Lovin' Libido

Another study found ginseng was only slightly more effective than a placebo (dummy drug) for keeping an erection.

6. Ginkgo biloba

“Don’t be shy about sharing changes in your libido, especially if they’re causing you distress. And your sexual health matters as much as the rest of it.” Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. Arousal without orgasm can be uncomfortable, but it’s no reason to pressure sexual interactions Some foods are thought to rev up your sex drive, despite lack of scientific evidence If anxiety is keeping you from having the sex life you want, communication, education and therapy can help Anorgasmia is a fairly common concern with a wide range of physical and psychological causes Your sexual history directly influences your physical, mental and emotional health in a multitude of ways ‘Safer sex’ means STI prevention, avoiding unintended pregnancies and psychologically safe practices for everyone It’s perfectly normal for gas pockets to ‘evacuate’ during the motions of sex Stay away from hand lotion and honey, but coconut oil can do the trick These tiny saltwater larvae can get trapped under your swimsuit and trigger an itchy reaction called seabather’s eruption Searching nature for edible items requires training and knowledge to avoid poisonous plants Yes, but you can protect yourself with hats, scarves or even hair sunblock Aging WellAllergiesCancer Care & PreventionChronic PainCold, Flu & Respiratory IllnessesDiabetes & EndocrinologyDigestiveEar, Nose & ThroatEye CareInfectious DiseaseLungOral HealthParentingPregnancy & ChildbirthRecipesRheumatology & ImmunologySenior HealthSex & RelationshipsSleepUrinary & Kidney HealthWeight Loss Rendered: Tue May 26 2026 05:11:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Aphrodisiacs are foods and herbs that are thought to get you in the mood for lovemaking or to increase your sex drive. The word comes from the name Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Legend has it that Casanova, the Italian adventurer and perhaps history’s most famous lover, slurped down dozens of oysters before bedding down with his partners.

Adrenal function

But do foods and herbs really work as aphrodisiacs to heighten your mood or boost your sexual performance? Foods considered aphrodisiacs are those that aim to stimulate the love senses (sight, smell, taste, and touch). But you can’t really eat your way to better sex. No food has been scientifically proven to stimulate the human sex organs. But foods and the act of eating can suggest sex to the mind, which in turn can help stimulate desire in the body. People who are pregnant or have certain cancers shouldn’t take the herb. This root vegetable grows in the Andes Mountains in South America and is usually ground into a powder. In a 12-week study, men reported an increase in desire after treatment with 3,000 milligrams of maca.

• Mindfulness and meditation reduce stress, positively affecting libido.
• Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking can improve sexual health.
• Therapy or counseling can address emotional barriers to desire.
• Yoga practices can enhance body awareness and arousal.

But more research is needed before this claim can be proven. This is an herb that’s been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. One study showed that it helped sexual function in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. But an earlier study didn’t find any improvement.

Tribulus also may help get you more interested in sex.

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While medications may address some of the physical aspects of getting you “in the mood,” emotional support can help, too. Especially if your low libido is connected to any social, emotional, interpersonal or mental health concerns. “For most people, sex and sexual arousal is two-pronged — you need your body to respond in certain ways and you also need to be mentally interested,” Dr. Zanotti explains. “If your mind is focused on other concerns, it’s easy for sexual desire to wane.” Talking with a mental health professional can help you better address any psychological barriers that are holding your libido down.

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If you notice a dip in your interest in sex, it can feel isolating. But Dr. Zanotti emphasizes that you don’t have to suffer in silence. “Primary care physicians and women’s health specialists talk with people all the time about issues of sexual dysfunction and sexual interest,” Dr. Zanotti reassures. After using it, some women reported better lubrication and orgasms and generally more satisfying lovemaking. Research shows that when it comes to aphrodisiacs, it's mostly in our heads—they work if we think they will. This might be due to the placebo effect. A placebo is an inactive substance, such as a sugar pill, given to someone who is under the impression it is a drug. It's often used by doctors when testing whether a new drug really works—one group of patients gets the new drug and the other gets the sugar pill, with neither group being aware of which one they got. Sometimes people feel better just from taking the sugar pill.

