Admin
There are certainly a lot of cultural issues to navigate when discussing women’s sexual health, desire, arousal and gratification. I was going to title this “Putting the Ooh Back Into the Ooh La La,” but then thought: why are we always making jokes when we talk about sex? Maybe we are a little uncomfortable on this topic and unfortunately end up making light of a serious health concern. Part of it may stem from different standards of acceptability for men versus women when it comes to sexual activity. While (thankfully) attitudes have changed over the past decades, it still often makes women uncomfortable and embarrassed to think about their own enjoyment and needs, and reluctant to talk to their health care practitioner if things are not working satisfactorily. And that makes for a complicated mindset when it comes to discussing sexual health and desire and physical challenges that can interfere with intimacy and enjoyment.
First, it is important to remember that sexual health is health. Period. If you are not physically healthy, there is a higher likelihood that problems with desire and functionality may occur. By paying attention to a healthier diet, incorporating some movement into each day, and supplementing with the healthy basics like a multivitamin and mineral formula and rancidity-free omega-3s, a woman goes a long way toward sexual health as well.
Next, did I mention that sexual health is health? Some of the symptoms women experience, such as vaginal dryness, pelvic pain, lack of libido and decreased sexual stimulation can be symptoms of underlying health problems that need to be addressed, such as underactive thyroid, hormonal imbalance, major depressive disorder, chronic infections and even heart disease. Also, there are medications that can cause sexual dysfunction side effects, which is another avenue to explore.
After making a commitment to a healthy lifestyle and taking steps in that direction and talking with a health care practitioner to investigate underlying illness, there are still more steps that can be taken. Though today I am discussing useful supplements, I must mention that physical therapy for pelvic floor pain is incredibly effective in many women who suffer from dyspareunia, a medical name for painful intercourse. There are a number of dietary supplements that can be very useful as well, alone, or in combination. A great many of them are in the adaptogen family.
Red Panax Ginseng
“Red” is not a separate species. It refers to steaming Panax ginseng to better release its nutrients. All adaptogens can improve aspects of sexual function because they can increase energy, improve mood, balance hormones and improve resilience in stressful situation. Red ginseng checks all these boxes and more.
While red ginseng has been well known for male sexual satisfaction, there is research that shows it is helpful for women as well.
In a placebo-controlled, double blind clinical study, women reported that red ginseng significantly improved their desire and sexual arousal. The researchers remarked that the herb may be successfully used as a natural medicine to improve intimacy and libido.
Other research studies have shown that red ginseng boosts well-being and improves arousal, orgasm and overall sexual gratification.
As with most herbs, all red ginseng products are not the same. There can be a great deal of variation in purity, toxin accumulation and percentage of active compounds called rare noble ginsenosides.
Maca
Maca (Lepidium meyenii), is a great adaptogen found in the Andes mountains. It has a historic reputation for use to boost energy, mood and sexual health. It has also been noted to help people acclimate to the thinner air of the high altitudes. There is a story that when the Spaniards were colonizing in the high altitudes, their animals would not get pregnant. The lower oxygen levels also impaired the interest of cavorting between the male and female animals, and even when unions took place, no pregnancy ensued. The indigenous people’s animals had no such problem. They shared with the colonizers that they should add maca root to the animal’s feed. They did so, and the problem was solved.
Modern researchers are quite interested in maca’s ability to improve sexual health. One common issue is that the drugs most often used to treat depression, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can interfere with libido and the ability to orgasm. Because of this, some studies have investigated maca’s ability to ameliorate these adverse effects on sexual health.
In one clinical study, women with serious sexual arousal or orgasmic dysfunction obtained a significant improvement in sexual experience, libido and satisfaction after three months of maca use.
Clinicians believe that the heavy lifters in maca are compounds called macamides. Macamides may help balance hormone levels and improve strength and stamina. Studies indicate that these compounds may directly improve intimacy and desire.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is another adaptogen that does contribute to energy and stamina but is also known to boost mood and reduce stress. It is also a natural intervention for restoring sexual desire. In a study utilizing the self-reported questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), women reported improvement in several areas of sexual function, including arousal, lubrication and orgasm. Most researchers agree that withanolides, key active compounds found in the herb, are primarily responsible for these effects, so make sure any ashwagandha you select is standardized to withanolides.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is another adaptogen that also has demonstrated impact on sexual health. Rhodiola has a profound impact on mood as well, including reducing stress and depression. This herb appears to have a direct action on receptors in the brain, which affects neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenalin, serotonin and cholinergic receptors. In another interesting study, it was proposed that rhodiola can increase the expression of an amino acid peptide (neuropeptide-Y) that has calming benefits and is found at higher levels in people with a high degree of self-confidence.
