Question: when was the last time you had sex with your man? Last week? Two weeks ago? Last month? If things are not heating up in the bedroom department lately, well, you have a problem – and you need to fix it now – before it’s too late.
Here’s the truth: a strong and healthy relationship is a combination of many factors, including sex. It’s not just about trying out different things, or getting an orgasm, or fulfilling your man’s fantasies.
In fact, it is also about emotional connection and intimacy. In case your sex life has gone wrong, then maybe it’s time for you to do something about it.
You must’ve heard about herbs and how the ancient civilization relied on it to address various conditions, including low libido.
It may seem impossible how a single plant can change the way your body reacts down there, but it is worth noting that these herbs contain ingredients that can surely get you in the mood.
If you’re tired of saying “Honey, not tonight,” over and over, here are 10 effective herbs and spices that can fuel your sex drive.
1. Saffron
No, it’s not just about the secret sauce Catherine Zeta-Jones made, which Aaron Eckhart is dying to know in the movie, No Reservations.
Sure, it is an expensive culinary delicacy, which adds color and flavor to your paella and other dishes. Did you know that it could give your sleeping sex drive a boost, too?
Based on a study conducted by researchers from the University of Guelph, one or two threads of saffron can increase your sex drive. Saffron contains antioxidant qualities and important minerals such as zinc, selenium, potassium and magnesium that pumps up your libido.
If you can’t figure out the saffron sauce from the movie, then making your own saffron brown rice will do. It’s healthy for you, too.
2. Nutmeg
You may associate nutmeg with the Indian culture and cuisine. Perhaps, you also used nutmeg in making your pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dinner.
Aside from being a staple ingredient in Indian households, nutmeg is also one of the best spices that helps boost libido. In fact, African women take this herb regularly and called it “Viagra for women.”
Researchers from the Aligarh Muslim University in India experimented on nutmeg and used male rats to test its potency. The male rats recorded an increase in sexual activity and sexual behavior when given nutmeg, which is why it is among those considered as aphrodisiacs.
If baking pumpkin pie is not your strongest skill, just sprinkle nutmeg on top of sweet potatoes, and you’re good to go.
3. Cayenne
Admit it. There’s something about hot and spicy that makes you sizzle. In fact, spicy foods, such as cayenne are among those considered as aphrodisiacs to help you and your man get in the mood.
Why Is That?
For starters, cayenne pepper and its relatives heat up your body, which can surely turn you on. Second, cayenne speeds up your metabolism and increases blood flow in sensitive areas, including the area down south. Enough blood flow down there makes you more sensitive and sensual, and yes, it turns you on easily. Lastly, cayenne gives you a flushed, but attractive appearance, which helps heat things up with your man.
If you’re still not convinced, cayenne is also good for your heart. Since it speeds your metabolism, it can also help you lose weight. Not bad for a spice, don’t you think?
4. Ginger
This is another staple kitchen ingredient with tons of benefits inside the bedroom. Ginger provides that slightly sweet with a bit spicy flavor and scent to your dishes.
Aside from adding more flavor to your favorite dishes, yes, you guessed it right: Ginger is also one of the ingredients that can give your sleeping sex drive a booty call.
Ginger contains various vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, potassium and copper that can help rev up your libido in a big way. It can also increase blood flow in important areas, including your most important areas down there. It also warms you up and gets you in the mood for some action.
And the best part? It doesn’t smell that bad compared to garlic, which leads you to the next herb.
5. Garlic
Despite its smell and aftertaste, garlic deserves a spot in the list of sex-enhancing foods. Here’s why. Garlic contains high levels of allicin.
This component improves blood flow, especially to your sex organs and eventually turns you on and gets you in the mood.
This also ensures there is enough blood supply, which can heighten sensitivity especially in the area down there. It also has antifungal and anti-microbial properties and is good for the heart.
If you’re too worried about the smell of your breath, brush your teeth or have some mints ready. It will surely get rid of that awful smell. Chew on parsley too, if you want. The point is don’t ruin your mood because of the aftertaste and smell. If you both eat it, neither one of you will mind.
6. Fenugreek
You always hear about fenugreek as a staple ingredient in many breast enhancement pills. After all, nursing women have used this herb to increase their milk production.
Aside from helping you gain additional centimeters in the chest area, fenugreek is also among the best herbs to help rev your libido.
Fenugreek seeds are commonly found in curries and other Indian cuisine. Despite its warm and somewhat spicy flavor, the Center for Integrative Clinical and Molecular Medicine reports that fenugreek could increase sex drive in men with low libido. If you are diabetic, you can also benefit from this herb because of its ability to lower your blood sugar.
Don’t be surprised when you see fenugreek in the list of most useful herbs. Indeed, it deserves a spot there.
7. Fennel
Aside from fenugreek, fennel is also another herb that is common among breast enhancement and male enhancement pills.
Sure, this licorice-flavored herb may look like a vase full of celery, but this herb can offer tons of benefits inside the bedroom.
Ancient Egyptians used fennel to help boost a woman’s libido for a reason. This herb contains chemicals that can increase your sex drive and gets you in the mood for some action. Of course, the benefits of fennel are not concentrated in the bedroom department alone. Fennel can also aids in digestion and loosens phlegm in bronchial passages.
And if you are breastfeeding, then fennel helps increase your milk production. Simply chop fennel stalks – just like celery – and add it to your food for some crunchy texture. If you want to use it as spice, then grinding the seeds will do the trick.
8. Basil
Add basil to eggs, salads, pasta, beef or chicken dishes – you name it. Basil does deserve a spot in your kitchen cabinet.
Aside from its pleasant taste, don’t you just love how basil leaves smell? Believe it or not, that smell can actually get you in the mood and heighten your desire for sex.
A little trivia – the ancient Greeks used basil to serve to horses before breeding. Italians also call basil, “Kiss me Nicholas,” which makes sense since it is among the spices that can boost your mood. Above all this, the sex-boosting properties can be attributed to its sweet scent, so go ahead and take a whiff. You’ll love how it adds flavor to your favorite dishes, too.
9. Clove
You already know that nutmeg is among the spices that can help your libido get back on track.
What if you’re not a fan of nutmeg and prefer something else, but still within the same family? Here is where clove, nutmeg’s cousin, comes in.
Cloves look like dried twigs, but this herb can create a powerful sexual attractant. It also increases your energy, something that will come useful in bed. It leaves a sweet scent too, which is a scent your partner will love.
Just like the other herbs mentioned, cloves are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K and manganese, something that your body needs, as well. This herb also contains eugenol, an ingredient that provides antiseptic and mild anesthetic benefits.
10. Tribulus Terrestris
Let’s face it, there is too much attention given to male sexual health, while that of females remains on the sideline.
Take the case of this herb, tribulus terrestris. This herb is a staple ingredient in many male enhancement pills. Did you know that it could be beneficial for women, too?
A number of studies show that women who took the tribulus herb recorded an improvement in their sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction. In other words, there was a big difference in their sex lives. This is because tribulus stimulates your brain’s androgen receptors, which enables your body to respond to hormones in a positive way.
While these herbs can give your libido a boost, keep in mind that nothing beats a proper diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, in general. At the same time, keep your weight and stress levels at bay. These tricks together with the 10 herbs will surely help you get your sex life back on track.