Desire, intimacy and vitality have always been part of how people look after their wellbeing, and plants have been part of that story for generations. This guide shares the plants traditionally used for vitality and desire, which GreenPharm products are among them, and how to use them with care.
A change in desire is normal at every stage of life, for every gender, and nothing to be ashamed of. It is also often a message: from stress, tiredness, hormones, health or the relationship itself. We would rather help you listen to that message than sell you a quick fix.
Nothing here is medical advice. None of our products is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or sexual condition. Please read this alongside your doctor’s care, not instead of it.
Rooted in tradition
In many cultures, plants for vitality and fertility were handed down quietly, from elders to the people who needed them. Roots like ginseng, ashwagandha and velvet bean have been valued for centuries in Asian, Ayurvedic and African traditions as tonics for strength, energy and warmth. We treat that knowledge with respect.
What shapes desire
Desire rises and falls with the whole of your life, so the most useful step is often to look at the whole picture. Common influences include:
- Stress and exhaustion. A body running on adrenaline has little left for intimacy. Rest and calm often come first.
- Sleep. Poor sleep lowers energy and mood for everyone.
- Hormonal change. Menopause, andropause, pregnancy, breastfeeding and thyroid changes can all shift desire.
- Health and medication. Blood pressure tablets, antidepressants and some other medicines can lower desire. Long-term conditions such as diabetes or heart disease can also play a part.
- Mood and relationships. Low mood, grief, worry, conflict and lack of closeness matter as much as any physical cause.
- Alcohol and smoking. Both can reduce desire and performance over time.
Movement, good food, time outdoors, honest conversation with a partner and, where needed, a counsellor or sex therapist are all part of the toolkit. Plants can support that, not replace it.
Plants traditionally used for vitality and desire
These are the plants in our range with a long traditional use as tonics for energy, stamina and desire, and each needs its “check first” read before you buy.
| Product | Traditionally used for | Check first | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginseng | A general tonic for stamina and strength, and traditionally as an aphrodisiac. | Not with antidepressants, stimulants including caffeine, or heart medication. | R120 |
| Ashwagandha | Vitality and coping with stress. | Not with blood thinners, and not in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Large doses can upset the stomach. | R120 |
| Velvet bean | Vitality and the nervous system in traditional Ayurvedic use. | Contains plant compounds that act on the brain. Speak to your doctor first if you take any medication, especially for mood or movement. | R120 |
| Fenugreek | Vitality, digestion and menopause complaints. | Can lower blood sugar. Not in pregnancy. | R120 |
| Saw palmetto | Traditionally used by men for prostate and hormone balance. | Ask your doctor first if you take hormone treatment or blood thinners. | R120 |
| Black cohosh | Women’s menopause discomfort. | Not in pregnancy. Stop and see a doctor if you notice signs of liver trouble. | R120 |
| Chaste berry | Women’s hormonal balance. | Not with HRT or the contraceptive pill, and not in pregnancy. | R120 |
| Liquid Zinc | Normal reproductive function and immune support. | Check the label amount per serving and don’t exceed it. | R150 |
For stress and sleep, which often sit behind low desire, see our plants for Calm and Rest and Energy.
Safety first
Tonic plants act on the body, so tell your doctor or pharmacist about them, especially if you take any regular medication.
- Antidepressants and mood medication: ginseng, hops, St John’s wort and velvet bean can interact.
- Blood pressure and heart medication: ginseng and liquorice can interfere.
- Blood thinners: ashwagandha, saw palmetto and green tea can interfere.
- Diabetes medication: fenugreek can lower blood sugar further.
- Hormone treatment, HRT or the contraceptive pill: saw palmetto and chaste berry.
- Medicines for erection problems: tell your doctor about any herb before combining them.
- Pregnancy, trying to conceive, and breastfeeding: most herbs in this guide are not suitable. Ask a doctor first.
Start with one product at a time at the lowest label dose, follow the directions, and stop and get help if you feel unwell. If a product makes you anxious, jittery or sleepless, stop it.
When to see a doctor
A lasting change in desire or sexual function is worth a conversation with a doctor, because it can be an early sign of something treatable. Please make an appointment if you notice:
- A sudden or long-lasting drop in desire, or difficulty with erections that is new for you. This can be an early sign of heart or blood vessel problems or of diabetes.
- Pain during intimacy, unusual bleeding or discharge.
- Low mood, constant anxiety or loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
- Tiredness, weight change or temperature changes that don’t ease, which can point to thyroid or hormone changes.
- A change that started after a new medication.
Doctors hear about this every day. You never need to feel embarrassed.
A gentle way to start
Start with rest, movement and honest conversation, and add one plant if it feels right. Many people find that sleep, less stress and more closeness do more than any root.
Our plants are made by herbalist Eduan Joubert, who has worked with herbs since 2012 on a smallholding north-east of Pretoria. If you’re unsure where to begin, send us a message. Your question stays private.
Free delivery on orders over R600, R150 below that. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or sexual condition. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.