9 Herbs for Sexual Wellness

WRITTEN BY DR. SUSAN EGBERT

Sexual wellness plays an important part of overall health, and is one of the first areas that can get easily neglected. Although the first thought on this topic is about sex life, there is more to sexual wellness as you may believe.  In this post, we're going to be discussing some of the best herbs for sexual wellness. From libido boosters to relaxants, we'll cover everything you need to know in order to improve your sexual health. So whether you're looking to increase your pleasure or just feel more relaxed and stress-free all around, read on to learn about some of the best herbs for sexual wellness.

Herbs have been used for sexual well-being for centuries. Herbs can be classified in two ways: primary and secondary. Primary herbs are those that have been traditionally used for sexual enhancement, while secondary herbs are those that have been used in conjunction with other herbs for sexual enhancement. Here is a list of commonly used herbs for sexual wellness:

 

Ginkgo biloba

 

Ginkgo biloba is an herb that has been used for centuries to improve circulation and enhance brain function. It is thought to have a positive effect on sexual function by increasing blood flow to the genitals. Ginkgo biloba is considered a primary herb that has been traditionally used for sexual wellness (improve sexual function, libido, and memory). There have been some clinical investigation of how ginkgo can help with sexual wellness (1, 3)

If you’re interested in learning more, you can go to our other post that goes into more depth about Ginkgo biloba.

Maca

Maca is a root vegetable that is native to Peru and traditionally used to enhance sexual desire and performance. Some research has suggested that maca may have a positive effect on sexual function in both men and women. Maca is considered a primary herb that has been traditionally used for sexual well-being (improve sexual function, libido, sexual arousal, etc). (3) There was a study to assess the tolerability of maca and the conclusion of the study showed that it was accepted by patients without much intolerable symptoms. (10)

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (11) is a plant that is commonly used to manage symptoms associated with anxiety, stress, and fatigue. It is also used as a sexual herb to improve sexual function and enhance orgasm. It is also thought to help improve overall sexual well-being.

Here are some other posts from us if you want to learn more about ashwagandha:

ASHWAGANDHA | BENEFITS, USES, & SIDE EFFECTS

MARVIN SINGH'S TOP 3 MIND HEALING HERBS

IS SLEEP CARE THE NEW SELF-CARE?

ANXIETY MEDICATION INTERACTIONS | WHICH HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS SHOULD I AVOID?

Tribulus terrestris 

Tribulus terrestris is an herb that has been used traditionally to improve sexual function and increase libido. Some research has suggested that tribulus terrestris may have a positive effect on sexual function. (13, 14)

Ginseng 

Ginseng (12) is a plant that is commonly used to manage various health conditions. It is also used as a sexual herb to improve sexual function. Ginseng is a popular herb for its libido-boosting properties. It is also used to manage mood balance, and can be taken as a supplement or tea.

Here are some other posts from us if you want to learn more about ginseng:

6 IMMUNE-BOOSTING HERBS

MARVIN SINGH'S TOP 3 MIND HEALING HERBS

Damiana

Damiana (7,15) is a herb that is commonly used to manage  mood balance. It is also used as a sexual herb to improve sexual function. Damiana is a secondary herb that has been traditionally used for sexual enhancement. Damiana is known to improve sexual function, libido, and arousal. This herb is thought to help to improve sexual arousal and performance in women. It is also thought to improve mood and anxiety levels, which may help to improve sexual satisfaction.

Ginger

Ginger (12) is a popular herb for sexual enhancement as it has been traditionally used for a variety of health benefits, including reducing nausea, boosting appetite, and improving digestion. In addition, ginger has been shown to improve sexual performance in both men and women.

Here are some other posts from us if you want to learn more about ginger:

GINGER | THE ALMIGHTY HERB THAT NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION

6 IMMUNE-BOOSTING HERBS

TEA TIME | WHAT'S IN YOUR CUP?

4 TIPS TO BALANCE YOUR STOMACH ACID

MARVIN SINGH'S TOP 3 CHOICES FOR TREATING HEARTBURN NATURALLY

MARVIN SINGH'S TOP 5 TIPS ON HOW TO DETOX USING YOUR GUT MICROBIOME

Chamomile

Chamomile (18,19) is a well-known herb for its calming effects. It is also used to manage  sleep issues and mood balance. It is a safe herb to use during pregnancy, and can be taken as a tea or supplement.

Here are some other posts from us if you want to learn more about chamomile:

TEA TIME | WHAT'S IN YOUR CUP?

ANXIETY MEDICATION INTERACTIONS | WHICH HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS SHOULD I AVOID?

IS SLEEP CARE THE NEW SELF-CARE?

SMELL YOUR STRESS AWAY WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

Cannabis

Since some of the blog is dedicated to cannabis, it is important to highlight what is known about using cannabis. In a study, cannabis was found to possibly improve sexual function in women by reducing anxiety and improving mood (which can hinder sexual function). (21) Additionally, cannabis has been shown to help to improve sexual arousal in women. (23)

We have a post that discusses more on CBD and sexual wellness:

CBD AND SEXUAL WELLNESS

It is important to note that the research on the effectiveness of these herbs for sexual wellness is limited and more research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits and risks. It is also worth noting that the use of herbs can be associated with potential side effects and interactions with medications.

