Are you looking to revamp your libido or are you having problems with sex drive? Let’s look at how CBD and libido may be linked.
What is libido?
Libido or sex drive is a person’s desire for sexual activities. Libido is affected by different factors such as psychological, lifestyle, medications, physiological and medical conditions. Scientifically speaking, a well-regulated combination of neurotransmitters and hormones develop sex drive in a person, so both should be working properly.
What is CBD and how it works?
CBD or cannabidiol is cannabinoid produced by Cannabis sativa plant. This cannabinoid has the ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system of human body. ECS or the endocannabinoid system consists of its different receptors and endocannabinoids that work together to maintain homeostasis in the body. ECS is involved in maintaining memory, mood, hunger, and pain.
Studies indicate that CBD interacts with certain non-cannabinoid receptors such as serotonin receptors TRPV1 and GPR55 that may help manage symptoms of inflammation, pain and depression.
What does research say about CBD and libido?
Studies on the effect of CBD on libido are scarce and inconclusive. Some studies suggest that CBD may boost sex drive while others suggest that it reduces sex drive.
We’ve already mentioned that CBD interacts with the ECS receptors to provide therapeutic effects and scientists have found endocannabinoid receptors in the reproductive organs, such as testicles. This indicates that CBD may interact with these receptors in the reproductive organs and have a positive effect on libido.
One article published in Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found that use of Cannabis lower sex drive in males in such a way that the more they use it, more sex drive decreases.
However, CBD may alternatively affect causes of low libido to increase sex drive.
Anxiety
As mentioned above, libido is affected by different factors and one of them is anxiety. It is believed that CBD can manage feeling of anxiousness and stress, therefore it may also help in boosting libido. When the body gets relaxed and calmed it is very likely that the libido is improved.
Hormones
CBD may also potentially influence the concentration of happy hormones dopamine and serotonin in the body. If they are in optimal concentration, they can promote a feeling of pleasure and love. Therefore, CBD may indirectly boosts libido by maintaining the levels of these happy hormones.
There is another hormone called anandamide, which is known as the “bliss molecule” associated with oxytocin or the “cuddle hormone”. It is a known fact that Oxytocin enhances the mood of a person. Studies show that CBD may maintain levels of anandamide that may increase ones libido.
