You may have realized that the debate about aphrodisiacs is getting hotter in most media outlets. While some people claim they improve sexual health, others claim they do not exist. 

Busy schedules, job demands, and stress have significantly affected people’s sexual health. Post-menopause also affects the sexual health of men and women. In post-menopause, estrogen and progesterone hormone levels are usually low, affecting sexual desire or arousal. While the solution to this can be hormone replacement therapy, most postmenopausal women turn to aphrodisiacs. Is there any truth in the effectiveness of these foods or substances? This blog investigates.

What Exactly Are Aphrodisiacs?

Aphrodisiacs are foods or drugs that allegedly spike arousal, sexual pleasure, and endurance. A quick refresher? Aphrodisiacs allude to Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love. These foods and drugs have been used for centuries as people believe they can restore libido and boost sexual arousal and performance. Although people claim they work, no scientific studies back up these claims.

Aphrodisiacs Supplements That Allegedly Work

Aphrodisiac supplements are made from plants, minerals, and foods. While you may find many of them in the market, these are the best, according to some users.

Yohimbe

Yohimbe is an ingredient obtained from Yohimb trees, native to West Africa. This substance has been used for centuries in West African cultures to address various issues, including reduced libido. Today, you can also access Yohimbe supplements. These supplements are believed to be the right products for people worried about their sexual performance. 

Ambrien

Ambrien found its way to the Arab cultures as a powerful sexual performance enhancer. Ambrien, obtained from the gut of sperm whales, is believed to boost testosterone levels, encouraging sexual arousal and desire. People also claim it works against headaches.

Red Ginseng

Ginseng is popular in Chinese culture. For centuries, ginseng, specifically the red type, was used with the belief that it addresses various issues, including low libido and sexual dysfunction. Post-menopausal women who have used ginseng supplements also claim it increases sexual arousal and desire.

Gingko Biloba

Gingko Biloba is obtained from Gingko Biloba trees. This herbal supplement allegedly addresses various issues, including depression and sexual dysfunction. Common in the Chinese culture, Gingko Biloba is believed to have powers that relax blood vessels and increase blood flow, resulting in stronger and long-lasting erections. The supplement is also believed to be useful to women because it enhances deep orgasms.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a plant believed to be rich in anti-inflammatory and libido-boosting effects. Those who have used it before claim the herb triggers the body to produce more sex hormones, estrogen, and testosterone, thus increasing sexual arousal.

Saffron

Native to Southwest Asia, Saffron is assumed to alleviate erectile dysfunction, setting the stage for more sexual enjoyment. This spice is also believed to address mood and emotional disorders. For post-menopausal women, Saffron is believed to increase lubrication, enhancing sexual pleasure.

Tribulus

Also known as Tribulus Terrestris, Tribulus is a plant that mainly grows in areas with dry climates. Tribulus supplements are said to increase testosterone hormone levels, leading to enhanced sexual arousal and reducing the risks of infertility.

Maca

Maca is one of the healthiest root vegetables on earth. Common in central Peru, maca is believed to have natural powers that ward off erectile dysfunction and boost libido.

Aphrodisiac Foods That Are Said to Be Effective

Chocolate

Chocolate is loaded with phenylethylamine (PEA), which is believed to be the central nervous system stimulant. 

Honey

Honey harbors a great taste. People believe this delicious substance improves romance in their marriages.

Chasteberry

Chasteberry is believed to balance the estrogen and testosterone levels, addressing issues including insufficient natural lubrication. This fruit is also assumed to be effective against premenstrual symptoms (PMS), increasing sexual desire or arousal.

Hot Chilies

Hot chilies are high in capsaicin, a compound believed to provide various benefits. For instance, people claim that it stimulates the nerve endings on the tongue, boosting the sex drive.

Horny Goat Weed

Also known as epicedium, horny goat weed is widely known for its effectiveness against erectile dysfunction. The herb’s icariin is also said to increase sexual pleasure and sexual performance.

Other Substances Believed to Be Sexual Performance-Enhancers

• Salmon
• Avocados
• Celery
• Watermelon
• Almonds 
• Walnuts
• Figs
• Asparagus
• Pumpkin

Designer Aphrodisiacs

Sure, pharmaceutical companies are at the forefront, ensuring people have better sex lives. This is why such companies have invested in designer aphrodisiacs, including Viagra. This blue pill is believed to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow, resulting in hard and lasting erections. People assume Viagra is the solution for erectile dysfunction. For women, there are testosterone patches, better known as female Viagra. These testosterone patches are said to be useful, especially for women approaching menopause or those involved in womb-removing surgeries. Unlike the "male Viagra," female Viagra allegedly restores sexual desire.

Addyi is another great discovery in the field of designer aphrodisiacs. This antidepressant is believed to address various issues, including depression and low libido, especially in women. As a long-term medication, manufacturers advise people to take Addyi once a day, especially in the evening. 

If you don’t prefer pills, experts would recommend Bremelanotide. This drug allegedly works on female libido, enhancing great sexual pleasure. Administered on the belly or thigh, Bremelanotide can last for more than 20 hours when taken 40 minutes before sex. 

The Bottom Line

Aphrodisiacs are believed to be a great way to achieve heightened sexual excitement. Users claim these foods and drugs can correct hormonal imbalance issues and increase sexual desire or arousal. Since there are no science-backed studies on most aphrodisiacs, this blog concludes that they do not exist. Various sources explain the origin of aphrodisiacs, their ingredients, and how they "work," but these claims are not scientifically cemented. Therefore, do not stress yourself with strange foods or drugs to improve your sex life. Eat well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and manage your stress to get the intimate life you have always wanted.