List of Ancient Natural Aphrodisiacs, Top Superfoods Part II

Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera) has been used as a popular herb in India and neighboring countries for literally thousands of years.

Although it is a type of aphrodisiac for both men and women alike, it is often viewed as a "male herb", highly prized for its fortifying support to sexual functions.

The main active components in the roots are steroidal lactones called WITHANOLIDES.

In the classic Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita, ashwagandha was identified as "vajikarana" herbs or reproductive tonics for promoting virility.

The "ashwa" in the Indian name ashwagandha means "horse", an association often equated to the strength and sexual stamina of stallions.

According to herbalist Dr. Michael Tierra, author of Planetary Herbology, "It is easily the most potent tonic aphrodisiac in the entire botanical kingdom."

Pine pollen (Pinus massoniana) is a yellow powder produced from pine tree species in the spring when the male shoots or "catkins" become saturated with tiny pollen grains.

In addition to being a necessary component for fertilizing female pine cones, this powder falls to the earth providing phytosterols useful for encouraging the springtime reproductive energy of many wild animals.

It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially in China and Korea, where it was and is still today cherished for its nourishing and therapeutic potentials.

One of the main benefits of prepared pine pollen to humans is that it is one of the most significant nutritional sources of PHYTOANDROGENS known in nature. These are plant-based steriodal substances, in the form of gibberellins and brassinosteroids, that can mimic and foster testosterone and other proandrogens like androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

Because men require more androgen hormones than women do, it is predominantly considered a male supplement, especially for middle-aged men.

Deeply rooted in romantic and sexual folklore, oysters are one of those foods traditionally known for their benefits as an aphrodisiac.

Following the Doctrine of Signatures, the visual shape is thought to mimic female sex organs or ovaries, sometimes referred to as "ovarian tonics".

One of the reasons for this is that they contain high amounts of ZINC, a mineral that assists in the production of testosterone and improves sexual desire.

Likewise, oysters are rich in the amino acid D-Aspartic Acid which functions as a neurotransmitter and hormone regulator, potentially improving sex hormone and dopamine levels increasing desire and pleasure.

They also provide good quantities of other amino acids like glutamic acid, arginine and taurine, adding to their benefits as a nutrient-dense food source.

Schizandra berries (Schisandra chinensis) are a major sex herb prized alongside others like ginseng and ashwagandha for their full spectrum of tonifying properties.

Unlike other berries, schizandra is not a fruit you would commonly consume by the handful, but is rather prepared as an energizing and restorative tonic tea or taken in extract form.

One of the well-known effects of drinking schizandra berry tea on a regular basis is its positive effects on the sex glands and organs. It is viewed as one of the top ancient natural aphrodisiacs, rejuvenating to Kidney energy and sexual functions.

According to herbalist Ron Teeguarden, schizandra is said to support the "water of the genital organs" or sexual fluids and the production of semen.

It is famed for its ability to relieve sexual fatigue and increase the sexual staying-power in men.

As a woman's libido elixir, it is known to increase sexual lubrication as well as increase sensitivity and warmth in the female genitals during intercourse.

Mucuna, also called Kapikacchu, is a type of bean from the Mucuna pruriens plant acknowledged for its potential as both an aphrodisiac and nervine tonic.

Frequently consumed as a tablet or a powder mixed into water, drinks or herbal preparations, it has likewise been utilized therapeutically for centuries to provide balance to reproductive and nervous system functions.

In Ayurveda, mucuna powder has long been valued as a libido tonic, categorized as an Ojas-building substance that improves sexual drive, vitality and procreative functions in both sexes.

Mucuna happens to be one of the highest natural sources of a unique amino acid called levodopa or L-DOPA, which supports healthy levels of the neurotransmitter DOPAMINE.

Dopamine activates sensual pleasure and is involved in the sexual response cycle, enhancing sexual interest and arousal. Higher levels of dopamine can lead to increased enjoyment of sexual experiences, making it a natural aphrodisiac.

Likewise, as a nervine tonic and anxiety reliever, it can help to calm stress and uplift mood.

Saffron is a type of spice derived from the stigma of the domesticated purple crocus flower species Crocus sativus. Indigenous to Southwest Asia, it's one of the most expensive spices by weight.

In traditional herbal folklore, soaking and drinking seven threads of saffron in warm milk or water is valued for its influence as a potent aphrodisiac.

In the Yoga of Herbs, is it reported to be especially influential to the female cycle. Some unofficially relate this aspect to the fact that it comes from the stigma or female organ of the crocus flower.

Saffron's actions as an aphrodisiac come from active compounds like CROCIN, CROCETIN, SAFRANAL, which can increase blood flow, promote sexual fluids, improve mood and boost desire.

Ginkgo biloba is an ancient tree species utilized by herbalists around the world for its medicinal leaves, containing the active terpene compounds called GINKGOLIDES and BILOBALIDES.

These components enhance the nitric oxide (NO) system, a crucial primary signaling molecule that initiates sexual arousal and supports erectile function.

Acting as a vasodilator and neurotransmitter, NO helps to increase blood flow to genital tissues. Ginkgo, as an antioxidant, likewise prevents NO degradation.

Also considered a natural antidepressant, it can help to uplift one's mood, alleviate anxiety and tends to encourage a general sense of well-being.

Quality ginkgo extracts are standardized to contain a specific ratio of 24% ginkgo flavonoid glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) comes from the Asparagus genus and the same family as Asparagus officinalis, the common asparagus vegetable.

Shatavari and its traditional reference, "she who possesses a hundred husbands", is claimed to be a result of its potentially rejuvenating impact on the female reproductive organs and glands, which (from a male perspective) can be an attractive feature for creating many offspring.

This, however, also may have something to do with the roots reported reputation as a libido-enhancing tonic that can increase sexual desire as well as orgasmic satisfaction.

Like mucuna, shatavari root is considered a type of unctuous building food that can enhance "Ojas", a feature related to increased sexual fluids and secretions.

As an adaptogenic herb with immune-modulating potential, it may be useful for cushioning the impacts of physical, emotional and environmental stress, which can improve sexual performance.

Fenugreek is the seed of the Trigonella foenum-graecum plant species, most commonly used as a dried spice ingredient in the Middle East and India.

In Ayurveda, it is a respected rejuvenating herb for the female reproductive system and in some non-scientific traditions is known to influence greater passion and satisfaction in the bedroom.

Fenugreek seeds are composed of plant-based steroids, which give the herb its bitter taste. DIOSGENIN is the main one that helps to regulate hormonal balance.

It works as an ancient natural aphrodisiac by normalizing sex hormones, encouraging free testosterone in men and estrogen in women, both of which support sexual excitement.

Fenugreek for these mentioned purposes is usually taken as a liquid extract or powdered capsule supplement.

He shou wu root (Polygonum multiflorum) is a valued "longevity herb" especially famous for activating sexual yearnings and virility.

Also called fo-ti, it is a Yin Jing tonic that helps to build blood, often claimed to be useful for increasing fertility due to its revitalizing effects that promote Yin fluids.

Fo-ti is a top-tier tonic for restoring Kidney essence, "the seat of our vitality". This coincides with its attributes as a natural aphrodisiac and is specifically nourishing to the reproductive system in both men and women.

In addition, it helps to support and protect the liver. The liver is in charge of constructing various building blocks needed for proper hormone production and activity that keeps our sex functions healthy and strong.

Fo-ti is additionally high in the dietary mineral zinc, which is important for increasing sexual desire.

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