Sex, and how to make it better, has long been a topic of study — and a much-needed one: 43% of women and 31% of men report having sexual dysfunction, according to the Cleveland Clinic. From ancient fertility deities to modern erectile dysfunction drugs, we’ve literally tried every so-called miracle cure in the pursuit of great sex.
Aphrodisiacs — named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite — are any food or drugs that arouse sexual desire or pleasure. But despite their long-standing history, the limited scientific research done on natural libido boosters has produced little clinical evidence supporting their effects, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Most recently, a team of scientists reviewed approximately 50 studies done on the most popular animal- and plant-based aphrodisiacs and OTC supplements on the market. Here’s what their findings, published in the journal of the International Society for Sexual Medicine in 2015, and other health authorities have to say about which ones pack the potency they claim.
Natural Aphrodisiacs—A Review of Selected Sexual Enhancers
Abstract
Introduction
The Food and Drug Administration defines an aphrodisiac drug product as “any product that bears labeling claims that it will arouse or increase sexual desire, or that it will improve sexual performance.” Presently, there are no approved medications for the treatment of lowered desire for women, and many opt for “natural” products.
Aim
The aim of this article was to review the most popular and currently used aphrodisiac products marketed in the United States. The safety and efficacy of animal- and plant-based aphrodisiacs, vitamins and minerals, and popular over-the-counter combination supplements have been reviewed.
Methods
An English PubMed literature search was performed using the keywords “sexuality,” “sex,” “aphrodisiac,” and “sexual enhancer.” Approximately 50 articles were reviewed by the authors. The authors used relevant case series, case-controlled, and randomized clinical trial data.
Main Outcome Measures
Products were evaluated based on the quality of research, and their known efficacy and safety considerations. Products with low risk and potential benefits for sexual response based on prior research studies were highlighted.
Results
Research has demonstrated that the risks of yohimbine, Spanish fly, mad honey, and Bufo toad may outweigh any benefit, and these products should be avoided. Other products, such as Maca, Tribulus, Ginkgo, and ginseng, have limited but emerging data. Randomized clinical trial data are often lacking, but future research should be performed to further elucidate the efficacy and safety of these products.
Conclusion
Future randomized clinical trials are warranted before healthcare practitioners can recommend most aphrodisiac products. There remain some medical concerns with drug interactions, purity, reliability, and safety. West E and Krychman M. Natural aphrodisiacs—A review of selected sexual enhancers. Sex Med Rev 2015;3:279–288.
- Ginseng: Ginseng, particularly Korean red ginseng, has been studied for its potential to improve sexual function and desire. Some research suggests that ginseng may help with erectile dysfunction and libido. It is believed to have adaptogenic properties, which can support overall well-being.
What is the science and research on red ginseng and is it safe? What is the best-rated brand?ChatGPT
Red ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng, Korean ginseng, or Asian ginseng, has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its effects on various aspects of human health. Here’s an overview of the scientific research on red ginseng and its safety:
Scientific Research on Red Ginseng:
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Erectile Dysfunction: One of the most well-studied potential benefits of red ginseng is its role in improving erectile dysfunction. Some studies have shown that red ginseng can help increase the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow to the genital area. This can lead to improved erectile function.
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Stress and Well-being: Red ginseng is considered an adaptogen, which means it may help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. It has been investigated for its potential to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being.
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Cognitive Function: Some research suggests that red ginseng may have cognitive-enhancing effects. It has been studied for its potential to improve memory, attention, and mental clarity.
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Immune System Support: Red ginseng is believed to have immune-boosting properties and has been studied for its effects on the immune system.
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Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Red ginseng contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may contribute to its potential health benefits.
Safety of Red Ginseng:
Red ginseng is generally considered safe when used in recommended doses. However, like any herbal supplement, it can have side effects and interact with medications or other health conditions. Common side effects may include insomnia, digestive issues, and high blood pressure in some individuals. It’s essential to use red ginseng under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Brand Recommendations: The effectiveness and safety of red ginseng can vary depending on the brand and product quality. It’s essential to choose a reputable brand that provides standardized and high-quality products. Some well-known brands that produce red ginseng products include:
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Korean Ginseng Corporation (KGC): KGC is a leading producer of red ginseng products, including capsules, extracts, and teas. They are known for their high-quality Korean red ginseng.
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Nature’s Bounty: This brand offers a range of ginseng supplements, including red ginseng capsules.
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NOW Foods: NOW Foods produces a variety of herbal supplements, including red ginseng, which is known for its quality and affordability.
When choosing a red ginseng product, make sure to look for third-party testing, quality certifications, and customer reviews to ensure that you are getting a reputable and safe product.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking medications, as they can provide personalized guidance and recommendations.
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- Maca Root: Maca is a plant native to Peru and is sometimes referred to as “Peruvian ginseng.” It has been traditionally used to enhance fertility and sexual function. Some studies suggest that maca may improve sexual desire and erectile function, though results are mixed.
- Tribulus Terrestris: This herb has a long history of use in traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac. Some studies suggest that tribulus may enhance sexual function, particularly in men with erectile dysfunction.
- Fenugreek: Fenugreek is an herb that has been explored for its potential to boost testosterone levels, which could indirectly influence sexual desire and fertility.
- Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium): This herb has a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Some compounds in horny goat weed are believed to have effects on sexual function, but the scientific evidence is limited.
- Saffron: Saffron is a spice that has been studied for its potential to improve sexual function, particularly in women. Some research suggests it may have a positive impact on sexual desire and satisfaction.
- L-arginine: L-arginine is an amino acid that can increase nitric oxide production in the body, potentially improving blood flow to the genital area. It has been used to address erectile dysfunction.
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ArginMax
Worth trying? Yes.
While researchers say most vitamins don’t do anything significant to boost sexual function, they found that the combination supplement ArginMax has more potential to do the trick. A blend of vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, zinc, Korean ginseng, ginkgo, and Damiana leaf, had a demonstrable effect on women’s desire and satisfaction in some small pilot studies. As always, consult with your doctor before starting any supplement regimen.
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Addyi
Worth trying? Maybe.
Nearly 20 years after Viagra hit the market, the FDA finally approved a prescription medication for low sexual desire in women in 2015. Flibanserin — sold under the trade name Addyi — is a daily pill that may boost sex drive but can cause potentially serious side effects like low blood pressure, sleepiness, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting, especially if mixed with alcohol, according to the Mayo Clinic.
A doctor may also recommend estrogen therapy in the form of a vaginal ring, cream, or tablet to improve sexual function. Then there are always non-medical strategies like limiting alcohol consumption, getting more physically active (outside the bedroom, that is!), and simply talking with your partner about likes and dislikes, all of which can have a positive effect on sexual function and satisfaction.
- Zinc Content: Oysters are one of the best food sources of zinc. Zinc is crucial for male and female reproductive health. In men, zinc is required for the production of healthy sperm, while in women, it plays a role in hormone regulation and egg development.
- Limited Scientific Evidence: While the zinc content in oysters is significant, there is no direct scientific evidence that consuming oysters as an aphrodisiac leads to a substantial increase in fertility. Fertility is a complex issue influenced by many factors, including lifestyle, overall diet, and medical conditions.
- Nutritional Value: Oysters can be a healthy addition to your diet due to their rich content of other essential nutrients, such as vitamins (especially vitamin B12), minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Preparation: The nutritional content of oysters can vary depending on how they are prepared. Raw oysters are often recommended for their freshness and minimal processing, which helps preserve their nutritional value. Boiled or steamed oysters can also be a healthy option, but smoking oysters may add unwanted elements like salt and potentially harmful compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
5 Aphrodisiac Foods that Enhance Your Love Drive
From the times since immemorial, people have been searching for foods that can enhance their libido and improve their performance in bed. Such a category of foods is termed an aphrodisiac. So there have been several cultures all over the world that have searched for foods that when consumed improve their experiences of intimacy and love-making. So there are many foods which when consumed are known to enhance intimacy and fertility along with the promotion of Physical health and well-being of individuals. This category has its origin from the word Aphrodite, the meaning of which is the almighty of love. Such foods when consumed are known to stimulate the Physical senses, induce pleasures in the act of intimacy, and at the same time improve the fertility level of the individuals. Even in modern times today, people search for natural ways to raise their libido and improve their Physical health. So let’s have a look at a few of the examples of aphrodisiac foods and although the compounds that are present in them are responsible for triggering the desirable impact, the ultimate aim is to raise the potency and overall Physical health.Few of the Aphrodisiac Foods that Enhance Love Drive in Males:
Indian Ashwagandha
Also known as Ashwagandha, this herb has been consumed from ancient times in many civilizations. This is considered to be quite good for consumption for the improvement in the quality along with the quantity of the sperms. At the same time, it is also taken for carrying out a reduction in the stress level of the individuals. Stress can also be the causative factor for issues in Physical health or infertility in males. So this herb is serving as an extremely good aphrodisiac item, which is exerting quite a relaxing influence. Tadalista 20 or Vidalista Black 80 mg is believed to be the most popular medicine to cure erectile dysfunction. However, one thing that is important to note here is that it is to be taken as and whenever required but not on a daily basis otherwise it is going to lose its effectiveness.Ashwagandha does appear to have benefits for men specifically. These tend to centralize around testicular health and fertility while the antistress effects affect both sexes.
