Ginger, a superfood… an aphrodisiac?
The benefits of ginger
The ginger is a perennial plant whose root is used, or more precisely the rhizome, which has been traditionally consumed in Asia for millennia, both in cooking and in medicine. Indeed, it is a food known for its pungent flavor and its medicinal properties, which have been proven by numerous studies.
The World Health Organization and the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recognize the effectiveness of ginger in « the prevention of nausea and vomiting», particularly concerning pregnancy-related and postoperative nausea.
Ginger is also a food known to help fight digestive disorders, promoting gallbladder activity. Several scientific studies confirm its effectiveness in aiding digestion.
Ginger and sexual activity
Ginger is also reputed to improve blood circulation. It is an active compound contained in the rhizome, gingerol, that has vasodilatory properties (it dilates blood vessels). And it is this potential that could give ginger aphrodisiac powers! The increased blood flow could help facilitate erection and stimulate the clitoris.
In Chinese medicine, ginger, like chili or pepper, is known as a « hot » food: it literally warms the body with its pungent flavor, but it can also warm… our sexual ardor and therefore boost libido.
The aphrodisiac virtues of ginger are also attributed to its richness in magnesium (43 mg per 100 g). Magnesium is known for its anti-stress properties, and stress can inhibit libido.
As early as the year 1000, the scholar Avicenna was already mentioning ginger’s aphrodisiac properties!
Ginger is used as an aphrodisiac in many countries around the world. However, its benefits for libido and the proper functioning of the genital organs have never been proven by scientific studies. There remains the placebo effect: as is well known, the mind can determine sexual appetite!
If someone is convinced to consume ginger to boost their libido, it may be improved solely through self-conviction. It’s always worth trying; there are no side effects.
How to consume ginger for libido?
Traditional ginger recipes as an aphrodisiac
If ginger has been reputed to be an aphrodisiac since the Middle Ages and in many cultures, one can draw on traditional recipes to concoct homemade love potions. In ancient Greece, the bacchantes, priestesses of the god of wine, used ginger mixed with a mushroom, the Phallus impudicus.
In Senegal, some women wrap it around their hips to encourage their husband’s sexual desire. The Kama Sutra recommends chewing slices of fresh ginger and then using one’s saliva to massage the glans or the clitoris.
Feel free to try these traditional recipes to spice up your lovemaking! In any case, ginger is a spice that can be consumed in various ways.
Fresh ginger to stimulate sexual activity
You can consume ginger raw or dried, ground into powder. In Oriental cuisine, you’ll also find candied ginger or ginger marinated in rice vinegar. Finally, it is available in the form of capsules, as a mother tincture, as an essential oil, or as a fluid extract for medicinal use.
It seems that to boost libido, it is preferable to consume fresh ginger root. It is recommended to consume up to 2 grams of dried ginger or 10 grams of fresh ginger per day so that the spice has its effect without causing unwanted side effects.
The braver ones can bite into the ginger root as is, but its spicy taste can be too strong. You can make an aphrodisiac herbal tea with slices of fresh ginger, which you let steep for 3 to 5 minutes in simmering water.
The ginger juice is also reputed to be a general tonic and to promote male libido. In Côte d’Ivoire, it’s called gnamakoudji or ‘African viagra’! You can make it yourself with sugar and lemon, or buy it commercially.
Also read the Ginger juice: benefits and recipes
It’s also possible to use ginger in cooking to enhance your savory or sweet dishes — and discreetly stimulate your partner’s sexual appetite: ginger is diced into small pieces and cooked in stir-fried vegetables, pork, or chicken. It’s paired with mint and lemon in a fruit salad or slipped into your blender for vitamin-packed smoothies.
Combine ginger with other aphrodisiac plants
When it comes to aphrodisiac remedies, our imagination runs wild: people often say that chocolate, red wine, or honey have aphrodisiac properties. While these are foods that are good for health in small amounts, their effects on sexual performance remain unproven. However, some foods can be consumed to reduce fatigue and promote blood circulation.
Also read Boost your libido with aphrodisiac foods
You can, for example, combine ginger with maca powder, considered a general tonic, with ginkgo biloba, which has a vasodilating effect, or with the kola nut, which is very stimulating. Some dietary supplements to promote libido and male fertility offer this combination of superfoods to be taken in capsule form.
Ginger can also be combined with ginseng, an excellent anti-fatigue herb, to promote sexual vigor.
Other formulations also contain zinc: this may improve sperm quality. It is recommended to take these dietary supplements only occasionally, without exceeding the prescribed dose or taking them long-term (courses of up to six weeks).
To boost libido, however, it is not recommended to consume dietary supplements made from yohimbe bark, a stimulant from West Africa. Indeed, yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe, has a harmful long-term effect on the nervous system and on circulation.
Natural aphrodisiac: my selection
Maca is one of the most renowned natural aphrodisiacs: it is said to affect both libido and fertility, and has been used as such for millennia in South America.
If you want to try it, I recommend the brand Nutrimea. Their maca is 100% organic and comes from the High Andes of Peru, its native environment.
Nutrimea is a French brand launched in 2012. We recommend them for their reliability: they use raw materials from controlled sources and analyze the quality of their dietary supplements in a laboratory certified ISO 22000:2005.
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