(Preparations with plants to increase sexual desire)

The primary role of herbal medicine to treat lack of sexual desire be to use those plants whose purpose will result in:

- Plants with aphrodisiac properties.

- Helping to overcome emotional problems, reassuring the couple.

- Plants that make sex more enjoyable


Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Fenugreek grains are an ingredient in many aphrodisiac preparations to increase libido. Scientific studies have demonstrated the aphrodisiac power of fenugreek extract in males (specifically, a preparation called Testofen). Supplementation with 600mg. of Testofen for 6 weeks resulted in a significant increase in sexual arousal in these individuals.

Fenugreek extract can be helpful for people with erectile dysfunction. It increases estrogen production which is particularly useful in menopause. (Decoction half teaspoon of seeds in 1 liter of water. Drink a glass at night)

Acai: (Euterpe oleracea) The aphrodisiac effects of acai are also among its popular qualities. The truth is that there is no scientific study to corroborate their properties to increase libido and to improve erectile dysfunction, some of the virtues typically announced for acai.

Although acai fruit is a fruit with lot of zinc, an antioxidant mineral which is important for the sex cells, it appears that the potential aphrodisiac is due to the mixture of acai with guarana, a typical Brazilian recipe called Açaí na tigela. Still, there must be more positive studies in this field to claim the acai aphrodisiac properties.

Guarana: (Paullinia cupana)The effects of caffeine in guarana are manifested both neurologically and sexually, so, guarana plant has been being used as an aphrodisiac to increase libido or lack of sexual appetite.

Fennel: (Foeniculun vulgare) (10 gr. Decoction of the root. Take 3 cups a day) (Maceration of the plant in wine for 15 days. A cup before bedtime)

Photography of fennel
Photography of fennel

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is attributed with aphrodisiac properties, being appropriate to incentivize the sexual appetite. As aphrodisiac it was used in the Middle Ages. Besides cilantro, with cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) it was was carried out a drink, called " Hipocras " that was used in the weddings.

This same drink was imported to Europe by the members of the crusades and, later on, exported to many nations of South America, but it was banned because it stimulated the libido too much."

It is carried out macerating during a couple of months in a liter of liquor the fruits of the plants previously seen. Besides,one can add 3 or 4 sweet dry almonds and some sugar. (Drink a little cup after meals)


Photography of fennel

A drawing of maca

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) to increase fertility and because of its aphrodisiac qualities is perhaps the most popular and traditional of this plant. Used for this purpose by the Incas since ancient times, maca was a magical plant that appeared in sacred rituals for the prosperity of peoples.

Also known as Peruvian Viagra, Maca is used to treat impotence or erectile dysfunction, to increase fertility and to remedy the lack of libido or sexual desire.

The active components responsible for these effects are macamides. The macamides or maca alkaloids are components that act in the hypothalamus and adrenal glands, regulating hormone levels and having a positive effect in increasing energy and virility. Dr. Chacon says that maca has suitable properties for the cardiovascular system and can increase blood flow to the pelvic area, so that they stimulate potency.

In addition, maca hypocotyl or root is a rich reserve of minerals such as copper, a mineral important for fertility, and zinc, mineral constituent of the sex hormones.

Modern studies and the tradition of its use confirm the remarkable qualities of maca for fertility and aphrodisiac for both, men and women:

  • Increases sexual desire or libido and enhances virility.

  • Improves sperm production and motility of sperm. In both humans and animals, maca improves the quantity and quality of sperm.

  • It is an effective remedy for people with impotence. Scientific studies support that people with sexual impotence improve their symptoms with maca supplementation.

  • Stimulates the production of sperm, even at high altitudes. Maca is a plant that grows at high altitudes (up to 4,500 meters) and has been used since ancient times to avoid inhibition of spermatogenesis produced by staying at high places. For this reason, maca was part of the rituals for the prosperity of people.

  • Increase female fertility. Maca is also a suitable plant to improve fertility in women.

