Your sex drive, also known as libido, may decrease over time as you age or if you have a medical condition that affects hormone levels. Though several prescription drugs can help increase libido, some herbs also have a positive effect on sex drive. Consult your doctor before taking any natural herbal supplement, as such products may interact with drugs you're already taking or affect pre-existing medical conditions.
Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), not its American counterpart, may improve both sexual performance and drive in both men and women. It may also boost sperm count in men, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The center suggests taking 50mg to 100mg daily.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) is sometimes prescribed as a treatment to overcome the decreased sexual drive often associated with antidepressant drugs and may also help boost female libido, according to the National Institutes of Health. It may be helpful with erectile dysfunction and studies are ongoing to further examine this possible effect.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) may help improve decreased sexual drive associated with prostate disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The center suggests consuming 160mg twice a day. Sexual side effects may include breast tenderness and discomfort of the testicles.
Wild Yam
Several studies, including one published in the "Climacteric" medical journal in 2001, show that wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) may improve libido in menopausal women while also improving levels of sex hormones. There is no standardized administered amount recommended, though the National Institutes of Health recommend replacing two-thirds of your staple food with wild yams for a month.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Sex Drive
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginseng
- "Archives of Sexual Behavior"; Effectiveness of Yohimbine in the Treatment of Erectile Disorder; Carey, M.P., et al.; 1996
- National Institutes of Health: Yohimbe
- "Climacteric"; Effects of Wild Yam Extract on Menopausal Symptoms, Lipids and Sex hormones in Healthy Menopausal Women; Komesaroff P.A., et al.; 2001
