tuscl

Nature's Viagra: Saffron, Ginseng Named Best Natural Aphrodisiacs

Wednesday, March 30, 2011 7:52 PM
Want to spice up your sex life? Try adding these natural aphrodisiacs to your next meal. Sorry, chocoholics: after extensive, stringent review, researchers have just declared saffron and ginseng as the two most potent natural aphrodisiacs. A team of scientists from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada found that these two natural substances improve sexual function and libido more than chocolate, and certainly more than wine, which impedes performance despite arousing lust. Saffron, a spice cultivated from the flower saffron crocus, is commonly used in Spanish, Italian and Indian cuisine, but its reputation as a sexual drug spans thousands of years. It's referenced in the Hebrew Bibie's famously erotic Song of Songs, and Cleopatra reportedly added it to her baths to enhance lovemaking. 11 Natural Ways To Boost Your Sex Drive Ginseng, a root native to northern China, Korea and Sibera, can function as a natural form of Viagra. In addition to being used in energy drinks and as a treatment for type II diabetes, it's traditionally considered treatment for sexual dysfunction in men. In 2002, studies conducted in the Southerin Illinois University School of Medicine confirmed ginseng's sexual effects by demonstrating that it boosted the libido and performance of lab rats. While studying the science behind aphrodisiacs, researchers found dozens of other consumable substances that enhance libido. Among them were yohimbine, a chemical found in yohimbe trees in West Africa; maca root, a mustard plant from the Andes; and muira puama, a flower from Brazil. Although chocolate could stimulate chemicals that affect the brain's levels of serotonin and endorphins, the scientists couldn't find a direct link between chocolate and sexual satisfaction. Professor Massimo Marcone, from Guelph's Department of Food and Science, champions the use of natural aphrodisiacs over synthetic drugs. For one thing, ginseng and saffron don't cause side effects like headaches or muscle pain. Plus, Viagra only prolongs performance. It doesn't boost libido like an old-fashioned dish of saffron and rice. [view link]

6 comments

  • shadowcat
    •
    13 years ago
    Saffron costs more than viagra.
  • georgmicrodong
    •
    13 years ago
    ^^^ I was thinking the same thing.
  • scatterbrain
    •
    13 years ago
    16oz of saffron powder on [view link] runs about $1250. Ouch.
  • Realist123
    •
    13 years ago
    Actually there is no scientific proof that there is anything in this world that is actually an aphrodisiac. It is all a fabrication, this does not exist. Just give me a set of big tits in my hands and that's all the "aphrodisiac" (no such thing) I need.
  • looneylarry
    •
    13 years ago
    LOL. I drank a cup of ginseng tea. . .and got a headache. I got a good cooking tip one time: if you want the same beautiful golden color in your food that saffron gives you, try tumeric since it is a hell of a lot cheaper. Maybe you can psyche yourself into thinking it is saffron. Or her.
  • stag0069
    •
    10 years ago
    I just tried Saffron and it does work, generally speaking, as an official aphrodisiac. That said, I am on the very sensitive end of the spectrum when it comes to herbs and spices, etc. I think it depends on your upbringing/diet. I eat pretty bland so I am sensitive to spices. My Indian friends who already eat large doses of many different spices seem to be less sensitive, maybe built up a higher tolerance? I've experimented with many different aphrodisiacs. Saffron seems to me most similar to Ginseng. Both seem to work by improving energy/vitality. The Saffron seems milder to me than the Ginseng but, of course, that depends on the dosage too. Always start with very tiny doses of any new herb. Large doses of Saffron can apparently be fatal. Please refer to other sites for guidance on dosage. To me, the Saffron ultimately seemed to help a bit with stamina in the bedroom and sensuality/pleasure. Yet it was very mild at the tiny dose I took. Other herbs can work like Viagra or increase libido or give energy. Others can increase sensuality. One I know can make you so horny you feel like you have to pee. One I know makes you feel "happy and horny" and increases stamina but decreases intensity/pleasure of orgasm. That's another good point: almost all have side effects. It is the yin and yang of life. Flip this switch or lever in your body and it will be taking from one area to give to another. Just the way it is. For this reason, I turn to aphrodisiacs only infrequently, such as on a Friday or Saturday evening for fun. I haven't found one that I could take daily safely. Every single one had an unwanted side effect. The key thing is that the positive effects are mild so the side effects are also typically mild. Pick your poison so to speak . . . Yet, overall they can be fun to try. One that I may mention in the camp with Ginseng and Saffron is Guarana. You may find Guarana in energy drinks in the US. There are even two great brands in Brazil that I have tasted that are great with Guarana in their name. Guarana may be very high in caffeine. Warning: it may increase blood pressure apparently. Caffeine may also make your heart race. Obviously don't take if you drink lots of coffee or other soft drinks already. It also seems to increase alertness/energy. It may increase stamina possibly. The downside or side effect that I dislike is that it gave me a dry mouth (bad for oral hygiene. Saliva keeps your mouth clean, may prevent cavities?) The alertness was useful at work. Do NOT mix with alcohol apparently. Check with your doctor before trying any aphrodisiacs. Ginseng may impact auto-immune diseases negatively. I believe it is poison for some people with Multiple Sclerosis (since it may increase gamma interferon.) Certain types of Ginseng may be stronger or weeker. I don't recommend Ginseng. To me it is too powerful to tame.
You must be a member to leave a comment.Join Now
Got something to say?
Start your own discussion