Do you find yourself lately feeling weaker, depressed, extremely fatigued, and with (gasp!) a weaker or virtually nonexistent sex drive? If so, you just might be experiencing a drop in testosterone levels. All of these are common symptoms of a sharp decrease in one of the most important hormones in the human body. A hormone that’s not only connected to sexual prowess but also essential for overall health and well-being. It is around this time when herbs that increase testosterone come in handy.
Testosterone is a hormone that helps maintain and control an array of fundamental physiological functions such as the building of muscle mass and strength, sperm production, red blood cell production, fat distribution, energy and vitality and perhaps more significantly, the sustenance of one’s sex drive. It’s no wonder that decrease in testosterone can result in massive emotional and physical changes. Men generally have higher testosterone levels as compared to women. It is during puberty that testosterone production sharply increases, accounting for most of the changes that catch us by surprise during adolescence – lower or deeper voices, sudden hair growth in questionable places, and an almost overnight development of sexual curiosity. Once one reaches the age of 30, however, high testosterone levels in men start to dive down at the rate of approximately 1 percent per year. Women may also experience abnormally low testosterone levels in the years right before menopause.
5 Secret Herbs That Increase Testosterone Naturally
Aside from being something that comes naturally with aging, a low testosterone metabolism may be attributed to some medical conditions (like chronic obstructive lung disease, autoimmune diseases, chronic liver or kidney disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and testicular cancer). It may also be due to the use of certain types of drugs (like corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs for treating cancer).
To address this decline in testosterone levels, people have resorted to treatments such as gonadotropin (hormones that signal the body to produce more testosterone) injections or implantable testosterone pellets (wherein the pellets are put under the skin of the buttocks, releasing testosterone over a few months). These treatments may be risky, though, because they have been shown to raise one’s blood cell count way above normal levels and enlarge men’s breasts and prostate. This is why testosterone treatment is not rendered to men with breast and prostate cancer. It’s also, quite, expensive.
This is where herbs for testosterone production become useful. Indeed, Mother Nature provides all the necessary treatments for any illness, minus the side effects that come with artificial treatments.
For this reason, the following herbs prove to be the best testosterone boosters.
- Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Indian herb that is also known as Indian ginseng. The benefits of ashwagandha for men are numerous. It enhances sexual drive and performance, reduces stress, and even improves the body’s immune system. These benefits are due to the herb’s high levels of alkaloids, steroidal lactones, withanolides, and saponins, which are all substances that contribute towards a healthier physiology. Research studies have proven that ashwagandha significantly ups serum levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone, which stimulates testosterone production. Aside from the mentioned ashwagandha sex benefits, studies have also proven the positive effects of ashwagandha for thyroid issues. The herb is thoroughly effective at balancing hormones and serves as a treatment both for people with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
- Tongkat ali
Tongkat ali, also referred to as long jack or Malaysian ginseng, has long been popular in traditional medicine and has been recognized as a natural supplement for maintaining a healthy libido and balanced hormone levels in men. The benefits of tongkat ali are numerous. It stimulates testosterone production and therefore results in high free testosterone levels, improved sexual performance, reduced stress levels, marked improvements in one’s mood, lower levels of stress and fatigue and minimize muscle tension. The herb’s root even contains compounds that improve semen quality and boost muscle growth.
- Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is also known as the devil’s weed. It is plucked and used before the flower of the tribulus hardens into a “goat-head” shape. Tribulus contains numerous active ingredients, with the steroidal saponin protodioscin being the main active component from this herb. Due to such components, the positive effects of tribulus for libido are highly acclaimed in traditional medicine. It has the power to spike up testosterone levels and thus lead to higher muscle mass and strength and a better sex drive, especially when taken in the form of tribulus terrestris powder.
- Horny goat weed
Horny goat weed is known for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) among men. Its active ingredient is icariin, the substance that accounts for effective ED treatment. Among the various icariin benefits are the treatment of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, fatigue, brain and brain injury, among many other illnesses.
Also because of the herb’s strong antioxidant activity, it protects the immune system, heals the heart, enhances brain functioning, and regulates hormone production and function. Its potent antioxidants also lead to a stimulated libido, anti-aging, and body energizing benefits. The positive effects of horny goat weed for women also cannot be discounted. It provides relief from the symptoms of menopause, soothes sore joints, and maintains skeletal health. For best results, the optimum goat weed dosage or icariin dosage for men’s intake per day is around 800mg to 1,000mg of 60% icariin horny goat weed extract.
- Maca root
Growing high up in the mountains of South America, the Maca root crop is mostly found in the high-altitude regions of Peru. It has been described as a pleasant-tasting root that is harvested and ground down into powder form, made available for the treatment of various body function issues. Most notably, it greatly enhances one’s energy levels, hormonal balance, and overall health. Research studies have further shown the maca root to lead to higher sperm production, volume, and mobility, all leading to heightened fertility in men.
