aphrodisiac herbs and foods

While it's clear that love helps make the world go round, what role do so-called aphrodisiacs play in our amorous adventures? Despite thousands of years of enthusiastic use in numerous cultures, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that the effects of aphrodisiacs are based on legend rather than fact.

The good news is that numerous ethnobotanists, herbalists and medical doctors have evidence that contradicts the rap from those FDA wet blankets. Here's a selection of foods and herbs that may help you and your intimates get down and around to ecstasy.

Aphrodisiac Herbs

#1: Ginseng.

Long regarded in China, Korea, Japan, Tibet and India as one of the supreme tonics, ginseng has long been used to enhance the functioning of the male and female reproductive systems.

In traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese herbology, ginseng is a vitalizing and harmonizing agent that helps foster "yang" or outward-directed energy; it's been used for over three thousand years. Ginseng has been used for millennia to strengthen organs, glands and energy systems. It should be taken on a daily basis for at least a few months as like all herbs, ginseng's effects are cumulative. Consult with a doctor, preferably a Chinese herbalist, before taking this or any other herb.

You can find ginseng root in Chinese herbal shops, health food stores and online at the Tea Garden Herbal Emporium The Los Angeles-based Teeguarden Herbal Emporium has been selling high quality ginseng and other herbs since 1988. Past and present Teeguarden clients include the Rolling Stones, Yoko Ono and numerous professional athletes.

#2: Ashwagandha.

A rejuvenative herb that's been used in India for at least three thousand years, ashwagandha has been found to help restore strength, immunity and vitality in men and women. "Men may benefit greatly from it, as some studies indicate that ashwagandha may increase sperm count in subjects," says licensed acupuncturist and Ayurvedic herbalist John Holmstrom of Los Angeles, CA (www.suryaspa.com). Before using this herb, however, Holmstrom advises consulting with a doctor before you use it.

It's also worth noting that other studies have found that ashwagandha may speed reaction time and enhance mental processing in clinical neuropsychological tests. It has also proven to help enhance immune function while acting as a powerful antioxidant.

Ashwagandha is organically grown in the United States, where it is sometimes known as winter cherry. It is readily available in powdered capsule and liquid tincture forms at the Tea Garden Herbal Emporium and Organic Pharmacy.com

#3. Ginkgo Biloba

Derived from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, the oldest known tree in all of nature, ginkgo is a powerful antioxidant which helps decrease anxiety and promote blood flow throughout the body. This increase in blood flow may help speed blood flow to the genitals. Ginkgo may also improve sexual function in people on antidepressants, as some medical studies have reported that it can act like a natural and side-effect-free form of Viagra.

A standardized extract of ginkgo leaves is one of the most widely prescribed remedies in Europe, where it is used for conditions ranging from erectile dysfunction to premenstrual bloating to high-altitude sickness. Ginkgo is sold in powdered capsule formulae, in liquid extracts and in teas. Note: ginkgo is a blood-thinner and may not be indicated for people with certain conditions. It is also important to stop taking ginkgo ten days or more before a surgical procdure, as it can cause excessive bleeding. Consult with a doctor before you use this or other herbs.

#4. Schizandra

Evidence-based medical research demonstrates that this Chinese herb (actually a berry) is an adaptogenic substance, like ginseng, that enhances total physiological competence and strength.

Schizandra has been used for thousands of years in China to fire up love energy: some scientific studies show that schizandra alleviates sexual debility and helps promote sexual potency. To find out if schizandra may be helpful to you, see a licensed medical acupuncturist (an M.D. with a license to practice acupuncture). You can find a national directory of medical acupuncturists at the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture

#5: Long Jack

Evidence-based medical research indicates that this herbal extract from Thailand may promote physical endurance, energy and genital blood flow in men and women. There are some reports that Long Jack can cause insomnia. One brand of Long Jack that this writer can recommend is Long Jack by Herbal Powers, which is sold in powdered capsule form by www.iherb.com

A Last Word on Aphrodisiac Herbs

Remember to consult with a doctor before trying any herbs to avoid potentially irksome drug interactions. In your own best interest, follow directions carefully to avoid undesirable results.

