Mushrooms for Libido: Can Mushrooms Enhance Your Sex Life?

Looking for ways to heat things up in the bedroom, au naturale? 

While fungi may not have the sexiest reputation, their long history of use in traditional medicine practices for sexual enhancement paired with stellar modern clinical-research cred could stand to change that. 

From fueling the fires of desire to boosting sexual satisfaction, here’s how a little mushroom magic could enhance your sex life, and how to choose the best sensual shroom for you.  

Are Mushrooms an Aphrodisiac?

Named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of all things love, beauty, desire, and sexuality, the term aphrodisiac refers to a subset of “foods, herbs and spices thought to rev up your sex drive, as well as increase your libido, attraction and pleasure.” In other words, aphrodisiacs are edibles that can help you get in the mood, so to speak. 

You might’ve heard this about oysters, chocolate, or strawberries– A few of the most well-known.  

And, as it happens, a number of functional mushrooms are also thought to belong to this provocative club. 

Mushrooms for Libido

A few of the most celebrated mushrooms for libido include: 

• Reishi

• Chaga

• Cordyceps

• Truffles

Reishi

For centuries, reishi mushrooms have been regarded as an aphrodisiac in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Recent studies have solidified its status, with one in particular showing an impact on both sexual interest and performance.  

Try this: Red Reishi Mushroom Gummies

Chaga

Chaga, often referred to as the “King of Medicinal Mushrooms,” has been lauded for its medicinal properties since its first recorded use in 12th century Russia and Siberia. Modern science points to this mushroom for use promoting sexual health and function, especially concerning ED in men. 

Try this: Chaga Mushroom Tincture

Cordyceps

Famed for its energizing, performance-enhancing benefits, cordyceps has been a highly-valued medicinal mushroom for thousands of years. This frisky fungus is referred to as “Himalayan Viagra” for its ability to promote a healthy libido, and sexual health, function, and performance.   

Try this: Cordyceps Mushroom Gummies

Truffles

These aromatic babes have been hailed as an aphrodisiac since the time of Ancient Greek and Roman civilization. Their scent, it is said, mimics that of male pheromones (due to their content of the pheromone adrostenone), which underscores their powerful aphrodisiac effect and may explain why female pigs are traditionally looked to as truffle-foraging pros. 

Best Mushrooms for Hormone Balance

Hormones are major players in our sex lives, contributing to everything from our levels of desire to mood and sexual health. Look for these mushies to help level things out and promote optimal hormonal balance. 

Mushrooms for Testosterone

Imbalanced testosterone, a male sex hormone produced in both men and women, can contribute to factors like low sex drive, and sexual dysfunction in men and fertility struggles and irregular cycles in women.

In one study, the enokitake mushroom was found to help support testosterone production given its high content of adenosene, which can also be found in reishi and cordyceps.   

Reishi may also be useful in inhibiting testosterone, according to an animal study conducted in Japan. 

Your local produce aisle may offer testosterone-balancing support, as well: the classic white button mushroom has been shown to suppress activity of the enzyme aromatase, which may help to increase levels of testosterone. These common mushrooms may also be helpful in balancing estrogen levels. 

Mushrooms for Estrogen

One of two major female sex hormones, estrogen imbalances can present challenges such as vaginal dryness and loss of sexual interest in women, and can impact things like sex drive and sexual function in men. 

In addition to the white button, maitake mushrooms may be helpful in balancing estrogen levels, particularly in women. Like with testosterone, research has also shown potential for estrogen regulation with reishi.   

Mushrooms for Cortisol

While on the surface, the “stress hormone” cortisol may not seem like a prominent character in our sex lives, consider this: stress, and cortisol in particular, can suppress sex hormones, which can cause the sex drive to wither in both women and men. 

Enter stage left: adaptogenic mushrooms. 

Adaptogenic mushrooms are a class of functional fungi known for their ability to help our bodies regulate or adapt to stress. These natural marvels support the physiological networks that allow us to maintain systemic balance by promoting resilience to stress, a stable stress response, and normalized cortisol levels. 

Turkey Tail, a velvety mushroom with a rich history in Chinese Medicine, may help to regulate cortisol while acting as a powerful immune system support aid. 

Try this: Turkey Tail Mushroom Tincture

Lions Mane mushroom has long been trusted to ease stress and anxiety in East Asian and Native American traditions. In a 2023 clinical study, this mushroom significantly reduced stress levels in adults aged 18 to 45, in addition to improving mood and cognitive function overall. 

Try this: Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies

Reishi supports the function of the adrenal glands, where cortisol is produced, and has also been observed to guard against external stressors like overexertion, cold exposure, and low oxygen environments. 

Cordyceps and chaga have also been shown to contribute to lower cortisol levels, and 

research suggests that shiitake, another grocery store score, may help to regulate the secretion of the hormone.  

Try this: Cure 14 Mushroom Blend Gummies, a maximum-potency mushroom supplement formulated with all of the adaptogenic mushrooms mentioned above. 

Magic Mushrooms and Sex

If you’re wondering about mushrooms of the hallucinogenic sort, it seems these have also turned heads for their potential to enhance the sexual experience.  

In a 2024 study, researchers studied the impacts of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in “magic” mushrooms, on sexual function and satisfaction over the course of six months. The study demonstrated positive correlation to improved sexual factors like satisfaction, activity, arousal,  interest, and anxiety in participants receiving psilocybin, including both women and men. 

The Bottom Line

So, can mushrooms enhance your sex life? 

If the thrill is gone or you’re simply looking for a little something extra, when it comes to sexual drive, desire, performance, and function, the research certainly suggests that mushrooms could be just what you need.