I grew up in a house that was full of herbal teas and supplements. That’s why, whenever I read an article that poses some sort of skepticism towards either one of them, I roll my eyes in the most exaggerated way possible. And when it comes to supplements, specifically — y’all, don’t get me started on how I think it is very interesting that pharma gets pushed down our throats damn near every hour on the hour (with some of the most extreme side effects, might I add), oh, but let someone take something that is natural and all of a sudden, “We should be careful.”
Whatever. Supplements (and teas) have served me well — including when it comes to maintaining my vaginal health and so, as long as I continue to learn about the types of vitamins, minerals, and herbs that will do your body good, I will write about them.
Today, it’s about a mixture of nutrients that you’ve heard of and ones that you probably didn’t even know existed. The cool thing about this list is whether you’re looking for an all-natural remedy for yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis or how to elevate your sex drive — these eight supplements can do that and so much more.
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1. Vitamin B-Complex
If you’re borderline anemic, consistently low on energy, more stressed out than you would like, trying to keep your gut in good condition, and/or you’re looking for a non-medicated way to reduce the discomfort of migraines, B-complex can actually help you out with all of this. And since we’re focusing on how it helps us as women, it should also go on record that B-complex can make PMS symptoms a lot more bearable. Also, it’s definitely something that you should get more into your system if you plan on getting pregnant.
The reason why this vitamin leads the pack as far as vaginal health goes is that it can help to prevent vaginal dryness as well as speed up the healing process of vulvovaginal candidiasis, which is a type of yeast infection. So, if B-complex isn’t in your daily supplement regimen, maybe this will inspire you to change your mind.
2. Asparagus Racemosus
Asparagus racemosus, which is also known as shatavari, is an herb that can support vaginal health. On so many levels, this is a “woman’s herb” because almost all of its health benefits are tied to our bodies including the fact that it can help balance your hormones, reduce menopause-related symptoms, and help new moms to produce breastmilk. Some other cool things about Asparagus racemosus are it can reduce anxiety, lower blood sugar levels, and even help to suppress a stubborn cough.
Your vagina will appreciate this herb because if hormonal imbalances are directly affecting your libido in a not-so-positive way, and you don’t want to take a prescribed medication to bring some relief, this may be the alternative that can give you the results that you’ve been looking for.
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3. Calendula
Earlier this year, when I penned, “Beauty In Bloom: 12 Flowers That Will Make Your Hair And Skin Radiant,” one of the flowers that I shouted out was calendula. That’s because it contains properties that help to treat acne and reduce eczema. Beyond that, though, calendula is bomb because it is full of antioxidants, can bring relief to muscle fatigue, strengthens your heart, improves oral health, and it can even bring relief to your nipples if they are sore due to breastfeeding.
What else can this herb do? Well, “she” will like it because it can also help to regulate your period and keep certain strains of yeast in check, and it has even been proven to reduce the symptoms that are associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV).
4. Fish Oil
If you want to get some omega-3s into your system, taking a fish oil supplement is one of the best ways to do it. In fact, as much as 30 percent of fish oil is made up of not only those fatty acids but also vitamins A and D. And with all of this working together, fish oil can help you to have lower cholesterol, make you feel less depressed, protect your eyes, reduce bodily inflammation, give you healthier skin and bones and even slow down aging as far as your brain is concerned.
Adding to all of this, fish oil is good for your vagina’s overall health and well-being because it not only helps to hydrate you from the inside out but, since it has a reputation for raising estrogen levels in your system, those two things can work together to prevent vaginal dryness.
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5. Motherwort
Traditional Chinese medicine is actually a really big fan of motherwort. That’s because it can do things like slow down the development of heart disease, treat anxiety, and for new mothers, reduce the amount of postpartum bleeding that they may experience. Other benefits of this herb include being able to fight off free radicals, containing properties that can help prevent bacterial infections, and that it’s an all-natural sedative if you’re looking for a (temporary) sleep remedy.
When it comes to vaginal health, specifically, since motherwort both regulates hormones and increases blood circulation, if more or intensified orgasms are what you’re after, taking this might be just what you need.
6. Sage
If you like to season your food with (fresh) sage, you are doing more for your health than you might realize. I say that because sage is an herb that is a pretty good source of vitamin K and calcium, as well as antioxidants. Plus, sage can help you to maintain your memory and keep your cholesterol levels where they should be, and it can help to stop the appearance of wrinkles before they even start.
Also, since sage actually mimics the effects of estrogen in your system, it can help to reduce the intensity of menopause-related symptoms like hot flashes, excessive sweating, and vaginal dryness. Not only that but if sage happens to be white, it can help to bring relief to menstrual cramps, too.
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7. Yashtimadhu
So, here’s something that you may not have known until today: Yashtimadhu is the Sanskrit name of the herb that’s more commonly known as licorice. In the Ayurvedic world, it’s used for things like treating ulcers, bringing relief to asthma, and bronchitis, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, strengthening your liver, and helping to keep you at a healthy weight. Yep, apparently, Yashtimadhu is where it’s at.
It’s actually due to the phytoestrogenic properties in Yashtimadhu that make it possible for you to take it and have less menstrual cramps, decreased menopause-related symptoms, and it can help to reduce vaginal dryness too. Plus, if it’s used in cream form, this herb can also help to reduce vaginal atrophy if you happen to be post-menopausal.
8. Zinc
I recently read that somewhere around two billion people are deficient when it comes to the mineral zinc. That’s super unfortunate because it’s what we all need when it comes to keeping our immune system strong, helping to suppress oxidative stress, decreasing bodily inflammation, and even keeping breakouts at bay. Personally, one of my favorite things about zinc is it can help with achieving strong and healthy hair (as well as preventing hair loss).
