Natural Aphrodisiacs that Have Some Science Behind Them

If your love life could use a little "spicing up", don't fill a prescription for Viagra - reach for the spices instead. According to new research from the University of Guelph, natural aphrodisiacs that boost libido are as close as your spice cabinet.

Aphrodisiac Spices: A Natural Way to Increase Sexual Desire?

In a study published in the journal Food Research International, researchers at the University of Guelph reviewed past studies on natural aphrodisiacs. They were looking for scientific evidence that these libido-enhancers actually work.

What did they find? There really are natural ways to boost desire that are safe. One way is to add a little saffron and ginseng to your diet. According to this study, these natural aphrodisiacs are tried and true libido boosters. Other spices that have natural aphrodisiac properties in animals are garlic, ginger and cloves. Garlic works by boosting blood flow to sexual organs, and ginseng has a similar effect in males by increasing blood flow to the penis.

Natural Aphrodisiacs from Plants

Another plant-based aphrodisiac that has scientific evidence behind it is yohimbe, a compound which comes from the bark of a tree that grows West Africa. It works by increasing blood flow to the genitals and by enhancing sexual sensitivity. You can get it by prescription, but it's not a good choice for most people since it can cause anxiety, a rapid heart rate, blood pressure elevations, tremor, headache and stomach upset. It was once more widely prescribed for low-libido until drugs like Viagra and Levitra came along.

Interestingly, Viagra and Levitra don't really enhance libido. They're most effective for boosting performance. Other natural aphrodisiacs from plants that showed promise in this review are two South American plants, the maca root and a mustard plant native to the Andes.

What about Chocolate and Alcohol?

The effects of chocolate on libido may be more psychological than physical. Chocolate contains brain-altering compounds such as theobromine and phenylethylamine that may set the mood", but it doesn't have any documented effect on libido or performance. Alcohol may enhance desire temporarily by releasing inhibitions, but it's a real performance buster.

Natural Aphrodisiacs: The Bottom Line?

Natural provides her own ways of boosting libido through natural aphrodisiac foods, plants and spices - and these alternatives may be safer than drugs. Before asking your doctor for Viagra to boost sexual desire, add a little saffron and garlic to your diet. It's a lot less expensive than a prescription.

References:

Eurekalert.org. "Spicing Up Your Love Life Possible"