There comes a time when age, life, kids…you get the idea, can really dry up your libido, making sex feel more like a chore and must do… IF you can even get in the mood. Problems arise in men and women, which might be embarrassing to admit or see a doctor about. However, what if I told you there are natural ways to easily add to your everyday lifestyle that are natural aphrodisiacs? Mind blowing but true. There are an abundance of everyday spices, herbs and food(s) you can mix into your diet to get the job done. The studies for these aphrodisiacs have shown to raise libido, sperm count, manage erectile dysfunction and some other changes creating a mood to mingle.
Here are four spices (and one food), I feel are most worthy to give a try according to research.
- Saffron
Saffron is one of my own personal favorite, everyday spices, due to its mood boosting properties and fight against depression and anxiety. This is one of the reason saffron has become famous, however, during these studies saffron was found to have a sexier side.
Saffron has been scientifically proven to enhance sexual elements in, not only men, but females as well.
In men, the compound crocin, found in saffron, was found to boost libido and stamina. Yes, men, this means not only does saffron help with erectile dysfunction but it also assist in making your sexual experience last longer, prolonging orgasm. In addition, while saffron doesn’t increase sperm count, it does increase sperm morphology and sperm mobility…. helpful to some men, but others might want to heed with precaution.
Women, when you digest saffron it has been shown to increase your sex drive with higher rates of arousal and vaginal lubrication. However, it works on another important level for women. During research, saffron had shown to decrease PMS, cramps and help against with PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome.
Saffron, derived from the beautiful, symbolic, purple flower, Crocus, can be bought in spice form or taken as a daily vitamin.
- Cinnamon
Another of nature’s natural aphrodisiac is cinnamon. However, there are different types of cinnamon and from the studies I’ve read, it appears Ceylon cinnamon is what you really want to reach for if you are wanting assistance in the bedroom.
Cinnamon works, in general, the same way in men and women, increasing natural blood flow to the abdominal area.
Women, cinnamon simply raises your libido. It can also assist in problems due to diabetes and high blood pressure because it works to regulate blood sugar and blood flow. Ironically, this increased blood flow is why your libido is wanting more action.
For men cinnamon is its own personal Viagra. Cinnamon improves blood flow to the genitals to promote erection. Men have reported after about two weeks of ingesting cinnamon they notice a difference in erectile dysfunction. Cinnamon is also believed by some to induce higher levels of testosterone, but so far that study has only been done on male rats.
In short, cinnamon has a lot of health benefits, and adding increasing blood flow to the bits is a bonus. You can buy cinnamon in powder/spice form, sticks and vitamins.
- Ginkgo Bilobo
Ginkgo bilobo comes from one of the oldest species of trees and the leaves is what hold the magic to enhance your sex life.
In a study through the National Institutes of Health, men and women that consumed the supplement daily had increased sexual desire. In this study, the female sexual desire was calculated higher than men. Women increased lubrication and better orgasm when taking about 60-240mg doses.
When males took gingko bilobo, it also created desire and excitement while introducing higher rates of popping and maintaining an erection. Sorry, males, no information about increasing your orgasm. This is because, for females, ginkgo actually has a relaxant response on the smooth muscle tissue around her genitals.
Like cinnamon, ginkgo bilobo increases blood flow to the abdominal area which gives it the super sexual properties it offers.
- Red Ginseng
Ginseng is a red flowering plant, red berries appearance, and grows naturally in Asia where the roots are harvested for health. However, I’m sure that’s little of your interest, so I’ll move on to how this herb dominates sexual performance for men.
Not only does red ginseng work to treat erectile dysfunction but in studies it appears to give men super sperm; aka: improving male fertility. The science behind ginseng, according to a study, is the influence it has on the neuronal systems which affects the hormonal system in males. According to the NCBI, National Center for Biotechnology Information, “hormonal system promotes spermatogenesis, and acts directly on sperms via steroid receptors. Ginseng also preserves male fertility during disease states.”
In simple terms, for men, red ginseng promotes super swimmers with a mission.
Females, while red ginseng does have many health benefits, it has not been proven to do anything for sexual desire. However, don’t dismiss this root yet because it might be worth adding to your vitamin list now or someday in the future. Red ginseng has shown to help women that are experiencing severe menopause symptoms and minimize discomfort. If don’t need help in this area, I’d stick with saffron and ginkgo for a bedroom boost.
- Cocoa (aka: Chocolate)
While chocolate is popular and isn’t considered a spice, this information comes at a good time in the year and gives you a reason to eat and buy more. (Perhaps some companies should try a new marketing technique to “up” there chocolate sales)
First, I’m going to get annoyingly health wise on you and remind you of the extra, unneeded chemicals and ingredients added in most chocolate bars. So, if you want to really put this food to use, I recommend organic, natural bars with high cocoa levels or powders that mix well in drinks.
Chocolate is a mood booster by naturally creating serotonin levels and, the award system chemical, dopamine, in the brain. Happy mood, happy partner, more sex, right? Theoretically that’s ideal, but this super food doesn’t just help boost mood.
Research has shown that males, intaking chocolate regularly have a longer erection by increasing blood flow to the genitals. Like some of our other wonder spices, chocolate works like Viagra, helping men get a stronger and harder erection. It also helps men with a more sensitive penis from premature ejaculation.
While I don’t want to be stereotypical and say all women love chocolate, because it’s not true, sure has a stigma, with this research you officially have an excuse to indulge. Not only does it release all the happy, feel good chemicals in the brain but chocolate raises libido in women, giving them higher sex drives. However, women, be warned, with the way the chocolate boost endorphins and dopamine in “our” brain, it also ignites the “love hormone” during sexual play. In other words women, be careful who you decide to indulge in chocolate around if you are only wanting to plan a night of sexual fun.
As always, with any spices and food, I recommend first trying to reach for organic and checking the additives and ingredients in the products you choose. Know what you are putting in your body (pun intended). Seriously, check ingredients. As always, before adding new herbs and spices in your diet check with a professional on how many milligrams you should take, if it is okay to take with other medications you are on, health history, pregnancy and/or nursing. Some herbs and spices can act as blood thinners, sugar regulators, induce early labor etc. Always do your research.
One last bonus spice I will give a noticeable mention since it kept coming up in my research, however with the lack of evidence through research, on humans, there is some controversy over it’s reliability. It’s called maca, a root that has a turnip shape. It is so over marketed with ads that it’s hard to find general information on the plant through research. Maca is said to raise libido in both men and women, and aid men with erectile dysfunction. Tried it? Readers might love to hear if you feel it really works in the sexual performance department, feel free to leave comments below.
I hope you have a lot of fun spicing up your life, literally.
Cheers to Happier and Healthier you!
Rebecca Ann Price 