About sexually stimulating herbs and other natural aphrodisiacs

Both in ethnic medicine throughout the world, in traditional natural medicine and modern naturopathic therapy several herbs are used to intensify sexual pleasure, optimize  sexual abilities and remend sexual problems. Also other types of natural substances have a long traditional use to improve sexual life.

Here is a survey of the most important natural substances used to improve sexual life and their medical effects. Down on this page there is a presentation of products where these herbs are used.

Herbal aphrodisiacs and sexual stimulants

Asian Red Ginseng - Panax Ginseng - This herb strengthens the nerval, hormonal and vascular functions of the whole body.

Ginseng stimulates mental and physical activity, and is therefore used to overcome general weakness and deliver extra energy.

Ginseng helps normalize blood pressure. It rejuvinates and revitalizes  the physiology of the whole body and stimulates blood production. It promotes the growth of nerve tissue. The herb further positively alters the blood flow to the brain.

These general actions will in turn also faciliate the sexual life.

The more specific genital actions of this herb are: Improves blood flow to the penis, arouses and excites, stimulates sperm production, combats impotence, and controles premature ejaculation.  A key ingredient of ginseng is ginsenoside.

Bayberry fruit - Bayberry or Myrica cerifera is a shrub in the genus Myrica of about 35-50 species of  the family Myricacea. Active ingredients are: Taraxerol, taraxerone, myricadiol and other triterpenes. Myricitrin and other flavonides.  Tannins, phenols, resins and gums.

Bayberry generally stimulates the blood flow. Bayberry increases blood flow and capillary dilation in the mucus membranes of the vagina, and thus stimulates vaginal lubrication and other functions in this area. Bayberry may however counteract unwanted discharges from the vagina and other body areas, like too much leucorrhoea or bloody discharge. It is also used against throut infection and diarrhoea.

Black cohosh root -  Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa - This is a herb of the family Ranunculaceae. Blak cohosh improves the contracting ability of the uterus and vagina, balances hormones and has a mild sedative effect. It is often used to counteract mecopause problems, like hot flashes. It has also been traditionally used against sore throut and kidney problems.

Catuaba Bark Extract - Catuaba has been used a long time in herbal medicine as a male strengthener and aphrodisiac. The Tupi Indians in Brazil first discovered the qualities of the Catuaba plant. It is the most famous of all Brazilian herbal aphrodisiaca. In Brazilian herbal medicine catuaba is today regarded as an aphrodisiac with "proven efficacy."

The herb strengthens the  genital function and stimulates the  central nervous system. In the United States the herb is regularly used for treatment of functional impotence that is not caused by distinct  patological changes in the genital zones.

Cayenne Fruit (cayenne pepper) - This well-known spice has the ability to stimulate rebuilding and development of  tissue, and also helps combat fatigue. Furthermore it helps cure digestive problems. It is used to ward off disease and equalize blood circulation. It may also prevent strokes and heart attacks by increasing the heart action but not the blood pressure.

It improves the genital function by stimulating rebuilding of destroyed tissue in the genital organs, and helps sexual performance by its ability to combat general fatigue.

Hawthorn Berry - Fructus Crataegi - This phytochemical, with exceptional preventive capacities, comes from the hawthorn tree. Hawthorn is rich in bioflavonoids, which relax and dilate the arteries. These compounds are powerful antioxidants that help increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. This reduces the work required by the heart to circulate blood, and in- turn this reduces blood pressure and stress to the heart muscle. The bioflavonoid substances in Hawthorn give strength to the walls of blood vessels and improve blood flow to other areas of the body. Components in Hawthorn have also been shown to lower cholesterol, and the amount of plaque in arteries.

Horny goat weed - Epidemium - Epidemium enhances the erection. It does so by stimulating the release of nitric oxide from the nerve endings in the genital area.  Horny goat weed stimulates libido, sexual dezire and the feelings in the genital zone. Hornry Goat weed increases sperm production. In addition, research has shown that Horny Goat Weed has anti-fatigue effects, helps prevents adrenal exhaustion and enhances the energy levels of the body. Many of these actions occur because horny goat weed increases the testosterone level and through a stimulation of the sensorial nerves in the genital zone by the substance icariin.  Horny Goat Weed is a traditional botanical medicine used in China and Japan.

Johimbe - Johimbe is a group of tree species growing in tropical areas of Africa. The bark is traditionally used in Africa for sexual performance improvement, with a special effect against erectile disorders. Yohimbe is unproblematic in low doses, but may cause hypertention, digestive problems or manic reactions in higher doses. The daily dose of the most active substance, yohimbine should be well under 10 mg, and johimbe should not be used for a prolonged time.

Licorice root - Glycyrrhiza glaba - This is a legume herb in the family Fabaceae. Licorizce strengthens and tonifies the adrenal glands and enhances hormonal function. Licorize dissolves mucus in the throut and windpipe and help it to be coughed up. Liquorice can help against ulcers, it is also a mild laxative and used topically it may help for shingles, ophthalmic, oral or genital herpes.

