Your sex drive is a complicated thing. Many factors can influence desire, like ongoing stress, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and certain stages of life like pregnancy and perimenopause.

How can you keep your body leveled out and rev up your sex drive?

Supplements to boost libido might help. A surprising number of supplements can target these root causes of imbalance to increase libido, maximize sexual pleasure, and improve sexual performance — in both men and women.

If you’re wondering how to boost libido naturally, consider trying one of these 17 supplements. 

1. Maca Root

One of the best supplements to increase libido is Maca Root. This Peruvian-sourced tuber is known for its ability to support energy, mood, and healthy sexual function — it even goes by the nickname ‘Peruvian Viagra.’ Grown at over 13,000 feet, the herby-topped root is best known for its fertility-supporting properties.

One small 2020 randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving infertile men found that supplementing with 2 grams of Maca per day for 12 weeks improved semen concentration (the number of sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen).

It’s important to note that while sperm concentration went up, the supplementation didn’t affect sperm motility or volume. And while sperm concentration can impact male fertility, it’s not the only contributing factor.

Maca might also help with mild erectile dysfunction (ED), which occurs when men have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. 

2. Horny Goat Weed

Epimedium, also known as Horny Goat Weed, is an adaptogen traditionally used to help ignite desire and sensation by boosting libido.

There’s evidence that this natural libido booster is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor like Viagra. PDE5 inhibitors work by widening blood vessels and improving blood flow to the penis. Today, HGW is used as a go-to ingredient to help promote a healthy libido and performance. 

3. Shatavari

Shatavari is an adaptogen traditionally used in Ayurveda to support healthy hormonal balance throughout each phase of life. The thick, succulent roots of this powerful plant are traditionally used to relieve PMS, regulate menstruation, optimize fertility, and alleviate menopausal symptoms. Because hormone imbalance is a common cause of low libido, regulating it can have a positive impact on your sex drive.

When hormone levels are off due to menopause or other factors like chronic stress, Shatavari root may help restore balance, according to research — which can get your juices flowing again. 

4. Shilajit 

Shilajit is traditionally used in Ayurveda and TCM for libido and stamina. Long used as an aphrodisiac, Shilajit powder is traditionally used to balance systems throughout the body and can optimize testosterone, cultivating an increased sexual drive and stamina.

There’s evidence that it may be able to increase testosterone levels in males as well.

While it’s generally regarded as a safe dietary supplement, you should be careful when taking Shilajit if you have low blood pressure or take medications for high blood pressure.

5. Schisandra

The edible berries of the Schisandra plant contain Schisandrins, which may have neuroprotective effects.

Research also suggests that Schisandra extract’s adaptogenic properties may allow the body to better cope with stress, which, in turn, may help you get better sleep and reserve more energy for fun in sheets.

Find Organic Epimedium and Organic Maca Root, Shatavari, Wildcrafted Shilajit, and Schisandra in Sex Dust®, a natural libido supplement for healthy hormone balance and libido. 

6. Ashwagandha

An adaptogen and staple of Ayurvedic Medicine, Ashwagandha root is thought to have a host of health-promoting properties, including improving sexual performance in males.

According to a 2022 placebo-controlled study involving 50 male participants with low sexual desire, supplementing with 300 mg of Ashwagandha twice daily significantly improved self-perceived sexual well-being. At the end of the study period, participants also saw an increase in testosterone levels.

While there are many benefits of Ashwagandha for men, it doesn’t stop there. Ashwagandha may also improve sexual function in women, according to a 2015 pilot study.

While research suggests Ashwagandha can’t directly treat ED, it likely can positively influence cortisol levels, which may indirectly help with sexual dysfunction. Less stress translates to better rest and revitalization. This can mean a greater sex life for both men and women. 

7. Cacao

Chocolate has a close association with romance, and for good reason. Raw cacao is thought to have aphrodisiac properties. As a natural libido booster, it contains flavonols, antioxidants that contribute to improved blood flow and blood vessel relaxation.

