How to Increase Sex Drive in Women

How to increase sex drive in women? There have been a lot of interest for nutritional supplements that have human evidence for increasing sex drive in women. But are there any? We’ll find out now.

“This site has a lot information how to improve man’s sex life, and at least for my husband, they work too well and I no longer keep up. I’ve have already tried a few things mentioned here, for example as maca seems to be working great. Do you have other good tips on how to raise a woman’s sex drive? Thanks in advance!”

Firstly, if the man has normal testosterone levels and on top of that he uses effective natural Viagra protocols, erection hacks, and testosterone boosters, I think there is no woman who can “keep up” with him. On the other hand, you have a very good problem, as usually its the other way (man lacking sex drive).

Women sex drive basics

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Women’s sex drive begins between the ears

Women’s libido and sex drive are naturally more complex than men. Women’s sex drive begins more between the ears than the genitals. For example, nitric oxide boosters won’t work in women as well as they do in men.

Women’s menstrual cycle also affects women’s sexual desire. Usually, women experience an increased sex drive a few days before ovulation (the most fertile time) when women’s testosterone levels are at highest.

That is, women’s sex drive can be increased by affecting mind and hormones. For example, “female Viagra” Flibanserin1Flibanserin is a medication approved for the treatment of pre-menopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. – Wikipedia affects the brain and increase neurotransmitters levels in the brain. Unfortunately, its price (+$800 per month) and the side effects make it almost unusable for a regular woman.

Like with men, there are fundamental things that affect your sex drive. You should get these fixed before even trying to improve your sex drive with foods or supplements.

Women sex drive basics

  • Exercise: It’s been well-studied that exercise is one of the best natural libido boosters for women. For example, in this study, a simple 20 minutes exercise on treadmill significantly increased physiological sexual arousal in women.2L. Hamilton, E. Fogle, C. Meston, The Roles of Testosterone and Alpha-Amylase in Exercise-Induced Sexual Arousal in Women. J Sex Med. 5, 845–853 (2008). Another study showed that exercise increases vaginal pulse amplitude and vaginal blood volume.3C. Meston, B. Gorzalka, The effects of immediate, delayed, and residual sympathetic activation on sexual arousal in women. Behav Res Ther. 34, 143–8 (1996).Exercise improves sex drive even with women who take anti-depressants.4T. Lorenz, C. Meston, Acute Exercise Improves Physical Sexual Arousal in Women Taking Antidepressants. Ann Behav Med. 43, 352–361 (2012).Even simple exercise like yoga can increase arousal in women.5H. Kim, J. Ryu, K. Kim, S. Song, Effects of yoga on sexual function in women with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. J Sex Med. 10, 2741–51 (2013).
  • Fix vitamin deficiencies: Certain vitamin deficiencies can be disastrous for sex drive. For example, vitamin D3 deficiency is associated with female sexual dysfunction.6M. Canat et al., Vitamin D<sub>3</sub> deficiency is associated with female sexual dysfunction in premenopausal women. Int Urol Nephrol. 48, 1789–1795 (2016).Fortunately, that can be fixed by moderate sun exposure or by with a simple vitamin D supplement.
  • Avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals: Like with men, these things that you get from plastic bottles, food cans, food, toys, cosmetics, and detergents can seriously affect your hormonal health and sex drive. For example, this study found that phthalate exposure is associated with low-interest in sexual activity.7Environmental phthalate exposure is associated with low interest in sexual activity in premenopausal women. American Society for Reproductive Medicine , (available at http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(14)01462-9/fulltext). Make sure your plastic containers are on the safe side or even better replace them with glass containers.
  • Get enough sleep: It’s well studied that lack of sleep raises cortisol levels.8R. Leproult, G. Copinschi, O. Buxton, C. Van, Sleep loss results in an elevation of cortisol levels the next evening. Sleep. 20, 865–70 (1997).And as we know, high cortisol levels are not the best thing for sex drive of women.9L. Hamilton, A. Rellini, C. Meston, Cortisol, Sexual Arousal, and Affect in Response to Sexual Stimuli. J Sex Med. 5, 2111–2118 (2008).Even small improvements in sleep can do a lot, as this study showed that 1 hour more sleep increased sexual desire and the likelihood of sex by 14% on the next day.
  • Don’t smoke: Despite the other negative health effects that smoking provides, nicotine also seems to impair physiological sexual arousal in women and men.10C. Harte, C. Meston, Acute effects of nicotine on physiological and subjective sexual arousal in nonsmoking men: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Sex Med. 5, 110–21 (2008).

