Keeping our endocrine systems working properly is key to building lean muscle, optimizing performance, and maintaining a healthy sex drive. Here are 4 herbs that increase testosterone naturally and help maintain a healthy endocrine system.
4 Herbs that Increase Testosterone
#1: Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris is probably the most common herb that increases testosterone and is found in just about every supplement designed to boost men's hormones and sex drive.
Tribulus, like Ginseng (see #4) has been shown in several studies to increase the body's production of Luteinizing and Follicle Stimulating hormones, signalling the testicles to produce testosterone.
It has also been shown to dramatically increase the body's production of DHEA, which is another powerful androgen and precursor to testosterone.
#2: Pine Pollen
Pine Pollen is the only herb that increases testosterone directly. Pine Pollen supplies the body with an external source of testosterone and other phyto-androgens that supplement the body's own production.
Studies have also shown pollen to be a powerful aromatase inhibitor, which can help your body preserve more of the testosterone your body produces and those provided directly by the pollen.
In addition to directly supplying the body with phyto-androgens, Pine Pollen contains a wide variety of micro-nutrients including zinc and magnesium, both of which are essential to optimal endocrine system function.
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#3: Stinging Nettle Root
Stinging Nettle Root (or, "Nettle Root") is an herb that increases testosterone by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and estrogen.
So, though it does not directly increase the body's production of testosterone, Nettle Root is often used to optimize the body's natural production.
Nettle Root is also nutrient dense adaptogen that contains a massive amount of minerals, enzymes and antioxidants, helping the body deal with stress and free radicals.
Nettle Root’s powerful ability to block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen has been shown in several studies and is also believed to help treat BPH and other prostate issues.
#4: Ginseng
Thousands of studies (mostly in Asia because Western Medicine dismisses the value of food and herbs as preventative treatments), have shown that regular Ginseng consumption can contribute to increased libido, firmer erections, and increased testosterone.
Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) is another herb that increases testosterone by stimulating the Pituitary Gland to release Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone. Both of these hormones are essential for signaling the testes to produce sperm and testosterone.
Note: American Ginseng (White Ginseng) has been shown to also significantly increase Estrodial, a powerful estrogen that has been shown to cause prostate enlargement, so make sure to read labels carefully before adding it to your diet.
Conclusion: There are a lot of great herbs that increase testosterone or effect the feedback loop that can/may effect the levels of androgens in your body. If you think you may benefit from these herbs, experiment with low doses and increase overtime.
It is also a good idea to discuss with your doctor to determine if you have a specific issue that would benefit from a specific herb; e.g., pituitary issues, etc.
Disclaimer: The herbs discussed in this post may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult your physician prior to starting any supplement regimen.
Sources:
- Moradi HR, Erfani Majd N, Esmaeilzadeh S, Fatemi Tabatabaei SR. The histological and histometrical effects of Urtica dioica extract on rat's prostate hyperplasia. Vet Res Forum. 2015 Winter;6(1):23-9. Epub 2015 Mar 15. PMID: 25992248; PMCID: PMC4405682.
- Leung KW, Wong AS. Ginseng and male reproductive function. Spermatogenesis. 2013 Jul 1;3(3):e26391. doi: 10.4161/spmg.26391. Epub 2013 Sep 13. PMID: 24381805; PMCID: PMC3861174.
- Ghosian Moghaddam MH, Khalili M, Maleki M, Ahmad Abadi ME. The Effect of Oral Feeding of Tribulus terrestris L. on Sex Hormone and Gonadotropin Levels in Addicted Male Rats. Int J Fertil Steril. 2013 Apr;7(1):57-62. Epub 2013 Mar 6. PMID: 24520465; PMCID: PMC3850326.