Cocoa powder also contains N-acylethanolamines which act on your body’s cannabinoid receptors, and can produce feel-good effects on an individual’s mental health. Chocolate also contains caffeine and other compounds that may positively affect mood. 

8. Damiana

This shrub-like plant has been used as an aphrodisiac for hundreds of years and contains a host of compounds with various potential health effects.

That said, studies on the sexual effects of Damiana are few and far between and mainly involve rats.

Additionally, any human studies involve people taking supplements with several ingredients, so it’s impossible to say whether it’s the Damiana or other ingredients doing the heavy lifting. 

9. Ginseng 

You might know that Ginseng is a nutrient powerhouse containing antioxidants or that it’s thought to have potential brain-boosting effects.

But did you know it might help you in the bedroom, too?

Research suggests that ginsenosides, the active ingredients in Ginseng, may help with sexual function. One study involving 60 men with ED found that taking 1,000 mg of Korean Red Ginseng three times daily for 12 weeks led to improvements in ED symptoms. One otther small clinical study found that Ginseng supplementation markedly increases testosterone levels in participants.

If you’re looking for a natural ginseng energy supplement, Ting from Moon Juice is the perfect pick-me-up. 

10. L-Arginine

Amino acids like L-Arginine are the building blocks of protein. The ingredient has been frequently used in male sexual enhancement supplements.

Evidence suggests L-Arginine may help with ED symptoms, possibly because of an ability to improve blood flow, though the current evidence is inconclusive. 

11. Zinc 

While the link between Zinc and ED isn’t totally clear, ED seems to be a symptom of Zinc deficiency.

Correcting low levels may help improve sexual function in both men and women, according to
one 2021 study.

It’s important to note that taking too much Zinc can have adverse effects, and supplementing with it may lead to toxicity, especially in those who aren’t deficient. 

12. DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone — DHEA for short — is a hormone your body uses to produce sex hormones. As you get older, your body makes less and less DHEA.

There’s evidence that this natural libido booster may help with ED in males and support healthy libido in postmenopausal females.

Still, more research is needed to fully understand the effects (including the side effects) of DHEA supplementation. 

13. Fenugreek

In addition to its culinary applications, Fenugreek is also thought to naturally influence testosterone levels.

While adding it to food might not do the trick, supplementing with greater concentrations may help increase testosterone levels in males.

Overall, though, studies are mixed. 

14. Saw Palmetto 

There’s evidence that the berries from this palm-like tree can limit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is involved in converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which may play a role in male hair loss.

Some believe that Saw Palmetto also influences testosterone in other ways. And while historically, people have used the berries for libido-boosting purposes, there’s not enough evidence to definitively say they’re a sex drive enhancer. 

15. Ginkgo Biloba

Known for its antioxidant nutrient profile and potential brain-boosting effects, Ginkgo Biloba is a tree with a big reputation in TCM.

There’s evidence that Gingko may be able to improve low sex drive.And while Gingko might help with sexy time, it can also interact with some medications, including some prescribed for depression, decreasing its effectiveness.

Ultimately, though, the jury’s still out. 

16. L-Citrulline 

Your body actually converts L-Citrulline to L-Arginine, a process that improves blood flow, potentially helping with ED symptoms.

In one small 2018 placebo-controlled study, men with ED took 800 mg of L-Citrulline and 300 mg of transresveratrol a day for a month. Researchers concluded that the combination therapy was an effective treatment and an option when typical ED medications alone don’t work. 

17. Kava 

This tropical plant is part of the pepper family and has roots in traditional medicine practices from the Pacific Islands. Studies suggest that Kava can improve anxiety symptoms. And if your sex drive is plummeting due to performance anxiety, it may help.

But, it has some serious side effects, notably a potential for liver injury.

Remember that even the sexiest herbs and supplements can have side effects or interact with medications. It’s a good idea to talk with a health professional before supplementing with something new, especially if you live with a health condition or take medications.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, there are many natural supplements to increase libido that work wonders. If you feel like your sex life is lacking or could use a little boost, try incorporating one of these libido enhancer supplements into your daily routine. Be sure to always talk to a doctor first before adding any new supplements or foods to increase libido to your diet.