Overview
Are you worried about underperforming on the bed? Performance pressures may arise due to a number of reasons. One of the most significant reasons is the actual lack of sexual desire or drive, commonly known as libido.[1]
Several medications can help to restore your youthful vigor or drive. Medications work their magic immediately. However, they are not beneficial in the long run.
If you are looking for ways that don’t involve chemicals or inorganic products, this article is just for you.
Natural Ways to Increase your Libido
There are several ways to boost up your sex drive naturally.[2] From involving in activities to changing your food habit- options galore. Let us look at ten different things which you can try:
1. Adjust your food habit- Add Fruits
A little change in your dietary habits can provide the necessary boost. Certain food items can increase your libido.
Avocado is loaded with vitamin B6 and folic acid. It recharges the body cells and increases energy. Avocado is also known to decrease premenstrual syndrome (fatigue, bloating, irritability). It acts as an aphrodisiac among women, setting the mood up. It is also beneficial among men, albeit a bit discreetly.
Watermelon, on the other hand, is filled with libido-boosting phytonutrients. Low in calories, they contain lycopene, citrulline and beta-carotene, which aid in the relaxation of blood vessels. Citrulline is an amino acid that is converted into L-arginine by our body. This helps you improve your vascular conditions- reducing erectile dysfunctions.[3]
2. Love Chocolates? Here are some more reasons for you.
Chocolate is good for the heart, and your libido as well. It consists of two well-known stimulants- tryptophan and phenylethylamine.
Tryptophan is one of the building blocks of serotonin, a brain chemical implicated in relaxation. It also helps in increasing the dopamine (the ‘feel-good’ hormone) levels in our body.[4]
Phenylethylamine is an amphetamine-related stimulant produced by the brain when people actually fall in love. All the goodness with the divine taste- it’s enough to set the mood on.
Did you know that back in the Aztec era, Emperor Montezuma used to use large quantities of cocoa beans to boost his romantic sessions?
3. Yohimbe and Ginkgo Biloba- African and Oriental Magic
Medications prepared using Yohimbine have been used to treat erectile dysfunction among men and low sex drive in women.[5]
Yohimbine is the concentrated alkaloid found in the bark of evergreen Yohimbe trees. These trees are found in the western region of Africa. Several studies indicate that Yohimbe bark works as a crude natural Viagra. The tea made from the barks is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Other benefits include increased skeletal muscle hypertrophy and decreased body fat.
The Ginkgo biloba is an extract from the perennial Chinese ginkgo tree leaf. It is another herb that has been found to treat sexual dysfunction. Tea is the most popular way to absorb its benefits.[6]
4. Spice up your Love-Life with actual Spices
Are you planning to prepare a romantic dinner? Plan something with a little touch of basil or garlic. Believe it or not, the fragrance of basil works as a great sexual stimulant.
Garlic mostly contains high levels of allicin, and it increases your blood flow. This can help men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction.[7]
Saffron is a well-known natural aphrodisiac. The use of saffron from treating men with erectile dysfunction has been documented for a long time. In addition, it functions as a diuretic. A diuretic purifies the blood, kidney and bladder. Saffron can increase energy and endurance. However, it is also one of the most expensive spices in the world.
5. Regulate your intake of alcohol and cigarettes
Items that are potentially dangerous for your heart and also harmful for your libido.
Excessive alcohol consumption reduces your drive while decreasing the pleasure derived from an orgasm. In fact, too much alcohol makes it extremely difficult even to maintain an erection. A casual drink is okay, but if you want to boost things up, you have to cut some slacks when it comes to alcohol.[8]
The same can be said for smoking cigarettes. Most sex experts will advise against smoking- they are known for reducing the speed of arousal. Nicotine causes the contraction of blood vessels- which restricts the blood flow needed for an erection.
Result? A delay in getting your best friend up and running. Smoking also decreases your body’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Oxygen is responsible for energy generation. Quit smoking and enjoy enhanced sexual prowess.
6. Meditation: Good for both your mind and your drive
Healthy living is essential for overall well-being – including your sex life. However, many choose to ignore the benefits of a sound mind. Care to know about the most common blocks for your libido? The most significant among them are stress, anxiety, depression, and mental distraction.[9]
The brain suppresses the development of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) for stress hormones like cortisol. Such hormone alteration decreases your desire for sex, while increasing the chances of depression and erectile dysfunction.
Meditation helps you to achieve a sense of calm and control over these blockers. Thus, meditation can passively augment your sexual drive, while drastically improving your lifestyle.[10]
7. Sleep: Tiredness can reduce your drive
A tired body cannot perform optimally. Anxiety and depression are known to decrease your libido, and can be held responsible for unnecessary mood swings. Both are side effects of insomnia and sleep deprivation.
Pregnancy and menopause can cause sleep disorders or insomnia. This lowers the interest in sex among women by tiredness, stress, or depression.[11]
Sleep-deprivation takes its toll on people’s sex lives: it fatigues them. Did you know that the principal trigger identified by individuals or couples who lose interest in sex? They become too exhausted for intercourse? Start by fixing your sleep schedule first.
8. Resolve your relationship issues
Arguments with your partner rarely culminate in sex. Emotional contentment and intimacy are necessary for women when it comes to sex. Unresolved disputes will affect your sexual experience.
For building trust, communication is essential. Avoid bottling up feelings of resentment. This leads to a lack of desire between you and your partner. Loss of sexual desire can be a result of your ongoing relationship problems.
There is no universal standardization of sexual desire; everyone’s desire is uniquely distinct.
Low libido might stem from various reasons- including psychological issues and non-resolution of tension.[12]
9. Optimism and Positivity is useful for all things in life including sex
Stress and depression often continue through a never-ending cycle that drastically decreases your sex drive. Take a little time for yourself. Indulge in stress relief activities.
Start reading, journal, exercise, travel, or listen to music.
Men often view sex as a stress-release mechanism. However, the same is not the case for women.
Encourage yourself. Share some of your optimism with your partner as well. Positivity works wonders- especially in building self-confidence. Who doesn’t like someone confident and knowledgeable about tricks under the sheets?[13]
10. Workouts are beneficial
A bad self-image is also bad for your sex drive.
Exercise and workouts really can work wonders. They improve circulation and metabolism- which increases your hormone levels. Shed off the excess body fat you have meant to for months. A positive self-image will boost your mindset- letting you feel good about yourself.[14]
Try Kegel pelvic exercises. They actually boost your libido. You can also opt for the more adventurous and athletic sex positions- with an increased level of fitness.
Conclusion
The absence/reduction of sex drive is a growing cause of concern worldwide. The issue may stem due to an unhealthy lifestyle or lack of physical exertion. Diseases like diabetes, cardiac ailments can also be held responsible, along with hormonal imbalance and mental issues like stress, anxiety, and depression.[15]
A healthy
lifestyle, good food habits, and a great mental health condition can
drastically improve your health as well as your libido. You can try out natural remedies. They are known to be effective and
have no side-effects. Consult an expert for further strategies regarding
improving your sexual health.
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