The Scoop on Herbal Aphrodisiacs
Although there are many prescription drugs available that will increase one’s sexual desire, there are also more natural ways to go about this, such as herbal aphrodisiacs. An aphrodisiac is a substance that makes sexual fulfillment attainable or more intense. The term “aphrodisiac” is actually named after the Greek goddess, Aphrodite, who was thought to command the laws of love and the sensual nature. Throughout history, there have been many supposed aphrodisiacs that became popular with everyone from royalty to the everyday Joe, but most of these claims to increase sexual desire were simply based upon belief. At one point in history it was thought that rhinoceros horn was a potent aphrodisiac, but in truth, it probably only worked for a few people simply because they believed it would, rather than from any truly aphrodisiac properties. --Kind of like believing in a placebo pill or a having lucky penny.
In history, most all-natural aphrodisiacs were derived from animals that were revered for their power and virility. Tiger penis and the abovementioned rhinoceros horn are just a few examples of this. Because these animals are quite powerful and impressive, it was thought that consumption of a personal piece from one of these animals would pass on the virility and power of the animal to the person who consumed it. Most of us would get a good laugh out of this today, what with all of the medical and scientific advances we’ve acquired, but this is simply what people once believed. Can you blame them, though? If a revered doctor told you that boiled tiger’s penis contained a hormone that would temporarily improve the human libido, you might actually consider giving it a try—if you were desperate enough.
Other items, not derived from animals, have been known to cause a rise in sexual stimulation and response, although the effectiveness of these items differs from person to person. Coffee, which we all know has a ton of caffeine in it, is known to help us wake up and focus, but did you also know that the nerves awakened by coffee aren’t just the ones in the brain? The entire central nervous system gets a boost from the caffeine in coffee, and that includes the nerves found “south of the border”. When the nerves of private parts become stimulated, they are much more responsive to sexual stimulation. Chocolate is another substance that can make one more receptive to sex, but instead of perking up the body’s nerves, it causes the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are like pleasure messages that tell the rest of the body that the brain is happy.
Luckily, herbal aphrodisiacs aren’t nearly as embarrassing to purchase or consume as aphrodisiacs of the past, nor are they as fattening or addictive as chocolate and coffee. Ginkgo is one of the herbal aphrodisiacs out there that has an impressive track record with research studies. This herb has proven very useful in treating erectile dysfunction because it causes a boost in blood circulation. This isn’t just good news for guys, but it can also cause a boost in the female libido as increased blood flow to the vaginal area means a heightened sensitivity to stimulation.
Another herb to consider is ginseng. So, you have heard of it! Most of us think of green tea when we hear the word “ginseng”, and it’s true that it is a popular addition to green teas, but it has so much more to offer than people believe. A very convincing study done by Korean researchers reveals that ginseng can encourage the production of nitric oxide, which is a necessity for erection. When taken in doses of 900mg, three times each day, it was reported that men noticed a huge improvement in their erections, particularly those with erectile dysfunction. If you decide to try this one, it’s recommended that you do not exceed the aforementioned dosage (900mg, three times a day).
The last herbal aphrodisiac we are going to discuss is called yohimbe. This is a tree native to West Africa, of which the bark is used to increase blood flow to the male genitalia. You can laugh if you want to, but scientists have studied this bark since the 80’s and found that it does contain a chemical that increases circulation in the nether regions of men. In fact, the FDA had actually approved this as a treatment (by prescription) for erectile dysfunction.
As you can see, there is something to be said about herbal aphrodisiacs. Herbal remedies have been used since ancient times, and while we humans did err a little on the freaky side with some of those animal-based “aphrodisiacs”, we were certainly on to something with the plant remedies! If you decide to try any of the herbal remedies mentioned in this article, take care to discuss the dosage with your doctor, as well as whether an herbal supplement will interfere with any existing medical conditions or medications you may be taking.