How to Increase Female Libido After 40 | 7 Natural Tips

One (small) study found that drinking a glass a day for 2 weeks improved testosterone levels in men and women.

5 Herbs For Women’s Libido Backed By Science

“Primary care physicians and women’s health specialists talk with people all the time about issues of sexual dysfunction and sexual interest,” Dr. Zanotti reassures. “Don’t be shy about sharing changes in your libido, especially if they’re causing you distress. And your sexual health matters as much as the rest of it.” Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. Arousal without orgasm can be uncomfortable, but it’s no reason to pressure sexual interactions Some foods are thought to rev up your sex drive, despite lack of scientific evidence If anxiety is keeping you from having the sex life you want, communication, education and therapy can help Anorgasmia is a fairly common concern with a wide range of physical and psychological causes Your sexual history directly influences your physical, mental and emotional health in a multitude of ways ‘Safer sex’ means STI prevention, avoiding unintended pregnancies and psychologically safe practices for everyone It’s perfectly normal for gas pockets to ‘evacuate’ during the motions of sex Stay away from hand lotion and honey, but coconut oil can do the trick These tiny saltwater larvae can get trapped under your swimsuit and trigger an itchy reaction called seabather’s eruption Searching nature for edible items requires training and knowledge to avoid poisonous plants Yes, but you can protect yourself with hats, scarves or even hair sunblock Aging WellAllergiesCancer Care & PreventionChronic PainCold, Flu & Respiratory IllnessesDiabetes & EndocrinologyDigestiveEar, Nose & ThroatEye CareInfectious DiseaseLungOral HealthParentingPregnancy & ChildbirthRecipesRheumatology & ImmunologySenior HealthSex & RelationshipsSleepUrinary & Kidney HealthWeight Loss Rendered: Tue May 26 2026 05:11:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Aphrodisiacs are foods and herbs that are thought to get you in the mood for lovemaking or to increase your sex drive.

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The word comes from the name Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Legend has it that Casanova, the Italian adventurer and perhaps history’s most famous lover, slurped down dozens of oysters before bedding down with his partners. But do foods and herbs really work as aphrodisiacs to heighten your mood or boost your sexual performance? Foods considered aphrodisiacs are those that aim to stimulate the love senses (sight, smell, taste, and touch). But you can’t really eat your way to better sex.

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No food has been scientifically proven to stimulate the human sex organs. But foods and the act of eating can suggest sex to the mind, which in turn can help stimulate desire in the body. Here are some foods considered to be natural aphrodisiacs: Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts in particular help you better pump blood throughout your body. That may improve your heart health and blood pressure or help you get and keep an erection. Eating 2-3 ounces of pistachios each day also may be good. The hormone is plentiful in men and is needed for both sexes to kick the sex drive into high gear. Ancient Aztecs considered it a powerful aphrodisiac. Chocolate contains the compound phenylethylamine, aka the “chemical of love.” But chocolate’s power as an aphrodisiac is probably more myth than reality. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are aphrodisiac fruits, good for your overall health. They also may help men keep erections. Researchers found that foods rich in flavonoids—nutrients that give fruits and vegetables their color—are linked to a lower risk of erectile dysfunction (inability to get or keep an erection). Also, blackberries contain zinc, which may play a role in regulating bayer vardenafil testosterone production.

• Mindfulness and meditation reduce stress, positively affecting libido.
• Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking can improve sexual health.
• Therapy or counseling can address emotional barriers to desire.
• Yoga practices can enhance body awareness and arousal.

A drink or two may lower your inhibitions and put you in the mood for romance. One study found that women who drank a glass or two of red wine a day reported more desire, lubrication, and overall sexual satisfaction than nondrinkers. But too much alcohol can cause sexual problems, such as not getting your penis hard or not having orgasms. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation, Certain qualities in foods are thought to elicit sensuality. Foods considered sexy are generally those that are: So if you're planning a romantic encounter, you may want to take note of your menu. Some herbs are said to increase sexual desire and performance or to cure erectile dysfunction. These may be brewed in a tea or taken as an herbal supplement. Talk to your doctor before adding herbs to your diet.

