When it comes to addressing low libido in men and women alike, it’s important to take a comprehensive approach. Simply relying on herbs as a quick fix won’t solve the underlying issues. Instead, it’s crucial to identify and address the various factors that can contribute to decreased sexual desire. By tackling these root causes head-on, you’ll be able to achieve long-lasting solutions for enhancing libido in a more meaningful way.
Letter from a listener
Last week on the radio I heard you speak about low libido in females. In your next show could you address lower libido in males.
Letter from a listener;
Thanks!
The question you raised is valid and deserves a thorough response. With that in mind, I am eager to delve into the topic of low libido in males and provide you with valuable insights and solutions today.
In my experience, I have observed that people in relationships often have compatible health conditions. For instance, individuals with low thyroid function tend to feel a strong sense of comfort when their partner also has low thyroid levels.
When I treat one member of a couple for thyroid issues and they become more active, wanting to go on walks, be physically active, and have an increased desire for sex. This newfound energy can create a mismatch in the couples relationship. It is important to recognize that boosting libido in one partner without addressing the other can potentially have negative effects on the relationship. However, when both parties receive treatment, it can lead to a stronger bond rather than causing strain between them.
Given our numerous discussions on detox, which I firmly believe is crucial for eliminating toxins and creating a conducive environment for hormones to circulate freely, consequently boosting energy levels, I would typically begin with a comprehensive detox.
After detox, I strongly believe that we should start by addressing adrenal function, as it directly relates to our energy levels. Adrenal function plays a crucial role in our ability to seize opportunities, make life work in our favor, and embrace all that life has to offer.
Let’s start with the adrenals. Towards the end of our time together, we will discuss some herbal remedies that can help boost low libido in men and women.
Yours in Vibrant Health,
Corinne Furnari, PA CCn
Adrenals and How They Affect Low Libido in Men.
One of the primary symptoms of weak adrenals is a limited ability to handle stress. When the adrenals are weak, stress can become overwhelming, affecting your thought patterns, energy levels, and even disrupting sleep.
The medical profession often fails to acknowledge the existence of adrenal fatigue. While they are well-versed in adrenal disease, they tend to overlook the various stages that precede the manifestation of true disease.
We have two adrenal glands, which are small glands located on top of the kidneys. These glands consist of an outer layer called the cortex and an inner layer called the medulla.
The main hormone produced in the cortex is called cortisol.
The neurotransmitter that we will be focusing on from the medulla is called adrenaline. The entire adrenal system regulates the fight or flight response, which helps the body adapt to stressful situations.
Our bodies are designed to handle short-term physical stress, but they are not equipped to handle the continuous mental stress that we experience in today’s world. Low libido in men is not a disease, but rather a chronic lifestyle condition, which presents a very different problem.
Weakened Adrenals
When the adrenals become weakened, the body may experience difficulty sleeping due to increased stress. This can lead to tissue resistance, similar to insulin resistance. Even if your blood test shows good cortisol levels, the tissue may not effectively receive it.
With Weak Adrenals
- Tolerance for stress is lowered with excessive thinking, mind racing, especially at night
- Stress triggers the release of a hormone called glucocorticoid, which converts protein into glucose. This hormone is released from the medulla. As a result, your body gains weight and relies on glucose for energy. Over time, this can lead to blood sugar issues and worsen the condition of diabetes.
- Glucocorticoids are also known to convert proteins into fats, increase cholesterol levels, and contribute to the development of fatty liver.
- Stress can lead to hyperacidity and the development of long-term gastric ulcers. The activation of acidity due to stress can cause damage to the stomach lining, resulting in the formation of ulcers.
- Stress can cause an increase in blood pressure, leading to an elevated pulse rate. Additionally, it can contribute to conditions like asthma, chronic inflammation, and the redirection of blood flow away from the immune system. It is important to note that this is also a common period for the onset of autoimmune diseases.
