It seems that we're all trying to boost our libido following a somewhat dry patch following the pandemic. One survey, conducted back in January 2021, found that 60% of people weren't having sex or engaging in sexual activity – including masturbation – even once a week in lockdown but as life gets back to normal, it seems we're keen for our sex lives to do the same.
How do we know? Because a female-focused libido-boosting wellness supplement keeps selling out thanks to rave reviews across social media.
The JS Health Hair and Libido Formula, £24.99, has completely sold out five times since it launched nine months ago, which, the brand tells us, is the first product to ever do that.
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So what's all the fuss about? The brand, which was founded by Clinical Nutritionist Jessica Sepel, is one of the most successful health empires in Australia and counts Mollie King, Millie Mackintosh and Rochelle Humes as loyal fans. Jess and her team of leading health experts created a range of best-selling vitamins and supplements using 'the transformational power of nutrients...with powerful ingredients backed by science'; each product is solution-focused and aims to make people (and women specifically) feel empowered about taking control of their health on their terms.
But the one supplement that keeps selling out again and again is her Hair and Libido Formula - and it's hardly surprising, because who doesn't want good hair and great sex?
The formula's secret weapon is Tribulus, which is traditionally used in Ayurveda to maintain and support healthy libido, as well as healthy sexual function. It is one of the most popular aphrodisiacs used to enhance and improve libido, as well as maintain and support healthy sexual function and, therefore, Tribulus can be used in the treatment of low libido. The formula is also packed with Ginkgo Biloba, which facilitates blood flow and has a relaxant effect on smooth muscle. “These processes are important in sexual response and may enhance overall sexual function,” says Jess. It also contains Zinc, which research shows maintains and supports reproductive system health in males and females, as well as supporting sperm health, motility and production in males.
As well as boosting your sex drive, the supplement promises to boost hair growth, too. The vitamins contain a dose of Iodine from Kelp, which helps to restore hair strength and naturally supports hair growth.
It may all sound too good to be true but if the Amazon reviews are to be believed, it does actually work.
One user wrote: "I have been taking this for the past couple of weeks. This has been the first time for me to take a combo hair health and libido supplement. My libido has noticeably increased after about the first week or so. My energy level had a boost a couple of days after I began taking this(more energy and sustained effort during my workouts).
“My nails have begun to grow faster and stronger too. And my hair is slightly thicker and fuller. There is nothing artificial and I did not suffer from any adverse effects. Definitely a bit pricey but you do get multiple benefits. If just for hair growth, there might be better choices out there but for a combo supplement this is pretty solid.”
Another impressed customer wrote: “Not quite a full month in taking these yet but my hair is most definitely getting thicker, feeling stronger and growing an impressive amount too! Added bonus of my libido feeling much increased as well. I was quite sceptical at first but I’m so glad I’ve given them a try! Will now be signing up to the subscription service. Big thumbs up from me!”, whilst another added: “I can definitely say that I have noticed an improvement in my libido, early days but positive so far 👍👍 And my hair looks much healthier as well!”
The people have spoken, it seems.
So what exactly causes a low sex drive? As Jessica Sepel explains: “There are so many reasons why you may have a low sex drive these could include anything from stress, diet, hormones, medications and lifestyle. We live in a world and environment which can be incredibly stressful, and this can have a huge impact on a person's sex drive and sexual relationship. We know that our minds and bodies must be relaxed in order to feel like sex, as well as enjoy sex. So really, if you are struggling with low libido, it is not your fault! Diet, hormones and medications also affect libido and must be taken into account.”
As well as supplements like Jess's, there are also plenty of ways you can enhance you libido. Here are just a few:
Foods to boost libido
Aphrodisiacs are substances that increase libido (sexual desire), potency or sexual pleasure. Different substances from plants and the ocean have been used historically in different cultures to energise, vitalise and improve sexual function and physical performance.
Oysters contain a substantially high level of the essential mineral zinc. A deficiency of zinc in human beings has been shown to cause fertility issues through preventing the production of sperm and influencing testosterone levels. The level of zinc in seminal fluid is positively linked with the quality of sperm.
Maca is traditionally used by the Andean region for its aphrodisiac and fertility enhancing properties. A study conducted a 12 week double blind placebo-controlled trial in which treatment with different doses of maca were compared to placebo. An improvement in sexual desire was demonstrated with maca after 8 weeks of treatment.
Cacao has many different effects on human sexuality, mainly acting as an aphrodisiac. Cacao powder and chocolate contain a group of fatty acids which, in combination with other components in chocolate such as caffeine, produces a transient feeling of wellbeing and euphoria. This euphoria can support the production of serotonin (our feel-good neurotransmitter). Serotonin has been found in some regions of the female genital tract, and therefore may be involved in the process of sexual arousal.
Pistachio nuts are rich sources of plant protein, fibre and antioxidants. They are relatively high in the amino acid arginine, which can enhance blood flow by boosting a certain compound that relaxes blood vessels. A study conducted showed that a 3 week diet that included pistachios adhered to by those with erectile dysfunction showed an improvement in their symptoms.
Foods we should avoid
Alcohol: Low quantities of alcohol consumption can produce a slight feeling of euphoria, resulting in an openness to sexual activity. However, excess alcohol consumption can lead to an opposite effect as it weakens the sexual response. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and can lead to sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction in men and decreased vaginal lubrication for women. Enjoy in moderation, and aim to have a glass of water for each alcoholic beverage.
Other ways can we boost our sex drives
Living a healthy lifestyle is one way to help individuals and couples with their libido (sex drive). Exercise, mindfulness and yoga ultimately all enhance sexual satisfaction. Increased sexual satisfaction therefore has a direct effect on mood, relationships, connection and self love. So if you are feeling healthy, calm, happy and stress-free, it’s likely you'll have a heightened sex drive.
Here's to a more empowered sex life.
