The use of natural substances for the treatment of diseases or injuries is an ancient practice of many cultures. According to folklore, natural aphrodisiacs help to raise libido and increase desire. They include a plethora of preparations of plants, foods, animal organs, among other substances. However, the real boundary between myth and reality has not been established yet in most cases and such boundaries are currently being explored by scientific methods. A growing interest of the scientific community has been focused on parts of plants such as root, leaf, flower, bark, bulb, and seed extracts.
   Most Westerners would be surprised to find out that there are dozens of natural herbal and nutritional aphrodisiacs that enhance sexual drive and pleasure in both men and women, along with enhancing erections and providing more satisfying orgasms and climaxes — and some of them are quite powerful. I know because I am familiar with several dozen of these substances which I personally took and tested along with patients and friends while writing my book Natural Sex Boosters. These natural male and female aphrodisiacs not only enhance libido, but they enhance most aspects of the human sexual response, particularly if they are used in combination. Aphrodisiac herbs, when used in combination, are just as good (actually, in my opinion, better) as Viagra or other drugs in helping with erectile function and boosting sexual stamina, libido, and performance. Some may take a little longer to work-- for instance tongkat ali, horny goat weed, tribulus, and mucuna pruriens sometimes take 2 to 5 days for the best results --  but when they actually start working, you will be amazed! However, some combinations of herbs can start working within hours! We also have great feedback from men that Prostate Power Rx is having excellent sexual enhancement.

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Herbal aphrodisiacs do work, contrary to what the medical establishment believes
There are quite a number of herbs and nutrients that I consider to be highly effective. Some of my favorites are included in Passion Rx and I discuss more than 20 of them in the Natural Sex Boosters book. As medical science has given us a greater understanding of human sexuality and our own chemical processes that put us in the mood, research has uncovered how some well-known and not so well-known male and female aphrodisiacs actually work with our body chemistry to lead to arousal and excitement. Various substances of animal and plant origin have now been identified, allowing for testing and scientific understanding of their chemical composition and mechanisms of action.

The Greek Aphrodisiac and definition
In Greek mythology, an aphrodisiac was a festival, which was celebrated where Aphrodite (the Greek goddess of love and beauty) was worshipped through sexual intercourse with her priestesses. In Roman mythology, Aphrodite was called Venus and Cupid was her messenger. Throughout time, however, the meaning has come to describe any food, drug, potion, or other substance that arouses sexual desire.

Is there such a thing as an aphrodisiac food, wine or recipe?
To my knowledge, no particular food enhances sexuality or can be considered a true aphrodisiac if the expectation is that results would be noticed within a brief period of time, such as an hour or two. It is possible, though, that certain foods, such as fish or seafood, could be considered to have such qualities in the long run since fish provides long-chained fatty acids such as DHA and EPA found in fish oils. These fish oils could improve blood flow to the genital region and also have beneficial effects on seminal fluid and sperm. A diet with healthy foods could certainly be considered to have aphrodisiac potential since in the long run those who are physically and mentally healthy are more likely to have optimal sexual function.

I have heard that oysters have aphrodisiac qualities. What is your opinion? They are supposed to have a lot of zinc mineral.
   It depends how you define the word aphrodisiac. If aphrodisiac foods are supposed to work within a brief period of time, such as hours, I would not put any in that category. However, if you take a long term approach, then I would consider many types of seafood aphrodisiacs since the fish oils have beneficial sexual properties in terms of improved blood flow and positive effects on the brain. This apply to several culinary spices as well. Most people are not zinc deficient. Taking zinc supplements does not lead to much of an effect on sexuality.

What about spices?
There appears to be some research supporting certain spices as male and female aphrodisiacs. Studies in rodents have found nutmeg and clove to be of benefit, and so does saffron. In my experience I find consuming garlic and ginger also help to a significant extent.

Is chocolate an aphrodisiac?
Chocolate has been touted as one of the aphrodisiac foods in the popular press. The Aztecs brewed cocoa like coffee, and although studies show chocolate to contain phenylethylamine or PEA, to my knowledge eating chocolate (and I have done much of it) does not have much of an immediate influence on sexuality. I don't consider chocolate to be one of the food aphrodisiacs, however I have met a couple of people who felt raw chocolate had a sexual enhancement effect for them. Perhaps the polyphenols in chocolate have a slow but beneficial quality that's not apparent on the first day of ingestion. Aphrodisiacs recipes with chocolate can be made with unsweetened chocolate, unsweetened soy milk, stevia clear liquid, vanilla extract, and cinnamon powder.

The role of alcohol
It certainly is true that for some people a small amount of alcohol can reduce inhibitions and set them in the mood for love. However, alcohol is also a partial anesthetic, and as such reduces sensation. Alcohol also has an inhibitory effect on erections. Therefore I consider alcohol to be a mixed aphrodisiac, with some positive, but mostly negative effects of sexuality.

