BY: SIMON
An aphrodisiac acts as a catalyst to enhance one’s sexual performance by stimulating his or her sexual desire. Poor sexual drive can severely impact one’s quality of life and can manifest itself in the form of strained relationships, depression, low confidence, stress or mood swings. Thus, one can seek remedy in a natural aphrodisiac or synthetic libido-enhancing drugs.
While over-the-counter medicines like Viagra and Cialis might yield instant results, they are not recommended for long term usage as they have grave side effects like dilation of blood vessels, blurred vision, or an upset stomach. Often, they are quite reactive with other drugs and are contraindicated if you are on parallel medication for other physical conditions.
A natural aphrodisiac, on the other hand, has minimal side effects and provides long term benefits. Mother nature has bestowed upon us several natural sexual stimulants which are highly effective in treating our sexual desires. Listed below are 10 such powerful herbs that possess aphrodisiac qualities and are increasingly becoming a ubiquitous choice for those to want to have a naturally healthy sex life!
1. Horny Goat Weed
Horny Goat Weed is an aphrodisiac that boosts testosterone in males and estrogen in post-menopausal females. It is derived from a herb named Epimedium and traces its roots to Japan, Korea and parts of China. Primarily used to treat impotence, spermatorrhea and erectile dysfunctions, it also acts as a supplement to nourish the kidneys with additional benefits like reducing high blood pressure, strengthening of the arteries, decrease in bone damage, spike in energy levels and lowering of brain injury.
2. Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali (also known as Eurycoma Longifolia Jack, Tung Saw, Pasak Bumi, or Malaysian Ginseng) is a pro-fertility and natural aphrodisiac that is native to the jungles of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. It is one of the potent herbs that increase testosterone and is primarily used to enhance male libido. Tongkat Ali benefits include semen volume enhancement, erectile aid, libido stimulation and muscle growth promotion.
3. Yohimbe
Yohimbe is a popular aphrodisiac plant that grows throughout the African nations of Cameroon, Gabon and Zaire. The bark of the tree has been used in traditional medicine to enhance potency in men along with the ability to treat angina and hypertension.
4. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, is a male aphrodisiac that triggers prompt arousal and long lasting erections by improving the body’s blood circulation and oxygen flow. It is one of the oldest plant species on this planet and is currently wild crafted in the forests of Eastern China. The herb is also used to treat other medical conditions like Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Gonorrhoea.
5. Ginseng
Ginseng originated in China and Korea and is commonly referred to as the ‘Plant of Vitality.’ This multipurpose herb has anti-fatigue and aphrodisiac characteristics and is frequently used to stimulate virility and sexual appetite in both men and women.
6. Maca
While Maca roots are beneficial for both men and women, it is better known as one of the miraculous herbs for female libido and is used to combat menopause symptoms. The Peruvian plant has been used in Andean diet for ages and is known to have a positive effect on the sexual health of both genders by improving their sex drive and treating infertility and erectile dysfunction.
7. Echinacea
Popularized as a herbal antibiotic, this North American native plant has also found a place in our bedrooms by virtue of its aphrodisiac properties for both males and females. It stimulates the production of sex hormones and is revered for its anti-impotence attributes.
8. Gokshura
This rejuvenating herb belongs to the Tribulus Terrestris plant family and is an invasive North American species. It has been used in traditional Indian medicine as an excellent tonic that improves male libido, stimulates sperm production and increases quality and motility of sperm. It stimulates natural testosterone for women and men, thus elevating sexual desire in both genders.
9. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha , also known as Indian Ginseng, is an Ayurvedic herb that is cultivated in the drier regions of India and is native to northern Africa and Middle East. The plant is endowed with natural goodness and is used as a health tonic for overall wellness as well as to treat sexual dysfunction and infertility in both partners.
10. Garlic
This humble herb is commonly used to enhance our gastronomic senses. However, garlic has also been used as a love potion since the ancient Egyptians and is native to central Asia. Health benefits of garlic consumption include increased sexual stamina and high energy for both men and women. Garlic enhances the nervous system’s ability to react to nitric oxide which, in turn, triggers long lasting and powerful erections.
Natural aphrodisiacs are safe as they are herbal in nature, yet over dosage is not recommended. When consumed in right proportions, a natural aphrodisiac, in conjunction with a healthy diet and physical exercise, can do wonders for one’s sexual health and overall well being.