Supplements promoted to boost summer of love

During the summer months, consumers' priorities normally lie with products like querticin, a powerful antioxidant that can be helpful for hay fever, and Pycnogenol, a pine bark extract that has been studied for its potential to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis during long haul flights.

But UK retailer Holland & Barrett is drawing consumers' attention towards herbal aphrodisiacs that will spice up those hot summer nights.

The South American favourite muira puama is ideal for those looking to improve sexual arousal and erectile function, said the company.

And for those wanting to boost blood flow around the body, gingko biloba could offer consumers a way of improving circulation and increasing female libido.

There is also a herbal called horny goat weed.

Some may say that the name is merely a gimmick, but this is not the case, according to clinical trials that have reported an increase in testosterone production, and improved sexual desire in men and women alike.

Moreover, a recent study reported that 13 out of 20 men who took part in a 45-day trial responded positively to the herbal, noting an overall improvement in sexual satisfaction.

Also being pushed by the retailer will be Damiana Leaves and Avena Sativa, not to mention the old favourite of ginseng for boosting energy levels.

Before the summer is over, the retail section will be switching its attention to winter with orders for products that help boost the immune system and ward off coughs and colds over the winter months.