How to Increase Female Sex Drive
Want to increase your sex drive? Or simply experience a slight increase in libido? Set off in the direction of the kitchen. In this article, you will learn 30 foods and herbs that may boost female sex drive.
It’s important to have in mind that there is no “proper” or “wrong” sex drive for females before we go into the details. Furthermore, there is no set frequency for having sex between individuals.
Sex desires may be fickle. Your menstrual cycle and the amount of stress you are experiencing at work are just two examples of things that might cause a little alteration. But in certain circumstances, a rapid shift in libido might be an indication of an underlying medical condition (we’ll talk more about this later).
Here is a list of the main foods believed to increase female libido, some of which are supported by solid research and others of which may be based more on legend than actual science.
20 Natural foods and herbs that may boost female sex drive
In at least a few studies, some foods, including herbs, have been discovered to increase sex drive. Don’t invest all your hopes and desires in these studies; instead, keep in mind that the majority of them haven’t been very extensive or thorough.
One additional thing to keep in mind while using herbal supplements: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions because dosages differ from product to product.
In light of this, it’s also a good idea to speak with your doctor or a pharmacist about any interactions that any of these supplements may have with:
- prescription medications
- over-the-counter medications
- vitamins
- other herbal supplements
1. Ginkgo
A well-liked herbal supplement that comes in a variety of forms is ginkgo biloba. According to preliminary study, ginkgo may be useful as a natural aphrodisiac.
Where to find it
Ginkgo biloba is available at most health food stores and online in the following forms:
- tablets
- capsules
- liquid extracts
- dried leaves or tea
2. Ginseng
Searching for another readily available dietary supplement? One supplement with several potential health advantages is ginseng. According to a tiny, recent research, ginseng is more effective than a placebo at treating sexual dysfunction in methadone users. What impact will this have on those who don’t use methadone? It may be worth a shot, but further investigation is required. See 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Ginseng Tea
Where to find it
The following forms of ginseng are available in most health food shops and online:
- fresh or raw ginseng
- tablets
- capsules
- liquid extracts
- powder
3. Maca
One study claims that maca may have some efficacy for treating postmenopausal women’s sexual dysfunction brought on by antidepressants. Additionally, maca has long been used to increase sex drive and fertility.
Although the data is encouraging, a new assessment indicates that some of the promises made about maca could be a little exaggerated.
Where to find it
Most health food stores sell maca, which is also available online in the following forms:
- capsules
- liquid extracts
- powder
4. Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is another herbal supplement that may work to boost libido.
In one study, the effectiveness of 7.5 mg of Tribulus terrestris extract for female sexual interest/arousal problem was examined. After 4 weeks, those who took the extract reported an improvement in their sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction. The downside? It was a pretty small study that involved only 60 participants.
Where to find it
Your best chance is to buy Tribulus terrestris online because it could be a little more difficult to find than some of the other herbs included in this article. It takes the following forms:
- capsules
- liquid extracts
- powder
5. Saffron
Saffron is a well-known and pricey spice that is frequently suggested as an aphrodisiac, and preliminary study supports this claim. In one study, consuming saffron for 4 weeks significantly increased sexual desire in antidepressant-using women. See 25 Foods that will Help you Get Rid of Cellulite
Where to find it
Saffron threads are available at speciality food stores and spice shops. It’s also accessible online, where it’s frequently found in powder or capsule form.
6. Red wine
Aphrodisiacs like red wine are frequently prescribed. According to a 2009 study, red wine may potentially enhance sexual function in addition to its other possible advantages. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that a tiny sample size self-reported these results. Additionally, moderation is important because some research indicate that excessive alcohol use may have the opposite impact on desire.
7. Apples
Despite popular belief, apples may increase female sex drive. According to one research, women who ate an apple a day said their sexual lives were of higher quality. While this sounds promising, this study only suggests a correlation between apple consumption and sexual health. It’s not totally clear if eating apples directly affects sexual function. Plus, there are no other major studies on whether apples may increase libido.
8. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an herb used both in cooking and as a supplement. Some research suggests it may help boost libido. A study concluded that fenugreek may be an effective treatment to increase female sex drive. However, most of the current research on fenugreek covers male sexual health.
Where to find it
Fenugreek is available online, in spice stores, and in supermarket stores. It comes in the following forms:
- seeds
- capsules
- liquid extracts
- powder
9. Anecdotal evidence-based foods
These foods and herbs have long been used to increase libido, despite the lack of any supporting data. They are praised by certain individuals. Additionally, many of these are probably already in your kitchen, making them simple to try.
