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Natural Aphrodisiacs
by Aquarian
Free Podcast from Whole Foods
Medicinal Plants to Enhance Your Sex Life
Aphrodisiacs! The word itself can send a tingle of anticipation
down your spine. Throughout the ages almost every culture has used various
`substances', usually herbal in origin, to put some zip into their love lives or in
an attempt to cure the impotent. The types of preparation employed as aphrodisiacs
ranged from the useless (except perhaps for their psychological effects) to the
extremely dangerous, some being toxic enough to cause death! However, leaving those
dangers behind....
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There were four main types of herbal
substances used as aphrodisiacs. The first and most dangerous was the narcotic, used
to intoxicate the user's object of desire, thereby rendering them incapable to
resist an unwanted sexual advance. These aren't real aphrodisiacs obviously, just a
way of weakening another person's will. These substances are extremely dangerous in
even slight doses and are now justifiably illegal in most parts of the world.
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The second type were substances that would
irritate the mucous membrane of the genitalia, hopefully producing a warm, itching
feeling similar to sexual arousal. Unfortunately, what often happens is that the
genitalia become inflamed, causing permanent damage. The prospect of kidney problems
and other unpleasant side-effects is also high. One commonly used
substance was called "Spanish Fly". This type of so-called aphrodisiac
is best left alone. |
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The next group of substances used as
aphrodisiacs were herbs that alleviated medical disorders that interfered with
normal sexual function. Any herb that helped to alleviate the symptoms of a variety
of genito-urinary tract infections, or that supplied badly needed vitamins or
minerals that were lacking in the diet, could be considered as aphrodisiac, as they
would allow a person with previous physical problems to function normally.
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An example is Ephedra nevadensis which has
been used as a remedy for kidney, bladder and urinary problems and as an
aphrodisiac. (Unfortunately, due to abuse of this substance by people with
no common sense, it is not longer available to American herbalists; as it
has been made illegal in the US.) In some parts of the world Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is considered to
be aphrodisiac. Kelp is rich in many vitamins and minerals, among them iodine,
necessary for the proper function of the thyroid gland. Lack of iodine can result in
excessive physical fatigue and a lowered sex drive.
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The fourth type of herbal aphrodisiac is the
one that seems to have the effect of directly increasing sexual desire and prowess,
even increasing the intensity of the sensations felt during orgasm. After some
extensive research and experimentation the two herbs that seem to produce the best
results in this regard are Kava Kava root and
Damiana leaves.
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Kava Kava is obtained from the shrub Piper
methysticum, which is native to the Polynesian Islands, It has been used by the
Islanders as a religious and visionary herb and aphrodisiac for most of their
history. Since none of the active ingredients of Kava Kava are water soluble, the
natives would pre-chew the roots and then blend this saliva/root mixture with
coconut milk. The resulting liquid was then fermented to produce a potent beverage
that was used for important rituals. The effect of the drink is to relax spinal
activity, producing an euphoric state of relaxation but without impairing mental
activity. Some subjects also experience a tingling feeling in the genitalia,
producing all the ingredients for an interesting sexual experience.
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KAVA DRINK: mix together in a blender; one
ounce of powdered Kava Kava root, two tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of
soya lecithin granules and ten ounces of water. Blend on high for one minute. This
amount will suffice for 2-4 people.
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WARNING: Over use of Kava Kava will cause
dangerous respiratory and skin problems.
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Damiana
is obtained from the shrub Turnera
diffusa, which is native to the U.S. Southwest and northern Mexico. The inhabitants
of this region have used Damiana for many years as a remedy for nervous disorders,
and as a tonic and aphrodisiac. Damiana seems to have a positive toning effect on
both the nervous system and sexual organs, especially when combined in equal parts
with Saw Palmetto berries. Some users of the combination tea (Damiana and Saw
Palmetto) report that, taken an hour or so before sexual activity, it helps produce
a more satisfactory experience. The best results seem to be obtained when Damiana is
taken in moderation over a period of time. Using the tea mentioned above (one cup
per day for two weeks) seems to have stimulating effects on sexual performance.
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My favorite Damiana recipe is a delightfully
strong tasting cordial. To produce this `Damiana liqueur' soak one ounce of Damiana
Leaves, two tablespoons of Saw Palmetto berries, two tablespoons of Angelica root
and a l/2 tablespoon of vanilla pods in 750 ml. of whisky. After one week, strain
the mixture through a coffee filter and save the liquid. Re-soak the herbs, etc. in
750 ml. distilled water for another week and then strain this second mixture. Heat
the second mix to approximately 80C and dissolve one cup of honey into the hot
liquid. After the honey has dissolved, remove from the heat, allow to cool somewhat
and then add it to the first (whisky) mixture.
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You must then age the whole thing for at
least a month! One ounce of liqueur, taken once a day for a few weeks should produce
interesting results. Herbs usually work in a gentle fashion so don't expect
instantaneous results. Indeed, because of their different metabolism, some people
may not experience any effects whatever, while others may find the results too
potent. Use these herbs in a respectful manner and use them in moderation,
over-indulgence or extended use may have harmful side-effects. Most importantly, be
wise, oh and by the way... enjoy yourselves!
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Copyright 1996, 1998 by
Lori Herron, R.N.and Alternative Nature
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