An aphrodisiac is any substance used to increase pleasure, desire, and/or performance
In Indian and Greek folklore, saffron was considered to be an aphrodisiac so potent that it would corrupt any woman
In Indian and Greek folklore, saffron was considered to be an aphrodisiac so potent that it would corrupt any woman. Today, saffron has been shown to improve libido, especially in people who experience antidepressant-induced dysfunction.
Sources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3731873/pdf/PRev-7-1.pdf; Jones, A. (1995). Larousse Dictionary of World Folklore. Larousse.
Oysters contain nutrients that may help support sexual health
Oysters contain nutrients that may help support sexual health. Oysters are rich in zinc, a key mineral for testosterone production and sperm health.
According to folklore, oysters were associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who was said to have emerged from the sea on a shell. So oysters were believed to boost fertility and libido. The word “aphrodisiac” comes from the Greek word meaning “pertaining to Aphrodite.”
Source: https://strangersguide.com/articles/the-history-of-oysters/
Red ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to boost energy and libido
Red ginseng is an aphrodisiac that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to boost energy and libido.
Ambergris, a sperm whale secretion, is thought to enhance sensuality through scent
Ambergris, a sperm whale secretion, is thought to enhance sensuality through scent. Ambergris is a waxy substance from sperm whales that was historically used in perfumes. Some studies show that it increases testosterone concentrations in animals.
Horny goat weed improves erectile function and contains compounds similar to those in Viagra
Horny goat weed improves erectile function and contains compounds similar to those in Viagra. It gets its name from the way goats would eat the plant and then enthusiastically mate after.
Drinking Red Wine is associated with higher sexual desire, lubrication, and overall sexual function in women
Red wine was thought to lower inhibitions and increase sensuality since it is the drink of Dionysus, the god of revelry and fertility. An Italian study found that moderate red wine consumption is associated with higher sexual desire, lubrication, and overall sexual function in women.
Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1743609515322773; https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0256198#
Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda to increase stamina, sexual energy, and reproductive health.
Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda to increase stamina, sexual energy, and reproductive health. It is a popular natural supplement for stress relief and libido enhancement.
In West Africa, the bark of the yohim tree was traditionally used in a drink that increases sexual desire
In West Africa, the bark of the Pausinystalia johimbe tree was traditionally boiled into a drink to increase sexual desire. Today, the extract found in this bark is used as an FDA-approved treatment for erectile dysfunction.
The Japanese consider uni, the edible part of a sea urchin, an aphrodisiac due to its rich zinc content
The Japanese consider uni, the edible part of a sea urchin, an aphrodisiac due to its rich zinc content. Sea urchins are rich in zinc, a mineral beneficial to sexual health. The only edible parts of the sea urchin are the gonads which are the ovaries and testicles.
Known as “Peruvian Viagra,” maca root was traditionally used to enhance fertility and stamina
Known as “Peruvian Viagra,” maca root was traditionally used to enhance fertility and stamina. Peru Maca contains sildenafil, the active ingredient in the FDA-approved prescription drug Viagra, used to treat erectile dysfunction.
The Aztecs consumed chocolate as an energizing and arousing elixir
The Aztecs consumed chocolate as an energizing and arousing elixir. Emperor Montezuma was said to eat lots of cocoa beans to increase desire. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine and serotonin, chemicals linked to pleasure and mood improvement.
In the Middle Ages, Spanish Fly was an aphrodisiac made from the crushed bodies of the blister beetle
In the Middle Ages, Spanish Fly was an aphrodisiac made from the crushed bodies of the blister beetle (Lytta vesicatoria). Spanish fly is very toxic and dangerous to use. Do not try this.
Do not try these at home