Too tired for sex? Problems with low libido or erectile dysfunction? You’ll find many vitamin supplements that claim to give instant relief (and in a much safer way than Viagra!)
But do these supplements really work, and what are some side effects that you may need to watch out for? Here is a simple, straightforward guide to help you find out if these supplements can really boost your sex life—or if you’re better off spending your money on a romantic dinner for two.
Consumer alert!
While most of the supplements are safe, it’s best to talk to your doctor—especially if you have a history of heart problems and other chronic conditions, are taking maintenance medication, or are planning to conceive.
You also need to buy the supplements from trustworthy source. There are many companies that try to take advantage of customers, selling cheap knock-offs of well known brands. Some may also contain dangerous chemicals (for example, some ginseng supplements also contain pesticides). Buy from reputable stores or websites that checks all the products that they sell, such as consumerlab.com.
Ingredients that boost sex drive and sexual performance
So what’s in those supplements, anyway? Many of them contain ginseng, which contains nitric oxide (also found in Viagra). It has also been known to improve energy levels, so this may help if your biggest complaint is that you’re too tired to have sex. Nitric oxide is also found in Gingko, Pycnogenol (extracted from pine bark) and L-Arginine. These also improves blood flow to the penis. However, arginine is not safe for people who have high blood pressure, and it should not be combined with other medications like Viagra.
Yohimba has had some success in helping with erectile dysfunction. Double check any products to see if it contains enough active ingredients (it should be first in the list of ingredients on your bottle, under the name yohimbine, or yohimbine hydrochloride) and is made from the yohimbe tree. It may cause anxiety and high blood pressure.
Black cohosh increases blood flow to the pelvis, which can enhance sexual experience for women. It can also help manage the symptoms of menopause, which can hamper sex drive.
Chasteberry (in contrast to its name) helps increase libido by elevating the body’s levels of progesterone and dopamine.
Pycnogenol, extracted from pine bark, also boosts nitric oxide levels,
Non-oral herbal remedies
Women may also want to take botanical oils and extracts to improve their pleasure and sense of arousal. For example, zestra (which contains borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, angelica extract, and vitamins C and E) is applied to the genital area to boost blood flow to the clitoris.
Women who are experiencing vaginal dryness cal also try Vitamin E oil, which is applied to the vagina to increase lubrication.
if you’re not interested in taking supplements, you can also try eating foods that boost your sex drive.
Photo from healthjockey.com
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