Creams applied topically
What can you tell me about aphrodisiac creams? Also I see liquids on sale, do they work?
   I have not looked into aphrodisiac creams so I can't say much at this time. As to a liquid forms for a woman, I do know that herbs can be ingested as a liquid and they can work depending on the ingredients in the formula. They can also be made into a tea.

Secrets of Herbal Aphrodisiac Use
It boggles my mind that most people in the Western world -- along with the media, most doctors and medical researchers -- are not aware of the potent effect of herbs. There are quite a number of aphrodisiac herbs that are effective in enhancing sexuality in men and women, but you have to learn how to use them effectively. Aphrodisiac herbs work slower than drugs and that may be one reason why some people think they don't work. As Americans we like a pill that gives an immediate effect and if we don't notice an effect within an hour or two we think it is a dud. Most aphrodisiac herbs take a few days for optimal effects, but there are some herbs or combinations that work quicker.
   Although Viagra and its cousins Cialis and Levitra work very well for erectile function, they have little effect on libido and no benefit regarding genital sensation. These drugs don't work that well in women. Aphrodisiac herbs generally are not as quick in terms of inducing an erection, but with time they can be as effective as the drugs. Most people prefer the overall sexual enhancement that comes from the herbs in terms of the whole package -- sensation, libido, intensity of orgasms, climaxes, lubrication, and erection. Aphrodisiac herbs also have the advantage of causing fewer side effects.

How to sex herbs effectively and safely
Take the herbs in the morning at least a half hour before breakfast so they are absorbed well without food in the stomach. Perhaps taking it with one fish oil capsule could lead to better absorption. Some of the common aphrodisiac herbs are horny goat weed, tongkat ali, mucuna pruriens, tribulus terrestris, catuaba, muira puama, maca, and ashwagandha. It is not possible to predict which one of the herbs or which combination will be effective for you unless you try it. If you buy more than one supplement, learn how each one works by itself before combining.

In the long term, it is preferable to take these aphrodisiac herbs every other day or 2 days on, 2 or more days off. You will likely notice the benefits even on the days you are not taking them since there is often a delayed response. Often these herbal products work better when you don't take them every day.

Herbs have side effects, too, although less serious than the drugs. Common side effects from high doses of aphrodisiac herbs include overstimulation, restlessness, insomnia, increased body temperature, headache, and rapid heart beat. If you get insomnia, skip a dose the next day. If you get insomnia it means the dose of the herb or the herbal product you took was too high, and next time you take it, try half or a third of the initial dose. If you feel increased body temperature, drink a glass or two of cold water.

Be patient. Most herbs take anywhere from 2 to several days to start working, except for a high dose of yohimbe which can work within an hour or two. Keep in mind that if you try to induce sexual enhancement quickly, you are likely to get more side effects. If you wish to minimize adverse effects, take smaller amounts and be patient. The impotence Drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra can work within an hour or two but they can potentially induce serious side effects, including vision loss and chest pain.

If you are taking an aphrodisiac herbal product for the very first time, Start with a small amount, even if it means opening the capsule and taking a portion.

Passion Rx with yohimbe can be taken as a full capsule, but if you are sensitive to herbs take half or 3/4 of a capsule. Some people notice the effects the first day, but most people find that a good approach is to skip the second day and then take it again the third morning. The effects are often clearly noticed on the third or fourth day. Eventually you will find a noticeable enhancement of genital sensation, erection, lubrication, and overall sexual interest. Some people get sexual urges and overall enjoyment similar to what they experienced in their teenage years.

It is best not to take other supplements, especially those of a stimulant nature, on the days that you are taking sexual herbs since restlessness, insomnia and overstimulation can occur. Avoid using ginseng, St. John's wort, or other similar herbs, Eyesight Rx, hormones, SAM-e, and certain amino acids such as tyrosine. I also suggest you avoid drinking more than a cup of regular coffee and more than an ounce or two of wine.

Use caution if you are taking prescription medicines since sometimes the interactions between herbs and medicines is not predicable. It is best not to use antidepressant drugs the same day as these herbs. SSRI drugs such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft inhibit sexuality. 5-HTP, tryptophan and kava also inhibit sexual drive or decrease genital sensation.

Be extremely cautious using aphrodisiac herbs if you have thyroid or other endocrine issues, a heart condition, a tendency for high blood pressure or heart rhythm abnormalities. Many of these herbs can stimulate heart contraction and if you are prone to heart problems you may have untoward reactions.

Although initially you may find that a high dose is required for you to notice something, with time a lesser dose becomes just as effective. Your dosage requirement may change with time.

Prostate Power Rx works very well in many people as a sexual enhancer and can be alternated with Passion Rx or other sexual herbs.

