It’s easy to take our reproductive health, libido, and sex lives for granted. That’s especially the case if everything is going perfectly well and without a hitch.

And yet, issues in the bedroom are the most likely to sneak up on us and take us by surprise.

It’s not like these issues are life-threatening to health, like heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. It may not even seem like they can or should be fixed, or are a big deal when it comes to health, either.

The truth is, libido and bedroom performance DO affect our lives and our health.

In fact, it’s a big part of health, though it all too often gets overlooked.

SEXUAL HEALTH AND LIBIDO: WHY IT MATTERS

Sex is an integral part of feeling good about oneself. If one’s sex life is struggling, it can cause anxiety, stress, depression, and more.

What’s more, these issues often result from very physical, health-related causes. It’s not all in the mind—there are genuine happenings in the body that contribute to sexual health, and they can be supported.

Medications, therapy, and other mainstream approaches are recommended or prescribed by doctors for sexual health problems.

But there’s a deeper history of more natural remedies used to help sex drive and reproductive health, and many of these have historically involved herbs from traditions and cultures.

A HISTORY OF HERBALISM AND SEXUAL HEALTH

Troubles in the bedroom certainly aren’t a new thing. Ancient herbals and texts show more than just an extensive history of sexual health problems through humanity’s existence. They cover a vast body of work undertaken by healers to discover what natural medicines might help the problem.

There’s an astounding amount of herbal remedies for sexual health that have come out of Asia and its healing traditions.

This includes Ayurveda in India, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China, and beyond. It also includes traditions from other areas of Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. 

Better yet, science and research are starting to see their potential in these herbs for sexual health, too.

HOW DO HEALING BOTANICALS BOOST SEXUAL HEALTH?

What have science and tradition discovered in how herbs can help us? 

Over the decades, they’ve revealed quite a bit about their therapeutic potential. They don’t work as a “magic bullet” or “aphrodisiac,” like some claims have advertised. Instead, they’re known to support various aspects of health that lead to sexual health and performance issues.

Here are the top ways they help.

HERBS MAY HELP INCREASE TESTOSTERONE LEVELS

For men, especially, this is a huge help to increased sexual energy and performance. To some extent, it can be a help for women in minor ways, too.

Boosting testosterone in men is one of the best and most immediate ways to reignite and rekindle bedroom performance. 

Herbalists have noticed this over the centuries, while scientists are confirming this with their research, too. 

Herbs might lift testosterone in many different ways. They may help release the male hormone from SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) for better availability. They lower levels of SHBG or even estrogen altogether, which can also help.

Some herbs might also mimic testosterone. This helps the body respond as if there were more of the hormone present, and thus boosts libido and performance.

HERBS MAY REDUCE THE CHANCES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Better yet—and an even bigger worry among men—herbs may help with erectile dysfunction. 

Increasing testosterone is one thing, and it can indeed tie into erectile dysfunction, but not always.

Studies show some herbs help other dimensions to erectile dysfunction that simple testosterone-boosting can’t. This may include supporting cardiovascular health, improving blood pressure, helping weight and metabolism, and possibly more.

So, while testosterone-boosting is what doctors might recommend, turning to herbs might offer more.

HERBS MAY HELP RAISE ENERGY LEVELS

Low libido can involve challenges with hormones and blood pressure, but it can also be linked to a simple energy and fatigue issue.

Luckily, many performance-boosting herbs tackle issues with libido, hormones, and low energy all in one.

This is because lots of botanicals famed as sexual tonics or for “aphrodisiac”-like effects are also adaptogens. They help protect the body from overall stress, such as chronic inflammation, adrenal fatigue, low cortisol levels, and more.

This also helps banish issues like chronic fatigue or brain fog, which in turn can lead to problems with low libido and sexual energy, too. 

HERBS MAY REDUCE STRESS AND DEPRESSION

Better believe stress and depression can also cause low libido. The same can go with dealing with anxiety, too. 

When we experience mood disturbances and stress, especially, this can divert energy from other systems to the nervous system to help deal with it.

It’s not uncommon for stress, anxiety, or depression to have poor effects on digestion, blood pressure, and other bodily systems. It can also have an impact on sexual and reproductive health, too.

What’s great about herbs is they can help support people struggling with mental health issues. Extending from this, they can boost libido, too.

HERBS MAY HELP BOOST OVERALL FERTILITY

As a result of reinforcing and strengthening reproductive health, it’s a no-brainer that fertility is also going to be boosted in the process, too.

