Spearmint tea solved problem of sex drive

September 12, 2017 at 12:00a.m.

Q. I am a 34-year-old woman with a 53-year-old husband. I love him so much, but he has erectile dysfunction, and in the past year his sex drive has dropped as well. I always let him approach me for sex, as the other way around doesn’t work. We usually make love once a month, although I would prefer daily or at least once a week. I think about sex with him a lot.

I was fascinated to read that mint tea might dampen sexual interest, so I tried it. With a cup of mint tea morning and evening, I soon lost my constant nagging desire. I am so thrilled, as it has made things much easier.

Others have said that those with the desire are the normal ones, and our partners should get help to raise their libido. In an ideal world, this is true. But you can’t change other people, only yourself. I hope the tea works as well for others in this situation as it has for me.

A. Spearmint tea (Mentha spicata) can lower testosterone levels, which might account for a drop in libido (Phytotherapy Research, February 2010). Not everyone will respond as you did, but others in your position may want to consider this herbal approach.

Q. Your information on using anti-nausea acupressure bands to help with sleep problems has been a miracle! I used to wake up at 4:30 or 5 a.m. and not be able to go back to sleep. As a result, I’d struggle with only five or six hours of sleep when I need at least seven. (I stopped using OTC sleeping pills when I read about their possible links to dementia.)

Since I read your column I’ve used a band on BOTH arms and have had the best sleep I’ve had in years! If I wake up, I go right back to sleep. My question: Is there any reason not to use two - one on each arm? Also, is there any problem using these bands long term?

A. We can think of no reason why using acupressure wristbands on both arms would cause problems long term. Pregnant women often use products such as Sea-Bands or Psi Bands all day long to overcome morning sickness.

Q. I have Type 2 diabetes, for which I take metformin. Unfortunately, this medicine gives me severe diarrhea. At times I have been afraid to leave the house. My doctor just shrugs and says diarrhea is a side effect of metformin.

I have discovered that drinking kefir in the evening helps control the diarrhea. I don’t like the tart taste, but the drink has helped me a lot. It was about three weeks before it took effect and I got control of my bowels.

A. Diarrhea can be a symptom of a serious metformin side effect, lactic acidosis. Ask your doctor to check for this complication.

Kefir is fermented milk. This provides probiotic bacteria that may help stabilize your intestinal flora and help control diarrhea (Nutrition Research Reviews, June 2017).

People with diabetes also may find that kefir can help lower blood sugar and HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar over time) (Clinical Nutrition, February 2017).

Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.