Libido supplements are herbal or over-the-counter dietary products designed to overcome Low LIbido and boost sexual desire, performance, and sexual well-being in both men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMABs) and women or Assigned Females at Birth (AFABs).
They often contain herbal extracts, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that promise to enhance blood flow, hormone balance, and mood. All these factors have an impact on libido and sexual health.
Horny Goat Weed, Maca root, Fenugreek, Tribulus terrestris, and Ginkgo biloba extract are popular supplements known for their ability to increase energy and arousal. While many people turn to these supplements for a natural solution for Low Libido or erectile difficulties, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness varies. This article will highlight how these supplements function to boost libido or sexual desire.
1. Maca root
Maca root, derived from the Peruvian plant Lepidium meyenii, is a popular natural supplement to address Low Libido issues and promote sexual desire in both men and women. Certain scientific studies suggest that Maca can improve libido by influencing mood and energy levels rather than directly affecting hormone levels such as testosterone or estrogen.
As per a clinical research published by the journal CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics in 2008, Maca can help reduce sexual dysfunction caused by medicines like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and have positive effects on libido. Maca is typically well-tolerated and can be used as a powder or supplement for people seeking a natural solution to Low Libido.
While Maca is usually regarded as safe, scientific data is limited, and persons with conditions such as Diabetes must consult their doctor before using it, as it may affect blood sugar and hormone metabolism.
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2. Horny Goat Weed
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) is a traditional herbal medicine that promotes libido and sexual performance. Its main compound, Icariin, is thought to encourage blood flow and Nitric Oxide activity, potentially improving sexual desire and performance.
Some small studies indicate that it may provide minor advantages for reduced libido and erectile function, although human data are limited, and outcomes vary. It is advisable to contact a certified medical provider before using this supplement, particularly if you have underlying health concerns or are taking other medications.
3. Ginkgo biloba extract
Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is frequently marketed as one of the best supplement for libido as it may enhance blood flow and promote healthy brain function, particularly regions involved in arousal.
As per an article published by the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior in 2010, GBE alone may have a minor effect on sexual arousal, but it can significantly increase sexual desire in women when paired with procedures such as sex therapy.
Furthermore, it aids in the treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressant usage by addressing hormonal imbalances and lowering anxiety, making it an appealing natural choice for both men and women with Low Libido.
4. Fenugreek
Fenugreek’s effects on sexual desire are most likely related to its influence on androgen metabolism, which means it helps control the hormones involved in sexual function.
According to a recent research article published in the PLOS (Public Library of Science) One journal in 2024, the active compounds in Fenugreek can increase total and free testosterone levels in both humans and animals. This rise in testosterone is thought to improve libido in both men and women.
Furthermore, Fenugreek may enhance blood flow, reduce stress, and increase energy levels, all of which lead to improved sexual function. In essence, Fenugreek promotes sexual health by naturally increasing hormone levels associated with desire, making it a popular supplement for people with reduced sexual desire.
5. Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris (TT) is a popular herbal supplement promoted to boost libido and sexual performance. Multiple clinical investigations done on both men and women with reduced sexual desire have found that Tribulus terrestris supplementation is associated with considerable improvements in several aspects of sexual function and libido.
According to research published by the Sage Journal in 2019, TT extract has a positive effect on libido disorders in males and females, impotence, and infertility.
Although these herbal supplements for libido can help improve your sexual desire, they are not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the same way as prescription medications. This means their quality, purity, and effectiveness can vary significantly, and they may occasionally contain undisclosed ingredients, increasing the risk of side effects.
Hence, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider before considering them.
Prescription treatments for Low Libido
Prescription treatments for Low Libido are frequently associated with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) and differ according to the underlying causes, gender, and health state.
- For women: For premenopausal women, there are two FDA-approved options: Flibanserin (Addyi), a daily medication that alters brain chemicals to increase desire, and Bremelanotide (Vyleesi), an as-needed injection. For postmenopausal women, hormone therapy, such as estrogen (to treat vaginal symptoms like dryness), may be used.
- For men: For men, treatment primarily targets underlying causes like low testosterone, which is addressed with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). If Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a contributing cause, Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including Sildenafil or Tadalafil, are used to improve sexual function. However, these do not directly boost desire.
Conclusion
While natural libido supplements like Maca root, Horny Goat Weed, Ginkgo biloba, Fenugreek, and Tribulus terrestris show promising results for increasing libido or sexual desire, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness varies significantly. These supplements often work by increasing blood flow, regulating hormone levels, and overcoming stress, all of which contribute to improved sexual health.
However, they are not regulated by the FDA in the same manner as prescription treatments, resulting in variations in quality and purity. Furthermore, they can interact with certain health problems or medications, so consult a medical professional before usage.
For those with persistent Low Libido, particularly due to medical or hormonal factors, FDA-approved treatments (for example, TRT) customized to gender and underlying reasons provide safer and more specific ways to restore sexual function and desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is killing my libido?
Low Libido can stem from several physical and psychological factors. These include stress, Anxiety, Depression, improper sleep, and hormonal imbalances (such as Low Testosterone). Other factors, such as chronic illnesses, certain medications, relationship issues, alcohol use, or lifestyle habits like inactivity and poor diet, can also play a role.
How long do libido supplements take to work?
Supplements for enhancing libido typically take 2–12 weeks to show noticeable effects, depending on the ingredient and individual response. Some herbs, such as Maca and Fenugreek, require consistent daily use, while others, like Horny Goat Weed, may offer quicker, short-term benefits.
Do libido supplements affect fertility?
Yes, certain supplements, such as Tribulus terrestris and Maca, may support sexual health and hormone balance, potentially aiding fertility. However, effects differ by individual, and supplements should not replace medical fertility treatment when needed.
Can diet help improve libido naturally?
Yes, a healthy diet, including foods rich in antioxidants, zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, spinach, avocados, and berries, can support hormone balance, blood flow, and energy. This, in turn, helps boost sexual desire or libido.
Can Ashwagandha help with libido?
Yes, Ashwagandha can help boost libido by reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing energy. It may also support hormone balance and sexual function, particularly in individuals experiencing stress-related low desire. However, the results among individuals.
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