Aphrodisiacs
While every culture and society uses there own types of herbs for various means, a substantial portion of the knowledge about aphrodisiacs evolved from Chinese herbal medicine.
The ingredients in many aphrodisiacs can be found in animal, plant, food, and chemical substances.
Sexual Enhancing Herbs
China (Ginseng) – Traditional Chinese herbalists have recommended Chinese ginseng for centuries to improve vitality and sexual wellness for both sexes.
Peru (Maca Root) – Maca Root found in the mountains of Peru has been used as a tonic for impotence, to heighten sexual desire, increase fertility and help women with menopausal complaints.
African (Yohimbe) – The bark from the yohimbe tree in parts of Africa is used as an aphrodisiac that treats sexual dysfunction. It increases the blood flow to the genitals in both males and females. It is also used to treat angina and hypertension.
While Yohimbe can be very effective it can also be dangerous to some people who use it.
- Those with high blood pressure, kidney disease, glaucoma, history of gastric or duodenal ulcers
- Those who use anti-depressants, sedatives, antihistamines, caffeine or amphetamines.
- Shouldn’t be taken with food or beverages that contain tyramine (substance found in cheese, chocolate, beer, aged meats, nuts)
- Should not be taken along with phenylaline drugs.
Side effects
- Racing pulse
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Frequent urination
Aromatherapy
Massage oils that contain fragrant essences make great aphrodisiacs. Aromatherapy massage containing light vegetable and nut oils (carrier oils) are easily absorbed and benefit the skin with their natural properties.
Cedar wood, cinnamon, cloves, neroli, patchouli, rose, sandalwood and ylang-ylang are some aromatic herbs that can be added to any carrier oil to create a rich aromatic massage oil.
- sweet almond
- avocado
- grape seed
- olive
- apricot kernel
- peach kernel
- Soya
- sunflower