Aphrodisiacs: what are they, and how can they be used to improve your sex life? Aphrodisiacs are substances that help to increase libido, sexual desire, and pleasure. The concept of aphrodisiacs has been around for thousands of years, with the name coming from the Greek goddess of love: Aphrodite.
Why should you try aphrodisiacs?
Having a good sex life involves spicing things up sometimes, and aphrodisiacs can help you to do so. They help to make sex more exciting and desirable, making them an excellent option for couples who have been together for years.
Another use aphrodisiacs have is for sexual dysfunction, which is prevalent in all genders, not just men. For penis owners, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are common issues, and for vulva owners, there are issues with arousal and desire. Using aphrodisiacs before sex and even during sex help with these very common issues.
Something to keep in mind before trying out aphrodisiacs is that they will only work if you let them. Making it a sensory experience and having faith in what you're consuming are all important in getting the full benefits. The placebo effect does play a role in aphrodisiacs working alongside their natural properties!
The critical takeaway is that every person can benefit from aphrodisiacs, no matter what their sex life is like.
Types of Natural Aphrodisiacs
-Arugula: Can boost male fertility and block contaminates that limit sexual desires
-Strawberries: Increase production of hormones and increase libido
-Oysters: Increase desire through dopamine and zinc
-Olive Oil: Rich in antioxidants and full of flavor, olive oil also makes a great natural massage oil
-Cinnamon: Helps to increase male sex drive and increases alertness
-Basil: The scent of basil specifically is an aphrodisiac that has been used for thousands of years
-Truffles: The smell mimics the smell of male pheromones, and they increase stamina
-Ginger: Improves blood flow and circulation (perfect for those with erectile dysfunction)
-Sweet Potatoes: Aid in increasing testosterone levels which impacts arousal
-Pumpkin: Good for stamina as well as calming nerves and muscles
-Ginseng: Affects the central nervous system creating an increase in hormones
-Apples: It is said that an apple a day relates to better sexual quality in vulva owners
-Dark Chocolate: Contains a stimulant that increases sexual excitement
-Red Wine: Helps you to get in the mood and keeps the blood pumping
-Honey: Helps increase blood flow and regulates hormone levels
-Marijuana: Marijuana is also believed to have some tendencies making it an aphrodisiac, such as relieving stress
Honorable Mentions: pomegranate, watermelon, figs, coffee, champagne, maca, pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, celery, bananas, garlic, salmon, saffron, vanilla, and cherries
As for things to avoid when wanting to increase sexual pleasure, dairy products like milk and cheese can cause decreases in hormone levels. Surprisingly, microwave popcorn can be harmful to your sperm count, so make sure to avoid it before having sex.
Another treat that isn't an aphrodisiac is whipped cream. This may come as a surprise to many, but whipped cream is only suitable for fun scenarios and has no effect on pleasure!
"Unnatural" Aphrodisiacs
When referring to these aphrodisiacs as unnatural, it simply means things you can't find out in nature or "out in the wild." They are just as, and possibly even more, adequate than the natural ones listed above. Many recipes for these products also include natural ingredients like maca and cinnamon.
The most well-known unnatural aphrodisiac would probably have to be the little blue pill, Viagra. Aphrodisiacs gained more popularity when Viagra became more known and sought after.
Pleasure Products
-Horny Honey: Horny Honey is a popular pleasure enhancer that increases blood flow to erogenous zones
-Strawberry Dream Pleasure Balm: This balm combines tingling sensations with strawberry flavor to imitate the natural aphrodisiac
-On For Him: On for Him naturally increases testosterone levels
-On Oil For Her: On for Her increases clitoral stimulation through the use of natural ingredients
-On Ice For Her: For a natural cooling sensation, On Ice increases pleasure and aids in increasing lubrication
-Hempleasure: With different solutions for men and women, Hempleasure uses hemp oil to increase sensation in erogenous zones
-Supplements: Arousal pills, drinks, and gummies are also great alternatives to natural aphrodisiacs. There are options for both men and women, and sometimes, it's a lot easier for people to take a pill rather than apply a solution!
Pheromones
Aphrodisiacs aren't the only way to increase attraction and sexual desire for sex. Pheromones are also important in attracting your significant other. We can even see their presence in certain aphrodisiacs like truffles!
Pheromones are chemicals that the human body releases to attract other individuals. If you have heard people say that sex has a smell, it's the pheromones that they're smelling. So, they're associated with sexual arousal, making perfumes with pheromones a must-try.
-Simply Sexy Pheromone Perfumes: These perfumes enhance your natural pheromones by blending with the pH of your skin
-Matchmaker Pheromones: The matchmaker line of perfumes and candles have different scents and pheromones to target the special someone you are trying to connect with
-Pure Instinct Pheromone Perfumes: With a wide range of choices, Pure Instincts perfumes work together with your own pheromones
Recreating the Sensation
Sometimes it's hard to get the real thing when it comes to aphrodisiacs. Truffles are expensive, and ginseng might be harder to find. Luckily, the smell and taste of certain foods can be replicated in the form of massage oils and lubricants. With natural aphrodisiacs, smell and taste are a big part of it, increasing arousal alongside the chemical makeup. So, strawberry flavored massage oil and vanilla flavored lubricant are worth your while.
Flavored Lubricants
-Cherry Vanilla Sliquid: Combining the flavors of two aphrodisiacs, cherry and vanilla, this flavored lube is sure to be a hit in the bedroom
-Jo Gelato Double Chocolate: While dairy may be off the table, chocolate gelato flavored lubricant isn't, making this an excellent choice for that double chocolatey flavor
-Wicked Aqua Birthday Cake: For more adventurous flavors, try this birthday cake flavored lubricant
Flavored Massage Oils
-Strawberry Edible Massage Oil: Strawberry massage oil helps to replicate that sensual strawberry flavor
-Warming Caramel Massage Oil: Sweet massage oils are great options, especially when they warm to increase your sensations
Conclusion
Aphrodisiacs come in all shapes and sizes but are still worthwhile in changing things up during sex. They are relatively easy to find in your local grocery store, making it a more accessible sexual enhancement. But, if the foods aren't your fancy, there are plenty of alternatives for both male and female enhancements that are just as effective. And even then, if you want another option, there are flavored lubricants and massage oils. Aphrodisiacs are for everyone!