    C. Harte, C. Meston, The inhibitory effects of nicotine on physiological sexual arousal in nonsmoking women: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. J Sex Med. 5, 1184–97 (2008).
    American Institute of Andrology researchers also discovered that smokers have less sex and enjoy it less.
  • Licorice root: Like with a man, a very common libido killer also for a woman. The licorice root contains glycyrrhizinic acid, which raises cortisol and effectively lowers testosterone levels. Studies have shown that 5-7 grams of licorice extract or candies containing it (500mg glycyrrhizinic acid) halve testosterone levels in 4 days.11D. Armanini et al., Licorice consumption and serum testosterone in healthy man. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 111, 341–3 (2003).

    D. Armanini, G. Bonanni, M. Palermo, Reduction of Serum Testosterone in Men by Licorice. N Engl J Med. 341 (1999), pp. 1158–1158.
    cutting testosterone in half sounds like cataclysm for men, but it is also a disaster for women because the woman’s sex drive is linked to testosterone.
  • Common drugs that slash sex drive: Many women use antidepressants without knowing that they are very likely to cause sexual dysfunction.12S. Rizvi, S. Kennedy, Psychopharmacology for the Clinician. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 38, E27–E28 (2013).Also using birth control pills decrease libido in some women.13Z. Pastor, K. Holla, R. Chmel, The influence of combined oral contraceptives on female sexual desire: a systematic review. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 18, 27–43 (2013).If you think medicines could be your problem, you have to talk to your doctor about it.

How to Increase Sex Drive in Women

Is there foods or supplements that can increase sex drive in women? Yes, there are some. Here I will list popular foods to improve sex drive in women.

How celery increases sex drive in women?

celery-sticks
Does celery boost sex drive in women?

One of my female friends always says “fucking celery” when she wants sex for the fifth time in the evening. She curses celery because it makes her want more, even “her places” are already far too sore.

Why celery makes women horny?
Celery cytoplasm contains androstenone14Androstenone is steroidal pheromone. It’s found in the saliva of male pigs and celery cytoplasm. – Wikipedia (Mammalian pheromone) which has similar odor corresponding to testosterone metabolite which is called androstadienone.15Androstadienone is a endogenous steroid that has been described as having potent pheromone-like activities in humans. – Wikipedia

Celery also includes many “sex vitamins” such as magnesium and zinc, as well as amino acid arginine which is often called natural Viagra. In addition, celery is one of the best sources for natural nitrate, which increases the production of nitric oxide.

In my experience celery often works too well. However, nobody seems to know actually why and how celery actually works.

Probably the biggest impact of celery is based on the smell, that apparently equates to pheromone androstadienone. In studies, it has been found that the smell of this ingredient increases Feelings of well-being, sexual and physiological arousal in women.16Smelling a Single Component of Male Sweat Alters Levels of Cortisol in Women | Journal of Neuroscience. Journal of Neuroscience, (available at http://www.jneurosci.org/content/27/6/1261.long).Nonetheless, celery is also high in vitamins that are connected to sex drive and a good source for nitrate, which increases blood flow to “strategic locations”.

Basically, when celery is eaten by a man, his sweat starts to smell more to androstadienone which makes women hornier. Also, increased nitric oxide production might play a part in why celery drives women wild.

After I have seen how effective celery is, it’s not a surprise why one of the most famous porn stars in the world known as Peter North has been said to tuck away celery stalks before filming. Also, the world-famous ladies man Casanova liked to eat a lot of celery, though his number 1 aphrodisiac was actually chocolate.

Effective Tip: Eat a pair of raw celery stalks about 4 hours before the date (nutrients are released into the bloodstream about 4 hours after eating).

