This article has been reviewed by experts
Do you wish to spice up your sex life? Then you are at the right place! Sexual health and wellness are an important aspect of your overall well-being. Having a healthy sex life is crucial to enhance your relationships and improve stability in life. However, many individuals may face challenges in this area due to sexual health problems like premature ejaculation, loss of libido, absence of orgasm, and erectile dysfunction to name a few.
Discussing your sex life is a very hush-hush topic even in this modern era. But Ayurveda, an ancient medicine system, offers a comprehensive approach through natural remedies to enhance your sexual health. [1] [2]
Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs have been gaining traction for centuries since they impart enhanced libido and sexual stamina. This article will delve into the realm of ayurvedic herbs, exploring nature’s remedies that have been known to improve sex life. You will have a thorough understanding of the power of Ayurvedic aphrodisiac herbs, and how they can potentially help address the issues you may be facing.
What are Aphrodisiacs? [3] [19]
Aphrodisiacs are a term used to define drugs, foods, and herbs that help enhance your sexual health by improving your libido (sexual desire). The word comes from the name of a Greek god of love, known as Aphrodite. Aphrodisiacs help arouse sexual instinct and increase sexual pleasure, or performance. Though there is a cascade of pharmaceutical drugs available, many prefer natural aphrodisiacs since they are safe and tend to have fewer side effects.
What is the Importance of Aphrodisiacs?
Aphrodisiacs can act as a sexual stimulant and enhance your sexual life in many ways. The main benefits of aphrodisiacs are:
- Improves libido
- Improves lubrication for women
- Improves the reproductive potential
- Makes the way for a healthy progeny
- Alleviates issues like erectile dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation
- Improves the mood
- Improves the man-woman relationship
- Boosts strength and stamina
- Balances the hormones
How do Ayurvedic Aphrodisiacs Work? [4]
Ayurveda is an ancient medicine system that provides a holistic approach to diseases or dysfunctions. It encourages the treatment of an imbalance in the body through natural remedies and lifestyle modifications. This helps regain a balance between the body, mind, and spirit. The way Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs work is simple and easy to comprehend. You may suffer from any disease or problem, be it physical, mental, or emotional, due to an imbalance in your Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). When consumed, Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs enter your system and help maintain an equilibrium in your Doshas.
This is accomplished in the following ways [5]:
- Increased Blood Flow: Ayurvedic aphrodisiac foods and herbs increase potency by increasing vasodilation (increases blood flow) to the genitals.
- Enhanced Lubrication and Sensitivity: Aphrodisiac foods improve lubrication in the genital areas and increase sensitivity in that area.
- Influenced Hormone Production: Your sex drive is boosted by altering or increasing the sex hormones, namely estrogen, and testosterone. Aphrodisiacs impact your neurotransmitters that affect sexual desire such as serotonin, and dopamine.
A Comprehensive List of Science-Backed Ayurvedic Aphrodisiacs
In Ayurveda, there is a special group of rejuvenating herbs that help to nourish and stimulate sexual organs, and tissues. Apart from diet, lifestyle modifications, and exercise, you can also benefit from these special Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs for men and women. Some of the most effective ones are listed below:
1. Kapikacchu [6]
Regular consumption of this aphrodisiac ingredient helps reduce unwanted fat and enhances the production of testosterone. The herb can significantly improve the quantity and quality of sperms. Also, it is an amazing libido-booster and stress-reliever.
2. Ashwagandha [7]
This herb is a renowned aphrodisiac in Ayurveda. It comes with remarkable anti-stress, anti-depressive, and anxiolytic properties. It can regulate reproductive hormones and treat issues like premature ejaculation, impotence, and low sex drive.
3. Safed Musli [8]
Safed Musli helps combat stress and depression, thereby improving libido and stamina. It vitalises the reproductive system and can be effectively used to prevent premature ejaculation, in addition to improving sperm count.
4. Saffron [9]
This is another vital herb in the aphrodisiac bucket list that can help in enhancing your sex life. In fact, saffron or kesar has been tried and tested as an effective aphrodisiac herb for several ages. The herb is powerful enough to cure all kinds of sexual dysfunctions in both men and women.
5. Gokshura [10]
Gokshura helps increase the male sperm count and improve the quality, and virility (a quality of having strength, energy, and a strong sex drive). It helps cure erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation too.
6. Nutmeg or Jaiphal (Natural Viagra) [11]
Nutmeg possesses nervous-stimulating hormones that can increase sexual activity in men. It helps improve blood circulation to the sex organs thus improving stamina, and performance.
7. Kaunch Beej [5]
Kaunch, also known as Mucuna Pruriens, is one of the popular Ayurvedic medicines in India. The seeds or beej of this plant are used as a natural aphrodisiac. Kaunch beej is known for its role in improving sexual stamina and increasing libido. It is a wonderful sexual tonic.
