Many women are turning to herbs to spark a lagging sex drive

WEST HOLLYWOOD, California (CNN) -- The popularity of the male impotence drug Viagra may leave some women feeling a little left out.

Herbalist Bessie Smith of Capital Drugs in West Hollywood said she's been taking a lot of calls lately from women wanting to know if there's something they can take to spark a sagging sex life.

"Men will take Viagra and women will have to catch up as far as their sexual energy is concerned," she said.

Smith's top recommendation for an over-the-counter, sex-drive stimulant is damiana, an herb widely used in Latin America.

"You can make a hot tea out of it, and over a couple of days, it will just get in your system, she said.

The herb damiana has been used as an aphrodisiac in the Hispanic community for years

Smith said one reason for a woman's lack of sexual strength may be overall exhaustion. To boost energy, she recommends Muira puama root and dong quai to female customers.

The Muira puama bush, found in Brazilian rain forests, has long been considered an aphrodisiac and treatment for impotency. Dong quai is a traditional herb in Chinese medicine used to aid female health and relieve muscle cramps.

"We have a lot of herbs to help stimulate the adrenal system, to get our endocrine systems revved up -- basically feeling better about yourself," Smith said.

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