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Aphrodisiacs

What is an aphrodisiac?

Aphrodisiacs are foods, herbs and spices thought to rev up your sex drive, as well as increase your libido, attraction and pleasure. The name comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty whose libido generated mythical tales.

Historically, aphrodisiacs have been divided into three main categories, says Zumpano. They’ve been used to increase:

Sexual desire

Fertility

Sexual pleasure

Aphrodisiac Foods

Aphrodisiac foods vary by geographic location and culture. While many foods are touted as improving sexual desire and/or performance, many claims are not backed by science and may just help you feel better.

However, some research shows the following foods may help your sex life:

Oysters: Oysters are rich in zinc, an essential mineral for men’s health, normal sperm function, and fertilization. Zinc deficiency is linked with sperm dysfunction, low testosterone levels, and male infertility. Raw oysters also contain D-aspartic acid and N-methyl, which are linked to higher sex hormone levels in animals.

Watermelon: Animal studies have found evidence that watermelon has an aphrodisiac effect, but more human studies are needed. One study with male rats said the findings support using watermelon flesh to help with ED in men. This may be due to citrulline amino acid, which helps increase circulation in the sex organs.

Maca root: Maca root is rich in vitamin C, zinc, copper, and calcium. In one study, an increase in sexual desire was reported by half of all participants who consumed 3 grams of maca root for 12 weeks. Improvements in mood, energy, and health-related quality of life, which can promote a healthier sex life, were also reported.

Apples: Apples are rich in quercetin, a type of flavonoid. Research shows that quercetin can lower blood pressure, helping men avoid high blood pressure linked to erectile dysfunction. In one study, male participants with a higher fruit intake achieved a 14% reduction in erectile dysfunction, possibly due to their flavonoid content.

Red wine: Research indicates that alcohol can increase sexual arousal in women. In one study, women who drank 1 to 2 glasses of red wine daily reported more sexual desire and better sexual function.

Aphrodisiac Herbs

The following herbs have been used as aphrodisiacs. Before using, check with your healthcare provider, as some herbs can interact with medications or cause serious side effects.

Ashwagandha: The Indian herbal remedy ashwagandha, shows promise as a natural “female Viagra” (working like a drug prescribed to males for erectile dysfunction). This based on the positive effects reported from studies of sexual dysfunction in both women and men. It is believed to have medicinal benefits in treating several conditions and as an aphrodisiac.

Cannabis: Research indicates that cannabis has sexually stimulating effects. This herb can increase sexual desire and intensify sexual experiences for both men and women. It may also indirectly enhance sexual function by increasing relaxation and sensory focus. However, too much of it may inhibit sexual function and satisfaction.

Fenugreek: appears to contain compounds that your body can use to make the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. In a small study that included women with low sex drives, participants who took a daily 600-milligram dose of fenugreek extract showed a significant increase in sexual arousal and desire in women.

Ginseng: is the root of a plant that is used as a dietary supplement and in Chinese medicine. Ginseng is said to trigger the release of nitric oxide (NO), which promotes the dilation of blood vessels. This improves blood flow to the penis, improving an erection.

Horny goat weed: is a type of flowering plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. The results of animal studies indicate that this herb may have aphrodisiac properties by impacting hormone regulation and increasing blood flow to the penis.

Chlorophytum borivliianum: can be useful for treating certain forms of sexual difficulties like premature ejaculation and oligospermia (low sperm count). Researchers attributed the observed effects to the testosterone-like effects of the extracts.

Yohimbe: comes from the bark of a tree that grows in Africa. In the United States, its active ingredient, yohimbine, used to be available by prescription to treat sexual dysfunction. However, research is lacking, and yohimbe has been associated with heart attacks and seizures.

Aphrodisiac Supplements

The following natural substances are often used as aphrodisiac supplements:

Arginine: L-arginine is an amino acid that causes the dilation of tiny blood vessels and increases blood flow. In a study of men with ED and no underlying diseases, daily high doses of L-arginine caused improvement in sexual function.

