When it comes to self-awareness about our health, our attention is typically focused on our physical health as well as our mental and emotional well-being. If we get sick from the flu or suffer an injury, we typically seek over-the-counter medicinal relief and/or pay a visit to our doctor, an urgent care clinic or the ER for answers and treatment. If we experience extended bouts of depression, fear, or anxiety, a consultation with our personal physician likely will lead to a referral to a mental health therapist or licensed counselor.
Keeping it simple does it. But no so fast when sexual issues arrive.
Sexual health is something that many of us don’t pay much attention to until we encounter an unexpected and untimely drop in libido or sexual performance. That’s when the “right time” suddenly turns into “bad timing”: you are unable to perform in the moment or feel no desire to try even when your partner flashes you an enthusiastic thumbs-up green light. That leaves both parties baffled, exposed (in more ways than one) and perhaps humiliated. Questions and doubt about intimacy and trust in the relationship arise.
There is always hope for a resolution going forward if faced with stalled intimate relationships. Some of that hope is readily available in natural remedies – supplements, herbs, nutrients, etc. – that might bring back a ray of sunshine. Following are brief descriptions of eleven natural remedies – both men and women are covered here – available over the counter to address sexual issues– some of which are gender-specific. If you are thinking of adding any supplement(s) to your daily regimen, make it a point to meet with your personal physician to discuss how best to proceed (or not to proceed) for reasons specific to your personal health).
Vitamin D. One more reason to call this the “sunshine” vitamin. A prominent medical journal published a systematic review that linked significantly reduced vitamin D levels in men with moderate-to-severe erectile dysfunction.
Dong quai. Known as a “fragrant herb,” dong quai has the potential to alleviate period pain and menopausal symptoms and quell other unwanted factors.
Fenugreek. This herb has attracted interest from health experts for its capacity to promote sexual arousal and intimate comfort, which are factors linked to sexual vitality in women, while improving personal enjoyment.
Horny goat weed. Long used in traditional Chinese medicine dating back hundreds of years, this herb is known to enhance sexual function, treat reduced libido and support energy levels.
L-Arginine. This amino acid has a part in optimizing blood flow, which, for women, is instrumental to the health and responsiveness of their intimate tissues.
Maca root. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many women have already used maca, which is sourced from the Peruvian Andes, to enable feelings of sustained energy without the jitters often linked to stimulants.
Magnesium. This popular nutrient has the potential to bolster your body’s usable testosterone by freeing up locked, inactive testosterone and reducing your body’s main stress hormone – cortisol.
Niacin (Vitamin B3). Here’s one for both men and women. For men, healthy erections and arousal rely on good blood flow; which brings us to niacin (as well as B12), which can help ward off factors or agents that could narrow arteries. As for women, niacin/B3’s ability to bolster blood flow might enhance orgasms. It also aids in the conversion of enzymes to energy, which can fuel vigorous sexual activity.
Omega-3’s. Another supplement for men and women alike. By ramping up dopamine levels and diminishing your body’s inflammation, these fatty acids can enhance mood, promote arousal and provide other benefits that enhance sexual interaction.
Tribulus terrestris. Research has indicated that this herbal supplement has the potential to elevate libido and sexual desire.
Zinc. This mineral is crucial for male reproductive health, as low levels of zinc can interfere with sperm production.
Granted, that’s a wide assortment of optional supplements, but we often believe that the more information we can provide the better. If you are experiencing a sexual-health issue, perhaps there is one or more natural remedies on this list that could be the right fit for you, and worth considering before assuming you need a prescription medicine or some sort of procedure. Again, first talk it over with your doctor.