10. Chocolate
Chocolate is a commonly recommended aphrodisiac. However, despite its popularity, a 2006 study concluded that chocolate consumption didn’t have a significant difference on the female sex drive. See 10 Healthy Foods to Eat When Cravings Strike
11. Coffee
Some recommend coffee as an aphrodisiac, but — while coffee can help boost your mood — there’s no research to support this claim. See 7 Things Happen When You Drink Too Much Coffee
12. Honey
While honey is a good source of antioxidants, there’s no scientific evidence that suggests it boosts libido. See 6 Amazing Health Benefits of Raw Honey
13. Strawberries
Strawberries are another popular option that some folks swear by, despite a lack of evidence.
14. Raw oysters
The original Casanova is said to have started each day by eating 50 raw oysters. Males and females alike have reported increased sex drive after eating them. But again, there’s no evidence to support these claims.
15. Capsaicin
Capsaicin, the active component of chili peppers, offers several health benefits, including improved sex drive. One study did conclude that capsaicin improved sexual behavior in male rats, but there’s no research that suggests the same might be true for humans.
16. Saw palmetto
While saw palmetto is often recommended to boost libido in both males and females, there’s little evidence to support this. In fact, a 2009 systematic review concluded the opposite. After looking at the data from multiple studies, researchers listed decreased libido as a potential side effect of saw palmetto usage. However, little is known about saw palmetto use by women.
17. Chasteberry
Chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus or monk’s pepper, is a popular herbal supplement used for many female reproductive health concerns. While research suggests that chasteberry may improve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, there’s no scientific evidence supporting its potential benefits for female sex drive.
18. Figs
Another commonly recommend aphrodisiac, figs are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. But the jury is out on their effect on libido.
19. Bananas
Some believe bananas can boost libido, but again, there’s little scientific evidence to support this. However, bananas are a great source of potassium, which aids in testosterone synthesis. While testosterone is typically seen as a male hormone, females also have testosterone, and low testosterone can negatively affect sex drive. See 7 Foods that Boost Testosterone
20. Potatoes
Potatoes are another popular aphrodisiac, despite the lack of scientific evidence. However, both potatoes and sweet potatoes are full of potassium, meaning they offer the same health benefits as bananas.
Things to avoid
Natural, food-based aphrodisiacs are typically safe to experiment with, but there are some supplements you should avoid.
1. Yohimbine
Yohimbine (or yohimbe) supplements might be dangerous despite their widespread use. In addition to being prohibited in many countries, a survey found that the majority of brands failed to accurately identify the quantity of yohimbine or include any of the medication’s recognized negative side effects.
2. Spanish fly
Another aphrodisiac that needs to be avoided because of its possibly harmful side effects is Spanish fly. Having trouble swallowing, feeling nauseous, vomiting blood, having painful urination, and passing blood in the urine are typical Spanish fly side effects.
Be aware that the majority of what is available now isn’t genuine Spanish fly. Most of the time, it’s a blend of several plants without any established advantages.
3. Mad honey
Different than regular honey, “mad honey” has been contaminated with grayanotoxins. While mad honey has historically been used as an aphrodisiac, side effects can include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, headache, palpitations, and more.
4. Bufo toad
An ingredient in the potentially lethal “love stone” aphrodisiac, as well as the Chinese medication chan su, Bufo toad is another aphrodisiac that should be avoided. It’s been documented to potentially cause hallucinations and even death.
Other things to try
Looking for further methods to increase libido? Beyond the use of aphrodisiacs or medical intervention, there are several possibilities for boosting your sex drive.
1. Sleep quality
Your health, especially your sex drive, depends heavily on getting enough sleep. According to one study, women’s sexual desire the following day was higher when they slept more.
Another study emphasized the connection between sleep quality and sexual function, concluding that shorter sleep duration and insomnia were both associated with decreased sexual function. When it comes to boosting your libido, getting enough sleep is a great first step.
2. Reduce your stress levels
Numerous areas of your health, including your sex drive, might suffer from stress. According to a recent study, there is a link between female sexual dissatisfaction and job stress, thus any additional stress may cause your libido to drop. Taking active steps to reduce your stress levels may help boost your sex drive.
3. Check your medications
Certain medications may have an effect on your sex drive as well. Studies suggest that antidepressants may be linked to lower sexual desire. If you’re taking antidepressants and have low libido, talk to your doctor about how you can manage any potential side effects. You may even be able to adjust your dosage. Just make sure you don’t stop taking them without talking to your healthcare provider first.