You could also try out watermelon celery smoothie, or even sex drive boosting juice which contains celery.

Dark chocolate for increasing sex drive in women?

chocolate-cacao
Is dark chocolate good for boosting sex drive in women?

When I read Giacomo Casanova’s biography, I learned that he believed that cocoa is the best aphrodisiac that you can give to women.

Does cocoa really work for sex drive? As it turns out, Casanova was a wise man…

According to the current studies, cocoa ingredients affect the brain, improving mood and well-being, which usually leads to increased libido in women.(​16​)

New research has noted that flavanol-rich cocoa also boosts vasodilation, nitric oxide,17V. Bayard, F. Chamorro, J. Motta, N. Hollenberg, Does Flavanol Intake Influence Mortality from Nitric Oxide-Dependent Processes? Ischemic Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes Mellitus, and Cancer in Panama. Int J Med Sci. 4, 53–58 (2007). lower blood pressure,18N. Hollenberg, N. Fisher, M. McCullough, J Am Soc Hypertens, in press. improve endothelial function,19C. Ferri, D. Grassi, G. Grassi, Cocoa beans, endothelial function and aging: an unexpected friendship? J Hypertens. 24, 1471–4 (2006). etc which of course are important for sexual health.

However, it’s worth to realize that the cocoa drinks in the era of Casanova were considerably different from current sugar chocolate drinks floating in supermarkets.

Chocolate was at that time non-alkaline, very bitter, genuine stuff bloated with healthy flavanols. Nowadays almost all chocolate, even raw cacaos are alkalized with Dutch process.20Dutch cocoa, or alkalized cocoa, is cocoa solids that have been treated with an alkalizing agent to reduce the natural acidity of cocoa – Wikipedia Of course, it makes chocolate taste better, but it also removes some of the flavanols and antioxidants that are a healthy part of cacao.

Here is really informative video about cocoa:

So if you want the full benefits of chocolate, don’t choose that weird milk chocolate mix with 80% sugar or high corn fructose syrup.

You can identify non-alkalized cocoa by its shocking bitter taste, which means that there are still those healthy flavanols left.21K. B. Miller et al., Impact of Alkalization on the Antioxidant and Flavanol Content of Commercial Cocoa Powders. J. Agric. Food Chem. 56 (2008), pp. 8527–8533.

The raw cacao should not be mixed with non-alkaline cacao, because many raw cacao products are alkalized.

The most sensible choice is always a product where reads non-alkalized, non-dutched, etc. The raw cacao in the label does not tell anything really, and even the organic cacao can be alkalized.

Of course, the benefits of flavanol-rich cocoa are not limited to boosting sex drive and health. A new study has shown cocoa to reduce wrinkles and make the skin more elastic. Therefore, it is advisable to choose non-alkaline cacao containing flavanols even if it tastes a little bitter.22H. Yoon et al., Cocoa Flavanol Supplementation Influences Skin Conditions of Photo-Aged Women: A 24-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial. J Nutr. 146, 46–50 (2016).

If you want as little processed non-alkaline chocolate, then the best product I have used is CocoCardio(iHerb), which contain 100% Non-Alkalized cacao.

This product is epic for increasing sex drive, as it also contains beetroot powder and hibiscus extracts. Beetroot is one of the best sources for natural nitrate, as we learned in beetroot article.

The taste of CocoCardio powder is bitter, like real cocoa. If you like a sweeter taste, I suggest getting some stevia also. I personally like add some French vanilla stevia(iHerb) with cococardio sometimes.

asian-woman-thinking-about-sex
It’s possible to increase sex drive with supplements?

Supplements for increasing women sex drive

The problem with supplements is that most of the libido related human studies are made with men suffering from ED (erectile dysfunction). Really, there is not many studies which are made with women suffering from low libido.

Here I will list popular supplements that are commonly known to increase sex drive in women and science behind them (if there is any).

Ashwagandha – is one the best general health supplements out there which almost everybody should be using. Ashwagandha is well-studied to improve sex drive in men and women, lower serum cortisol levels, and even reduce stress and anxiety.

Does ashwagandha have actual studies were women sex drive has increased?

