Health

Increasing your libido and reigniting your sex life through naturopathy

June 27, 2022
Natural ways of increasing your libido

Here is a list of commonly used herbs that can increase your libido. Make sure you’re properly evaluated before deciding which treatment will best stimulate your libido and consult your health specialist before using it.

  • Ashwaganda
  • Relora
  • Rhodiola
  • Licorice
  • Siberian ginseng
  • Other adaptogen herbs, which can increase energy and reduce stress

As well, maca (Lepidium peruvianum) is a Peruvian plant that grows in high altitudes and has been used for over 2000 years. It’s known to

  • Regulate hormones;[3],
  • Revitalize adrenals (stress glands) and increase energy;[4]
  • Optimize neurotransmitter levels in the brain that, in return, reduce the risk of decreased sex drive, depression and sexual dysfunction.[5]
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

Chronic stress can decrease your libido. A clinical study has shown that three grams (3g) per day of cordyceps, a mushroom used for over 2,000 years to revitalize the body during fatigue or after a long disease [6], improves sex drive in 66% of users after only 40 days.[7]

Exercise and libido

It’s common knowledge that aerobic and muscular training increases your blood flow, reduces stress and improves your energy. It also helps the release of endorphins, which, in turn, ups your self-esteem and stimulates your libido.

Spicy foods for libido

Foods that increase the blood flow in your body and genitals, such as garlic, cayenne pepper and ginger, will help your libido. The capsaicin contained in chili helps to release chemicals that fasten your heartbeat and help release endorphins.

Meanwhile, chocolate contains phenylethylamin, which, in addition to releasing endorphins, reduces depression and anxiety. Dark chocolate is preferable to other varieties because it contains antioxidants. The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study showing that women who consumed a piece of chocolate each day had a more active sex life than those who didn’t [8].

In any case, don’t give up and don’t hesitate to seek help. There are plenty of solutions out there.

Disclaimer: The options listed in this article are not intended as replacements for health care treatments, but are solely meant for informational purposes. Consult a doctor or other health care professionals to determine which treatments will work best for you.

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References:

1- Lewis RW, Fugl-Meyer KS, Corona G, et al. Definitions/epidemiology/risk factors for sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med.2010;7(4) : 1598-607.
Laumann EO, Paik A, Rosen RC. Sexual dysfunction in the United States. Prevalence and predictors. JAMA. 1999;281(6) : 537-44.

2- naturalstandard.com

3- Gonzales GF, Córdova A, Vega K, Chung A, Villena A, Góñez C. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men. J Endocrinol. 2003 Jan;176(1) : 163-8.
Bogani P, Simonini F, Iriti M, et al. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) does not exert direct androgenic activities. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Apr 6;104(3) : 415-7.
Brooks NA, Wilcox G, Walker KZ, Ashton JF, Cox MB, Stojanovska L. Beneficial effects of Lepidiummeyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause. 2008 Nov-Dec;15(6) : 1157-62.

4- Gonzales GF. Ethnobiology and ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a plant from the Peruvian Highlands. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:193496. Epub 2011 Oct 2.

5- Dording CM, Fisher L, Papakostas G, et al. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2008 Fall;14(3) : 182-91.

6- Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal medicine: Cordyceps sinensisPart II. J Altern Complement Med. 1998;4(4) : 429-57.
Dai G, Bao T, Xu C, et al. CordyMax Cs-4 improves steady-state bioenergy status in mouse liver. J Altern Complement Med. 2001;7(3) : 231-40.
Kiho T, Ookubo K, Usui S, et al. Structural features and hypoglycemic activity of a polysaccharide (CS-F10) from the cultured mycelium of Cordycepssinensis. Biol Pharm Bull. 1999;22(9) : 966-70.

7- Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal medicine: Cordyceps sinensisPart II. J Altern Complement Med. 1998;4(4) : 429-57.

8- Salonia A, Fabbri F, Zanni G, Scavini M, Fantini GV, Briganti A, Naspro R, Parazzini F, Gori E, Rigatti P, Montorsi F : Chocolate and women's sexual health: An intriguing correlation. J Sex Med. 2006 May;3(3) : 476-82.

Dominique Abran
Naturopath

Dominique Abran is member of the Association Des Naturopathes Agrées De Quebec (ANAQ) and is pleased to share her experience as a naturopath (and mother) to help you maintain and restore your health through natural means. Naturopathy offers a holistic approach based on numerous resources allowing you to regain balance and work towards a better life. In addition, it helps you have a smoother pregnancy, during which you receive personalized support. Follow-ups include a complete health check and detailed management of your nutritional needs through advanced laboratory testing. A prevention plan also minimizes the risk of experiencing discomfort during pregnancy. This monitoring is offered in three meetings as part of a package that includes a hair-tissue mineral analysis. For more information, visit her website at www.manaturopathe.com. Dominique Abran, accredited naturopathic doctor Clinique Santé du Quartier 1133 St-Joseph Est Montréal H2J 1L5  

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