It’s normal for your interest not to match your partner’s at times. It’s also common to lose interest in sex from time to time – and libido levels vary through life.
However, low libido for a long period of time may cause concern and can sometimes be an indicator of an underlying health condition.
Low libido is a term used to describe a reduced sex drive that can interfere with sexual activity and it can affect both men and women equally.
While low libido can cause tension in a relationship, fostering doubt and guilt in both partners, it can often be treated if the underlying cause is identified, restoring the relationship.
Low libido can sometimes be caused by one factor but is more often related to multiple factors that each contribute in their own way. The more common causes include low testosterone, medications, depression, chronic illness, and stress.
Here are 7 effective ways to naturally boost your libido:
1. Manage stress
Often, stress and anxiety can be a huge contributing factor to low libido. It is suggested that regular exercise and honest communication can help prevent anxiety affecting libido. Aerobic workouts like running, biking and swimming help improve blood flow to your sex organs and can put you in the right mood.
2. Try herbs
Some herbs are used by cultures globally as aphrodisiacs and they are believed to stimulate nerves in one’s genitalia whilst others increase the levels of nitric oxide.
Next time you cook a special meal, add a little basil or garlic to your dish. The smell of basil stimulates the senses. Garlic contains high levels of allicin, and increases blood flow.
3. Communicate
Couples who learn to communicate in an open, honest way generally have a stronger emotional connection, which often leads to better sex. Communicating about sex and your sexual needs is also is important. Talking about your likes and dislikes can set the stage for greater sexual intimacy.
4. Get enough sleep
Getting good sleep can improve a person’s overall mood and energy levels, and some research links the quality of sleep to the quality of one’s libido. Those with a hectic lifestyle don’t always have the time to get the right amount of sleep. Being busy also makes it difficult to make time for sex.
5. Drink red wine
It’s no secret that a little alcohol can lower your inhibitions and make you feel a little looser, but red wine is better than liquor or beer when it comes to boosting your libido.
Research has shown that those who drink moderate amounts of red wine had a greater sex drive than those who didn’t drink or drank white wine.
6. Try eating certain fruits
Little evidence supports the effectiveness of certain foods, but there’s no harm in experimenting.
Figs, bananas, and avocados, for example, are considered libido-boosting foods, known as aphrodisiacs. These foods increases blood flow to the genitals and promote a healthy sex life.
7. Try eating chocolate
Throughout history, chocolate has been a symbol of desire. Not just because of its delicious taste, but because of its power to improve sexual pleasure.
According to one study, chocolate promotes the release of phenylethylamine and serotonin into your body. This can produce some aphrodisiac and mood-lifting effects.
