5 Medicinal Plants That Help Increase Sex Drive
A reduced sex drive can be caused by many factors: poor communication with your partner, chronic stress, mood disorders, and even hormonal changes. But how can we manage this and improve our sex lives? According to some beliefs, there are some medicinal plant drinks that can help improve sexual desire.
1. Maca root
Maca root can be useful when trying to increase your sex drive. In a study conducted on women with problems in the bedroom who taking antidepressants, it was clear that consuming maca helped to improve their sexual behavior.
Additionally, in this same study, post-menopausal women found the root alleviated their symptoms of depression and anxiety, as much as their sex-related issues, without altering the values of their sexual hormones.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml.)
- 1 teaspoon of maca root (1/5 oz.)
Preparation
- Boil the cup of water. When it starts to boil, add the maca root.
- Leave it over the flame for 3 minutes and then turn it off.
- After 5 or 10 minutes, strain the beverage after it has cooled.
You may also be interested in: 7 Adaptogenic Plants to Combat Stress
2. Ginkgo biloba
Even though it’s known for its cardiovascular health benefits, gingko biloba is also a medicinal complement that may boost energy and sex drive. People often use it to treat sex-related issues that are associated with antidepressant medications.
It’s an aphrodisiac plant that’s great for both men and women because it can help improve circulation and the nervous system’s response to stimuli.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml.)
- 1 tablespoon of ginkgo biloba (15 g.)
Preparation
- Boil the water and add the ginkgo biloba leaves.
- Cover the beverage, lower the heat, and let sit for another 3 minutes.
- Then, let sit for 8 or 10 minutes until it reaches room temperature.
3. Angelica
The plant known as Angelica is used in traditional medicine to treat problems in the bedroom.
It contributes to the balance of estrogen production in women, helping to naturally lubricate the intimate areas to make sex more pleasurable and increase sexual desire. It also may help improve circulation, which helps with excitement and erections in men.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of Angelica (5 g.)
Preparation
- Add the teaspoon of Angelica to the cup of boiling water and then cover the drink.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes and strain.
Discover more: 5 Ideas of Sigmund Freud about Sex
4. Ginseng
Many people believe that consuming ginseng can contribute to the treatment of sexual dysfunctions in those going through menopause. Specifically, it may stimulate lubrication, contribute to good blood circulation and help to improve general sexual behavior.
It also helps to decrease levels of stress and anxiety, two factors that tend to affect libido.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml.)
- 1 teaspoon of ginseng root (5 g.)
Preparation
- Pour the water into the pot and boil.
- When it starts to boil, add the ginseng and let it boil for 3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, let sit for 10 minutes, and strain.
5. St. John’s wort
St. John’s wort (or Hypericum) is a plant that can help in the treatment of depression and anxiety. It has relaxing properties that may help stop nervous system imbalances.
Its consumption may also be beneficial for sexual activity, especially when reduced sex drive is associated with stress or bad mood.
**It’s important that you consult your doctor before taking St.John’s wort if you’re already taking antidepressant medication.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml.)
- 1 tablespoon of St. John’s wort (15 g.)
Preparation
- Add the St. John’s wort to the cup of boiling water and then cover it.
- Let sit for 10 minutes and then strain.
What’s the best option to improve sexual desire?
In order to increase your sexual desire, you don’t only have to support yourself with natural drinks, like the ones we’ve mentioned in this article. It’s also a good idea to work on communication with your partner, improve life habits,look after your psychological health, and if the problem persists, consult a professional, whether they’re your family doctor or a sexologist.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Cui YH, Zheng Y. A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of St John’s wort extract in depression therapy in comparison with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in adults. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2016 Jul 11;12:1715-23.
- CHARNAY REBOLLEDO, M., and HENRIQUEZ FIERRO, E. (2003). Prevalencia Del Deseo Sexual Inhibido En Mujeres En Edad Fértil Y Factores Relacionados. Ciencia y Enfermería 9, 55–64.
- Balick, M.J., and Lee, R. (2002). Maca: From traditional food crop to energy and libido stimulant. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 8, 96–98.
- Urbina, S., and Diep, R. (2012). Disfunción sexual asociada a antidepresivos. Acta Médica Grupo Ángeles.
- Kurtziana.Lee HW, Choi J, Lee Y, Kil KJ, Lee MS. Ginseng for managing menopausal woman’s health: A systematic review of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Sep;95(38):e4914.
- Malakouti, J., Jabbari, F., Jafarabadi, M. A., Javadzadeh, Y., & Khalili, A. F. The impact of ginkgo biloba tablet and aromatherapy inhaler combination on sexual function in females during postmenopausal period: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Womens Health Reprod Sci. 2017; 5: 129-136.