Rhodiola can also be beneficial for menopausal symptoms, which can include reduced libido. Researchers believe it is a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), meaning it flips the estrogen receptor switches, but is not itself an estrogen, and is therefore safe to use. Rhodiola can help with hot flashes/night sweats along with libido. Marker compounds for rhodiola include rosavins and salidroside, so look for a standardized product for more predictable benefits.
Not Adaptogens: Omega-7 and Zinc
Omega-7 fatty acids are not that common in the diet. However, they have a superpower that is very useful when discussing sexual health: they can increase lubrication and make intimate contact more comfortable. They do this by becoming incorporated in the mucous membranes and helping them better hold on to moisture. Omega-7 supplements are also great for dry eye, dry mouth, and even fine lines and wrinkles in dry skin. The richest source is macadamia nuts, but a great runner up is sea buckthorn berry. There are several clinical studies showing that this extract can make a measurable difference. Make sure the berries are hand-harvested, because the zinc certainly seems like an outlier in this list, but it is critical for the physiological functioning needed for sexual well-being. Zinc is needed by the body to balance both sex and thyroid hormones, and optimal zinc levels are associated with stable mood and sexual satisfaction. Unfortunately, many Americans are notoriously low in zinc, and supplementation with a good zinc, chelated to amino acids for better absorption, can be quite useful. VR
Some references used:
Oh KJ, Chae MJ, Lee HS, Hong HD, Park K. Effects of Korean red ginseng on sexual arousal in menopausal women: placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover clinical study. J Sex Med. 2010;7(4 Pt 1):1469–1477. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01700.x.
Lee HW, Choi J, Lee Y, Kil KJ, Lee MS. Ginseng for managing menopausal woman’s health: A systematic review of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(38):e4914. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000004914.
Chung HS, Hwang I, Oh KJ, Lee MN, Park K. The Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Sexual Function in Premenopausal Women: Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:913158. doi:10.1155/2015/913158.
Wiklund IK, Mattsson LA, Lindgren R, Limoni C. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract on quality of life and physiological parameters in symptomatic postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Swedish Alternative Medicine Group. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1999;19(3):89-99.
Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036.
Dording CM, Fisher L, Papakostas G, et al. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2008;14(3):182-191.
Dongre S, Langade D, Bhattacharyya S. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:284154. doi:10.1155/2015/284154.
Panossian A, Wikman G, Sarris J. Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy. Phytomedicine. 2010 Jun;17(7):481-93.
Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, Gabrielian E, Wikman G, Wagner H. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue—a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine. 2000;7(5):365-371.
Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine. 2000 Apr;7(2):85-9.
Edwards D, Heufelder A, Zimmermann A. Therapeutic effects and safety of Rhodiola rosea extract WS 1375 in subjects with life-stress symptoms–results of an open-label study. Phytother Res. 2012 Aug;26(8):1220–5. Olsson EM, von Schéele B, Panossian AG. A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Standardised Extract SHR-5 of the Roots of Rhodiola rosea in the Treatment of Subjects with Stress-Related Fatigue. Planta Med. 2009 Feb;75(2):105-12.
De Bock K, Eijnde BO, Ramaekers M, Hespel P. Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2004 Jun;14(3):298-307.
Noreen EE, Buckley JG, Lewis SL, Brandauer J, Stuempfle KJ. The effects of an acute dose of Rhodiola rosea on endurance exercise performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2013 Mar;27(3):839-47.
Panossian, A. Understanding adaptogenic activity: specificity of the pharmacological action of adaptogens and other phytochemicals. 2017; Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci.. doi:10.1111/nyas.13399.
Reichmann F, Holzer P. Neuropeptide Y: A stressful review. Neuropeptides. 2016;55:99-109. doi:10.1016/j.npep.2015.09.008.
Enman NM, Sabban EL, McGonigle P, Van Bockstaele EJ. Targeting the neuropeptide Y system in stress-related psychiatric disorders. Neurobiology of Stress. 2015;1:33-43. doi:10.1016/j.ynstr.2014.09.007.
