A fluctuating sex drive and performance is common, but sometimes we need a helping hand to feel friskier. So many factors can affect sex drive from lifestyle changes to medication, stress, depression, the foods you eat, or emotional barriers. Whether it’s low libido, a lack of energy, or you want to enhance sexual performance, if you don’t want to reach for pharmaceutical medication, these natural aphrodisiac supplements will boost sex drive and stamina to turn up the heat in the bedroom.
“I find that people are most surprised to learn how accessible aphrodisiacs are. They can be easy to find and use — especially as the health and herbal industries become more popular – bringing these medicinal plants into everyday lives (I’m here for it!). If you haven't experimented with them yet, consider now the time,” says herbalist Rachelle Robinett.
HOW DO APHRODISIAC SUPPLEMENTS WORK TO BOOST SEX DRIVE?
Different plants and herbs work in different ways. Some increase circulation and blood flow to your nether regions while others stimulating the release of chemicals such as hormones and neurotransmitters, explains Robinett.
1. MACA ROOT
This is perhaps the most well-known aphrodisiac. Hailing from Peru, Maca Root is thought to boost energy and stamina and improve mental clarity. “Maca is a very powerful hormone-balancing adaptogen herb. Occasional usage can be enough to see increased libido, whereas regular long-term use can significantly affect hormones by working on the endocrine system. Many people find it quite energizing. I don’t recommend it in the evening unless you want to be up all night,” advises Robinett.
In studies conducted, sexual desire in men tended to increase. With a slight caramel flavor, maca in powder form is delicious to add to smoothies and coffee to add a touch of nutritional sweetness!
2. CBD
When we’re stressed, it’s harder to feel in the mood for sex, and that’s where CBD can save the day! It’s specifically linked to reducing anxiety around sex to help you to feel more relaxed in the moment. Lots of people feel nervous before sex, even veteran pros, so CBD induces more calm, and there’s so many ways you can take it to suit you, from gummies to oil tincture and sprays that enhance relaxation, to CBD-infused arousal oil to increase lubrication.
3. Ginkgo Biloba
Traditionally used in Chinese Medicine, Ginkgo Biloba is thought to increase blood flow to the sexual organs to boost libido and is known for being able to counteract sexual dysfunction experienced as a side effect of antidepressant medication. It also has a wealth of other benefits including powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers for your overall health.
GINSENG
Perhaps the first natural form of Viagra, Ginseng (also known as Asian Ginseng and Panax Ginseng) is thought to increase blood flow to the genitals and helps to relax muscles which could help to alleviate erectile dysfunction and enhance sexual desire. In some studies, it’s also thought to improve fertility rates by improving sperm production.
CORDYCEPS MUSHROOM
Cordyceps mushroom, also known as the ‘Himalayan Viagra’, offers a powerful natural alternative to treat male incompetence, erectile dysfunction, sperm production and stamina by boosting energy levels. It’s great for your overall health, but especially for enhancing endurance and alleviating fatigue, so if you’re struggling to get in the mood because you’re constantly depleted with the busyness of life, Cordyceps could be the remedy you need to relight that fire!
ASHWAGANDHA
When men start taking ashwagandha, nitric oxide is increased which helps to boost blood flow to the genitals resulting in increased sexual desire and satisfaction. As an adaptogen, ashwagandha helps to reduce stress, which allows testosterone to thrive. When stress levels are high, so is blood pressure, and this results in poor blood flow and circulation.
If it’s your physical performance you’re worried about, ashwagandha boosts this too, with enhanced endurance thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties. Experiencing less stress and anxiety translates into a better sex life!
We’ve all accepted chronic stress as part of our lives now, and that can affect our performance in the bedroom too. High cortisol levels (the stress hormone) inhibit testosterone, the sex hormone. Thankfully, we’ve discovered adaptogens like ashwagandha. These are herbs or mushrooms that help the body to adapt to coping with stress.
L-ARGININE
L-arginine is an amino acid that helps the body to make protein, but it could be the extra support you need to overhaul your sex life too. It’s considered a natural remedy to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the genitals to increase arousal. Plus, l-arginine, has lots of other health benefits too – it supports your immune system, improves your blood pressure, speeds up the healing process, improves memory, and maximizes your ability to build bigger muscles, which could go a long way to boosting your confidence behind closed doors! Putting on muscle mass and lasting longer? We won’t say no!
ZINC
Zinc is an essential mineral for a healthy body but it can specifically enhance testosterone to increase sexual desire. Plus, zinc affects our sense of smell and studies suggest that scent may be an important factor for maintaining erections in younger men.
Leading a healthy lifestyle can go a long way to improving male sexual desire and performance. That means eating healthy, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, and managing stress. Try adding these natural remedies, vitamins and supplements to your arsenal to help things go a little smoother in bed, and get your mojo back!
