The bark from the yohimbe tree has been known as a potent aphrodisiac for centuries. However, yohimbe has many unsettling side effects as it is a potent stimulant, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." However, indications exist that several other herbs and natural substances can affect aspects of sexuality, such as excitement and blood flow to the genitals.
Cinnamon Bark
Most people enjoy the smell of cinnamon as it has a comforting "I'm home again" scent. However, cinnamon may also have stimulating properties. A study by the Smell and Taste Research Foundation in Chicago tested various herbs by measuring blood flow to students' penises. The smell of hot cinnamon buns generated the most excitement of all scents tested, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine."
Safed Musli
Safed musli is an important plant in traditional ayurvedic medicine. One of its most famous uses is as a safe "herbal Viagra." The government of India actively promotes the cultivation of safed musli, having named it the sixth most important plant to be promoted for phytopharmaceutical, or plant based medicine, use, according to the information website Agricare.
Damiana
Damiana is known scientifically as Turnera aphrodisiaca. Its traditional use for helping sexual impotence for men has some clinical backing, according to a 2005 article published in the journal "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine."
Tongkat Ali
This herb from Southeast Asia has traditionally been used for increasing libido, or sexual drive. Rumors suggest that tongkat ali, or Eurycoma longifolia, increases testosterone levels in men, but the evidence is still lacking. However, animal studies using rats have shown that the herb increases sexual behavior. according to a study reported in a 2003 edition of the journal "Phytomedicine."
Chocolate
After yohimbe, chocolate may be the safest and surest bet as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. The cocoa bean contains anandamide and phenylethylamine, both of which are related to indirectly releasing dopamine in the brain, triggering pleasurable sensations. Also, cocoa contains arginine, an amino acid known to increase blood flow and arousal in men and women, according to a study reported in the April-June 2005 issue of the "Indian Journal of Psychiatry."
Celery
Celery does not sound sexy, but this watery vegetable has high levels of the hormone androsterone, which when perspired by men, becomes a key pheromone, or a substance that attracts women, according to the "Indian Journal of Psychiatry" report. The ancient Romans were aware of this fact, as they dedicated celery to Pluto, who amongst other duties, was the "god of sex" and associated with the orgasm.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine"; 2001.
- "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine;" Anti-anxiety Activity Studies on Homoeopathic Formulations of Turnera aphrodisiaca Ward; Suresh Kumar and Anupam Sharma; 2005
- Agricare: Safed Musli Cultivation
- "Phytomedicine:" Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on Sexual Qualities in Middle Aged Male Rats; H.H. Ang et al; 2003
- "Indian Journal of Psychiatry"; History, Mystery and Chemistry of Eroticism; M.R. Asha et al; April-June 2005
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