Having a low libido is a common concern that can affect individuals of all ages. There are many factors that can contribute to low libido, including physical health issues, stress, relationship problems, and certain medications.
There are a number of natural ways to boost your libido, including using natural aphrodisiacs, adopting stress-relieving methods, and making changes to your diet and lifestyle. Read on to learn some of the most effective natural approaches for increasing libido for both men and women.
What Is Libido?
Libido is just another word for sexual desire or sex drive. Your libido may be affected by a number of internal and environmental factors, ranging from hormone levels to medicines to sleeping patterns.
Everyone's libido is different, but it's normal for both men and women to experience a drop in libido as they become older.
What Are Natural Ways To Raise Libido?
There are a variety of natural ways to increasing libido and enhancing one's sex drive. Here are our top picks:
Basil and garlic
Basil and garlic are both believed to increase libido. Basil is known for its strong aroma and flavor, and is thought to stimulate the senses, increase blood flow, and in turn, improve sexual function.
Garlic, on the other hand, is rich in allicin, a compound that improves blood flow and has been shown to boost libido. It also may have a positive effect on testosterone levels, which can enhance sexual desire.
Eating more fruit
Eating more fruit can increase libido by providing the body with essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for sexual health. Some types of fruit are particularly high in antioxidants, which can help improve blood flow and in turn increase libido.
For example, watermelon is rich in an amino acid called citrulline, which can help relax blood vessels and improve circulation, which are both important for sexual function. Other fruits like avocado, banana, and pomegranate contain high levels of vitamins and minerals that can boost energy levels, improve sexual function, and promote overall sexual health.
Sleep
Sleep is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being, and it plays an important role in sexual health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to a lower libido, as it can cause fatigue, stress, and low energy levels.
Additionally, while sleep deprivation lowers your testosterone, low testosterone can also contribute to insomnia, according to some research. It’s also previously been observed that as testosterone levels go down, the hormone cortisol increases.
Cortisol contributes to wakefulness, resulting in shallower and shorter sleep. Because of this, feeling tired and fatigued is also a symptom of low testosterone. To improve libido, it's important to get a minimum of 6 hours of sleep per night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Chocolate
Chocolate has long been associated with desire not just because it is delicious, but also because of its ability to enhance sexual pleasure.
Chocolate stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which may have aphrodisiac and mood-lifting benefits.
Serotonin may also be involved in the control of blood flow to the vaginal tissues, which may account for some of its libido-enhancing characteristics.
Reduce stress
High anxiety levels are a typical factor that lowers both male and female sexual performance and desire. This includes both anxiety caused by stress from daily life, as well as stress induced from sex.
People who have demanding work schedules, care duties, or other life challenges may feel tired and, as a consequence, have reduced sexual desire.
Anxiety and stress may also make it more difficult to get or sustain an erection, which can discourage some people from having sex. Depression and anxiety may also cause a decrease in libido and an increase in sexual dysfunction.
There are several well-known methods for reducing stress, including exercise, meditation, deep breathing techniques, and yoga. Practicing mindfulness and learning how to reframe negative thoughts can also be an effective way to reduce stress.
If you are unable to reduce your stress levels on your own, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to help you develop strategies for managing stress and address any underlying health issues that may be contributing to your stress.
Maintain your weight
Weight management is an important aspect of sexual health, as being overweight or obese can negatively affect libido. Excess weight can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels, which can lower sex drive. Additionally, being overweight can lead to other health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which can also negatively impact sexual health.
Try sex therapy
Sex therapy can be a natural and effective way to increase libido and improve sexual satisfaction. Sex therapists are mental health professionals who are trained to help individuals and couples address a variety of sexual concerns, including low libido. In sex therapy, therapists help identify and address the underlying causes of low libido, such as stress, relationship problems, or physical health issues.
You may also learn techniques for improving communication with your partner, increasing intimacy, and enhancing your sexual pleasure. Sex therapy can be an effective treatment option for individuals who want to naturally increase their libido and improve their overall sexual well-being.
Natural libido enhancers
There are a few compounds that have been examined in the past for their ability to boost female libido and sexual performance. These include ginseng, L-arginine, gingko biloba, and maca. Yoga and acupuncture can also be effective for boosting female libido when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
According to some studies, herbal medicines such as ginseng, tribulus terrestris, and Pygnogenol may help naturally treat erectile dysfunction.
Chocolate, oysters, garlic, and fenugreek are a few examples of foods that are often regarded as natural aphrodisiacs. More research is needed, however, to determine whether any of these foods can affect sexual drive or function.
There are several strategies you can try out to improve your libido. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, lowering anxiety, and concentrating on enhancing your personal relationships are just a couple ways that you can start boosting your sex drive.
Low libido is a multifaceted problem with emotional, psychological, and physical components. Understanding the underlying reason for low libido may help you decide the best way forward for improving it.
While low libido or a rapid change in libido might indicate a health problem, it is best to see a doctor before experimenting with libido boosters.
