- The quirky saying about how certain alcohols can cause a man to become temporarily affected with erectile dysfunction isn't just a saying. Hops is the ingredient used to give beer its signature bitter taste--and it also can cause a person's libido to drop. Hops may cause vaginal dryness in females; in males, hops may lead to failure to obtain an erection.
- Known botanically as Vitex; the berries of the chaste tree received their nickname because of their effect on the libido when they are consumed. Long ago, monks began to consume chaste berries to subdue their natural sexual urges to remain pure. This practice earned the chaste berries another nickname: Monk's Pepper. Chaste berries are often used to rebalance hormones in women and give consistency to ovulation and menstruation.
- Because valerian is also a suppressant herb, like hops, it may work to decrease an excessively high libido. Valerian is used to calm nerve-related responses to physical pains and normal physical function. Valerian is also used to induce relaxation and acts as a sleep aid. It has been known to relieve menstrual cramps. In the case of libido, valerian is not scientifically proven to decrease libido, but many users claim to have experienced a lowered sex drive due to other effects it has.
- Skullcap works by lowering blood pressure, which can make erections harder to obtain. Skullcap also suppresses nervous system responses such as arousal.
- A Chinese herb called rehmannia glutinosa is known to remedy hormone deficiencies that cause people to have increased libidos and feel obligated to procreate frequently. Another herbal hormone suppressant with the same effect is ligustrum.
- Many herbs have proved to increase libido. For women, ashwaghanda, gentian, ginko biloba and muira puama will increase libido. Liquorice, horny goat weed and kola nut are herbs that will work specifically to increase libido in men. Siberian ginseng, tribulus, sarsaparilla and saw palmetto will increase libido for both sexes.