Hormone	Role in Libido	Normal Levels	Factors Affecting Levels	Common Disorders	Management Strategies
Estrogen	Enhances arousal, vaginal lubrication	15-350 pg/mL	Menopause, stress	Estrogen deficiency, menopause	Hormone therapy, supplements
Testosterone	Increases desire and arousal	6-86 ng/dL	Age, stress, health status	Androgen deficiency	Hormone replacement therapy
Progesterone	Balances estrogen effects	0.2-25 ng/mL	Pregnancy, cycle phase	Imbalance affecting libido	Medical evaluation
Cortisol	Stress hormone, impact on desire	6-23 μg/dL	Stress levels	Elevated levels reduce libido	Stress management
DHEA	Precursor to sex hormones	35-430 μg/dL	Age, health status	Deficiency reduces arousal	DHEA supplementation

Here are herbs that some people have used to try to increase their sex drive: This herb comes from fan-shaped leaves on trees found throughout Asia. It may increase blood flow to the genitals and improve sexual function in men and women.

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One study in women showed an improvement in sexual excitement when ginkgo was paired with sex therapy. Some studies say ginseng may heighten sexual excitement in postmenopausal women and help men get and hold an erection. Red ginseng is particularly popular as an aphrodisiac. A review of several studies on red ginseng showed that it may work for erectile dysfunction, but further research is needed. Another study found ginseng was only slightly more effective than a placebo (dummy drug) for keeping an erection.

Factor	Description	Impact on Libido	Tips for Improvement	Additional Notes
Regular Exercise	Aerobic and strength training	Increases blood flow, mood	Aim for 3-4 sessions weekly	Reduces stress and anxiety
Stress Management	Meditation, yoga, deep breathing	Enhances arousal, reduces cortisol	Practice daily or as needed	Improves overall well-being
Adequate Sleep	7-9 hours per night	Restores hormonal balance	Maintain sleep schedule	Avoid screens before bed
Communication with Partner	Open dialogue about desires	Builds intimacy, trust	Schedule regular talks	Enhances emotional connection
Limiting Alcohol	Moderate consumption	Prevents negative impact on desire	Limit to 1-2 drinks per occasion	Excess can decrease libido
Avoiding Smoking	Tobacco use cessation	Improves blood flow, health	Seek support if needed	Benefits overall health

People who are pregnant or have certain cancers shouldn’t take the herb. This root vegetable grows in the Andes Mountains in South America and is usually ground into a powder. In a 12-week study, men reported an increase in desire after treatment with 3,000 milligrams of maca. But more research is needed before this claim can be proven.

• Aphrodisiac foods like oysters and dark chocolate may boost libido.
• Staying hydrated helps maintain energy and sexual function.
• Hormonal therapies or contraceptives can influence libido levels.
• Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to lower sexual desire.

This is an herb that’s been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. One study showed that it helped sexual function in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. But an earlier study didn’t find any improvement. Tribulus also may help get you more interested in sex. After using it, some women reported better lubrication and orgasms and generally more satisfying lovemaking. Research shows that when it comes to aphrodisiacs, it's mostly in our heads—they work if we think they will. This might be due to the placebo effect.

2. Chasteberry

It’s one of the few fruits that contain healthy unsaturated fats. It also can help keep your hormones in balance. Avocados also have folate, a vitamin needed to make histamine, a compound released during orgasms. It’s called a superfood because it’s packed with antioxidants. Pomegranate juice may supersize your sex life, too. A placebo is an inactive substance, such as a sugar pill, given to someone who is under the impression it is a drug.

