If pharmaceutical drugs have let you down, try natural ways to boost your sex drive. There are several avenues to follow, according to Medical News Today.

Sometimes psychological factors dampen the libido and can cause both men and women to become disinterested in sex. Certain foods and spices may help boost your sex drive as you deal with underlying causes of dysfunction.

“Some of these substances have undergone scientific scrutiny so we know the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of how they work,” noted expert Dr. Ellen Kamhi, Ph.D., author of "The Natural Guide to Great Sex," tells Newsmax. “Others have withstood the test of time and have been used in many traditions worldwide. Humankind’s quest for substances that increase both the pleasure and potency of sexual encounters spans the ages.”

Here are some suggestions:

1. Lower your anxiety. According to Medical News Today, a 2017 study of erectile dysfunction in young men found that depression and anxiety increased sexual problems. Practice good health hygiene, get enough rest, exercise daily, and talk to a therapist if anxiety is ruining your love life.
2. Eat almonds. The aroma of almond oil has been used for centuries to heat up the bed chambers of many societies, says Kamhi. Almonds contain healthy sex-boosting nutrients such as magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Improve the quality of your relationship. If you have been with someone for a long time, revive the glow by planning date nights and learning how to openly communicate your needs.
4. Eat avocados. The Aztecs called the avocado tree “the testicle tree” because of its shape, but these tasty fruits contain the good oils needed to produce sex hormones, says Kamhi.
5. Focus on foreplay. “In the field of sex therapy, we no longer regard sex as an act, but rather as an experience,” Dr. Judy Kuriansky, Ph.D., a leading psychologist and author of "The Complete Idiot’s Guide to a Healthy Relationship," tells Newsmax. “It’s important to include the buildup and the aftermath as part of the sexuality involved in intimacy. Sex, like any form of exercise, helps build energy and stamina. So, after a brief rest period, use the renewed energy to get creative with your partner.”
6. Get good quality sleep. According to Medical News Today, a 2015 study found that women who got more sleep the night before had an increased sex drive the next day.
7. Eat figs. Research by scientists at Rutgers University in New Jersey revealed that dried figs contain essential fatty acids, as well as several phytosterols, needed by the body for sex hormone production.
8. Get regular exercise. Research has shown that exercise boosts the libido in both men and women. However, overtraining has the opposite effect according to an article published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Researchers found that marathon runners, for example, had significantly lower libido scores.