- Inflammation can lead to the loss of calcium and potassium while retaining sodium. Additionally, long-term stress can cause the body to lose sodium, resulting in a loss of electrolytes and potential breathing problems.
- In a state of panic, people often do not breathe correctly, resulting in visible signs such as gasping for air and panting. Regulating the breath and learning proper breathing techniques can be incredibly relaxing and can help address adrenal problems. It is a crucial first step towards healing.
- Vitamin D plays an important role, especially when it comes to addressing low libido in men, which tends to increase with stress. The action of cortisol is very similar to that of vitamin D. Therefore, vitamin D can be considered a potential remedy for managing stress-related issues that may be difficult to control.
- If you have adrenal problems, specifically of the classical type, you may experience being more awake at night than during the day, as well as feeling fatigued during the day.
Adrenal fatigue doesn’t allow you to feel sexy!
Sleep and Nutrition
The purpose of sleep is for the body, and especially the brain, to clear itself from toxins and rejuvenate neurotransmitters.
Sleep is the body’s ability to recover from stress. However, when experiencing high levels of stress, it becomes difficult to sleep due to the surging cortisol levels.
Stress creates a metabolic cycle that is challenging for the body to break free from.
The lowest point of cortisol should be at 2:30 a.m., while the highest point should be at 8:00 a.m. However, with adrenal fatigue, it’s the opposite—cortisol levels are high at night and low in the morning.
Adrenal weakness can be common in your 20s and 30s, and it tends to accelerate with age, resulting in low libido in men and increased fatigue.
The body Needs
- Vitamin C – helpful to get from a food source
- Potassium – helps one relax
- Magnesium – important for relaxation / sea salt
- Vitamin B1 – focus, breathing and stress
- Protein – helps rebuild muscle and tissue and maintain hormones
Exercise
Change your viewpoint and become more relaxed, so you can feel sexy again!
Adrenal stress/weakness doesn’t exactly sound appealing, does it? And it certainly doesn’t make us feel sexy either. Our bodies prioritize the fight or flight response, which can hinder our sexual response. It’s difficult/ impossible to feel sexy when we’re in survival mode.
Start exercising to help manage stress and stimulate central nervous system function, promote sensitivity in your body while building muscle. Long walks can enhance fitness levels and alleviate tension.
Corinne Furnari PA CCn
Lab Tests
When low libido in men presents, a good blood test is in order. A complete metabolic panel with a complete lipid panel. Glucose, HA1c , insulin and inflammatory markers CRP, Sed rate. I look at complete thyroid panel with T3 free and antibodies, DHEA and DHEA-s, testosterone free and total, DHT, and SHBG, sex hormone binding globulin. Looking at these hormones can give us a baseline so we can see where to go from here.
While herbs for sexuality can provide assistance, it is important to note that they do not address the underlying problem.
Sexual drive boosting herbs
Ashwagandha: is an aphrodisiac due to its adaptogenic properties for the adrenals. It helps strengthen weak adrenals and balance overactive ones. Studies have shown that it can increase testosterone levels by 15% and promote a sense of relaxation. By improving sleep quality, it can contribute to an overall feeling of well-being and enhance one’s sense of sensuality.
Korean ginseng, both the red and black varieties, is native to Asia. Ginseng root is known to assist and strengthen the adrenals, as well as support testosterone levels. Some studies have even shown an increase in testosterone levels of up to 45%.
Pine Bark Extract is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have even indicated an increase in testosterone levels of up to 50%.
Pine pollen possesses various properties that are worth exploring, including its anti-inflammatory characteristics and potential to boost testosterone levels. These properties make it a potential solution for addressing low libido in men.
Tongkat Ali is a herb from Polynesia that has been renowned for centuries for its ability to enhance male sexual desire, stimulate sperm activity, and boost testosterone levels. Studies have shown an approximate 37% increase in testosterone, making it an excellent herb for male health overall.