Sah R, Geracioti T. Neuropeptide Y and posttraumatic stress disorder. Molecular psychiatry. 2013;18(6):646-655. doi:10.1038/mp.2012.101.
Gerbarg PL, Brown RP. Pause menopause with Rhodiola rosea, a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator. Phytomedicine. 2016;23(7):763-769. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.11.013.
Le Bell AM, Söderling E, Rantanen I, Yang B, Kallio H. Effects of sea buckthorn oil on the oral mucosa of Sjögren’s syndrome patients: a pilot study. Presented at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Annual Meeting. San Diego, California. March 6 – 9, 2001.
Yang B. Effect of oral supplementation with capsules of supercritical CO2 extracted sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) oil on mucous membranes of patients of Sjorgren’s syndrome. Presented at the American Oil Chemists’ Society Annual Meeting. 2006. St. Louis, MO.
Yang B, Kalimo KO, Tahvonen RL, et al. Effect of dietary supplementation with sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides) seed and pulp oils on the fatty acid composition of skin glycerophospholipids of patients with atopic dermatitis. J Nutr Biochem. 2000;11(6):338-40.
Yang B and Kallio H. Effects of sea buckthorn oil on skin. Asia Pacific Personal Care. 2003;4(5):46-49.
Larmo PS, Yang B, Hyssälä J, Kallio HP, Erkkola R. Effects of sea buckthorn oil intake on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Maturitas. 2014 Nov;79(3):316-21. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.07.010. Epub 2014 Jul 21. PMID: 25104582.
Baltaci AK, Mogulkoc R, Baltaci SB. Review: The role of zinc in the endocrine system. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2019;32(1):231-239.
Severo JS, Morais JBS, de Freitas TEC, et al. The Role of Zinc in Thyroid Hormones Metabolism. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2019;89(1-2):80-88. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000262.
Cheryl Myers is an integrative health nurse, author, and an expert on natural medicine. She is a nationally recognized speaker who has been interviewed by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Prevention magazine. Her many articles have been published in such diverse journals as Aesthetic Surgery Journal and Nutrition in Complementary Care, and her research on botanicals has been presented at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the North American Menopause Society. Myers is the head of scientific affairs and education for EuroPharma, Inc.
There are certainly a lot of cultural issues to navigate when discussing women’s sexual health, desire, arousal and gratification. I was going to title this “Putting the Ooh Back Into the Ooh La La,” but then thought: why are we always making jokes when we talk about sex? Maybe we are a little uncomfortable on this topic and unfortunately end up making light of a serious health concern. Part of it may stem from different standards of acceptability for men versus women when it comes to sexual activity. While (thankfully) attitudes have changed over the past decades, it still often makes women uncomfortable and embarrassed to think about their own enjoyment and needs, and reluctant to talk to their health care practitioner if things are not working satisfactorily. And that makes for a complicated mindset when it comes to discussing sexual health and desire and physical challenges that can interfere with intimacy and enjoyment.
First, it is important to remember that sexual health is health. Period. If you are not physically healthy, there is a higher likelihood that problems with desire and functionality may occur. By paying attention to a healthier diet, incorporating some movement into each day, and supplementing with the healthy basics like a multivitamin and mineral formula and rancidity-free omega-3s, a woman goes a long way toward sexual health as well.
Next, did I mention that sexual health is health? Some of the symptoms women experience, such as vaginal dryness, pelvic pain, lack of libido and decreased sexual stimulation can be symptoms of underlying health problems that need to be addressed, such as underactive thyroid, hormonal imbalance, major depressive disorder, chronic infections and even heart disease. Also, there are medications that can cause sexual dysfunction side effects, which is another avenue to explore.
After making a commitment to a healthy lifestyle and taking steps in that direction and talking with a health care practitioner to investigate underlying illness, there are still more steps that can be taken. Though today I am discussing useful supplements, I must mention that physical therapy for pelvic floor pain is incredibly effective in many women who suffer from dyspareunia, a medical name for painful intercourse. There are a number of dietary supplements that can be very useful as well, alone, or in combination. A great many of them are in the adaptogen family.
Red Panax Ginseng
“Red” is not a separate species. It refers to steaming Panax ginseng to better release its nutrients. All adaptogens can improve aspects of sexual function because they can increase energy, improve mood, balance hormones and improve resilience in stressful situation. Red ginseng checks all these boxes and more.
While red ginseng has been well known for male sexual satisfaction, there is research that shows it is helpful for women as well.
