There are many herbal remedies that claim to increase sexual desire in men and women. Some, such as yohimbe (Tribulus terrestris) work by increasing blood flow and stimulating hormone production. Others, such as ginkgo biloba and L-citrulline, work by treating certain conditions that can affect libido.

Other natural methods include stress management and regular exercise. Sleep, particularly good quality sleep, can also improve libido.

Alcohol

Many of us have heard that a drink or two can help to stoke our libido. Alcohol can lower inhibitions and make you more sexually open, but it’s important to remember that too much alcohol can also have negative effects on the body, including affecting orgasms.

People are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior—such as having unprotected intercourse—when they are drunk. This is why it’s so important to always use barrier protection when engaging in sexual activity, no matter what you’re doing.

Many of the drinks that claim to be libido enhancers contain ingredients like L-citrulline, tongkat ali (also known as longjack) and Muira Puama, along with other herbs and supplements. These are natural options that can be used to support libido without the harmful side effects of alcohol. The best thing you can do is to drink water when using these libido enhancers. This will prevent dehydration and reduce the amount of fluids in the bloodstream, which can interfere with the body’s arousal response.

Recreational Drugs

Many people take recreational drugs as a means of elevating their mood and feeling more confident in the bedroom. These drugs can also increase libido by making it easier to reach orgasm and/or ejaculate during sex. These substances include prescription medications such as sildenafil and sertraline as well as dietary supplements like L-arginine, zinc oxide and creatine.

Combining drugs with sex isn’t new, but research shows it’s becoming more common across genders and sexual orientations. The Global Drug Survey surveyed people and found that alcohol, cannabis, MDMA and cocaine were the most commonly used drugs to enhance sex. The study also found that people were more likely to combine these drugs with sex if they identified as gay or bisexual.

These types of drugs are known as ‘chemsex’ drugs because they can be used to enhance a person’s libido during sex by increasing sensations of pleasure and intimacy. They also help to reduce anxiety and inhibitions, making it easier for people to engage in sexual risk-taking behaviors.

Supplements

With Valentine’s Day approaching, drugstore aisles are stocked with pills and potions claiming to boost libido. But a Harvard-affiliated urologist says most of these supplements are a phenomenal waste of money.

Most of these products contain a blend of herbs with unproven results. Some common ingredients include ashwagandha, L-arginine, horny goat weed, maca root and tribulus. Some are more likely to help female sexual drive than others. Damiana is thought to increase the libido in women by warming the pelvic area and easing congestion. It also increases blood flow for better orgasms. Other herbal libido enhancers include fenugreek, red clover and ginseng.

Vitamins and minerals may also improve libido. Try to get enough folic acid, iron and magnesium. Folic acid is found in leafy vegetables, legumes and nuts. Iron is found in animal foods like meat and seafood. Magnesium is available in nuts, whole grains and green vegetables. Vitamin B3, or niacin, helps blood flow and stimulates adrenal glands to produce sex hormones. You could also give this supplement “Provestra” a try.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best things you can do to increase your libido. Moderate exercise has been proven to boost testosterone levels, the hormone that impacts sexual desire in both men and women. However, you should not spend every waking moment in the gym. Too much exercise can actually decrease libido in some cases.

Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, including to your genitals. This is the first physiologic step in arousal, and it also helps to improve lubrication and erectile function. Some exercises that target the groin area, such as static squats, are especially effective.

Additionally, regular physical activity improves self-esteem and confidence, which are libido boosters in themselves. Finally, exercise can help you combat stress, anxiety and depression, all of which can dampen libido. If you have serious medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, that require medication, exercising regularly may enable you to lower your dosages or even eliminate them entirely.