By David Blyweiss, M.D.

I get asked about libido boosters a lot. Especially by the men who come into my office. And being an aging baby boomer myself, I can certainly understand their concern.

Most people enjoy sex and hope their love life will continue to be robust and satisfying as they age. Yet the reality doesn’t always match these expectations.

About 30 million American men suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). Many more men and women find that, over the years, their desire has waned.

Unless there’s an underlying medical problem like diabetes or atherosclerosis, there’s no reason to put up with common sexual problems. There are safe and natural ways to put the sexy back in your vocabulary. And they don’t require a prescription.

To keep the fires burning, the first thing you need to do is restore and rebalance your body with healthy foods and exercise.

Since stress can tax both mind and body—and take a toll on your sex life—it’s important to learn how to relax. My favorite way to de-stress is by getting a massage or reading a non-medical book. But there are plenty of other ways to unwind including meditation, tai chi or deep breathing. Simply listening to calming music can also help you chill out.

There are also several herbs that can help revive your sex life. Three of my favorites are ginseng, maca and tribulus terrestris.

Ginseng has a reputation as an exotic sex remedy—and it actually delivers on its promises. There’s scientific evidence that ginseng benefits men with ED, and clinical trials show it increases sperm production and sperm motility.

There are also reports that ginseng raises desire.

In a 2009 study, 143 men with ED reported better erectile function and overall satisfaction after taking ginseng.¹ Traditionally ginseng is used by men, but women can also benefit from its effects. In one study on sexual arousal in menopausal women, those who took red Korean ginseng got a serious libido bump. To get going with ginseng, take 900 mg two to three times a day.

Maca is a medicinal radish-like root that was farmed by Inca Indians for 2,000 years. So it’s had plenty of time to establish itself as a sexual enhancer that can curb impotence and increase fertility.

A 2009 clinical trial showed that maca improved sexual well-being in men with ED. Another paper that same year found maca boosted athletic performance and amped up sexual desire in athletes. One Australian study also found that maca eases anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women and reduces sexual dysfunction.²

To get these benefits, take 3,000 mg per day.

Tribulus terrestris is strictly for the boys. This herb’s main claim to fame is its ability to boost testosterone levels.³ This, in turn, can enhance your performance. But this herb’s action may go beyond testosterone. In two separate analyses of tribulus, Turkish and Korean researchers found the herb relaxes smooth muscle, allowing more blood to flow into the penis.

Bulgarian scientists have also found tribulus increases the quality and quantity of sperm production, improves sperm motility and helps ensure the sperm’s survival. In a handful of human studies, researchers have confirmed that tribulus’ pro-erectile properties help men conquer ED—and without the side effects common to those little blue pills. To get the full effects of this sexy herb, take 250 mg three times daily with meals.

While you could take each of these herbs individually, I’ve found it’s more convenient to use a pro-sexual supplement that contains all three. Whichever way you go, however, be aware it can take upwards of 2 to 3 months before you experience their full effect—but it’s well worth the wait!

References:

1. Kim TH. Effects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng CA Meyer) extract on male patients with erectile dysfunction. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2009;11:356-361.
2. Dording CM. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics. 2008;14:182-191.
3. Gauthaman K. The hormonal effects of Tribulus terrestris and its role in the management of male erectile dysfunction–an evaluation using primates, rabbit and rat. Phytomedicine. 2008;15:44-54