Ive never understood how sucking down a rock booger is supposed to make you, like, really horny. I get the intent whenever a guy invites me out for red wine and oysters, but the whole presentation (and my general aversion to seafood) is always a turn off. It does make you wonder, do aphrodisiacs work, and if so how do they trick our mind and bodies into peak arousal? Well, in a few different ways, in fact.
Aphrodisiacs have been studied forever, mention of aphrodisiacs has been found in texts from various ancient civilizations, including Hindu, Egyptian, Chinese, and Roman. In modern times, there have been many interesting studies on how aphrodisiacs may make subjects frisky. As Sally Fisher, MD, integrative medicine specialist and medical director atSunrise Springspoints out, searching aphrodisiacs in the virtualNational Library of Medicine returns 830 peer reviewed scientific studies. How plants or herbal products might effect the body or mind really varies based on the aphrodisiac.
Some examples of effects include increasing hormones like testosterone, or certain neurotransmitters in the brain, or dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow, or affecting molecules in the body such as, for example, nitric oxide, the molecule that Viagra affects, says Dr. Fisher.
And sometimes the studies just note that certain herbs make animals want to bang more. Basically, its complicated to deduce what will potently work on a person, although she has one herb in mind.
I tend to recommend Tribulus terrestris, used in folk medicine for hundreds of years, because of modern research on sexual function improvement in both women and men, but Id emphasize that Id approach this integratively, and if there is room for improvement, put lifestyle changes foremost, says Dr. Fisher.
Sexual health is complex and involves cognitive, neurochemical, hormonal, and genetic factors, she says. That means that, in part, shifting your overall diet might be what helps amp up your sexual wellness. Embracing a healthy diet might decrease the risk of sexual dysfunction in women, defined generally as more fruits and vegetables, and less refined grains, meat, sugar, fried food.
There is, as then might be expected, promising data on theMediterranean diet alleviating sexual dysfunction in women, says Dr. Fisher. Its helpful to think of the Mediterranean diet as a plant-based diet; other whole foods plant-based diets have not been formally researched but may be expected to have the same beneficial effect.
Opa! Okay but if you cant prioritize a full diet upheaval right now, are there good mood foods thatll make you like, really horny in one slurp? Yes and no. According to Brigitte Zeitlin, RD, and owner of BZ Nutrition in New York City, its hard to directly link food and sex drive. However, there are particular compounds within [certain] foods that can have a connection to certain hormones and sexual reactions, she says.
Among Zeitlins top picks are foods with red ginseng, fatty fish that increases your feel good dopamine hormones for a stronger orgasm, cayenne pepper, and maca.
[Maca] root has been linked to boosting those frisky feelings and has shown to be a helpful fertility food as well by multiple studies, says Zeitlin. One study actually found that maca improved sex driveon people taking certain medications where the side effect was decrease of sex drive; think anti-depressants, hair-loss meds, anti-anxiety meds.
If youre truly about to make a quick bodega run before a potential boink fest (weve all been there) Zeitlin has a good power combo in mind.
Dark chocolate, 70 percent or higher, contains compounds that actually boost the release of feel-good hormones getting you more in the mood for some togetherness and even more feel-good hormones, says Zeitlin. Pair it with some dried apricots for extra pro-longed sexy energy, as the amino acids in apricots can trigger more stamina.
As for oysters, well, theyre rich in zinc, which supposedly to help with erectile dysfunction, so that means Im off the hook forever. Like anything, utilizing a so-called aphrodisiac feels like a personal journey with room to experiment. Our recommendation? Grab a hottie or your favorite vibratorand conduct some research yourself.
If youre looking for other ways to boost your sex drive naturally, we have a few recommendations. And learning about spontaneous and responsive desire might help you get turned on.