As a matter of fact, studies on certain sexual tonic herbs show that they can improve both sperm health and motility, too.

For those concerned about libido because of how it causes fertility problems, certain herbs may be able to kill these two birds with one stone. By supporting better sexual health, it can increase the chances of conception in all ways possible. Not only does it help better performance, but also sperm health and motility, too.

HERBAL BLENDS FOR SEXUAL HEALTH

Herbal blends are a powerful way to increase your enjoyment in the bedroom. Primal Herbs offers three potent Herbal Blends to improve health and vitality. Our herbs are extracted from the purest sources to ensure quality.

Yin Synergy is a potent blend to increase female desire and satisfaction (although it can be used by men as well!). Our male health blend, Alpha Complex, includes many of the ingredients below for fertility and virility (and has many benefits for women as well). He Shou Wu PLUS also contains these potent herbs for increased health and stamina. 

WHAT ARE THE BEST HERBS FOR BOOSTING PERFORMANCE?

For sexual health, herbs are capable of quite a bit according to the discoveries of both herbal healers and scientific research.

There are also quite a few herbs of interest in boosting bedroom performance.

Science and tradition together have narrowed a lot of exploration and studies down to a handful of solid contenders. They all help to answer the question: which precise herbs are the most likely to help with performance?

While there are LOTS of herbs and botanicals that could improve sexual health according to science. However, the following herbs number among those with the greatest reputations. 

CORDYCEPS

Though not an herb per se, cordyceps is a powerful mushroom that nevertheless tops the list of botanicals that could benefit sexual health. 

One study shows it can indeed boost testosterone, though it also has amazing benefits for increasing energy levels, according to another study. Not only that: one study showed it helps protect against stress. Another showed anti-depressant-like effects.

By ramping up testosterone and energy, this makes cordyceps the ultimate cocktail for better libido and performance.

It could also have more mild effects on mood disorders known to interfere with sex drive, like depression and stress-related disorders. More studies are needed to confirm, though.

EPIMEDIUM (HORNY GOAT WEED)

Could there be a better herb for stamina and performance than one called “horny goat weed”?

Scientifically known as epimedium, this Chinese herb has been almost synonymous with the words “herbal aphrodisiac” for centuries. But do the studies on it hold up to its rich and colorful history?

For male health, apparently, they do—and fairly well.

One study shows great benefits for male health, such as increasing testosterone, improving sperm health, and reducing erectile dysfunction. Another study showed a strong endocrine effect to help keep cortisol levels low, which can reduce stress, increase energy, and boost libido all in one.

GRAPE SEED EXTRACT

There’s nothing that won’t benefit from a helpful extra dose of antioxidants. Grape seed extract happens to have them in spades.

Grape seed is best-known for containing resveratrol, one of the most potent antioxidants being studied today.

It’s known for helping lower inflammation. Inflammation can cause a lot of stress in the body that can “domino-effect” to blood pressure issues, mood disorders, and more. All of these issues can have an impact on sexual health.

A study also showed it might help lower estrogen levels, which can benefit men struggling with low libido. As a bonus, studies show it may also help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, which can also interfere with sex drive.

LONG JACK (TONGKAT ALI)

Notable powers for sexual health can be found in this southeastern Asian herb. It is also called “Malaysian ginseng” for its far-reaching wellness benefits.

Among these include boosting testosterone, increasing energy, improving stress levels, and even replenishing male fertility.

One study even showed it could be a natural alternative to testosterone replacement therapy. Another study showed higher energy, another that it was good for stress, while another reversed infertility in male test subjects.

Long jack‘s important place in Traditional Chinese Medicine is no coincidence. Scientific research also agrees: for boosting libido, the herb could be incredibly useful.

PINE POLLEN

Pine pollen has some exciting properties that none of the other libido-boosting herbs can claim to have. 

Remarkably, pine pollen can mimic testosterone.

Studies reveal this to be true. In fact, it may mean pine pollen may be able to replace testosterone replacement therapy in a more natural, organic way.

However, more studies will be needed before it could ever be considered an official testosterone replacement therapy by doctors. In the meantime, it could be the pinch of herbal magic needed to help restore decreased sexual energy, and then some.

HE SHOU WU

He shou wu roughly translates to “He’s Black Hair.” The story behind the herb says that the first man to use it, Mr. He, went from old and impotent to full of vigor. According to the legend, he afterward went on to father many children. Historically, men and women used he shou wu to maintain their youth and sexual vitality. 

