The #1 Tea to Improve Your Sex Drive

When it comes to spicing things up in the bedroom, most people don’t think to turn to their tea cabinet—but maybe they should! It turns out there’s a tea that might just give your love life a little boost. Damiana tea is an herbal beverage that’s been used for centuries to help stir up a little romantic energy. 

From increased stress and hormonal shifts to changes in relationship dynamics, there are many reasons why your sex drive may have taken an extended vacation. Depending on the situation, sipping on a warm cup of damiana tea could be the nudge you need to invite your libido back into the bedroom. Simple and delicious, damiana tea has an intriguing reputation with some research to back up its benefits. That said, damiana tea isn’t appropriate for everyone, and it’s important to talk to a health care provider before trying it. 

Get your mug out and your teakettle heated—we’re taking a closer look at why damiana tea is the No. 1 tea to improve your sex drive. 

How Damiana Tea May Improve Libido 

“Damiana is a plant that is native to Mexico, Central and South America,” says Kelsey Barrett, a clinical herbalist and consultant to Numi Organic Tea. “It is known as the ‘Green Goddess’ and has been used for centuries as a mood enhancer and energy booster,” she adds. Here are some ways that it may help improve libido.

It May Reduce Stress and Anxiety 

Feeling stressed or anxious can make it harder to want and enjoy sex., While more research is needed, sipping on damiana tea regularly may help lower stress and anxiety, potentially paving the way for a more fulfilling romantic experience.

Barrett explains that damiana may have a calming effect on the central nervous system, helping you to “enter a sensual state of mind and body.” Two preclinical animal studies found that the tea had anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects, though these results haven’t been replicated in humans. Researchers suggest that apigenin—a compound found in damiana—may be responsible for the herb’s potential stress-reliving effects. 

It May Improve Blood Flow 

Healthy blood circulation is essential for a strong libido, as it plays a significant role in physical arousal. Damiana tea contains compounds believed to improve blood flow to essential areas, naturally enhancing sensitivity and responsiveness during intimate moments. While research is ongoing, this effect may be thanks to a process involving the NO-cGMP pathway—a signaling process in the body that affects the functioning of blood vessels and smooth muscles. 

This improvement in blood flow is not just limited to romantic health; it also contributes to better overall vitality. The energizing benefits of damiana tea may leave you feeling more active and engaged, creating a domino effect on your emotional and physical intimacy.

It May Enhance Hormonal Balance 

Damiana is thought to support the body’s hormonal balance, which has a direct impact on libido. Hormonal imbalances can interfere with sexual desire, creating feelings of fatigue or disinterest. Drinking damiana tea may assist in stabilizing your hormones, restoring a natural rhythm to your body and improving intimate desire. 

Animal data found damiana extract helped improve hormone levels, like testosterone, and reduced cell damage in the testes of male rats. It also supported sperm production and increased the number of important testicular cells called Leydig cells.  Some evidence also suggests that damiana extract may inhibit the activity of aromatase, an enzyme that converts certain hormones into estrogen.

Before you start brewing a pot in hopes of improving testosterone or estrogen levels, though, it’s important to remember that damiana’s potential effect on hormones hasn’t been confirmed in humans. 

Tips to Enjoy Damiana Tea

According to Sofie Roos, a licensed sexologist, relationship therapist and author at Passionerad, damiana tea can be purchased as a concentrated liquid or as dried leaves, which you can steep like any other loose-leaf tea. You can also find it in some herbal tea blends, like Numi Damiana Relax.

While it can be enjoyed straight, some people find damiana tea bitter and prefer to add milk, honey or cane sugar to their cup. 

The Bottom Line

Damiana tea has long been used for its potential to help boost libido, though research confirming its benefits is limited. While it may provide a little boost, simply drinking damiana tea isn’t enough to bring your libido back from retirement. It’s crucial to take a holistic approach to improving intimacy and overall sexual health. Focusing on lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, exercising regularly and fostering open communication with your partner can also have a profound impact on your romantic life.

Working with a sex therapist and having your hormone levels checked by a doctor can also be helpful for identifying the reasons behind a lowered sex drive. Additionally, keep in mind that herbal teas may not be safe or appropriate for everyone, including those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking certain prescription medications. Always talk with a health care provider before trying any new herbal supplement or tea.