Yes, which I mentioned in ashwagandha article:

“In this 2015 study healthy women were given KSM-66 extract 300mg twice daily for 8 weeks or placebo. Sexual function was tested using the FSFI and FSDS questions before and in the end of study. In the end it was found that ashwagandha KSM-66 improves sexual function in healthy women, according to FSFI and FSDS scores. Scores for desire, arousal, lubrication, satisfaction and orgasm all improved in ashwagandha group. Also successful sexual encounters rise in ashwagandha group, however number of total sexual encounter did not improve.” – Ashwagandha Benefits

Vitamin C – A high vitamin C dose (3000mg) can greatly increase the sex drive (at least in the couple’s relationship). In this vitamin C (3000mg daily) study the frequency of having sex increased from 4 times a month to up to a 14 times a month (placebo resulted sex times falling from 6 to 4 times).

Scientist figure that this might be caused because vitamin C reduce stress, and improve blood circulation and oxytocin release. These processes are related to sexual behavior and mood in women. Also, depressive symptoms decreased with vitamin C which of course can lead to more sex.23S. Brody, High-dose ascorbic acid increases intercourse frequency and improves mood: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Biol Psychiatry. 52, 371–4 (2002).

Yohimbe – is extracted from Yohimbe tree (Pausinystalia Johimbe) which grown in Central Africa. Yohimbe is being marketed for improving sex drive for men and women. In studies, Yohimbe has shown beneficial effects in men that suffer erection dysfunction.24E. Ernst, M. Pittler, Yohimbine for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Urol. 159, 433–6 (1998).

But does it have any evidence improving women’s sex drive?

Well, while there is no direct studies which tell that Yohimbe increased women sex drive. However, Yohimbe is thought to improve other things that might affect women sex drive. According to studies, yohimbine can increase noradrenaline25Norepinephrine – Wikipedia. by suppressing adrenoceptor.26O. Cameron, J. Zubieta, L. Grunhaus, S. Minoshima, Effects of yohimbine on cerebral blood flow, symptoms, and physiological functions in humans. Psychosom Med. 62, 549–59 (2000).

U. Ehlert, K. Erni, G. Hebisch, U. Nater, Salivary alpha-amylase levels after yohimbine challenge in healthy men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 91, 5130–3 (2006).

M. Berlan et al., Plasma catecholamine levels and lipid mobilization induced by yohimbine in obese and non-obese women. Int J Obes. 15, 305–15 (1991).

This study demonstrated that Yohimbe increased noradrenaline which leads to a rise in arousal levels and lowered anxiety in humans.27Y. Mizuki, M. Suetsugi, I. Ushijima, M. Yamada, Differential effects of noradrenergic drugs on anxiety and arousal in healthy volunteers with high and low anxiety. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 20, 1353–67 (1996).

Also, there is a study which tested how yohimbine and L-arginine affect vaginal pulse amplitude responses when women watch a porn film.

“The combined oral administration of L-arginine glutamate and yohimbine substantially increased vaginal pulse amplitude responses to the erotic film at 60 min postdrug administration compared with placebo.”28C. Meston, M. Worcel, The effects of yohimbine plus L-arginine glutamate on sexual arousal in postmenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder. Arch Sex Behav. 31, 323–32 (2002).

Yohimbe Safety?
Due to the nature of the Yohimbe (affecting noradrenaline), you have to be really careful when taking Yohimbe supplements. According to the study (California Poison Control System reported cases), these are the most common adverse effects of Yohimbe: gastrointestinal distress, tachycardia, anxiety/agitation, and hypertension.29T. Kearney, N. Tu, C. Haller, Adverse drug events associated with yohimbine-containing products: a retrospective review of the California Poison Control System reported cases. Ann Pharmacother. 44, 1022–9 (2010).

You should always follow the dosage instruction as instructed in the package. If you overdose Yohimbe accidentally or deliberately side effects can be life threatening like this particular bodybuilder.30A. Giampreti, D. Lonati, C. Locatelli, L. Rocchi, M. Campailla, Acute neurotoxicity after yohimbine ingestion by a body builder. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 47, 827–9 (2009).

