5 Culinary Herbal Aphrodisiacs Used To Support Centuries Of Great Sex

For centuries, humankind has been searching for the perfect cornucopia of love foods that boost sexual desire and juice up the senses. From ancient civilizations to contemporary times, so many cultures have an assorted collection of mythology, beliefs, and tradition around food's sexual and libidinous powers. Aphrodisiacs (derived from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite) are natural substances touted for their ability to increase sex drive1 and arousal2.

When it comes to the intersection between sex and food, "Like hunger, libido is a primitive instinct. They can both affect the way you behave, making you prioritize them above other things," says Uma Naidoo, M.D., nutritional psychiatrist, chef, nutrition expert, and author of This Is Your Brain on Food. "Hunger and libido also involve similar chemicals, such as dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the brain's pleasure and reward center."

While you've probably heard of oysters or dark chocolate sparking some frisky feelings, you might be less familiar with aphrodisiac herbs. While there isn't a significant amount of research to back their benefits, plants have long been used3 in various cultures to help spark sensual pleasure. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, let's dive into some traditional herbs thought to amp up your extra amorous spirits.

According to early herbalist folklore, vanilla is a mighty nervine thought to stimulate sexual appetite. Its captivating, pleasureful perfume makes it an ideal spice to elevate your mood4, ease your senses, and perhaps even ignite sexual stamina. Used initially by the Totonac Indigenous people of Mexico as a love-inducing elixir, vanilla is considered one of the world's long-established, luscious aphrodisiacs.

As one of the most expensive spices worldwide, saffron (derived from the Crocus sativus flower) and its active components have been widely used in ancient medicine because of its anti-inflammatory9, antioxidant10, and antidepressant11 properties. Regarding sexual health, one small study of 38 women published in Human Psychopharmacol suggested that saffron might improve lubrication and pain issues during sex12, specifically for women experiencing antidepressant-induced low libido.

Tribulus Terrestris (gokhshura in Sanskrit) has been used medicinally for centuries, in both Ayurveda13 and traditional Chinese medicine, to support sexual function. More modern studies have also observed the effects of this small plant; however, the evidence is inconclusive so far, and more research is necessary to confirm its sex-enhancing properties.

This mighty Ayurvedic plant "has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine as an overall health-improving and mood-enhancing herb," says Naidoo. "Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Ayurvedic practitioners also use ashwagandha to improve erectile dysfunction and sexual desire in both women and men."