Aphrodisiacs from Around the World

September 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Regardless of where you live in the world, the desire to increase and enhance the sexual appetite is universal. So it should come as no surprise that each corner of the globe has contributed to the vast selection of aphrodisiacs. In that light, the following is a list of some of the most popular aphrodisiacs from around the world.

1 Omuboro Omuboro is an aphrodisiac citrus root from Uganda. Because of its potency, Ugandan’s believe that this plant should be used only occasionally for short periods (3 days). Because of this slow-growing tree popularity, Uganda’s scientist are concerned about its disappearance. And if popularity is any indication of effectiveness, then omuboro must be great.

2 Yohimbe The ever popular yohimbe tree is a relative to the coffee tree found in West Africa and has been used for centuries for its aphrodisiactic properties. In fact, it has a compound that is sometimes used as an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction. However, this libido increasing plant may cause numerous side effects such as rapid heart beat, high blood pressure, over-stimulation and, worse case scenario, it can kill you, which brings new meaning to the phrase “loving you to death.”

3 Carpolobia Lutea The Carpolobia lutea tree is another native of Western Africa. In addition to its passion power, carpolobia lutea has been used for headaches, general pain and to stave of sleep due to fatigue. To release it’s aphrodisiac properties, this root is soaked in water for a week and ingested.

4 Kola Nut Kola nut is native to tropical rainforests of Africa and are valued for its healing qualities. It is also thought to reduce fatigue and hunger, and aid in digestion. As for its aphrodisiactic powers, Kola nuts are consumed by breaking them open and into pieces, then chewing the Kola nut pieces as one chews gum. Because it is also a potent stimulant, extracts of Kola nut are often found in energy drinks.

5 Spanish Fly Spanish fly is a beetle found in Spain. The dried and crushed body of the Spanish Fly beetle is regarded as a potent aphrodisiac. The belief that Spanish fly is a powerful aphrodisiac has been around for hundreds of years. The substance is believe to irritate the urogenital tract that produces an itching sensation in sensitive membranes, a feeling that allegedly increases a woman’s desire for intercourse.

6 Rhino Horn Rhino horn is commonly believed to have originated as an aphrodisiac in Chinese folk medicine. This is not true. However, some Indian dealers did consider it as an aphrodisiac, which is where it gained its popularity as a sexual potion. To enhance sexual prowess, it is typically taken with honey, cream or butter and taken twice a day.

7 Oysters As far back as second century Rome, oysters have been linked with sexuality. Many reasoned that this started because of its resemblance to female genitalia, the appearance that may create a psychological effect on the libido. Even though there is not scientific proof to support its aphrodisiactic properties, that hasn’t stopped pleasure seekers from consuming tons of oyster each year.

8 Ginger Ginger, believed to have originated in India, has a long reputation throughout Asia as a powerful aphrodisiac, dating back to as far as the first century A.D. In fact it is mentioned in the Kama Sultra as a means to maintain success in love. Known as a root to many, ginger is actually a rhizome, a horizontal stem of a plant that is usually found underground. As for it’s use, it is common practice to ingest the spice, as it warms the body, or to burn it, allowing you to take in its sexually stimulating aromatic scent.

9 Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo biloba has been used as medicine for over a thousand years. Once thought to be extinct, it is now known to be grown in small areas of Eastern China. As for its aphrodisiactic properties, in men, it improves the blood flow to erectile tissues through arteries and veins without any change to systemic blood pressure and is therefore considered to be extremely beneficial in the treatment of male impotence due to lack of blood flow.

10 Goji Berries Found in Asia, goji berries are known as a strong sexual tonic that can help female and male low libido. They increase testosterone levels, which stimulates libido in both men and women. They improve overall stamina, mood and well-being, all of which are vital for an optimum sex life. There is an ancient Chinese proverb that states “He who travels one thousand kilometers from home should not eat Goji!”

11 Rehmannia Rehmannia is a flowering plant found natively in China. It has long been prescribed as a sexual enhancer in traditional Chinese medicine. However, in a study, reported in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, findings showed that after 28 men were given a formula composed of rehmannia for 8 to 28 weeks, their sperm count increased along with sperm motility and ejaculate volume.

12 Epimedium Epimedium, also know as Horny Goat Weed, is a flowering plant found in large quantities in southern China. The story behind the origins of this aphrodisiac is that it was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed sexual activity in his flock after they ate the weed. If you want to try it out, this sexual enhancer can be found in tablet form in many local health food stores.

13 Cordyceps Cordyceps originated in China and is a fungus that is found to grown on insects. The type that is used in traditional Chinese medications is grown on a caterpillar. In this form, it can run a $1000 for a few hundred grams. Because of cultivation, however, it now is widely available at a much cheaper price. In China, cyordyceps extracts has been shown to increase testosterone in mice and and is also been shown to be effective in treating men suffering from impotence.

14 Cardamom Cardamom is native to India. It was rumored to have been grown in the royal hanging gardens of Babylon over 700 B.C., and was considered a powerful aphrodisiac in ancient love potions. Presently, powdered cardamom seeds, boiled with milk, is believe to produce a remedy against impotence and premature ejaculation when taken together with honey in the evening, according to traditional Indian herbal medicine. But be careful. An excessive use might lead to impotency.

15 Catuaba Catuaba is the name used for infusions, that is soaking of bark from trees found in Brazil. Catuaba is one of the most legendary male and female aphrodisiacs on the planet. It is known to enhance overall well-being and health, and to increase libido naturally. Catuaba is a one of the most potent female aphrodisiacs that can treat lack of sex drive and frigidity. And for men, catuaba is an amazingly powerful herb for treating erectile dysfunction in men. It is very popular with Brazilian couples.

16 Mannish Water Mannish water is a spicy Jamaican soup and is reportedly an aphrodisiac. Mannish water, sometimes called power water, is made from goats’ heads, garlic, scallions, cho-cho, green bananas, Scotch bonnet peppers and spinners. White rum is an optional ingredient. Often, men enjoy mannish water before drinking rum, but don’t look for it in any restaurants. It’s usually sold at roadside stands, along with roasted yam.

17 Irish Moss One of the most unusual drinks in the Caribbean is Irish Moss, made from a seaweed extract. Reported to be a health drink as well as an aphrodisiac, this drink is typically sold for the man. Luckily, you don’t have to go to the island to get one, as they are typically sold in any store that specializes in Caribbean food products.

18 Mamajuana Mamajuana is the name given to a wide variety of aphrodisiac liqueurs made in the Caribbean islands and along the coast of South America. Most blends of mamajuana are considered aphrodisiacs, although they are often used as general tonics, or for particular illnesses, including infections and cancers.

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