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 capable of exciting the pleasures of love”.
These can be plants, fruits, vegetables, or spices, such as ginger, which Madame du Barry is said to have served to all her lovers…
These foods help facilitate erection, often through a vasodilatory effect. Vasodilation increases blood flow to the corpora cavernosa, the sponge-like chambers filled with blood within the penis, which create and maintain the erection.
Some foods have been considered sexual stimulants for centuries, even millennia in certain cultures: let’s rediscover these natural aphrodisiacs regarded as the most potent.
1. Ginger
People have consumed the ginger rhizome, a perennial plant, for over 4,000 years. In India and China, it is used in traditional medicines as a natural aphrodisiac.
Its aphrodisiac effects are thought to come from gingerol, which stimulates blood flow to the genital organs. It would also increase sperm production in men.
Ginger is consumed chopped, grated, or sliced to enhance dishes, or as a powder (2 to 5 grams per day).
2. Ginseng
The ginseng (ginseng panax) is the natural aphrodisiac par excellence of traditional Chinese medicine, which uses it for its vasodilatory properties. Its ability to enhance nitric oxide synthesis is believed to give ginseng its benefits against sexual dysfunction.
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 the aromas have been released overnight.
3 grams of ginseng per day are recommended by some studies.
Also read the All our tips before buying ginseng
3. Maca
The ‘Peruvian Viagra’ would increase sperm count and motility in men, and several studies show an increase in sexual desire following its consumption.
Two rare alkaloids, macaenes and macamides, would be responsible for these effects in men and women. This study highlighted these effects.
Maca is usually consumed as a powder, to add to our smoothies, juices, pancakes… It is also available as an extract, in capsules or in liquid form.
Also read Our tips for buying the best maca
4. Bois bandé
Bois bandé is a substance traditionally used in the Caribbean, which comes from the bark of Richeria grandis, a local tree.
Its aphrodisiac effects would come from its vasodilatory actions on the arteries leading to the penis.
Bois bandé is traditionally consumed in a punch, so with rum. But the most effective way would be to drink it as a decoction, after letting it macerate for 8 hours, then boil it for 20 minutes.
You can also enjoy bois bandé as a herbal tea. Ideally it will be combined in our recipes with cinnamon and cloves, two other aphrodisiac spices.
5. Ginkgo biloba
The leaves of ginkgo biloba 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 problems.
Its beneficial effects on libido come, as with many aphrodisiacs, from its positive effect on blood circulation.
It is consumed in the form of extracts, infusions 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. But clove is a spice that also stimulates blood circulation in the genital organs, and therefore helps with erectile function in men.
It is now produced mainly 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 are also very well suited as a spice in many recipes.
7. Raw cacao
Raw cacao is dried and fermented cacao that has been neither cooked nor roasted. Its benefits are multiple, from energy to its positive effects on our mood.
Its action against decreased libido comes from the phenylethylamines it contains. These compounds trigger endorphins that stimulate the sexual organs.
Raw cocoa is consumed as raw chocolate, as a powder to sprinkle into drinks or sweet preparations. You can also eat it directly in the form of cocoa beans.
8. Saffron
Saffron is considered the aphrodisiac spice par excellence. 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 by this study, and for men, as studied here.
It’s a spice that deliciously enhances many recipes. You can also drink it as an infusion.
