Stress, illness, hormone fluctuations and fatigue can all reduce a person's libido. Men and women of all ages may struggle with sexual disinterest, problems with orgasm or difficulty becoming aroused. Fortunately, several medicinal herbs can help to improve sexual response in both men and women. Consult your health care provider before taking any botanical medicine if you suffer from a medical condition or take any form of medication.
Yohimbe
This tropical evergreen contains yohimbine, a powerful aphrodisiac sold in the U.S. as a prescription drug. According to the National Institutes of Health, yohimbine is used primarily as a treatment for male sexual dysfunction, but it has also been suggested for use in women. Yohimbe is associated with many significant drug interactions and side effects such as dizziness, difficulty sleeping, pain while urinating and anxiety. Kidney function may also be adversely affected. Do not take any product containing yohimbe without consulting your health care provider.
Horny Goat Weed
According to legend, horny goat weed's aphrodisiac properties were discovered by a goatherd, who fed the plant to his goats to encourage them to breed. Horny goat weed remains a popular component of traditional Chinese medicine. However, no recent clinical trials or animal tests have evaluated its efficacy. Herbalists have traditionally viewed horny goat weed as an appropriate treatment for low libido in men and women.
Ginseng
Ginseng has immense popularity as an aphrodisiac. Health care providers classify ginseng as an adaptogen. Herbs in this class--including rhodiola, eleuthero and ashwagandha--enable the body to adapt to stress with fewer fluctuations in mood, sex drive or sleep patterns. Ginseng can be an ideal treatment for men and women who experience sexual problems due to stress.
Maca
An edible root vegetable endemic to the high Andes mountains, maca may improve sexual response as well as fertility. Herbalist Chris Kilham highly recommends maca as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction and male infertility. Kilham suggests combining maca with adaptogens and stimulant-aphrodisiacs.
Tribulus
In a 2008 systematic review, the medical journal Phytomedicine evaluated the available evidence and concluded that tribulus terrestris, a traditional North American aphrodisiac, is an effective treatment for mild to moderate sexual dysfunction. This weedy plant is common, inexpensive and associated with few side effects.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Yohimbe
- Drugs: Horny Goat Weed
- National Institutes of Health: Ginseng
- "Hot Plants: Nature's Proven Sex Boosters for Men and Women;" Chris Kilham; 2004
- Phytomedicine: The Hormonal Effects of Tribulus Terrestris and its Role in the Management of Male Erectile Dysfunction
