Spice up your sex life, literally—study says this ingredient can boost your libido

And you thought fenugreek was just for cooking!

An image of two young women in lingerie talking and sharing an intimate moment
(Image credit: Getty Images / Ashley Armitage)

Sure, you've stocked up on fenugreek in the kitchen, but did you know that the spice can have promising effects in the bedroom? It's true. Science says the herb boasts many health benefits such as reducing cholesterol, lowering blood sugar levels, and, most notably, boosting libido. Now might be the time to start rethinking those meal prep ideas, if you catch our drift. 

According to findings in Clinical Phytoscience, the supplementation of FHE has natural benefits for women who are experiencing sexual issues, including vaginal dryness, sexual irritability, and low libido. The study's participants, 24 menstruating women ages 20–48, experienced nearly 42% improvement in sexual problems and a 40% improvement in irritability. If that's the case, it's time to whip up some curry for dinner! Extra fenugreek for us, please. 

(Plus, fenugreek is also known for increasing testosterone—another handy note to keep in your back pocket.)



A natural cooking remedy could be a small step toward feeling less stressed about sex, and that's exactly what we need right now. The wellness app Ferly just uncovered shocking statistics: 71% of women are nervous about sex, particularly those aged 30–35, and roughly 30% of participants in its survey of 20,000 are anxious before, during, and after the act.

Being frisky is meant to be a positive experience, whether you're acting solo or with a partner. It's concerning that so many women are feeling anxious and apprehensive when the sensual activity is meant to do the opposite. Resetting your sex life—from the simple task of adding new herbs to your spice rack or getting more involved by exploring new gadgets—there's always a way to turn around negative sentiments. 

If you need us, you can find us reorganizing our pantry.

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.


Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 


When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.