Ashwagandha
Is a sexual aphrodisiac. It acts by increasing blood flow to the genital area and increases sexual desire.
Consume around 2 grams of Ashwagandha powder every evening. It is also available in the form of tablets or capsules. If you suffer from high blood pressure, speak to your doctor about whether it is safe for you.
Shatavari
This is an aphrodisiac for women. Besides increasing energy levels, it also helps keep the levels of the female hormones normal and thus, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the reproductive system. Although primarily prescribed for women, Shatavari is also considered useful to increase the sex drive in men.
You can get fresh roots of Shatavari from any herbal medicine shop. Crush them, prepare a decoction. Add this to water and simmer on a medium flame for a few minutes. Alternatively, use Shatavari powder in a dose ranging from 3 to 6 grams, starting with a lower dose and moving on to a higher one if necessary.
Gokshura
Also called Gokhru, it has the property of increasing the secretion of the hormone testosterone and therefore, exhibits aphrodisiac properties, causing sexual arousal in both women and men. In men, Gokhru is believed to also increase the levels of nitric oxide, leading to easier erections that are sustained for longer. In women, it also helps to keep levels of prolactin low and this contributes to its aphrodisiac properties because prolactin tends to reduce sexual desire.
The Gokhru powder should be taken at a dosage level ranging between 1 to 3 grams per day and you may begin to experience the effects after three days. If you plan to use a marketed preparation, follow the instructions regarding dosage as indicated on the label.
Shilajit
One of the most valuable of herbo-mineral drugs obtained from the Himalayan mountain, it is said to contain the fossilized forms of valuable medicinal plants. Studies have shown that Shilajit helps to increase spermatogenesis, testosterone levels, sperm counts and sperm motility in men and ovogenesis in women. Besides, it has shown stress-relieving properties and this may also contribute to its aphrodisiac effects.
Of the four varieties of Shilajit – yellow, red, blue and black – the black one is considered to be the most beneficial. The recommended dosage of Shilajit ranges between 300 to 500 mg per day. It is best to begin with the minimum dose, and take it with water; if you do not experience any undesirable reaction such as a skin rash or headache, you can increase the dose by 100 mg and observe its effectiveness.
Ginseng
For centuries, people in China have used Ginseng to cure problems with sexual function because it acts on both the reproductive as well as the nervous system to increase libido. Its acts on the blood vessels of the penis there by improving erections. It also helps to improve energy levels by acting on neurotransmitters which enhance moods.
Ginseng is available as an extract, a paste, a powder as well as capsules. If you are taking a concentrated extract, between 100 and 200 mg will suffice; if you want to use the powder form, the recommended dose is between 5 to 10 grams. You will probably need quite a few days to begin experiencing results from taking Ginseng. People with heart and kidney problems or high blood pressure or those on anti-coagulant drugs or aspirin should speak to their doctor about taking Ginseng.
While the dosage levels presented here are the generally recommended dose, it is best to schedule a personal consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor who is best placed to guide you in the use of these aphrodisiac herbs. Most important of all, remember that the best aphrodisiac of all is deep-seated love.
