Whether you are celebrating a mature romance or pursuing a new romantic adventure, Valentine’s day can be very exciting. But it can also put a lot of pressure on our perceived need to perform.
Some may feel drawn to herbs with heroic reputations of “boosting” libido or “revving up” stamina. While some people may experience immediate physiological benefits when working with herbs, it is important to remember that – like love – holistic medicine is a long game.
There are many factors that can impact our sex lives. Many of which cannot be fixed overnight even with the best herbal concoctions. This blog will go over three of the most common underlying health issues that impact libido and performance, as well as some tips to support your health journey.
Cardiovascular Issues
For both men and women, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol can impact one’s ability to be aroused. Poor blood flow can weaken the potential for male bodies to experience an erection, while female bodies may find their genitalia less sensitive.
If you are dealing with any of these conditions, it is important to prioritize your heart health. Lifestyle changes that include a low sodium diet, exercise, and stress management can create a strong foundation for a healthy cardiovascular system. Herbal supplements can be augmentative to prescription medication.
I often recommend Planetary Herbals: Horny Goat Weed capsules, as horny goat weed is supportive in managing healthy blood pressure and cholesterol. To improve one’s health, it is valuable to be consistent with horny goat weed as opposed to using it only to set the mood.
Mental Health
The mind is the most sensitive sexual organ. Loss of sexual desire is common to individuals experiencing depression and anxiety. Stress, relationship discord, and negative feelings about one’s own body can negatively influence one’s ability to be intimate.
Physical activity and time with loved ones is fundamental for a good state of mind. It is also valuable to create a life for oneself that minimizes stress. Even still, some may find themselves needing professional psychiatric help…and that’s okay.
For everyday support, I utilize damiana. I wrote an earlier blog about damiana and how I was using it to improve my social life. I often recommend Planetary Herbals: Damiana Male Potential for men who state work stress has dampened their sex life. Though the product is marketed to men, the ingredients are suitable for women who are also struggling with stress.
Prescription Medication
Many psychiatric and prostate medications come with the side effect of weakening libido and performance. If you take prescription drugs of any kind, it is important to have earnest conversations with your physician on potential side effects and how you are feeling.
A reputable herbalist will never recommend you stop taking your prescribed medication, but partnering with one can provide you with a second opinion and tools to improve your treatment. A holistic approach may help you reach health goals and empower you to take the steps needed to lessen your dependency on pharmaceuticals.
If you are interested in working with a trained herbalist, Smile has many on our team that take private clients.
Holistic refers to the whole person. Because sexuality is a part of us, sexual satisfaction is a must for overall wellness. But remember…it is a long game.
For More Information:
Smile Herb Blogs: Sexual Health
Icariin and its metabolites as potential protective phytochemicals against cardiovascular disease: From effects to molecular mechanisms (Horny Goat Weed)
Mayo Clinic: Strategies to Prevent Heart Disease
Associations between sexual health and well-being: a systematic review
Palo Alto University: Sexual Dysfunction and Mental Health
The post Love Is A Long Game appeared first on Smile Herb School.
