Can Libido Supplements Boost Your Sex Drive? Things You Need to Know Now

Can libido supplements boost your sex drive? You sit there wondering what the answer might be. Maybe they do, maybe they don’t. You don’t really know. What you do know is that your sex life needs an extra boost, and the libido supplements you see EVERYWHERE online seem to guarantee an increase to your sex drive. And in levels you never even imagined possible.

But you’re also aware of the stigma surrounding sex supplements, so you hesitate to buy one. First, you need to understand how libido pills work. Secondly, you need to know the common ingredients in these supplements, so you’ll know what to look for. 

This article will walk you through libido and supplements and how they enhance your sex life. 

How Libido Pills Work

To understand how sex supplements can enhance your sex life, it’s essential first to understand what libido is. Libido is your interest in sex, also known as sexual appetite or desire. In other words, your libido has more to do with your brain than your genitals. 

The thing is, what libido pills and supplements target is not your desire or appetite for sex. They’re formulated to enhance your physiological response to sexual stimuli, which in a word, is arousal and not libido. 

Arousal is the term used to describe the physiological changes when there’s sexual stimuli, which include genital sensitivity, erections, and vaginal lubrication.

So, how do libido supplements work to enhance your sexual arousal?

“Libido” supplements or sex supplements targets temporary arousal rather than long-term libido enhancement, which certain food ingredients help provide. 

The key aspect of arousal is blood flow to the sexual organs—the penis and the vagina. Nitric oxide, a signaling chemical that pushes blood vessels to widen, is mainly responsible for this. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which may include overall blood flow in the pelvic area, including the genitals. 

Common Ingredients Found in Libido Supplements

The human body produces nitric oxide in a few ways, including the dietary nitrates in our food. This means certain dietary nitrate ingredients could increase blood, which may boost sexual arousal. 

Red Ginseng

Ginseng, particularly red ginseng, is commonly used to treat various health problems, including low libido and sexual function. Studies show that Red Ginseng does have properties that can potentially increase libido and arousal in both men and women. Some research results, however, also show that Red Ginseng as a sexual enhancer may be a placebo. 

But Red Ginseng isn’t new, and some people still swear by it. In traditional Chinese medical practices, Red Ginseng is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction in men and can help alleviate menopausal symptoms in women.

Horny Goat Weed

Epimedium, commonly known as Horny Goat Weed, is used in traditional Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac and erectile aid. It remains a popular supplement ingredient to address erectile dysfunction. But some people go as far as claim that Horny Goat Weed can increase penis size. 

Animal research shows that Epimedium can increase testosterone, which potentially helps boost sexual appetite. But so far, there is no evidence that Horny Goat Weed can enlarge the penis. 

Although cell and animal studies provide supportive evidence for its use, more studies on how Horny Goat Weed affects humans are needed. 

Saw Palmetto

Serenoa repens, or Saw Palmetto, is believed to boost and naturally regulate testosterone levels in men. 

Saw palmetto helps maintain testosterone levels by reducing the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen or sex hormone responsible for male physiology. But too much DHT also contributes to many issues experienced by men like male pattern baldness and prostate enlargement. 

The regulation of testosterone levels with the aid of Saw Palmetto may improve body composition, mood, and libido as males age. It may also support hair health and prostate health.

L-arginine

An amino acid, L-arginine, serves as the building block for the body’s nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a molecule that aids in relaxing and widening blood vessels. Blood vessels that are relaxed and open are ideal as men try to achieve penile erection. 

L-Arginine can also have similar effects on women’s body. Women often describe their sexual dysfunction as inability to experience orgasm, lack of genital sensitivity, and loss of libido. L-arginine has been linked to addressing these issues by enhancing blood flow in  genital tissues. 

The amino acide also helps increase dopammine level in the brain, which may lead to increased sexual desire and sexual interest. 

Ginkgo 

Ginkgo biloba is a species of tree that originates from China. Though it is endangered in its natural habitat due to deforestation, Gingko biloba is cultivated worldwide because of its medicinal properties. 

It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including depression and poor sexual function. As an aphrodisiac, it relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow in the genitalia in both men and women.

According to one study, Gingko is a potential alternative treatment for women experiencing low libido and sexual dysfunction. Though it was ineffective as a stand-alone treatment for sexual function, it was effective when combined with sex therapy.

Yohimbe

Yohimbe is a tree species native to Western Africa, where it has long been used to enhance sex drive and boost libido. Yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe bark, is an ingredient in some sex supplements to address erectile dysfunction. Yohimbine hydrochloride, a standardized form of yohimbine, is a prescription drug in the United States.

Drugs containing the chemical yohimbine have been shown in studies to help with erectile dysfunction. Yohimbine drugs have also been used to remedy low sex drive in women and to alleviate the sexual side effects of antidepressants.

Do Libido Supplements Work?

Now, on to the million dollar question. Do libido supplements work? The short answer is maybe. It mainly depends on the quality of the supplement and how your body reacts to the ingredients. This is why it’s crucial to get your supplements from trustworthy sources.

Always use “libido supplements” cautiously as they can do more harm than good. Verify the source and look up the ingredients, especially if you’re already taking medication for other health conditions. 

Are Libido Supplements Safe?

So, are sex supplements safe? Again, you get a maybe on this one. Safety, especially in products you consume, is determined by various factors. 

But then again, when assessing the safety of a libido supplement, there are only two main factors to consider: the product itself and any underlying risk factors a person has. So, if you have high blood pressure and a heart condition, think twice about getting a sex supplement or any supplement. 

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION: