Testosterone is an integrally important hormone in the healthy function of both men and women. For men though, testosterone is tied in with the masculine identity as the key to strength, muscle, and libido. This makes it so much more devastating when we get to the ripe old age of 30 and realize our testosterone production is starting to slow.
However, by being a little health conscious and with help from a few natural ingredients, you can keep your testosterone production in a healthy and normal range for years to come. Here is a list of herbs commonly found in testosterone boosting supplements that you can use to help support your natural testosterone production.
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Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a flowering plant that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Also used as a spice and thickener in cooking, traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medical systems have used fenugreek to help treat skin conditions, induce labor, aid digestion, and as a general health tonic. Recent studies have shown that fenugreek may be useful in boosting both testosterone levels and libido. One study on college-aged men saw significant changes in body fat percentage, total testosterone, and bioavailable testosterone after 8 weeks of 500mg daily dosages.
The same study also reported strength increases and a decrease in estrogens when compared with the placebo group. Another study examined the libido and mood enhancing effects of fenugreek, with men self-reporting improvements in libido, sexual performance, energy levels, and their general sense of well-being. Such promising results make fenugreek a popular ingredient, and it can be found in many over the counter testo boosters.
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Ashwagandha
This is another herb that has a history of use in traditional medicine. Ahswagandha is an evergreen shrub native to the Middle East, Africa, and India, and is actually one of the most integral herbs used in Ayurveda. When used during a study on fertility, researchers found that doses of 5g per day significantly reduced the stress levels of the subjects, improving their levels of antioxidants and sperm quality.
A second study showed that with a resistance training program, supplementation with Ashwagandha significantly increased testosterone compared the placebo group, as well as showed significantly higher gains in muscle mass and strength. One of the reasons why Ashwagandha may be so useful as a fertility and testosterone booster is that it’s an adaptogen, and helps the body to deal with stress. Stress triggers the body to release cortisol, and when cortisol levels are high, testosterone levels are usually low.
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Tribulus Terrestris
This is one of the most popular herbs found in testosterone boosters. Tribulus terrestris is another flowering plant with roots in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional uses for Tribulus include as an aphrodisiac and libido booster, and ongoing studies have continued to research these benefits. Animal studies have shown increased sex drive and testosterone levels, but human studies are still ongoing. One promising study reported a 16% increase in testosterone levels and self-observed increases is sexual performance in men with erectile dysfunction.
When searching for this herb, try finding it in combination with other testo boosting ingredients. Supplements like HF Labs Delta Prime combine traditional Ayurvedic herbs like tribulus with vitamin D and zinc to help support your natural testosterone production.
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Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is a plant native to South-East Asia, and sometimes called “long jack” or “Malaysian Ginseng”. It has a long history of use in traditional medicinal systems, and has been prized in Malaysian culture as a male enhancement aid, believed to increase libido, performance, and virility. Early animal studies showed much promise for the use of Tongkat Ali as an aphrodisiac and sexual performance enhancer, and further human studies have also seen positive results for increasing testosterone.
One study found that supplementation with Tongkat Ali helped improve the stress hormone profile by reducing cortisol up to 16% and increasing the testosterone status by 37%, leading the researchers to propose that Tongkat Ali may be an effective way to help deal with the effects of modern chronic stress. Chronic stress, as many of us are aware, can be detrimental to your health, and lead to lower testosterone levels.
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Ginger
Ginger is a popularly consumed spice around the world, and its use as an herbal remedy is well known and wide spread. Most commonly, ginger is used to help ease and relieve nausea, but some studies have shown it may also be an effective testosterone booster. Animal studies have shown promising results, with testosterone levels increasing in conjunction with the dosage size of the ginger, and one human study found that ginger supplementation in infertile men increased their testosterone levels by 17%. While more studies are needed, preliminary findings make ginger an interesting and promising herb to use in the fight against declining testosterone levels.
While declining testosterone levels may be an inevitable part of the aging process, there are many smart lifestyle choices you can make to help keep your body producing at the best of its ability. If you think your testosterone levels are low, talk to your doctor about the best approach for you.
Also read our article about best HGH & testosterone boosters >>
