An aphrodisiac is defined by Princeton University as an agent that stimulates sexual desire. Many health-conscious people long for natural sexual stimulants as opposed to harsh drugs or chemicals that can have negative effects on the body, and there are a few herb and food choices that can help increase sexual appetite. It is important to remember that just because herbs are natural does not necessarily mean they are safe for your consumption. Herbs can have powerful interactions with other medications, so if you are currently being treated for any medical condition, speak to your doctor before using them.
Ginseng
Ginseng includes both American and Asian ginseng. Both varieties are similar in their chemical properties and have been used for thousands of years to treat numerous conditions ranging from slow mental performance to a weakened immune system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Both types of ginseng contain a substance called ginsenoside, which delivers ginseng's health benefits, including aphrodisiac effects. Researchers in Beijing, China, tested the effects of ginsenocide Rg1 on the sexual behavior of male rabbits and found that it increased testosterone levels as well as sexual activity of the rabbits. The results of the study, published in the February 2010 issue of the "The Journal of Sexual Medicine," lead researchers to conclude that ginseng's Rg1 ginsenocide could be used as an effective treatment for decreased sexual libido and sexual dysfunction. UMMC reports that ginseng can cause negative side effects such as high blood pressure, headache and vomiting and can enhance the effects of blood-thinning and blood sugar medications. Ginseng should be used with caution and your physician's approval.
Maca
Maca is used as a herb or a root vegetable in South American countries. The Langone Medical Center at New York University explains that maca is often referred to as "Peruvian ginseng," due to the fact that it is similar in appearance to, and used to treat th same conditions as, American or Asian ginseng. Actually, maca is not related to ginseng at all, but acts much the same. Maca is primarily used to treat sexual dysfunction and infertility in both males and females. In a study from Victoria University in Australia, maca was tested on sexual dysfunction in post-menopausal women. The results of the study, published in the November/December 2008 issue of "Menopause," show that maca may help improve sexual arousal and dysfunction by lowering levels of anxiety, stress and depression, which can affect sexual behavior. Maca may lower blood pressure and blood sugar, so if you are on medication for either condition, speak with your physician before taking it.
Oysters
Eating oysters to promote sexual arousal may be fairly common knowledge, but you may not be aware of the scientific explanation behind the information: Oysters contain zinc. Zinc is a mineral that is necessary for several functions in the body including growth, immune system function and wound healing, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, or NIH ODS. Dr. Lawrence Wilson from the Center for Development in Prescott, Arizona, explains that the body's zinc levels also affect sexual potency and sexual desire in both men and women, and low zinc levels have a negative effect on prostate function. Oysters have a positive affect on sexual desire due to the fact that they have the highest zinc content of any food, according to the NIH ODS. Never consume oysters if you have a sensitivity or allergy to shellfish.
References
- Princeton University: WordNet---Aphrodisiac
- University of Maryland Medical Center: American Ginseng
- PubMed.gov: Ginsenoside Rg1 Improves Male Copulatory Behavior
- New York University: Langone Medical Center---Maca
- PubMed.gov: Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on Psychological Symptoms and Measures of Sexual Dysfunction
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