Aphrodisiac

Aphrodisiac herbs help to nourish, build, and stimulate sexual desire and potency. They act via multiple mechanisms including by enhancing blood flow through nitric oxide (NO) production, which relaxes smooth muscle in genital tissues to aid arousal. Aphrodisiacs may also support the production of various hormone levels such as testosterone and dopamine, improving libido and sexual vigor.

Some aphrodisiacs function as adaptogens, reducing stress and increasing stamina, which can improve sexual performance. They can be applied to help treat low libido and erectile dysfunction. These herbs contain active phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, that contribute to these effects.

Examples include saffron (Crocus sativus), damiana (Turnera diffusa) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).