Can Garlic Help Your Sex Drive?

Whether you’re dealing with high blood pressure or trying to lose weight, garlic's medicinal properties have probably appeared in your search results. From lowering blood pressure and cholesterol to reducing the risk of cancer, raw garlic seems to have balanced its reputation for bad breath with a lot of wellness benefits.

When it comes to your sex drive, garlic (Latin name allium sativum) offers some benefits as well — beyond the ones we’ve mentioned above.

Those potential health benefits, like improved testosterone production, have garnered garlic a reputation as a superfood with sexual benefits.

Want to see what the studies say about how garlic can make your sex life better? Read on.

Garlic has a long history both as a culinary ingredient and a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. Today, it’s available in several forms for both purposes:

• Raw garlic is what you keep in your kitchen. The uncooked cloves of garlic that we crush, chop, or mince are believed to have the most potent health benefits of any form of garlic since they contain the highest concentration of active compounds like allicin. It’s also the smelliest option.

• Cooked garlic has been heated or cooked by roasting, sautéing, or frying. While cooking garlic can destroy some active compounds, it can also enhance the bioavailability of other beneficial compounds, like S-allyl cysteine.

• Garlic pills are a supplemental form of garlic containing concentrated amounts of allicin, alliin, and sulfur. They are typically made from dried garlic powder or garlic oil and are available in various dosages.

• Garlic supplements and extracts are similar to garlic pills but may contain other ingredients, like vitamins or minerals. They often come in garlic tablets, capsules, or liquids touted for specific benefits, such as immune support, heart health, or blood pressure management.

Here, we’ll mainly focus on raw garlic. So, if you’re currently using a supplement or pill, know that not all the research on raw garlic extends to the type of garlic you’re using.

Let’s look at the benefits of raw garlic.

The Health Benefits of Garlic for Men

Raw garlic has been linked to benefits for many health conditions, from diabetes to fatty liver disease to certain forms of cognitive decline. But can it actually prevent cardiovascular diseases and other chronic diseases or improve blood circulation?

While some of these benefits have only limited proof so far, there’s reason to be optimistic about lifelong garlic consumption as part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Potential benefits and therapeutic effects of eating garlic include:

• A boosted immune system

• Reduced oxidative stress and free radicals

• Lowered blood pressure

• Reduced cholesterol

• Cancer-fighting properties for colon cancer

• Better bone health

• Improved digestive health

And unlike medications for these same issues, it works with few side effects — the worst of which is bad breath.

Let’s look at the studies for more.

Boosts Immunity

Like vitamin C, garlic is rich in antioxidants and contains compounds like allicin that have been shown to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. The antioxidant properties of garlic consumption have been demonstrated in several limited tests, and many are related to its relatively high selenium content.

And while it’s probably not a natural remedy for the common cold, studies have found that consuming raw garlic can boost immune function by stimulating the production of white blood cells — which help fight infections and chronic diseases.

Lower Blood Pressure

Raw garlic has been shown to lower blood pressure. Animal studies have found that aged garlic extract can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This blood pressure-lowering effect is thought to be due to the sulfur compounds in garlic.

Other studies have linked garlic to the management of hypertension, though ordering endless breadsticks shouldn’t be considered a primary treatment for people who are hypertensive.

However, some other research has noted that garlic and its active ingredients may also increase bleeding and reduce blood clotting, so be aware of those adverse effects.

Heart Health: Reduces Cholesterol Levels

Using more fresh garlic may help prevent heart disease associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Eating raw garlic has been shown to reduce total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol — in people with high cholesterol.

The sulfur compounds in garlic have also been found to inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver.

Anti-Cancer Properties: May Inhibit Tumor Formation

Some studies have found that consuming raw garlic may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including stomach and colorectal cancer.

The sulfur compounds in garlic may offer protective effects that help prevent the formation of cancer-causing substances in the body. These same compounds may also have anti-tumor properties.

Promotes Digestive Health

Raw garlic has been shown to have prebiotic effects, meaning it can help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This can lead to improved digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as a reduced risk of digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease.

That said, garlic can cause an upset stomach and other digestive issues in some people, so consume it in moderation if you’re worried about garlic indigestion.

If you’re looking for a way to increase sex drive or fight erectile dysfunction, garlic might provide benefits in two ways. First, evidence shows it could effectively increase blood flow in people with higher blood pressure. Second, some studies and clinical trials show that garlic is also a food that boosts testosterone.

Let’s look at these benefits in more detail.

Blood Flow

One of the reasons garlic has been thought to enhance sex drive is its effect on blood flow. Garlic contains a compound called allicin that’s been shown to improve circulation by dilating blood vessels, which is a key part of how you get an erection.

Some research has suggested that this can even help men counteract the effects of aging on erectile function. A 2014 study, which looked at a small group of about 50 men, found an association between the therapeutic effects of aged garlic extract and benefits for combating erectile dysfunction.

Testosterone Levels

Does garlic increase testosterone? Some studies suggest yes. Garlic has been shown to increase testosterone levels in animals, but the evidence in humans is limited.

Further research and clinical trials are needed to determine whether garlic has a significant impact on testosterone levels in humans and whether this translates to improved sexual function.

Fertility

While the results are limited, at least one study ties garlic to male fertility, testicular function, and higher sperm count.

That said, some conflicting information suggests that garlic may also impair certain functions. So, if you’re looking for fertility solutions, you may want to step away from the spice rack and speak with a healthcare provider.

Raw garlic is certainly one option for men who are open to new and inventive ways to address common sexual health issues. But we really can’t give it our full recommendation because, frankly, there are just so many other options out there.

Consider the big picture:

• YES, raw garlic has been shown to offer benefits for blood pressure and testosterone health, which could directly impact erectile function and sexual drive.

• BUT, no meta-analysis has yet identified how much garlic you should consume — or how you should consume it — to reap the benefits.

• SO, if you’re considering a handful of cloves as a late-night snack, you may be better off talking to a healthcare professional about medication.

There are various erectile dysfunction treatments backed by science and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Medications like Viagra^Ⓡ (sildenafil), Cialis^Ⓡ (tadalafil), and others are available as prescriptions through healthcare professionals.

Hims also offers premature ejaculation treatments for men who want to build some extra stamina. If you’re struggling with the clock, check out our guide to premature ejaculation to learn more.

Oh, and if you’re really doubling down on this garlic thing, we highly recommend you check out our hard mint chewable ED meds. They offer the benefits of FDA-approved medication and fresh breath — thank us later.