(1.5 g. maca daily, divided into 3 doses of 0.5 g., during a period of 30 days)

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum (Miller) A. W. Hill) It increases estrogen production which is particularly useful in menopause. (Soak for 45 minutes a couple of glasses of parsley in a quart of boiling water. Turn off heat and let stand one hour. Drink a glass before intercourse) For contraindications, see the complete information about this plant.

Parsley leaves
Parsley leaves


Oats (Avena sativa) It has very powerful energy which makes it suitable for the treatment of a lack of libido in people who work hard, who are tired at night and have little appetite for making love, or who tire easily during sex. (Boil in a saucepan a cup of hot water with 3 tablespoons of oatmeal. When ready, add 1 tablespoon of honey and a pinch of cinnamon. Perform once or twice daily in the morning and evening) This same preparation can be made using barley instead of oats.

Leek (Allium ampeloprasum) is rich in manganese, which can help increasing sexual desire.

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) Infusion of a handful of leaves per cup of water. One cup in the evening. (Sprinkle the meat with savory powder) (Decoction of three tablespoons of seeds in one liter of water. Allow to cool and have massages in the lower back)

Common Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) (Root maceration in alcohol for ten days. 20 drops per day divided into 3 doses for a month and a half, rest for four days every three weeks.) (Dangerous during pregnancy or breastfeeding).

Cola nut : (Cola nitida) it contains stimulants such as caffeine alkaloids. (Infusion of a spoonful of dry powder per liter of water. Take three small glasses a day.(Do not prolong treatment beyond six weeks. Avoid use with heart problems or hypertension)

Damiana (Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca) (Decoction leaves for 5 minutes in 1 liter of water. Take three cups a day for 7 days). (Avoid use during pregnancy, nervousness, heart or stomachproblems)

Anise: (Pimpinella anisum) (An evening glass of the infusion of one teaspoon of crushed seeds in a liter of water) (Do not exceed the dose or take for too long, it may cause side effects)

Round-Leaved Mint (Mentha rotundifolia)(Infusion of a spoonful of dried flowering tops per cup of water. Take three glasses a day before meal for 1 month)


Photography of cinnamon
Photography of cinnamon

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is considered one of the best aphrodisiacs, which can stimulate sexual desire and increase libido. Cinnamon is recommended in case of erection problems caused by too much sex. (Infusion of half teaspoon of cinnamon crushed a glass of water. Take two glasses a day, after breakfast and after dinner. Perform this treatment for 15 days, three days rest, and follow with 15 days.)

A treatment less demanding and easier to carry out consists of sprinkling foods with just a little bit of cinnamon. The scent that produces this spice produces a greater accumulation of blood in the penis which facilitates the erection.

Another resource consists of using mixtures of different aphrodisiac plants with the cinnamon. Among the many mixed preparations made with this plant we can mention the following:

  • Mixed decoction of cinnamon and ginger: Make a decoction for 5 minutes in a liter of water with a teaspoon of cinnamon with a tablespoon of crushed ginger. Remove from heat and let stand for fifteen minutes. Add 5 tablespoons of honey. Drink a glass per day split into two shots, after breakfast and after dinner. Drinking for a month, rest and repeat 15 days a month.

  • Wine of cinnamon and fennel: Marinate for 10 days a couple tablespoons of cinnamon blend with a couple tablespoons of fennel fruits in a liter of white wine. Filter the liquid and place in a jar. Drink a glass a day after breakfast. Drink for 15 days, four days rest and repeat 15 days.

  • Decoction of cinnamon and mint: Decoction 5 minutes a teaspoon of cinnamon with a tablespoon of chopped mint donkey. Let stand for half an hour and add 6 tablespoons of honey. Drink a glass a day divided into two doses, one after breakfast and one at night.

Balm (Melissa officinalis) is considered a good aphrodisiac to increase sexual desire in women. Ingestion of this plant can help overcome female frigidity, increasing desire on the part of women in sex. (Infusion of a teaspoon per cup of water for 15 minutes. 3 or 4 cups a day between meals)

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens): It is said, though not it has not been proved, that saw palmetto has aphrodisiac properties both for its ability to stimulate male hormones as well as its ability to reduce anxiety or stress that is often a reason for the lack of sexual desire.