Saw Palmetto is a well-known herb, but its mechanism of action is not widely understood. It is commonly used with great success in the treatment of prostate problems. Multiple studies have demonstrated that this herb has the potential to increase testosterone levels by up to 40%. As a result, it has become a reliable option for individuals seeking these specific benefits.
Horny Goat Weed, originating from Jamaica and China, is exactly what its name suggests. It has been used for centuries to support male sexual health. Studies have shown that it can increase male testosterone levels by up to 30%.
Additional Supplements
Nettle Root is an herb that is rich in lignins and has the ability to inhibit the binding of testosterone to sex hormone binding globulin. This unique property allows the testosterone molecule to remain free and readily available to the body.
Ginger is an herb known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been reported to increase testosterone levels in men by up to 17%.
Tribulus Terrestris is an herb commonly used in Chinese medicine to address various ailments, including low libido. Research studies have indicated that it can potentially increase testosterone levels by up to 16%.
Royal Maca comes in three different forms: yellow, purple, and black. The black variant is particularly useful for men as it supports the adrenals, strengthens the body, and increases the male’s ability to deal with stress. Furthermore, it can also have a positive impact on male libido.. Studies show that this herb can increase testosterone levels by 20%. Royal Maca has a fascinating historical background tied to its use by soldiers before going into battle. However, there were restrictions placed on the soldiers after they emerged victorious. It was believed that consuming more Maca could lead to unruly behavior and an increased propensity for pillaging and harming villagers in the aftermath of war.
Damiana, native to South America, is known for its energizing properties and its ability to increase testosterone levels. This herb has been commonly used to treat sexual dysfunction in males and has shown promising results in studies, with some indicating an increase in testosterone levels by as much as 90%.
Anacyclus Pyrethrum, native to Asia, has been shown to significantly increase testosterone levels in certain men, with an impressive 95% boost.
Catuaba has been known to enhance sexual performance
Catuaba’s widely known health benefit is it effect to the male reproductive organ. Catuaba tea has been used for a long time in traditional Brazilian medicine as an aphrodisiac and as a tonic to stimulate the central nervous system. It has long been thought to have properties that could potentially help with low libido in men, improve sexual performance, and even address impotency. For centuries this natural remedy has shown that it contains active constituents that have positive effects. However, it is important to note that there are currently no clinical studies to support this claim. Nonetheless, the lack of studies does not necessarily imply that the remedy is ineffective.
Other Herbs
Hibiscus has the ability to increase blood flow to the periphery, allowing for improved circulation throughout the entire body.
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and is also known as an herb that can improve blood flow.
Black seed oil can help improve circulation and blood flow.
Fenugreek, an herb rich in saponins, is known to increase testosterone levels in men by up to 25%.
Hawthorn Berry, which I have been using for years to help hypertensive patients and as a support in cardiovascular disease It is now understood to also support testosterone levels. In some studies, it has been shown to increase testosterone levels by up to 80% in males.
Muira Puama is an herb native to Brazil that has been used for centuries to treat sexual dysfunction. Studies have shown a remarkable response, with up to a 60% increase in testosterone observed when using this herb. There are currently no sufficient clinical studies to support this claim. Nonetheless, the lack of evidence does not necessarily imply that the remedy is ineffective.
Astragalus Root is a herb native to China and has been an important part of their herbal pharmacopoeia for centuries. Recent studies have shown that this herb can potentially increase testosterone levels by up to 75% when used.
This is a good start, and I can guarantee you that without strong and responsive adrenals, your sex drive can be blocked. This blockage can manifest itself both emotionally and physically.
In addition, it is important to consider your relationships and recognize that healthy sexual relations are beneficial for both male and female health and an intimate relationship.
Listen on WBAI 99.5FM New York, Thurdays 2PM to 3PM
Health Forum with Corinne Furnari and Dr Moshe Dekel
Listen Tuesdays at 2:30PM to 3PM
Yours in Vibrant Health,
Corinne Furnari PA CCn