4. Exercise
Exercise is an excellent way to boost libido. According to one study, women with polycystic ovary syndrome may experience increased sexual excitement and desire as a result of resistance training (PCOS). Exercise is also a wonderful method to lower stress, which is known to increase sex drive.
5. Acupuncture
A 2008 study found that acupuncture may be a promising strategy for increasing sex drive in women, while further research is required. A reduction in libido can have several root reasons, including worry, stress, and sleeplessness, all of which may be alleviated by acupuncture.
If you’re not quite ready to try acupuncture, massage is a great alternative. A 2008 study showed that simply touching your partner can help reduce stress, meaning a quick massage might help boost your libido.
6. Practice mindfulness
Believe it or not, learning to be more mindful and present can have a major effect on your sex drive. Mindfulness is a wonderful tool for reducing stress, and research suggests that mindfulness therapy significantly improves sexual desire in women.
7. Try yoga
One of the many advantages of yoga may be enhancing your sexual life. According to a 2010 research, practicing yoga for 12 weeks significantly improved all aspects of the Female Sexual Function Index. Measured aspects of sexual activity included desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pleasure, and pain.
When to see a doctor
Despite the fact that libido swings are quite natural, if they persist you might want to consult a doctor or a sex therapist. You may be dealing with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), now known as female sexual interest/arousal disorder. It can affect anyone, and it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Common signs and symptoms of HSDD include:
- little to no interest in sexual activity
- rarely having sexual thoughts or fantasies
- disinterest in sexual activity
- lack of pleasure from sexual activity
FAQ on Female Sex Drive
How to increase female sex drive while on birth control?
If you notice a reduced sex drive after you start using a combined birth control pill, you might be able to restore your sex drive by changing to a progestin-only “mini-pill.” These pills don’t contain estrogen and only use a small dose of progestin hormones, meaning they often have a reduced effect on your sex drive. How to boost female sex drive naturally:
- Lower Stress.
- Improve Your Body Image.
- Communicate With Your Partner.
- Focus On Your Pleasure.
- Try Libido-Boosting Supplements.
Adding Zinc, Magnesium, Evening Primrose and Rhodiola to your daily routine to improve your energy and mood, as well as increase your desire for and enjoyment of sex. These supplements will support your adrenals, up testosterone levels, give you bigger and better orgasms. See How to Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally
Male vs female sex drive
Sexual desire is typically higher in men than in women, with testosterone (T) thought to account for this difference as well as within-sex variation in desire in both women and men. However, few studies have incorporated both hormonal and social or psychological factors in studies of sexual desire.
What vitamins help female sex drive?
What vitamins increase female sex drive? Vitamin B6 is essential for women, especially those who are pre-menopausal. Vitamin B6 regulates the sex hormones and increases libido by regulating estrogen production, testosterone, red blood cells, serotonin, and dopamine production.
When does female sex drive peak?
30s. Women: 30s and early 40s. This time of life may be when your sex drive is strongest. One study showed that women between 27 and 45 had more frequent and more intense sexual fantasies than younger or older women. They also had more sex and were more likely to have it sooner in a relationship.
When is female sex drive highest?
Average female sex drive by age is between 27 and 45. They may be older before they have regular orgasms during shared sex. Sexual peak refers to a period of your life when you are most capable of having frequent sex that is high in quality. Research suggests that women reach their sexual peak in their 30s whereas men peak in their late teens.
Does adderall affect female sex drive?
Yes, Adderall can also affect a person’s sex drive. Often, people taking Adderall report a lower libido or erectile dysfunction as side effects. Some people, however, experience increased sexual desire while on Adderall. If a person already has a sex addiction, this can be a dangerous combination.
Adderall side effects in females sexually: While alleviating impulsivity, hyperactivity, and depression might sound good, these effects can also lead to a lack of sexual desire in women. In fact, women might even find it very difficult to achieve orgasm and they may also experience lubrication issues.
Why is female sex drive low?
Women’s sexual desires naturally fluctuate over the years. Highs and lows commonly coincide with the beginning or end of a relationship or with major life changes, such as pregnancy, menopause or illness. Some medications used for mood disorders also can cause low sex drive in women.
Can medicine boost female sex drive?
Yes, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pill that you take once a day at bedtime called Flibanserin (Addyi) — originally developed as an antidepressant — as a treatment for low sexual desire in premenopausal women. Addyi may boost sex drive in women with low sexual desire who find the experience distressing. See 7 Foods that Boost Testosterone