 

References

1. Niazi Mashhadi Z, Irani M, Kiyani Mask M, Methie C. A systematic review of clinical trials on Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) effectiveness on sexual function and its safety. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2021;11(4):324-331. doi:10.22038/AJP.2021.17813

2. Palacios S, Soler E, Ramírez M, Lilue M, Khorsandi D, Losa F. Effect of a multi-ingredient based food supplement on sexual function in women with low sexual desire. BMC Womens Health. 2019;19(1):58. Published 2019 Apr 30. doi:10.1186/s12905-019-0755-9

3. Corazza O, Martinotti G, Santacroce R, et al. Sexual enhancement products for sale online: raising awareness of the psychoactive effects of yohimbine, maca, horny goat weed, and Ginkgo biloba. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:841798. doi:10.1155/2014/841798

4. Concerto C, Rodolico A, Meo V, et al. A Systematic Review on the Effect of Nutraceuticals on Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunctions: From Basic Principles to Clinical Applications. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2022;44(8):3335-3350. Published 2022 Jul 25. doi:10.3390/cimb44080230

5. Stephenson KR, Meston CM. Differentiating components of sexual well-being in women: are sexual satisfaction and sexual distress independent constructs? [published correction appears in J Sex Med. 2010 Nov;7(11):3803]. J Sex Med. 2010;7(7):2458-2468. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01836.x

6. Kan J, Cheng J, Hu C, et al. A Botanical Product Containing Cistanche and Ginkgo Extracts Potentially Improves Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Nutr. 2021;8:658630. Published 2021 Nov 26. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.658630

7. Rowland D, Tai W. A review of plant-derived and herbal approaches to the treatment of sexual dysfunctions. J Sex Marital Ther. 2003;29(3):185-205. doi:10.1080/00926230390155096

8. Maca. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; April 10, 2019.

9. Gonzales GF, Villaorduña L, Gasco M, Rubio J, Gonzales C. Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp), una revisión sobre sus propiedades biológicas [Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp), a review of its biological properties]. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica. 2014;31(1):100-110.

10. Gonzales-Arimborgo C, Yupanqui I, Montero E, et al. Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2016;9(3):49. Published 2016 Aug 18. doi:10.3390/ph9030049

11. Ajgaonkar A, Jain M, Debnath K. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract for Improvement of Sexual Health in Healthy Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Cureus. 2022;14(10):e30787. Published 2022 Oct 28. doi:10.7759/cureus.30787

12. Ghamari K, Kashani L, Jafarinia M, et al. Vitamin E and ginseng supplementation to enhance female sexual function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Women Health. 2020;60(10):1164-1173. doi:10.1080/03630242.2020.1803465

13. Martimbianco ALC, Pacheco RL, Vilarino FL, Latorraca COC, Torloni MR, Riera R. Tribulus Terrestris for Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review. Tribulus terrestris para disfunção sexual feminina: Uma Revisão Sistemática. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2020;42(7):427-435. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1712123

14. Tadayon M, Shojaee M, Afshari P, Moghimipour E, Haghighizadeh MH. The effect of hydro-alcohol extract of Tribulus terrestris on sexual satisfaction in postmenopause women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Family Med Prim Care. 2018;7(5):888-892. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_355_17

15. Szewczyk K, Zidorn C. Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and bioactivity of the genus Turnera (Passifloraceae) with a focus on damiana--Turnera diffusa. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;152(3):424-443. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.01.019

16. De Seta F, Caruso S, Di Lorenzo G, Romano F, Mirandola M, Nappi RE. Efficacy and safety of a new vaginal gel for the treatment of symptoms associated with vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. Maturitas. 2021;147:34-40. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2021.03.002

17. Hajhashemi M, Rafieian M, Rouhi Boroujeni HA, et al. The effect of Aloe vera gel and sweet almond oil on striae gravidarum in nulliparous women. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018;31(13):1703-1708. doi:10.1080/14767058.2017.1325865

18. Bosak Z, Iravani M, Moghimipour E, Haghighizadeh MH, Jelodarian P. Effect of Chamomile Vaginal Gel on the Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sex Med. 2022;19(6):983-994. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.536

19. Robert M, Graves LE, Allen VM, et al. Guideline No. 425a: Cannabis Use Throughout Women's Lifespans - Part 1: Fertility, Contraception, Menopause, and Pelvic Pain. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2022;44(4):407-419.e4. doi:10.1016/j.jogc.2022.01.012

20. McPherson KL, Tomasi DG, Wang GJ, Manza P, Volkow ND. Cannabis Affects Cerebellar Volume and Sleep Differently in Men and Women. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:643193. Published 2021 May 13. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643193

21. Kasman AM, Bhambhvani HP, Wilson-King G, Eisenberg ML. Assessment of the Association of Cannabis on Female Sexual Function With the Female Sexual Function Index. Sex Med. 2020;8(4):699-708. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2020.06.009

22. Smith AM, Ferris JA, Simpson JM, Shelley J, Pitts MK, Richters J. Cannabis use and sexual health. J Sex Med. 2010;7(2 Pt 1):787-793. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01453.x

23. Lynn B, Gee A, Zhang L, Pfaus JG. Effects of Cannabinoids on Female Sexual Function. Sex Med Rev. 2020;8(1):18-27. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.07.004

 

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This article was edited by Dr. Swathi and was written by Element Apothec Scientific Communications Intern, Dr. Susan Egbert. She is a pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate studying Natural Products Chemistry at University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.