Libido-Boosting Nootropics That Work
Natural libido boosting nootropics have been around for thousands of years. They are reliable, potent, and plentiful in both Eastern and Western cultures alike. Some nootropics are more powerful libido boosters, providing stimulation for both men and women. Other nootropics are better oriented for a particular gender. Choosing the right nootropic for sex drive means understanding each nootropic’s benefits fully, and how they benefit a nootropic stack.
Top 6 Nootropics for Libido and Sex Drive
Of the many nootropics which can help boost libido, these are the top six nootropic supplements for increasing sex drive.
Ashwagandha
Besides Ashwagandha’s ability to improve semen count and quality in men (Chevallier, 2016), the herb has been proven to provide aid for those suffering from erectile dysfunction (Weil, 2004). The plant also helps with stress reduction, which is wildly beneficial when it comes to the libido-boosting facets of the nootropic (Balch, 2010). Ultimately, the herb’s libido benefits can be traced to Ashwagandha’s improvement to blood circulation (Ambiye et al., 2013). While the herb offers many other benefits as well, it is obvious that it has proven itself as a strong, natural, libido booster.
Bacopa Monnieri
As an adaptogen, Bacopa is one of the best herbs for relieving stress and lowering anxiety (Aguiar & Borowski, 2013). This makes the herb excellent for improving sexual activity and sex drive, as stress is often a huge contributing factor to decreased libido. It is well known for its ability to improve erectile dysfunction and give men a boost in the bedroom (Chevallier, 2016). It can be used to treat infertility iwomen, while also offering improvements to overall female libido (2016). It’s important to note, however, that while the herb can help improve libido in both genders, it may stunt sperm production in men (Mishra et al., 2018). Still, it is considered one of the most powerful, natural aphrodisiacs around (2018).
Codyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps Mushroom is one of the most potent nootropics for improving energy and reducing fatigue (Hirsch et al., 2017). Improving energy and reducing fatigue helps improve the bedroom experience and libido alike. In fact, the fungi has been proven to offer powerful benefits to all aerobic and anaerobic exercises (2017). There are many studies which outline izts capabilities in terms of improving endurance and athletic power (Kumar et al., 2011). As if enhancing libido for both genders weren’t enough, the herb is also well-known to treat infertility in men (Panda & Swain, 2011). In fact, it is even purportedly able to boost testosterone, increase and extend erectile capacity, and resolve erectile dysfunction in men (2011).
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola has a long history as a general aid to vitality and energy, being used throughout all traditional Asian and Indian medicines (Chevallier, 2016). The herb can energize the body, reduce stress, and promote many health benefits. In addition to these benefits, it is well-known for its use as a natural aphrodisiac and general mood-boosting libido supplement (2016). Part of its improvements to the sex drive comes from its ability to increase blood flow, even allowing the plant the opportunity to favorably impact erectile dysfunction (Qinna et al., 2009). It may improve testosterone in men (Sodhi, 2006). It can also decrease fatigue and improve overall sex drive in both genders (2006). Gotu Kola could perhaps be called one of the most powerful nootropics for libido.
Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng has been a long part of traditional Eastern medicines, however, it has become a recent Western staple for many holistic benefits as well. The herb provides massive benefits to athletic performance, stamina, and the body’s ability to combat fatigue (Chevallier, 2016). It’s overall boost to energy is wildly useful in terms of libido and performance in the bedroom for both men and women (2016). It reduces anxiety, allowing the mind and body to better focus (Orr, 2014). And it has been used for thousands of years for its natural aphrodisiac and libido boosting properties in both men and women (Chevallier, 2016). One recent study even revealed the herb to have a positive effect on sex glands (Balch, 2010).
Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is a potent energy and stamina booster, having a long history of use as a natural aid to sex drive (Rehman et al., 2016). It is well-known for its ability to boost athletic performance and reduce fatigue (Khanijo and Jiraungkoorskul, 2016). It is used throughout much of Asia as an herbal viagra, helping combat erectile dysfunction (Tambi & Imran, 2010). It reduces stress, improves relaxation, and works as a stable libido booster, even improving male fertility (2010). It could improve testosterone, and is often used to improve overall sexual performance (Ang et al., 2000). The herb is such a common libido booster that it even maintains the nick name “Ali’s Walking Stick” in reference to its aphrodisiac benefits (Rehman et al., 2016).
