Top Women's Aphrodisiacs

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.

Clavohuasca is a traditional South American herb used as an aphrodisiac for centuries in Brazil and Peru. 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. Its libido enhancing effects are thought to be strongest in women, peaking 3 hours after consumption. 

Interestingly, Clavohuasca is the cornerstone ingredient for two of the most famous aphrodisiac/potency formulas in South America. 

Cordyceps is especially beneficial to boost sexual desire in 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 had long been thought of as an exclusively male aphrodisiac, until family and integrated medical practitioner Cynthia Watson published her book, “Love Potions, a Guide to Aphrodisiacs and Sexual Pleasures”. In it, she presented evidence indicating that androgens such as testosterone might be effective for stimulating so-called “frigid” women, a characteristic some researchers suspect may be caused by an androgen deficiency. Watson also said she saw a renewed interest in sex among women who used Damiana.

Damiana is the Aphrodisiac to use when sexual dysfunction has a strong emotional content. It 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 exerts an aphrodisiac effect on women due to its ability to improve blood flow to all parts of the body, including the most intimate parts. This improved blood flow can increase arousal in woman vaginally and can enhance the pleasure and depth of orgasm.

Ginkgo Biloba has also shown particular promise in reviving sex drive in women both peri-menopausal and menopausal. It can help to balance the hormones, raising oestrogen levels that significantly drop during menopause. This can bring about renewed interest in sexual desire and an increase in libido.

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

Often believed to be exclusively for men, Horny Goat Weed's aphrodisiac effects work on women too. It increases blood circulation and improves blood flow to the genital area, making this herb is excellent for stimulating female libido and decreasing sexual dysfunction. Several studies have found that the active constituents of Horny Goat Weed balance oestrogen and estradiol levels in women. Icariin is a prenylflavonoid compound which acts as a natural phytoestrogen, relieving symptoms of menopause, including low libido and vaginal dryness.

Whilst improved blood flow is a key element in sexual desire, Horny Goat Weed also provides alkaloids and plant sterols that have similar actions to testosterone. Although considered a male hormone, testosterone is produced by both men and women and plays an important role in human sexuality.

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.

Maca contains "glucosinolates", plant alkaloids that can also positively affect fertility for both men and women. These alkaloids are responsible for Maca’s ability to support hormonal balance. This balancing effect also controls oestrogen levels in the body, increasing reproductive health and decreasing symptoms of PMS, PCOS and the menopause.

It blends well with other aphrodisiacs to nurture and support on-going sexual health. In women it regulates and normalises the menstrual cycle and can be used as a natural alternative to HRT.

Shatavari is known as the "Queen of the Herbs" for female health and libido. It works as an aphrodisiac for women by bringing all the symptoms of women's sexual health, through all the changes of a woman's life, into balance. 

Research shows that Shatavari increases blood flow to the female genital area, enhancing sexual sensation, sensitivity and increasing vaginal lubrication. It is known to have a hormone balancing effect, making it useful for women who experience loss of libido as a side effect of the menopause. 

Wild Yam has been revered through the ages as an excellent women's herb. It is especially useful in reviving sexual desire when loss of libido is evident as a symptom of menopause. The stark drop in oestrogen that signals the onset of menopause can also bring with it a significant drop in libido. 

Research shows that Wild Yam has a remarkable ability to stimulate and balance hormone production - a woman's sexual desire is dependant on this delicate balance. Some herbalists believe that Wild Yam restores libido so successfully in women that they don't recommend it unless she has a partner!