Which aphrodisiacs work

It's never a good idea to use a new herb or supplement without talking to a doctor, and some aphrodisiacs simply aren't worth the risk. Yohimbe is an evergreen tree native to Western Africa that has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac. The tree's bark works as a stimulant and fat-burning compound, and research found it can improve erections in some men with erectile dysfunction.

However, studies have also found it can cause:. Cantharidin, also known as Spanish fly, is another aphrodisiac that has been used for thousands of years as a sexual stimulant.

But, cantharidin produces blisters on contact and is extremely risky to ingest. Cantharidin poisoning can produce gastrointestinal and urinary-tract irritation along with kidney dysfunction or failure. Aphrodisiacs have been an object of obsession for ages. But, when it comes to taking supplements that could affect your health and hormones, it's best to talk to a medical professional first, especially a doctor of osteopathic medicine, who can help you get to the root of the problem.

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Women's Health. Primary Care. Mental Health. Linda De Villers , a licensed psychologist and the author of Simple Sexy Food , explains L-arginine works by helping the body synthesize nitric oxide, which is responsible for relaxing blood vessels. Nuts, seeds, and beans are good sources of L-arginine.

Historically, different cultures have long believed particular herbs or natural remedies to be powerful aphrodisiacs. While science has since debunked many of these claims, there are substances — like maca root — that live up to their promises. It increases libido and also vaginal lubrication. You can add it to smoothies, hot drinks, and desserts. Ginseng, another root with lots of lore surrounding its erotic functions, has also stood up to scientific scrutiny.

IsHak described two placebo-controlled studies in which red ginseng improved erection quality among men and sexual arousal in menopausal women. Pomegranates work through a similar mechanism as watermelon. As stated in Dr. IsHak credits this to allicin, the main compound found in garlic. If garlic breath is too much of a turn-off for you or your partner, opt for an odor-free allicin supplement.

IsHak describes one study showing that women who ate chocolate on a daily basis had an increase in sexual desire and function, but when the researchers adjusted for age, the results were less significant.

However, as Dr. So do foods high in omega 3 fatty acids, including salmon and avocado. Another helper is quercetin. Found in apples, berries, grapes, red wine, garlic and dark chocolate, quercetin has anti-inflammatory properties that can improve blood flow.

However, only people with compromised blood flow will see any improvements to sexual function by eating these foods, says Lauri Wright, spokesperson for the US Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Studies have shown that cocoa can increase blood flow in parts of our body beyond our torso. But when its direct relationship with sexual desire was studied, there was no evidence found to support its use as an aphrodisiac.

Cocoa has been found to increase peripheral blood flow, though not sexual desire Credit: Getty. In fact, no evidence has been found proving that any one food heightens sexual arousal or desire.

There is one exception: alcohol. A number of small studies have shown alcohol consumption is linked to arousal. But it can also impede sexual performance. Red wine in particular may be indirectly linked to sexual function because of its potential benefits to heart health, says Michael Krychman, obstetrician, gynaecologist and a clinical sexual counsellor at the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine.

More of a lifestyle than a single food, the Mediterranean diet may have aphrodisiac qualities. Red wine has been found to affect sexual function — but with caveats Credit: Getty. Our overall diet can work as an aphrodisiac through benefits like improved blood flow, increased hormones or elevated mood, says Wright.

One study involving women with type two diabetes found that the Mediterranean diet was linked to lower levels of sexual dysfunction , while another study concluded the diet may also be associated with an improvement of erectile dysfunction.