When we think testosterone, we think male libido. But in addition to helping with sexual function, it also plays an important role in growth, strengthening bones, and production of red blood cells.
Naturally, testosterone slowly declines after the age of 30 in men. It’s important to make sure that a man’s levels stay optimal so that the above-mentioned functions are still intact.
It’s especially important to have healthy testosterone levels if you’re also a male athlete or spend a lot of time at the gym – it helps to promote healthy muscle mass, proper fat storage and improve physical stamina and endurance.
So how do you naturally boost testosterone levels? The first step is to understand that testosterone is made in more than one place. In males, it comes from your adrenal glands and gonads (testes).
When choosing herbs, you need to make sure to choose herbs that support the organs in which testosterone is produced, and determine whether one of these organs might need more attention than the other. This is patient-specific.
Here are our Toronto naturopaths’ favourite herbs for promoting healthy testosterone levels:
Malaysian ginseng (Eurycoma longifolia)
Also known as Long Jack, this herb naturally increases testosterone levels in the body. It may also help with male infertility (by improving sperm count in infertile men) and improve libido and sexual desire.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
This herb is generously used for adrenal dysfunction and modulating stress. A 2017 study showed improved testosterone measured in both the blood and semen. Ashwagandha has also been shown to increase sperm count, ejaculation volume and sperm motility.
Fenugreek (Trigonella)
This herb has been shown to improve libido, sexual performance and physical energy. Fenugreek is great because it has been shown to work not only in people with low testosterone, but also in people with already healthy levels.
There are many natural health formulas that combine the above herbs plus other herbs, vitamins and minerals to improve testosterone levels. Talk to your naturopath to determine which formula is the right fit for you.