Natural aphrodisiacs are plant-based substances used to stimulate sexual desire. In the 19th century, the dictionary of the French Academy defined aphrodisiacs as “substances suitable for exciting the pleasures of love”.
These can be plants, fruits, vegetables or spices, such as ginger for example, which Madame du Barry is said to have served to all her lovers…
These foods facilitate erection, often by vasodilatory effect. Vasodilation stimulates the blood flow to the corpora cavernosa, the blood swollen sponges located in the penis, which create and maintain erection.
Certain foods have been considered sexual stimulants for centuries, even millennia in some cultures: let’s rediscover these natural aphrodisiacs considered the most powerful.
1. Ginger
The ginger rhizome, a perennial plant, has been consumed for over 4000 years. In India and China, it is used in traditional medicines as a natural aphrodisiac.
Its aphrodisiac effects would come from gingerol, which stimulates blood flow to the genitals. It would also increase sperm production in men.
Ginger can be consumed chopped, grated or in slices to enhance dishes, or in powder form (2 to 5 grams per day).
2. Ginseng
Ginseng (ginseng panax) is the natural aphrodisiac par excellence in traditional Chinese medicine, which uses it for its vasodilator properties. Its enhancement of the synthesis of nitric oxide is believed to give ginseng its virtues against sexual disorders.
It can be consumed in powder form, mixed in the morning with yogurt or orange juice, for example, or as a decoction in hot water, after allowing the aromas to diffuse overnight.
3 grams of ginseng per day are recommended by certain studies.
Also read All our tips before buying ginseng
3. Maca
The “Peruvian Viagra” is said to increase the number and mobility of sperm in men, and several studies show an increase in sexual desire following its consumption.
Two rare alkaloids, macaenes and macamides, are believed to be responsible for these effects in both men and women. This study highlighted these effects.
Maca is generally consumed in powder form, to be added to smoothies, juices, pancakes… It is also available as an extract, capsules, or liquid.
Also read Our tips for buying the best maca
4. Bois bandé
Bois bandé is a substance traditionally used in the Caribbean, derived from the bark of richeria grandis, a local tree.
Its aphrodisiac effects are believed to come from its vasodilatory actions on the arteries leading to the penis.
Traditionally, bois bandé is consumed in a punch, thus with rum. However, it is most effective when consumed as a decoction, after soaking for 8 hours and then boiling for 20 minutes.
Bois bandé can also be enjoyed as an herbal tea. Ideally, it is combined in recipes with cinnamon and clove, two other aphrodisiac spices.
5. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba leaves have been consumed since the 1950s following German medical research, but this anti-fatigue plant has been used for several thousand years by the Chinese. It is notably used to treat anxiety, memory loss, and attention deficits.
Its beneficial effects on libido stem, like many aphrodisiacs, from its positive action on blood circulation.
It is consumed in extracts, as teas or decoctions (20 to 40 grams of fresh flowers or 2 to 3 tablespoons of dried flowers).
6. Clove
This natural anesthetic and antibacterial is one of the foundations of Chinese medicine. Clove is a spice that also stimulates blood circulation in the genitals, and thus helps with erection in men.
It is today produced primarily in Indonesia.
Clove is consumed as essential oils or in infusions (2 to 3 cloves per cup, to infuse for 30 minutes). But of course, cloves integrate very well as spices in many recipes.
7. Raw Cocoa
Raw cocoa is dried and fermented cocoa that has neither been cooked nor roasted. Its benefits are numerous, from energy to its positive effects on our mood.
Its effect against diminished libido comes from the phenylethylamines it contains. These compounds trigger endorphins that stimulate sexual organs.
Raw cocoa is consumed as raw chocolate, as a powder to sprinkle in drinks or sweet preparations. It can also be eaten directly in the form of cocoa beans.
8. Saffron
Saffron is considered the quintessential aphrodisiac spice. Its stimulating effect on our libido comes from its phytosterol content, a plant hormone whose action is thought to be comparable to that of human hormones.
Saffron is a natural aphrodisiac for women, as shown in this study, and for men, as studied here.
It is a spice that delightfully enhances many recipes. It can also be consumed as an infusion.