8. Shatavari [12]
The scientific name for Shatavari is Asparagus Racemosus. This herb is a powerful rejuvenating sexual tonic for females, addressing issues like low libido, vaginal dryness, inability to achieve orgasms, etc.
9. Moringa [13]
Moringa is another vital herb with several medicinal properties. In the genre of sexual wellness too, moringa holds much importance. The herb can increase your sex drive by improving blood flow to your sexual organs, and also aids in enhancing energy and performance.
10. Shilajit [14]
Shilajit enjoys immense name and fame as an Ayurvedic aphrodisiac. It is a magical herbo-mineral obtained from the Himalayan rocks. It works by increasing the hemoglobin levels and promoting oxygen and nutrient supply to the reproductive organs. This allows a better blood flow to your sex organs, thereby improving libido and sensitivity.
FAQs
1. What factors can cause low libido? [15]
Low libido or poor sex drive is one of the common sexual health issues faced by both men and women. According to research, the main causes and triggers of low libido are:
• Aging
• Decline in hormonal levels
• Stress, anxiety and depression
• Urinary disorders
• Cranial nerve disorders
• Endocrine diseases
• Use of illicit drugs
• Smoking and alcoholism
• Menopause in the case of women
2. Which are some of the foods that can act as effective aphrodisiacs?
The classical texts of Ayurveda recommend the use of aphrodisiac foods such as dates (khajoora), grapes (draksha), pomegranates (dadima), rose apples (jambu), hog plums or Spanish plums (amra), radishes (moolaka), ginger root (adraka), mustard greens and seeds (sarshapa), coriander seeds and leaves (dhanyaka), elephant foot yams (soorana), garlic (lasuna), pitcher gourd (alabu), buttermilk (takra), ghee (ghrita), curd (dadhi). [17]
3. Can natural aphrodisiacs have side effects?
Generally, natural aphrodisiacs are safe to use and do not have side effects. But some people may be allergic to certain herbs or Ayurvedic products and therefore, may experience certain side effects such as sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache and agitation.
4. How does Ayurveda propose to treat sexual weaknesses?
Ayurveda advocates the use of the Vajikarana therapy to treat a wide range of sexual weaknesses. Vajikarana is one of the eight prominent specialities of the Ashtanga Ayurveda. It is essentially an aphrodisiac therapy which involves the use of powerful herbs, Ayurvedic formulations, topical application tailas and therapeutic procedures like the Panchakarma to treat the sexual weaknesses. [16]
5. What are the common sexual dysfunctions faced by men and women?
The common sexual dysfunctions in men are erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, loss of sex drive or libido. The common sexual dysfunctions faced by women are low libido, lack of arousal, vaginal dryness and pain during sexual intercourse. [18] [20]
Conclusion
A decrease in libido can affect your sexual health and negatively impact your mental and physical well-being. Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs can help you overcome challenges faced due to sexual health problems that can lead to unrepaired dents in your relationships. However, these offer only temporary solutions to enhance your sex drive. Thus, it is essential to make changes to your lifestyle to keep yourself healthy, active, and stress-free.
Disclaimer
This article has been written from a health and wellness perspective and is not a substitute for medical advice.
References
- Sexual well-being is part of aging well
- Sexual Satisfaction and the Importance of Sexual Health to Quality of Life Throughout the Life Course of US Adults
- Aphrodisiacs past and present: a historical review
- Indian Traditional Ayurvedic System of Medicine and Nutritional Supplementation
- Exploring scientifically proven herbal aphrodisiacs
- Recent studies on aphrodisiac herbs for the management of male sexual dysfunction–a review
- Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) on well-being and sexual performance in adult males: A randomized controlled trial
- Standardised extract of safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) increases aphrodisiac potential besides being safe in male Wistar rats
- Effects of saffron (Crocus sativus) on sexual dysfunction among men and women: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Evaluation of the aphrodisiac activity of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in sexually sluggish male albino rats
- An experimental study of sexual function improving effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg)
- Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A Versatile Female Tonic
- Moringa oleifera extract enhances sexual performance in stressed rats
- Shilajit: A Natural Phyto Complex with Potential Procognitive Activity
- Risk Factors Affecting Decreased Libido Among Middle-Aged to Elderly Men; Nocturnal Voiding is an Independent Risk Factor of Decreased Libido
- VRISHYA AND VAJIKARANA – EXPLORING ANCIENT SCIENCE OF APHRODISIACS
- AYURVEDA AND ITS ROLE IN SEXUAL HEALTH
- Male Sexual Dysfunction
- Some medicinal plants with aphrodisiac potential: A current status
- Female Sexual Dysfunctions