Aphrodisiac Foods

European folklore has long held that edible flowers such as roses, nasturtium and candied violets ignite passion. Here are some ideas for flavoring your food with flowers:

*Dice rose petals into tiny pieces and mix them into strawberry jam for breakfast or into salads for lunch or dinner.

*Rose water and orange blossom water are available in gourmet food shops and can be used to flavor cocktails and desserts.

*Mix a teaspoon of rose water into a glass of champagne or mineral water for a romantic drink.

*Mix rose water or orange water into flan, pudding, vanilla ice cream, chocolate mousse, homemade vanilla cookies or pound cake.

*Red, yellow and orange nasturtium flowers add a seductive spot of color to salads. Their green leaves taste delicious in salads or as garnishes.

*Garnish ice cream, sorbet or chocolate mousse with candied violets or rose petals.

*Garnish dessert plates with honeysuckle blossoms. These contain a honey-like nectar that can be enjoyed; the flowers are also edible.

#2: Sex-Enhancing Vitamins

Male and female reproductive systems will not function well without an adequate supply of vitamin E and the B-complex vitamins. The B-Complex stimulates the pituitary gland and contributes to healthy sexual functioning.

Some vital supplements to take are thiamine and choline, although all the B-complex vitamins should be part of your daily intake. One of the most powerful anti-oxidants, Vitamin E also helps promote healthy hormone production, which in turn influences sex drive. To ensure adequate intake of B-complex and E, enjoy seed and nut oils such as peanut and sesame.

Also use wheat germ oil in salad dressings, sprinkle sesame seeds into salads and into homemade breads and muffins. Use cold-pressed vegetable oils such as hemp oil and eat whole grains and whole grain breads. Brewer's yeast is rich in B-complex nutrients, and green and brightly colored vegetables will help you in the B and E vitamin department, as well.

#3: Zinc-Rich Foods.

Sure, we've all heard about oysters for improving sexual prowess. Oysters are rich in the mineral zinc, and it's worth noting that in several studies of impotent men, zinc deficiencies were found.

There are lots of other foods besides oysters that are rich in this romance-revving mineral. Zinc is highly concentrated in the bran and germ portion of cereal grains. It is also found in wheat germ. Other foods that contain significant quantities of zinc include pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, nuts, herring, liver, mushrooms, bran and brewer's yeast.

#4: "Green" Juice Products

The most common substances found in these gentle green products are blue-green algae, wheat grass, barley grass, oat grass, spirulina (a form of algae), chlorella (also a form of algae), and dulse (seaweed). Rich in trace minerals which are the catalysts that enable vitamins and enzymes to perform in their various functions, green juice products contain many other physiologically fortifying nutrients. They also may supply essential amino acids that cannot be manufactured by the body yet are vital to health and sexual functioning.

Green juice products are among the few common nutritional sources of chlorophyll, which activates the enzymes that produce vitamins E, A and K. Chlorophyll has a structure that is almost identical to that of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body.

An excellent powdered green drink is offered at www.drdharma.com. This green juice blend was formulated by Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., medical director of the Alzheimers Prevention Foundation International. "This supplement contains plant extracts," says Dr. Khalsa, "which include important trace elements. These trace elements are rapidly absorbed into your blood and go directly to the brain to help increase your focus, attention, and concentration."

Dr. Khalsa recommends taking half or a full scoop mixed with juice, milk, soymilk, according to taste, before breakfast.

A Last Word on Aphrodisiac Foods

For more detailed guidelines on cooking sensually dynamic meals, consult the cookbook, "Seduction and Spice: 130 Recipes for Romance," by Rudolf Sodamin. This culinary classic is available at www.amazon.com