Top Herbs for Sexual Health & Libido
Herbs traditionally used for sexual health have a long history across cultures, as a natural alternative to prescription options and their side effects. They’re used to support stamina, performance, and desire in both men and women. Here’s a real look at the herbs with the strongest traditional-use history for this purpose — what each one is, and what it’s traditionally used for.
For Women
Dong Quai
Widely used for menstrual and menopausal support, dong quai is traditionally included in women’s wellness formulas, including libido-support blends, alongside its more established traditional uses.
For Men
Yohimbe Bark
Yohimbe bark comes from an evergreen tree native to western and central Africa, and is one of the best-known herbs traditionally used to support blood flow and sexual performance. A real precaution worth keeping in mind: yohimbe should be avoided by anyone with diabetes, low blood pressure, or a heart, liver, or kidney condition, and shouldn’t be combined with cheese, red wine, or medications containing phenylpropanolamine — check with your doctor first if any of that applies to you.
Wild Oats (Avena Sativa) & Muira Puama
The phrase “sowing your wild oats” comes from this plant’s long traditional use for stimulation and desire. Muira Puama, known as “the potency wood” of the Amazon, has a long history of traditional use in Brazilian folk medicine for sexual function and vitality — see our full Muira Puama guide for more, including an honest answer on the testosterone question. Both are available as single-herb extracts — Wild Oats and Muira Puama — or together in our Male Enlargement Formula blend, alongside ginkgo biloba and yohimbe.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is best known for men’s prostate wellness, with a long secondary history of traditional use supporting sexual wellness.
For Both
Ginkgo Biloba
One of the longest-living tree species on Earth, Ginkgo Biloba is traditionally used to support healthy blood flow throughout the body, which is part of why it’s included in sexual-wellness formulas for both men and women.
Ashwagandha
An adaptogenic herb increasingly popular for supporting the body’s response to stress, ashwagandha is traditionally used to support energy, focus, and overall vitality — stress being one of the most common reasons for a lower libido in the first place.
Using These Herbs
Start slowly — one or two capsules, or 5 to 10 drops of extract — and introduce herbs one at a time so you can tell how each affects you before combining them. Gradually increase from there. Our extracts are alcohol-free and can be added to any beverage you like.
All of our herbs and extracts are free of fillers and are never irradiated or sprayed with pesticides.
*INDIVIDUAL RESULTS MAY VARY. STATEMENTS IN THIS WEBSITE HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THE FDA DOES NOT EVALUATE OR TEST HERBS AND HEALTH FOODS. THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. FOR DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN. USE HERBS IN MODERATION AND WATCH FOR ALLERGIC REACTIONS. REMEMBER THAT DIET, EXERCISE AND RELAXATION ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO YOUR HEALTH.