A-Z libido boost Articles

Looking to spice up your life and increase your libido? Herbs may be able to help. Damiana is a wild shrub that grows in Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. The leaf and stem are used to make medicine. It is known for its ability to increase circulation to genital and abdominal areas and is often used as an aphrodisiac and energy tonic. It also helps with conditions brought on by low levels of sex hormones.

Key Health Benefits of Damiana

Because the leaves in this plant contain flavonoids such as pinocembrin and acacetin, this herb possesses aphrodisiac properties, especially for women. The estrogenic and anti-aromatase activity of this plant contributes to the increase of sexual excitation. However, this plant offers many other health benefits, including:

• Headache Support
• Bedwetting
• Mood Booster 
• Settles Nervous Stomach, and Constipation
• Prevention and Support for Sexual Problems
• Boosting Mental & Physical stamina
• Aphrodisiac Properties

When Is Damiana Recommended?

Natural health practitioners may recommend this herb for low libido from all causes including menopause, exhaustion and stress, and for male impotence due to age or fatigue for urinary health support or for those who get headaches often. 

Shopping For Damiana Supplement Varieties

As a supplement, it can be purchased as a raw herb, encapsulated herb, tincture or fluid extract. Combination products for sexual enhancement, especially for females, may contain damiana.

When shopping for herbal supplements, make sure you're choosing a brand that uses pure and potent ingredients that are GMO free, organic and wild harvested when possible, especially when opting for tincture, liquid or dried herb formats.

Final Considerations & Potential Side Effects

Damiana binds with iron and stops the absorption of it in the intestines. Take iron supplements away from taking this herb. This herb also alters hormone levels and should not be used in pregnancy or when breastfeeding. 

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a hardy plant that thrives at high altitudes with intense sunlight, high winds and low temperatures. Native Peruvians have used Maca for thousands of years to increase stamina, libido and fertility in both men and women. Today, we continue to use the best maca root supplement for hormonal regulation and support. It is also being used to boost energy, strength and stamina.

What Is Maca Root?

Although Maca is not a member of the Panax (true ginseng) family, it is sometimes called Peruvian ginseng because of its adaptogenic and energy-boosting abilities. Athletes have started using Maca as an alternative to anabolic steroids for increasing strength, energy and stamina. Unlike steroids and some energy-boosting herbs, Maca does not contain harmful stimulants and is not addictive.

Top Health Benefits of The Best Maca Root Supplements

Maca Supplement Benefits For The Menstrual Cycle

In the case of Amenorrhea (absent menses, unrelated to pregnancy), Maca has been found to lower FSH levels. High levels of this hormone have been associated with low serum estrogen levels, the hormone responsible for the development of the uterine lining during the first half of the menstrual cycle. It is this lining that is later shed during menstruation. Maca has also been shown to increase luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates ovulation. Ovulation is required for progesterone production in the second half of the menstrual cycle. In this sense, Maca can be used to support and balance the hormones of a woman's menstrual cycle.

Advantages of Maca On Postmenopausal Mental Health

Studies are also supporting the use of Maca for postmenopausal women suffering from psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety, as well as sexual dysfunction. It has been shown to have a positive effect in all of these areas. It has also been shown to increase energy while decreasing night sweats and hot flashes in this population. It is for these reasons, that Maca is now often included in combination menopause products.

Maca's Effects On Hormonal Regulation From The Brain

One of the postulated mechanisms by which Maca has its hormonal effects is through stimulating the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. These are the two organs responsible for organizing and regulating all the endocrine glands in the body. When pituitary and hypothalamic functions are working optimally, the entire hormonal system is balanced. The pituitary gland controls the hormone output of the thyroid (metabolism), ovaries or testicles (sexual functioning and tissue growth) and adrenal gland (energy and fluid balance).

The Best Maca Root Supplement Varieties 

Maca is found as powdered root or encapsulated root. It can be found alone or in combination formulas for energy, stress reduction and sexual enhancement. The recommended dosage is between 1 and 3 grams daily. Increased demand for this plant may make Maca an endangered species, as has happened to other South American botanicals. You may want to inquire about the source and farming practices of the Maca that you purchase.

Important Information & Potential Side Effects of Maca Root

People who are sensitive to the nightshade family of plants, including peppers, tomatoes and potatoes, should not use Maca. This herb should be used with caution by individuals taking hormone replacement therapy or contraceptive medication or by pregnant or nursing women. People with estrogen-sensitive conditions and cancers should avoid the use of Maca. Due to its potassium content those with kidney disease or those on diuretics should use Maca cautiously.