Panax Ginseng – is a very popular Asian herbal plant that has gained popularity even in Western countries. Traditional Chinese medicine used it to increase Jing energy among other things. In Western countries, Panax ginseng is used mainly to improve sexual health and general well-being (adaptogen). Panax ginseng is also said to be effective in improving sex drive in women.

But does Panax ginseng actually have any human study that show it work on women?

This study tested how Panax Ginseng (same thing as Korean red ginseng) extracts would improve sexual function in menopausal women. Menopausal women were given 1 gram panax ginseng or placebo daily. After they were tested using FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) and GAQ (Global Assessment Questionnaire). significant improvements were seen on FSFI and GAQ scores.

The scientist concluded:” Oral administration of KRG extracts improved sexual arousal in menopausal women. Red ginseng extracts might be used as an alternative medicine in menopausal women to improve their sexual life.”31K. Oh, M. Chae, H. Lee, H. Hong, K. Park, Effects of Korean red ginseng on sexual arousal in menopausal women: placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover clinical study. J Sex Med. 7, 1469–77 (2010).

Maca root – Studies have shown that Maca root is very efficient in improving libido and erections in men. But does it work for women also? Well, don’t really need to read studies, because I personally know many women that use maca root for improving their sex drive and they all swear that it always improves their desire for sex. Heck, some of them even report bigger curves.

But are there actual human studies where consumption of a maca root has increased and improved women sex drive?

In this crossover trial,32N. Brooks et al., Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause. 15, 1157–62 (2008). 14 postmenopausal women were given 3,5 grams of maca powder or placebo daily for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks they crossed the subjects maca to placebo and placebo to maca powder. Blood test’s and Greene Menopause Index test were made after 6 and 12 weeks.

After the study was over, there was no difference in concentrations of estradiol, FSH, LH or SHBG between starting levels. However, in Greene Menopause Index test maca won over placebo, showing lower scores for anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction.

Learn more about benefits of maca root here.

Muira Puama (Ptychopetalum Olacoides) – is a popular sex drive booster that is advertised to work for woman also. Currently, Muira Puama has really weak scientifical evidence for women. There is not really any recent double placebo-controlled human study that would show Muira Puama to work for increasing sex drive in women. This, of course, does not stop marketers from recycling old tales and people experiences with this herb.

There is one study where muira puama and ginkgo biloba was tested on women complaining low sex drive. This combo showed improvements in frequency of sexual desires, sexual intercourse, and sexual fantasies. However, there was no placebo group.33J. Waynberg, S. Brewer, Effects of Herbal vX on libido and sexual activity in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Adv Ther. 17, 255–62 (2000).

Recommended supplements for improving sex drive in women:
If you want to test some supplements for increasing sex drive then I’d choose those which have the most scientifical evidence.

If you look at the studies then these supplement have the most evidence behind them:

– Gelatinized Maca root powder For more info see: Maca root experiences (Available from iHerb for international shipping. For U.S customer also at Amazon.com)
– Ashwagandha For more info see: Experiences on Ashwagandha Benefits Recommended extract used in studies: KSM-66. (Available from Amazon and in iHerb for international shipping)
– Flavanol-rich cocoa with no added sugar (for example Cococardio)

If you have not yet ordered from iHerb.com you can use my discount code: KLJ962 to get 10% off from your first order. Also everyone gets 5% off from all orders. While you’ll benefit from this, I also benefit by getting “iHerb credits” that I can use towards my next orders. Thank you for this!

Conclusion

As you can see, there are some tricks and even nutritional supplements that can increase sex drive in women. However, there are also supplements which have very little scientifical evidence and using them might cause adverse effects.

Like with a man, I’d first to get the basics down, this meaning: enough high-quality sleep, exercise, and healthy diet. If you’re still lacking sex drive, experiment with perfectly safe and effective herbs like maca root, ashwagandha, and of course enjoy the real chocolate.

2 thoughts on “How to Increase Sex Drive in Women

  1. I’ve had same experiences with celery. Its crazy how it works.
    Great informative site.
    Btw. you have link for good vitamin c supplement?

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