Some Last Words of Wisdom When Using Nootropics for Libido
Finding the right nootropic for libido may take a bit of trial and error, as each nootropic works differently from metabolism to metabolism. These nootropics also work differently between genders, with some only working for one gender or the other. Many times, individuals will choose a selection of more than one nootropic supplements to boost libido or help with fertility. Regardless, the nootropics on this list are the most potent in terms of improving sex drive and overall libido.
A Note From NooFiles
This article is intended to be used for information only. We want to remind you that consulting your physician is recommended before adding any dietary supplement of any kind to your daily regimen.
Sources
Aguiar, S., & Borowski, T. (2013). Neuropharmacological review of the nootropic herb Bacopa monnieri. Rejuvenation research. Vol. 16(4). Pp. 313–326. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/rej.2013.1431
Ambiye, V., Langade, D., Dongre, S., Aptikar, P., Kulkarni, M., and Dongre, A. (2013). Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. PMID: 571420. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/571420
Ang, H., Cheang, H., and Yusof, A. (2000). Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) on the initiation of sexual performance of inexperienced castrated male rats. Exp Anim. Vol. 49(1). Pp. 35-8. DOI: 10.1538/expanim.49.35
Balch, P. (2010). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Fifth Edition. Avery Publishing. New York, New York. ISBN 978-1-58333-400-3
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Third Edition. DK Publishing. New York, New York. ISBN 978-1-4654-4981-8
Hirsch, K. R., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Roelofs, E. J., Trexler, E. T., & Mock, M. G. (2017). Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. Journal of dietary supplements. Vol. 14(1). Pp. 42–53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386
Khanijo, T., and Jiraungkoorskul, W. (2016). Review Ergogenic Effect of Long Jack, Eurycoma Longifolia. Pharmacognosy reviews, Vol. 10(20). Pp. 139–142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.194041
Kumar, R., Negi, P., Singh, B., Ilavazhagan, G., Bhargava, K., Sethy, N., (2011). Cordyceps sinensis promotes exercise endurance capacity of rats by activating skeletal muscle metabolic regulators. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Vol. 136(1). Pp. 260-266. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.040.
Mishra, R. K., Singh, S., & Singh, S. K. (2018). Natural products in regulation of male fertility. The Indian journal of medical research. Vol. 148(Suppl). Pp. S107–S114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1968_17
Orr, S. (2014). The New American Herbal. Clarkson Potter Publishers. New York, New York. ISBN 978-0-449-81993-7
Panda, A. K., & Swain, K. C. (2011). Traditional uses and medicinal potential of Cordyceps sinensis of Sikkim. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 2(1), 9–13. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.78183
Qinna, N., Taha, H., Matalka, K., and Badwan, A. (2009). A new herbal combination, Etana, for enhancing erectile function: an efficacy and safety study in animals. Int J Impot Res. Vol. 21(5). Pp.315-20. DOI: 10.1038/ijir.2009.18
Rehman, S. U., Choe, K., and Yoo, H. H. (2016). Review on a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali): Its Traditional Uses, Chemistry, Evidence-Based Pharmacology and Toxicology. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), Vol. 21(3). Pp. 331. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21030331
Sodhi, V. (2006). Male Sexual Health: An Ayurvedic Perspective. Naturopathic Doctor News & Review. Retrieved from: https://ndnr.com/mens-health/male-sexual-health-an-ayurvedic-perspective/
Tambi, M. I., & Imran, M. K. (2010). Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian journal of andrology, 12(3), 376–380. https://doi.org/10.1038/aja.2010.7 Weil, A. (2004). Natural Health, Natural Medicine. Houghton Mifflin Publishing. New York, New York. ISBN 978-0-618-47903-0