidiol).” Leafly, 8 Feb. 2021, https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-cbd 

3. Nall, Rachel. “CBD and Libido: Research, Benefits, Drawbacks, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 24 June 2019, www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/cbd-and-libido#how-to-use-cbd-for-sex. 

4. Blessing, Esther M., et al. “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders.” Neurotherapeutics, vol. 12, no. 4, 2015, pp. 825–836., doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1. 

5. Hillard, Cecilia J. “Endocannabinoids and the Endocrine System in Health and Disease.” Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, 2015, pp. 317–339., doi:10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_11. 

6. Cappelletti, Maurand, and Kim Wallen. “Increasing Women's Sexual Desire: The Comparative Effectiveness of Estrogens and Androgens.” Hormones and Behavior, vol. 78, 2016, pp. 178–193., doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.11.003. 

7. Sherrell, Zia. “Can CBD Oil Restore Hormonal Imbalance?” Netdoctor, 14 Feb. 2020, www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/a30907980/cbd-oil-hormones/. 

8. Baranowska-Kuczko, Marta, et al. “Vasodilatory Effects of Cannabidiol in Human Pulmonary and Rat Small Mesenteric Arteries: Modification by Hypertension and the Potential Pharmacological Opportunities.” Journal of Hypertension, vol. 38, no. 5, 2020, pp. 896–911., doi:10.1097/hjh.0000000000002333. 

9. Karimi, I., et al. “The Effects of Cannabis Sativa L. Seed (Hempseed) in the Ovariectomized Rat Model of Menopause.” Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, vol. 32, no. 7, 2010, p. 467., doi:10.1358/mf.2010.32.7.1487085. 

10. Rocha Filho, Edilberto A, et al. “Essential Fatty Acids for Premenstrual Syndrome and Their Effect on Prolactin and Total Cholesterol Levels: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Reproductive Health, vol. 8, no. 1, 2011, doi:10.1186/1742-4755-8-2. 

11. Aquino, Leo. “The Beginner's Guide to CBD and Sex: Libido, Orgasms: Base.” Base Blog, 14 July 2021, get-base.com/blog/cbd-sex-benefits.