There is a bit of evidence that shows Ashwagandha increases testosterone, but it is not convincing.
There is a bit of evidence that shows Ashwagandha increases testosterone, but it is not convincing.
There is a bit of evidence that shows Ashwagandha increases testosterone, but it is not convincing.
Since stress levels are associated with neuroendocrine function, ashwagandha may affect general mental and brain health by reducing stress.
Ashwagandha’s potential to moderate the HPA axis, as well as GABAergic and serotonergic activity, may explain at least some of its proposed effects on mental health, but more research is needed to…
Ashwagandha may have beneficial effects on brain health by promoting the formation of neurons and enhanced neuroprotection. In animal models, ashwagandha increased antioxidant activity in the bra…
Oral supplementation of ashwagandha in people with no health conditions appears to improve cardiorespiratory parameters during exercise, notably VO2 max.
Animal studies suggest ashwagandha may be cardioprotective against a variety of insults.
Chinese Mushrooms
The Chinese Mushrooms have been utilized in age-old and conventional Chinese medical therapies. So it has been utilized as a crucial component in many of the age-old therapies and medications. This particular food is known and consumed for the purpose of enhancing the concentration of the hormone testosterone which is the male love hormone. It demonstrates its positive impact on the males belonging to the older and younger age group. Apart from that, when Chinese mushrooms are consumed, this is relaxing, decreases the fatigue level, and leads to the improvement in the flow of blood in individuals all throughout the body. The regions of the human brain that regulate the mechanism of arousal are also stimulated due to its consumption. These mushrooms can be consumed in the form of food but can be included as dietary supplements.Ginseng
Ginseng has its origin in China and it is also known most popularly as the Korean Ginseng. This herb is extremely powerful to be consumed for enhancing the level of energy in individuals. As far as its impact on Physical health and wellness is concerned, this is known to enhance the libido along with improving the performance of individuals in bed. Even the fertility is also enhanced upon its consumption. This can be consumed each & every day. Although conventionally it is being taken orally you can also include it during the preparation of tea. Warning sign here is that since Ginseng is going to enhance the level of blood pressure in the body anyone who is having elevated blood pressure should stay away.Mucuna Pruriens
Another name for this aphrodisiac food is velvet bean, and it is native to Africa along with the Asian continent. This herb comprises the compound by the name of L-Dopa which when consumed gets transformed into the chemical dopamine. It is this chemical that triggers the part of the brain that is responsible for Physical stimulation. Although this food demonstrates a mild impact certainly it produces a boosting effect and triggers the portion of the brain that is responsible for Physical stimulation. So it has been consumed by individuals to get into the mood. Apart from that, it also serves as a potent that enhances energy levels and reduces mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The Mucuna’s flower can be added during the preparation of the tea and this will definitely boost your love drive. It can also be consumed in the form of a supplement.Oysters
This is another Brain food that is known to imbibe aphrodisiac characteristics. Since the oysters are imbibing a higher concentration of the mineral zinc, this is playing an eminent role as far as the enhancement in the love drive and sperm cell synthesis is concerned. So in case, the male is searching for natural ways to maintain and enhance his fertility, then this can be consumed on a regular basis for the desirable outcome. Apart from that, this food also contains a rich concentration of amino acids that induce the production of the male love hormone, testosterone. Fildena 100 Purple Pills and Tadarise 20 is the best remedy to enhance all men’s health problems.