L-carnitine: L-carnitine is an amino acid present in many foods, especially those of animal origins, like beef and chicken. Research shows that this substance may increase sperm maturation, sperm motility, and sperm production.

Zinc: A study of 116 postmenopausal women with low zinc levels showed that zinc supplementation can improve testosterone levels and sexual function in postmenopausal women. Women who took zinc supplements reported improved sexual desire, arousal, satisfaction, vaginal moisture, orgasm, and less pain during intercourse vs. the control group.

Medications

The FDA has approved a few medications that have aphrodisiac qualities. Some of these medications increase sexual potency and help treat erectile dysfunction, including:

Sildenafil (Viagra)

Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)

Tadalafil (Cialis)

Avanafil (Stendra)

Additionally, the FDA has approved two medications for the use of improving sexual libido (sex drive) in premenopausal women. These are:

Flibanserin (Addyi)

Bremelanotide (Vyleesi)

More Known Aphrodisiacs

The following are various forms of aphrodisiacs, herbs and foods that have natural romantic effects. Some increase sexual forces, attraction, potency, fertility. Make sure you check with your physician if you are pregnant or may be.

Africa Evergreen Tree: A tree native to Cameroon has a powerful aphrodisiac in its bark.

Cinnamon: Sticks can be chewed like tobacco, or grated cinnamon can be put in eggs as an aphrodisiac that arouses women.

Cloves: Edible or aromatic aphrodisiac.

Cockroach: Many cultures say this is an edible aphrodisiac, grind one common cockroach and mix with cinnamon, add to coffee for a powerful love potion. Yuck.

Damiana: A plant from Mexico which is used to stimulate sex drives. The leaves and heads of the plant are mixed with minor amounts of plantain or pennywort and mixed with food three to four times a day.

Deer Antler: Chinese herbal remedy for male impotence.

Eggplant: A common edible aphrodisiac.

Eggs: Chicken eggs are said to be a good aphrodisiac if eaten raw before sex.

Fo-ti-tieng: Chinese herb for sustaining sexual stamina.

Frankincense: Another popular aromatic aphrodisiac. Not for ingestion.

Garlic: Edible aphrodisiac, cook or use in salad.

Goto Kolo: Chinese herbal aphrodisiac.

Gypsyweed: An aphrodisiac for creating romantic thoughts, best taken heavily distilled (diluted at least three times) thrice a day, ten drops each time.

Jasmine: An aromatic aphrodisiac. Women can place jasmine essential oil on the back of the neck or behind the ears to stimulate their partner. Jasmine incense can be burned in the bedroom as well.

Licorice: Edible and aromatic, excellent aphrodisiac.

Mushrooms: Considered a powerful aphrodisiac, cook mushrooms bought raw into food or serve them raw in a salad to stimulate and arouse.

Milk: Some say it is "does the body good" in more ways than one. Edible aphrodisiac.

Oysters: Often considered a great addition to a romantic meal, this shellfish is a popular edible aphrodisiac.

Okra: Prepare and serve with lemon juice as an effective aphrodisiac.

Onions: Vadalia onions are known for their aphrodisiac properties, can be served fried or preferably raw, very sweet unlike other types of onions.

Rosemary: An easy to find kitchen herb that can be used in a meal for a lover, or in the form of an essential oil can be rubbed along the back of the neck or stomach as an aromatic aphrodisiac.

Sage: Aphrodisiacal kitchen herb, edible or effective as a topical aphrodisiac (placed on the skin or used in bath water).

Sandalwood: Aromatic aphrodisiac. Sandalwood essential oil is a popular aphrodisiac that women often use around men.

Truffles: The fruit of a fungus that is found at the base of Oak and Beech groves in France, Italy and throughout Europe. If you are fortunate enough to obtain a supply of fresh Truffles, choose them firm, undamaged and medium sized. Eat them with a lover as an edible aphrodisiac.

