For so long, mankind has been concerned about the secrets of the bedroom – how to optimize sexual desire and ensure powerful sexual performance. And why shouldn’t we be? Sex, after all, is one of the oldest forms of entertainment for the human race. Because of this obsession, we have come a long way in the study of what makes for great sex. The determination of which types of food act as sexual stimulants is only one of those advancements. These are called aphrodisiacs: any food, drink or drug that causes sexual arousal or increases one’s libido. Natural aphrodisiacs are those that are readily available in nature.

While aphrodisiacs have long been a fascination for mankind, only certain types of food are well-known for heightening sexual arousal, such as oysters, chili, and asparagus. If you are curious as to other types of food or herbs that work just as well (if not better) in spiking one’s libido, this list of natural aphrodisiacs will prove to be useful. The list provides aphrodisiacs that are not commonly mentioned in media, especially in America or the European region.

These natural aphrodisiacs are plant-based or mineral-based, and are thus alright for vegetarian consumption, as well as for those with food restrictions due to religious reasons. However, people with certain illnesses may need to check with their doctor before trying out some of these herbs.

Natural Aphrodisiacs That Are Good For You

1  Horny goat weed

Horny goat weed is an herb used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Sold over the counter, it can be taken in tea, capsule, powder, or tablet form. Horny goat weed is also known as Epimedium, a large, leafy plant that is native to China (where it is known as yin yang huo). People have long recognized the Epimedium plant for its sexual potency, which is why it was given the moniker of horny goat weed. It has stems that are short and thin, and large leaves.

Epimedium extract’s active ingredient is icariin, which is the substance that accounts for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The best horny goat weed supplements are also used to treat atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, fatigue, and brain injury, among many other illnesses. To attain the best results, the recommended icariin dosage that men should take each day is an amount between 800mg to 1,000mg of 60% icariin horny goat weed extract.

2  Ginseng

An herbal supplement that is relatively popular nowadays is ginseng, which looks like a small plant that has medium-sized green leaves and bunches of red berries. Herbal ginseng medicine entails the use of the plant’s fleshy roots. As popular as it is, what is ginseng used for, then? Ginseng is believed and proven to give large boosts of energy, lower cholesterol levels and blood sugar, reduce levels of stress, treat symptoms of diabetes, and most importantly for purposes of this discussion, treat erectile dysfunction among males. Growing ginseng for your own use is easy, too, as all you need is a well-tended patch of land in a moist location that doesn’t get much direct sunlight during the afternoon.

3  Tongkat ali

Tongkat ali, also known as Malaysian ginseng, is a therapeutic herb native to the Malaysian rain forests. Just like other exotic plants, it is popular in traditional medicine and has primarily been used to maintain a healthy libido and normal hormone levels in men. Tongkat ali is also known as longjack from its scientific name, Eurycoma longifolia jack.

Tongkat ali root has long been used as an aphrodisiac and remedy for sexual disorders that come with age, and for treating symptoms of andropause (reduction in testosterone and other hormones experienced by many aging men). The root contains compounds that have consistently been shown to heighten libido, improve the quality of semen, and even boost muscle growth. These effects likely stem from the overall increase in testosterone. As a supplement, longjack is typically taken in tongkat ali extract form. Tongkat ali coffee, which contains the longjack herb, has also become steadily popular throughout the years as it not only appeals to users as an aphrodisiac, but also as an overall health drink that promises to increase energy levels, burn body fat, increase muscle mass and strength, and even initiate the anti-aging process.

4  Saffron

Saffron is obtained from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. It is a spice prominently used throughout Middle Eastern cuisine and in the kitchens of Europe’s Mediterranean coast. Saffron is arguably one of the most potent natural sexual enhancers. It causes sexual arousal through certain neurotransmitters that stimulate erogenous zones and one’s overall libido. The health benefits of saffron are derived from taking saffron extract or drinking saffron tea. Aside from improving sexual performance, saffron also functions as a weight loss aid by suppressing the desire to overeat. It also improves respiration and decreases blood pressure.

For being the most expensive spice in the world, one wonders, what does saffron taste like? Apparently, it has a very subtle flavor that some have described as “grassy”, slightly sweet and bitter, and even “ancient” (if “ancient” were a flavor).

5  Shilajit

Shilajit is a very valuable herbo-mineral substance harvested from the Himalayan mountains. It is perhaps the most intriguing aphrodisiac in this list, as it is said to be composed of the fossilized forms of medicinal plants. Studies on animals have yielded the conclusion that Shilajit powder aids in amping up testosterone levels and enhancing spermatogenesis and sperm motility among men and ovogenesis among women. Another shilajit benefit is found in its stress-relieving properties.

The recommended shilajit dosage varies with each person’s condition. Factors that will affect the amount of shilajit required for a person includes metabolism rate, general health, lifestyle choices, body size, and the benefits one seeks from such medication. It is recommended that one tries out the lowest dosage first, slowly building up until the desired result is achieved.