What is the Best Aphrodisiac Food
To Get You in the Mood?

Aphrodisiacs - named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite - are substances that are believed to stimulate or enhance sexual arousal. They have been used by humans for thousands of years to revitalize their libido and desire, boost male virility and stamina, as well as to enhance sexual pleasure. Aphrodisiac foods have been consumed for erotic purposes dating back to the early Egyptians. They were mentioned in the Kama Sutra as ways for a man to “obtain the object of their desires” and have been used in ancient Chinese herbal aphrodisiacs and remedies for over 5,000 years. Even Cleopatra and Casanova were said to use aphrodisiacs to make them irresistible to their lovers.

But what exactly is what is an aphrodisiac? Why are some foods said to arouse people sexually? And do they really work?

If you have been searching for the best aphrodisiacs and how they work, you’ve come to the right place! Learn all about aphrodisiacs with our special experts, relationship & sex therapist James Earl, and Javay da BAE, the Millennial Sexpert as they chime in on this spicey topic.

The dictionary defines an aphrodisiac as “a food, drink, or drug that stimulates sexual desire… a thing that causes excitement.”— The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current Englishi

An aphrodisiac can be any substance - usually, one that is ingested - which is believed to help people get in the mood as an aid for sexual desire and performance.

Aphrodisiacs were used in ancient times to aid in reproduction as having more offspring increased families’ or tribes’ ability to survive. These days, people turn to aphrodisiacs to overcome sexual dysfunction such as male erectile dysfunction and to aid in building desire and orgasm in women, or simply as a way to add more “spice” to their relationship.

Adding more “spice” to a relationship likely comes from the use of aphrodisiacs, as herbal remedies, tonics, magical potions, and spices are commonly used as aphrodisiacs to ignite the libido and desire for sex.

What is aphrodisiac? Read on as we uncover both the truth and myths concerning libido enhancers that help to boost the sex drive of women and men.

What is an aphrodisiac?

An aphrodisiac can be any substance “that stimulates sexual desire, and it is typically considered to be something you ingest”, says Javay da BAE.

James Earl notes: “Traditionally, this might include spicy food, oysters, and various phallic-shaped vegetables. Scents, music, and some vitamin supplements may be thought to stimulate sexual arousal.”

So, basically, anything that arouses our senses and is believed to aid in sexual performance, desire, and pleasure could be considered an aphrodisiac.

Natural aphrodisiac foods

Natural aphrodisiac foods fall into a few different categories, which include:

• Hot foods and spices, like chili peppers, which heat up the body and mimic the state of arousal.

• Foods that resemble genitalia, like oysters and bananas.

• Supplements, aphrodisiac herbs, remedies, and foods that contain agents like antioxidants that may increase blood flow or otherwise enhance sexual function.

• Natural foods that boost health and sexual vigor.

Other types of aphrodisiacs:

Substances that evoke the senses, such as aphrodisiac scents, perfumes, candles, essential oils, or products with pheromones, could also be considered libido or mood-enhancing as well.

At one time, animal parts that are phallic, including rhino horns, or reproductive organs, were thought to raise the libido by association, or “sympathetic magic”, i.e.: you are what you eat. However, these ideas are outdated, and in the case of Spanish fly (made from a beetle) even dangerous, creating side effects like painful urination and blood in the urine, priapism (or painful erections), kidney failure, convulsions, coma, and even death!

So, when looking for natural aphrodisiac foods, make sure you investigate reputable sources of information and avoid any products that could be hazardous to your health. While this seems obvious, some harmless-looking herbs could actually be dangerous if taken in the wrong doses. As always, check with your medical provider before ingesting herbal remedies or aphrodisiacs.

We suggest trying out some organic lubricants if you want to go au naturel. Sexual lubricants are proven to increase pleasure and arousal and certainly won’t adversely affect your health!

List of Aphrodisiac Foods

Here is our aphrodisiac list of foods and herbs that are considered libido boosters that may actually work, as backed by research studies and science. Always do your own additional research and use common sense!