Wild Asparagus Root - A difficult to obtain aphrodisiac. The raw root is soft and has a jelly bean consistency that is sweet tasting.

Ylang Ylang: The essential oil of ylang ylang is considered a good aromatic aphrodisiac............

Do Aphrodisiacs Work?

Research shows that when it comes to aphrodisiacs, it's mostly in our heads—they work if we think they will. This might be due to the placebo effect.

A placebo is an inactive substance, such as a sugar pill, given to someone who is under the impression it is a drug. It's often used by doctors when testing whether a new drug really works—one group of patients gets the new drug and the other gets the sugar pill, with neither group being aware of which one they got. Sometimes people feel better just from taking the sugar pill.

The “placebo effect” is when a person's physical or mental health seems to improve just from taking a placebo treatment.

So if you think eating raw oysters will give a jolt to your sex drive and sexual stamina, your anticipation of this powerful effect can help it come true. While it may be OK to experiment with different aphrodisiac foods on your own, you should talk to a doctor before trying aphrodisiac herbs and supplements.

Reasons People Use Aphrodisiacs

The reasons people use aphrodisiacs vary by individual. Generally, people hope to make sex more enjoyable by increasing their sexual potency and performance.

The motives people have for using aphrodisiacs typically include the following:

Increase libido: Low libido can cause a decreased desire and interest in sex. Your libido is affected by internal and external factors such as hormonal changes, aging, relationship problems, changes in physical conditions, medication side effects, and depression, among other issues.

Research suggests that sexual dysfunction (problems that prevent a person from enjoying sexual activity) affects 43% of women and 31% of men.

Extend potency and stamina: Potency and stamina can affect your ability to become and remain aroused during sex. Men may seek aphrodisiacs to counter issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED) (the inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection) and premature ejaculation (ejaculation during sex before satisfaction).

For women, problems with potency and stamina may be linked to issues such as vaginal dryness or pelvic pain.

Increase sexual pleasure: Even if libido and potency are not problems, people may seek to improve their sexual experience. Your brain and physical actions work together to lead to the orgasmic phase of sex.

People may seek to enhance sexual pleasure by trying aphrodisiacs that promise to act on these triggers.

What to Watch For

Some well-known substances touted as aphrodisiacs are too dangerous to try. These include:

Spanish fly. Several studies have shown that this can be possibly deadly. Spanish fly comes from the blister beetle and contains a poison called cantharidin. It can cause kidney damage, genital and gastrointestinal bleeding, and burning in the mouth, among other things.

Mad honey. This is a dangerous substance sometimes used as an aphrodisiac. It comes from the nectar of a rhododendron bush and is contaminated with a poison called grayanotoxin. It can cause heart problems, confusion, and other serious symptoms. If you take mad honey and feel sick, get medical help right away.

Yohimbe. This is made from the bark of a tree that grows in parts of Africa. It’s been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries. It supposedly can help men get erections. But yohimbe has been linked to heart attacks and seizures.

Be cautious with supplements

Government oversight of dietary supplements isn’t very stringent. They don’t get the same scrutiny as food or medications. That makes it difficult to know exactly what you’re getting in quality and concentration.

It's recommended to stay away from supplements marketed as aphrodisiacs. “They aren’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may negatively interact with medications you’re taking.”

One Final Note..

Aphrodisiacs often are just part of the flirtatious fun to set the mood for a romantic evening. It’s the culinary equivalent of dimming the lights and letting Marvin Gaye croon some suggestive lyrics.

But if you’re experimenting with aphrodisiacs because of low libido, ED, vaginal dryness or related issues, know that there are medical solutions. Talk to a healthcare provider about your options. Because in the end, Zumpano says that you’re much better off turning to medical professionals than chocolate bars.

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Most recent revision May 25, 2025 03:36:48 PM