Part of gaining back your desire for sex is understanding how to improve female sex drive naturally, and herbs are a great place to start.
Herbs come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid extracts, dried leaves, and powder. Here are 14 that may help increase female libido.
1. Ginkgo
Ginkgo has ancient roots and has been used for various medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
In modern times, standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is made from dried green leaves. The uses include treating blood disorders and memory loss.
Ginkgo also faculties blood flow, increases nitric oxide, and relaxes the smooth muscle tissue, all making it effective when treating low libido in women.
One study showed promise when treating antidepressant-induced low libido. In the open trial, 84% of participants reported some improvement in sexual dysfunction.
However, another scientific analysis shows that Ginkgo had no effect on low sex drive. It actually showed a placebo effect rather than the effectiveness of treatment.
2. Shatavari
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an Ayurvedic herb long used in women's health.
Shatavari naturally increases the hormone prolactin, which is vital to breastfeeding. And the herb is used to reduce menopausal symptoms in premenopausal patients.
One study found that Shatavari may have stress-relieving properties that help increase sex drive along with hormonal support and antioxidative properties.
3. Ginseng
Ginseng is a herb with plenty of antioxidants that offer a range of health benefits.
energy booster
treat diabetes
lower blood sugar
lower cholesterol
stress reducer
promote relaxation
manage sexual dysfunction
Ginseng supplements are often recommended as a first plan of action when treating sexual dysfunction in men. But, more research shows that it can benefit women struggling with low libido, too.
In one study, Ginseng showed to improve low libido in both men and women caused by methadone maintenance.
Ashwagandha is an herb commonly used in India as an aphrodisiac and has properties that help reduce swelling, relax the mind and body, lower blood pressure, and amp up the immune system.
One clinical trial revealed that women who took 600mg a day of Ashwagandha saw an improvement in libido, arousal, and orgasm. It's believed that the herb addresses sexual dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the clitoris.
6. Saffron
Saffron is an herb or spice that may be sitting on your kitchen shelf. Some research suggests that saffron is an aphrodisiac and improves sexual desire in women taking antidepressants. More clinical studies are needed to reveal the full potential of saffron.
Tribulus Terrestris is an herbal supplement that's known for enhancing energy and supporting mood.
One study shows that Tribulus Terrestris extract was effective when treating a lack of sexual interest and arousal disorder.
Tribulus Terrestris works because it stimulates androgen receptors which helps the body become more responsive to sexual hormones.
8. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an ingredient in some spice blends, foods, and beverages, but it has far more functions than that.
Fenugreek works as an antioxidant and also has health benefits, including treating diabetes and improving milk production in women that are breastfeeding.
Most research suggesting that fenugreek helps low libido is male-focused. But fenugreek shows potential as one of the herbs to increase libido in females.
9. Epimedium
Epimedium, otherwise known as horny goat weed, was named because Chinese goat farmers discovered its potent effects on their livestock.
Horny goat weed extract has been used to improve sexual dysfunction and treat menstrual cramps, osteoporosis, and potentially heart disease.
While various sources conclude that it can improve libido, scientific studies and trials on the effects of epimedium on human libido are limited, especially in women.
10. Damiana
As one of the oldest aphrodisiacs, Damiana (Turnera diffusa) has been traditionally used for many ailments.
However, it should be noted that Damiana may not be safe if taken in high doses. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking it.
11. Longjack
Tongkat Ali, or longack, is another ancient herb that's been used for centuries to address a lack of sexual desire.
While men traditionally use Tongkat ali, the herb has shown potential for balancing hormone levels and reducing stress and tension in women.
In one pilot study, Tongkat Ali elevated age-related symptoms and helped balance hormones. Hormonal imbalance can sometimes be a cause of low libido.
12. Chasteberry
Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) is a small shrub in the Mediterranean region that produces red berries.
Chasteberry has become a regularly used supplement for women to increase fertility and decrease premenstrual symptoms, including breast pain.
Prominent health websites have also noted that it can help balance hormones, which may help with increasing low libido.
13. Fennel
Many men and women use fennel seed as an aphrodisiac that enhances sex drive and maintains libido in women and men.
In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, post-menopausal women saw an improvement in sexual satisfaction when using a fennel vaginal cream.
Fennel seed helps oxygen reach the brain and is an excellent source of libido-boosting nutrients, including manganese, calcium, iron, and fiber.
14. Suma Root
Suma root has been used as traditional medicine in Brazil for numerous ailments such as stress and fatigue.
While more testing on humans is needed, one study found that suma root boosted sex hormone levels in both male and female mice.
Other tips to increase female libido
Herbs may not work for everyone. Sometimes you might need a little more to accelerate your sexual desire.
1. Exercise
Studies suggest that women can benefit sexually from exercise. A good workout activates a woman's hormones, neurotransmitters, and autonomic nervous system.
It also maintains an enzyme that increases blood flow to the genitals and arousal.
One case-control study showed that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) saw an increase in libido when exercise was introduced to their lifestyle.
2. Change of diet
Taking a nutritional approach to increase your sex drive may mean changing what you eat.
In one study, young women reported an improvement in their sex life after consuming an apple a day. Other foods that may boost female libido include:
Dark chocolate
Pumpkin seeds
Fatty fish
Pomegranates
Watermelon
3. Cutting out smoking and drinking
Some use cigarettes and alcohol to relieve stress. In reality, both substances can worsen anxiety and tension.
On top of that, the chemicals in cigarettes have been shown to negatively impact testosterone and estrogen, which play a huge role in sexual desire.
When it comes to alcohol, studies show that consuming too much can decrease sexual stimulation, vaginal lubrication, and difficulty achieving orgasm.
However, a glass of wine has been shown to improve sexual function. Just avoid overconsumption.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment that has no serious side effects and is proven to treat low libido in women.
Another upside to acupuncture is that it can reduce stress, tension, and even insomnia, improving the desire for sex.
Studies suggest massages offer some of the same benefits if needles aren't your thing.
A soft-touch massage from your partner can relieve some daily stress and potentially rev up your sex drive.
5. Adjusting medication
Medications that treat cancer, depression, and other ailments may cause sexual low libido in women. Some that can potentially cause low sex-drive include:
A low sex drive can also be a red flag for an underlying condition. Nonsexual diseases that can cause low libido include:
arthritis
cancer
diabetes
high blood pressure
coronary artery disease
some neurological diseases
A doctor can help diagnose your libido issues. They can test your hormone levels and recommend natural ways to increase sex drive.
7. Practicing yoga
Yoga offers women numerous benefits to overall health, including sexual health.
One study found that practicing yoga increased libido, arousal, orgasm, and bedroom satisfaction.
8. Therapy
Some women find that therapy helps address the root causes of the lack of interest in sex, such as poor body image, a history of abuse, and depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) are proven ways for women to find the psychological reason behind their sexual dysfunction.
Takeaways
Low libido is a common sexual dysfunction that affects many women. Understanding how to boost sex drive naturally can help you take back control of your sexual health.
Herbs such as ashwagandha and tribulus terrestris can be effective in boosting sex drive. Supplements such as Libido Booster for Women contain these and other herbs that may help with low libido.
Along with herbs, diet changes, exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, acupuncture, and yoga are also good natural ways to improve your sexual health.
Speaking with a doctor can help you determine the best treatment plan for restoring your sex drive.
Our team has over a decade of experience in the sexual wellness field and are experts in sexual dysfunctions, like premature ejaculation. We help couples and individuals better understand treatment options available for different types of sexual needs and educate the public on all things related to intimacy. All of our authored content is medically reviewed for accuracy and reliability.
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