Your vagina likes zinc too. That’s because it also helps to prevent yeast infections and can help to slow down vaginal aging (as far as your vaginal tissues are concerned; check out “Vaginas Age Just Like Everything Else. You Can Slow It Down, Though.” and “Keep Your Vagina Like A (Literal) Fountain Of Youth”) and some studies even reveal that zinc is effective as it relates to increasing sexual desire and arousal.
So, just like I started with vitamin B-complex and I’m now ending with the mineral zinc, if you add nothing else into your diet, please make sure that it’s “B” and “Z.” Your vagina will certainly appreciate it. And you know what? The rest of your body will, too.
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Meanwhile, frankincense and myrrh originate from the Middle East and Africa (you know, like the Bible does — some folks need to be reminded of that—eh hem — Trumpers) and ginger? It too helps with indigestion (which can definitely creep up at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables); plus, it’s a key ingredient for ginger snaps and gingerbread houses. So, as you can see, holiday-themed scents have a rhyme and reason to them.
Tying this all in together — several years ago, I penned an article for the platform entitled, “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry ‘Christmas Sex’?” Well, in the spirit of revisiting some of that content, with a bit of a twist, I decided to broach some traditional holiday scents from the perspective of which ones will do your libido a ton of good from now through New Year’s Eve (check out “Make This Your Best NYE. For Sex. EVER.”).
Are you ready to check some of them out, so that, whether it’s via a candle, a diffuser, some essential oil, or some DIY body cream (check out “How To Incorporate All Five Senses To Have The Best Sex Ever”), you can bring some extra festive ambiance into your own boudoir? Excellent.
1. Vanilla
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When it comes to holiday desserts, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find recipes that don’t include vanilla — and that alone explains why it is considered to be a traditional holiday scent. As far as your libido goes, vanilla is absolutely considered to be an aphrodisiac — partly because its sweet scent is considered to be very sensual. Some studies even reveal that vanillin (the active ingredient in vanilla) is able to increase sexual arousal and improve erectile dysfunction in men. So, if you adore the smell, here is more incentive to use it.
2. Frankincense
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Although, typically, when people think about frankincense (and myrrh), it’s in the context of the gifts that the wise men brought Christ after he was born; it’s a part of the biblical Christmas story. However, frankincense goes much deeper than that. Sexually, since it has an earthy and spicy scent, some people like to use it to meditate (check out “What Exactly Is 'Orgasmic Meditation'?”). Also, since it has the ability to put you in a better mood, soothe and soften your skin and maintain your oral health — with the help of frankincense, every touch and kiss can be that much…sexier.
3. Cinnamon
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I already gave cinnamon a shout-out in the intro. Personally, I’ve been a fan of it, in the sex department, for a long time now (check out “12 ‘Sex Condiments’ That Can Make Coitus Even More...Delicious”). When it’s in oil form, it can be very sweet to the taste while sending a warm sensation throughout the body — which is why the giver and receiver of oral sex can benefit from its usage. Beyond that, cinnamon helps to increase blood flow to your genital region, elevate sexual desire and, some studies say that it can even help improve fertility. Beautiful.
4. Peppermint
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If there’s a signature candy for the holiday season, it’s probably a candy cane — which automatically puts peppermint in the running for being an official holiday scent. Pretty much, in any form, it’s got your sex life’s back because it’s hailed as being a sexual stimulant; in part, because its smell is so invigorating. Plus, it helps to (eh hem) ease headaches, it gives you more energy and it can definitely help to freshen your breath. Also, that minty sensation? The same thing that I said about cinnamon can apply to peppermint too (if you catch my drift).
5. Ginger
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Whether it’s in a meal or in your bedroom, ginger is going to produce results that are hella spicy. On the sex tip, science has praised ginger for being able to increase sexual arousal, improve blood circulation (which intensifies orgasms) and strengthen fertility for many years. Scent-wise, I find it to be one that both men and women enjoy because it is both woodsy and sweet. So, if you’ve got some massage oil in mind, adding some ginger is a way to please you both.
6. Pomegranate
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September through December is the time of year when pomegranates are considered to be in season. And, as someone who is a Rosh Hashanah observer, I have a personal adoration for them because I am aware of the various things that they symbolize in Hebrew culture including the fact that they are a fruit that represents love and fertility. So yeah, they would absolutely be an aphrodisiac — one that is perfect for this time of the year. While consuming it helps to boost testosterone levels in both men and women, the floral bittersweet smell that it produces can help to reduce stress while promoting relaxation (like most floral scents do) — and the more relaxed you are, the easier it is to climax.
7. Nutmeg
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Another signature seasoning during the holiday season is nutmeg. It’s perfect in Thanksgiving sweet potato (or pumpkin) pie and Christmas morning French toast. And yes, it can also make your sex life better. If you consume it, it can intensify your libido and, overall, its warm-meets-spicy-meets-sweet smell is so inviting that it is considered to be a pretty seductive scent.
8. Cloves
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I ain’t got not one lie to tell you — if you’ve got a toothache, put some clove oil on that bad boy and send me a Christmas present for putting you on game. Aside from that, as I round all of this out, cloves are another holiday scent that can do wonders for your sex life. For men, it has the ability to significantly increase sexual arousal and improve stamina and endurance. For men and women alike, it also has a reputation for strengthening sexual desire. And for women solely? Well, if you want an all-natural way to increase natural lubrication down below — the scent and and feel (in DILUTED oil form) can make that happen. It can make the holidays especially special…if you know what I mean.
Ah yes — the atmosphere of the holidays and what it can do.
Take it all in! Scent ‘n whatever stimulating that comes with it! #wink
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