{"id":229779,"date":"2019-09-08T06:30:54","date_gmt":"2019-09-08T13:30:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/?p=229779"},"modified":"2021-10-06T18:46:55","modified_gmt":"2021-10-07T01:46:55","slug":"natural-aphrodisiacs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/lifestyle\/natural-aphrodisiacs\/","title":{"rendered":"Yes, Natural Aphrodisiacs are Really a Thing! 4 Herbs that Can Boost Your Sex Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"back
Image via @ehstephanyy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You’ve probably heard of natural aphrodisiacs, a class of foods and herbs purported to boost libido and increase sexual desire. But do they actually work? Well, that depends.<\/span><\/p>\n

Certain foods have been lauded as aphrodisiacs for centuries, thanks to their suggestive shape (think: figs, papaya\u2026peach emoji, anyone?), or just by association (strawberries<\/a> and chocolate<\/a> have long been synonymous with February 14). And while there is some verity to why oysters are considered an aphrodisiac\u2014most likely due to their being high in zinc, which is helpful for sexual hormone production–slurping down a half-dozen doesn\u2019t totally guarantee you\u2019ll be in the mood for sexytime in 20 minutes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, research <\/span>has<\/span><\/i> shown that the placebo effect of eating aphrodisiac foods might outweigh the actual physiologic effects. Basically, just the simple idea that you\u2019re eating something that\u2019s supposed to get you in the mood can actually trick your brain into thinking you\u2019re ready for sex. Natural aphrodisiacs are biologically supposed to work by stimulating more blood flow to the sex organs, but your brain can naturally do this, too, with a little encouragement. So go ahead, nosh those figs drizzled in olive oil or strawberries dipped in chocolate to your heart\u2019s content.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"chocolate
Image via Christina Evert<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In my nutrition practice, I\u2019m always searching for the root cause of imbalance, illness or disease. If a client complains of low libido, I do my best digging to figure out what\u2019s at the core of the issue. Is it a hormonal imbalance? Too much stress? Lack of self-care<\/a>? In most cases, it\u2019s usually a mix of all three (blame it on our busy-glorifying culture). That\u2019s where herbal medicines come in.<\/span><\/p>\n

These ancient herbal remedies are tried-and-tested natural aphrodisiacs that have been passed down from traditional medicine for centuries. They often work by supporting a healthy hormone balance, and yes, increasing blood flow to your sexy bits to help you feel more grounded and *in* your body. They also may help relax the mind to get you into that blissed-out state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But it\u2019s crucial to note that while herbal aphrodisiacs do work, they aren\u2019t miracle workers. If you\u2019re in an acute state of high stress, they\u2019re not going to bring you down ASAP. Think of them as gentle mood-enhancers, not mood-changers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few of my favorite herbal formulas to bring on the l-o-v-e.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Shatavari<\/h2>\n
\"moon
Image via Moon Juice<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A primary adaptogenic herb known for supporting the female hormones, shatavari is revered in Ayurveda, or traditional Indian medicine, where the name means \u201cShe Who Possesses 100 Husbands.\u201d Research studies have discovered that it is a powerful aphrodisiac, overall female tonic and helps fight <\/span>stress and burnout<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shop It:<\/strong> Moon Juice Sex Dust<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Reishi<\/h2>\n
\"four
Image via Four Sigmatic<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An adaptogenic mushroom known for its supportive actions on the brain and immune system, <\/span>animal studies<\/span><\/a> using reishi have also displayed its aphrodisiac qualities. In traditional medicine, reishi is used for maintaining balance and helping the body become more resilient to stress<\/a> over time. It (luckily) tastes like deep, smoky chocolate and is best when mixed with, you guessed it: chocolate. <\/span><\/p>\n

Shop It: <\/strong>Mushroom Hot Cacao With Reishi<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Maca<\/h2>\n
\"maca
Image via Moon Juice<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another well-known hormone balancer, maca hails from Latin America, where it\u2019s prized for its fertility-boosting abilities. It\u2019s also known to supercharge your sex drive and <\/span>improve sexual function<\/span><\/a> in both men and women. A cruciferous root vegetable, maca tastes fairly neutral and is easily blended into smoothies<\/a> and soups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shop It:<\/strong> Moon Juice Maca<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Damiana<\/h2>\n
\"damiana
Image via La Abeja Herbs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A potent plant with powerful aphrodisiac effects, a dose of the extract of this herb can help you feel mega-relaxed and blissful–and definitely in the mood. Native to Texas and Mexico, damiana was actually used in the first formulations of Coca Cola. Add a dropperful to an herbal elixir with vanilla, cinnamon, and coffee<\/a> and sip slowly. <\/span><\/p>\n

Shop It: <\/strong>La Abeja Herbs Damiana Sensual Tincture<\/a><\/p>\n

Have a wellness question for Jessica? Ask in the comments!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jessica Waller is a clinical nutritionist and health and wellness writer with a passion for science-backed self-care. She\u2019s always on the lookout for healthyish comfort-food recipes, statement shoes, and new wellness trends to obsess over (earthing, anyone?). Find her most recent musings on nutrition and self-care at\u00a0<\/span><\/i>WELLTRIBE<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You’ve probably heard of natural aphrodisiacs, a class of foods and herbs purported to boost libido and increase sexual desire. But do they actually work? Well, that depends. Certain foods have been lauded as aphrodisiacs for centuries, thanks to their suggestive shape (think: figs, papaya\u2026peach emoji, anyone?), or just by association (strawberries and chocolate have… Read more »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":124,"featured_media":229792,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42077],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-229779","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nYes, Natural Aphrodisiacs are Really a Thing! 4 Herbs that Can Boost Your Sex Drive - Lulus.com Fashion Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"These ancient remedies are tried-and-tested natural aphrodisiacs that have been passed down from traditional medicine for centuries. 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