See original here:
Do aphrodisiacs actually work? Trying to have better sex over here - Well+Good
- 001 Turmeric and Amla Health Remedies [Last Updated On: April 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2010]
- 002 Turmeric and Amla Health Remedies [Last Updated On: April 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2010]
- 003 Sunlight May Help Protect Men From Kidney Cancer [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2010]
- 004 Sunlight May Help Protect Men From Kidney Cancer [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2010]
- 005 Weak Kidneys Cause Weak Bones [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2010]
- 006 Weak Kidneys Cause Weak Bones [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2010]
- 007 High Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- 008 High Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- 009 Beetroot Juice May Boost Stamina [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2010]
- 010 Beetroot Juice May Boost Stamina [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2010]
- 011 Health care reform bill dooms America to Pharma-dominated sickness and suffering [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2010]
- 012 Health care reform bill dooms America to Pharma-dominated sickness and suffering [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2010]
- 013 Baking soda can clean your teeth, clear your complexion [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2010]
- 014 Baking soda can clean your teeth, clear your complexion [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2010]
- 015 Preventing Heart Disease [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2010]
- 016 Aspirin May Increase Risk of Crohn's Disease [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- 017 Aspirin May Increase Risk of Crohn's Disease [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- 018 Sweet and Natural? [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 019 Vinpocetine shows promise for chronic inflammation [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 020 Acupuncture May Trigger Natural Painkiller [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 021 Neurological and Immune Reactive Conditions Affecting Kids [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 022 A not so rare but frequently disregarded Metabolic Disorder - Pyrroluria [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 023 McDonald's threatened with lawsuit over toys in Happy Meals [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 024 Vinpocetine shows promise for chronic inflammation [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 025 Neurological and Immune Reactive Conditions Affecting Kids [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 026 Acupuncture May Trigger Natural Painkiller [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 027 A not so rare but frequently disregarded Metabolic Disorder - Pyrroluria [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 028 Brown rice and other whole grains can prevent type 2 diabetes [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2010]
- 029 Brown rice and other whole grains can prevent type 2 diabetes [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2010]
- 030 GHC's Dr. Ed Group joins Natural News Talk Hour [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2010]
- 031 GHC's Dr. Ed Group joins Natural News Talk Hour [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2010]
- 032 Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2010]
- 033 Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2010]
- 034 Molecule Discovery Might Help ALS Patients [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2010]
- 035 Molecule Discovery Might Help ALS Patients [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2010]
- 036 Hydrogen Peroxide Cures Disease [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2010]
- 037 Hydrogen Peroxide Cures Disease [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2010]
- 038 Eating meat may cause severe allergic reactions in some people [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 039 Positive Brain Changes Seen After Body-Mind Meditation [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 040 Bacteria May Predict Chances of Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 041 Herbs Help Treat Diabetes: Bilberry, Gymnema, Ginkgo and Salt Bush [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 042 How People With Type 2 Diabetes Can Lose Weight, Keep It Off: Study [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 043 Eating meat may cause severe allergic reactions in some people [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 044 Positive Brain Changes Seen After Body-Mind Meditation [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 045 Colloidal silver to boost immunity and overall health [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 046 Bacteria May Predict Chances of Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 047 Herbs Help Treat Diabetes: Bilberry, Gymnema, Ginkgo and Salt Bush [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 048 How People With Type 2 Diabetes Can Lose Weight, Keep It Off: Study [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 049 Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2010]
- 050 Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2010]
- 051 Experimental Treatment Could Fight Muscular Dystrophy [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2010]
- 052 Western medicine teams up.. [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 053 Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 054 Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 055 Experimental Treatment Could Fight Muscular Dystrophy [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 056 Western medicine teams up.. [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 057 Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 058 Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 059 Amino acids are latest in growing list of nutrients shown to extend life span [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2010]
- 060 Vitamins and Good Sense [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2010]
- 061 Malpractice Fears Can Influence Medical Practice [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2010]
- 062 Liver diseases identified as Europes silent killers [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2010]
- 063 Dangerous Fungus Now Endemic in Pacific Northwest: CDC [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2010]
- 064 Tobacco firms bypass marketing restrictions with clever web campaigns [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2010]
- 065 Dying cancer patients subjected to expensive, meaningless cancer screening tests [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2010]
- 066 Vitamin B6 Cuts Colon Cancer Risk [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2010]
- 067 Drink your sleep troubles away: tart cherry juice helps beat insomnia [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2011]
- 068 Mercury-Caused Endocrine Conditions Causing Widespread Adverse Health Effects [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2011]
- 069 The downfall of science and the rise of intellectual tyranny [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2011]
- 070 Woman finds cancer cure in dairy-free diet based on anti-cancer plants [Last Updated On: February 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 3rd, 2011]
- 071 Drink your sleep troubles away: tart cherry juice helps beat insomnia [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 072 Mercury-Caused Endocrine Conditions Causing Widespread Adverse Health Effects [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 073 The downfall of science and the rise of intellectual tyranny [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 074 Woman finds cancer cure in dairy-free diet based on anti-cancer plants [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 075 Alcohol more dangerous than cocaine or heroin [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 076 Toxic chemical carcinogen found in water supplies nationwide [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 077 Toxic chemical carcinogen found in water supplies nationwide [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 078 Alcohol more dangerous than cocaine or heroin [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 079 Salt increases heart attack and stroke risk, even if blood pressure is normal [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2011]
- 080 Salt increases heart attack and stroke risk, even if blood pressure is normal [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2011]