The Best Natural Aphrodisiacs

5 minutes

Find out about some of the most popular and best natural aphrodisiacs in places around the world.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Maricela Jiménez López.

Last update: 15 December, 2022

According to psychology, an aphrodisiac is a substance or food that boosts sexual desires. Without resorting to extremes, many couples use the best natural aphrodisiacs to help rekindle the passion.

Keep reading to discover some of the best natural aphrodisiacs below.

What to Know About Aphrodisiacs

In theory, an aphrodisiac is considered to be any element that boosts sexual appetite. The name comes from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, who made the sea rise when Cronos killed his father and threw his genitals into the ocean.

Some aphrodisiacs work by stimulating the senses and others are consumed as beverages, food, or condiments.

Aphrodisiacs are known in all civilizations, especially in India, where they’re mentioned in the Kama Sutra. This book mentions different ways for men to increase their sexual prowess, with foods like honey or milk.

Traditional Chinese medicine also uses aphrodisiacal remedies that are herb based like ginseng, which they believe increases sexual longevity and prowess.

In the case of Arabs, they highlight perfumes, fragrances, and cosmetics to increase pleasure in the bedroom.

In the case of Anglo-saxons, plants like carrots and asparagus are used to improve sexual performance.

Modern science only recognizes a few substances with aphrodisiac powers. One of them is Spanish fly. This has an alkaloid called Cantharidin, which has a significant vesicant power and that, when applied in controlled amounts, dilates blood vessels which causes swelling (a prolonged erection in men).

It was considered an aphrodisiac up until the 17th century. Yet due to the number of poisonings with deadly consequences, it was no longer used. We don’t suggest eating it because it could be dangerous and very toxic.

The Best Natural Aphrodisiacs

More and more people confess to having some kind of problem in regards to how they perform in the bedroom. This can be due to fatigue, personal issues, stress, or even relationship problems.

If it’s not due to a disease or physical problem, it’s possible to take advantage of the following natural aphrodisiacs:

Gingko Biloba: this is one of the best natural aphrodisiacs that exists because it keeps the male sexual organ in excellent condition and increases sexual appetite.
Royal jelly: this stimulates the nervous system as well as the genitals. The results can take awhile to appear, but they’re safe and prolonged.
Brown sugar: there is a reason it’s a custom to eat dessert after a romantic meal. A light hyperglycemic is good for love. Lack of sugar, on the other hand, causes higher production in adrenaline which blocks hormones that are in charge of sexual appetite.

Celery: it acts in the urinary organs and this turns into a moderate aphrodisiac, especially if you drink it as a soup. When combined with beet, you get a greater effect. But you shouldn’t mix it with lettuce because this will cancel its benefits.
Hazelnuts: they say that all dried fruits have aphrodisiac powers, but hazelnuts also have a popular tradition. In some communities, they’re placed at wedding banquets and even in baskets besides the bed of newlyweds on their wedding night.
Onion: we don’t suggest that both of you eat onion (or garlic) at the same time because the strong smell your breath will have can push aside any romantic plans. But it is one of the best natural aphrodisiacs to include in your dishes.

Clove: this spice has a very strong flavor and aroma. If used as a drink, it can give good results.
Raspberry: great for women because it acts as a muscle relaxer in the genital area and facilitates romantic encounters.
Ginseng: it’s considered as the “king of aphrodisiacs.” A warm tea 15 minutes before going to bed is a good potion. It’s been used by the Chinese and Koreans for centuries.
Fig: here’s another interesting option for dessert. It’s as sweet as the passion that it wakes. The Egyptians and Greeks considered the fig tree sacred. There are also many customs related to this fruit, like putting figs on the doors of houses of single women so that they can find a husband quickly.

Maca: this isn’t a very well-known food in the West. It has a large variety of nutrients, balances your mind, and is also a powerful aphrodisiac. You can eat it in small quantities on bread, creams, sauces, soups, etc.
Malva: this is a useful herb for the first few times when tension, anxiety, and nerves overrule. Besides relaxing you, it allows you to increase your levels of passion.
Walnut: another dried fruit that even today is at wedding nights in a lot of communities, as well as various Chinese desserts.
Pepper: it’s a foolproof and fast aphrodisiac. Don’t fail to make a dinner that includes it, as well as tomatoes. Remember that it’s for stomachs that aren’t sensitive because if they are, it will cause a completely different effect and you could ruin your evening.
Parsley: add a little bit of this plant to your dishes, fresh or cooked, so that your night of love-making can be unforgettable.

Pistachio: this is expensive and difficult to find. You can mix it with other dried fruit (like almonds) and figs. Prepare yourself for what will happen after.
Rosemary: with mint, it acts as a “preparation tonic” after dinner. Make an infusion with both plants.
Date: another of the sacred fruits for Arabs. It has a large amount of energy to keep you awake all night.
Pollen: this is one of the best natural aphrodisiacs. Its effect will be noticeable five days after you start using it. You can start Monday for your romantic weekend. On an empty stomach, eat a small spoonful of pollen mixed with orange juice or yogurt. You can also make a paste with pure bee honey and let the pollen grains get soaked in it.
Avocado: this is used as a stimulant in Mexico and is also one of the main ingredients in meals. It can be an ideal combination with pepper for a night of pleasure, although you always have to be careful with the amount to avoid problems.
Chocolate: it has many properties and effects on your nervous system and in the production of endorphins (happiness hormones). That’s why it’s recommended for when you’re sad or depressed. It can be a delicious dessert that you make for something much better afterwards.

Images courtesy of Eric Molina, Naomi King, Opacity, ilovebutter, Marc Kjerland, Alice Henneman and Jacinta Iluch Valero.