Chili Peppers: Chili peppers contain an active pharmacological compound called capsaicin, which is believed to improve sex drive, at least in male rats. According to the book Natural Aphrodisiacs: Myth or Realityiv, “Capsaicin excites the nervous system into producing endorphins, which promote a pleasant sense of well-being and stimulate low libido.” Capsaicin creates a response in the body - increased heart rate and sweating - that is similar to sexual arousal, and also releases feel-good endorphins.

Chocolate: Sex and chocolate have long been linked together. Louis XIV - the Sun King - used to lure lovers to bed with gifts of chocolate. One site says that chocolate (or cacao) makes you happier, reduces stress, increases physical performance, and has similar effects on the body as does sex, due to phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA (also known as the “love drug”) “raises blood pressure and heart rate and triggers the release of hormones like norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, all strongly linked to our brain's pleasure system”. Dopamine and serotonin raise levels of desire and produce feelings of pleasure. Dark chocolate also contains flavonols and arginine which may aid in creating “longer-lasting erections”.

Date Palm: Dates are an exotic fruit first cultivated “in the Fertile Crescent between Egypt and Mesopotamia as early as 4000 B.C”. They contain estradiol and flavonoids and have been noted in one study to improve sperm count and quality and may aid in male infertility. They are also rich in amino acids, which are said to increase sexual stamina. Date palm pollen has been shown in another study to increase “vaginal lubrication and reduce dyspareunia in postmenopausal women”.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek was eaten by women in harems in the Middle East “to sweeten the breath, increase libido, and enhance sexual allure”v. This herb has long been used to increase breast milk production and has been shown to increase testosterone and boost sexual desire in some women, as well as improve sexual functioning in men.

Ginger: Ginger root is a hot plant that is said to be “food of the fire god”. As an aphrodisiac, it is thought to raise testosterone levels, increase blood flow, improve sperm mobility (in rats), and reduce stress, all of which can aid in sexual function in men. In magic, ginger is used in spells to attract love.

Ginkgo: Ginkgo biloba has long been used to enhance brain function and emotional well-being. It contains antioxidants and flavonoids, which neutralize free radicals, as well as help dilate blood vessels due to the increase of nitric oxide. Ginkgo leaf extract has also been shown to help increase sexual desire in women who were undergoing sexual therapy.

Ginseng: Ginseng is probably the best-known aphrodisiac, promoting sexual health. Some studies suggest that ginseng may improve erections, as well as sperm count and quality in rats. In humans, there is one study that showed improved erectile function in men as well.

Honey: The word honeymoon, comes from the ancient practice of the bride and groom drinking honey mead for a month after they wed, and the earliest “love potions” always had honey in them. Honey that is raw and unpasteurized is loaded with antioxidants, enzymes, and flavonoids and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also increases nitric oxide, which has been well documented to increase blood flow to the penis, aiding in erection function. However, the amount of sugar in honey may counteract the effects of nitric oxide, according to NutriGardens.

Horny Goat Weed: Named for its inherent benefits in treating ED, horny goat weed (known as epimedium) is an infamous herbal supplement that may treat ED by aiding blood flow to the penis, at least in rats and in test tube experiments. Warning: However, if taken in large amounts it can cause breathing difficulties, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness, so NOT recommended!

Maca: Historically, maca has been known to treat fertility and boost sexual desire. One study suggests that maca may treat sexual dysfunction in women caused by anti-depressants. The study showed that among postmenopausal women, orgasm was improved, and among premenopausal women, arousal was improved. In men, it was shown to aid in fertility, including increased sperm count. In other studies, it helped to improve mood, and energy levels, as well as reduce depression, and anxiety, all of which can also aid in sexual happiness.

