Herbal and Natural Aphrodisiacs

Ashwagandha is a herb from the Ayurvedic system and is known for its adaptogenic qualities, this means that it strengthens the systems of the body against stress and modern living. Apart from being an all round tonic it is an aphrodisiac, known for its ability to balance the male and female sex hormones. These are the potent parts of our bio-chemistry that govern desire, libido, pleasure, and sexual performance.

MEN It is said to bring "the strength of the stallion" to a man, enhancing his sexual staying power and libido. If there is a depletion of energy, it is known for nourishing male energy and is used to treat impotence. It increases semen production, and improves the quality of sperm, therefore it is used to treat infertility in men. Also known as Indian Ginseng. 

WOMEN Ashwagandha is a food for love, and although it is used largely as a male tonic in Ayurveda, it is recommended for women when strength is needed in conditions of debility and during pregnancy.

Bala is used for many conditions in Ayurveda, it is a master healer with many benevolent qualities and as such has been used for 1000's of years. It is known for its "Shakrala" properties, meaning it increases "shukra dhatu" (semen) and is used in Ayurvedic preparations which increase sperm count and motility. It is also used for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, with texts praising Bala for its aphrodisiac qualities and benefits to male and female infertility. Because of its euphoric qualities it is also known to induce states of love and happiness. 

MEN Bala encourages physical endurance, strength and presence of being in love making.

WOMEN Bala is associated with the ancient Hindu Goddess of beauty, sensuality and grace Parvathi. The herb is part of the 'magical trio combination' associated with women in Indian herbal folk medicine "Tripura Sundari" in common language - meaning "thrice beautiful". The other herbs recommended for beautifying women are: Ashoka and Shatavari.

The aphrodisiac qualities of this plant are, without doubt, its most famous and popular use. Containing 3 specific alkaloids believed to support libido, including “yohimbe” which seems to be the most active compound that produces a stimulatory effect on the libido of both men and women. These alkaloids are thought to enhance sexual function by stimulating the nervous system.

MEN: Catuaba stimulates blood flow to the genitals, can strengthen and prolong an erection, enhances sexual excitement and is said to give more powerful orgasms.

WOMEN: Research suggests that the aforementioned alkaloid, "yohimbe", stimulates blood flow to the female sex organs, enhancing sensitivity and orgasms. 

Clavohuasca is a traditional South American medicine used as an aphrodisiac, for centuries in Brazil and Peru. Clavohuasca is known to stimulate libido and treat sexual dysfunction in men and women.

MEN Clavohuasca is most effective for men as a remedy for erectile dysfunction, and weakness of erection. It is also used traditionally for relieving impotence.

WOMEN Clavohuasca is a strong sexual stimulant and increases libido in pre-menopausal women. One of the ways it does this is by increasing blood flow to the pelvic area.

Cordyceps is also known as the Sexual Potentiator or Himalayan Viagra. It is thought to be especially useful to persons over a certain age as it enhances the production of hormones that decrease with age, leading to a decrease in libido. 

MEN: It helps to enhance the erectile function in men by helping to dilate blood vessels and increase flow to the penis. It enhances libido and significantly increases the release of all-important male sex hormone, testosterone.

WOMEN: It is especially good for women who may be in the menopause or post menopausal - this is partly because it enhances the biosynthesis of the steroid hormones cortisol, estrogen and testosterone. As we age, the production of these hormones decreases which can naturally lead to a decrease in libido. Thought to be the secret weapon behind the success of the Chinese Women's Athletic Team at the 1993 Olympics, you can use Cordyceps to give you an overall energy and stamina boost too.

Damiana has an ancient, erotic reputation, particularly amongst Mexican Indians. A male and female sexual stimulant, this is the Aphrodisiac to use when sexual dysfunction is attached to strong emotions such as anxiety, stress and mild depression.

MEN It has a particular use for impotence in men associated with anxiety, and it has also been recommended for inflammation of the prostate in men. It is believed to contain alkaloids that stimulate the body's levels of testosterone and it is used to treat erectile dysfunction, impotence and inability to reach orgasm.

WOMEN Damiana is indicated where anxiety or depression may be involved in the inability to achieve orgasm, often restoring this ability. Known to produce a mild, short lived euphoric state, Damiana can work quickly to stimulate the genital area by enriching the oxygen supply. Interestingly it is a good tonic for women who are coming off the birth control pill and/or facing the menopause as it is a sexual hormone rebalancer.

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most well used herbal remedies today. It is known for its brain boosting qualities and as a tonic to seniors. However it is seen as an aphrodisiac because of its capacity to boost circulation and increase blood flow to all parts of the body.

MEN For men Ginkgo is known to boost male erection by increasing blood flow in the body. It will not increase the libido but it will increase staying power and strength of erection.

WOMEN In women, Ginkgo also stimulates the blood flow and can increase arousal in woman vaginally. It can increase pleasure and depth of orgasm, all based upon this increase of blood flow to the capillaries.

Guarana is known for its stimulating action. It calms yet stimulates the nervous system, so it is energising yet relaxing. It is wonderful for giving the body a lift without the side effects of caffeine or alcohol, so it's a good choice for getting you in the mood for love. It is known for increasing physical endurance and stamina, so not a bad choice for keeping you in the mood for love also.

MEN Guarana increases stamina, boosts energy, boosts virility, increases staying power and stimulates the libido. A good choice for an all night love making session.

WOMEN Guarana stimulates movement of energy in the body, activates blood circulation and boosts libido in women.

