Can garlic benefit your sex life?

Garlic is more than just a flavorful kitchen staple; it’s loaded with nutritional compounds that can support overall health. Used for centuries for culinary and traditional medicine purposes, garlic benefits for men go beyond just flavoring your favorite dishes. This potent herb has a surprising range of potential perks, from cardiovascular health to immune system support, and some small evidence suggests it could be a natural way to support a healthy sex drive in men. 

Ahead, we take a closer look at the benefits of garlic sexually and beyond.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a root vegetable that is available in several forms, including raw, cooked, powdered, and oil. Garlic extract can be found in supplements, including pills and capsules. While all forms of the ingredient can offer some health benefits, fresh garlic has the highest concentration of allicin, a sulfur compound responsible for many of garlic’s medicinal properties (and its effects on your breath!). 

Garlic has been a historical remedy for numerous health issues, and when it comes to sexual health, it might not disappoint. While research into garlic's sexual benefits is promising, it's still somewhat limited, and more studies are needed to fully understand its effects on men's sexual health. Let’s look at some of the possible sexual benefits of garlic to men.

Boosts blood flow 

Garlic contains allicin, a compound that helps widen and relax blood vessels and, in turn, improves blood circulation throughout the body (including the penis). By enhancing blood flow like such, garlic may be able to act as a natural aid for those who experience erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition often caused by inhibited or poor circulation to the penis. 

In a small study of about 40 young men without other major health issues, researchers explored the effects of fresh garlic juice on ED in individuals who did not see long-term improvements from taking tadalafil, a common prescription medication for ED. After four weeks, the participants who took fresh garlic juice (5 grams twice daily) and tadalafil (5 mg daily) experienced a significant improvement in erectile function compared to those who took a placebo alongside the same dose of tadalafil. 

Another study found that daily supplementation of aged garlic extract, ginseng, and epimedium herb (horny goat weed) for six months improved erectile function in older men in Japan. 

Increases testosterone levels

Testosterone is a key hormone for sexual health, impacting everything from libido to energy levels. Animal research suggests garlic extract may help maintain or boost testosterone levels by reducing oxidative stress induced by free radicals (particularly in mice with diabetes). Oxidative stress can damage cells in the testes responsible for testosterone production. Rich in antioxidants, garlic can reduce oxidative stress, promoting optimal cell functioning and possibly supporting testosterone production. 

Another animal study found that S-allyl cysteine (SAC), a compound in aged garlic, significantly increased testosterone levels in mice. These studies suggest that garlic may help address testosterone decline in certain populations of mice, but more research on humans is needed. 

Enhances sexual stamina 

In ancient cultures worldwide, garlic was revered as an aphrodisiac and for its potential to enhance physical strength and stamina. Although modern scientific research hasn't definitively proven garlic's aphrodisiac qualities, the ingredient’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help fight fatigue and improve energy levels, translating into enhanced sexual performance and endurance. This, coupled with garlic’s potential to improve blood flow and boost testosterone levels, may contribute to its reputation as a natural libido and stamina enhancer. 

Improves Fertility 

Garlic's antioxidant properties can help protect testicular health and improve blood flow to the testes, where sperm production occurs. In small animal studies, garlic extract supplementation effectively improved sperm count, motility, and overall sperm health. 

A study involving 60 couples with severe male infertility tested the effects of a daily antioxidant supplement containing lycopene, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, selenium, folate, and garlic. After three months, the group taking antioxidants saw a significantly higher embryo implantation rate (38.5%) than the placebo group (16%), although there was no difference in pregnancy rates or embryo quality. This suggests that garlic, as part of an antioxidant supplement, may provide benefits before in vitro fertilization treatment when abnormal sperm quality is detected.

If you’re on TikTok, you may have seen the buzz about combining garlic and honey for immune health. But what about their combined effect on sexual health? 

While there's not much research specifically looking at the sexual effects of garlic and honey together, the potential of these two natural ingredients working synergistically to boost sexual health is certainly intriguing. Garlic's benefits for men include improved blood flow and helping maintain healthy testosterone levels, and honey also has a reputation as a natural aphrodisiac, with historical practice and animal studies suggesting it can increase testosterone levels and enhance fertility. Theoretically, garlic and honey could be a powerful duo for sexual health. 

While the jury’s still out on whether this combination has sexual benefits, the potential of garlic and honey to improve sexual health might be worth trying. Adding garlic and honey to your diet might still offer general health benefits, potentially benefiting your sex life. 

Beyond its potential effects on sexual health, garlic can offer a range of health benefits for men. From supporting heart health to boosting immunity, garlic's versatility can make it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

Improves heart health

Garlic is known for its heart-protective properties and may prevent some forms of heart disease. It can help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension (high blood pressure), lower cholesterol levels, and improve blood flow. Adding raw garlic, powdered garlic, or garlic oil extract supplements to your diet may benefit your heart health and, in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle, could even lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. 

Boosts immune function

Garlic has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that can support a healthy immune system. Studies show that many forms of garlic—including raw or dried garlic, garlic powder, garlic juice, garlic oil, or aged garlic extract—can boost the body’s natural defenses, helping prevent and fight infections and common illnesses, such as influenza. Of course, garlic is not a substitute for prescription antibiotics or antiviral medications, but it still may have some beneficial (and even preventative) effects. 

Supports prostate health

Some studies suggest that garlic’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may protect prostate health by reducing the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—i.e. enlarged prostate—and prostate cancer. In one animal study, aged black garlic extract was found to reduce inflammation in prostate tissue and slow the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells in mice. 

Meanwhile, another animal study found that garlic administration in rats with BPH reduced prostate size, suppressed key hormones and inflammatory proteins associated with BPH, and prompted cell death in prostatic tissue. These findings suggest garlic may have the potential to help with  BPH and overall prostate health, but more research is needed to truly determine the ingredient’s effect on prostate wellbeing in humans. 

Promotes healthy digestion

Adding garlic to your diet may improve gut health. Raw garlic has prebiotic properties that support the gut's beneficial microorganisms and reduce inflammation. Research shows that garlic enzymes may promote healthy digestion and could help prevent high-fat diet-related metabolic disorders (conditions affecting metabolism). 

While eating garlic is generally safe for most people, supplementation may cause side effects in some people. Aside from giving you bad breath, garlic—especially raw garlic—can cause heartburn and upset stomach. 

High amounts of garlic may increase the risk of bleeding because it has natural blood-thinning properties that can enhance the effects of anticoagulants. Garlic can also inhibit platelet aggregation, which means it can prevent blood vessels from healing holes (e.g. allowing a cut to stop bleeding). So, if you're on blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin), it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider before taking garlic supplements to avoid an increased risk of excessive bleeding.

Bottom line: garlic benefits for men

Garlic can be a healthy addition to your diet, offering benefits like improved blood flow and boosted testosterone levels for sexual health. It can also support heart health and help to maintain a robust immune system. While more research is needed on humans to truly understand garlic’s benefits sexually, the current findings might intrigue you enough to consider trying it. If so, be sure to talk to a healthcare provider before adding the ingredient or anything new, for that matter) to your diet and wellness routine.

---

How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Editorial Guidelines | Medical Review Process

Current version

November 05, 2024

Written by

Lindsay Curtis

Fact checked by

Peter Schlegel, MD and Raagini Yedidi, MD

---

About the medical reviewers

Peter Schlegel, MD

Peter Schlegel, MD, is a board-certified urologist, internationally acclaimed expert in the treatment of male infertility, and Ro advisor.

Raagini Yedidi, MD

Raagini Yedidi, MD, is an internal medicine resident and medical reviewer for Ro.