6 Herbs to Enhance Female Libido

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Posted: 11 Aug 2014 08:02 AM PDT

Aphrodisiacs have been used throughout history, and many ancient aphrodisiac mixtures are still popular today. When it comes to herbal aphrodisiac supplements, male sexual health products are often the most abundant in supply. Regardless of the high demand for male sexual health products, many herbs and libido-boosting supplements also exist to support female sexual health. These herbs include:

1. Saffron

Saffron, a culinary delicacy, has been heralded for centuries as a powerful libido-boosting herb, and research at the University of Guelph supports its supposed aphrodisiac properties. Although it’s expensive, a tiny amount goes a long way. All you need is a strand or two to provide a positive effect. ^[1]

2. Nutmeg

Commonly used in sweet recipes like pumpkin pie or Indian cuisine, nutmeg has been documented in animal studies to produce increased sexual activity in male rats. Nutmeg has been used as an aphrodisiac by African women and is still used today by women of a variety of cultures. Therefore, it’s likely that the effects demonstrated on males are the same in females. ^[2]

3. Clove

Perhaps the most beneficial spice for supporting female libido is nutmeg’s cousin, clove. Cloves are used as an aphrodisiac in Asian countries for women who have lost sexual desire and satisfaction. It’s also noted as a potent spice for men with erectile dysfunction and those experiencing problems with premature ejaculation. ^[3]

4. Passionflower

While this herb has been documented for improving the sexuality of male rats, it also has a reputation for helping out in the female libido department. The benefits may be non-gender specific, meaning that it could possibly affect both genders. Benefits for female sexual health may also be related to its anti-anxiety and relaxation effect. ^[4]

5. Maca Root

Long used in Asian countries, maca root has a rich history for benefiting male sexuality. It has been shown in at least one scientific study to reduce sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women and does so without inducing hormonal imbalance. ^[5]

6. L-arginine

L-arginine may help direct blood to sexual organs, a benefit that could significantly support arousal. On top of that, it’s an essential nutrient that aids blood circulation, heart health, and immune system function. Since it’s a necessary amino acid, it may be easy to receive L-arginine simply by incorporating more protein-rich foods into your diet. ^[6] ^[7]

The use of dietary supplements should not replace a healthy lifestyle, as exercise, diet, and stress-management techniques all play a role in improving sexual health and libido. For women, there are a number of other techniques that can be incorporated into a daily routine that may boost the overall quality of sexual experience. Looking into supplementation should take careful thought, especially when it comes to boosting libido. Always find a supplement that includes ingredients from a high-quality source, and choose one that contains a host of extracted components. A blend of nutrients, compounds, and herbs may increase effectiveness and provide a more sustaining, lasting result.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM