Are there natural aphrodisiac products that really work? Is an herbal aphrodisiac myth or reality? On this page I discuss the truth about natural aphrodisiacs - by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
From Spanish fly to ground rhino horn, the pursuit of herbal aphrodisiacs
or natural substances that enhance sexual pleasure has been an age-old quest with all pseudo-science you
could imagine, leading most scientists to dismiss the idea of an herbal or
natural aphrodisiac as folklore. There is a general suspicion in the modern
Western mindset that natural aphrodisiac compounds purported to enhance sexual passion or
interest are barely -- if at all -- effective.
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 at least 3
dozen of these substances which I personally took and tested 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. Interestingly, two other products
have have feedback as mild natural aphrodisiac sexual enhancers even though they
are formulated for other reasons. These are
Mind Power Rx for
better mood and mental function, and
Eyesight Rx for better
vision.
Passion
Rx --- Powerful Natural Aphrodisiac -- Medical
Doctor formulated for Men and Women
Passion
Rx is a bestseller


How quickly does Passion Rx work
as a male or female aphrodisiac?
Passion Rx provides results that are sometimes seen within a day or
two, but
are more often noticed by the third to fifth days. Our feedback
thus far indicates more than 80% user satisfaction by the end the first week,
and more than 90 percent by the end of two weeks.
Dr. Sahelian and his research staff have tested various doses
and extracts of dozens of herbal aphrodisiacs from a number or raw material
suppliers to determine the ideal dose and combination for optimal male and
female aphrodisiac
properties with the fewest side effects. After years of trial and error, a
powerful aphrodisiac proprietary
blend with more than a dozen herbal extracts from the best raw material suppliers has been created. This
unique
natural aphrodisiac blend is a
close kept secret. You will only find this exact combination in Passion Rx.
Click here to buy Passion Rx male and female aphrodisiac, or to see a full
selection of natural aphrodisiac herbs and hundreds of high
quality supplements
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Supplement Research Update newsletter. Twice a month we email a brief abstract of
several studies on various supplements and natural medicine topics --
including natural aphrodisiac herbs and aphrodisiac pills for a man or woman -- and
their practical interpretation by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Click the link above in blue.
Passion Rx supports:
In recent years science has made breakthroughs in the understanding of sexual dysfunction. But, for hundreds of years, civilizations around the world have known about locally grown aphrodisiac herbs that achieve wonderful results with far fewer side effects than prescription drugs. Now, renowned physician and herbal expert Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Natural Sex Boosters, has discovered a combination of exotic herbs from the Amazon jungle, India, China, Malaysia, and Africa, that provides a natural solution for those seeking an alternative to synthetic drugs.
The potent herbal aphrodisiac extracts in Passion Rx include Ashwagandha, Catuaba, Cnidium, Herba Cistanches, Horny goat weed, Maca, Muira puama, Passion flower, Rhodiola Tongkat Ali and LJ100), Tribulus and Yohimbe. A version of Passion Rx without yohimbe is also available.
Herbal Aphrodisiacs
There are quite a number of herbs and nutrients that I consider to be excellent
male and female aphrodisiacs. Some of my favorites are included in
Passion Rx (see the list above) 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. Many scientists casually dismiss the
possibility that herbal aphrodisiacs are possible. How little do they know!
Additional products
formulated by Dr. Sahelian that have mild to moderate aphrodisiac
properties:
Prostate-Power-Rx with saw
palmetto and pygeum
Mind-Power-Rx
with
acetylcarnitine and
choline
Eyesight-Rx with
ginkgo and
bilberry
High Quality products formulated by a
medical doctor
Consider highly popular all natural products. These top quality
products include
Mind Power Rx for better
mental focus, concentration, and mood; Diet Rx which helps you eat less. It really does curb appetite; Good Night
Rx for better sleep; Eyesight
Rx for better vision, often within days; MultiVit
Rx a daily comprehensive multivitamin for more energy and
vitality; Joint Power Rx
for healthy joints; Prostate Power Rx
for a healthy prostate gland; and Passion Rx
for sexual enhancement, better libido, and improved performance and stamina in men and women.
The Greek Aphrodisiac
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 of aphrodisiac has
come to describe any food, drug, potion, or other substance that arouses sexual
desire.
Is there such a thing as an Aphrodisiac
food or an Aphrodisiac 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 aphrodisiac
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.
Aphrodisiac Food - What about spices as
aphrodisiacs?
There appears to be some research supporting certain spices as
male and female aphrodisiacs. One study in rodents found nutmeg and clove to be aphrodisiacs.
Aphrodisiac Foods - Is Chocolate one of the Aphrodisiacs?
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 aphrodisiac 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.
I would consider fish to be a natural aphrodisiac foods
since they contain good fish oils that help with dilation and supply good fatty
acids to sperm.
Aphrodisiac for Woman
Most herbal aphrodisiacs work for a woman as well as a man, including
muira puama, tongkat ali, and horny goat weed. Mucuna pruriens and LJ100 are
other herbal aphrodisiacs for a woman.
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 in terms of aphrodisiac benefit 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.
Aphroidisac herbs also have the advantage of causing fewer side effects.
How to Take Passion Rx with Yohimbe, or Individual Sex Herbs, Safely and
Efficiently
Take the herbs in the morning at least a half hour before breakfast so they are
absorbed well without food in the stomach. Some of the common aphrodisiac herbs
are horny goat weed, tongkat ali and LJ100, mucuna pruriens, tribulus terrestris,
catuaba, muira puama, maca, ashwagandha, and others. It is impossible 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.
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. Very important: 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.
Natural Aphrodisiac Research
For more information on natural aphrodisiacs, see a book called
Natural Sex Boosters.
Effect of Tribulus terrestris on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase
activity and androgen receptors in rat brain.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 4;96(1-2):127-32.
Tribulus terrestris has been used as an aphrodisiacs both in
the Indian and Chinese traditional systems of medicine. Administration of
tribulus terrestris extract increased sexual behavior and intracavernous
pressure both in normal and castrated rats and these effects were probably due
to the androgen increasing property of tribulus. Chronic treatment of tribulus
terrestris in rats increases the NADPH-d positive neurons and AR
immunoreactivity in the PVN region. The findings from the present study add
further support to the aphrodisiacs claims of tribulus terrestris.
Aphrodisiac effect of 50% ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum
(L.) Merr. & Perry. (clove) on sexual behavior of normal male rats.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2004 Nov 5;4(1):17
The flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum ( clove) has
been used in Unani medicine since ancient times as aphrodisiacs for the
treatment of male sexual disorders. The present study is aimed to
investigate the effect of 50% ethanolic extract of clove on general mating
behavior, libido, potency along with its likely gastric ulceration and
adverse effects on sexually normal male albino rats. The results of our
study show that the 50% ethanolic
extract of clove produced a significant and sustained increase in the
sexual activity of normal male rats, without any conspicuous gastric
ulceration and adverse effects. Thus, the resultant aphrodisiacs effectivity of the extract lends support to the claims for its traditional
usage in sexual disorders.
Aphrodisin, an aphrodisiac lipocalin secreted in hamster vaginal
secretions.
Peptides. 2004 Sep;25(9):1545-52.
Vertebrates communicate through pheromones, which favor biological
regulations within each species. Aphrodisin, aphrodisiacs 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.
Aphrodisiac properties of Montanoa tomentosa aqueous
crude extract in male rats.
Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2004 May;78(1):129-34.
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. Present findings provide experimental evidence that the
crude extract preparation of M. tomentosa, used as a traditional remedy,
possesses aphrodisiacs properties.
Aphrodisiacs activity of Butea frondosa Koen. ex Roxb. extract in male
rats.
Phytomedicine. 2004 Feb;11(2-3):165-8.
In the present study, the aphrodisiacs activity of Butea frondonsa Koen.
ex Roxb (Papillionaceae) bark extract was investigated.
Aphrodisiacs activity of methanol extract of leaves of Passiflora incarnata
Linn (passion flower)in mice.
Phytother Res. 2003 Apr;17(4):401-3.
The aphrodisiacs 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 passion flower exhibited significant
aphrodisiacs behavior in male mice.
Effect of Lepidium meyenii ( Maca ), a root with
aphrodisiacs and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive
hormone levels in adult healthy men.
J Endocrinol. 2003 Jan;176(1):163-8.
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a Peruvian hypocotyl that grows exclusively
between 4000 and 4500 m in the central Andes. Maca is traditionally
employed in the Andean region for its supposed aphrodisiacs and/or
fertility-enhancing properties.
Aphrodisiacs
evaluation in non-copulator male rats after chronic administration of
Eurycoma longifolia Jack.
Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2001 Aug;15(4):265-8.
The aphrodisiac effect of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) was
evaluated in noncopulator male rats. 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. Hence, this study
lends further support to the use of the plant by indigenous populations as
a traditional medicine for its aphrodisiac property.
Female aphrodisiacs
versus male aphrodisiacs
Q. There are a number of herbs that are promoted to enhance sexuality and
libido. Are there any herbs that are considered better as female
aphrodisiacs than male aphrodisiacs?
A. In our experience, we have found aphrodisiac herbs to be
effective in both men and women.
Natural Aphrodisiac emails
Q. Dr. Sahelian, do you consider alcohol to be an aphrodisiac?
A. Yes and no. 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 positive, but mostly negative effects of sexuality.
Q. My mom tells me that oysters have aphrodisiac qualities. What say
you?
A. 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'm not aware
of any foods that would fall into 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.
Q. Do you consider Cialis and Viagra aphrodisiac
drugs ?
A. I don't believe Levitra, Cialis and Viagra are
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.
Q. Is tongkat ali one of
the female aphrodisiacs ? Are there others?
A. Yes, I do believe horny goat weed, muira puama,
tongkat ali and many others are good and proven female aphrodisiac plants.
Q. Is Maca a natural male aphrodisiac product?
A. Maca is one of the aphrodisiacs commonly available
in herbal sex formulas for a man. I would say maca is a moderate
aphrodisiac plant, not very potent, but not weak, either.
Q. What can you tell me about aphrodisiac creams? Also
I see liquid aphrodisiacs on sale, do they work?
A. I have not looked into aphrodisiac creams so I can't
say much at this time. As to a liquid aphrodisiac for a woman, I do know
that herbs can be ingested as a liquid aphrodisiac and they can work
depending on the ingredients in the formula. Aphrodisiac herbs can be made
into a tea.
Q. Does aromatherapy work as
an aphrodisiac? Is there an aphrodisiac scent or fragrance?
A. 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 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.
Q. What is the best aphrodisiac pill?
A. Different people respond differently to aphrodisiac
herbs, so it is difficult to pick the best aphrodisiac. I think herbal
aphrodisiac formulas that combine several herbs are probably the best
aphrodisiac option.
Q. Do you know of
any Chinese aphrodisiac herbs?
A. The Chinese have many aphrodisiac herbs including cnidium, horny goat weed, codonopsis, etc.
Q. What about Spanish Fly as an aphrodisiac?
A. I really don't know, I have never tried Spanish Fly.
Q. Is oyster an aphrodisiac?
A. I don't think eating oysters will have a
direct aphrodisiac effect. There are many potent aphrodisiac herbs that
are much more effective.
Q. I noticed you have a number of studies supporting
aphrodisiac effects of certain herbs on your aphrodisiacs web page.
However none of those herbs seem to be in Passion Rx; and the herbs in
Passion Rx are not ones you cite studies for.
A. There are dozens of herbs that are effective, we have links on
the website to the ones in the formula. I selected the aphrodisiac herbs
that had the most research or historical experience and clinical
effectiveness.