Maca - Lepidemium meyenii - Maca is an herbaceous biennial plant or annual plant of the family Brassicaceae, growing in  the high Andes of Bolivia and Peru.   Maca contains uridine, malic acid and its benzoyl derivative, glucosinolates and the substance (1R,3S)-1-methyltetrahydro--carboline-3-carboxylic acid, a molecule exerting many activities on the central nervous system.

Maca gives the body higher ability to perform in work and to act out sexually.  The herb has centuries-old reputation for increasing libido and it can improve semen quality. It also promotes endurance, and gives the body higher ability to perform in work and to act out sexually.

Motherwort - Herba Leonori  - Motherwort as it is affectionately know is a true woman's remedy. This wonderful herb is a uterine tonic that contains alkaloids with the ability to produce uterine contraction. Motherwort is a cardiotonic and a broad neurocardiac relaxant. Motherwort is reputed to release tension caused by emotional and mental stress.

Muira Pauma Bark Extract - Muria Puama is an herb from a shrub native to Brazil, otherwise known as "Potency Wood". Both verbal and written historical records show that Muria Puama helps with lack of sexual desire and the difficulty to maintain erection. Muria Puama is used to restore sexual virility and to treat genital weakness "of intent", meaning the strength associated with sexual desire and potency in men.

Peppermint Leaf - Folium Menthae Piperitae - In addition to peppermints many other great health qualities , it is used as a delivery agent to help the absorption of other substances through cell membranes. . Peppermint also has the ability to induce natural lubrication. Peppermint makes an ideal choice for invigorating the mind, for improving the mood and relaxing a tension-filled, anxiety-ridden nervous system.

Red raspberry leaf - Raspbarry are species in the genus Rubes, for exemple Rubes idaeus. The working substances seem to be polyphenol antioxidants, for example ellagic acid (from ellagotannins), quercetin, gallic acid, anthocyanins, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, kaempferol and salicylic acid. Raspberry seem to counteract aging changes. The herb have a stimulating effect on femeale functions,  gives better regulation of uterine contraction regulator, and seem to make it easier to achieve pregnancy.

Red clover - blood cleanser and nutritive, positive effects on hormonal systems regulating pregnancy and lactation.

Roseroot (Rhodolea Rosea) - This is a herb growing in the northern Europe. It has many of the same stimulative effects as ginseng, and often in the same degree. It is therefore often called "the nordic ginseng". It stimulates all functions of the nervous and hormonal system. Thereby it make a person feel more awake and stronger and improves memory. The herb enables the controle and defence systems of the body to respond more appropriately to steadily changing  impacts and challenges occuring in the daily life, and it enhances healing of tissues. This better controle helps to normalize factors as the blood sugar  level, blood pressure and cholesterole level. The herb enhances and optimizes the sexual feelings and the sexual reflexes in the same way as it enhances other functions. The root is mostly used for stimulative purposes.  

Saw Palmetto Berry - Fructus Serenoae - Native Americans and early American settlers used Saw Palmetto to treat problems associated with the genitals, prostate, urinary tract and reproductive system.  Saw Palmetto is a tonic, and stimulates strengthening and building of body tissues ( anabolic ). The Saw Palmetto berries are further a sexual stimulant and aphrodisiac. They are mostly used today for reducing enlarged prostate glands, treating urinary tract problems and for improving body strength.

Suma Root - Radix Pfaffiae Paniculatae - Suma root is the perfect ideal of balance and endurance. Suma contains an amazing 152 identified compounds containing incredible nutritive value with 19 amino acids and many minerals and vitamins. Suma is an excellent natural neuroendocrine restorative, metabolic regulator, antioxidant and immune enhancer. Suma has the ability to go to the root of endocrine imbalance, immune deficiency/dysregulation and reduce toxicity from the body. Suma root is a true adaptogen with the ability to provide nourishment, restore the endocrine and immune systems and also to increase estrogens and androgens.

Tribulus - Tribulus is a group of plants growing widely in many warm regions. The herb tribulus terrestis contains substances that stimulate the secretion of testosterone. It is used for sexual enhancement purposes, for example to help against  infertility, erectile dysfunction and low libido. It is also used to speed the growing of muscles by bodybuilding. The herb has a long trditional use in China and India. It is also used to stimulate the production of testosterone when this has been repressed by physiological processes.

Valerian root - Valeriana officinalis - This is a herb in the family Valerinaceae that contains a oily substance with a sedative effect. Extracts of the root is usually employed. Valerian reduces tension and emotional stress, aids in a restful sleep, and eases menstrual cramps. Valerian seem to give an oppsite tonic effect on a person that is fatigued. A person not in proper contact with own sexual feelings due to stress and tense muscles may get benefit from taking valerian. A fatigued person may also get stronger sexual feelings and better sexual performance from valerian.