Herbs for an Increased Libido

By: Oliver Truesdale

Both men and woman can suffer the consequences of a diminished libido, whether due to health issues, changes in hormone production, psychological problems, or the pressures of stress. Lack of sleep, poor circulation, nerve damage, and unresolved emotional issues can also lead to a lowered or even seemingly non-existent sex drive. For centuries, diminished libido has been treated with herbs that help address the root of the problem so that men and women can resume a normal and healthy sexual life.

Male Libido
In the United States impotence affects approximately 10 million men, with a quarter of the male population affected by the age of 65, according to the Science of Dysfunctions of the Male Reproductive System. There is no reason why men cannot have a scintillating and satisfying sex life at any age, and there are many herbs that help regulate symptoms that cause such devastating symptoms as premature ejaculation, rapid ejaculation, and other impediments to a heightened libido. Because of the pressures of daily life that can lead to stress and depression, as well as other psychological and physical conditions, male testosterone levels can drop significantly, which can lead to impotence. According to the Andrology Center's information on male impotence, 85% of impotence in men is due to physical conditions, 10% to psychological problems, and 5% to unknown issues.

Female Libido
Many woman suffer from a failing libido duo to health issues or most commonly, when peri-menopause and menopause sets in, causing a host of interfering symptoms. Anxiety, depression, and lack of concentration are just some of the problems that women can suffer during this period, whereby sex is the last thing on their minds. Vaginal dryness and uro-genital aging can often occur during the post-menopausal stage, where sex becomes uncomfortable and better left as a memory or fantasy.

Avena Sativa

Herbs for Male Potency
•    Yohimbe, an herb grown in West Africa, helps with male impotence due to poor circulation. Stimulating blood circulation in the genitals, yohimbe becomes active within an hour and continues to help engorge the penis for several hours. In a study done at Queen's University in Ontario Canada, the herb was helpful for over half of the participants involved.
•    Muira puama comes from the bark of a Brazilian tree and has been used by natives to help increase potency. Also known as potency wood, Muira puama is a strong tonic and stimulant for men suffering from reduced libido.
•    Horny Goat Weed, otherwise known as Eimedium, has been used in China since 200 BC. Containing the flavenoid, irariin along with essential polysaccharides, it helps to elevate testosterone levels while increasing sperm production.
•    Korean ginseng is a stimulant that helps to boost testosterone levels, elevate energy levels, and increase the duration of erection.
•    Tribulus is good for the general health of muscles and is used to enhance male prowess by providing energy and power to the body.
•    Sarsaparilla contains properties that mimic the action of hormones. It helps produce both testosterone and progesterone, which strengthens the reproductive system while creating a more responsive libido.
•    Avena Sativa, or oat straw, also helps to raise testosterone levels, while helping the body to relax. Avena sativa is also known to enhance sensitivity in sex organs for both men and women.

Ginko Biloba

Herbs for Female Potency
•    Dong Quai is a powerful herb that is rich in vitamins E, A, B12, and tannins. Enhancing the health of the body in general, dong quai helps to increase sex drive by diminishing the symptoms of PMS and menopause. It increases estrogen levels and also helps circulate blood to the vagina.
•    Ginko biloba also increases blood flow to the vagina due to its ability to help blood vessels dilate and its power to fortify circulation in general, without increasing blood pressure. This herb helps to boost energy levels, helping elevate the anima and thus inspiring the libido. Ginko biloba is effective in lubricating vaginal tissues, which is essential for increasing desire and excitement.
•    Ginseng is a powerful root used in China and Russia for centuries to provide more energy to the body and by doing so, increase sexual desire.
•    Gentian helps to strengthen function of all organs, which fortifies the body, helping to increase blood flow and overall health.

Saw Palmetto

Herbs for General Increased Libido
•    Siberian ginseng helps to restore balance to the body and also works with the hypothalamus to release hormones that stimulate sex drive.
•    Ashwaghanda functions similarly to ginseng but creates less internal heat. This herb has been used to help with infertility in women, and also helps to increase semen production in men.
•    Damiana was used by the ancient Mayan culture to help balance hormones in males and females. Its power to enhance orgasm while creating a mild euphoric sensation makes it a powerful herb for stimulating sexual drive.
•    Liquorice helps to stimulate the production of hormones in men and women, which is essential for optimum sexual performance.
•    Saw palmetto, when used in conjunction with other libido-enhancing herbs, helps to enhance their properties. Additionally, the herb fortifies the hormone balance in the male prostate gland.