If you’ve studied herbs for any amount of time, you’re probably aware that there is a group of herbs called “aphrodisiacs.” In fact, a simple Google search for aphrodisiacs will pull up a plethora of articles about foods, scents, and plants that have been traditionally used to get you in the mood or to enhance sexual stamina and performance.
If you’re new to herbs, and you’ve never heard of aphrodisiacs before, chances are you’ve heard of “love potions.” This term has been mentioned in TV shows and movies as well as books and magazines many times throughout the years. Most times, these love potions are made up of colorful elixirs crafted from mysterious plants that instantly turn the person using them into a love god or goddess. However, these portrayals of aphrodisiacs and love potions aren’t always truthful. In fact, there are a few common misconceptions surrounding herbal aphrodisiacs.
While herbal aphrodisiacs do exist, and they can be used effectively to enhance desire and performance, understanding how sexual function and sexuality work in the mind and body and how these herbs can support or enhance these functions is vital to getting effective results when using these types of herbs.
As an herbalist, I understand that there are a number of herbs that can support the body in many ways, and over time, these herbs can work to support sexual health.
So today, I’d like to shed some light on herbal aphrodisiacs and some myths surrounding these plants so that if you do choose to use them, you can do so correctly and get the results you are hoping for.
Herbal Aphrodisiac Misconceptions
- Have you ever thought that by using an aphrodisiac herb you will immediately turn into a seductive goddess or a sexual powerhouse?
- Have you ever thought that if you have some sort of trouble in the sexual arena, then there’s an herb you can take that will help correct the problem quickly?
- Have you ever thought that an aphrodisiac herb would work for you simply because it worked for someone else you know?
If so, there’s no shame in thinking these things, but I’m here to tell you that these beliefs surrounding herbal aphrodisiacs are not quite true. Sure there is a hint of truth behind some of these misconceptions, but quite a bit of polishing is needed in order for the truth to shine forth.
Let’s look at the first of the above misconceptions surrounding herbal aphrodisiacs, spray a little of our Branch Basics all-purpose cleaner on it, and separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: Aphrodisiacs Will Quickly Turn You Into a Love God(dess)
According to the Oxford dictionary, the term aphrodisiac means, “a food, drink, or drug that stimulates sexual desire.” What this definition fails to mention is that consuming aphrodisiacs rarely stimulates feelings of desire quickly and often take time to produce results. Sure there are some exceptions which we’ll get to below, but when it comes to most aphrodisiac herbs, they take repeated use to work their magic.
There are many herbs that fall under the aphrodisiac umbrella, and each works in a unique way to support sexual health in the body. Some herbs work to strengthen or enhance certain body systems or bodily functions, others work to excite the sense of taste and smell, and others work to relax the mind and body so it can get to a place where arousal and sexual function are possible.
While some herbs can elicit a more immediate action when used, most work slowly and steadily to build strength, endurance, and resilience in the body. These quicker acting herbs can be used 30-60 minutes before their desired effect is needed, but the slower acting herbs work best when used for days or weeks, sometimes even months, at a time—slowly working at a cellular level to bring nourishment and balance to the body.
So while using quick-acting and slow-acting aphrodisiacs can help enhance sexuality when used at the right dose and for the correct amount of time, remember to be patient with them. That love goddess or sexual powerhouse will show up soon enough.
Want More Truth (And Juicy Details) About Herbal Aphrodisiacs?
Herbal aphrodisiacs have the ability to relax the body, open the mind, and stimulate the nerves. They often trigger feelings of love with that special someone, even when that special someone is you!
If you’re interested in learning more about herbal aphrodisiacs and how to use them effectively, as well as the truthful answers behind the other two common misconceptions surrounding herbal aphrodisiacs, let me invite you to the Herbal Aphrodisiacs Intensive by the Herbal Academy.
This 3-part intensive on herbal aphrodisiacs and sexual health (that I helped to write) explores this topic further. In this intensive, you will learn all about the physiological processes that play into your sexual experience, and you’ll get an entirely new approach to using classic botanicals to not just support, but enhance your sex life.
This is a great read for people interested in using herbal aphrodisiacs! I would love to see more content like this. There are so many companies making it seem like herbs can turn you into some kind of an animal when they simply cannot. I’ve found the best herbal aphrodisiacs are the ones that promote general health — such as the adaptogenic herbs.
Love your content, Meagan, keep up the good work.
Yes! Slow and steady wins the race, right? Thanks for your comment, Justin!