Herbal Aphrodisiacs: The Science & Magic of Plant-Based Pleasure

Herbal aphrodisiacs are no magic love potions, but they do help to support our ability to better experience intimacy and pleasure. And lucky for us, many of them already live in our pantry.

What is an Herbal Aphrodisiac?

In the simplest of terms, herbal aphrodisiacs are herbs that help to stimulate or deepen pleasure and connection. They can be taken internally or applied topically and work via a variety of physiological and energetic mechanisms.

While they are most often associated with sexual desire and pleasure, often by way of helping to increase potency and/or enhance performance, they can also be applied to a more general heightened experience of life.

We like to look at herbal aphrodisiacs as a shiny pair of rose-colored glasses.

Do They Work?

When it comes to herbal aphrodisiacs, it’s not only so much about the physical act of sex and how these plants might enhance that experience.

Instead, it’s more about how these plants can help support you physiologically, emotionally, energetically, and mentally so that ultimately you are in a more open and available space to genuinely experience the pleasures of life.

Just as is the miracle of life itself and all the minute details that have to fall into exact and perfect position for us to be happy, healthy, and functioning humans (a status defined differently for everyone), there’s a lot that goes into our sexual health.

While our sex organs or genitals get the spotlight, they’re really just the face on the poster.

In reality, there’s a whole production going on behind the scenes, working to allow us to better experience pleasure. And in the same way that there are herbs for healthy digestion, there are herbs, for example, that can help relax us into a gentler state of being and into a space where pleasure can exist. Still, that's only one way herbal aphrodisiacs can work.

How Do Herbal Aphrodisiacs Work?

Herbal aphrodisiacs work in different ways and by several different mechanisms. It’s truly a whole body effort.

Topical vs. Systemic Herbal Aphrodisiacs

Topical aphrodisiacs are applied externally and usually work by slightly irritating the skin which naturally helps to increase blood flow to an area.

Systemic herbal aphrodisiacs are ingested and may also increase blood flow to the sex organs. In addition, they may also work to increase the nutrients needed for sexual function.

Some herbs may have more of an affinity to the actual reproductive organs. Others may work more to support the endocrine system, including the adrenals, making sure that all the hormones involved in sexual desire, potency, pleasure, and performance are being made or excreted, and done so at the right times. And still, others act more on our nervous systems.

Immediate vs. Cumulative Effects

Many of the herbs considered to have aphrodisiac properties are also considered tonic or adaptogenic herbs and have more cumulative effects. These herbs are known for helping the body better cope with stress as they are used over a longer period of time.

They have a unique tonifying or restorative effect on the body, nourishing our nervous systems, adrenal systems, and more. Ultimately, these tonic or adaptogenic herbs contribute to whole-body health.

And in doing so, we sleep better, are better able to nourish ourselves, have better resistance to infection, disease, inflammation, and more.

When we’re healthy, we’re naturally able to better experience pleasure simply because the distractions (ie. stress, inflammation, nutrient deficiency, etc.) aren’t there to prevent us from doing so.

In contrast to these tonic herbs that have more slow-acting, cumulative actions, there are also herbs that have more immediate effects.

These may include herbs that help to incite a mild and short-lived euphoric state or an immediate stimulation of blood flow, both of which contribute to an enhanced pleasure experience.

The Whole Body Approach to Sexual Health

As you can see, there’s a whole symphony of hormones, nerves, nutrients, and much more that contribute to the bigger picture of pleasure.

Our sexual health and ability to experience pleasure are a whole-body effort far beyond just increasing blood flow to our genitals.

5 Herbal Aphrodisiacs Already in Your Spice Cabinet

1. GINGER (Zingiber officinale)

Let's spice things us, literally! Ginger is a warming circulatory stimulant and heart tonic. Any herb that has an affinity for the heart is naturally going to be good for managing a healthy blood flood and increasing circulation, a necessary happening for sexual stimulation and performance.

In Arabic medicine, ginger is commonly used as an aphrodisiac. And in India, ginger mixed with eggs and honey was a traditional treatment for impotence.

✹ TRY THIS: Our Charmed & Delighted Herbal Honey blends rose, hawthorn, rosehips, and the most perfect hint of ginger for heart-healthy circulation & mood support. It's the perfect honey for slipping on those rose-colored glasses.

2. VANILLA (Vanilla planifolia)

The soothing scent of vanilla is enough to relax and put anyone in the mood for sexy time.

While vanilla is also high in antioxidants and other health benefits, when it comes to its aphrodisiac properties, it’s all about the intoxicating aroma.

The earliest use of vanilla as an aphrodisiac is said to be in Mexico where vanilla was mixed into a chocolate drink that was commonly used as an aphrodisiac.

3. NUTMEG (Myristica fragrans)

Here’s another pungent, warming, and aromatic spice to get things moving. Nutmeg is well-known for its nerve-stimulating properties.

Long before modern science was at our fingertips, some sources cite Hindus having historically used nutmeg as a sexual stimulant, specifically for men. There have since been several studies implicating nutmeg’s promise of its use as an aphrodisiac in humans.

4. CACAO (Theobroma cacao)

This beautiful and otherworldly plant is another heart-healthy food. Cacao is rich in heart-protective antioxidants that help to strengthen and tone our cardiovascular systems.

Studies have also shown cacao to be a feel-good food, stimulating the release of serotonin and having a mood-elevating effect. Coupled with its stimulating properties due to the theobromine, a plant compound with effects similar to caffeine, cacao makes for a delicious aphrodisiac.

