Mojo Magic: 6 Ways To Boost Your Libido

Any Cosmopolitan reader—or anyone in line at the drugstore, for that matter—has seen the headlines. “Best sex of your life!” “He’ll be begging for you to repeat this move!” “99 HOT bedroom tricks!”

And as fun (and funny) as poring over those outlandish tips can be, the reality is that most of them are silly at best.

Unfortunately, there’s no magic pill for a satisfying sex life. Some nutritional supplements can bring plenty of romantic benefits, though—here’s how to harness them and make the most of your romantic rendezvous!

For Women

An iron deficiency can cause your sex drive to all but disappear—and since monthly periods often cause of this condition, women tend to need iron more often then men. If you’re lacking this nutrient, try taking an iron supplement or upping your intake of iron-rich foods such as beans and leafy greens.

For Men

Anyone who’s ever walked into a gas station convenience store has probably noticed the prominent displays of horny goat weed. But this supplement isn’t as grungy as it looks; in fact, this herb has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat erectile disfunction, and some recent studies appear to back up those claims.

Guys might want to check out the amino acid L-arginine. Once ingested, the body turns this supplement into nitric oxide, a neurotransmitter that increases circulation and helps blood vessels relax—both important for time between the sheets. An added bonus: L-arginine also helps maintain healthy hormone function.

For Everyone

Beyond eating a healthy diet, ladies and gents alike can do a bit more to boost bedroom romance.

First on the list: getting plenty of omega-3s. In addition to the laundry list of their health benefits, these fatty acids might have the power to rev your sex drive. Some research has indicated that there may be a link between omega-3s and dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for communicating feelings of pleasure to the brain. If that’s the case, omega-3s could have huge libido-boosting potential. To hedge your bets, try supplementing your diet with fish oil.

Already eating plenty of salmon and omega-rich foods? Then turn to herbal remedies. Try ginseng or maca—both have a reputation for their after-hours benefits.

One of the most popular supplements in the world, ginseng has been used to treat everything from a lack of concentration, to heart disease, to erectile dysfunction. Remember our friend nitric oxide?  Some studies suggest that ginseng can cause the nervous system to release the compound, boosting circulation and sexy time function in both men and women. Steep this superfood tea with ginseng to try it for yourself.

And then there’s maca. Though few scientific studies have been done on this herb, maca has plenty of anecdotal evidence to back up its claims of increased arousal and even fertility. Try this butterscoth-like powder mixed into smoothies or in pill form.

For the ultimate date night with that special someone, try whipping up a meal of romance-inducing foods, too. A lovely and intimate evening is sure to follow!

Photo credit: Alicia Cho