In a placebo-controlled, double blind clinical study, women reported that red ginseng significantly improved their desire and sexual arousal. The researchers remarked that the herb may be successfully used as a natural medicine to improve intimacy and libido.
Other research studies have shown that red ginseng boosts well-being and improves arousal, orgasm and overall sexual gratification.
As with most herbs, all red ginseng products are not the same. There can be a great deal of variation in purity, toxin accumulation and percentage of active compounds called rare noble ginsenosides.
Maca
Maca (Lepidium meyenii), is a great adaptogen found in the Andes mountains. It has a historic reputation for use to boost energy, mood and sexual health. It has also been noted to help people acclimate to the thinner air of the high altitudes. There is a story that when the Spaniards were colonizing in the high altitudes, their animals would not get pregnant. The lower oxygen levels also impaired the interest of cavorting between the male and female animals, and even when unions took place, no pregnancy ensued. The indigenous people’s animals had no such problem. They shared with the colonizers that they should add maca root to the animal’s feed. They did so, and the problem was solved.
Modern researchers are quite interested in maca’s ability to improve sexual health. One common issue is that the drugs most often used to treat depression, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can interfere with libido and the ability to orgasm. Because of this, some studies have investigated maca’s ability to ameliorate these adverse effects on sexual health.
In one clinical study, women with serious sexual arousal or orgasmic dysfunction obtained a significant improvement in sexual experience, libido and satisfaction after three months of maca use.
Clinicians believe that the heavy lifters in maca are compounds called macamides. Macamides may help balance hormone levels and improve strength and stamina. Studies indicate that these compounds may directly improve intimacy and desire.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is another adaptogen that does contribute to energy and stamina but is also known to boost mood and reduce stress. It is also a natural intervention for restoring sexual desire. In a study utilizing the self-reported questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), women reported improvement in several areas of sexual function, including arousal, lubrication and orgasm. Most researchers agree that withanolides, key active compounds found in the herb, are primarily responsible for these effects, so make sure any ashwagandha you select is standardized to withanolides.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is another adaptogen that also has demonstrated impact on sexual health. Rhodiola has a profound impact on mood as well, including reducing stress and depression. This herb appears to have a direct action on receptors in the brain, which affects neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenalin, serotonin and cholinergic receptors. In another interesting study, it was proposed that rhodiola can increase the expression of an amino acid peptide (neuropeptide-Y) that has calming benefits and is found at higher levels in people with a high degree of self-confidence.
Rhodiola can also be beneficial for menopausal symptoms, which can include reduced libido. Researchers believe it is a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), meaning it flips the estrogen receptor switches, but is not itself an estrogen, and is therefore safe to use. Rhodiola can help with hot flashes/night sweats along with libido. Marker compounds for rhodiola include rosavins and salidroside, so look for a standardized product for more predictable benefits.
Not Adaptogens: Omega-7 and Zinc
Omega-7 fatty acids are not that common in the diet. However, they have a superpower that is very useful when discussing sexual health: they can increase lubrication and make intimate contact more comfortable. They do this by becoming incorporated in the mucous membranes and helping them better hold on to moisture. Omega-7 supplements are also great for dry eye, dry mouth, and even fine lines and wrinkles in dry skin. The richest source is macadamia nuts, but a great runner up is sea buckthorn berry. There are several clinical studies showing that this extract can make a measurable difference. Make sure the berries are hand-harvested, because the zinc certainly seems like an outlier in this list, but it is critical for the physiological functioning needed for sexual well-being. Zinc is needed by the body to balance both sex and thyroid hormones, and optimal zinc levels are associated with stable mood and sexual satisfaction. Unfortunately, many Americans are notoriously low in zinc, and supplementation with a good zinc, chelated to amino acids for better absorption, can be quite useful. VR
Some references used:
Oh KJ, Chae MJ, Lee HS, Hong HD, Park K. Effects of Korean red ginseng on sexual arousal in menopausal women: placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover clinical study. J Sex Med. 2010;7(4 Pt 1):1469–1477. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01700.x.
Lee HW, Choi J, Lee Y, Kil KJ, Lee MS. Ginseng for managing menopausal woman’s health: A systematic review of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(38):e4914. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000004914.
Chung HS, Hwang I, Oh KJ, Lee MN, Park K. The Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Sexual Function in Premenopausal Women: Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:913158. doi:10.1155/2015/913158.
