TEA FOR TWO: 7 Sexy Herbal Infusions That May Help Spark Desire

Steamy things to sip on

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re the only female on the planet that hasn’t been feeling in “the mood” lately, the odds are probably the complete opposite. Today, so many chemicals are not only a major component of the products we bathe ourselves in daily, but leach into our food and water supply, our air, our homes… it’s unavoidable. A major result? An unbalanced endocrine system.

But it’s not only a chemical reaction from external factors. Chronic stress, medications, political atmospheres and more can all wreak havoc on our delicate adrenals, causing more hormonal disruption and an inability to truly relax. While we will always recommend seeking professional help when things get dark, we often think it’s worth it to explore more homeopathic options before it reaches that point.

Herbal supplements are a powerful tool in helping our body relax, and gaining equilibrium in our incredibly complex system of hormones that control our moods, thoughts, hunger, and yes, sexual drive. Here are some of our favorite herbs you can take as a capsule, a powder in your smoothie or coffee, or brew in a tea to help give you a little boost in the bedroom.

Maca

This powerful root is native to the Peruvian Andes, and was often chewed for energy and mood lifts. Studies show that just 3mg per day can boost libido in women (and men) and can assist with serotonin uptake for a happier mood.

Pine Pollen

This powerful vegan adaptogenic herb is best consumed raw instead of heated up in tea, so sprinkle it on top of food or blend it into a cooling smoothie. It’s known to stimulate the immune system, support natural detoxification, curb hunger, alleviate pain and inflammation, and increase the body’s resistance to the negative effects of stress. It also boosts testosterone production—yes, women produce testosterone, which is a hormone known for sex drive and desire.

Horny Goat Weed

Besides this hilarious colloquial name that we find to be a little too on-the-nose, horny goat weed is one of the most well-known natural libido boosters on the market. It can thin the blood slightly, which improves circulation, which can be very helpful when you’re counting on blood flow to happen in an ehem, certain area. It’s also helpful for alleviating some of the symptoms of PMS, like constricted blood vessels and muscles that produce cramping.

Red Clover

If you’re post-menopausal or struggling with a dip in estrogen, this plant is chock-full of phytoestrogens to mimic the hormone and balance your system. This can help with your ability to sleep well, which will affect your mood, skin, and libido on its own, but it’s also shown to help with those issues individually.

Shatavari

An excellent Ayurvedic adaptogen for premenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women, Shatavari is best known to help balance hormones, soothe PMS symptoms as all, and prevent dryness in the body. It’s an excellent herb to combat stress, promote relaxation, and sensual awareness.

Ashwagandha

Incredibly nutrient and mineral dense, this adaptogenic bark may elevate communication between the pituitary glands and hypothalamus for a recalibration of the hormones after a long bout of birth control pills or other forms of hormonal contraception. This helps reduce cortisol and increase circulation as well as the production of healthy blood. This increased blood flow is great for fertility and sexual health, as well as less painful or symptomatic periods.

Tribulus

This Ayurvedic herb is known to be beneficial for urinary tract health, which is an enormously important factor in sexual health in general. But, it’s also shown to enhance libido, which might have to do with its testosterone-boosting properties, similar to that of pine pollen.