Between Myth And Reality: Which Aphrodisiacs Can Boost Your Sex Life?

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Most of you probably heard of aphrodisiacs before, these so-called miracle substances that would have the power to enhance sexual vitality.

We know that aphrodisiacs were already being used 4000 years ago, and sexual dysfunctions were far from being unknown at the time.

Sexual performance is a concern that's probably as old as humanity itself! Interestingly enough, the Romans advised wearing "the right molar of a small crocodile" to ensure lasting erections. Who's in for a try?

Beyond performance, procreation has always been a matter of great importance. Throughout history, a man could easily abandon his wife if she couldn't give him a son.

But do people still use aphrodisiacs nowadays? No doubt! Especially as sexual dysfunctions (e.g. the inability to achieve "normal" sexual intercourse) are more prevalent than ever. In 2010, they concerned 43% of women and 31% of men.

Still today, medicinal plants are sought-after in part because they have fewer side effects than chemical drugs.

In her herbalist's shop in Paris, Caroline Gayet regularly welcomes customers seeking a "little help": from men in their 30s under a lot of stress to those in their 50s (and over) with prostate and erections issues, passing by menopausal women experiencing vaginal dryness.

It sounds like the pursuit of aphrodisiacs isn't going to end anytime soon...

What are aphrodisiacs?

Aphrodisiacs are substances that are supposed to increase sexual desire, pleasure and genital arousal. They come from natural products such as fruits, plants, spices, and more recently, from synthetic chemicals.

Although their use has always been widely spread, there is no scientific evidence of their efficiency. 

Tales about sexually stimulating substances exist in most cultures, from the Chinese to the Greeks, the Romans, and the Arabs. But the very first mention of the use of these substances was found in Hindu oral poems written 4000 years ago!

Are aphrodisiacs "miracle remedies"?

The myths surrounding aphrodisiacs and the tremendous arrival of Viagra on the market, nicknamed no less than "the little blue miracle pill", have contributed to the common belief that aphrodisiacs are "magical remedies".

However, contrary to the immediate effect of Viagra, plants generally need to be taken in the long term: regularity is essential to regulate hormonal or psychological dysfunction. Herbalists generally advise a treatment for three weeks per month, for three months. 

What does science say about aphrodisiacs?

Until the 19th century, phytotherapy wasn't considered an alternative medicine like today, it was the only way to treat people. Despite the emergence of chemical remedies, the consumption of medicinal plants kept on growing. In France, it has tripled in 20 years, passing from 11,350 to 30,000 tons in 1990.

However, modern science has always been skeptical about aphrodisiacs, whose efficiency is complicated to assess: how to measure levels of sexual desire if it can only be confirmed by the individual in question?

Yet, we still know a few things: some aphrodisiacs increase sex hormones, testosterone for men, estrogen for women, which influence sexual vitality, stamina and arousal. Similar to Viagra, some substances support blood vessels' relaxation, improve blood flow to the genitals, and maintain erections and vaginal lubrication, for instance.

This scientific paper lists a series of aphrodisiacs that went through experiments to prove their efficiency, but mostly on rodents. 

This is our take on the most reliable aphrodisiacs:

What are the best and most reliable aphrodisiacs?

Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

One of the most recognized aphrodisiacs is the Red Korean ginseng. It has been used for more than 2000 years to cure various illnesses, boost the immune system and revitalize the body - for both men and women. 

Ginseng improves libido, energy level, erectile dysfunction, symptoms of menopause, and sexual performance.

The Chinese and the Koreans simply chew the raw root, but it can also be infused in water. To be truly efficient, the root should be consumed after six years of maturation!

Damiana (turnera aphrodisiaca)

This plant from Mexico can help men of all ages with premature ejaculation and impotence. When taken by women, it stimulates sexual arousal and stamina.

How to take it? One tablespoon of ground leaves for a cup (25 cl) of boiling water.

Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe)

The Yohimbine is extracted from the bark of this tree native to West Africa. It's actually one of the rare plants to be recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration!

Often called the "herbal Viagra", it's been used in a drug to treat impotence as it stimulates the blood flow and the production of norepinephrine - which are both essential to keep erections.

Maca (lepidium meyenii)

This root vegetable, also called ginseng from Peru, is believed to help with fatigue, fertility, sexual functions, and sexual desire. It can be taken in tea or in the form of powder.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Literally translated, Shatavari means "the woman with 1000 husbands" - you get the message? This ayurvedic plant is solely for women, stimulating libido and vaginal lubrication while promoting general health, regulating the ovaries, helping with premenstrual syndrome and fertility.

Careful, though, plants are not always compatible and can have side effects. It's always better to consult a professional beforehand to avoid severe poisoning.

We wish you exciting experiments! ♥︎

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