Foods and Herbs for Better Sex

[Fae Oonagh]

Sexual energy is extra energy. Low libido may be Nature’s way of conserving vitality and a message that intimacy in the relationship needs improvement. Nutritional deficiencies, stress and exhaustion can decrease the urge to merge.

In eastern medicine the kidneys govern sexual vitality and are depleted through overuse of coffee, alcohol, saturated fats, overwork and exposure to cold weather. Build health and sexual vitality will be enhanced. When two people pursue good health together that can be a step in improving a joyous sexual life.

Aphrodisiacs, named after Aphrodite, goddess of love, can work in many ways. Suggestive shapes and textures of foods and herbs such as banana or chili pepper may simply turn one’s thoughts to love. Or a substance may be so nourishing, deficiencies are corrected and lust is aroused. Some may stimulate or even irritate the genito-urinary tract, such as asparagus, thus drawing attention to the lower regions. A substance may provide an abundance of energy or affect the mind in a relaxing manner.

Many foods nourishing to sexuality contain the spark of life and have their own reproductive capability. In other words they could grow if planted. Good examples are raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds and almonds, all of which contain life force that could grow into large plants given the right conditions. They are also rich in vitamin E and zinc.

Chocolate contains a chemical called phenylethylamine which is produced by the brain when in love. Most chocolates are high in fat and sugar, but a bit of quality organic naturally sweetened chocolate is available through natural food stores.

For centuries people have sought the healing benefits of herbs to incite passion. They can be used in the form of tea, tincture or capsules. Before using herbs, clear up emotional conflicts that may be affecting sexuality and develop a healthier diet.

Next: Herbs to enhance libido

Many of the herbs used to enhance libido are warming and improve circulation to all parts of the body, including the genitals. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia), is an example and has been used in love potions since medieval times. It is mildly stimulating. Another culinary treasure is Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia), once banned by the Puritans because of its sexually stimulating qualities. The word vanilla is actually derived from Latin, meaning “little vagina” and plants of this Orchid family have very suggestive anatomically correct flowers.

Since the brain is the ultimate sex organ, Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba ) is an herb to consider. It relaxes blood vessels so that nutrients can be better delivered throughout the body, especially the brain. By improving vascular insufficiency it can improve blood flow to the genitals. Ginkgo is also considered a kidney tonic and a rejuvenative. Ginseng (Panax ginseng) improves fatigue, increases stamina and strengthens the adrenal glands. Oatstraw (Avena sativa) is warming, nutritive and relaxing. It has long been regarded as a tonic to improve sexual ability, increase libido, aid erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Oatstraw nourishes the nervous system and makes tactile sensations more pleasurable for both men and women.

South and Central America seems to abound with libido enhancing plants. Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca, T. diffusa ) is used in Central America for frigidity, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and testicular atrophy. It helps sexual problems related to anxiety and increases nerve sensitivity. Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon, L. meyenii ), which grows at a high altitude in the Andes Mountains, is an energy enhancer, nutritive and rejuvenative that increases pituitary function, encouraging the body’s natural hormonal production. It also helps improve vaginal lubrication.

Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides, P. uncinatum) is referred to in South America as “potency wood.” It improves virility and improves sexual debility. It is considered a tonic for the central nervous system as well as an aphrodisiac.

Two herbs widely used in oriental medicine include Schizandra and tribulis. Schizandra (Schisandra chinensis ) increases staying power in men and is a kidney tonic for both men and women improving general weakness, depression and sexual debility. It is also suggested as an herb to help heal trauma from sexual abuse. Tribulis terrestris (same Latin name, though also known as Caltrop and Horny Goat Weed) is used for erectile dysfunction and low sperm count. It is a kidney tonic, rejuvenative and aphrodisiac.

Learn to prepare meals with more spice including not only cinnamon and vanilla but cardamom, cloves, garlic, ginger all of which are warming and aphrodisiac.

You can create your own tonic brew by grinding any combination of the herbs listed above into a powder in the blender. Place them in a clean glass jar and cover with vodka or apple cider vinegar adding an extra inch or two so that the herbs are totally submerged. Shake the bottle daily, then strain the herbs. After a month, use a clean muslin cloth to squeeze the alcohol out of the herbs. Compost the herbs and bottle the remaining herb infused liquid. Add one third part honey to the mixture. Shake well and enjoy a shot glassful with your beloved before bed. Make a toast to love!

Supplementation can also improve libido. Vitamin A is needed for the production of sex hormones and strengthens the mucus membranes. Vitamin E improves the body’s utilization of oxygen, improves erection and vaginal circulation. Zinc is needed for both sperm motility and vaginal lubrication. Lecithin occurs naturally in the sexual fluids of both men and women.

Kegel exercises are done by simply tightening and relaxing the muscles that control the flow of urine. These are done in series — for example twenty one Kegels, three times daily. Kegels should be done by both sexes for many reasons. They can enhance the orgasmic capability of women and give men more control over ejaculating too quickly. Kegels help to strengthen the muscles that hold the bladder and can help keep senior citizens from having to wear diapers later in life which is not too sexy.

Too often couples have only leftover time for sex – 11:30 at night when they are exhausted or 8:00 in the morning when having to be somewhere in an hour. Consider creating sacred time to be with your beloved. Find a time when the kids are visiting someone else or send them to a sitter for a few hours. Turn down the volume on the phone and let voice mail take care of things. Make your bedroom more sensuous with soft fabrics, supporting pillows and candles. Enter you sacred space with a clean body without time restraints. Engage in massage as foreplay to help you relax and stimulate all the meridians of energy throughout the body. Don’t rush. Remember to breathe together. Make love more slowly. Enjoy “after play” by lying together to rest, enjoy a sweet nap or exchange feelings of love.

“Harmony in the bedroom contributes to world peace.” Anonymous