Wiklund IK, Mattsson LA, Lindgren R, Limoni C. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract on quality of life and physiological parameters in symptomatic postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Swedish Alternative Medicine Group. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1999;19(3):89-99.
Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036.
Dording CM, Fisher L, Papakostas G, et al. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2008;14(3):182-191.
Dongre S, Langade D, Bhattacharyya S. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:284154. doi:10.1155/2015/284154.
Panossian A, Wikman G, Sarris J. Rosenroot (Rhodiola rosea): traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical efficacy. Phytomedicine. 2010 Jun;17(7):481-93.
Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, Gabrielian E, Wikman G, Wagner H. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue—a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine. 2000;7(5):365-371.
Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine. 2000 Apr;7(2):85-9.
Edwards D, Heufelder A, Zimmermann A. Therapeutic effects and safety of Rhodiola rosea extract WS 1375 in subjects with life-stress symptoms–results of an open-label study. Phytother Res. 2012 Aug;26(8):1220–5. Olsson EM, von Schéele B, Panossian AG. A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Standardised Extract SHR-5 of the Roots of Rhodiola rosea in the Treatment of Subjects with Stress-Related Fatigue. Planta Med. 2009 Feb;75(2):105-12.
De Bock K, Eijnde BO, Ramaekers M, Hespel P. Acute Rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2004 Jun;14(3):298-307.
Noreen EE, Buckley JG, Lewis SL, Brandauer J, Stuempfle KJ. The effects of an acute dose of Rhodiola rosea on endurance exercise performance. J Strength Cond Res. 2013 Mar;27(3):839-47.
Panossian, A. Understanding adaptogenic activity: specificity of the pharmacological action of adaptogens and other phytochemicals. 2017; Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci.. doi:10.1111/nyas.13399.
Reichmann F, Holzer P. Neuropeptide Y: A stressful review. Neuropeptides. 2016;55:99-109. doi:10.1016/j.npep.2015.09.008.
Enman NM, Sabban EL, McGonigle P, Van Bockstaele EJ. Targeting the neuropeptide Y system in stress-related psychiatric disorders. Neurobiology of Stress. 2015;1:33-43. doi:10.1016/j.ynstr.2014.09.007.
Sah R, Geracioti T. Neuropeptide Y and posttraumatic stress disorder. Molecular psychiatry. 2013;18(6):646-655. doi:10.1038/mp.2012.101.
Gerbarg PL, Brown RP. Pause menopause with Rhodiola rosea, a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator. Phytomedicine. 2016;23(7):763-769. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.11.013.
Le Bell AM, Söderling E, Rantanen I, Yang B, Kallio H. Effects of sea buckthorn oil on the oral mucosa of Sjögren’s syndrome patients: a pilot study. Presented at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Annual Meeting. San Diego, California. March 6 – 9, 2001.
Yang B. Effect of oral supplementation with capsules of supercritical CO2 extracted sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) oil on mucous membranes of patients of Sjorgren’s syndrome. Presented at the American Oil Chemists’ Society Annual Meeting. 2006. St. Louis, MO.
Yang B, Kalimo KO, Tahvonen RL, et al. Effect of dietary supplementation with sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides) seed and pulp oils on the fatty acid composition of skin glycerophospholipids of patients with atopic dermatitis. J Nutr Biochem. 2000;11(6):338-40.
Yang B and Kallio H. Effects of sea buckthorn oil on skin. Asia Pacific Personal Care. 2003;4(5):46-49.
Larmo PS, Yang B, Hyssälä J, Kallio HP, Erkkola R. Effects of sea buckthorn oil intake on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Maturitas. 2014 Nov;79(3):316-21. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.07.010. Epub 2014 Jul 21. PMID: 25104582.
Baltaci AK, Mogulkoc R, Baltaci SB. Review: The role of zinc in the endocrine system. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2019;32(1):231-239.
Severo JS, Morais JBS, de Freitas TEC, et al. The Role of Zinc in Thyroid Hormones Metabolism. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2019;89(1-2):80-88. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000262.
Cheryl Myers is an integrative health nurse, author, and an expert on natural medicine. She is a nationally recognized speaker who has been interviewed by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Prevention magazine. Her many articles have been published in such diverse journals as Aesthetic Surgery Journal and Nutrition in Complementary Care, and her research on botanicals has been presented at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the North American Menopause Society. Myers is the head of scientific affairs and education for EuroPharma, Inc.
