50 Natural Aphrodisiacs

An aphrodisiac is defined as any substance that increases sexual desire, sexual pleasure, or sexual behaviour.

There are three main types of aphrodisiac:

1. Those that affect your mind (e.g. Bufo toad, which has hallucinogenic properties that can increase sexual desire and pleasure).
2. Those that affect your body (e.g. yohimbe, which can increase blood flow and hormone levels).
3. Those that affect your behaviour (which may be because of the placebo effect rather than any intrinsic active agents).

And although some man-made aphrodisiacs do exist (e.g. Ecstasy is often taken for this reason, amongst others), this article is only going to focus on natural ones, derived from, for example, plants.

So, let’s get started!

1. Apples. One study found that eating an apple each day was associated with a better quality sex life – in young women. It’s possible too there are other more placebo-type reactions to this fruit (e.g. “apple of your eye”).
2. Artichokes. While a somewhat unusual vegetable in many countries, they have long been associated with increasing erotic energy – so much so that, according to some reports, women were banned from eating them a few centuries ago. The fact is, they are high in antioxidants and other vital nutrients.
3. Asparagus. These are high in vitamin E, a supplement that some men take to improve their “performance”. However, it’s usually better to get your minerals and vitamins via your diet, and asparagus (with its phallic shape) is a great source for vitamin E, which can increase blood and oxygen flood to the genitals, as well as stimulating sexual hormone production.
4. Avocados. The name of this fruit is derived from the Aztec word for avocado is “ahuacatl,” which means “testicle.” They also contain high levels of vitamin B9 (which helps provide energy) and vitamin B6 (which helps produce more testosterone).
5. Bananas. Again, the shape probably helps, but they are also a good source of bromelain, potassium, and vitamin B2.
6. Basil. Usually associated with Italian cuisine, this flavourful herb is packed with nutrients that can give your libido a boost.
7. Bindii. Also known as tribulus terristris, this plan has been shown to increase overall athletic performance, as well as sperm production, and to remedy infertility and restore any loss of libido.
8. Cacao. This is specifically talking about the raw nibs and not the resulting chocolate products (see below), and it’s listed here because they contain two compounds of interest – anandamide (aka the “bliss molecule”) and phenylethylamine (aka the “love chemical”). It’s said this is more effective for women than men.
9. Celery. This may sound like an unlikely entry in this list, but it contains small amounts of a pheromone called androstenone, which can cause women to feel a sense of attraction. It’s not know, however, how much you would have to eat to make this a successful strategy.
10. Champagne. While not having any aphrodisiac properties per se, this is definitely high on the list for putting you in the mood, probably more because of its image. (Note that only the sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France is allowed to be called champagne, so if you want to use this, it’s probably better to splash out on something that actually is champagne rather than an imitation sparkling wine, however good they may otherwise be.)
11. Cherries. Sexual connotations aside (e.g. “pop your cherry”), this fruit, especially the dark, tart cherries, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help maintain a healthy sex drive.
12. Chillis. The capsaicin in hot chilli peppers can release epinephrine, a hormone that increases your heart rate and releases endorphins, when eaten.
13. Chocolate. You probably won’t be surprised that this is on the list – in one study, a significant number of women reportedly said they would prefer to eat chocolate than have sex. Seriously though, it’s the phenylethylamine it contains that is what makes this an aphrodisiac – because it’s a stimulant. And remember, the darker the chocolate, the better it is for you.
14. Cinnamon. There are some people who claim that consuming this warm spice can heat up your sex life.
15. Coffee. Although there are those who say that caffeine has its downsides, and may even be unhealthy (see my review of Caffeine Blues), it does generally improve your mood and help stimulate dopamine production.
16. Dates. These fruits are great sources of fibre, minerals, and vitamins, and have been used in the Middle East for centuries as one component of an aphrodisiac, the other two being cinnamon and milk.
17. Fadogia Agrestis. This Nigerian plant has been found to have useful properties for men, helping to treat erectile dysfunction while improving testosterone levels and libido.
18. Fenugreek. The seeds and leaves of this plant have long been used to increase sex drive, although it can also improve lactation. Some even say it promotes healthy breast tissue and can even makes your breasts larger, although this is not yet backed by scientific studies.
19. Figs. These are good sources of amino acids, which can increase libido and improve sexual stamina.
20. Garlic. This is another one you might not expect to see on this list, given its pungent taste and the strong odour it leaves on people’s breath. Having said that, in my experience, if both of you eat garlic, then the effects are minimized. And it’s listed here because it contains allicin, which is good for your cardiovascular health and its ability to increase blood flow.
21. Ginger. Another spice that has many medicinal properties and that has been used for centuries, one of its uses is as a treatment for impotence and as a stimulant.
22. Gingko Biloba. This plant has been shown to improve sexual dysfunction in men and women who have experienced sexual issues as a result of their using certain antidepressants known as SSRI. It was also found to have a beneficial effect on the four stages of the sexual response cycle, i.e. desire, excitement, orgasm, and resolution.
23. Ginseng. Used in Asia for centuries for all sorts of reasons, increased ibido is one of its many benefits.