Legend tells of how Montezuma, the 16th-century ruler of the Aztecs, used to drink 50 cups of cacao before he went to visit his harem. Other historical accounts tell of cacao being used to treat sexual weakness.

Although, please note that the majority of the chocolate on the market contains very little actual cacao. The high sugar and dairy content may actually have an anti-aphrodisiac effect. Look for raw cacao powder to make aphrodisiac elixirs with or dark chocolate (72% or higher).

✹ TRY THIS: Our After Dinner Mint Herbal Honey is a decadent blend of raw cacao, peppermint, and chamomile with a hint of cinnamon to help you unwind with each spoonful.

5. CINNAMON (Cinnamomum spp.)

This incredibly popular baking spice was once worth more than its weight in gold. Cinnamon, like many spices, has a long and entangled relationship with humans. It’s another warming, aromatic, and energizing spice that has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac in cultures all around the world.

Cinnamon also contains the minerals manganese, potassium, and zinc, all of which are necessary for adequate sexual function. Its warming qualities help to produce heat in the body, stimulating digestion and appetite, both physical and sexual.

4 More Herbal Aphrodisiacs Too Lovely Not To Mention

HIBISCUS (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Is there a sexier flower than the hibiscus? This is another heart-health-promoting power plant rich in vitamin C and is said to be a more powerful antioxidant than green tea. Amongst its many health benefits, hibiscus has been found to help regulate hormonal body temperature, a necessity for a fulfilling pleasure experience.

✹ TRY THIS: Our Hibiscus Orange Fire Cider combines hibiscus with warm, circulation-supporting spices likes cinnamon for a delicious daily tonic that supports immune health and gets things flowing. Or if you prefer a gentler dose of herbal aphrodisiacs, sip on our best-selling Disco Nap Herbal Tea, a blend of hibiscus, cinnamon, lemongrass, and mints for a gentle-not-jolting pick-me-up.

ROSE (Rosa spp.)

This Queen of the Flowers has a long-standing association with all matters of the heart, including love. Rose is not actually considered to be an aphrodisiac (opinions vary), but due to its ability to energetically open the heart, to soften and sweeten everyday life, not to mention its intoxicating smell, it’s a perfect addition to your herbal love potions.

✹ TRY THIS: Experience the heart-opening magic of rose in our Charmed & Delighted Herbal Honey, blended with hawthorn berry and rosehip for cardiovascular support and emotional balance. Or sip on Support Group Herbal Tea, a blend of heart-opening hawthorn, circulation-boosting rosemary, and pink rose petals to help support your heart and soothe your spirit. 

DAMIANA (Turnera diffusa)

This is one herb whose erotic reputation nearly precedes it. Damiana is known to be both a male and female stimulant and is often used as an aphrodisiac especially when low mood, anxiety, or depression are contributing to sexual dysfunction.

Damiana has uplifting, mood-elevating properties that can even produce mild and short-lived euphoria.

ASHWAGANDHA (Withania somnifera)

This Ayurvedic herb is most noted for its adaptogenic properties, its ability to help strengthen our bodies against the assault of everyday stressors. When we’re less stressed, both our physical and emotional bodies are more available to experience pleasure.

Ashwagandha is also known for its ability to balance both the male and female sex hormones that control sexual desire, libido, pleasure, and performance.

How to Use Herbal Aphrodisiacs

The beauty of including herbs in your daily life is that there are so many ways to use them and so many benefits to doing so. Aphrodisiac herbs are no different.

Here are some easy ways to use aphrodisiac herbs:

• Herbal teas or infusions
• Massage oil
• Herbal cordials or elixirs
• Infused honey
• Desserts
• Herbal smoke blends or aromatherapy
• Botanical baths

Build Your Own Herbal Aphrodisiac Collection

Can't decide which aphrodisiac herbs to start with? Our U-Pick Herbal Honey Trio and U-Pick Tea Trio lets you choose three of your favorite herbal honeys or teas. Mix and match to create your perfect pleasure-supporting pantry stables.

Final Thoughts on Pleasure

As much as our whole body health plays into our ability to experience pleasure, it’s also a case of mind over matter.

Nearly every food on the planet, at one point in history, has been considered an aphrodisiac. And knowing how many different things go into priming our bodies for pleasure, one could argue that all nourishing foods are aphrodisiacs.

Play. Experiment. Connect. Allow yourself to be moved by the simple pleasures in life. To love, in all its forms.

Shop Our Aphrodisiac Herbal Blends

Ready to bring more pleasure to your everyday? Explore our collection of herbal honeys, elixirs, and teas featuring the aphrodisiac herbs mentioned in this post:

• Charmed & Delighted Herbal Honey
• Chamomile & Calm Herbal Honey
• After Dinner Mint Herbal Honey
• Hibiscus Orange Fire Cider Elixir
• Disco Nap Herbal Tea
• Support Group Herbal Tea

All our products are made with organic and regeneratively-grown herbs from small USA farms. If it's grown in the USA, we responsibly source it from the USA.

Resources & Further Reading

• The Herbal Academy. 10 April 2018. Herbal Aphrodisiacs: What They Are & How to Use Them
• The Herbal Academy. 30 January 2015. Love It Up With Herbal Aphrodisiacs
• Indigo Herbs. Herbal and Natural Aphrodisiacs.
• Gallagher, Kimberly. 6 April 2021. Aphrodisiac: The Herbal Path to Healthy Sexual Fulfillment & Vital Living.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are intended for use as food & general wellness support. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.