Reproductive
Sexual Health
Low sex drive or problems with sexual function in men or women. These can have medical causes, including medicines, that are worth checking with a health professional.
Many herbs affect hormones, and several aren't safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding or with hormone-sensitive cancers. These herbs are listed because of traditional use or research, not because they're proven treatments. Check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using them, especially if you're pregnant, trying to conceive or taking hormonal medicines.
12 herbs
Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.
Alysicarpus VaginalisAlysicarpus vaginalisAn ingredient in Jamaican root tonic, which men traditionally drink for impotence and stamina. Not studied in people.
AshwagandhaWithania somniferaTraditionally used in Ayurveda to boost sex drive.
Chaney RootSmilax balbisianaA main ingredient in Jamaican root tonic, which men traditionally drink for impotence and stamina. Not studied in people.
CuscutaCuscuta chinensisUsed as an aphrodisiac in several Asian traditions. Not tested in trials.
DamianaTurnera diffusaA folk aphrodisiac. Lab and animal studies suggest effects on sexual function, but it hasn't been tested on its own in people.
Golden Eye GrassCurculigo orchioidesValued as an aphrodisiac in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Not tested in trials.
MacaLepidium meyeniiEarly studies suggest it may help sexual well-being in men and sexual problems in women, but it hasn't been proven in rigorous trials.
MucunaMucuna pruriensTraditional use only: used in Ayurveda as an aphrodisiac.
Ra-MoonTrophis racemosaA traditional Jamaican remedy for low libido. This use hasn't been tested in research.
SarsaparillaSmilax ornataOne of the roots in Jamaica's "strong back" tonic, used by men for impotence and stamina.
Strong Back RootMorinda royocPart of Jamaica's "strong back" roots tonic for impotence and stamina. This use hasn't been tested in research.
YohimbePausinystalia johimbeHistorically used as an aphrodisiac and promoted for erectile dysfunction, but there's little research in people and serious heart risks.