While the legend behind he shou wu is a tall tale, there is much science to back up its claims to help sexual health. In fact, multiple studies back up its claims to help improve drive and desire.

Many of the causes of sexual dysfunction are due to hormone imbalance. Herbs like he shou wu can help bring needed balance back to the body. A 2014 study on rats, for example, found that it increased testosterone secretions and sperm function. It was able to bring hormone levels to a healthy range for males. 

Hormone imbalance is incredibly common as men age. However, he shou wu can help men keep their testosterone level. A 2016 study found that the herb improved testicular cell function. Also, a study from 2012 showed that he shou wu had an anti-aging effect on gonadal axis secretion in rats. This means that it can help maintain hormonal and reproductive health even into old age.

Age doesn’t have to mean impotence and lack of desire. He shou wu has the potential to help restore and maintain vitality and sexual health no matter what age.

CRACKED REISHI SHELL SPORES

Like all of the herbs and mushrooms on this list, reishi has a long history of treating male sexual dysfunction. However, it also has the potential to increase female sex drive too.

When women are stressed, their hormones produce more prolactin. It is also known as the “celibacy hormone” because of its libido-killing abilities. It’s usually released while breastfeeding and during childbirth to help keep women from having children too close together. 

Reishi helps calm stress, which can have a positive effect on women’s sex lives. It can also boost energy, which also can help put both men and women in the mood. A four-week study of 48 breast cancer survivors sought to understand the effect of spores on energy. Researchers found that those who took reishi had an increase in energy and reported less anxiety over the placebo group. 

In addition, a study of 132 people found that they had more energy and improved well-being after taking reishi for eight weeks. 

These studies did not explore libido directly. However, their effect on both mood and energy has exciting potential for sex drive.

An imbalance of prolactin is limited to women. However, there is also evidence that reishi spore could help men as well. A 2018 study on rats found that those who supplemented with reishi showed an increase in sexual activity. Researchers observed that the rats had a significant increase in testosterone.

SIBERIAN ELEUTHERO

Siberian eleuthero, sometimes referred to as Siberian ginseng, is not related to traditional ginseng, but they have similar benefits. When it comes to improving sex drive, it has great potential for both men and women.

Menopause is infamous for a drop in sex drive. As a woman’s hormones stop producing as much estrogen, the body displays symptoms of withdrawal. One of the symptoms of withdrawal is a decrease in desire.  

Eleuthero can provide support women need during this time. A compound in eleuthero, called eleutherosides, binds to estrogen receptor sites. 

In addition to benefiting women, eleuthero can help improve performance in the bedroom. Researchers have found that eleuthero can help improve endurance and oxygen utilization. In one study, researchers studied the effects of the herb on males for eight weeks. They found that it both increased endurance and oxygen utilization.

Research on mice further collaborated this effect on an increase in physical endurance. Mice that supplemented with eleuthero performed better on swim tests and other endurance tests. 

Both men and women that want more stamina and energy in the bedroom, eleuthero can provide a helpful boost.

GOJI BERRY

Goji berry has a reputation as a superfood. It has a good reason for that reputation: research shows it helps with everything from better sleep to focus on weight loss. In China, the goji berry is a common present given to the elderly to promote health. It is also widely regarded as a potent sexual tonic. 

Goji berry could also help give one’s sex life a boost, as well. It can help improve blood pressure. High blood pressure is one cause of erectile dysfunction, so improvement in blood flow throughout the body can help improve the condition. 

One 2015 study was on rats that researchers induced hypertension with a high sodium diet for 12 weeks. Supplementing with goji berry, even with the same diet, reversed hypertension in the rats. 

Goji berry can also improve sex drive in both men by its ability to balance testosterone levels. One study in rats found that goji berry improved testosterone levels in mice, leading to an improvement in sperm count. It also led to better sexual performance in mice.

It’s important to note that testosterone also plays an integral part in women’s sex drive, as well. Although the research is limited to male mice, it could also have a positive impact on female sexual health.

In addition to improving hormone levels, goji berry’s effect on the mood can also improve sexual health and desire. Several studies point to its overall mood-boosting effects. A study from 2016 found that it improved depression and anxiety-like behaviors in mice.

Another study on people found that it improved energy and mood. The participants drank goji berry juice for 14 days. Those who took goji berry reported an improvement of energy, as well as calmness and content over the placebo group.

