How Natural Aphrodisiacs Ginseng and Saffron Can Boost Your Sex Drive
Your day-to-day life can eat up your time and attention so much so that certain aspects – such as your sex life – can get put on the back burner. Over time, your sex drive may begin to lag due to stress, exhaustion or even poor health.
Relationships rely on the intimacy and connection that sex provides. When you want to add some sizzle in the bedroom…you don’t have to turn to pharmaceutical drugs. Natural aphrodisiacs– food and drinks that boost sexual desire – can give you that “little something extra” without the harmful side effects of drugs.
Why Try A Natural Aphrodisiac?
All aphrodisiacs – natural and synthetic – affect your body on a chemical level by lowering stress, improving blood flow and causing certain areas of your brain to “wake up.”
These chemical and hormonal changes in your arousal reflex are the first step to activating a healthy sex life.
In a recent study done by the University of Guelph, ginseng and saffron were the clear winners at boosting the human sex drive naturally and effectively.
Department of Food Science professor, Massimo Marcone, has this to say about the study: “Aphrodisiacs have been used for thousands of years all around the world, but the science behind the claims has never been well understood or clearly reported. Ours is the most thorough scientific review to date.”
Professor Marcone and research assistant John Melnyk worked to either confirm or debunk the many claims of natural aphrodisiacs by reviewing the hundreds of human sex drive studies that have been completed over the last two decades.
Their findings, which will be published in the Food Research International journal, focus on natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed for sexual dysfunction – such as Viagra and Cialis – which can cause extreme side effects, including headaches, muscle pain and in some cases heart attack.
These drugs artificially treat erectile dysfunction but have no effect on experiencing low sex drive due to physical or mental conditions.
This is of particular importance to women suffering from low sex drive. Pharmaceuticals intended to treat erectile dysfunction rarely have any benefit for women sufferers.
Which Natural Aphrodisiacs Are Most Effective?
Boost Sex Drive and Stamina
Ginseng was the clear winner in the Guelph study – followed closely by saffron. It improves sex drive and performance. Garlic was also found to improve sexual stamina because it is high in the compound allicin, which increases blood flow.
Improve Blood Flow and Safely Increase Heart Rate
A bit of fresh chopped basil or ground cardamom has been found to improve blood flow and increase heart rate. Sprinkling cardamom – which is also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial – in chai tea or soups adds a deliciously unique flavor to your food. Coconut water is packed with vitamins – particularly vitamin C, which has also been linked to improved blood flow.
Raise Your Body Temperature
Cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, chili peppers and ginger heat up your body and help increase the natural sex drive response. These spices also help regulate blood sugar, which prevents feelings of lethargy and tiredness. Peppers stimulate the brain to release endorphins that make you feel good from the inside out and tap into raising your sexual desire.
Stimulate Hormone Production with Zinc
Pine nuts and oysters contain very high concentrations of zinc, an essential compound for the production of testosterone. Raw honey also contributes to testosterone and estrogen hormone production, making it beneficial for both sexes. Buy raw, organic honey from local sources whenever possible.
Fatty Acids for Testicular Health
The Aztecs used avocado as an aphrodisiac to improve testicular health. The vitamins, minerals and healthy fats found naturally in avocados are especially beneficial to your heart. In fact, increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet has been linked to better overall heart health and sexual function.
Higher Libido with Chocolate
A single square of 70% cacao dark chocolate stimulates your brain to produce the chemical dopamine – the “feel good” hormone that affects your mood – and causes your body to release the same chemicals it releases during sex.
Increase Female Arousal
Vanilla is a natural nerve stimulant which assists in arousal and is especially effective for women. Pomegranates and aniseeds are believed to increase female genital blood flow which directly impacts sexual desire.
Natural Attraction
The two primary compounds in celery – androsterone and adrostenol – have been shown to attract the opposite sex and make you more physically attractive. The scent of almonds is also considered a sexual attractant.
Understanding the Complexity of the Female Sex Drive
Dr. Mark A. Moyad with the University of Michigan Medical Center stated that only 20% of women experience orgasm regularly and 30% of women admit to problems such as low sex drive, sexual arousal and reaching orgasm.
Dr. Moyad states that lifestyle changes are the key to achieving sexual satisfaction. A nutritious diet and regular exercise are the first step, but here are three solutions you might not have considered.
3 Easy Steps to a Happier Sex Life
- A supplement containing Panax ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and l-arginine could have a positive effect on female arousal, response and orgasm within four weeks – even for premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
- Massage oil that warms the genitalia during application increases blood flow and nerve response. Always test warming oils before applying.
- Adequate lubrication is key to sexual response since pain during sex is one of the most frequent complaints from women. A water- or silicone-based lubricant prevents chafing and extends sexual activity without discomfort.
If you are experiencing on-going sexual apathy and natural aphrodisiacs – or even pharmaceutical drugs – aren’t helping: talk to your doctor! Though the topic is uncomfortable, doctors are well-versed in the connection between mental and physical aspects of sexual dysfunction.
Low sex drive could be a result of medications you’re taking, a drop in hormone production, stress, or even undiagnosed diabetes.
Don’t give up. A healthy sex life with your partner is crucial to your mental, emotional and physical well-being.