One out of five men and even more in post-menopausal women are suffering from loss of sex drive, research says. Factors influencing this condition vary from a bustling career to caring for children. A declining libido could cause a rift in your current relationship or prevent one from forming.
Fortunately, there are natural remedies that can help you manage this condition and empower you to be more sexually active. Natural herbs for low libido often have fewer risks than synthetic ones, so you can experiment and see which herb works best for your body. In the list below, we’ve rounded up some of the best herbal remedies for low sex drive.
Maca (Lepidium Meyenii)
Hailing from the Peruvian mountain range, maca or Lepidium meyenii is one of the many natural remedies to improve sex drive. Natives from the Andes region of Peru consume maca as part of their traditional dishes, but this plant is also a natural remedy for some illnesses. Because of its properties, people often call maca Ginseng Andin or Peruvian ginseng.
A certain study observing women on antidepressants experiencing diminishing sex drive suggests that a daily intake of 3,000mg of maca root daily improves libido within 12 weeks. In a separate systematic review, the researchers observed an uptick in sexual drive within six weeks of regular maca intake.
Tribulus
Another important herbal medicine used to treat low libido is Tribulus Terrestris. This medicinal herb is a flowering plant originating from temperate regions of the world and is often cultivated in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurveda, Tribulus is used as an anti-inflammatory and an agent to keep the urinary tract healthy.
In a published study, it was observed that men with declining sexual drives showed a tremendous increase after months of consistent Tribulus intake. Another study also suggests that it produced the same aphrodisiac properties in women, indicating that it doesn’t necessarily increase testosterone in men.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an ancient Chinese herbal supplement with a long history of medicinal use. The ginkgo tree is one of the remaining ancient orders of trees, making it a living botanical fossil.
Traditionally, Ginkgo biloba extracts improve heart and brain health. The vast medicinal benefit of Ginkgo biloba could be attributed to its abundance of natural antioxidants. Because of its bioactive compounds, Ginkgo biloba makes an effective agent for a healthy mind, heart, and body.
On top of this, numerous evidence also suggests that this plant can help enhance libido. In a study conducted to uncover this effect, researchers have found that this ayurvedic plant improved blood circulation by improving the body’s nitric oxide levels. Theoretically, this enhanced blood circulation could help improve sexual arousal.
Ginseng
When talking about effective natural aphrodisiacs, ginseng is often at the top of the list. Ginseng is a traditional Chinese herb with multiple varieties, but Korean red ginseng is the most popular type used for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, this medicinal plant is used to boost brain function and treat erectile dysfunction.
In a particular study, researchers uncovered that ginseng treats erectile dysfunction by protecting the blood vessel from oxidative stress, which restores healthy blood flow. Moreover, another research shows that ginseng effectively lowers stress and fatigue and enhances physical performance.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek or Trigonella foenum-graecum is a flowering plant that originates in the Mediterranean and East Asia. This herb is mostly used as a culinary spice, but ancient Ayurvedic medicine also utilizes it to treat various skin conditions and boost breast milk in mothers. When used for culinary purposes, fenugreek produces a savory and nutty flavor.
Regarding its libido-boosting effects, one research found that daily fenugreek intake improved testosterone levels in men, which also enhanced their sexual drives in turn. Another study suggests that fenugreek effectively boosts sexual drive when combined with other supplements.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is a vital herb in Ayurvedic medicine and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, such as arthritis and fertility problems. This medicinal plant is found mostly in India and Southeast Asia.
Ashwagandha roots are often a nootropic or cognitive enhancer to boost mental and physical clarity. Because of this effect, ashwagandha is hailed as one of the best rasayana in Indian ayurveda. This medicinal plant also alleviates several mental conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
In a randomized study involving aging and overweight men, ashwagandha increased their testosterone-producing hormone, which enhances their physical vitality and sexual drive. Several studies also suggest that ashwagandha is effective in treating low sperm count.
Saffron
Known as one of the most expensive spices in the world, saffron does more than intensify the flavor of your home-cooked meals. Saffron is extracted from the Crocus sativus flower, which is native to Asia and Iran. Aside from its culinary uses, saffron has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries to treat many illnesses, including low libido.
In a four-week randomized study, saffron showed promising effects in enhancing libido in men. The participants in this study consumed 15mg of saffron twice daily for the duration of the study, and it demonstrated a tremendous outcome in antidepressant-induced erectile dysfunction.
The Bottomline
Decreased sexual drive may affect significant parts of your social and romantic life, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. With the right treatment plan, you can pave your way back to a healthy and active sexual lifestyle. The natural remedies we provided above are only a portion of the natural herbs that can help boost your libido.
Ultimately, you may want to speak with your physician about your natural libido-enhancing options, especially if you have an underlying condition. Natural remedies come with lower risks, but it’s best to stay safe. However, if you’re a generally healthy adult, it won’t hurt to try a few of these herbs out and see if they can work their magic on you.
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Natural Herbs for Low Libido FAQs
How Do I Increase My Libido Naturally?
You can improve your libido in countless ways without resorting to prescription medications. One of the most popular natural remedies is to take herbal supplements that contain libido-boosting ingredients, like ginseng, fenugreek, ashwagandha, and saffron. You can also make healthy lifestyle changes to help increase your libido, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep.
What Are the Home Remedies for Low Libido?
At-home remedies to enhance sex drive include the following:
- Taking full eight hours of sleep regularly;
- Having regular exercise to relieve stress;
- Finding the time in your day to spend romantic time with your partner and deepen your connection;
- Eating foods that enhance blood circulation in your body lower stress levels;
- Doing self-care activities like yoga, mindfulness, and massage to relax your body; and
- Taking herbal supplements with natural libido-boosting ingredients.
There are many ways you can improve your sexual drive without resorting to synthetic chemicals if you don’t want to.
What Are the Best Herbs To Lower Libido?
As shown in the list in this article, several ayurvedic herbs can effectively help lower libido. These include ginseng, Tribulus Terrestris, fenugreek, ashwagandha, and saffron.
Most of these natural medicines, like ginseng, have been used for thousands of years for their aphrodisiac properties, and they continue to be used today. As always, speaking with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement is best, particularly if you suffer from an underlying chronic condition.
What Foods Give You High Libido?
Aside from the herbal medicines above, you can indulge in certain foods to increase your libido. Oysters, bananas, dark chocolate, avocados, and figs are some of the most popular natural aphrodisiacs.
Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, nuts, eggs, and olive oil can boost your sexual drive and endurance. Additionally, certain vitamins and minerals, like vitamin B12, zinc, and iron, are essential for a healthy sex life.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3731873/
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/loss-of-libido#:~:text=Loss%20of%20libido%20(sex%20drive,as%20pregnancy%2C%20childbirth%20or%20breastfeeding.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18625925/
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- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288700450_Pro-sexual_and_Androgen_Enhancing_Effects_of_Tribulus_terrestris_L_Fact_or_Fiction
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