MACA ROOT

Maca root has gained popularity around the world for its numerous health benefits. As a result, researchers studied maca root extensively for its ability to help increase libido and sexual performance. 

A common side effect of SSRI antidepressants is a decrease in drive. However, there is research that maca can help mitigate this side effect. One study of 20 men on antidepressants found that 3 grams of maca a day helped to increase libido significantly. Another study on 45 women found that maca had the same increase in libido. 

Maca also increased libido for those not on antidepressants as well. A study of 57 men supplemented with maca for 12 weeks. Even after eight weeks of supplementation, though, men reported an increase in desire. 

Another study of endurance athletes found it did not improve endurance. However, the athletes reported an increase in sexual desire.  

Although all of these studies were small and utilized self-reporting, they all point to the same increase in libido. Other studies have reported an increase in sperm count and motility. It also resulted in an improvement in erectile dysfunction.

Research points to Maca as a powerful way to increase desire and fertility for men and women.

DAMIANA

Damiana has a long history of improving desire. The flowering herb also goes by the name old woman’s broom and offers several benefits. Among these benefits is the ability to enhance bedroom performance for both men and women.

The flavonoids in damiana are thought to fuel its pro-sexual effects. In one 2009 study, male rats were able to recover faster than those who had not supplemented with damiana. 

It is also helpful for improving desire in women. One study wanted to find out the effectiveness of an herbal mix that included damiana. Researchers found an improvement in desire and satisfaction for 72% of women studied.

Another double-blind study also sought to replicate the herbal mix’s pro-sexual effects. They found a 73% increase in satisfaction versus 37% of the placebo group. 

Damiana has an incredible ability to help fuel desire and performance for both men and women.

SHATAVARI 

Health practitioners have historically used Shatavari to help women balance their hormones. However, there is plenty of research showing that it helps increase bedroom performance in both men and women.

A 2015 study found that Shatavari boosted sexual activity in all the rats in the study, both male and female. 

Another study on rats found that females exhibited a reduced hesitation while taking Shatavari. For rats, this indicates an increase in desire.

Another 2009 study found that it helped improve sexual performance for male hyperglycemic rats. Researchers concluded that it could be a useful aphrodisiac for males.

TRIBULUS

Both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurveda revere Tribulus Terrestris for its ability to treat many ailments. Modern research also verifies many of its bedroom-enhancing benefits.

Tribulus is especially useful for menopausal women. One study found that it increased both desire and lubrication for postmenopausal women. Another study found that it was helpful, along with an herbal mix, to improve symptoms of menopause. Another also found it was useful for relieving symptoms of menopause, which includes sex drive. 

Tribulus is also helpful for men as well. Multiple studies have documented its ability to boost male hormones. One study found that it helped increase hormone levels in men who were taking morphine. One of the side effects of morphine is a decrease in testosterone and low libido. 

Another 2016 review found that it was helpful for men who were experiencing both erectile dysfunction and low libido. Another 2012 study found that it helped increase sexual desire in sluggish rats.

For men and women who want to find a potent herb to increase their drive and desire, Tribulus can offer a needed boost.

FIND THESE HERBS IN OUR PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING BLEND

The search for natural, herbal, 100% pure support for better performance and energy is over. We have three specially crafted blends that include these performance-enhancing herbs for sexual health.

We’ve carefully crafted Alpha Complex to speak to the deficiencies of male sexual health as men age, encounter disease, or experience other causes for lower drive, stamina, and performance.

Yin Synergy includes all of the top herbs for female sexual health. A decrease in desire is not a natural part of female aging. Yin Synergy allows women to enjoy a healthy sex life well into their golden years. 

He Shou Wu PLUS is formulated from Traditional Chinese Medicine principles to bring the most potent herbal blend possible. Its blend combines the powerful capabilities of He Shuo Wu along with other herbs to energize and invigorate.

Our supplement formulas contain all these energy-enhancing and reproduction-boosting herbs, and more:

• Broken Cell Pine Pollen
• Cordyceps Militaris Extract
• Epimedium Extract
• Grape Seed Extract
• Long Jack Extract
• Prepared He Shou Wu Extract
• Cracked Reishi Shell Spores
• Siberian Eleuthero
• Goji Berry
• Maca Root
• Damiana
• Shatavari
• Tribulus
• Monk Fruit Extract
• Black Pepper Fruit Extract