5 Herbs to Boost Your Heart, Libido, and Stamina

February can be a beautiful month to rekindle feelings of love for a partner, friend, or family member. It can even be an opportunity to show ourselves some additional love and affection. It can remind us to lead more with our hearts and tend to our emotional bodies as much as our physical ones. Sometimes our physical heart needs some help through maintaining healthy blood sugar and glucose levels. Other times the spiritual heart needs help mending through a loss or a difficult season of life.

Whether you are looking to boost your desire or stamina in the bedroom, treat yourself to some self-love, maintain cardiovascular health, or even work to repair a broken heart—herbs are here to support your journey back to balance. So many herbs are available and at your disposal but here are five of our favorites.

Shatavari root (Asparagus racemosus)

Shatavari root is a rejuvenating Ayurvedic herb used primarily for the female reproductive system. The name, shatavari, can be roughly translated to the one “who possesses a hundred husbands”. Which ties back into its nourishing properties that support fertility and sexual power. It is a highly nutritive herb that can act as a gentle tonic for not only the reproductive but also the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems. It has demulcent, or moistening qualities, that can help with lubrication downstairs and throughout the rest of the body. It is considered a phytoestrogen, which can support hormone balance during one’s menstrual cycle or menopause. These qualities can also enhance libido if you are looking for more internal fire in your sex life¹.

For those seeking pregnancy, shatavari has been traditionally used for enhancing fertility, and for those breastfeeding, it can help support breast milk production. Traditionally, the powdered form of shatavari is decocted in warm milk with honey and ghee. We agree—try heating Seal The Deal™ with milk, a healthy fat, and a sweetener of choice on the stove for a nutritive hormone-balancing latte.

Maca root (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca root hails from the Andean region of South America. Like shatavari, it is highly nutritious—rich in amino acids, iron, and calcium². It is considered an adaptogenic herb, helping our bodies better cope with life stressors. If you find yourself struggling with maintaining your energy levels, stamina, or overall sexual desire, maca root could be the libido booster you’ve been looking for. Clinical studies have shown that regularly supplementing with the herb can benefit energy and mood levels as well as increase sexual desire³. During the menopause phase, the roots can help curb body discomfort that comes with those hormonal shifts⁴. Maca root is a favorite herb here at Apothékary and can be found as a primary ingredient in Rose Colored Glasses™, Seal the Deal™, or as a single herb.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

When it comes to maintaining both the physical and emotional body, hawthorn is a top choice for herbalists. A member of the rose family, the shrubs or small trees create beautiful blossoms in the springtime followed by deep red berries. The berries, leaves, and flowers have all been traditionally used as herbal medicine throughout Europe and Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine, use dates back to 659 AD⁵. Over time hawthorn has become a symbol for love, the heart, and desire. In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn is considered a Shen tonic. Shen can be translated to spirit or consciousness that comes from the heart. Spiritually, the herb can help lift a heavy heart, heal emotional wounds, and help bolster self-love and acceptance.

Physically, hawthorn provides an array of cardiovascular benefits. It has been clinically shown to lower blood lipid levels, regulate blood pressure, ease inflammation, and even strengthen the heart muscles and surrounding blood vessels. If you have a family history of cardiovascular complications, hawthorn is a great herb to add to your daily routine to help protect your heart⁶.

Find heart-protective hawthorn berries in our Rose Colored Glasses™ and Wine Down™ formulas.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Hibiscus, also known throughout the world as sour tea, is prized for its taste, cooling nature, and heart support benefits. Folk traditions have used the bright hibiscus calyx to help maintain blood pressure, liver health, and even to help cool the body during illness. The antioxidant-rich nature of the herb makes it particularly beneficial for the heart. Modern research backs up the traditional findings with clinical studies showing its effectiveness in helping balance blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure⁷. Regular intake has been associated with less risk for cardiovascular complications overall⁸. Tart and gorgeous, hibiscus can be found in our Rosé-Tinted Glasses™, and You Dew You® formulas where it provides benefits for the heart, mood, and skin.

Schisandra berry (Schisandra chinensis)

Schisandra berry or “five-flavor fruit” has been revered in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. You may be wondering, “Why the name of this five-flavor fruit? It is said to be the only fruit that contains all five tastes—bitter, pungent, sour, salty, and taste. These five flavors tie back to their specific benefits for various organs throughout the body including the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, and heart. The flavorful berries are adaptogens, helping our bodies deal with stressors over time. Stress can impact both the physical and emotional heart. Physically, it can lead to higher blood pressure, inflammation, or circulation issues. Emotionally, it can impact feelings of sadness, disinterest, or overwhelm. Schisandra can support you if you struggle with having enough energy and stamina for sexual intercourse. Research has shown its ability to increase endurance to keep you stay energized in and out of the sheets⁹. Schisandra berry is the primary functional herb with our Rosé-Tinted Glasses™ mood-boosting tincture.

Conclusion

Incorporating any of these five herbs into your wellness routine offers multifaceted benefits for heart health, libido, and overall stamina. From the Ayurvedic rejuvenation of shatavari root to the adaptogenic properties of maca root and schisandra berry, each herb brings a unique set of qualities to the table. Whether seeking to enhance intimacy, foster self-love, or fortify cardiovascular resilience, the natural and holistic properties of these herbs provide a thoughtful and health-conscious approach to celebrating the season of love.