Summer Aphrodisiacs: Foods and Herbs to Spice Up Your Love Life

Summer’s vibrant energy can ignite passion as well. While the term “aphrodisiac” (derived from the Greek goddess Aphrodite, associated with love and beauty) often conjures images of exotic foods or mysterious pills, Ayurveda offers a natural approach to enhancing intimacy through dietary choices.

What is an Aphrodisiac?

In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, aphrodisiacs are not singular miracle cures but rather foods that promote overall well-being and support a healthy libido. These foods nourish the body’s vital essence (Ojas) and enhance sexual energy through their inherent qualities. [1]

Foods with Aphrodisiac Properties

• Sweet Fruits: Sweetness is considered a sattvic taste in Ayurveda, promoting harmony and pleasure. Seasonal summer fruits like mangoes, grapes, and figs are not only delicious but also rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support hormonal health. [5]
• Nuts and Seeds: Nature’s powerhouses, nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pumpkin seeds are packed with essential minerals like zinc and magnesium, crucial for healthy hormone production in both men and women. These can be considered aphrodisiac seeds. [5]
• Ashwagandha: This revered Ayurvedic herb is an adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress. Studies suggest ashwagandha may improve sexual function and libido in both men and women. [4]
• Shatavari: Traditionally known as “women’s asparagus,” Shatavari is a balancing herb that supports female reproductive health. It may help regulate menstrual cycles and enhance sexual desire. This can be considered an aphrodisiac for women or aphrodisiac for females. [2]
• Saffron: This luxurious spice is not just for royalty! Saffron possesses aphrodisiac properties in Ayurveda, potentially improving erectile dysfunction and libido. Remember, a little goes a long way with this precious ingredient. [3]

Food for Love and Longevity [5]

While specific foods can play a role, a balanced Ayurvedic diet is key for overall sexual health. Here’s how to create a diet that can function as a natural aphrodisiac food for men and women:

• Seasonal and Local: Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables are brimming with life force (prana) and offer essential nutrients.
• Digestive Harmony: Prioritize easily digestible foods to avoid sluggishness that can dampen passion—spices like ginger and cumin aid digestion.
• Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats like those found in avocados and ghee (clarified butter) to nourish the body and support hormonal balance.

Important Considerations

It’s crucial to remember that aphrodisiacs are not like aphrodisiac tablets or aphrodisiac medicine. Lifestyle choices, emotional well-being, and open communication play a vital role in a healthy and fulfilling relationship. While some may search for food for sexually long time, a holistic approach is recommended.

Ayurvedic Practices for Love [6, 7]

• Mind-Body Connection: Stress can be a libido killer. Incorporate stress-relieving practices like yoga or meditation into your routine to enhance intimacy.
• Sensory Pleasures: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of all senses in creating a romantic atmosphere. Light fragrant candles, prepare a sensual meal with aphrodisiac fruits and aphrodisiac vegetables, or enjoy a relaxing massage with calming oils.
• Quality Sleep: Adequate sleep (7-8 hours) is essential for physical and emotional well-being, both crucial for a fulfilling love life.

References:

1. CONCEPT OF APHRODISIACS IN AYURVEDA, Online Publishing Date:29 / 06 / 2015, H.S.K. AGRAWAL, R.D. SHARMA, SURESH KUMAR, P.V. TEWARI, K.N. UDUPA.
2. Impact of stress on female reproductive health disorders: Possible beneficial effects of shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 103, July 2018, Pages 46-49
3. Chapter 24 – Saffron in Persian traditional medicine Author links open overlay panelMahdi Yousefi 1, Khosro Shafaghi, Woodhead Publishing Series in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition, 2020, Pages 393-404
4. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Sexual Function in Women: A Pilot Study
5. Swati Dongre, 1 Deepak Langade, 2 , * and Sauvik Bhattacharyya, Biomed Res Int. 2015; 2015: 284154. Published online 2015 Oct 4. doi: 10.1155/2015/284154
6. Plant-derived functional components: prevent from various disorders by regulating the endocrine glands Pages 976-995 | Received 09 Nov 2021, Accepted 22 Apr 2022, Published online: 05 May 2022
7. Libido: the biologic scenario, Volume 34, Supplement 1, January 2000, Pages S9-S16
8. Ayurvedic concepts related to psychotherapy, Behere, Prakash B.; Das, Anweshak1; Yadav, Richa2; Behere, Aniruddh P.3, Author Information Indian Journal of Psychiatry 55(Suppl 2):p S310-S314, January 2013. | DOI: 10.4103/0019-5545.105556