Benefits of Green Tea & the Libido in Women

Decreased sex drive is a common problem among women worldwide. Everything from increased stress to decreased hormone levels can have a negative effect on your sex drive. Green tea is known to have ingredients such as caffeine, L-thiamine, and ginseng, all of which are known to have a positive effect on female sex drive 4.

Caffeine

According to BBC News, researchers at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, have discovered that caffeine consumption may lead to an increase in sexual desire in women 4. Lead researcher, Fay Guarraci, M.D., suggests that the caffeine in green tea and coffee may have a stimulating effect on the section of the brain that is in control of sexual arousal 4. The study performed on rats found that females who ingested caffeine were more likely to seek out males for a subsequent mating session after being put through a mating test 4. Since the rats in the study had never been given caffeine before, Dr. Guarraci noted that the effect may only present in people who do not regularly consume caffeine 4. Caffeine may interact with some drugs, as stated by Drugs.com, changing the the concentration of your prescriptions in your plasma and decreasing their effectiveness 4. (see Reference 4, caffeine) Check with your doctor if you are unsure if caffeine is unsafe for you to ingest 4. Smoking can also enhance the effects of caffeine 4. Finally, it also have adverse effects if you have any form of cardiovascular diease, central nervous system diseases, or lower intestinal problems.

L-Theanine

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One of the ingredients in green tea, L-theanine, has been known as an effective calming product in Japan for decades. According to Bill Faloon, of The Life Extension Foundation, theanine is capable of increasing a calming brain chemical called GABA. He also suggests that it can increase dopamine levels in both men and women. Dopamine can boost your mood and is also associated with an increase in the emotions linked to increased sex drive. Faloon also states that theanine can help you to think more clearly, helping you to stay in the moment and enjoy sex even more. According to Drugs.com, L-theanine does not have any established contraindications 4.

Ginseng

Green tea is often infused with ginseng, a popular root originating from China. Ginseng has been found to stimulate sex drive, particularly in women. According to Natural Herbal Remedies Advice, sex drive is increased by ingesting ginseng because it helps to increase dopamine levels in the brain 3. As previously pointed out, dopamine is a feel-good neurotransmitter that works to increase feelings associated with increased sex drive. Drugs.com states that if you are on blood thinning medications or suffer from high blood pressure or increased blood glucose levels, you should exercise caution when supplementing with ginseng 4. (see Reference 4, Ginseng)

Amounts

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According to both Dr. Guarraci and Faloon, the calming and sexuality boosting effects of substances found in green tea can begin with the first cup you drink. The more you drink, the more effect green tea will have on you. Exercise caution with green tea, though. If you have adverse effects to caffeine or ginseng, or you find that these substances interfere with prescribed medications, check with your doctor to find out if green tea is safe for you 4. Also avoid green tea at night to avoid insomnia.