Ginseng root
Studies show ginseng, a rooted plant, can improve erections in those with erectile dysfunction.
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  • Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that are believed to increase sex drive or enhance your sexual performance. 
  • Ginseng, maca, and fenugreek are three aphrodisiacs that are proven to increase your libido. 
  • Other traditional aphrodisiacs, like oysters or figs, do not work. 
  • This article was medically reviewed by Rosara Torrisi, LCSW, CST, MSSW, MEd, PhD, certified sex therapist at the Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy. 
  • Visit Insider’s Health Reference library for more advice.

Throughout history, humans have turned to foods and herbal supplements known as aphrodisiacs in hopes of increasing their libido — their sex drive — or to improve their sexual performance. 

Here’s what you need to know about aphrodisiacs, from what they are to whether they actually work. 

What are aphrodisiacs? 

 

Aphrodisiacs are defined as substances that arouse sexual desire. Named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty, aphrodisiacs may alter sex drive and performance through physiological or psychological means.

“Traditionally made from plants, animals, or minerals, aphrodisiacs have been spoken about as a cure or ‘helping hand in the love department’ for a very long time,” says Giuseppi Aragona, MD, a general practitioner for the European prescription delivery service Prescription Doctor. 

Historically, aphrodisiacs are often thought of as foods that resemble genitalia — like bananas, asparagus, oysters, and figs. Spicy foods were also once believed to increase arousal due to their warming and stimulating effects, which can mimic sexual arousal.  

But, Aragona says there's little scientific evidence that many of the foods traditionally thought of as aphrodisiacs actually affect libido or sexual performance. 

"Many of the currently popular aphrodisiacs — such as strawberries, chocolate, and oysters — have very little evidence of being effective, and are more likely marketing ploys due to their links with romance," Aragona says. "More natural substances such as ginseng, maca, and ginkgo actually have a lot more proven effects when it comes to whether they work."

Aphrodisiacs that are scientifically proven to increase sex drive

While the alleged aphrodisiac effects of oysters and asparagus might be more folklore than fact, research suggests that common plants might have the potential to increase sexual arousal. 

Ginseng  

 

Ginseng, a rooted plant native to Asia and North America, is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat sexual dysfunction — and research has found it can increase sperm count and quality in males.

Ginseng has also been found to improve erections in some patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. In one small clinical study from 2002, 60% of men treated with 900mg of Korean Red Ginseng three times a day reported an improvement in erections. 

Maca 

Maca, a Peruvian root vegetable, is traditionally used in the Andes for fertility-enhancing purposes. Now there is growing evidence that it may increase sexual desire in both males and females. 

Two small trials conducted in 2002 and 2008 involving males and post-menopausal females found maca extract significantly improved self-rated sexual desire. 

Another small study published in 2015 found that women experiencing antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (AISD) described greater sexual activity and more enjoyable sexual experiences after consuming three grams of maca per day for 12 weeks. The study concluded that Maca root may alleviate antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herb native to the Mediterranean, southern Europe, and western Asia. It's commonly used to enhance breast milk production in lactating women, but research suggests that it can also be used to increase libido in men. 

In a small 2011 study, researchers found that men between the ages of 25 and 52 experienced significant increases in arousal and libido after consuming 600 mg of Testofen — a blend of fenugreek extract — for six weeks. In particular, the study found the extract increased sexual arousal and orgasm. 

Aphrodisiacs you should avoid

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. 

The bottom line

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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