Aphrodisiac- we’ve all thought about the word at one time or another. Many of us have even tried a few (oysters, anyone?). Scientists will tell you that the notion of sexual desire arising from a food is likely all in your head…but history and ancient medicines prove otherwise.
What is an aphrodisiac?
An aphrodisiac is a food or drink that inspires sexual arousal and desire. The word itself comes from the ancient Greek mythological goddess of love, Aphrodite. A decreased sex drive is a common issue that most people face as they age, especially women going through menopause. It should be no surprise then that for thousands (yes- THOUSANDS) of years humans have been trying to find proven methods to retrieve the lustiness they lose as they get older.
Many doctors and clinicians will tell you that there are no studies confirming a link between the consumption of a food and a resulting increased libido…and they would be right. However, when you consider that there really haven’t been all that many clinical studies conducted in the first place, coupled with the fact that few had significantly large population sizes, then you realize that perhaps there is a link- it just hasn’t been found yet. After all, traditional medicines all around the world have been using certain herbs and roots to stimulate sexual desire for centuries.
The (ancient) history of aphrodisiacs
Certain botanicals have been agreed upon by numerous traditional medical practices around the world to have aphrodisiac properties. For example, Tribulus terrestris is known to many Asian medicines, including both Ayurveda and Chinese, to help increase libido and virility in men. Maca has also been used in Asian and European medicines to increase libido in women going through menopause.
Although ancient Ayurvedic medicine men and women (likely) never conducted any scientific laboratory experiments on these botanicals, they recommended them time and time again because of one reason: the overall positive response of the people that actually tested them out. Of course, no two bodies are the same and what provides stimulation for one person may not do the same for another. It is impossible in that case to make the statement that something is an aphrodisiac for certain or not.
Tried-and-true aphrodisiacs
Giving botanical aphrodisiacs a try is a good idea for anyone who is interested in increasing their libido but also seeking to avoid the laboratory made chemicals manufactured by large pharmaceutical corporations. These natural herbs and roots work in different ways. Some of them are known to have properties that promote healthy peripheral circulation (blood flow below the waist), which is helpful to the physical aspects of sexual desire. An example of this one would be Panax Ginseng. Others like maca and ashwagandha mostly work as nerve tonics that help decrease anxiety and stress, stabilizing your mood so that you can actually get in the mood.
There are a variety of different botanical aphrodisiacs available online and in natural health food stores. Pure Plaisir and Feminin Boost are supplements that each contain a proprietary blend of natural herbs that are not only effective as aphrodisiacs, but also promote overall sexual health and wellness. Like most herbal remedies these require regular use and time to take effect. They are not “in the moment” stimulators, but rather work to relieve symptoms of the underlying problem of why the libido has decreased in the first place (the age-old problem of aging itself).
Safety first…
Herbal supplements may not be the right way to go for everyone, however. If you have a preexisting condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes you should speak with your healthcare practitioner prior to taking any supplement. Use of certain prescription medications for blood thinners, seizures, or anxiety disorders may also limit the effectiveness of herbal supplements, so in that case it would be a good idea to consult a doctor as well.
The aphrodisiac way
No one’s sexuality should suffer with age. Getting in the mood should not be a chore, but a mutually pleasurable and exiting experience for both you and your partner. Aphrodisiacs have been used for thousands of years to help spark the fire within and will continue as a tradition of intimacy for centuries to come.
So go ahead- try your luck with these natural remedies and see where the herbal delights of the goddess of love take you!