For more than 5,000 years, lovers from all cultures have searched the natural world and beyond for a food, potion, or spell that would heighten sexual pleasure. Aphrodisiacs, named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty, are defined as "arousing or intensifying sexual desire; something, such as a drug or food, having such an effect."
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "the reputed sexual effects of so-called aphrodisiacs are based on folklore, not fact." Don't let those killjoys get you down. The ecstatic fact is, studies published in medical journals indicate that certain herbs, nutritional supplements, and scents may help promote sexual arousal. More heartening news: Over 2,000 years of Chinese herbal tradition suggest that various botanical substances boost the libido. Happy Valentine's Day, indeed!
The most legendary of aphrodisiacs, raw oysters embody sensual pleasure. They are also rich in the mineral zinc, amino acids, and dother nutrients that energize the body and thus promote higher functioning of reporductive and other body systems.
Many cultures open the door to sensuality with nature's most compelling scents. Reach for these essential oils to create an aphrodisiac aura that suits your pysche.
Ylang Ylang: Exotic floral Jasmine: Sweet and lingering Ginger: Warm spice Sandalwood: Fragrant and earthy Patchouli: Woodsy and mysterious Clary Sage: Instant euphoria Rose: Opens up the heart
Set the mood with scented candles and bed lines, incense, fresh flowers, an essential oil massage or fragrant bath.
It must be noted that while many lovers may enhance their sex lives with herbs, supplements, and so on, there's no magic aphrodisiac miracle item. And, certain health conditions may actually preclude some people from taking sex-enhancing herbs and supplements, says John Holmstrom III, a Los Angeles acupuncturist and herbalist. Holmstrom strongly advises checking with your phiysician before ingesting any sex-enhancing substances, in order to avoid unwanted side effects. It's safest to work with a licensed herbalist on a formulation tailored just for you.
Traditional Chinese herbalists have been dispensing plant-based sex tonics for millennia. One goldne oldie formula, Ching Chun Bao, contains Royal Manchurian ginseng and other tonic herbs. Ginseng, used for centuries to boost femaile sexuality, is an adaptogen, a compound that helps the body manage physical and psycologoical stressors by strengthening the adrenal glands.
Some more highly regarded Chinese herbs for nourishing female libido include schizandra berries, deer antler extract, and epimedium, aka "horny goat weed". According to Chinese herbalist Roger Drummer of the Tea Garden Herbal Emporium in Los Angeles, "Studies on epimedium have found that it increases blood circulation, raises certain hormone levels, promotes sperm production, and stimulates sensory nerves, therefore indirectly intensifying desire and pleasure."
No overview of aphrodisiacs would be complete without mentioning pheromones, those hotly touted, yet poorly understood, undetectable aromas. Pheromones are chemicals released by animals that influence sexual attraction and mating. Contrary to some perfumers' claims, "the existence of pheromones in humans, and in human sexual encounters, has yet to proven," says Dr. Alan Hirsch, neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago.
In the final analysis, whether you eat, drink, or smell a purported aphrodisiac to heighten sexual desire, know that is power may lie purely in suggestion-if you believe it will work, you're already halfway to paradise.
Hibiscus Leaf is the sole ingredient of a traditional form of shampoo. When they are crushed and boiled in a little water, the leaves' sap forms a sticky, dark-colored paste that has cleansing properties. The leaf has also traditionally been used as a cleanser in a variety of skin care preparations.
