• Feel good about yourself. Nothing reduces your interest in sex more than low self-esteem. Spoil yourself when you're feeling down and take some time to relax or do an activity that makes you feel better within yourself.
• Gingko biloba. This herbal remedy made from the leaves of the gingko biloba tree, is known to improve blood flow to the brain and sexual organs. It is thought to have an enhancing effect upon desire, excitement and orgasm.
• Yohimbine. Long used in Africa as an aphrodisiac and often called natural Viagra, yohimbine is thought to improve male impotence although clinical trials have been disappointing. There is little evidence that it works for women.
• Massage. Massage techniques can do wonders for sexual arousal particularly if you're stressed, worried or angry. Prepare the room with soft lighting and soothing music then start with a back massage.
• Eat the right things. If your body becomes frail due to bad health, sex invariably suffers. Five to nine fruits and vegetables a day can provide the cornerstone to your health. The vitamins and antioxidants will help maintain good blood flow to the sex organs and prevent certain chronic diseases.
• Lose weight. Being overweight can affect not only your self-esteem and your feelings of sexuality but you're likely to suffer from blood vessel disease which can reduce essential blood flow to the genitals.
• Keep fit. Moderate regular exercise will help improve blood flow to the sexual organs. In addition, exercise helps you feel good about yourself. Anything that improves self-esteem will improve libido.
• Stop smoking. It's well known that smoking can have a terrible affect on blood flow to the sexual organs as it causes the blood vessels to narrow. It also saps your stamina and most people don't like kissing an ashtray.
• Aphrodisiacs. There is no magic love potion but aphrodisiacs can be fun. Often they are foods that look sexually suggestive like asparagus. Others, like oysters, gain their love-inducing reputation by containing antioxidants and trace elements necessary for good sexual functioning. For example, oysters are packed with zinc, a mineral central to fertility.
• Drink in moderation. One alcoholic drink can lubricate a nervous first-date situation. By reducing anxiety and stress one drink can help get you in the mood for sex. But beware, alcohol is a depressant, too much booze and you can end up with quite the opposite problem.

Catherine Hood is an honorary clinical lecturer at Oxford University in England and a fellow of Ethox, the Oxford Institute for Ethics and Communication in Health Care Practice.