Libido Lifters: Herbs That Get You "In The Mood"
Loss of libido can be troubling, for both men and women. In most cases, it's
completely normal and happens to everyone at some point in a relationship.
While it might be tempting to turn to popular pharmaceuticals as a quick fix,
loss of libido is not the same thing as erectile dysfunction. If the problem
persists more than six months, visit your healthcare practitioner. In the
meantime, these three supplements may help you spice things up in the bedroom.
Korean Ginseng
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a plant native to China and Korea. Its roots
contain active components called ginsenosides believed to be responsible for the
herb's health-promoting effects. In a 2007 study, 60 men with sexual health
issues were given 1,000 mg of
Korean red ginseng, or placebo, three times daily
for 12 weeks. In the ginseng group, 67 percent of men reported improved erection
and scored significantly higher on a test used to measure erectile function than
those taking placebo.
Maca
Maca is a Peruvian plant (Lepidium meyenii) found in high-altitude areas of the
Andes mountains and is rich in minerals, fatty acids and beneficial
phytochemicals. It was used traditionally by South Americans to enhance
fertility and improve sexual performance in both men and women. To test the
effect of
Maca on sexual desire, a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled,
randomized trial was conducted on a group of men from 21 to 56 years old.
Self-assessment of sexual desire was scored at four, eight and 12 weeks. An
improvement in sexual desire was observed with Maca starting at eight weeks of
treatment-so stick with it!
L-Arginine plus Herbs and Vitamins
L-arginine is an amino acid that's converted in the body to nitric oxide, which
causes blood vessels to dilate for healthy blood flow. In a double-blind,
placebo-controlled study, 108 women ages 22 to 73 who reported lack of sexual
desire were given placebo or a combination of
L-arginine, herbs (Ginkgo biloba,
Korean ginseng, damiana), vitamins and minerals. There was a significant
improvement in sexual desire across all age groups for the combination of L-arginine
plus herbs and vitamins as compared to placebo. Premenopausal and perimenopausal
women appeared to benefit the most with significant improvement in several
sexual areas.
With all supplementation, be sure to consult with a physician and stick with
your new program for 2-3 months to see desired results.
With proper nutritional support, physical activity and communication, you can
look forward to a healthy sex life that lasts for decades.