Curated by Paola Ferro, Naturopath

Natural aphrodisiac food supplements can stimulate the functionality of the endocrine system, enhancing libido and improving sexual performance. Let's find out better.

Ginger among natural aphrodisiac food supplements

When using natural aphrodisiac supplements

It often happens that psychophysical discomforts, poor diet, anxiety, stress and frustration take over giving rise to real sexual dysfunctions that can compromise not only the normal sexual activities but also the well-being and understanding of the couple.

The term "aphrodisiac" has very ancient origins. It dates back to over 5, 000 years ago and was used with reference to the myth of Aphrodite, goddess of love who according to Greek culture, would have emerged from the waters of the sea enclosed in an oyster shell.

Aphrodisiac foods and plants were already known, appreciated and consumed by Egyptian, Greek and Roman cultures.

Aphrodisiac food supplements

Among the aphrodisiac foods, undoubtedly remember:

• Avocado, rich in fat and extremely nutritious; the ancient Aztecs called the avocado "the testicle tree", also because of the shape of the fruit.
• Caviar, Oysters, Mollusks are foods rich in zinc, an essential mineral for improving fertility in particular men
• Cocoa, the healthy and very high quality, free of other hydrogenated fats (lecithins, margarines) is rich in anti-oxidants and exciting substances such as theobromine; was considered by the Aztecs the food of the Gods.
• Ginger is a restorative tonic, suitable not only for fatigue and asthenia, but also for impotence. The aphrodisiac virtues attributed to ginger concern above all its ability to stimulate circulation and to guarantee a greater flow of blood towards the sexual organs. The merit is of substances such as gingerol and zingiberene.
• Chili is the best known natural aphrodisiac. Chilli is immediately associated with desire and passion. It acts as a vasodilator and improves circulation. Raises body temperature and tones artery walls. The aphrodisiac power would be guaranteed by its capsaicin content, which gives it its spicy flavor.
• Almonds: their high vitamin E content acts directly on sexual desire and female fertility
• Bananas: they are rich in potassium and vitamin B6, two fundamental components for the formation of testosterone. They are therefore considered the perfect male aphrodisiac, as well as a natural cure for impotence and infertility. They also contain special enzymes that help increase libido.
• Saffron, to improve male sexual performance to be taken regularly as it stimulates circulation and awakens the senses.
• Vanilla: it has euphoric-exciting effects and as it does not present important side effects, it can be consumed in large quantities. It fights sexual asthenia, as any valid aphrodisiac for women, but also for men. Vanilla acts on the central nervous system also through its unmistakable fragrance.

Discover also the ingredients in the pantry of aphrodisiac cuisine

Aphrodisiac phytotherapy supplements

Aphrodisiac plants are those herbs that can:

• provide a stimulating action, able to stimulate the functionality of the hormonal system by regulating the secretion of the glands (adrenal, pituitary, gonads);
• provide an adaptogenic action (ie increase physical endurance and bring benefits to the immune system and mood);
• enhance libido and improve sexual performance;
• act as invigorating, counteracting states of psychophysical fatigue;
• act as vasodilators, promoting blood circulation in the genital organs.

Here are some:

• Muira Pauma grows spontaneously in Brazil along the banks of the Amazon River. From the roots and from the stem alkaloids are obtained that can cure sexual dysfunctions in both men and women. In fact, these substances stimulate peripheral vasodilation.
• Ginkgo biloba is a typical plant of Chinese folk medicine; its aphrodisiac properties are linked to ginko-flavones, very useful in regulating circulatory function. Their vasodilatory actions are used not only to increase sexual desire, but also for their adjuvant effect in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Ginkgo extracts should not be used in combination with antiplatelet agents, such as heparin and aspirin and products that increase gastric acidity, such as garlic and willow.
• Maca: root also known as Peruvian Ginseng, it is a powerful energetic and tonic ; Rich in vitamins and phyto-hormones, it increases the amount of testosterone and both male and female sexual desire.
• Damiana : is a South American psychophysical stimulant, used with excellent results in the treatment of impotence and frigidity, especially if of psychological origin. This aphrodisiac plant contains alkaloids that directly stimulate the sexual organs, helps tone the mucous membranes of the reproductive organs and is effective against performance anxiety
• Ginseng : it is a root, coming from China and Korea, used in states of fatigue, to improve physical and mental resistance. Its use as a tonic and revitalizing, able to promote health and longevity, dates back thousands of years and is the most famous among all the herbs of traditional Chinese medicine. It also has aphrodisiac properties and is therefore used successfully to improve sexual performance and male impotence.
• Eleutherococcus: it is a root similar to Ginseng but of Siberian origin, it stimulates the metabolism and rebalances energy. It is used in the treatment of sexual disorders and in female frigidity, because it is able to regulate the secretion of hormones.