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Foods considered sexy are generally those that are: So if you're planning a romantic encounter, you may want to take note of your menu. Some herbs are said to increase sexual desire and performance or to cure erectile dysfunction. These may be brewed in a tea or taken as an herbal supplement. Talk to your doctor before adding herbs to your diet. Here are herbs that some people have used to try to increase their sex drive: This herb comes from fan-shaped leaves on trees found throughout Asia.

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It may increase blood flow to the genitals and improve sexual function in men and women. One study in women showed an improvement in sexual excitement when ginkgo was paired with sex therapy. Some studies say ginseng may heighten sexual excitement in postmenopausal women and help men get and hold an erection. Red ginseng is particularly popular as an aphrodisiac. A review of several studies on red ginseng showed that it may work for erectile dysfunction, but further research is needed. The “placebo effect” is when a person's physical or mental health seems to improve just from taking a placebo treatment. So if you think eating raw oysters will give a jolt to your sex drive and sexual stamina, your anticipation of this powerful effect can help it come true. While it may be OK to experiment with different aphrodisiac foods on your own, you should talk to a doctor before trying aphrodisiac herbs and supplements. Some well-known substances touted as aphrodisiacs are too dangerous to try. Several studies have shown that this can be possibly deadly. Spanish fly comes from the blister beetle and contains a poison called cantharidin.

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Here are some foods considered to be natural aphrodisiacs: Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts in particular help you better pump blood throughout your body. That may improve your heart health and blood pressure or help you get and keep an erection. Eating 2-3 ounces of pistachios each day also may be good. It’s one of the few fruits that contain healthy unsaturated fats. It also can help keep your hormones in balance.

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Avocados also have folate, a vitamin needed to make histamine, a compound released during orgasms. It’s called a superfood because it’s packed with antioxidants. Pomegranate juice may supersize your sex life, too. One (small) study found that drinking a glass a day for 2 weeks improved testosterone levels in men and women. The hormone is plentiful in men and is needed for both sexes to kick the sex drive into high gear. It can cause kidney damage, genital and gastrointestinal bleeding, and burning in the mouth, among other things. This is a dangerous substance sometimes used as an aphrodisiac.

It comes from the nectar of a rhododendron bush and is contaminated with a poison called grayanotoxin. It can cause heart problems, confusion, and other serious symptoms.

If you take mad honey and feel sick, get medical help right away. This is made from the bark of a tree that grows in parts of Africa. It’s been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries. It supposedly can help men get erections. But yohimbe has been linked to heart attacks and seizures. If you have any sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness due to menopause or reasons, or a lack of interest in sex, it's best to talk to your doctor, rather than just trying an aphrodisiac.

Your Chosen Women’s Libido Booster Awaits

Ancient Aztecs considered it a powerful aphrodisiac. Chocolate contains the compound phenylethylamine, aka the “chemical of love.” But chocolate’s power as an aphrodisiac is probably more myth than reality. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are aphrodisiac fruits, good for your overall health. They also may help men keep erections. Researchers found that foods rich in flavonoids—nutrients that give fruits and vegetables their color—are linked to a lower risk of erectile dysfunction (inability to get or keep an erection).

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Also, blackberries contain zinc, which may play a role in regulating testosterone production. A men enhancement pills drink or two may lower your inhibitions and put you in the mood for romance. One study found that women who drank a glass or two of red wine a day reported more desire, lubrication, and overall sexual satisfaction than nondrinkers. But too much alcohol can cause sexual problems, such as not getting your penis hard or not having orgasms. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation, Certain qualities in foods are thought to elicit sensuality. They may be able to suggest a drug, therapy, or some other treatment that has been proven to work on your sexual issue. Do you feel like your sex drive just isn’t what it used to be? Or maybe it’s disappeared altogether and you’re wondering if something’s wrong with you.

• Regular exercise can improve blood flow, enhancing sexual arousal.
• Adequate sleep supports hormone production linked to libido.
• Managing stress through mindfulness can positively impact desire.
• Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with increased libido.

You’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone. Libido, or sexual desire, can naturally rise and fall throughout your life.

It’s influenced by all kinds of things: your stress levels, sleep quality, hormones, emotional connection, health conditions, and even what you eat. But the good news is there are proven ways to bring it back—naturally, safely, and effectively. In this article, we’ll walk you through 10 science-backed libido boosters to help you feel more like yourself again. Whether you’re looking to improve your energy, reconnect with your partner, or just feel more confident in your body, this guide is for you.