Food Item	Nutrients	Effect on Libido	Serving Size	Additional Benefits	Notes
Dark Chocolate	Flavonoids, Phenylethylamine	Elevates mood, stimulates desire	1-2 oz	Antioxidants	Consume in moderation
Oysters	Zinc, Amino acids	Increases testosterone, arousal	3-4 raw oysters	Immune boost	Classic aphrodisiac
Avocado	Healthy fats, Vitamin E	Hormonal balance, blood flow	1/2 fruit	Heart health	Raw or in salads
Red Ginseng	Ginsenosides	Energy boost, libido enhancement	1 tsp extract	Improved mental clarity	Often as tea or supplement
Watermelon	Citrulline	Improves blood flow	1 cup slices	Hydration	Often called natural Viagra
Pumpkin Seeds	Zinc, Magnesium	Hormone regulation, libido support	1 oz	Prostate and sleep health	Snack or salad topping

It's often used by doctors when testing whether a new drug really works—one group of patients gets the new drug and the other gets the sugar pill, with neither group being aware of which one they got.

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Vaginal dryness can sometimes cause pain during intercourse, which can affect your sexual desire. If vaginal dryness is contributing to your low interest, you may find relief with vaginal estrogen or a vaginal DHEA suppository. That is, an insert that you place in your vagina daily. It’s a hormone treatment that’s been shown to be effective in managing vaginal dryness. That may help increase genital sensitivity in postmenopausal females especially.

2. Mindfulness and Meditation

But some people find that it can increase libido as a happy side effect. It may be prescribed off-label for low sex drive, regardless of whether you’re living with depression. While medications may address some of the physical aspects of getting you “in the mood,” emotional support can help, too. Especially if your low libido is connected to any social, emotional, interpersonal or mental health concerns. “For most people, sex the pink pill for women and sexual arousal is two-pronged — you need your body to respond in certain ways and you also need to be mentally interested,” Dr.

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Zanotti explains. “If your mind is focused on other concerns, it’s easy for sexual desire to wane.” Talking with a mental health professional can help you better address any psychological barriers that are holding your libido down. If you notice a dip in your interest in sex, it can feel isolating. But Dr. Zanotti emphasizes that you don’t have to suffer in silence. Sometimes people feel better just from taking the sugar pill.

• Pelvic floor exercises improve blood flow and sexual pleasure.
• Herbal supplements like damiana may serve as natural libido enhancers.
• Avoiding excessive caffeine can prevent anxiety that hampers desire.
• Acupuncture has been used to help improve sexual function.

The “placebo effect” is when a person's physical or mental health seems to improve just from taking a placebo treatment. So if you think eating raw oysters will give a jolt to your sex drive and sexual stamina, your anticipation of this powerful effect can help it come true.

2. Ginseng

“The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone and that low sex drive isn’t a reflection on you or your relationship.” Depending on the reasons for your decreased sexual interest, there are medications and other options available that may help you get your groove back. “Low sexual desire is often multifactorial, and medications may not fix it all,” Dr. Zanotti acknowledges. “It’s important to investigate the causes. Medication, along with seeing a sexual therapist, can be very helpful for various sexual dysfunction issues.” Dr.

5: Improve your diet and nutrition

Zanotti explains some options to increase female libido. This prescription pill has been available since 2015. Flibanserin (brand name Addyi®) is taken nightly and can ramp up sex drive, Dr. Zanotti explains. It may cause drowsiness and shouldn’t be taken within two hours of drinking alcohol.

Ingredient focus for sensory and nervous system: Saffron

Don’t expect fireworks to happen immediately, though. The medication takes about two months to start working. But you may find it’s worth the wait. Vyleesi® is an on-demand prescription medication — as in, take it when the mood is right. (Or at least 45 minutes before you anticipate the mood being right.) Vyleesi is an injectable medication you use in your thigh or abdomen. While it may be OK to experiment with different aphrodisiac foods on your own, you should talk to a doctor before trying aphrodisiac herbs and supplements.