Men and women of all ages experience a loss of sexual interest. Everyday factors like stress, fatigue and relationship problems can hinder a person's sexual response. Several medicinal herbs can help to increase sexual interest, performance and sensitivity. Some herbs can cause side effects or drug interactions so consult your health care provider before using any medicinal herb, particularly if you suffer from a medical condition or take medication of any kind.
Yohimbe
A tropical evergreen shrub, yohimbe has been used for centuries to treat sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Extracts of yohimbe are frequently sold as prescription drugs, reports the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Yohimbe extract may treat male impotence, female sexual disinterest and sexual side effects related to SSRI antidepressants.
Ginseng
Widely hailed as an adaptogen, ginseng can help your body cope with stress without fluctuations in mood, energy levels or libido. The National Institutes of Health recognize ginseng as a potential treatment for sexual disruptions, but notes that there is little evidence to form a firm conclusion of its efficacy. Ginseng is a useful treatment option for both men and women. This herb is readily available in capsule and tea form at health food stores and many major grocery stores.
Maca
Herbalist Chris Kilham, author of "Hot Plants," recommends maca root as a primary treatment for sexual disruptions in both men and women. This fleshy tuber is consumed as a vegetable by people of all ages, so it is unlikely to produce any noticeable side effects. Kilham suggests that maca may improve the quality, quantity and motility of sperm, but no large-scale studies have investigated its ability to treat infertility.
Tribulus
Commonly sold as a muscle enhancer for aspiring bodybuilders, tribulus terrestris improves sexual response with few side effects. In 2008, the peer-reviewed journal Phytomedicine published a systematic review investigating dozens of animal tests. The authors of the review concluded that tribulus appears to be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. Contrary to popular misconceptions, tribulus does not affect testosterone levels; it is safe for women.
References
- "Hot Plants: Nature's Proven Sex Boosters for Men and Women;" Chris Kilham; 2004
- National Institutes of Health: Ginseng
- Phytomedicine: The Hormonal Effects of Tribulus Terrestris and its Role in the Management of Male Erectile Dysfunction--an evaluation using primates, rabbit and rat.
