There are many herbal remedies and medicinal herbs that have been used to increase male libido.
These herbs for low sex drive in men mostly look toward increasing testosterone levels in the body, stimulating sexual arousal and addressing exhaustion associated with poor sexual performance.
A good herbal libido supplement will address all of these areas simultaneously and play a role in a holistic approach to better overall health.
Natural Herbs Used to Increase Low Sex Drive in Men
Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)
Tribulus gives rise to testosterone production by stimulating the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH). This hormone, in turn, increases testosterone levels and enhances not only libido in men but also increases libido in women.
In men with high sperm morbidity (non-viable sperm) and low mobility, tribulus has also been observed to increase sperm count.
The active constituents in tribulus (furostanol glycosides) are found in highest concentrations in the plants’ leaves.
A standardized form of tribulus, TLSE, is obtained from the leaves and stems of tribulus and contains mostly furostanol glycosides. TLSE has shown to increase sperm count (but not in patients with chronic prostatitis), increase libido (including Klinefelter’s and Noonan’s syndrome) and was well tolerated by the study group.
Treatment of 51 infertile males with 750 mg/day TLSE for 3 months significantly increased ejaculate volume, spermatozoa concentration, motility, and velocity. Spermatozoa morphology normalized and ejaculate liquefaction time decreased. (Mediherb September 2006)
Damiana (Turnera Aphrodisiaca and Turnera diffusa)
The leaf of this herb has been used in Mexico as a sexual invigorated and male libido enhancer; since the times of the early Mayan people, this herb has once again be employed for low sex drive.
In western herbalism, damiana has also been prescribed to treat a low libido in both men and women where there is sexual dysfunction of nervous origin.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)
The principal way the herb works is to increase testosterone in the blood. This herb is traditionally prescribed in Malaysia as an aphrodisiac, an herbal treatment for impotence or sexual dysfunction and as a sexual enhancer.
Tongkat ali seems not only to assist in maintaining erections but also increases low sex drive or sexual desire.
Asian Ginseng(Panax ginseng)
It is in Japan that this herb is prescribed to treat lack of sexual desire, and prescribed as a circulatory stimulant. Korean ginseng is also a key herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is prescribed to calm nerves, treat weariness, anxiety, insomnia and general weakness.
Korean ginseng is contraindicated for those with high blood pressure and people using warfarin or phenelzine.
This herb is also best avoided during times of acute infection. In the west, it is prescribed for exhaustion, depression and low libido.
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflora)
This herb has been used for centuries to improve low sex drive and performance. In recent times, horny goat weed has been found to support the neurotransmitters in the brain to stimulate sexual arousal.
In addition to increasing sexual arousal, this herb is prescribed where there is a greater need for improved circulation, and to treat exhaustion with little risk of side effects.
Horny goat weed is contraindicated if you are taking heart or blood pressure medications, or if you have insulin-dependent diabetes (Type 1).
Other natural herbs that have been used for low sex drive.
- Maca – (Lepidium meyenii)
- Saw palmetto – (Serenoa repens)
- American Ginseng – (Panax quinquefolius)
- Ashwagandha – (Withania somnifera)
The Use of Herbal Supplements for Low Male Libido
Before using herbs to increase male libido, conditions that are known to cause male impotence including depression, stress, heart disease, diabetes, alcohol abuse, and hypothyroidism must be excluded.
Herbs for low libido can be combined with herbs to address the cause of decreased sexual function as well as the symptoms.
Male herbal libido enhancement is a cost-effective way to treat this common condition but keep in mind that the use of appropriate herbal libido supplements should be discussed with your healthcare practitioner.
Thordur Sturluson
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I believe ginko should be added to this list as well as I have found good results with it.