Cloves: (Eugenia Caryophyllata) It is a remedy widely used especially in Oriental countries to stimulate the libido, especially for women who have lost sexual desire due to reasons nervous or eating disorders. Another use is considered desirable in men when there are problems of erection or premature ejaculation.

Cloves are used in combination with other aphrodisiac plants such as ginger and cinnamon. Among the many mixed preparations made with this plant we can mention the following maceration with cinnamon, ginger and cloves: In a liter of sherry, put a couple of tablespoons of fresh ginger, two tablespoons of cloves and a spoonful of cinnamon branch. Let it macerete for 15 days. Once done, drain and put the liquid in a bottle. Drink a small glass every day before brakfast; do it 60 times, taking a 30-day break in the middle of the treatment.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragans) Nutmeg is considered in some regions of Latin America as a powerful aphrodisiac. It is used primarily to increase the sexual desire of women, especially as they get older and when they are affected by the negative symptoms of menopause or when the lack of sexual desire has a psychological origin.

Although it can also be used for men, it is believed that its effects are most pronounced in women. (Take nutmeg powder with a little honey before bedtime. Maintain treatment for 20 days. To return to resume, stopping for 7 days) (Mix a pinch of nutmeg with a pinch of cinnamon and diluted in a glass of water. Drink a glass of morning and evening for 15 days. Stop taking it for 3 days before restarting therapy) (Plant with proven toxicity. See full study)

nutmeg seed

Celery (Apium graveolens): it has been considered a very suitable food for the proper maintenance of sexual relations. It is considered a good aphrodisiac, increasing sexual desire and facilitating the erection of the penis. The easiest way to get these properties is to eat raw celery in salads.

Panax Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Traditionally, ginseng has been considered as one of the best aphrodisiacs. Many years ago some Eastern cultures took concoctions that contained this plant to increase sexual desire and enhance sexual intercourse.

Studies carried out today have shown that ingestion of ginseng root leads to increase sexual potency because it provides a better blood supply to the penis. This property can alleviate the problem of impotence and flaccidity. It has also been seen it improves sexual desire and helps to establish a more pleasurable sexual relationship.

(Decoction of 10% of the dried root. A glass a day half hour before sexual intercourse) (10-minute infusion of half a teaspoon of dried root per cup of water. Take two cups a day) (Eat fresh rood in salads or in the soup. Do not exceed two grams daily)

Used as a traditional remedy to increase sperm production capacity, facilitating the erection male. It also appears that increases female libido (prepared tablets or tonics with this component.) Given the many contraindications for this plant, especially if you have heart problems, high blood pressure or stomach problems during pregnancy, consult a specialist.

It appears that its impact is most noticeable in combination with a derivative of yohimbine (Pausinystalia yohimbe), a plant that increases blood flow to the penis and the clitoris. (Because of its many contra consult your doctor before taking this component)

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

Vainilla: (Vanilla planifolia) (maceration for 25 days, 8 dry pods in one liter of alcoholic beverage. Take 15 drops a day spread over three daily doses) (Avoid use during pregnancy, nervousness, heart or stomach problems)

Sarsaparrilla (Smilax officinalis) and liquorice (Glycyrrhyza glabra): Both plants have been used traditionally to increase sexual desire. Natives use it to increase libido, especially in people with obesity. Make a decoction mixed with currant and licorice for a treatment that will be held for a month. (Decoction for 10 minutes a mixture of two tablespoons of Licorice root and two tablespoons sarsaparilla root per liter of water. Drink a glass a day divided into two doses before two main meals. Do not take in case of hypertension)

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L): In cases of impotence or premature ejaculation an effective remedy consists on cakes made with chickpea flour, mixed with dates and milk powder.

Strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.): The strawberry aphrodisiac power is conferred by its richness in arginine and its revitalizing values for the body in general. Eating a strawberries can be interesting to increase the lack of sexual desire.

Rocket or arugula (Eruca vesicaria Cav.): Ancient poets like Ovid spoke of the rocket as an aphrodisiac remedy, such as the following epithet about Hierba Salax (= luxuriant grass), which Columella says: "El qux frugifera seritur vicina Priapo; Excitat ad venerem tardos Eruca sativa."

Indeed, the rocket was a plant devoted to Priapus, the god of fertility in Greek mythology, and identified with the god in Italy Tutinus Mutinus, Roman divinity. Its consumption was advised for those who dreamt with the entry of Venus, ancient texts say.

A famous fourth-century Roman physician, Marecellus Empiricus, author of a form with numerous and stravagant remedies (De Medicamentis Empiricis, Physicis, et Rationabilibus), prescribed an expensive medicinal preparation based on rocket for those with impotence.

It is considered that the aphrodisiac power of the rocket lies its high content of tryptophan, an amino acid precursor of the hormone serotonin, involved in a state of bliss and tranquility.

Raisins (Vitis vinifera): In many countries, raisins are considered aphrodisiac. Besides their energizing properties, raisins contain high doses of arginine, an amino acid that has been associated with increased sexual libido, to treat infertility and impotence. In ancient Egypt, an aphrodisiac remedy was prepared with honey and raisins.

Hops (Humulus lupulus) are valid for certain alterations in sex. This plant has suitable properties to increase estrogen or female hormones. This means that it should be used with caution by men who wish to maintain a very continuous sexual activity since this plant has anaphrodisiac properties, that is to say, to calm or reduce sexual desire. However, this property may be very interesting to treat some disorders related to sexual activity both in men and women:

  • Excessive sexual desire in men: Hops may be useful in cases of sex addiction. Its use helps to calm excessive sexual desire in men, which is known as satyriasis. This sex drive lowering effect can be helpful to prevent spermatorrhea or involuntary release of semen outside of intercourse that usually occurs in wet dreams. (Infusion of a spoonful of dried female flowers of hops in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Take a cup before bedtime)

  • Lack of sexual desire in women: On the other hand, this plant has some principles with similar properties to estrogens or female hormones that can be used to arouse sexual desire in women. (Infusion of a spoonful of dried female flowers of hops in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Have a cup half an hour before bedtime or before beginning sexual relations)

  • Premature ejaculation: premature ejaculation, in most cases, responds to an emotional component. The use of this plant can help overcome nervousness and insecurity that, in many cases, are responsible for unwanted ejaculations. (A glass of the previous infusion one hour before the sexual encounter can help prevent premature ejaculation, prolonging sexual intercourse)

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum): In Middle East they use to prepare a mixture with cumin (50g.), black pepper (50g.) and honey (500ml) which is attributed with aphrodisiac properties.

Serotonin as a sexual aphrodisiac

Serotonin also plays an important role in couples sexual activity, acting as a stimulant. Its increase supposes a higher sexual desire and an injection of well-being after the occurrence of orgasm.

Serotonin levels in the body increases with the presence of higher levels of sunlight, which coincides in seasons as spring and summer in which sexual desire is usually higher.

On the contrary, a lack of serotonin may be responsible for the decrease in sexual desire, something that also occurs naturally in times of reduced availability of sunlight, such as in the seasons of autumn and winter.


Wild yam: (Dioscorea villosa) Softens the vagina, allowing better penetration (Beat the pulp of the fruit, add a little Vaseline and spread in the vagina)

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) Increases the libido (decoction of three tablespoons of seeds in one liter of water. Allow to cool and have massages in the lower back)

Essential oils of stimulant plants: The use of essential oil for massages before sex helps to relieve tension and reduces stress, allowing greater communication between partners and increases sexual desire. Among others, we can use the following plants: roses, rose hips, peppermint, ylang-ylang, jasmine, sandalwood, orange blossom, lavender or clary sage.

More information about aphrodisiacs in the listing above.

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