Top Men's Aphrodisiacs

Ashwagandha is a herb from the Ayurvedic system and is known for its adaptogenic qualities, meaning 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. Its stabilising effect on male hormones is well documented, with studies showing that it increases luteinising hormone (which stimulates testosterone production) and significantly raises serum testosterone levels, leading to a boost in sexual desire and performance. 

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 also used to treat infertility in men.  

The name Catuaba is a Guarani word that translates as “what gives strength to the Indian”. It is Amazon’s most famed and sought after aphrodisiac, with numerous songs composed by the Tupi Indians in praise of its libido enhancing effects and ability to treat erectile dysfunction. Also known as Brazilian Viagra, Catuaba contains “yohimbine”, which seems to be the active compound that provides a stimulatory effect to the libido. Catuaba stimulates blood flow to the genitals, can strengthen and prolong an erection, enhances sexual excitement and is said to give more powerful orgasms.

It is also used as an overall energy booster, stimulating the nervous system, sharpening memory and focus and to combat fatigue. 

Native to South America, there is a saying: “Until a father is 60 the son is his, after that the son belongs to Catuaba”.

Also known as “Himalayan Viagra” and “The Sexual Potentiator”, Cordyceps highly influences the release of testosterone and increases blood flow to the penis, thus enhancing erectile function, virility and stamina. It is thought to be especially useful to persons over a certain age as it enhances the production of hormones that decrease with age which can lead to a decrease in libido. 

Research demonstrates the supplementation with Cordyceps will also improve sperm quality and motility, making it an extremely useful remedy for male fertility problems. 

Used for centuries by the ancient peoples of South America, Damiana leaves were not only prescribed as an aphrodisiac, but also as a tonic for overall health.

Especially indicated for alleviating problems of achieving and maintaining erections, Damiana also works to relieve stress and anxiety related to fears of inadequate sexual performance. Studies have shown that consuming the plant works to slow down the digestive tract and instead rushes oxygen to genital areas. This helps men to achieve erection much more easily and maintain it for longer periods of time. In another study, Damiana outperformed the popular drug "Viagra" by almost 50 percent. Researchers at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina found that Damiana improves male sexual dysfunction by relaxing the small muscles within the walls of the arteries of the penis. When the arteries are relaxed they widen and this allows more blood to flow, causing an erection. The study found Damiana to relax the muscles within these arteries by 90 percent, whilst Viagra only relaxed them by 46 percent.

With a calming effect on the nervous system, Damiana is said to produce a mild euphoric effect on the mind and has been used traditionally as a mood enhancer by the Aztecs and Mayans. It is also said to provide an energy boost and increase stamina which might be linked to its aphrodisiac uses as well as helping to combat fatigue and lethargy.

Ginkgo Biloba has long been considered a potent male aphrodisiac. Research shows that certain compounds in this herb can boost blood circulation, have a thinning effect on the blood and help to improve muscle tone in the walls of blood vessels. Improved circulation leads to an increase in oxygen rich blood and enhanced arterial inflow to erectile tissues, without any adverse effects on systemic blood pressure. This enhanced blood supply to the sex organs is crucial to attaining and maintaining an erection, and for this reason Ginkgo Biloba is an excellent remedy for impotance caused by poor circulation or erectile dysfunction in general. 

Ginkgo also lowers the stress hormone cortisol  and enhances the production of all-important testosterone, making this an excellent herb to use for performance related anxiety. By lowering sex related inhibitions and easing stress, Ginkgo Biloba can help to create the right mood for love. 

Behind its comical name, Horny Goat Weed stands as a time tested aphrodisiac that increases libido in both men and women and improves erectile function in men. This is thought to be due, in part, to the flavonoid “icariin”, which is also responsible for the best known health benefits associated with this herb.

Firstly, icariin has been found to have the ability to boost the successful transmission of Nitric Oxide, the primary chemical transmitter for the successful and ample delivery of blood delivery to the penis tissue. Secondly it increases the natural circulation of free form testosterone around the body, not only boosting libido – testosterone is crucial to the health of the prostate and plays a dominant role in the production of healthy sperm.

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.

Also known as “potency wood”, Muira Puama has long been used by the Amazonian people to manage a variety of age related conditions. It is marketed in Brazil as a “body stimulant, energetic tonic and aphrodisiac”. It can be especially useful in supporting healthy erectile response and restoring libido in men suffering the effects of fatigue or age related complaints.

Muira Puama contains “sterols”, the building blocks of sex hormones such as testosterone. One study found that this herb relaxes the corpus cavernosa – a sponge like area that holds blood during an erection. This relaxation allows more blood to flow to the penis, producing a stronger and firmer erectile response. Dr Jacques Maynberg conducted two studies at the Institute of Sexology in Paris, where he gave men stricken with low libido and diminished erectile capacity Muira Puama for two weeks. In both studies between 60% - 70% of the men reported a notable increase in libido and an improvement in their ability to maintain an erection.

Also known as "old man;s best friend", Saw Palmetto promotes circulation and blood flow to the male genitals. It boosts the male sex hormones by helping to stabilise the natural process in men of the hormone testosterone decreasing after age 40.

These powerful berries strengthen sexual appetite, tone the male productive system, restore sexual balance and increase sperm count and motility. 

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.

Ginseng is rich in compounds known as "ginsenosides" - these phytochemicals are thought to have a direct impact on increasing libido, vitality and energy. 

As an aphrodisiac, its claims to fame include stronger sex drive, increased semen output and heightened fertility - all accomplished without decreasing energy levels. Siberian Ginseng stimulates the bodies natural stamina and physical prowess during love making.

With an age old reputation as an aphrodisiac, recent research has identified certain compounds contained within Tongkat Ali to verify traditional claims. After years of studies, Dr Joahri Saad isolated "glycoproteins", the active ingredient within this powerful herb that increases testosterone production. He found that Tongkat Ali extract significantly boosts testosterone levels which led to an increase in sexual activity three to four times more than usual. In a study conducted on human males he observed a four-fold increase in testosterone production.

Tongkat Ali is also an excellent herb for age-related sexual disorders and symptoms of "andropause", such as loss of sexual desire and lack of energy. It also provides a boost to male fertility, with the hormone supporting benefits of Tongkat Ali promoting normal sperm quality and motility.