According to folklore, natural aphrodisiacs may help to raise libido and increase desire. They’re being used by an increasing number of people to give their sex lives a boost.
So far, scientific support for the claim that any remedy has aphrodisiac effects is lacking. Also, it’s important to note that the safety of these supplements isn’t known. If you’re considering trying any remedy for erectile dysfunction, talk with your doctor first.
How they might work isn’t well understood, but “dozens of substances can have an effect on the brain chemistry that influences sexuality,” says Dr. Ray Sahelian, a physician in Los Angeles who also has a degree in nutrition science.
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Here are the 12 popular herbs to consider.
1) Ginseng
Ginseng is one of the bestselling herbs in the United States. In much of Asia, ginseng is prized as a revitalizer for the whole body. Although ginseng’s exact mechanism of action remains elusive, its physiological effects are thought to be due to the presence of tetracyclic triterpenoid saponins known as ginsenosides. These ginsenosides appear to have an effect both on the neurotransmitters involved in sexual arousal and on the NO/cGMP pathways involved in erection.
2) Horny Goat Weed
According to folklore, horny goat weed’s reputed aphrodisiac qualities were discovered when a Chinese goat herder noticed increased sexual activity in his flock after they ingested the weed. Horny goat weed contains chemicals that might help increase blood flow and improve sexual function. Some men use horny goat weed for sexual performance problems including erectile dysfunction (ED) and involuntary ejaculation. It is also used to arouse sexual desire.
3) Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is a tree native to Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It was dubbed the “Asian Viagra” in a May 1999 report in the New Sunday Times. It has been used in Malaysia for many years by men to increase sexual desire, libido, sexual performance and to treat erectile dysfunction.
4) Gingko biloba
Gingko biloba may help to counteract the desire-dampening effect of some antidepressants, especially in women. Ginkgo biloba was shown to be 76% effective in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in men, and a whopping 91% effective with women. Ginkgo biloba was shown to have a positive effect on all 4 phases of the sexual response cycle – desire, excitement (erection & lubrication) orgasm and resolution, also referred to as “afterglow”.
5) Maca
According to folklore, ancient Incan warriors took maca before going off to battle to make them physically strong. However, they were later prohibited from taking it, in order to protect conquered women from their heightened libidos. Peruvian maca root has been dubbed “Peruvian ginseng,” even though it bears no relation to ginseng. But like ginseng, the maca plant is employed into a Peruvian maca extract to increase strength, energy, stamina, libido and sexual function,
6) Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is a herb that has been used in the traditional medicine of China and India for centuries. It was only in the mid-90s, when Eastern European Olympic athletes claimed that tribulus contributed to their success, that tribulus became known in the North America. Studies have shown that tribulus enhances male sexual function and satisfaction.
7) Fo-Ti
Fo-ti is also called he shou wu, which means “black-haired Mr. He” in Chinese. This name refers to a folk legend of an older villager named Mr. He who took fo-ti and restored his black hair, youthful appearance and sexual vitality.
8) Damiana
Damiana is a plant native to Mexico and the southern United States. It has been widely used as an aphrodisiac in Mexico for men and women. Studies are few, but there’s evidence that it can increase sexual arousal and stamina in men and women. This may have to do with increased blood flow.
9) L-Arginine
L-arginine is not a herb but an amino acid that has numerous functions in the body. It has been used for erectile dysfunction and is often promoted as a Viagra alternative.
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10) Muira Puama
Muira puama, also called “potency wood” is a small Brazilian tree that grows across the Amazon river basin. It has a long history of use in Brazilian folk medicine as an aphrodisiac.
11) Yohimbe
Yohimbe is an evergreen tree that grows in western Africa in Nigeria, Cameroon, the Congo and Gabon. Yohimbe bark extracts are widely promoted online and in health food stores as a natural aphrodisiac to increase libido and treat erectile dysfunction but have potentially dangerous side effects.
12) Mucuna pruriens
A legume, also called velvet bean. Used in Ayurvedic medicine. Contains L-dopa, which converts to dopamine, a brain chemical that is involved in sexuality.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.
