Today we’re discussing herbs that restore and nourish the reproductive system, taking a holistic approach to improving libido, sexual health and stamina.

For athletes (as well as highly active and/or chronically stressed individuals) sexual health is often an overlooked and low-priority topic. However, the reproductive system can be a very insightful indicator health – often one of the first to signal distress. Intense training and chronic stress place significant demands on the nervous system and endocrine system, which can lead to lowered libido, disrupted hormones/hormone cycles, and diminished stamina. Let’s dive into how to nourish the reproductive system for improved health and quality of life.

Before we get into today’s herbs, it’s important to address that restoring sexual vitality and the overall landscape of holistic health begins with emotional wellness, sleep quality, and balanced nourishment. The reproductive system is deeply sensitive to how safe, rested, and resourced we feel both physically and emotionally. When stress is chronic, sleep is compromised, and/or nutrition is insufficient, the body can shift into a protective state.

For athletes, high-performing and/or chronically stressed individuals, stress can be emotional (and work-related) or physical (training-induced). For example, under-fueling, loading without sufficient recovery, and poor sleep health all place additional load on the body and, over time, this can impact hormones, mood, and stamina.

Prioritizing rest, deep sleep, mineral-rich foods and load-appropriate fueling/hydration, as well as a sense of play (unstructured training, hobbies, etc) can lay the foundation for holistic health, a framework we can enhance with herbal remedies. Let’s talk about plant allies that can gently support, rebuild, and enhance sexual health and general wellness.

Rose Rosa spp.

• Actions: Nervine, astringent, inflammation-modulator, cardiotonic, anxiolytic, aphrodisiac, spasmolytic, anticatarrhal
• Energetics: Cooling & Drying
• Affinities: Heart (emotional grief) Nervous System (depression/uplifting) Skin (tonifying)
• [1]

Ashwagandha Withania somnifera

• Actions: Restorative tonic, adaptogen, aphrodisiac, anxiolytic, nervine, immunomodulator, inflammation-modulator, neuroprotective, antioxidant
• Energetics: Warming
• Affinities: Nervous system (burnout, insomnia) Reproductive system (libido/infertility) Immune System (adjacent cancer treatment, strengthen those with weak/depleted immunity)
• [1, 4]

Oats Avena sativa

• It is key to understand the different parts of oats in herbal medicine: Oatstraw, Oat Seed (oatmeal), Milky Oats (unripe seed heads harvested 2-3 months after planting)
• Actions: Nutritive, gentle nervine, emollient, trophorestorative/possible adaptogen, vulnerary, galactagogue, laxative (oatmeal)
• Energetics: Neutral (oat seed/oatmeal is more warming/moistening)
• Affinities: Digestive system (high in vitamins + minerals) Nervous system (depletion/fatigue, anxiety, insomnia) Reproductive system (sexual dysfunction, low libido) Urinary tract (diuretic, tonifying) Endocrine system (nourishing, balancing) Skin (hot/dry conditions)
• [1, 3, 4]

Shatavari Asparagus racemosus

• Actions: Aphrodisiac, adaptogen, spasmolytic, demulcent, galactogogue, nervine, tonic
• Energetics: Cooling + Moistening
• Affinities: Reproductive System (tonifying, balancing) Mucosa (hot/dry conditions) Nervous System (pain, insomnia, anxiety) Immune System (supports function, indicated inimmunosuppressed conditions)
• [2, 7]

Pau D’Arco Tabebuia impetiginosa

• Actions: Anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, immune modulating, tonic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, some consider it a mild aphrodisiac
• Energetics: Tonifying (Fairly Neutral Energetics/Moisture)
• Affinities: Immune system (cancer, chronic infections, immune deficiency, inflammation, fungal infections) Digestive system (stomach/intestinal inflammation + ulcers) Urinary/Reproductive system (cystisis, prostatitis; chronic fatigue), Considered a “cure all” by South American indigenous people
• [4, 6, 7]

Damiana Turnera diffusa

• Actions: Aphrodisiac, nervine relaxant + stimulant, antidepressive, trophorestorative, astringent, diuretic, uterine tonic, possible adaptogen
• Energetics: Warming + Drying
• Affinities: Nervous system (uplifitng, harmonizing) Reproductive system (aphrodisiac/stimulates blood flow to pelvis, tonifying) Urinary system (diuretic)
• [4, 5]

This year, I’m approaching Valentine’s Day with herbal remedies to support a long term process rather than a quick fix. True vitality (sexual, emotional, and physical) comes from restoring the nervous system, replenishing depleted tissues, and supporting the body’s natural rhythms over time.

Herbal remedies follow the rhthyms of our bodies and the seasons: they work slowly and intelligently, easing stress, supporting circulation, balancing imbalances, and nourishing the body so desire (or for some healing) can arise naturally.

This rhthym is the heart of my Valentine’s offerings: I’ve created a small collection of nourishing teas, organic glycerites, and self care products for you to experience as a ritual. These blends are meant to support warmth, connection and restoration whether you’re celebrating with a partner or tending to yourself.

Bundle to Save: Pair any of the offerings below and recieve a free rose hip serum roller or sample of edible cocoa body butter!

💘 Venus Rising Tisane

Revitalizing roots, Ayruvedic aphrodisiacs, fragrant florals and Amazonian aromatics compose a blend fit for the gods

• Sensual herbal blend of damiana, shatavari, eleuthero, ashwagandha, pau d’arco, oat straw, rose petals, hibiscus, vanilla bean, cocoa nibs, and licorice root
• Supports relaxation, libido, and nourishment for the entire body, featuring herbs that support both the male and female reproductive systems. This blend is designed to be shared with a partner 😉
• Available in 1.5 oz tea tin or 4 oz bulk bag

🌸 Heart’s Ease Tisane

“For the heart that needs care; a soothing herbal blend to comfort and hold you through grief or quiet moments alone.

• Comforting herbal blend of rose, hawthorn, oat straw, chamomile, tulsi, licorice root
• Perfect for emotional restoration during times of grief, trauma, or loss, or for those focusing on self-care this Valentines Day.
• Available in 1.5 oz tea tin or 4 oz bulk bag

🌹 Rose + Kava Glycerite

Fragrant, luxurious, effortless. Perfect for sensual evening when you can’t wait for a cuppa to brew!

• Sensual rose meets tropical, ceremonial kava kava to relax, uplift, and ease tension
• Kava tincture is optional | NA rose – only option available
• Available in 2 oz dropper bottles for convenient use

🌿 Vitality Elixir

A thoughtful blend of roots, berries, and barks to support reproductive health and stamina while providing the body with nourishing energy

• Pau d’ Arco, ashwagandha, nettle and saw palmetto magically collide in this sexually- restorative extract.
• Saw Palmetto tincture is optional | NA glycerite available
• Available in 2 oz dropper bottles for convenient use

Email me at becca@kawaoka-coaching.com to order any of the Valentine’s Day bundles or individual products; I make everything in small batches for quality and personalization.

Citations + Recommended Reading:

1. Learning Herbs by Juliet Blankespoor
2. Shatavari, Herbal Reality
3. Oats, Herbal Reality
4. Herbal Healing for Men by Rosemary Gladstar
5. Damiana, Herbal Reality
6. Handroanthus impetiginosus via Artemis Herbal Remedies Database
7. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier
8. Mountain Rose Herbs (individual products)