Horny Goat Weed is known for its testosterone building effect, thus stimulating sexual activity in men. It also alleviates fatigue and exhaustion whilst it nurtures and restores the adrenals and kidneys. It has an over all stress reducing, libido enhancing effect.

MEN Horny Goat Weed naturally stimulates sperm production, sexual desire, and libido. It also stimulates blood flow to the genital area thus enhancing sexual awareness and function.

WOMEN Horny Goat Weed appears to encourage blood flow - a key component to sexual desire, and also provides alkaloids and plant sterols that have similar actions as testosterone. Although testosterone is often considered a male hormone, both men and women produce this important steroid hormone as it plays a vital role in human sexuality.

This is one of the most popular herbal remedies in Peru for erectile disfunction and enhancing male libido. A study conducted in 2003 concluded that the sapogenins in Huanarpo Macho root not only increased testosterone, but also had a high benefical antioxidant value. Just as the Brazilian herb Muira Puama has become more popular in Europe, Huanarpo Macho is also becoming more recognised for it's properties.

Maca is a master adaptogen which protects the nervous system whilst it helps the body adjust to the stress of modern living. As an aphrodisiac its strength is in bringing the hormones back into balance and heightening the libido. It blends with other aphrodisiacs to nurture and support on-going sexual health.

MEN Enhances libido in men and reduces chronic fatigue. It stimulates and nourishes all body functions.

WOMEN Regulates and normalises menstrual cycle, stimulates fertility in men and women. A natural alternative to HRT.

Muira Puama is known to be good for the psychological and physical aspects of sexual function. Studies show a positive effect on erectile dysfunction, sexual desire, libido, menstrual cramps and PMS. The short term effects of Muira Puama include increasing blood flow to the pelvic area, aiding erections in men as well as sensation and orgasm in women. Longer term use enhances the production of sex hormones in both sexes. It has no noted side effects though, as with many sexual stimulants, it can slightly raise blood pressure. Muira Puama has a long history of use in England, and is still listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, where it is recommended to treat impotence, amongst other things.

MEN Muira Puama has been used successfully for impotency, erectile dysfunction, to stimulate libido and sexual desire in men.

WOMEN Muira Puama is used to aid overall sexual health, also bringing relief from menstrual cramps and PMS. It has also been used to stimulate sexual desire, and improve the flow of blood to the sexual organs, thus improving sensation and orgasm.

Patchouli is believed to work as an aphrodisiac by stimulating sensual energy and boosting the libido. It prompts the production of the sex hormones oestrogen and testosterone, helping to dispel sexual anxiety and a sluggish libido.

Throughout history, Patchouli has been used to treat sexual dysfunction, frigidity, erectile dysfunction and impotence. With similar results for both men and women, Patchouli can be diffused in the bedroom or diluted in a pure carrier oil to create a sensual massage oil that will get you in the mood for love.

Known as "the old man's best friend", Saw Palmetto is renowned for its use in men's sexual health. It supports the male sex hormones by helping to stabilise the natural process in men of the hormone testosterone decreasing after age 40. It is a tonic for the reproductive system and is used for the prevention and treatment of prostate enlargement. It is worth noting that it is not to be combined with anti-androgenic medication.

MEN Saw Palmetto boosts and strengthens sexual appetite, it also restores sexual health and balance after excess.

WOMEN Saw Palmetto is indicated for women as an aphrodisiac, a sexual stimulant and breast enhancer. As a natural aphrodisiac, women can also get a bit more pep in their intimate steps with Saw Palmetto.

Shatavari is the Queen of Ayurvedic medicine, used for 1000's years as a supreme tonic for women. It works as an aphrodisiac for women by bringing all the symptoms of women's sexual health, through all the changes of a women's life, into balance. It nourishes a women's sexual health by stimulating fertility, alleviating symptoms of menopause and regulating the hormones that govern sexual health.

MEN In men studies show it to be an excellent Aphrodisiac when combined with Ashwagandha. It promotes size, strength and stiffness of the penis and can treat impotence and sexual debilitation.

WOMEN Shatavari literally means 'the plant of one hundred roots' which has been cunningly transformed into 'she who has one hundred husbands' as it gives women boundless reserves of energy!

In China Siberian Ginseng has an ancient reputation as a love potion, probably due to its capacity to boost physical endurance, stamina and provide endless energy in the user. It helps the body adapt to an extreme environment and to fight stress in the form of exhaustion and physical overwhelm. As an aphrodisiac, its claims to fame include stronger sex drive, increased semen output and heightened fertility - all accomplished without decreasing energy levels!

MEN Siberian Ginseng stimulates the bodies natural stamina and physical prowess during love making.

WOMEN Siberian Ginseng directly affects the sexual organs and central nervous system, giving increased sexual desire and satisfaction.

Wild Yam has been used for women's sexual health for 100's of years. It balances female sex hormones, so is useful for naturally enhancing the shape and texture of the breasts. It is widely used for treating PMS and is used as a natural alternative to HRT. As an aphrodisiac its main strengths are stimulating balance of sexual hormones and in this way promoting a healthy sexual desire. It is worth noting that it should not be taken by women with hormone-dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancers of the breast, ovaries, or uterus, due to its possible estrogenic effects. Men with prostate cancer should also avoid taking wild yam. Pregnant women should not take wild yam because it may stimulate the uterus to contract, possibly causing a miscarriage.

WOMEN Breast enhancer, hormone regulator, balanced sexual health, relief from dryness, promotes sexual desire.