24. Honey. Used for centuries for all manner of purposes, honey has also long been used as a way to increase sexual vigour. One of the reasons it has this effect is because it contains boron, which is not only used to regulate hormone levels but also to manage nitric oxide levels. This free radical increases blood flow, which can help create firmer erections in men and clitoral engorgement in women.
25. Horny Goat Weed. There is limited evidence that this supplement can help with erectile dysfunction.
26. Maca Root. Also useful as a fertility-enhancing food, this superfood, which is native to Peru (hence its alternative name of Peruvian ginseng), has been proven to have aphrodisiac properties.
27. Mondia Whitei. This herb may help with several sexual problems, including erectile dysfunction, libido, and a low sperm count.
28. Nutmeg. Some positive results have been obtained when using this to treat male sexual disorders.
29. Nuts. Specifically almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, these are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids (which are vital for heart health) as well as hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
30. Olives. The oil (preferably extra-virgin) is a great way to get your antioxidants. In addition, it is said that black olives can increase a woman’s libido while green olives can improve a man’s virility.
31. Oysters. One of the most well-known aphrodisiacs (remember the post-wedding meal in the Bond movie You Only Live Twice?), it’s the zinc and dopamine content that do the trick here.
32. Pine Nuts. Commonly found as an ingredient in pesto (as is basil – see above), these nuts are high in zinc as well as phytochemicals, which can help improve a man’s libido.
33. Pomegranates. These are high in antioxidants, a side-benefit of which is helping to deliver more blood (e.g. to your genitals).
34. Pumpkin. This is high in both magnesium and potassium, as well as fibre, making it good for maintaining your stamina, as well as relaxing your nerves and muscles.
35. Red Wine. While I do not usually recommend alcohol (it’s a Class I carcinogen!), it does contain relatively low levels of resveratrol, which again, like pomegranates, can get your blood pumping. However, small amounts only – too much and you may suffer from brewer’s droop (or whatever the female equivalent is called).
36. Rocket. Also known as arugula in some countries, this leaf, normally eaten in salads, has been proven to work as a natural aphrodisiac, boosting testosterone levels and generally enhancing libido.
37. Safed Musli. There is some evidence that this herb can help with some sexual issues, including premature ejaculation.
38. Saffron. This expensive spice, which is extracted from a variety of crocus, is reported to have aphrodisiac property, although one study did not confirm its ability to help men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. However, it has been shown to improve sperm motility.
39. Salmon. Apart from being a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, like certain nuts (see above), salmon helps provide the essential building blocks for key sexual hormones (i.e. oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone).
40. Satureja. There is some evidence that this herb, which is related to both rosemary and thyme, can help improve fertility in males.
41. Shatavari. This Indian herb strengthens the female reproductive system, provides relief from PMS and other menstrual issues, and increases libido.
42. Shilajit. Another aphrodisiac that comes from the Indian sub-continent (the Himalayas, to be precise), this is a tar-like substance that has also been used to treat fertility issues in both men and women. It’s somewhat hard to obtain, but not impossible.
43. Strawberries. Although I’m sure part of their attraction is the way these fruits look, they are also good sources of vitamin C, which is used in the creation of sex hormones as well as neurotransmitters in the brain that can increase your libido.
44. Sweet Potatoes. Some people say these have a somewhat phallic shape, but they also happen to contain vitamin A (which can boost fertility) and C, as well as potassium.
45. Tongkat Ali. The supplement, sometimes known as longjack, that comes from this Asian tree has been shown to have aphrodisiac properties in several studies.
46. Truffles. I’m talking about the fruit of the fungus type here, as often dug up by specially trained pigs, and not the chocolates, and they are aphrodisiacs for two reasons – firstly, their mystique and rarity (which makes them expensive), and secondly, their aroma, which is said to smell like the male pheromone, androsterone.
47. Vanilla. I’ve always found this to have a highly sensual aroma, and it’s on this list because of that (i.e. I’m not alone here) and because of its relaxing qualities. However, try to splash out on the real thing, instead of substitutes or artificial versions (e.g. vanillin).
48. Watermelon. If you can get past all those seeds, this form of melon is high in a phytonutrient called citrulline, which can increase your nitric acid levels, which in turn increases blood flow and sexual arousal.
49. Whipped Cream. There is no evidence that whipped cream has any aphrodisiac properties – which doesn’t mean it can’t enhance a love-making session when used creatively, of course. That would therefore put this in the category of behavioural aphrodisiacs where the placebo effect is what makes it worth using / eating.
50. Yohimbe. This African plant is listed in the physicians’ reference book as a valuable treatment for erectile dysfunction – and it’s even been referred to as the “herbal viagra”.

Conclusion

I bet you didn’t realize there were so many potential aphrodisiacs, at least some of which have been studied scientifically and found to be helpful with a variety of sexual issues, from the physical (e.g. ED and premature ejaculation) to the more mental (e.g. libido).

Some of these items are ones you probably buy already, many are easy to find, and a few might be a bit trickier to track down.

It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that some say it can take a day or two for their effects to kick in – so don’t have oysters and champagne for dinner and expect to be making love all night as a result! 🙂