Do Aphrodisiacs Really Work?

An aphrodisiac is a food, herb or drug that arouses sexual desire. The word comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and since ancient times people have been searching for ways to enhance their sex lives. But other than medical intervention like Viagra which improves sexual performance, is there any scientific evidence to show conclusively that aphrodisiacs work? 

For some people getting “in the mood” can be as easy as downloading a “music to fuck to” playlist, popping the champagne and consuming a dozen oysters. But is a trip to Sydney Fish Markets really needed before your epic hook up this weekend or is it simply mind over matter? We look at foods which claim to be aphrodisiacs and reveal what researchers have found. 

Science tells us these foods may increase sexual desire:

Chillis: they contain capsaicin which causes increased heart rate, and blood flow similar to what you would experience with sexual arousal. 
Maca: nicknamed Peru’s natural Viagra and commonly used in South America to boost fertility. Some studies suggest it may increase libido.
Red ginseng: a small study found it may improve sexual arousal during menopause and it’s more effective than a placebo at improving erectile dysfunction. 
Fenugreek: used in Ayurvedic medicine to boost libido and does in fact appear to contain compounds which your body can use to make sex hormones. 
Pistachio nuts: because they can improve blood cholesterol and lower blood pressure, they may help reduce the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. 
Saffron: improvements have been observed in study groups looking at depression and sexual function but studies of individuals without depression are inconsistent.  
Celery: contains small amounts of androstenone, which is a male pheromone contained in fresh sweat that women can find attractive in men. The compound is also found in truffles and boar’s saliva. We’ll stick with celery. 

A lot of our research revealed foods which we’ve talked about in previous articles to improve your overall physical or mental health which, in turn, can improve your sexual performance. But we’re not talking about an instant result, it’s a case of healthy body, healthy sex life. 

Make sure you check out our articles 10 Best Foods to Boost Your Sex Life, 7 Simple Health Tips for Stronger Erections, and According to Science Vegans have Better Sex.

There are also a number of herbal aphrodisiacs which are summarised in this 2013 study in relation to libido and erectile dysfunction.

Science has debunked these aphrodisiacs: 

Oysters: Casanova reportedly ate oysters for breakfast to maintain his virility. But studies have found horny rats yes, horny humans not so much. It’s thought that the oyster’s resemblance to female genitals may be why they gained their reputation. They do contain zinc which is essential to the production of testosterone. 
Champagne: unfortunately there’s no science behind the bubbles - it might help you relax and get in the mood but too much and it can reduce both sexual arousal and function. 
Chocolate: mostly just delicious and unfortunately it won’t increase your sexual desire but the compounds of cacao (found in dark chocolate) do have health benefits.
Honey: despite couples drinking fermented honey after being married - which is the reason for the name “honeymoon” - there is no scientific evidence.
Gingko Biloba: used by traditional Chinese medicine, a small study found it “might” reduce the loss of libido caused by some antidepressants. Other studies found no correlation.

Some obscure aphrodisiacs from around the world (which also don’t work):

Rhino horn: this has sadly been the catalyst for the black rhino being close to extinction in Africa. Used for centuries in China and India it is illegal. 
Tiger penis: coveted as being incredibly powerful it was typically served in soup but is also now banned. 
Cobra blood: part of the appeal of this Cantonese tradition is apparently the risk involved in trying to catch the snake without being bitten and hundreds of horny Chinese apparently die trying. 
Balut: found in the Philippines and some other parts of Asia - you basically drink the liquid from a duck egg which contains a foetus.
Skinks: this little critter rose to frame in ancient Greece and is credited for making the eater irresistible.
Bird’s Nest Soup: prized for its aphrodisiac qualities for centuries in China it’s not your typical can of Heinz and can cost up to $100 per serve. 
Spanish Fly: the Marquis de Sade apparently used the secretions of the European blister beetle called cantharidin which causes irritation and swelling in preparation for his exploits. To be honest it just sounds painful. 
Piranha stew: Caldo de piranha is a traditional Brazilian soup believed to boost men’s virility and strength. 
Wolves: the meat is popular in Mongolia and the Philippines and anyone who watched True Blood knows that wolves are undeniably sexy, but I prefer mine with a six pack.
Fugu: this poisonous blow fish is prized in Japan for its aphrodisiac qualities and chefs require a special licence to prepare it. Apparently the sake-soaked testicles are the ultimate prize.
Baboon urine: hmm ladies, keep your lover faithful by mixing some baboon urine with soil and sprinkling it on your vagina. Nah, we’ll pass. 
Ambrein: is the alcohol content of ambergris which is commonly used in perfume, and is a secretion from the digestive tract of sperm whales. It’s rumoured that Marie Antoinette would add ambergris to her hot chocolate. Scientists did find in one study an increase in rat’s sexual activity. 
Casu Marzu: is a rotting cheese which the Sardinians swear by but be warned it contains live maggots and is banned in many places around the world. Also banned in my kitchen.
Cow Sod soup: doesn’t sound so bad and is a Jamaican dish but hang on, it’s bull penis broth. Ok so it is bad. 

Some bizarre aphrodisiacs throughout history:

• The Romans sometimes drank the semen of young men believing it would transfer “youthful virility”.
• Ancient Egyptians smeared a crocodile heart mixture on the penis.
• A Greek philosopher claimed mandrake root increased potency because it looks like female genitals.
• The ancient Chinese ate the sexual organs of animals.
• Lettuce was considered highly lascivious to ancient Egyptians whilst the Romans and Greeks neutralised it's potency with rocket.
• In ancient India, practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine recommended cannabis which was also believed to be a powerful sexual stimulant in Hindu tantric traditions.
• In Colombia leaf cutter ants have been used for over 500 years.
• Whilst drinking wine in which a mullet fish had drowned, sipping male urine in which a lizard had expired, linament with mouse dung were all said to take away desire.

Our advice is simple, if oysters and champagne get you in the mood then that’s fantastic! After all sexual arousal is a very individual thing. It’s like having a fetish where the proximity to something turns you on. If you associate something with sex such as oysters, then the taste or smell becomes linked with sex – in other words your own personalised aphrodisiac. It’s similar to a placebo effect. So basically anything can be an aphrodisiac if you treat it as one. 

4 comments

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• 

  newiebadboy

  More than a month ago

  Crikey, such a limited array of aphrodisiac options.

  Reply
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  Underwaterlove3

  More than a month ago

  Tongkat Ali is very effective for male libido.

  Reply
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  Beachbunn

  More than a month ago

  I think a lot of it is in the mind. It's how you think about sex, with who and the enjoyment of it..

  Reply
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  chastitybeltkey

  More than a month ago

  forget about the food...my moviestar looks and smile are the ultimate aphrodisiac !!

  Reply