If you find one particular aphrodisiac product or herb is no longer effective, take a week off and then try another one.

Aromatherapy, perfumes, fragrances, scents
Does aromatherapy work as an aphrodisiac? Is there such a scent or fragrance?
   Some people, especially women, are quite sensitive to scents or essential oils and they could perhaps be sexually influenced by olfactory aromatherapy. I have not come across an aphrodisiac perfume, scent, fragrance or cologne that makes me immediately want to jump into bed. However, if the right person is wearing the right perfume or has the right scent, it certainly makes it easier to stay close to that person and allow oneself to be aroused. There are some individuals who are quite sensitive to a fragrance, scent or perfume, and thus they could consider some of these perfumes as an aphrodisiac. Most people would not, especially if they do not have a great sense of smell. I do know some women who practice aromatherapy claim that some essential oils are an aphrodisiac.

Natural aphrodisiac research and various plants from around the world that have sex improving benefits
The Chinese have many aphrodisiac herbs including cnidium, horny goat weed, codonopsis, cistanche, and others.

Flavonoids from Achyrocline satureioides herb with relaxant effects on the smooth muscle of Guinea pig corpus cavernosum.
Phytomedicine. 2004.
Ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. (Asteraceae) showed a significant, dose dependent, relaxant effect on the smooth muscle of corpus cavernosum strips, obtained from Guinea pig. Bioassay guided fractionation of this extract furnished two flavonoids, quercetin and quercetin 3-methyl ether, with important vasorelaxing effects on the corpus cavernosum strips.

Anacylus pyrethrum
The roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum are employed in Ayurvedic system of medicine as Vajikaran Rasayana - a category of drugs for vitality and virility. They are believed to have aphrodisiac action. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2010; Effects of petroleum ether extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum DC. on sexual behavior in male rats.

Aframomum Melegueta
The effects of aqueous extracts of Aframomum melegueta and Piper guineense on the sexual behavior of male rats were studied, considering many criteria, such as penile erection, copulatory behaviour and orientation activities towards themselves (genital grooming) and female rats (ano-genital sniffing, mounting). These plant extracts were found to enhance the orientation of males towards females by increasing mounting and ano-genital investigatory behavior.

Aphrodisin, an aphrodisiac lipocalin secreted in hamster vaginal secretions.
Peptides. 2004.
Vertebrates communicate through pheromones, which favor biological regulations within each species. Aphrodisin, a protein belonging to the lipocalin superfamily, found in hamster vaginal secretions, is detected by the male accessory olfactory system and induces or facilitates its copulatory behavior.

Bois bandé is the name commonly used in a large part of the Caribbean for the tree Roupala montana.

Burada
The bark of Parinari campestris, in Guyana known as burada, is frequently used as a aphrodisiac in the same way as bois bandé. This tree also occurs in neighbouring Suriname where it is known as the red fugu.

Butea superba
Aphrodisiac activity of Butea frondosa extract in male rats.
Phytomedicine. 2004.
In the present study, the aphrodisiac activity of Butea frondonsa bark extract was investigated. aphrodisiac olfactory aphrodisiac scent aphrodisiac pheromone.

The relaxation of isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum by the herb medicine Catuama (ginger herb, muira puama, and others) and its constituents.
Phytother Res. 20011.
The effects of the Brazilian herb medicine Catuama and each of its plant constituents (Paullinia cupana, Trichilia catigua, Zingiber officinalis and Ptychopetalum olacoides - muira puama) were investigated on rabbit corpus cavernosum using a bioassay cascade. Our results show that of the four extracts assayed, P. cupana was the most effective as an aphrodisiac, indicating that it is the main extract responsible for the relaxing effect of Catuama on rabbit cavernosal tissue.

Ching chun bao
Claims have been made that it Increases mental capacity, counters fatigue, improves resistance to disease, promotes blood circulation, benefits heart and kidney, and is an aphrodisiac.

Chuchuhuasi bark
Chuchuhuasi or chuchuwasi is a common name for some members of the genus Maytenus, found in Peru and Colombia. An infusion of the bark is used not only as a famed aphrodisiac but also as a proven muscle relaxant and a remedy for rheumatism.

Curculigo orchioides, Kali musli
Curculigo orchioides: the black gold with numerous health benefits.
Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2010.
Curculigo orchioides is an endangered rasayana herb which is popularly known as Kali Musli. The plant is native to India, and holds a special position as a potent adaptogen and aphrodisiac in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is an important ingredient of many Ayurvedic preparations and is considered to have aphrodisiac, immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anticancer and antidiabetic activities. Various chemical constituents like mucilage, phenolic glycosides, saponins and aliphatic compounds from the plant have been reported. The plant is also considered as an important component of various herbal preparations of the Chinese and Kampo medicine. The present review is an attempt to enumerate various biologically tested activities and evaluation of different phytochemicals present in this important medicinal plant.

