APHRODISIACS
Aphrodisiacs are foods and drugs which:
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Increase sexual desire
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Increase sexual stimulation
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Increase sexual performance and pleasure
Natural Aphrodisiacs
There are some chemicals in certain everyday herbs and food which can enhance sexual desire, performance and stimulation when used regularly.
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Maca: The root of this popular plant is crushed to make a popular tea in Peru. This tea improves libido and stamina during sexual intercourse. It is also known as “natural Viagra” and is rich in magnesium and fibers.
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Ginseng: Ginseng affects the hormones of the body, ultimately increasing libido and sexual performance.
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Saffron: Saffron was very popularly used as a aphrodisiacs, even in older times by Queen Cleopatra, who bathed in saffron water to benefit from it’s aphrodisiac qualities. It has also been effective in increasing performance and libido in men. Saffron could also reverse the loss of sexual libido which occurs while taking antidepressants.
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Chili: Chili has the chemical capsaicin which acts by increasing the heart rate and releases some endorphins in the body, which could be used as an aphrodisiac. However, it is important to eat the chili (not in heavy quantity) and not rub it on the body because it can cause irritation in the body which definitely is not pleasant.
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Chocolate: Dark Chocolate has a good concentration of phenylethylamine which causes excitement and can enhance sexual pleasure. This is effective only when the chocolate is dark and has a high cocoa powder concentration.
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Oysters: Oysters are said to contain a high concentration of zinc which is required for production of testosterone and sperm. Oysters also contain dopamine which increases sexual pleasure.
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Champagne/Red wine: These alcoholic drinks have more to do with psychology when they are used as an aphrodisiac. They help the person to get into the mood and get rid of certain inhibitions. Red wine, in measured concentration, also contains antioxidants which promotes better health and sexual health.
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Pine Nuts: Pine nuts contain a good amount of zinc which improves libido because it is required in testosterone production. Moreover, other phytochemicals in pine nuts promote better sexual health
Medicinal Aphrodisiacs
Sexual enhancers are aphrodisiac drugs which increase sexual libido and increase sexual desires. Most of these sexual enhancers have not yet been completed tested and hence their side effects are not known. The scientifically proven sexual enhancers are:
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Sildenafil is the chemical found in Viagra which is medicinally prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (inability of the penis to be erect). It increases blood flow to the penile region and makes it easier to attain erection. This increases libido and sexual performance and pleasure.
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Melatonin 2: This drug is usually not sold in pharmacies and is sold illegally, which is why they have not been tested very widely. However, they are said to improve sexual desire and that they can cause spontaneous erections. It is important to not buy these drugs from illicit sources because the concentration of the chemicals are largely unknown in these markets. This could cause some adverse effects in the body.
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Tadalafil and Vardenafil: These drugs work very similarly to Viagra and work by increasing blood flow to the penile region. They are variations of Viagra which can be used to treat erectile dysfunction.
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Yohimbine: Found in Africa, this is a herbal medicine which has been approved by FDA. They contain adrenergic receptor blockers which helps to treat sexual dysfunction and they increase sexual desire.
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When to avoid Aphrodisiacs?
Aphrodisiacs and sexual enhancers are not safe to consume in the following conditions:
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If the person is consuming nitrate drugs which are prescribed for heart conditions
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If the person has low blood pressure or high blood pressure
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If the person is suffering from a severe kidney or liver disease
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If the person is allergic to any of the chemicals found in the herbs or medications
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It is recommended to consult a doctor or a physician before deciding to consume a drug because the drug might have certain side effects which you might not be aware of, which could also be potentially life threatening.