Nutmeg: Nutmeg is a priced exotic spice and has been renowned as an aphrodisiac, the flowers of which are often crushed in wine as a love potion. It contains an essential oil called myristicin, which has been compared to the mood-altering drug MDMA that is found in Ecstasy (the love drug). Nutmeg has also been shown to “increase in the mating performance of the mice.”

Red Wine: Red wine can set the mood for romance and in moderation has also been shown to have some potential benefits in improving sexual performance in women including “enhancing sexual desire, lubrication, and overall sexual function”. Of course, too much alcohol can have the opposite effect as well.

Saffron: Saffron is an exotic and expensive spice that comes from the saffron crocus which legend has it grew in the “Garden of Lust”. It is often made into incense, and fragrances, and added to wine to make love potions. It has been shown in one study to improve sexual arousal in both men (erectile function and overall satisfaction with intercourse) and women (arousal, lubrication, and reducing pain during sex).

Tribulus Terrestris: A popular herbal supplement, Tribulus Terrestris is said to be effective for increasing arousal, desire, lubrication, satisfaction, and decreased pain during sex in women. In addition, it has also been shown to increase testosterone levels in men.

Yohimbe: Another herbal remedy and prescription drug said to have aphrodisiac qualities, Yohimbe stimulates blood flow to the penis and blocks adrenergic receptors, both thought to enhance and maintain erectile functioning, and to enhance stamina and sexual sensation. Warning: Yohimbe can be dangerous, causing heart attacks and seizures if taken in the wrong quantities and it is banned in several countries.

Watermelon: Science Daily says that watermelon, which contains a Phyto-nutrient called citrulline, can treat ED “much like Viagra does.” Citrulline is converted to arginine in the body, and arginine boosts nitric oxide, which has been proven to relax the blood vessels in the penis.

Watermelon: Science Daily says that watermelon, which contains a Phyto-nutrient called citrulline, can treat ED “much like Viagra does.” Citrulline is converted to arginine in the body, and arginine boosts nitric oxide, which has been proven to relax the blood vessels in the penis.

Do Aphrodisiacs Actually Work?

There are thousands of aphrodisiacs on the market with mythical sexual libido-enhancing qualities. However, as James Earl notes: “There is no firm scientific evidence that certain foods such as chili or oysters, or any vitamin supplements, stimulate sexual arousal.” While there have been a few rudimentary studies done on the effects of “known” aphrodisiacs, in truth, they haven’t been well substantiated or studied enough to know how well they may work, if at all.

If you want to explore whether aphrodisiacs will work for you, make sure to consult a medical professional first and do your homework on whether it is safe to take. Many herbal substances may have side effects or interact negatively with other medications and herbal remedies. Better to be safe than sorry!

Aphrodisiacs foods for women

Aphrodisiac foods for men

Aphrodisiacs: The verdict

The jury is still out on whether aphrodisiacs work or not, although some have proved promising in clinical trials.

“For some people they really do work. For others, they might not be effective enough for a noticeable change in desire in comparison to normal. Since all of our bodies function differently, you just have to see what works for you,” says Javay da BAE.

Again, it is important to ask your medical professional when in doubt and do your own research to get the facts.

James Earl adds: “If you have a good connection with a sexual partner, and the setting feels right, you can feel sexier: so, you may associate the music you’re listening to, scents you’re aware of, or the food you’re eating, with desire. And, if you’ve had a powerful sexual experience in the past associated with any of these elements, re-experiencing the sounds, smells or tastes will likely ‘bring back’ arousal.

The placebo effect can work here too: If you think spicy food can help you feel turned on, you may well find it does! Eating well and staying healthy is likely to lead to you feeling sexier. And in general, the more you enjoy erotic thoughts and feelings, the easier it is to enjoy sex.”

What is the most powerful aphrodisiac?

James Earl says that the most powerful aphrodisiac is, “A good setting, a good connection with your lover, and a healthy libido!”

We agree! Check out some of our latest articles on how to spice up your sex life for more tips! Better Sex As You Age, How to Build a Sex Room, and Everything You Need to Know About Erectile Dysfunction.

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