5 natural libido boosters for men
Most men (particularly as they get older) would like to boost their performance in the bedroom. Before you consider Viagra, why not try one of these natural alternatives?
L-Arginine -L-Arginine Precision Engineered l-arginine Capsules 500mg, £6.99
L-Arginine boosts the body's production of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes and dilates blood vessels, providing a better and more consistent flow of blood to the penis, thereby helping to achieve and maintain an erection. Take one gram of the amino acid per day. Be careful if you've suffered with the herpes virus in the past – high doses of L-arginine have been linked to flare-ups.
Horny Goat Weed -Holland & Barrett Horny Goat Weed 250mg 60 Capsules, £9.99
Horny goat weed got its name hundreds of years ago after a goatherd noticed his male goats became sexually aroused after munching on the herb. Neurologists at University of Michigan tested the herb and found it to contain a compound called lacariin, which stimulates nerves and boosts testosterone levels.
Maca -Holland & Barrett Maca Capsules 500mg, £5.24
Grown in the mountains of Peru, Maca has been consumed to boost energy levels and aid libido and endurance for centuries. The root, also known as Peruvian ginseng, is available in powder form and can be added to food, drinks and smoothies. According to research published in the journal Urology, the root extract contains unique photochemicals which restore hormone levels and boosts energy in both sexes.
Cordyceps -Cordyceps Extract Tablets 60 x 2500mg, £4.45
Cordyceps is a mushroom extract used to treat sexual dysfunction and fertility in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as a general libido/performance enhancer. As well as boosting testosterone levels and increasing blood flow, it's been shown to increase the amount of sperm content, at least in rats.
L-Tyrosine - Holland & Barrett l-tyrosine Capsules 500mg, £2.47
The amino-acid L-Tyrosine increases levels of the pleasure-enhancing chemical dopamine in the brain – which has an aphrodisiac effect. As it also raises your metabolism and blood pressure, follow the dosage directions carefully and speak to your doctor before taking it.
Korean Red Ginseng - Red Kooga Korean Ginseng Tablets, £4.39
Korean Red Ginseng boosts the strength and energy of the nervous system. A study published in the British Medical Journal reported that men experienced "more successful erections, more sexual desire and lower stress levels," after taking it.
Remember, erectile dysfunction can be an early warning of a heart attack - a chat with the doctor now could save your life.
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