Named for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sensuality, eroticism, and sexuality, an aphrodisiac is something that turns you on and increases your desire to have sex. Aphrodisiacs may also improve your ability to have sex. This means that under the right circumstances almost anything could have aphrodisiac qualities. Most people think of something to eat or drink when they think of aphrodisiacs. Traditionally, aphrodisiacs were foods and plant extracts. Now they're also human-made substances.

 

Some aphrodisiacs work because they feed your body what it needs to produce your own natural sexy chemicals. A number of the aphrodisiacs mentioned in our women's and men's sections fall into the category referred to as adaptogens. These substances work with your central nervous system (CNS) to deliver more energy and endurance when you need them. But unlike other CNS stimulants, such as caffeine or amphetamines, they don't give you that extra boost and then follow it with a big letdown. They don't deplete your body's reserves; instead, they build them.

 

We point you to specific aphrodisiacs for both men and women. When possible we give you information about how and where, online, to get the aphrodisiacs mentioned. You're invited to try them, but be cautious. It's a good idea to consult your physician before consuming any of these items....

 

Aphrodisiacs are never an alternative to:

• positive sexual attitude
• doing your inner work to remove psychological barriers to sexual intimacy
• sexual skill mastery

• a healthy diet and lifestyle

But they can be lots of fun.They are also sometimes exactly what is needed when sexual dysfunction is caused by physiological/organic causes, e.g., peripheral vascular disease, hardening of the penile arteries, diabetes mellitus, prostate enlargement, high levels of pituitary gland hormone prolactin, low testosterone (hypogonadism) , and male andropause.

 

"The good news is that something will work consistently for just about anyone. A bit of patience, some trial and error, and a positive mental attitude will go a long way to enhance potency and sexual pleasure."
Dr. Zoltan Rona, M.D., Reference Note #1

 

US Government FDA on Aphrodisiacs - “Looking for a Libido Lift? The Facts About Aphrodisiacs”
As you might expect the FDA does not believe there are any! “According to the Food and Drug Administration, the reputed sexual effects of so-called aphrodisiacs are based in folklore, not fact. In 1989, the agency declared that there is no scientific proof that any over-the-counter aphrodisiacs work to treat sexual dysfunction.”

 

Please note that nothing we say here is intended as medical advice. If you desire to experiement with any of the items mentioned consult your physician first.

Sexual Dysfunction

Impotence (erectile dysfunction) affects an estimated 30 million men in North America and is usually defined as the inability to have penile erections sufficient for intercourse. It affects at least 25% of all men over the age of 50. If you are one of these, you may consider changing your lifestyle by taking some things out, before adding aphrodisiacs. For example, consider eliminating these well-known causes of impotence: cocaine, stimulants, alcohol, anti-ulcer drugs, tranquilizers, antihypertensives and psychiatric drugs, cigarettes and tobacco products.
Dr. Zoltan Rona, M.D., Ref. Note #1

 

"If you say you feel little or no desire but are otherwise healthy, it is likely that you have a habit of avoiding or rejecting your sexuality. Feelings of anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, and low self-esteem often show up in the bedroom... No aphrodisiac or combination of aphrodisiacs will affect a quick fix for emotionally rooted sexual dysfunction. It is first necessary to identify, by way of therapy or resolute self-examination, what is causing the blockage."
Dr. Cynthia Mervis Watson, M.D. Ref. Note #2

Setting the Mood

The action may take place in your body, especially your genitals, but the on/off switch is definitely in your brain. "Intelligence is enlightened by love."--Simone Weil. Our main Resources section will lead you to all sorts of other ways to stimulate your mind and heart too.

 

"In the case of aphrodisiacs, it is entirely possible that as long as your brain thinks that any given substance or ritual will work, it will trigger the appropriate chemical responses and your body will experience all the physical signs of arousal."
Dr. Cynthia Mervis Watson, M.D. Ref. Note #2

Aphrodisiacs to Eat and Drink!

• Aphrodisiacs for Women
• Aphrodisiacs for Men
• Enhance Female Orgasm with Clitoral Stimulation Creams
• Pheromones -- the sweet scent of desire
• Stimulate your appetities with Aphrodisiac Books
• Is it true that the way to one's heart is through the tummy? Find out with our Aphrodisiac Recipes
• Visit our online sources for special products
• References
• Add more excitement to your exploration with 4 Freedoms Guide to Sex Toys

More Aphrodisiac Books

Love Potions, Cynthia Mervis Watson, M.D.

From Cupid's arrow to Spanish fly, world cultures are infused with the lore--and the lure--of "magic bullets" that stimulate, increase, and prolong sexual ardor in ourselves and others. This book gives detailed information on effective aphrodisiacs from traditional medical and alternative technologies, explains the facts and explodes the myths about their positive and negative effects.

The Seduction Cookbook, Diane Brown

Go beyond winning the heart of your lover through his or her stomach, and heat up some erogenous zones as well! With over 80 recipes, The Seduction Cookbook delivers alluring menus and foods styled to fit your seduction method, whatever it might be. Would you like to test the powers of aphrodisiacs? Prepare a simple, yet inspiring, omelet for the morning after? Plan a tantalizing Valentine's Day menu? Or serve a fireside late-night snack? The Seduction Cookbook offers tips and techniques for shooting Cupid's delicious arrow straight to the heart of your lover's sensual appetite.

The Arginine Solution , Robert Fried, Ph.D., James Thornton, and Woodson C. Merrell, M.D.

A well-known nutrient, the amino acid arginine helps your body create nitric oxide, a simple molecule recently found to be of astonishing importance to improved health. L-arginine is a natural alternative to Viagra that can boost potency for men and increase orgasmic response in women. It has been shown to have many other health benefits as well.

Male Sexual Vitality : How You Can Benefit from Diet, Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Exercise, and Other Natural Methods (Getting Well Naturally), Michael T. Murray

Performance anxiety, impotence, and other aspects of male sexuality are subjects of common concern that are rarely explored. They get a thorough airing here, with recommendations of specific nutrients for optimal sexual functioning, causes and treatment of low sperm count, and natural herbs for enhanced libido and performance.