Aphrodisiac evaluation in non-copulator male rats after chronic administration of Eurycoma longifolia Jack.
Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2001.
The aphrodisiac effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) was evaluated in noncopulator male rats using an electrical cage. Fractions of E. longifolia Jack decreased the hesitation time of noncopulator male rats, throughout the investigation period. Furthermore, it possessed a transient increase in the percentage of the male rats responding to the right choice, more than 50% of the male rats scored "right choice" after 3 weeks post-treatment and the effect became more prominent after 8 weeks post-treatment (only 40-50% of the control male rats responded to the right choice) using the electrical copulation cage. Hence, this study lends further support to the use of the plant by indigenous populations as a traditional medicine for its aphrodisiac property.

Fadogia agrestis is an aphrodisiac herb found in Nigeria.

Kacip Fatima herb Labisia pumila has been promoted in Malaysia.

Kaempferia parviflora has been used in Thailand for boosting sexual urge and performance.

Mondia whitei is a plant from Africa.

Musa Pardisiaca is beginning to be evaluated.

Aphrodisiac properties of Montanoa tomentosa aqueous crude extract in male rats.
Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2004.
Cihuapatli, the Mexican zoapatle Montanoa tomentosa has an extensive ethnomedical history of use as a traditional remedy as aphrodisiacs and for reproductive impairments. During the study of the ejaculatory function in rats and by testing a set of Mexican plants with medicinal properties, we observed that crude extracts of M. tomentosa facilitated ejaculation. Thus, we decided to analyze the possibility that this plant possessed sexual stimulant properties. Altogether, our data reveal a facilitatory action of this extract on sexual activity and particularly on sexual arousal. These findings provide experimental evidence that the crude extract preparation of M. tomentosa, used as a traditional remedy, possesses aphrodisiacs properties.

Aphrodisiac activity of methanol extract of leaves of Passiflora incarnata (passion flower) in mice.
Phytother Res. 2003.
The aphrodisiac properties of the methanol extract of leaves of Passiflora incarnata Linn. have been evaluated in mice by observing the mounting behaviour. The methanol extract of P. incarnata exhibited significant aphrodisiac behaviour in male mice at all doses, i.e. 75, 100 and 150 mg/kg.

Pedalium murex is used medicinally in India.

Policias fruticosum
Dinh lang (Polycias fruticosum) root extract (DLRE) was found to have a pharmacological spectrum similar to Ginseng. Experimental and clinical studies have shown a wide range of pronounced stimulatory effects of DLRE which showed low toxicity. It increases mental and physical performance and could be considered an aphrodisiac.

Spilanthes acmella extract is used by doctors in India.

Xanthones isolated from Securidaca longependunculata herb with activity against erectile dysfunction.
Fitoterapia. 2004.

Terminalia catappa
Tropical almond is a large deciduous stately tree, originally from India, growing up to 90 feet. It thrives as an ornamental tree in many tropical cities in the world. In Taiwan the fallen leaves of tropical almond are used as a herbal drug in the treatment of liver related diseases. The leaves contain agents for chemoprevention of cancer and probably have anticarciogenic potential. The kernel of Indian almond has shown aphrodisiac activity; it can probably be used in treatment of some forms of sexual inadequacies (premature ejaculation).

Trichopus zetlanicus is a rare wild plant which is endemic to the Agasthyar hills of Western Ghats in India. Among local tribes, Trichopus Zeylanicus is know as "Arogyappacha", meaning green health and vitality. The tribes claim that one can live days together without food and still remain energetic and can go on performing even very vigorous physical work or exercise by eating few fresh fruit of Trichopus. They also claim that it is an aphrodisiac and to remain healthy, agile, young and resistant to various diseases or infections, one should consume the fresh fruits of "Arogyappacha" regularly.

Yarchagumba grows on the larva of a species of moth. Known for its aphrodisiac qualities, the yellowy-brown fungus is in particular demand in China, where a kilogram can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. Yarchagumba is found in only a few parts of the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau above 3,500 meters, where schools often close specially for the brief harvesting season in May and June.

Arthropods as sources of sex improving substances
The following arthropods may contain substances that have erectile enhancing properties: Arizona bark scorpion, deathstalker, banana spider, Mediterranean black widow, Burmeister's triatoma, giant water bug, diving-beetle, Korean bug, diaclina, flannel moth, Spanish fly, migratory locust.

Viagra, Levitra and Cialis impotence medications
I don't believe Levitra, Cialis and Viagra are true aphrodisiacs. They are very effective in providing strong erections, but they do not enhance sexual desire much, if any, and they don't enhance sensation.

Emails
Is the French word aphrodisiaque?
   Yes. I think aphrodisiaque is the right spelling.