When it comes to wellness, there's a lot of talk about energy, stamina, and strength. But there’s something equally important but not discussed as often: libido.
You’ve probably heard the word thrown around or seen it mentioned in advertisements, but what does it actually mean? Why does it matter? In this guide, we’ll dig into what your libido is, the things that affect it, and what you can do to rebuild yours if it’s not what it once was.
What Is Libido: A Working Definition
What is libido? Healthline has a pretty solid definition: Libido refers to sexual desire, or the emotion and mental energy related to sex.
At its core, libido is your sex drive. Don’t think that libido is just about reproduction, though. It’s also a reflection of your overall health, and it’s influenced by everything from hormones to lifestyle choices. If you’re not experiencing the levels of desire that you used to, your libido could be the problem.
If your overall health is good, you’ll have a normal libido. That is, you’ll experience desire for intimacy and sex. If your overall health isn’t so great, your libido takes a hit. You may want sex less, find that your performance isn’t what it used to be, and more.
Think of libido as your body’s way of communicating how balanced you are. When it’s strong, it’s often a sign that you’re taking care of yourself. When it’s low, it might be time to reassess a few habits.
What Is Libido? Factors That Affect Sex Drive
We’ve already mentioned that libido is a reflection of your overall health. So, it should come as no surprise that it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s influenced by more factors than you might think, including:
- Hormones: Testosterone is the primary hormone that drives libido in men. When testosterone levels are optimal, libido tends to follow. On the flip side, low testosterone can put the brakes on your sex drive.
- Stress Levels: Stress is one of the most common reasons that men struggle to feel desire. When you’re constantly in fight-or-flight mode, your body prioritizes survival over reproduction.
- Sleep Quality: It’s hard to feel up for anything when you’re running on empty. Poor sleep affects hormone production, energy levels, and mood, all of which play a role in determining your libido.
- Diet and Nutrition: Your body needs the right fuel to function properly. Nutrient deficiencies, excessive alcohol, or too much processed food can all negatively impact your sex drive. On the other hand, some foods and herbs support libido (more on that later).
- Emotional Well-being: Libido isn’t just physical; it’s deeply emotional. Relationship dynamics, self-esteem, and even anxiety or depression can affect your ability to feel desire.
- Physical and Medical Issues: If you’re overweight, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low self-esteem, or trouble maintaining an erection, those can all lead to a decrease in libido.
Signs Your Libido Might Be Off
So, how do you know if your libido needs a little TLC? The following are common signs that your libido isn’t what it should be:
- You’ve noticed a significant drop in interest.
- You feel tired or burned out more often than not.
- Your mood is low, or you’re dealing with persistent stress.
- Physical changes like weight gain or muscle loss have crept in.
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t panic. Your libido naturally fluctuates over time. The most important thing is recognizing when it’s time to make changes and knowing what changes to make. It’s also important to realize that you’re not alone. According to a study, 31% of men and 43% of women experience sexual dysfunction (loss of libido is one such dysfunction).
How to Support a Healthy Libido
Now that you know what libido is and why it matters, let’s talk about how to keep it in good shape.
- Get Moving: Regular exercise does wonders for your body and mind. It boosts circulation, balances hormones, and releases endorphins, all of which can improve libido.
- Eat Like You Care: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods. Healthy fats, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables should be staples in your diet. And don’t forget to include libido-boosting ingredients like maca root, ginger, and ginseng (all found in some of the teas we offer here).
- Prioritize Rest: Try to get between seven and nine hours of sleep at night. Note that this means more than just lying in bed. You need quality sleep. Trouble getting your Z’s? Create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down and stick to a consistent schedule.
- Manage Stress: Stress isn’t always avoidable, but you can control how you respond to it. Meditation, yoga, or even a cup of tea can help you decompress.
- Communicate: Yeah, we know, men don’t like to talk about stuff. But it’s important to do so. If emotional issues or relationship struggles are affecting your libido, talk to someone. Whether it’s with a partner or a professional, open communication is key.
Why Tea?
You might be wondering, how does tea help with your libido? Specific herbs and teas have been used for centuries to support vitality and wellness. For example:
- Maca Root: Known for its adaptogenic properties, maca helps balance hormones and boost energy levels.
- Ginseng: Often called nature’s Viagra, ginseng is prized for its ability to enhance stamina and circulation.
- Ginger: This warming root improves blood flow, making it a natural ally for libido.
Our specialized tea blends are crafted with ingredients like these, giving you an easy and enjoyable way to support your overall health, including your libido.
The Takeaway
Libido is more than just the level physical desire you experience. It’s a window into your overall well-being. By taking care of your body, managing stress, and nourishing yourself with the right foods and herbs, you can keep your libido in balance. And if you’re looking for an easy way to start, a cup of thoughtfully crafted tea might be just what you need.