Answer:

Advice From The SNAG:

Thanks for the question Bungy, and don’t waste too much more time looking for a definite answer because there isn’t one. There have been plenty of studies conducted trying to crack the aphrodisiac puzzle, and the general consensus is that they are, for the most part, a myth. I say for the most part for a couple of reasons, however.

I noticed a study conducted by John Hopkins researchers some time ago, as reported in the American Journal of Medicine, which reported that while oysters couldn’t outright be called an aphrodisiac, they are demonstratably high in D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate. So what? Well, those chemicals have been shown to increase testosterone levels, and of course, the flow on from that could lead to an increase in libido in both men AND women. Oysters are also high in Zinc, which is important for healthy sperm production.

So maybe there is some truth to the theory that oysters can be called a somewhat effective aphrodisiac…the connection isn’t all that convincing, but it does provide some food for thought. Do I recommend you follow the lead of Casanova who reportedly consumed fifty oysters a day? Probably not, unless you love oysters, but there may be some substance behind this idea. It obviously worked for Casanova!

A few years ago in my weight training days I tried a herb called Tribulus. It was presented to me as both a testosterone booster and an aphrodisiac, so naturally I was interested. Lo and behold I did get some noticeable results! This is all completely anecdotal mind you, but I definitely noticed an increase in my energy levels, confidence and physical performance. These are all symptoms of an increase in testosterone, so in my mind the product worked. I did notice that after a month the results started to plateau; like most things your body eventually gets used to it. I wouldn’t call it so much an aphrodisiac as my libido didn’t boom in of itself, but as a result of feeling great all round, sex was definitely more on my mind!

Ginseng, which translates into “Man Root” (and is hilariously funny in itself!), has been thought to be a great aphrodisiac in Chinese and Korean culture for centuries, mostly because it is naturally shaped like a big heavy penis. Funny how people make that connection. There is no evidence it is an aphrodisiac except for some flimsy, obscure 1970’s experiment that showed it stimulated increased sexual response in monkeys. Frankly, even if it did work in monkeys, that is no indicator that it will work in people. Ginseng has been shown to have some stimulant properties in a similar way that Guarana or caffeine do, but it is mild at best. I think this is more a case of “I want to believe it works”, or an example of cultural brainwashing. Speaking for myself, it did nothing for me when I tried it, and I did give it a fair chance over a few weeks.

There are a few so called aphrodisiacs to stay well clear of! Here is a quick list:

Spanish Fly – The legendary aphrodisiac. The bad news is that it isn’t a fly, and it isn’t even Spanish! It is actually ground up blister beetle, which is native all over Europe. It contains a substance called cantharidin, which has similar properties to caustic acid. When people consume it, they often feel a burning sensation in the urinary tract which can also cause swelling. It is simply a physical reaction to a toxin, and doesn’t have anything to do with increasing sexual desire, but some people interpret the burning feeling that way. Whatever floats their boat.

Yohimbe – This was all the rage several years ago, and some studies have shown that it does have a stimulating effect on your central nervous system which, in some cases, can promote stronger erections. It is still a long way from being fully understood or unquestionably proven however. Yohimbe is a naturally occurring substance from the ground up bark of an African evergreen tree, and the problem is it can be extremely toxic, especially when taken in large doses. Agonising death might be more of a possible outcome than a rampant libido. Either way, stiffness can result.

Rhino Horn – Do I even need to mention why? A beautiful animal facing extinction? Absolutely no evidence at all which in any way suggests ground up horn increases libido except for the fact that the actual horn is shaped like a raging hard on? Blows my mind.

Chocolate – It does taste great, of course, and it does contain both serotonin and phenylethylamine (feel good chemicals), but too much chocolate won’t increase much, other than your waistline, and your dentist bills.

Alcohol – Not only is it not an aphrodisiac, but for men, it is a huge contributor to erectile dysfunction. People can confuse lower inhibitions and increased irrationality for an increase in libido, but that’s part of alcohol’s allure I guess.

- Hot Chillies and curries – they might raise your metabolic rate and give you a hot feeling, but they are also likely to leave you sitting on the porcelain throne reading National Geographics with a burning ring of fire rather than helping you become Superman in the bedroom.

So what about Viagra I hear you ask? Well, it isn’t an aphrodisiac as such, but it definitely increases your ability to have sex. You still need some sexual stimulation first, however. There can be side effects so don’t play with it recklessly, but if you are having problems getting it up and keeping it there, Viagra will definitely help.

Which leads me on to my main point.

Forget the chase for the magic aphrodisiacal elixir that turns normal humans into out of control nymphomaniacs, because it doesn’t exist. If it did, we would know about it by now. In my opinion, some of the so called aphrodisiacs do have a mild effect, as I have discussed, but certainly not (a) to the extent that many people or companies selling them claim, and (b) as much as we ourselves would love them to work.

Without going all Dr.Phil on you, the best aphrodisiac is feeling good about yourself, and the best aphrodisiac you can use with a partner is making them feel good about themselves (and you). It is a no-brainer that if you are unhappy with your self image or have poor self esteem then your libido is likely to be equally low. But if you can look in the mirror and feel good about what you see, the world is your metaphorical oyster.

Pay attention to your diet, get stuck into some exercise, see a counsellor, evaluate your life, read self help books, so on and so on. You’ve no doubt heard it all a million times, but there’s a reason for it. It works. Aphrodisiacs don’t.

Advice From The DAG:

It’s real simple right, the only afrodisiac you will ever need is beer. It’s been getting ugly people laid for centuries. Seriously, beer makes ordinary looking guys and girls so much more attractive, it’s almost magic. Actually, it is magic. Magic beer. Mmmmm. It’s getting me horny right now. What more evidence could you want?

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