Many men experience low libido at some point in their lives. According to "Psychology Today," low sexual desire in men is largely kept secret because men view it as a challenge to their masculinity. Michele Weiner-Davis, a Chicago-area marriage therapist, states that low libido affects at least 20 percent of adult males. While the causes of low libido are often emotional or psychological, there are supplements that may help boost the male sex drive.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe supplements are made from the bark of the yohimbe tree, which is an evergreen that grows in western Africa. It is used in traditional African medicine to increase sex drive in both men and women, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It is also taken for erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe is available as an encapsulated supplement and as a tea.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng, along with Chinese and American ginseng, is most commonly marketed as a stimulant in the Western world. According to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs," it is also used in traditional Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac. While studies have shown Siberian ginseng to increase sex drive in animals, there is no scientific proof that it increases the human male libido. Siberian ginseng is most commonly available in a capsule.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba, marketed in the United States as a memory enhancer, may also improve male libido. Castleman notes that a study published in the Journal of Urology showed that ginkgo biloba effectively improved erections in men with narrowed penile arteries, allowing them to experience more enjoyable sex and better orgasms. This improved sexual enjoyment is thought to naturally raise the sex drive. Ginkgo biloba is typically sold in capsule form.
References
- Psychology Today: "When Men Suffer Low Sex Drive"; Hara Estroff Marano; March 1, 2003
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Yohimbe
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
