The old saying of “you are what you eat” is very much true, especially as it pertains to your sex life. Everything that you put into your body has an effect on your pH, hormonal balance and internal ecosystem. For the men and women who are looking for a boost in libido without taking man-made medications or supplements, there are several natural remedies to help boost your sex drive as you eat.
The holistic bible “The Sexual Herbal: Prescriptions for Enhancing Love and Passion” by Brigitte Mars, A.H.G. lists several herbs that you can add to your meals daily to help maintain balance of your libido. The list is long in the book itself, but I have pulled seven must-have herbs that every person should add to their spice racks. Take a look at the benefits of these herbs and add them to your next grocery list for overall sexual health.
1. Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamon bark is a warming spice that has been used since ancient times as an aphrodisiac. It is a vasodilator and a yang (male energy) tonic that has been known to beautify the skin and promote a rosy completion with long term use. Cinnamon bark has been used to treat dysmenorrhea, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, irregular menses, lumbago and poor circulation. For the person dealing with any of the aforementioned issues cinnamon bark is a great addition to your spice cabinet. Add to hot chocolate mixes and teas, desserts and breakfast foods such as pancakes or french toast to get your day started off in balance.
2. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is another warming spice that can be an irritant for many, but adds flavor to any dish. This red pepper is known to improve circulation and produce a warm sensation throughout the body while stimulating the production of endorphins (vital hormones for sexual arousal). Add a dash of cayenne pepper to pasta dishes or hearty meats before a romantic dinner with bae.
3. Curry
Curry is a common spice used in West Indian and Mediterranean dishes. This warming spice is known to improve circulation which is good for facilitating blood flow to sex organs. Curry can be a strong spice that is either hit or miss for many. Experiment with the variety of curries on the market in your cooking and see the benefits it has on your sex drive.
4. Garlic
Garlic is a common ingredient in Italian goods and is accompanied by a strong smell, but in its raw state its cloves have may medicinal properties. Garlic elevates libido, increases testosterone levels and increases sperm production. It also improves circulation and warms the body which can help with creating stronger erections. Excess amounts can be irritating to the stomach and kidneys and should be avoided in large doses during pregnancy. Add a few cloves of garlic to a romantic dinner, but make sure to add dessert with cinnamon to neutralize the garlic breath while giving the libido an extra boost.
5. Parsley
Parsley is a common food garnish that adds color to any dish, but it is more than just a visual food. Eating fresh parsley is an ancient remedy known to improve fertility, regulate delayed menses. It is an antioxidant, aphrodisiac and a blood builder. Add parsley to a mega green juice to experience all of its wonderful properties.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is an herb with many beneficial qualities for the female reproductive system. It is used as a natural treatment for menstrual cramps, delayed menses and amenorrhea. Beyond these healing properties, rosemary is valued as an antidepressant, antioxidant, emmenagogic and tonic to the yang (masculine) energies of the body. Use rosemary in a marinade for chicken, as a garnish with fruits or in olive oil for a bread spread. The possibilities are endless and beneficial to your sex drive.
7. Ginger Root
It’s sweet, tangy and spicy rolled into one amazing herb with a multitude of medicinal benefits. Ginger root warms the body and has also been used for centuries to treat amenorrhea, delayed menses, low libido and low sperm motility. It is antifungal and a circulatory stimulant, which is great for helping blood flow into the pelvis when the body prepares for sex. Use a few slices of ginger root in a morning or afternoon tea to warm the body and boost libido for an evening of fun.
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Glamazon Tyomi is a freelance writer, model and sex educator with a deeply rooted passion for spreading the message of sex positivity and encouraging the masses to embrace their sexuality. Her website, www.sexperttyomi.com, reaches internationally as a source for advice and information for the sexually active/curious. Follow her on Twitter at @glamazontyomi and the all-new “Glamazon Tyomi’s Sex Academy” radio show here.